Search

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a leafy vegetable of Apiaceae, which is greatly popular because of its rich nutrients. Lutein and β-carotene are two important carotenoids. Lycopene epsilon cyclase (LCY-e) is a key branch point enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. In this study, we cloned the AgLCY-e gene from celery and overexpressed it in Arabidopsis. The results showed that both lutein and β-carotene accumulation increased significantly in transgenic Arabidopsis hosting AgLCY-e gene, compared with wild type (WT) plants. The transcription levels of AtPSY and AtCRTISO genes involved in carotenoids biosynthesis also increased in transgenic lines. One-month-old transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings were treated with 200 mM NaCl. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in transgenic Arabidopsis plants after salt treatment was significantly lower, and the activities of the two antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), were significantly increased than that of WT plants. Overexpression of AgLCY-e gene showed increased lutein and β-carotene accumulations, and enhanced salt tolerance in transgenic plants.

BackgroundConcurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the preferred treatment strategy for inoperable esophageal cancer (EC). However, the effect of CRT needs to be improved.MethodsThis study comprehensively analyzed targeted agents combined with CRT for the treatment of EC by a network meta-analysis. The search was performed in public databases from incipient to 5 August 2021. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of targeted agents combined with CRT and CRT alone on EC patients were included.ResultsTen studies were included. For progression-free survival (PFS), nivolumab (67.4%) and erlotinib (64.6%) had advantages based on Cox analysis. Regarding the frequency of PFS, cetuximab (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.91; p=0.042) and nivolumab (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.44; pConclusionIn conclusion, compared to CRT alone, cetuximab and nivolumab combined with CRT were found to significantly improve the PFS rate only based on the frequency results. However, there was no benefit in terms of OS. For epCR and ORR, nimotuzumab was better than the blank control. Considering the limitations in this study, more well-designed RCTs are needed in the future to validate the results.

We herein report the long-term effect of valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy for nonunion after femoral neck fracture. In this report, we describe our experience using valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy to treat nonunion after femoral neck fracture in a 20-year-old woman. The patient was discharged from the hospital 10 days after the operation, the internal fixation device was removed 1 year after the operation, and the patient was then followed up for 18 years. Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy can effectively treat nonunion after adductive femoral neck fracture.

Carotenoids are the general term of natural pigments. The formation of plant color is probably related to the components of carotenoids. As the yellow variety of celery, it is rich in the composition and content of carotenoids. However, the transcript profiling and roles of the genes related to carotenoids biosynthesis in yellow celery remain unclear. In this study, three yellow celery cultivars at different growth stages were used to analyze the content and composition of carotenoids and transcriptional changes of carotenoid biosynthesis-related genes. The lutein and β-carotene were detected in yellow celery cultivar, while α-carotene and lycopene were not detected. The contents of lutein and β-carotene were higher in leaf blades than in petioles. During the growth and development, the contents of lutein and β-carotene gradually decreased in celery. Compared with the other two cultivars, the contents of lutein and β-carotene were the highest in 'Huangtaiji' of 65 days after sowing (DAS) and 85 DAS and 'Liuhehuangxinqin' of 105 DAS, respectively. The expression levels of AgLCYB and AgPSY2 genes were significantly correlated with lutein and β-carotene contents. This work provided a reference for the further study on carotenoid metabolisms in yellow celery and also made sense on the way of cultivating yellow celery with high carotenoids content.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant can improve the duration and the quality of thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB); however, its quantitative effect on propofol infusion is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in TPVB on the medium effective concentration (EC50) of propofol for successful laryngeal mask insertion. METHODS: Sixty breast cancer patients who underwent elective modified radical mastectomy were enrolled and randomized at a 1:1 ratio into control group (Group C, n=30) or dexmedetomidine group (Group D, n=30). Ultrasound-guided T3 paravertebral block was performed before induction of anesthesia. In Group C, 0.5% ropivacaine 0.3 mL/kg was injected into T3 paravertebral space, while subjects in Group D received 0.5% ropivacaine 0.3 mL/kg with dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg). Propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) was performed, with an initial target effect-site concentration of 5 µg/mL determined for both groups. The laryngeal mask was inserted once the effect chamber achieved the target concentration. Subsequent target concentrations were adjusted by Dixon up-down sequential method, where dose modifications were performed by 0.5 mg/mL intervals, based on the success of the laryngeal mask insertion. Probit analysis was used to determine the propofol EC50. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), bispectral index (BIS) and application of atropine or ephedrine was recorded. Participants, TPVB giver, and data recorder were blinded to group assignment. RESULTS: Propofol EC50 for successful laryngeal mask insertion were statistically significant, with 5.256 µg/mL (95% CI: 4.833, 5.738 µg/mL) in Group C and 3.172 µg/mL (95% CI: 2.701, 3.621 µg/mL) in Group D. Both groups displayed significantly lower MAP and HR, post propofol TCI (P

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the second most common complication of diabetes mellitus after cardiovascular complications. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is known to be associated with DN. Resveratrol (RSV) exhibits anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to investigate the role of RSV in the inhibition of high concentration glucose (HG)-induced apoptosis in renal tubular cells, as well as to examine the protective effects of RSV against diabetes-mediated renal damage via inhibition of ER stress in DN. RSV was orally administered to diabetic db/db mice once a day for 12 consecutive weeks. Compared with untreated db/db mice, treating db/db mice with RSV significantly decreased urine albumin excretion and the urine albumin to creatinine ratio, and attenuated renal histopathological injury. Furthermore, RSV treatment resulted in decreased expression levels of glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa and C/EBP-homologous protein (two ER stress markers) and caspase12 in murine kidneys. RSV administration also inhibited the apoptosis of NRK-52E cells and activation of the ER stress signal transduction pathway induced by HG treatment in vitro. Collectively, the present results indicated that RSV protected renal tubular cells against HG-induced apoptosis in DN by suppressing ER stress.

