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Bone strength, a key determinant of fracture risk, has been shown to display clear sexual dimorphism after puberty. We sought to determine whether sex differences in bone mass and hip bone geometry as an index of strength exist in school-age prepubertal children and the degree to which the differences are independent of body size and lean mass. We studied 3514 children whose whole-body and hip scans were measured using the same densitometer (GE-Lunar iDXA) at a mean age of 6.2 years. Hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans underwent hip structural analyses (HSA) with derivation of bone strength indices. Sex differences in these parameters were assessed by regression models adjusted for age, height, ethnicity, weight, and lean mass fraction (LMF). Whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) levels were 1.3% and 4.3% higher in girls after adjustment by LMF. Independent of LMF, boys had 1.5% shorter femurs, 1.9% and 2.2% narrower shaft and femoral neck with 1.6% to 3.4% thicker cortices than girls. Consequent with this geometry configuration, girls observed 6.6% higher stresses in the medial femoral neck than boys. When considering LMF, the sexual differences on the derived bone strength indices were attenuated, suggesting that differences in muscle loads may reflect an innate disadvantage in bone strength in girls, as consequence of their lower muscular acquisition. In summary, we show that bone sexual dimorphism is already present at 6 years of age, with boys having stronger bones than girls, the relation of which is influenced by body composition and likely attributable to differential adaptation to mechanical loading. Our results support the view that early life interventions (ie, increased physical activity) targeted during the pre- and peripubertal stages may be of high importance, particularly in girls, because before puberty onset, muscle mass is strongly associated with bone density and geometry in children. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research., (© 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.)

Lycorine is a benzylphenethylamine-type alkaloid member of the Amaryllidaceae family. A lycorine derivative, HLY78, was previously identified as a new Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway agonist that targets the DAX domain of axin. Herein, the structural optimization of HLY78 and analyses of the structure-activity relationships of lycorine-derived phenanthridine derivatives as agonists of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway are presented. This research suggests that triazole groups are important pharmacophores for Wnt activation; triazole groups at C-8 and C-9 of phenanthridine compounds markedly enhanced Wnt activation. A C-11-C-12 single bond is also important for Wnt activation. On the basis of these findings, two Wnt agonists were designed and synthesized. The results for these agonists indicated that the combination of a 4-ethyldihydrophenanthridine skeleton and a triazole substituent improves Wnt activation. These compounds may be useful in further pharmacological or biological studies.

To date, treating vertical food impaction with open contact effectively, especially with an atraumatic therapy, remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a simple, atraumatic, and economic therapeutic measure to treat vertical food impaction. The scientific rationale of our therapeutic technique is to restore an intact and firm proximal contact with proper location and form relationships to prevent forceful interproximal wedging of food, which in turn protects interdental papilla. We performed the procedure using flowable composite resin or composite resin cement with the aid of a cerclage wire under tension to rebuild the contact area. The reported method is especially useful for some challenging clinical cases, such as food impaction after crown and inlay on onlay restoration, and some conventional treatment methods, such as contouring the marginal ridge and developmental grooves, are ineffective.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a highly heritable trait used both for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in adults and to assess bone health in children. Ethnic differences in BMD have been documented, with markedly higher levels in individuals of African descent, which partially explain disparity in osteoporosis risk across populations. To date, 63 independent genetic variants have been associated with BMD in adults of Northern-European ancestry. Here, we demonstrate that at least 61 of these variants are predictive of BMD early in life by studying their compound effect within two multiethnic pediatric cohorts. Furthermore, we show that within these cohorts and across populations worldwide the frequency of those alleles associated with increased BMD is systematically elevated in individuals of Sub-Saharan African ancestry. The amount of differentiation in the BMD genetic scores among Sub-Saharan and non-Sub-Saharan populations together with neutrality tests, suggest that these allelic differences are compatible with the hypothesis of selective pressures acting on the genetic determinants of BMD. These findings constitute an explorative contribution to the role of selection on ethnic BMD differences and likely a new example of polygenic adaptation acting on a human trait., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution.)

Key Message: Silicon enhances root water uptake in salt-stressed cucumber plants through up-regulating aquaporin gene expression. Osmotic adjustment is a genotype-dependent mechanism for silicon-enhanced water uptake in plants. Silicon can alleviate salt stress in plants. However, the mechanism is still not fully understood, and the possible role of silicon in alleviating salt-induced osmotic stress and the underlying mechanism still remain to be investigated. In this study, the effects of silicon (0.3 mM) on Na accumulation, water uptake, and transport were investigated in two cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivars ('JinYou 1' and 'JinChun 5') under salt stress (75 mM NaCl). Salt stress inhibited the plant growth and photosynthesis and decreased leaf transpiration and water content, while added silicon ameliorated these negative effects. Silicon addition only slightly decreased the shoot Na levels per dry weight in 'JinYou 1' but not in 'JinChun 5' after 10 days of stress. Silicon addition reduced stress-induced decreases in root hydraulic conductivity and/or leaf-specific conductivity. Expressions of main plasma membrane aquaporin genes in roots were increased by added silicon, and the involvement of aquaporins in water uptake was supported by application of aquaporin inhibitor and restorative. Besides, silicon application decreased the root xylem osmotic potential and increased root soluble sugar levels in 'JinYou 1.' Our results suggest that silicon can improve salt tolerance of cucumber plants through enhancing root water uptake, and silicon-mediated up-regulation of aquaporin gene expression may in part contribute to the increase in water uptake. In addition, osmotic adjustment may be a genotype-dependent mechanism for silicon-enhanced water uptake in plants.