Comorbidities are associated with the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This meta‐analysis aimed to explore the risk of severe COVID‐19 in patients with pre‐existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ongoing smoking history. A comprehensive systematic literature search was carried out to find studies published from December 2019 to 22 March 2020 from five databases. The languages of literature included English and Chinese. The point prevalence of severe COVID‐19 in patients with pre‐existing COPD and those with ongoing smoking was evaluated with this meta‐analysis. Overall 11 case series, published either in Chinese or English language with a total of 2002 cases, were included in this study. The pooled OR of COPD and the development of severe COVID‐19 was 4.38 (fixed‐effects model; 95% CI: 2.34‐8.20), while the OR of ongoing smoking was 1.98 (fixed‐effects model; 95% CI: 1.29‐3.05). There was no publication bias as examined by the funnel plot and Egger's test (P = not significant). The heterogeneity of included studies was moderate for both COPD and ongoing smoking history on the severity of COVID‐19. COPD and ongoing smoking history attribute to the worse progression and outcome of COVID‐19.

Die-punch fragments refer to articular cartilage and subchondral bone embedded in cancellous bone as part of an intra-articular fracture. Bartonicek type IV posterior malleolar fractures with associated die-punch fragments are rare, and the appropriate surgical approach remains unclear. We determined outcomes, and the effect of die-punch fragment size on outcomes, for 32 patients with Bartonicek type IV posterior malleolar fractures with die-punch fragments between January 2015 and December 2017. Mean follow-up for all patients was 23.8 (range 20.0-30.0) months. At the final follow-up visit, mean ankle dorsal extension was 24.6° and plantar flexion was 40.0°; American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was 88.6 ± 4.3; visual analog scale weightbearing pain score was 1.5 ± 0.6; and Bargon traumatic arthritis score was 0.8 ± 0.4. There were no severe complications. We divided patients into a small-fragment (≤3 mm) group (n = 12) and large-fragment (>3 mm) group (n = 20). The Bargon scores at final follow-up were 0.5 and 1, respectively (P=.02). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups for the other outcome scores at various time intervals. The posterolateral approach with distal locking plate internal fixation for Bartonicek type IV posterior malleolar fractures with die-punch fragments can result in excellent anatomical reduction of the collapsed articular surface and the displaced fragment from the tibial plafond, recovery of articular surface congruity, and maintenance of joint stability. Die-punch fragment size may not impact clinical and functional outcomes but may contribute to post-traumatic arthritis.

Using Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-based markers to screen populations at high risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an attractive preventive approach. Here, we develop a comprehensive risk score (CRS) that combines risk effects of EBV and human genetics for NPC risk stratification and validate this CRS within an independent, population-based dataset. Comparing the top decile with the bottom quintile of CRSs, the odds ratio of developing NPC is 21 (95% confidence interval: 12–37) in the validation dataset. When combining the top quintile of CRS with EBV serology tests currently used for NPC screening in southern China, the positive prediction value of screening increases from 4.70% (serology test alone) to 43.24% (CRS plus serology test). By identifying individuals at a monogenic level of NPC risk, this CRS approach provides opportunities for personalized risk prediction and population screening in endemic areas for the early diagnosis and secondary prevention of NPC., Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with high risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Here, the authors develop a comprehensive risk score that combines risk effects of EBV and human genetics for NPC risk stratification.

Carotenoid, a group of lipophilic molecules, is widely distributed in nature, and is important for plant photosynthesis and photoprotection. In carrot taproot, different types of dominant carotenoid accumulation lead to yellow, orange, and red colors. In this study, six different carrot cultivars were used to simultaneously analyze carotenoid contents by high performance liquid chromatography. The expression levels of genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis of carrot were also detected by real-time quantitative PCR. It was found that genes involved in xanthophyll formation were expressed at high levels in yellow carrot cultivars. However, these genes were expressed at low levels in orange carrot cultivars. The contents of α- and β-carotene accounted for a large proportion in total carotenoid contents in orange carrot cultivars. These results indicate that α-carotene accumulation and xanthophyll formation may be related to the expression levels of carotene hydroxylase genes in carrot.

// Yi-Huan Luo 1, * , Liang Liang 2, * , Rong-Quan He 3 , Dong-Yue Wen 4 , Guo-Fei Deng 1 , Hong Yang 4 , Yun He 4 , Wei Ma 5 , Xiao-Yong Cai 2 , Jun-Qiang Chen 1 and Gang Chen 5 1 Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China 2 Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University (West Branch), Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China 3 Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China 4 Department of Ultrasonography, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China 5 Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Jun-Qiang Chen, email: nnhans@163.com Gang Chen, email: chen_gang_triones@163.com Keywords: papillary thyroid cancer, lncRNA, prognosis, AC079630.2, CRNDE Received: January 30, 2017 Accepted: May 15, 2017 Published: May 26, 2017 ABSTRACT Scholars are striving to apply molecular biology involving long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in the prognostication of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). However, the clinical role of lncRNAs in the prognostic setting of PTC is still unclear. Herein, a comprehensive inquiry was performed to screen lncRNA expression profiling with 507 PTC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas RNA-sequencing datasets. A total of 734 lncRNAs were detected to be aberrantly expressed, among which three novel lncRNAs including AC079630.2, CRNDE and CTD-2171N6.1 were markedly related to the progression and survival of PTC. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of these lncRNAs could be verified by other cohorts from gene expression omnibus (GEO) as detected by microarrays. Next, we established a three-lncRNA signature and divided the PTC patients into two subgroups of high- and low-risk. Interestingly, patients with high-risk tended to gain obviously poorer outcome. Most importantly, this three-lncRNA signature was an independent biomarker to predict the patient survival of PTC. The accurate molecular roles of these three lncRNAs remains unclarified and warrants further characterization, but our current data propose that they might play pivotal roles in PTC tumorigenesis and more importantly, these novel lncRNAs are closely related to patients’ survival. These discoveries will have far-reaching consequences with respect to molecular prediction of PTC.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Tongxinluo superfine powder on cardiac function, infarct size and the number of myocardial capillaries in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction. METHODS A total of 32 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation group, model group, treatment group, and pre-treatment, the experiment of pre-treatment group was performed 6 weeks early than the treat) group, The four groups use a unified modeling technique. An acute myocardial infarction model was established through external application of 70% ferric chloride on the coronary artery. After 7 d, electrocardiogram, ultrasonography of cardiac function, micro-computed tomography, pathology and other data were collected. RESULTS In the treatment and pre-treatment groups, ejection fraction, left ventricular short axis shortening rate, left ventricular end-systolic diameter and cardiac output significantly improved, the number of capillaries significantly increased, and infarct size significantly decreased. In addition, the results suggest that the value of intra-ventricular pressure and the situation of electrocardiogram also changed to different degrees with the increasing of treatment of cycle. CONCLUSION Tongxinluo superfine powder can protect the myocardium, improve the blood supply of the myocardium and reduce the degree of myocardial injury, during acute stage of myocardial infarction.

An improved fluorine doped graded index multimode optical fiber 55 meters long is reported with high ultraviolet light transmittance up to 43.9% at 351 nm wavelength, which ensures the laser pulse waveform not be distorted. © 2020 The Author(s)

BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the association between levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) and the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 135 patients with SLE, including 52 patients with active SLE and 83 patients with inactive SLE and 149 healthy controls. The degree of activity of SLE was assessed using the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). Serum SAA levels were measured using a Cobas 8000 c702 modular analyzer. RESULTS The levels of SAA were significantly increased in patients with active SLE compared with patients with inactive SLE (median IQR, 16.65 mg/L; range, 9.35-39.68 mg/L, and median IQR, 2.30 mg/L, range, 1.30-4.80 mg/L) (p

Background The present meta-analysis was conducted to explore and identify the risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) after spinal surgery based on qualified studies and to gain insight into the management of SSI among patients undergoing spinal surgery. Methods We searched the following electronic databases, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Embase database, updated to May 2018, to identify eligible studies according to the index words with associated publications. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to analyze the main outcomes. Results We found 27 studies with a total of 2175 patients in the SSI group and 41,536 patients in the control group for the present meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed that the risk factors for SSI included diabetes, obesity, hypertension, ≥3 hours operative time, and transfusion. In addition, no significant association was found between SSI and the following risk factors: female gender, age >60 years, smoking habit, bone autograft, bone allograft, prophylactic antibiotics, and steroid therapy. Conclusions Our findings provide evidence that diabetes, obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2), hypertension, ≥3 hours operative time, and transfusion have a strong association with a remarkable increase in the risk of SSI after spinal surgery. In conclusion, more high-quality trials with larger sample sizes and long-term randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the risk factors for SSI among patients undergoing spinal surgery.

This is an original research of penis allotransplantation. The paper presents an experiment allogenic penis transplantation model in Beagles, with a focus on recovery of blood supply and changes in tissue architecture. Twenty adult Beagles were allocated to 10 pairs for penile transplantation. After operation, the skin and glans were observed. If adverse symptoms occurred, the transplanted penis was resected and pathologically examined. Frequency of urination, urinary stream, and patency level were recorded 7 days after transplantation. Cystourethrography was performed on Day 10. The transplanted penises were resected on Day 14 for pathological examination. The research showed that transplanted penises survived after allotransplantation, and the dogs regained urination ability. Penis autotransplantation in Beagles is feasible. This preliminary study shows a potential for application of this new procedure for penis transplantation in humans.