Necroptosis is characterized by programmed necrotic cell death and autophagic activation and might be involved in the death process of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. We hypothesized that necrostatin-1 could block necroptosis and give protection to dopaminergic neurons. There is likely to be crosstalk between necroptosis and other cell death pathways, such as apoptosis and autophagy. PC12 cells were pretreated with necroststin-1 1 hour before exposure to 6-hydroxydopamine. We examined cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential and expression patterns of apoptotic and necroptotic death signaling proteins. The results showed that the autophagy/lysosomal pathway is involved in the 6-hydroxydopamine-induced death process of PC12 cells. Mitochondrial disability induced overactive autophagy, increased cathepsin B expression, and diminished Bcl-2 expression. Necrostatin-1 within a certain concentration range (5-30 μM) elevated the viability of PC12 cells, stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibited excessive autophagy, reduced the expression of LC3-II and cathepsin B, and increased Bcl-2 expression. These findings suggest that necrostatin-1 exerted a protective effect against injury on dopaminergic neurons. Necrostatin-1 interacts with the apoptosis signaling pathway during this process. This pathway could be a new neuroprotective and therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease.

The pleasant fragrance of ylang ylang varieties (Cananga odorata) is mainly due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by the flowers. Floral scents are a key factor in plant-insect interactions and are vital for successful pollination. C. odorata var. fruticosa, or dwarf ylang ylang, is a variety of ylang ylang that is popularly grown in Southeast Asia as a small shrub with aromatic flowers. Here, we describe the combined use of bioinformatics and chemical analysis to discover genes for the VOC biosynthesis pathways and related genes. The scented flowers of C. odorata var. fruticosa were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and a total of 49 VOCs were identified at four different stages of flower development. The bulk of these VOCs were terpenes, mainly sesquiterpenes. To identify the various terpene synthases (TPSs) involved in the production of these essential oils, we performed RNA sequencing on mature flowers. From the RNA sequencing data, four full-length TPSs were functionally characterized. In vitro assays showed that two of these TPSs were mono-TPSs. CoTPS1 synthesized four products corresponding to β-thujene, sabinene, β-pinene, and α-terpinene from geranyl pyrophosphate and CoTPS4 produced geraniol from geranyl pyrophosphate. The other two TPSs were identified as sesqui-TPSs. CoTPS3 catalysed the conversion of farnesyl pyrophosphate to α-bergamotene, whereas CoTPS2 was found to be a multifunctional and novel TPS that could catalyse the synthesis of three sesquiterpenes, β-ylangene, β-copaene, and β-cubebene. Additionally, the activities of the two sesqui-TPSs were confirmed in planta by transient expression of these TPS genes in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves by Agrobacterium-mediated infiltration., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.)

Two polyoxometalate (POM)-based complexes formulated as (HL1)2(Mo8O26)·2HL1·11H2O (L1 = 3-(5-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyridine) (1) and Co2(L2)4[P2Mo(VI)5O23Mo(II)(H2O)2]·3H2O (L2 = 4-(5-(2H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-2H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyridine) (2) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows a bi-capped POM with the two Mo centers from the [Mo8O26](4-) moiety coordinated by two HL1 ligands via two Mo-N bonds. Complex 2 consists of a mononuclear unsaturated coordinated Co(ii) unit and a [P2Mo(VI)5O23Mo(II)(H2O)2](4-) moiety, in which [P2Mo(VI)5O23Mo(II)(H2O)2](4-) shows a chain-like structure constructed from edge-sharing or vertex-sharing {MoO6} and {PO4} polyhedra. The two complexes are both soluble in neutral aqueous solution and they can electrocatalyze the H2 evolution reaction (HER) from water with lowered overpotentials and enhanced currents, and complex 1 shows better electrocatalytic activity for the HER than complex 2. Complex 1 shows visible-light photochromism. In the presence of complex 1, the HER current is enhanced with visible-light irradiation in comparison with the current without light irradiation.

Background: Plant glandular trichomes are chemical factories with specialized metabolic capabilities to produce diverse compounds. Aromatic mint plants produce valuable essential oil in specialised glandular trichomes known as peltate glandular trichomes (PGT). Here, we performed next generation transcriptome sequencing of different tissues of Mentha spicata (spearmint) to identify differentially expressed transcripts specific to PGT. Our results provide a comprehensive overview of PGT's dynamic metabolic activities which will help towards pathway engineering., Results: Spearmint RNAs from 3 different tissues: PGT, leaf and leaf stripped of PGTs (leaf-PGT) were sequenced by Illumina paired end sequencing. The sequences were assembled de novo into 40,587 non-redundant unigenes; spanning a total of 101 Mb. Functions could be assigned to 27,025 (67%) unigenes and among these 3,919 unigenes were differentially expressed in PGT relative to leaf - PGT. Lack of photosynthetic transcripts in PGT transcriptome indicated the high levels of purity of isolated PGT, as mint PGT are non-photosynthetic. A significant number of these unigenes remained unannotated or encoded hypothetical proteins. We found 16 terpene synthases (TPS), 18 cytochrome P450s, 5 lipid transfer proteins and several transcription factors that were preferentially expressed in PGT. Among the 16 TPSs, two were characterized biochemically and found to be sesquiterpene synthases., Conclusions: The extensive transcriptome data set renders a complete description of genes differentially expressed in spearmint PGT. This will facilitate the metabolic engineering of mint terpene pathway to increase yield and also enable the development of strategies for sustainable production of novel or altered valuable compounds in mint.