Background: Proteasome subunits ( PSMB ) and transporter associated with antigen processing ( TAP ) loci are located in the human leukocyte antigen ( HLA ) Class II region play important roles in immune response and protein degradation in neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to explore the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs ) of PSMB and TAP and Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: A case–control study was conducted by genotyping SNPs in PSMB8, PSMB9, TAP1 , and TAP2 genes in the Chinese population. Subjects included 542 sporadic patients with PD and 674 healthy controls. Nine identified SNPs in PSMB8, PSMB9, TAP1 , and TAP2 were genotyped through SNaPshot testing. Results: The stratified analysis of rs17587 was specially performed on gender. Data revealed that female patients carry a higher frequency of rs17587-G/G versus (A/A + G/A) compared with controls. But there was no significant difference with respect to the genotypic frequencies of the SNPs in PSMB8, TAP1, and TAP2 loci in PD patients. Conclusion: Chinese females carrying the rs17587-G/G genotype in PSMB9 may increase a higher risk for PD, but no linkage was found between other SNPs in HLA Class II region and PD.

Backgrounds and aims MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in degenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD). α-synuclein expression is strong associated with the pathogenesis of PD. In the present study, we investigated whether the regulation of α-synuclein expression by miR-214 is the potential mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of Resveratrol. Methods The PD mouse model was established with the injection of MPTP (1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) and the human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y, was administrated with MPP+. Results The midbrain of PD mice and MPP+ treated SH-SY5Y cells had the lower expression levels of miR-214 and higher mRNA and protein expression of α-synuclein, which were reversed by Resveratrol administration. MiR-214 mimic down-regulated expression of α-synuclein and its 3′-UTR activity, while the levels were up-regulated by miR-214 inhibitor. In addition, the cell viability, elevated by Resveratrol, was also decreased by miR-214 inhibitor or overexpressed α-synuclein. In vivo , miR-214 inhibitor down-regulated TH+ cells of ipsilateral and up-regulated α-synuclein expression compared with the group treated with Resveratrol. Conclusion The loss of miR-214 in PD resulted in the increase of α-synuclein expression, which was the potential mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of Resveratrol.

Pin1, the only known isomerase catalyzing phosphorylated pSer/pThr-Pro motifs in proteins, plays unique roles in human diseases notably cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Herein, site-directed mutagenesis was employed to construct the tryptophan mutants of Pin1, including W11L, W34L, and W73L. Spectral methodologies, activity measurement, and proteinase resistance analysis were used to investigate the structural and functional role of the tryptophan residues in Pin1. In general, W11 and W34 are essential to the structure and the function of Pin1, because their mutations influence the structure of WW domain of Pin1, potentially attenuate the binding affinity of Pin1 to substrates, and thus inhibit the enzymatic activity of Pin1. Particularly, W11 mutation results in significantly varied structural features of Pin1 as revealed by fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies, and decreases the enzymatic activity, thermal stability, and proteinase resistance of Pin1, all of which give an explanation for the high conservation of W11 in vivo. The synchronous fluorescence spectra indicate that W11 and W34 mutations possibly block their energy transfer to Y23 or Y24, suggesting the structural rearrangement in WW domain. By contrast, W73 is of minor importance for the structure and the function of Pin1, because the parameters of W73L observed in several experiments are very similar to wild-type Pin1. These observations are very beneficial for further understanding the structural and functional characteristics of Pin1 and for unveiling the pathogenesis of Pin1-related diseases especially those caused by tryptophan mutations.

IL-11 has been detected in inflamed joints; however its role in the pathogenesis of arthritis is not yet clear. Studies were conducted to characterize the expression and functional significance of IL-11 and IL-11Rα in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). IL-11 levels were elevated in RA synovial fluid (SF) compared to osteoarthritis (OA) SF and plasma from RA, OA and normal individuals (NLs). Morphologic studies established that IL-11 was detected in lining fibroblasts and macrophages in addition to sublining endothelial cells and macrophages at higher levels in RA compared to NL synovial tissues (STs). Since IL-11Rα was exclusively expressed in RA fibroblasts and endothelial cells, macrophages were not involved in IL-11 effector function. Ligation of IL-11 to IL-11Rα strongly provoked fibroblast infiltration into RA joint, while cell proliferation was unaffected by this process. Secretion of IL-8 and VEGF from IL-11 activated RA fibroblasts was responsible for the indirect effect of IL-11 on endothelial cell transmigration and tube formation. Moreover, IL-11 blockade impaired RA SF capacity to elicit endothelial cell transmigration and tube formation. We conclude that IL-11 binding to endothelial IL-11Rα can directly induce RA angiogenesis. In addition, secretion of proangiogenic factors from migrating fibroblasts potentiated by IL-11 can indirectly contribute to RA neovascularization.

The interaction of propyl gallate (PG) with human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by fluorescence, far-UV CD and FT-IR spectroscopic methods as well as molecular docking. Fluorescence emission spectra demonstrated that the HSA fluorescence was quenched by PG through static quenching and energy transfer with the binding constants in the order of 10 5 L mol −1 . The thermodynamic parameters (Δ H =−29.64 KJ mol −1 , Δ S =2.7 J mol −1 K −1 ) indicated that both hydrophobic force and hydrogen bond interactions played a leading role in the formation of PG–HSA complex. The results also showed the existence of a single binding site, which was located in subdomain IIA (site I) as revealed by molecular docking and competitive binding experiments. Molecular docking studies further showed the participation of several amino acids in PG–HSA complexation, which stabilized by H-bonding systems. The synchronous fluorescence spectra showed that the binding of drug caused the environment of tryptophan residues became more polar. FT-IR and CD spectroscopic further showed that drug complexation altered protein conformation by a major reduction of α-helix inducing a partial protein destabilization.

Background: Nurr1 plays an essential role in the development, survival, and function maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons, and it is a potential target for Parkinson′s disease (PD). Nurr1 mRNA can be detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), but whether there is any association of altered Nurr1 expression in PBMC with the disease and DA drug treatments remains elusive. This study aimed to measure the Nurr1 mRNA level in PBMC and evaluate the effect of Nurr1 expression by DA agents in vivo and in vitro. Methods: The mRNA levels of Nurr1 in PBMC of four subgroups of 362 PD patients and 193 healthy controls (HCs) using real-time polymerase chain reaction were measured. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed to evaluate the differences between PD and HC, as well as the subgroups of PD. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent association of Nurr1 expression with Hoehn and Yahr scale, age, and drug treatments. Besides, the Nurr1 expression in cultured PBMC was measured to determine whether DA agonist pramipexole affects its mRNA level. Results: The relative Nurr1 mRNA levels in DA agonists treated subgroup were significant higher than those in recent-onset cases without any anti-PD treatments (de novo) (P < 0.001) and HC groups (P < 0.010), respectively. Furthermore, the increase in Nurr1 mRNA expression was seen in DA agonist and L-dopa group. Multivariate linear regression showed DA agonists, L-dopa, and DA agonists were independent predictors correlated with Nurr1 mRNA expression level in PBMC. In vitro, in the cultured PBMC treated with 10 μmol/L pramipexole, the Nurr1 mRNA levels were significantly increased by 99.61%, 71.75%, 73.16% in 2, 4, and 8 h, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: DA agonists can induce Nurr1 expression in PBMC, and such effect may contribute to DA agonists-mediated neuroprotection on DA neurons.

A chemical investigation was conducted on the aerial parts of the mangrove plant Sonneratia paracaseolaris, yielding five new triterpenoid paracaseolins A–E (1–4, and 11) together with twelve known analogues (5–10, 12–17). Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods and comparisons their spectroscopic data with those of the known related compounds. The cytotoxicities against P388, HeLa, A549, and K562 tumor cell lines and anti-H1N1 (Influenza A virus) activities for the isolates were evaluated. Compound 4 showed potent cytotoxicity against the A549 cell line with an IC50 value of 1.89 µM, and compound 1 exhibited significant anti-H1N1 virus activity with an IC50 value of 28.4 µg/mL. A preliminary structure activity relationship was discussed.

Based on the assumption of plane section, ideal elastic-plastic model of steel and the constitutive relations of concrete in Chinese Code for Design of Concrete Structures, numerical method is used to analyze the relationship of the axial force-moment-curvature on RC section. After dividing the normal section into strips, we adopt the secant stiffness iteration method (according to the results of each iteration, modify the secant stiffness through changing the elastic modulus of materials) to compile computer program. The results of the paper show a good agreement with those of the analytical method. Comparing with the analytical method, the numerical method of the paper can be wildly used in the application.

The interaction of ginkgolic acid (15:1, GA) with human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by FT–IR, CD and fluorescence spectroscopic methods as well as molecular modeling. FT–IR and CD spectroscopic showed that complexation with the drug alters the protein’s conformation by a major reduction of α-helix from 54 % (free HSA) to 46–31 % (drug–complex), inducing a partial protein destabilization. Fluorescence emission spectra demonstrated that the fluorescence quenching of HSA by GA was by a static quenching process with binding constants on the order of 105 L·mol−1. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH = −28.26 kJ·mol−1, ΔS = 11.55 J·mol−1·K−1) indicate that hydrophobic forces play a leading role in the formation of the GA–HSA complex. The ratio of GA and HSA in the complex is 1:1 and the binding distance between them was calculated as 2.2 nm based on the Forster theory, which indicates that the energy transfer from the tryptophan residue in HSA to GA occurs with high probability. On the other hand, molecular docking studies reveal that GA binds to Site II of HSA (sub-domain IIIA), and it also shows that several amino acids participate in drug–protein complexation, which is stabilized by H-bonding.

The reductase (PgCR) from recombinant Escherichia coli CCZU-Y10 displayed high reductase activity and excellent stereoselectivity for the reduction of ethyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoate (COBE) into ethyl (S)-4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate ((S)-CHBE). To efficiently synthesize (S)-CHBE (>99 % enantiomeric excess (ee)), the highly stereoselective bioreduction of COBE into (S)-CHBE with the whole cells of E. coli CCZU-Y10 was successfully demonstrated in a dibutyl phthalate-water biphasic system. The appropriate ratio of the organic phase to water phase was 1:1 (v/v). The optimum reaction temperature, reaction pH, cosubstrate, NAD+, and cell dosage of the biotransformation of 100 mM COBE in this biphasic system were 30 °C, 7.0, mannitol (2.5 mmol/mmol COBE), 0.1 μmol/(mmol COBE), and 0.1 g (wet weight)/mL, respectively. Moreover, COBE at a high concentration of (1,000 mM) could be asymmetrically reduced to (S)-CHBE in a high yield (99.0 %) and high enantiometric excess value (>99 % ee). Significantly, E. coli CCZU-Y10 shows high potential in the industrial production of (S)-CHBE (>99 % ee).