Seven new phragmalin limonoids, chukvelutilides I-O (1-7), were isolated from the stem barks of Chukrasia tabularis var. velutina. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Among them, compound 1 showed moderate lethal activity against brine shrimp larvae, with an LC50 value of 84.1 µM., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Purpose: Wnt pathways control key biological processes that potentially impact on tumor progression and patient survival. The present study analyzed the polymorphism of lipoprotein-related receptor 5 (LRP5) (gene with key functions in Wnt signaling) and its impact on the response to chemotherapy and survival of patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC)., Methods: A total of 107 consecutive patients with AGC treated with first-line chemotherapy of EOF regimen were enrolled in the present retrospective study. The association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of rs3736228 in LRP5 and the clinical outcomes of the patients was studied., Results: The CC genotype of rs3736228 was significantly correlated with a higher disease control rate when compared to the CT and TT genotypes (89.3% and 61.8%, respectively, P<0.001). A univariate survival analysis also showed that the progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for the patients with the TC and TT genotypes of rs3736228 were worse than for the patients with the CC genotype (PFS: 3.3 and 6.7 months, respectively, HR =0.454, P<0.001; OS: 8.1 months and 18.8 months, respectively, HR =3.056, P<0.001). A multivariate Cox model incorporates rs3736228 and clinical features, also identified rs3736228 was significantly associated with the PFS and OS., Conclusions: Our results firstly highlight the importance of LRP5 gene of Wnt pathway in the treatment of AGC and identify polymorphism of rs3736228 as independent predictor of disease control rate, PFS and OS in AGC patients treated with first-line chemotherapy of EOF regimen in the Chinese Han population.

Background: Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are the most abundant form of storage oil in plants. They consist of three fatty acid chains (usually C16 or C18) covalently linked to glycerol. SDP1 is a specific lipase for the first step of TAG catabolism in Arabidopsis seeds. Arabidopsis mutants deficient in SDP1 accumulate high levels of oils, probably due to blockage in TAG degradation. We applied this knowledge from the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, to engineer increased seed oil content in the biodiesel plant Jatropha curcas using RNA interference (RNAi) technology., Results: As Jatropha is a biodiesel crop, any significant increase in its seed oil content would be an important agronomic trait. Using A. thaliana as a model plant, we found that a deficiency of SDP1 led to higher TAG accumulation and a larger number of oil bodies in seeds compared with wild type (Columbia-0; Col-0). We cloned Jatropha JcSDP1, and verified its function by complementation of the Arabidopsis sdp1-5 mutant. Taking advantage of the observation with Arabidopsis, we used RNAi technology to generate JcSDP1 deficiency in transgenic Jatropha. We found that Jatropha JcSDP1-RNAi plants accumulated 13 to 30% higher total seed storage lipid, along with a 7% compensatory decrease in protein content, compared with control (CK; 35S:GFP) plants. Free fatty acid (FFA) content in seeds was reduced from 27% in control plants to 8.5% in JcSDP1-RNAi plants., Conclusion: Here, we showed that SDP1 deficiency enhances seed oil accumulation in Arabidopsis. Based on this result, we generated SDP1-deficient transgenic Jatropha plants using by RNAi technology with a native JcSDP1 promoter to silence endogenous JcSDP1 expression. Seeds of Jatropha JcSDP1-RNAi plants accumulated up to 30% higher total lipid and had reduced FFA content compared with control (CK; 35S:GFP) plants. Our strategy of improving an important agronomic trait of Jatropha can be extended to other oil crops to yield higher seed oil.

SrZn(1-x) (WO4)2:xTb3+, yCe3+ green fluorescent phosphors for near ultraviolet excitation were prepared using chemical co-precipitation. The phases of different doping ratio samples were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The emission spectrum and excitation spectrum of samples were characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy (PL). The luminescence properties of the rare-earth Tb3+ ion doped and Ce3+ and Tb3+ ion codoped samples were discussed. XRD analysis shows that the main diffraction peaks of samples were consistent with the standard card (JCPDS 08-0490 and the JCPDS 15-0774) of the diffraction peak data. This showed that the doping rare earth ions did not change matrix lattice structure. The excitation spectrum showed that the excitation spectrum peaks at 223 nm which is assigned to the 7F-7D absorption transitions of Tb3+. The emission spectrum excited by 223 nm exhibits sharp lines peaking at 543 nm which was assigned to the 5D4-7F5 transitions of the Tb3+ ions. With Tb3+ and Ce3+ co-doping, the spectrum didn't change much. The intensity of fluorescence reached the strongest when the concentration of Tb3+:Ce3+ arrived at 0.06:0.02 which may means that there was energy transfer between the ions of Ce3+ and Tb3+.

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and its precursor methylglyoxal are associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Mangiferin has many beneficial biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-diabetic effects. We investigated the effect of mangiferin on DN and its potential mechanism associated with glyoxalase 1 (Glo-1), a detoxifying enzyme of methylglyoxal, in streptozotocin-induced rat model of DN. Diabetic rats were treated orally with mangiferin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) or distilled water for 9 weeks. Kidney tissues were collected for morphologic observation and the determination of associated biochemical parameters. The cultured mesangial cells were used to measure the activity of Glo-1 in vitro. Chronic treatment with mangiferin significantly ameliorated renal dysfunction in diabetic rats, as evidenced by decreases in albuminuria, blood urea nitrogen, kidney weight index, periodic acid-schiff stain positive mesangial matrix area, glomerular extracellular matrix expansion and accumulation, and glomerular basement membrane thickness. Meanwhile, mangiferin treatment caused substantial increases in the enzymatic activity of Glo-1 in vivo and in vitro, and protein and mRNA expression of Glo-1, reduced levels of AGEs and the protein and mRNA expression of their receptor (RAGE) in the renal cortex of diabetic rats. Moreover, mangiferin significantly attenuated oxidative stress damage as reflected by the lowered malondialdehyde and the increased glutathione levels in the kidney of diabetic rats. However, mangiferin did not affect the blood glucose and body weight of diabetic rats. Therefore, mangiferin can remarkably ameliorate DN in rats through inhibiting the AGEs/RAGE aix and oxidative stress damage, and Glo-1 may be a target for mangiferin action., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Several different mutations collaborate with the fusion proteins in core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia (CBF-AML) to induce leukemogenesis, but their prognostic significance remains unclear. We screened 354 predominantly younger (<60 years) adults with t(8;21) (n=199) or inv(16) (n=155) entered into UK MRC trials for KIT, FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain (FLT3(TKD)), N-RAS, K-RAS and c-CBL mutations and FLT3 internal tandem duplications (FLT3(ITD)) and assessed the impact of relative mutant level on outcome. Overall, 28% had KIT, 6% FLT3(ITD), 10% FLT3(TKD), 27% RAS and 6% CBL mutations. Mutant levels for all genes/loci were highly variable. KIT mutations were associated with a higher cumulative incidence of relapse but in multivariate analysis this was only significant for cases with a higher mutant level of 25% or greater (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01-1.52, P=0.04). Similarly, only FLT3(ITD-HIGH) was a significant adverse factor for overall survival (OS; CI=1.27-5.39, P=0.004). Conversely, FLT3(TKD-HIGH) and CBL(HIGH) were both favorable factors for OS (CI= 0.31-0.89, P=0.01 and CI=0.05-0.85, P=0.02, respectively). KIT mutations were frequently lost at relapse, which is relevant to minimal residual disease detection and the clinical use of KIT inhibitors. These results indicate that relative mutant level should be taken into account when evaluating the impact of mutations in CBF-AML.

Rationale: Evidences indicate that methylglyoxal, a highly reactive metabolite of hyperglycemia, can enhance protein glycation, oxidative stress, or inflammation. Mangiferin, a polyphenol compound of C-glucoside, has many beneficial biological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, neuroprotection, cognitive enhancement, etc. Whether mangiferin alleviates diabetes-associated cognitive impairment is still unclear., Objectives: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of mangiferin on the behavioral deficits of diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin; the mechanisms associated with methylglyoxal toxicity are especially investigated., Methods: Diabetic rats were treated with mangiferin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg, p.o.) for 9 weeks. Cognitive performances were evaluated with the Morris water maze. Hippocampus and blood were obtained for evaluation of the effects of mangiferin on protein glycation, oxidative stress, and inflammation in diabetic state., Results: Mangiferin significantly improved the behavioral performances of diabetic rats, evidenced by a decrease in escape latency as well as increases in numbers of crossing the platform and percentage of time spent in the target quadrant, which were accompanied by decreases in the levels of advanced glycation end-products and their receptor (RAGE), interleukin-1β, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde and increases in the activity and expression of glyoxalase 1 as well as glutathione level in the hippocampus of diabetic rats. Furthermore, mangiferin produced a significant decrease in malondialdehyde level and increased glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity in the serum of diabetic rats., Conclusions: This study demonstrates that mangiferin can markedly ameliorate diabetes-associated cognitive decline in rats, which is done likely through suppressing methylglyoxal hyperactivity (promoting protein glycation, oxidative stress, and inflammation) mediated noxious effects.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Wuziyanzong Compound on oxidative stress injury and the apoptosis of Sertoli cells., Methods: We added H2O2 (100 mmol/L) and Wuziyanzong extract to the culture solution of TM4 cells, which were divided into a control, a model and three Wuziyanzong groups (low dose: 0.2 mg/ml, medium dose: 1 mg/ml, and high dose: 5 mg/ml). After 24 hours of intervention, we detected the absorbance value by MTT assay, measured the SOD activity and MDA content using the xanthine oxidase and thiobarbituric acid method respectively, and determined the apoptosis and survival rate of the cells by flow cytometry and the expression of caspase-3 mRNA by real time PCR., Results: After treated with low-, medium- and high-dose Wuziyanzong Compound, the absorbance value of the TM4 cells was increased from 0.23 +/- 0.01 in the model group to 0.27 +/- 0.02, 0.30 +/- 0.01 and 0.35 +/- 0.01, the SOD activity increased from (8.32 +/- 0.62) U/ml to (9.69 +/- 0.59), (10.47 +/- 0.74) and (12.28 +/- 0.38) U/ ml, the MDA content decreased from (6.99 +/- 0.74) mol/L to (5.78 +/- 0.28), (4.19 +/- 0.43) and (3.42 +/- 0.51) mol/L, the cell apoptosis rate decreased from (21.63 +/- 1.38)% to (17.87 +/- 0.75), (14.10 +/- 0.50) and (9.53 +/- 1.34)%, the cell survival rate increased from (65.67 +/- 7.48)% to (70.37 +/- 1.12), (72.57 +/- 1.95) and (81.60 +/- 2.46)%, and the relative expression of caspase-3 mRNA decreased from 2.69 +/- 0.16 to 2.47 +/- 0.12, 2.38 +/- 0.16 and 1.96 +/- 0.11, respectively., Conclusion: Wuziyanzong Compound can relieve oxidative stress injury and inhibit the apoptosis of TM4 cells.