Background This study aimed to explore the relationship between cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and personality in patients with breast cancer after chemotherapy. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to study the relationship between CRF and personality in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. CRF and personality were measured by the cancer fatigue score and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, respectively. Results A total of 300 breast cancer patients who had received chemotherapy were recruited to this study. Eysenck Personality Questionnaire scores of psychoticism, introversion, and extroversion in the patients were lower than the norm level (p

Refractory wound is a dreaded complication of diabetes and is highly correlated with EPC dysfunction caused by hyperglycemia. Acarbose is a widely used oral glucose-lowering drug exclusively for T2DM. Previous studies have suggested the beneficial effect of acarbose on improving endothelial dysfunction in patients with T2DM. However, no data have been reported on the beneficial efficacy of acarbose in wound healing impairment caused by diabetes. We herein investigated whether acarbose could improve wound healing in T2DMdb/dbmice and the possible mechanisms involved. Acarbose hastened wound healing and enhanced angiogenesis, accompanied by increased circulating EPC number indb/dbmice. In vitro, a reversed BM-EPC dysfunction was observed after the administration of acarbose indb/dbmice, as reflected by tube formation assay. In addition, a significantly increased NO production was also witnessed in BM-EPCs from acarbose treateddb/dbmice, with decreased O2levels. Akt inhibitor could abolish the beneficial effect of acarbose on high glucose induced EPC dysfunction in vitro, accompanied by reduced eNOS activation. Acarbose displayed potential effect in promoting wound healing and improving angiogenesis in T2DM mice, which was possibly related to the Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.

Background and aim Long non-coding RNAs have been confirmed to play a critical role in various cancers. In the present study, the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) CCAT1 on glioma cell proliferation and its potential mechanism were investigated. Methods and results Real-time PCR results showed that lncRNA-CCAT1 expression was significantly upregulated in glioma cancer tissues and cell lines compared with controls. After inhibiting CCAT1 expression in glioma cell line U251 with siRNA-CCAT1 (si-CCAT1), the cell viability and cell colony formation were decreased, the cell cycle was arrested in G1 phase, and the cell apoptosis was increased. As reported in bioinformatics software starbase2.0, a total of 22 microRNAs were potentially targeted by CCAT1. It was confirmed that miR-410 was altered most by si-CCAT1. After up-regulating CCAT1 expression in U251 cells, miR-410 level was decreased. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that CCAT1 targeted miR-410. Correlation analysis showed that CCAT1 expression was negatively related to miR-410 expression in glioma cancer tissues. In addition, down-regulation of miR-410 reversed the inhibitory effect of si-CCAT1 on glioma proliferation. Conclusion These data demonstrated that lncRNA-CCAT1 promoted glioma cell proliferation via inhibiting miR-410, providing a new insight about the pathogenesis of glioma proliferation.

Background Endothelial dysfunction has been suggested as a possible causal link between hyperglycemia and microvascular complications in diabetes mellitus. The effect of metformin on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is still unclear. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that metformin could accelerate wound healing by improving the impaired EPC functions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Methods Streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg/d × 5 d, i.p.) was injected to induce type 1 diabetes in male C57BL/6 mice. Mice were treated with metformin (250 mg/kg/d, i.g.) for consecutive 14 days. Wound closure was evaluated by wound area and number of CD31 stained capillaries. Functions of bone marrow-endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPCs) were assessed by tube formation and migration assays, and expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was determined by western blot analysis. Results Metformin accelerated wound closure and stimulated angiogenesis in diabetic mice. The number of circulating EPCs was increased significantly in metformin treated diabetic mice. Abilities of tube formation and migration of BM-EPCs were impaired in diabetic mice, which were improved by metformin. Expression of both phosphorylated-AMPK and phosphorylated-eNOS was significantly increased, and nitric oxide (NO) production was enhanced by metformin in BM-EPCs of diabetic mice. In vitro, metformin improved impaired BM-EPC functions, and increased phosphorylated-eNOS expression and NO production in cultured BM-EPCs caused by high glucose, which was prevented by the AMPK inhibitor compound C. Conclusions Our results suggest that metformin could improve BM-EPC functions in STZ-induced diabetic mice, which was possibly dependent on the AMPK/eNOS pathway. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-016-0408-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objective Numerous long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been identified in neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Emerging evidence demonstrates that β-asarone functions as neuroprotective effects in both in vitro and in vivo models. However, the role of β-asarone and its potential mechanism in PD remain not completely clear. Methods MPTP-induced PD mouse model and SH-SY5Y cells subjected to MPP+ as its in vitro model were used to evaluate the effects of β-asarone on PD. LncRNA MALAT1 and α-synuclein expression were determined by real-time PCR and western blot methods. Results β-Asarone significantly increased the TH+ cells number and decreased the expression levels of MALAT1 and α-synuclein in midbrain tissue of PD mice. RNA pull-down and immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that MALAT1 associated with α-synuclein, leading to the increased stability of α-synuclein and its expression in SH-SY5Y cells. β-asarone elevated the viability of cells exposed to MPP+. Either overexpressed MALAT1 or α-synuclein could canceled the protective effect of β-asarone on cell viability. In PD mice, pcDNA-MALAT1 also decreased the TH+ cells number and increased the α-synuclein expression in PD mice with treatment of β-asarone. Conclusion β-Asarone functions as a neuroprotective effect in both in vivo and in vitro models of PD via regulating MALAT1 and α-synuclein expression.