Background: Use of the mTOR inhibitor (mTORi) sirolimus to replace calcineurin inhibitors in kidney transplantation has been associated with improved renal function but, in a proportion of cases, also with de novo or exacerbated proteinuria. Experimental deficiency of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces proteinuria and mTOR is required for VEGF production and signalling. We therefore explored the impact of sirolimus on the development of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) in the rat, with a focus on VEGF biology., Methods: Lewis rats received F344 kidney allografts and were treated with 24 weeks of cyclosporine or sirolimus. Controls included allografts treated with cyclosporine for 10 days only and isografts treated with cyclosporine or sirolimus for 24 weeks. Kidney injury (proteinuria and histology) and expression of VEGF and VEGF-receptor (VEGFR; immunohistochemistry, laser capture micro-dissection and quantitative RT-PCR) were assessed., Results: Allograft controls developed proteinuria, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and atrophy, glomerulosclerosis, vasculopathy and leucocyte accumulation. Proteinuria was significantly reduced in both treatment groups but significantly more in cyclosporine treated animals. Tubulointerstitial damage, glomerulosclerosis and leucocyte accumulation were significantly attenuated in both treatment groups; however, vasculopathy was reduced only by sirolimus. Significantly diminished expression of VEGF and VEGFR mRNA and protein was evident in the sirolimus group. In vitro, sirolimus reduced VEGF production by podocytes (P < 0.05) and inhibited VEGF-induced proliferation of podocytes, endothelial and mesangial cells., Conclusions: Cyclosporine and sirolimus retard development of CAD in this rat model. Sirolimus exhibits greater protection against vasculopathy but induces proteinuria; effects are likely to be related to inhibition of VEGF signalling.

Electronically delivered health promotion programs that are aimed primarily at educated, health-literate individuals have proliferated, raising concerns that such trends could exacerbate health disparities in the United States and elsewhere. The efficacy of a culturally and linguistically adapted virtual advisor that provides tailored physical activity advice and support was tested in low-income older adults. Forty inactive adults (92.5% Latino) 55 years of age and older were randomized to a 4-month virtual advisor walking intervention or a waitlist control. Four-month increases in reported minutes of walking/week were greater in the virtual advisor arm (mean increase = 253.5 ± 248.7 minutes/week) relative to the control (mean increase = 26.8 ± 67.0 minutes/week; p = .0008). Walking increases in the virtual advisor arm were substantiated via objectively measured daily steps (slope analysis p = .002). All but one intervention participant continued some interaction with the virtual advisor in the 20-week poststudy period (mean number of poststudy sessions = 14.0 ± 20.5). The results indicate that a virtual advisor delivering culturally and linguistically adapted physical activity advice led to meaningful 4-month increases in walking relative to control among underserved older adults. This interactive technology, which requires minimal language and computer literacy, may help reduce health disparities by ensuring that all groups benefit from e-health opportunities.

Measurement and validation of microarray gene signatures in routine clinical samples is problematic and a rate limiting step in translational research. In order to facilitate measurement of microarray identified gene signatures in routine clinical tissue a novel method combining quantum dot based oligonucleotide in situ hybridisation (QD-ISH) and post-hybridisation spectral image analysis was used for multiplex in-situ transcript detection in archival bone marrow trephine samples from patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Tissue-microarrays were prepared into which white cell pellets were spiked as a standard. Tissue microarrays were made using routinely processed bone marrow trephines from 242 patients with AML. QD-ISH was performed for six candidate prognostic genes using triplex QD-ISH for DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and for HOXA4, HOXA9, Meis1. Scrambled oligonucleotides were used to correct for background staining followed by normalisation of expression against the expression values for the white cell pellet standard. Survival analysis demonstrated that low expression of HOXA4 was associated with poorer overall survival (p=0.009), whilst high expression of HOXA9 (p<0.0001), Meis1 (p=0.005) and DNMT3A (p=0.04) were associated with early treatment failure. These results demonstrate application of a standardised, quantitative multiplex QD-ISH method for identification of prognostic markers in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded clinical samples, facilitating measurement of gene expression signatures in routine clinical samples., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study was conducted to identify proteins associated with the endogenous synthesis of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from trans-vaccenic acid (TVA; trans-11 C18:1, a precursor for CLA endogenous synthesis) in mammary tissues. Six lactating goats were divided into 2 groups. One group was given an intravenous bolus injection of TVA (150mg) twice daily over 4 d; the other group received saline injections. Treatment with TVA increased the concentration of cis-9,trans-11 CLA and TVA in goat milk. Additionally, TVA treatment increased the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in mammary tissue. Using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, 3 proteins affected by infusions of TVA were identified. Proteasome (prosome, macropain) subunit α type 5 (PSMA5) was upregulated, whereas peroxiredoxin-1 and translationally controlled tumor protein 1 were downregulated in TVA-treated animals compared with the vehicle-injected controls. Only the effect of TVA on PSMA5 could be confirmed by Western blot analysis. To further explore the regulation of PSMA5 in mammary epithelial cells when TVA is converted into CLA, we used a differentiated bovine mammary epithelial cell line treated with TVA for 6h. Changes in cis-9,trans-11 CLA concentrations and mRNA expression patterns of both SCD and PSMA5 were monitored. The concentration of cis-9,trans-11 CLA increased after TVA treatment. The mRNA expression level of PSMA5 was significantly elevated to 6h, but SCD mRNA expression only increased in 2h after TVA treatment. These results indicate that PSMA5 is highly expressed in goat mammary tissue and bovine mammary epithelial cells when TVA is converted into CLA. Our data suggest that PSMA5 protein is associated with CLA biosynthesis in mammary tissue., (Copyright © 2012 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most widespread and destructive wheat diseases worldwide. Growing resistant cultivars is the preferred means of control of the disease. The winter wheat cultivar Xiaoyan 54 has high-temperature resistance to stripe rust. To identify genes for stripe rust resistance, Xiaoyan 54 was crossed with Mingxian 169, a winter wheat genotype susceptible to all Chinese races of the pathogen. Seedlings and adult plants of the parents and F(1), F(2), F(3) and F(4) progeny were tested with Chinese race CYR32 under controlled greenhouse conditions and in the field. Xiaoyan 54 has two recessive resistance genes, designated as Yrxy1 and Yrxy2, conferring high-temperature resistance. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers were used to identify molecular markers flanking Yrxy2 using 181 plants from one segregating F(3) line. A total of nine markers, two of which flanked the locus at genetic distances of 4.0 and 6.4 cM on the long arm of chromosome 2A were identified. Resistance gene analog polymorphism (RGAP) and SSR techniques were used to identify molecular markers linked to Yrxy1. A linkage group of nine RGAP and two SSR markers was constructed for Yrxy1 using 177 plants of another segregating F(3) line. Two RGAP markers were closely linked to the locus with genetic distances of 2.3 and 3.5 cM. Amplification of a set of nulli-tetrasomic Chinese Spring lines with RGAP markers M8 and M9 and the two SSR markers located Yrxy1 on the short arm of chromosome 7A. The SSR markers Xbarc49 and Xwmc422 were 15.8 and 26.1 cM, respectively, from the gene. The closely linked molecular markers should be useful for incorporating the resistance genes into commercial cultivars and combining them with other genes for stripe rust resistance.

In the present paper, with near infrared spectroscopy technology, the weathering mechanism of red sandstone relics was studied. Six groups of red sandstone samples were analyzed using near infrared spectroscopy technology. The results show that the near-infrared spectroscopy technology can analyze the material composition of red sandstone before and after weathering, aiming to explore their components changed. So it is a quick and efficient means of research with characteristic of less measurement sample and speed and non-damage and being pollution-free compared with other research techniques. All the characteristic shows that it is also well for studying other stone cultural relics. Especially for those with sampling difficulty and treasure valuable, non-destruction of stone cultural relics is particularly important. So with time advancing, near infrared technology as a research means of stone relics, its meaning will be more prominent.

PbTe nanocrystals were prepared by a modified molten composite-hydroxides method at 180 degrees C for different times, using Pb(NO3)2 and TeO2 as starting materials and KBH4 as a reductant. The nanocrystal structure and morphologies of the synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high resolution TEM (HRTEM), respectively. The results showed that the reaction time has a significant influence on the size and shape of the as-prepared PbTe nanocrystals. As the reaction time increased, the as-prepared products were eventually transformed from nanomaterials (nanocubes, nanorods, and nanosheets) to microcrystals with different morphologies (microcubes, mciroprisms, and microplates). The formation mechanism of the PbTe was proposed, and a one-dimensional oriented attachment growth process combined with two-dimensional oriented attachment growth process was suggested for the growth of nanorods and nanosheets.

The first enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-8-deoxyserratinine has been achieved in 15 steps from enone 4 with 7% overall yield. The key features include a highly efficient Helquist annulation to furnish the cis-fused 6/5 bicycle, facile construction of the aza nine-membered ring system employing double N-alkylation strategy, as well as asymmetric Shi epoxidation, delivering the desired beta-epoxide stereospecifically.

Background/aims: The results of liver transplantation were influenced by miscellaneous factors. The aim was the notion that hepatocyte infusions might improve results of liver transplantation in rats., Methodology: Survival, serum analytes, FasL production, and histologic degree of rejection of transplanted rats pretreated with hepatocyte infusions (Hepatocyte) was compared to that of rats pretreated with either bone marrow cell infusions (Marrow) or saline infusions (Control)., Results: Hepatocyte rats had longer median survivals, less biochemical evidence of liver damage, more albumin production, a lower degree of histologic rejection, and increased FasL production than did either Marrow or Control rats (p < 0.05 for each analysis), which did not differ from one another (p > 0.05 for each analysis)., Conclusions: Hepatocyte infusions improve the results of liver transplantation in rats.

Background: Ursolic acid (UA) is a ubiquitous molecule in the plant kingdom with specific anticancer effects that have been shown in vitro and in vivo. Although UA can inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cells and induce apoptosis of many types of tumor cells, the molecular mechanism of its anti-hepatoma activity is still not well defined. The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanisms of UA on the human hepatoma cell line SMMC-7721., Methods: After treatment with UA, the growth inhibition of SMMC-7721 cells was assessed by MTT assay. Cells were also evaluated by flow cytometric analysis, Wright-Giemasa staining, Hoechst 33258 staining and transmission electron microscope after they were induced by UA. DNA microarray technology was used to investigate the gene expression pattern of SMMC-7721 cells exposed to UA 40 micromol/L. The molecular mechanism of cells death was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting., Results: The proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells was significantly inhibited in a dose- and time-dependent manner after UA treatment. UA induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The DNA microarray analysis indicated that 64 genes were found to be markedly up- or down-expressed, including GDF15, SOD2, ATF3, and fos. The result of Western blotting showed the apoptotic proteins p53 and Bax were up-regulated while the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was down-regulated. Real-time RT-PCR confirmed UA could up-regulate the mRNA expressions of GDF15, SOD2, ATF3 and down-regulate the mRAN expression of fos. Meanwhile these effects were partly blocked by pretreatment with the p53 inhibitor Pft-alpha., Conclusion: Activation of the p53 pathway is involved in UA inhibition of SMMC-7721 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth and induction of apoptosis.