Pin1 is closely associated with the pathogenesis of cancers and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previously, we have shown the characteristics of the thermal denaturation of Pin1. Herein, the acid-induced denaturation of Pin1 was determined by means of fluorescence emission, synchronous fluorescence, far-UV CD, ANS fluorescence and RLS spectroscopies. The fluorescence emission spectra and the synchronous fluorescence spectra suggested the partially reversible unfolding (approximately from pH 7.0 to 4.0) and refolding (approximately from pH 4.0 to 1.0) of the structures around the chromophores in Pin1, apparently with an intermediate state at about pH 4.0–4.5. The far-UV CD spectra indicated that acidic pH (below pH 4.0) induced the structural transition from α-helix and random coils to β-sheet in Pin1. The ANS fluorescence and the RLS spectra further suggested the exposure of the hydrophobic side-chains of Pin1 and the aggregation of it especially below pH 2.3, and the aggregation possibly resulted in the formation of extra intermolecular β-sheet. The present work primarily shows that acidic pH can induce kinds of irreversible structural changes in Pin1, such as the exposure of the hydrophobic side-chains, the transition from α-helix to β-sheet and the aggregation of Pin1, and also explains why Pin1 loses most of its activity below pH 5.0. The results emphasize the important role of decreased pH in the pathogenesis of some Pin1-related diseases, and support the therapeutic approach for them by targeting acidosis and modifying the intracellular pH gradients.

Subscript textAn adsorbent has been prepared from Heishan coal by chemical activation with KOH, the activated carbon has a BET surface area of 801.53 m2/g, the meso-pore ratio is 89.63%, SEM image shows that it is very rich in pore structure. The activated carbon was used to adsorb malachite green from an aqueous solution in room temperature. The effects of pH, contact time and dosage have been studied. The results show that the adsorption of malachite green from aqueous solution onto Heishan coal-based activated carbon proceeds according to the pseudo-second-order model, the adsorption equilibrium data were better represented by the Langmuir isotherm than Freundlich isotherm.

Natural modes and flutter of the sweptback wing are analyzed at different temperatures. Natural frequencies are reduced as temperature increasing, the temperature gradient in the structure tend to reduce model stiffness due to changing in material properties and development of thermal stress, which degrade the structure stability. Results in this paper show that the 1st~4thorder natural frequencies of sweptback wing in this paper decrease by about 12.09%, 15.06%, 14.31% and 12.57%respectively from room temperature to 450°C.The flutter frequency and velocity are also reduced as the decreasing of natural frequency due to the elevating of temperature by aero-heating; and the flutter frequency and velocity decrease by about 12.42% and 16.69% respectively as the temperature elevating from normal up to 450°C at Ma=3.0.

The Internet brings about the adolescents an exciting and colorful recreation world. Meanwhile, the pathological Internet use (PIU) among adolescents has caught some attention. It is believed that both the individual factors of adolescents and the functions of the Internet are related to the PIU. Separation-individuation is a very important developmental task which is presumed to have significant adaptational consequences for adolescents. The imaginary audience ideation is considered to serve defensive functions in separation-individuation process. The present research examined the relations between the separation-individuation, imaginary audience, preference of the Internet recreation service, and PIU among Chinese adolescents. The present study conducted a questionnaire survey with Chinese adolescents (n=332). The separation-individuation was measured by the reduced version of Separation-Individuation Test of Adolescence (SITA), which was reduced and revised by Italian researchers Ingoglia, Inguglia, and Liga, et al. (2004) . (The SITA was developed by Levine, Green, and Millon, et al., 1986). The imaginary audience was measured by the New Imaginary Audience Scale, which was developed by Lapsley et al. (1989). In present study, the Adolescent Preference of the Internet Service Scales (Lei Liu, 2005) and the Adolescent Pathological Internet Use Scale(Lei Yang, 2006) were used to measure the preference of the Internet recreation service and PIU of the adolescents, respectively. And the data was analyzed with SPSS 12.0 and Amos 4.0. The results indicate that (1) both the preference of the Internet recreation service and the PIU among the male students are significantly higher than the female; (2) both the separation anxiety and the rejection expectancy could predict PIU positively; (3) the preference of the Internet recreation service could predict PIU; (4) the imaginary audience ideation could predict PIU; (5) the engulfment anxiety could predict PIU indirectly through the Internet Recreation service Preference; (6) both the self-involvement and separation anxiety could predict PIU indirectly through the imaginary audience ideation. Lanthier and Windham (2004) argued whether the Internet use was addictive or non-addictive was depended on the users' individual factors and their attitude to the Internet use. The findings of the present study support their view. The results indicate that the special developmental task, separation-individuation, the imaginary audience ideation during adolescence, and the preference Internet recreation service work together to predict the adolescents' PIU.