Objective: To investigate the value of positron emission tomographic-computed tomographic scanning (PET/CT) in the diagnosis of mediastinal lymph node metastasis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and the application of PET/CT in the clinical staging of NSCLC., Methods: A hundred and fifty-eight patients with NSCLC undergoing surgical resection and mediastinoscopy received preoperative examinations with PET/CT. All the patients underwent mediastinal lymph node dissection or sampling, and the pathological results were compared with the imaging findings. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of CT and PET/CT were compared., Results: Final histology was available for 937 lymph node samples (N1, N2, and N3) from 158 patients during mediastinoscopy or surgical resection. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CT for identifying mediastinal lymph node involvement were 51.0%, 76.1%, 49.0%, and 77.6%, respectively, with an diagnostic accuracy of 68.4%. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PET/CT were 83.7%, 89.0%, 77.4%, and 92.4%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 87.3%., Conclusion: Mediastinoscopy is essential for patients with positive findings of mediastinal lymph node involvement by PET/CT, but might not be necessary in negative patients.

Importance of the Field: Amphotericin B lipid complex is a widely used lipid-based formulation of amphotericin B, which has a broad spectrum of activity against a variety of fungal pathogens. It has also been shown to be significantly less nephrotoxic than conventional amphotericin B. However, infusional drug reactions, similar to those seen when using conventional amphotericin B, have been reported in a significant number of patients, so it is important that these are prevented or managed effectively, particularly in light of the changing epidemiology of systemic fungal infections., Areas Covered in This Review: This article reviews effective strategies that can be used to reduce the risk of drug delivery reactions associated with amphotericin B lipid complex. Preserving renal function and managing spikes in serum creatinine levels are also discussed., What the Reader Will Gain: The aim of this paper is to provide healthcare professionals with clear guidance on the management of adverse events associated with amphotericin B lipid complex. Recommendations are based upon the published evidence and clinical experience from a number of different centres., Take Home Message: Amphotericin B lipid complex represents a valuable therapeutic option in the treatment of fungal infections but improved strategies for the management of infusion-related adverse events are required.

Objective: To study the overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in early-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and evaluate their relationship., Methods: FDG positron emission tomography (PET) was performed in forty patients with stage I and stage II NPC. The maximum and mean standard uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean, respectively) were measured in each patient, and the expression of VEGF was measured on paraffin sections using immunohistochemistry., Results: The FDG uptake in the patients were 9.45-/+1.87 (SUVmax) and 6.04-/+1.09 (SUVmean), 8.95-/+1.91 (SUVmax) and 6.04-/+1.09 (SUVmean) in stage I patients, and 11.55-/+1.70 (SUVmax) and 7.98-/+1.1 (SUVmean) in stage II patients. The FDG uptake of stage II patients was higher than that of stage I patients. The FDG uptake of non-keratinizing differentiated carcinoma was 9.74-/+1.82 (SUVmax) and 6.82-/+1.23 (SUVmean) and 10.44-/+2.16 (SUVmax) and 6.68-/+1.35 (SUVmean) in non-keratinizing undifferentiated carcinoma, showing no significant differences between them (SUVmax: t=1.230, P>0.05; SUVmean: t=0.346, P>0.05). The VEGF-positive cells were 60.80% in the tumor. A correlation between VEGF expression and FDG uptake in he tumor was noted (r=0.460, P=0.03)., Conclusion: VEGF overexpression is correlated to FDG uptake in patients with early-stage NPC. The SUV value reflects the glucose metabolism of NPC, and also shows the degree of oxygen insufficiency in the tumor tissue.

Obstetric ultrasound is the well-recognized prenatal test used to visualize and determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her fetus. Apart from the clinical application, some businesses have started promoting the use of fetal ultrasound machines for nonmedical reasons. Non-medical fetal ultrasound (also known as 'keepsake' ultrasound) is defined as using ultrasound to view, take a picture, or determine the sex of a fetus without a medical indication. Notwithstanding the guidelines and warnings regarding ultrasound safety issued by governments and professional bodies, the absence of scientifically proven physical harm to fetuses from this procedure seems to provide these businesses with grounds for rapid expansion. However, this argument is too simplistic because current epidemiological evidence is not synchronous with advancing ultrasound technology. As non-medical fetal ultrasound has aroused very significant public attention, a thorough ethical analysis of this topic is essential. Using a multifaceted approach, we analyse the ethical perspective of non-medical fetal ultrasound in terms of the expectant mother, the fetus and health professionals. After applying four major theories of ethics and principles (the precautionary principle; theories of consequentialism and impartiality; duty-based theory; and rights-based theories), we conclude that obstetric ultrasound practice is ethically justifiable only if the indication for its use is based on medical evidence. Non-medical fetal ultrasound can be considered ethically unjustifiable. Nevertheless, the ethical analysis of this issue is time dependent owing to rapid advancements in ultrasound technology and the safety issue. The role of health professionals in ensuring that obstetric ultrasound is an ethically justifiable practice is also discussed.