Objective: To evaluate contemporary international trends in the implementation of minimally invasive adrenalectomy and to assess contemporary outcomes of different minimally invasive techniques performed at urologic centers worldwide. Methods: A retrospective multinational multicenter study of patients who underwent minimally invasive adrenalectomy from 2008 to 2013 at 14 urology institutions worldwide was included in the analysis. Cases were categorized based on the minimally invasive adrenalectomy technique: conventional laparoscopy (CL), robot-assisted laparoscopy (RAL), laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), and mini-laparoscopy (ML). The rates of the four treatment modalities were determined according to the year of surgery, and a regression analysis was performed for trends in all surgical modalities. Results: Overall, a total of 737 adrenalectomies were performed across participating institutions and included in this analysis: 337 CL (46 % of cases), 57 ML (8 %), 263 LESS (36 %), and 80 RA (11 %). Overall, 204 (28 %) operations were performed with a retroperitoneal approach. The overall number of adrenalectomies increased from 2008 to 2013 (p = 0.05). A transperitoneal approach was preferred in all but the ML group (pÂ

Nitric oxide (NO) and its reaction products were key players in the pathophysiology of sepsis and shock. The present study was designed to explore the effects of lanthanum chloride (LaCl 3 ) on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, at both gene and protein levels, in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence, and western blot were employed to measure iNOS gene expression, localization, and protein expression respectively. NO production in culture supernatants was detected by the nitrate reductase method. The results showed that LaCl 3 significantly attenuated the iNOS gene and protein expression, as well as NO production in RAW264.7cells induced by LPS.

Transforming growth factors β (TGF-β) pathway has been proven to play important roles in oncogenesis and angiogenesis of gliomas. MiR-132 might be related to TGF-β signaling pathway and high miR-132 expression was reported to be a biomarker of poor prognosis in patients diagnosed with glioma. However, the expression regulation way involved in TGF-β pathway and clinical significance of miR-132 have not been investigated in glioma cells. Here we reported that the mRNA level of miR-132 and TGF-β concentration were both increased in patients with brain glioma. Correlation analysis revealed that TGF-β concentration was positively correlated with mRNA level of miR-132. In addition, the mRNA level of miR-132 was up-regulated by TGF-β in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that miR-132 was involved in modulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway and down-regulation of SMAD7 expression by directly targeting the SMAD7 3'-UTR. MiR-132 was negatively correlated with SMAD7 in patients with brain glioma. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-132 could be stimulated by TGF-β and might enhance the activation of TGF-β signaling through inhibiting SMAD7 expression in glioma cells. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of the activation of TGF-β signaling by miR-132.

PTEN is a candidate tumour suppressor gene and frequently mutated in multiple cancers, however, not in pancreatic cancer. Recently, it has been demonstrated that PTEN expression is regulated by TGF-β1. Using TGF-β1 transgenic mice (n=7) and wildtype littermates (n=6), as well as pancreatic tissues obtained from organ donors (n=10) and patients with pancreatic cancer (n=10), we assessed the expression of PTEN by means of immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative PCR analysis. In addition, PANC-1 cells were treated with TGF-β1 in vitro and the levels of PTEN mRNA were determined in these cells. In human pancreatic cancers PTEN mRNA levels were significantly decreased (P

Background Sepsis is a common disease that continues to increase in incidence in the world. Diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, may make the situation worse. Diabetic patients are at increased risk for common infections. This study was designed to investigate the role of glibenclamide on myocardial injury by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice (STZ-mice). Methods LPS was used to induce endotoxemia in STZ-mice. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were measured by MPA-HBBS. Serum epinephrine level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Myocardial injury was examined by light and transmission electron microscope and TUNEL staining. Macrophage infiltration was measured by immunohistochemistry. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in myocardial tissue and serum in STZ-mice, and in conditional medium of primary cultured peritoneal macrophages were determined by ELISA. Nalp3 and Caspase-1 protein levels were measured by Western blotting analysis. Results STZ administration decreased body weight and increased blood glucose in C57BL/6 mice. LPS injection caused decreases of heart rate and mean arterial pressure, and elevated serum epinephrine level in C57BL/6 mice. Compared with control mice without STZ treatment, LPS induced more severe myocardial injury and macrophage infiltration in STZ-mice, which was attenuated by pretreatment of glibenclamide. LPS stimulation enhanced the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in both cardiac tissue and serum. Glibenclamide pretreatment significantly inhibited the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Either high glucose or LPS increased the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the conditional medium of peritoneal macrophages. Glibenclamide treatment suppressed the increase of IL-1β level induced by high glucose and LPS. Furthermore, Nalp3 and Caspase-1 levels were markedly increased by high glucose plus LPS, and both proteins were significantly inhibited by glibenclamide treatment. Conclusions We conclude that glibenclamide could attenuate myocardial injury induced by LPS challenge in STZ-mice, which was possibly related to inhibiting inflammation through Nalp3 inflammasomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-014-0106-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Owing to the flexibility of ocean structures with large dimension, the hydroelastic theory is more applicable than traditional method of treating the floating structure as a rigid body. To study the factors that influence the hydroelastic responses, a very large floating structure (namely, VLFS) model is chosen to conduct numerical calculations in regular waves with the aid of three dimensional linear hydroelastic code concerning varied bending stiffness and wave frequency. It is found that bending stiffness and wave frequency have a critical but complex influence on relevant hydroelastic results, including generalized displacement, vertical response amplitude and bending moment. More specifically, the effect of bending stiffness on hydroelastic parameters above can be categorized into different phases, and quite different tendencies are observed in each phase.