The complete molecule of the title compound, C(10)H(10)O(4)S(2), is generated by a crystallographic inversion centre. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into a one-dimensional chain by inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of combination chemotherapy with epirubicin, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil (ECF regimen), and Chloroxoquinoline in patients with metastatic gastric cancer., Methodology: Twenty-two patients with histologically confirmed metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma were treated with a combination of epirubicin 50 mg/m2 (day 1), cisplatin 60 mg/m2 (day 1), 5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m2 (days 1 to 5), and Chloroxoquinoline 400 mg (days 1 to 21), with the cycle repeated every three weeks., Results: Twenty patients were evaluable for response. One case of (5%) complete response, seven of (35%) partial response, nine (45%) of stable disease, and three (15%) of progressive disease were observed, giving an overall treatment response rate of 40%. Median survival time was 9.4 months, median progression-free survival was 6.1 months, and the 1-year survival rate was 25%. Both hematologic and non-hemotologic toxicities were well tolerated and no treatment-related deaths occurred. In patients who received Chloroxoquinoline maintenance monotherapy after six cycles of the combination regimen, progression-free survival was nine months., Conclusion: The combination regimen demonstrated comparable efficacy and acceptable safety profiles in patients with metastatic gastric cancer. Chloroxoquinoline maintenance monotherapy has a tendency to increase progression-free survival.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of semi-nested PCR technique for detection of immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) clonal rearrangement in bone marrow of B-cell lymphoma patient and to further evaluate its clinicopathological value., Methods: Gene clonal rearrangement of IgH was detected by semi-nested PCR using primers of FR2 & FR3A in 105 bone marrow samples of patients with B-cell lymphoma. The PCR detection results were compared with the cytomorphology of bone marrow aspiration biopsy. The correlation between PCR detection results and clinicopathological factors were evaluated., Results: Among 105 cases of B-cell lymphoma, bone marrow involvement was detected by PCR technique in 48 cases (45.7%), while only 22 cases (21.0%) were detected by bone marrow cytological analysis. There was a significant difference between two methods (P < 0.05), and the concordance rate was 71.4%. The incidence of bone marrow involvement at the time of initial diagnosis detected by PCR technique was 30.8% for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 25.0% for follicular lymphoma (FL), and 100.0% for small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), respectively. Bone marrow involvement detected by PCR detection correlated with Ann Arbor stage. Rate of clonal IgH gene rearrangement by PCR in early B-cell lymphoma was lower than that in advanced stage B-cell lymphoma patients (P = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between patients with positive and negative results detected by PCR (P > 0.05). But difference in complete response (CR) rate (23.3% and 46.3%) had significant difference (P = 0.019)., Conclusion: Semi-nested PCR analysis may be an effective method for detection of abnormalities in bone marrow in patients with B-cell lymphoma and is superior to cytomorphology. The positive rate in patients with advanced Ann Arbor stage is higher than that in patients with early Ann Arbor stage, and patients with PCR negative result have more chances to achieved CR after treatment.

Introduction: Growth arrest specific-6 (GAS-6), a vitamin K-dependent protein, is a potential mediator in progressive and chronic renal disease, specifically as a mediator of abnormal mesangial cell proliferation. Nitric oxide and angiotensin II affect mesangial cell proliferation. However, an association between nitric oxide synthase or angiotensin II on GAS-6 expression in the kidney has not previously been examined. Thus, our aim was to examine the effects of antihypertensive angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and chronic nitric oxide synthase inhibition on the kidney expression of GAS-6 and its receptors AXL, MER and RSE., Methods: Four groups of adult male C57BL/6J mice were studied: group 1, untreated controls (tap water for six weeks); group 2, treated orally with a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.325 mg/ml for six weeks); group 3, treated orally with captopril (0.6875 mg/ml for six weeks); group 4, co-treated orally with L-NAME and captopril (same doses for six weeks). At the end of the study, kidneys were placed in fixative and processed to paraffin for immunohistochemical staining., Results: GAS-6 and its receptors were not present in control and L-NAME-treated mice. Positive GAS-6 staining was detectable only in those mice receiving some form of chronic dosing with captopril, whether they were treated with captopril only or with captopril and L-NAME. Immunohistochemical detection across cases for MER and RSE was rare, whereas AXL-positive staining in the kidney mirrored GAS-6 staining/expression. The staining of GAS6 and AXL was predominantly localised to the renal tubular cells., Conclusions: These findings suggest that GAS-6 may not be a final common pathway for nitric oxide synthase inhibition-induced renal disease. Renal tubular GAS-6 expression following captopril treatment was unexpected and could be beneficial in preventing tubular atrophy following the onset of persistent systemic hypertension.

SiCN nanowires are synthesized by pyrolysis of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) using ferrocene as a catalyst precursor at 1200 degrees C in a flowing argon atmosphere on the surface of mullite substrate, polycrystalline alumina wafer and quartz tube. In oxygen-contained argon atmosphere, SiCN/SiO2 nanocables are synthesized. The as-synthesized products are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The lengths of the nanowires and nanocables are in the millimeter range. The diameter of the SiCN nanowires grown on mullite substrate and alumina wafer ranges from about 10-70 nm, while that of the nanowires grown on quartz tube surface is in the range of around 7-10 nm. The diameters of the SiCN/SiO2 nanocables are relatively large. A vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism of the nanostructures is proposed. The electrical resistivity of a single SiCN/SiO2 nanocable is reported for the first time.

The title complex, [Mn(C(9)H(7)N(4)O(3)S)Cl(C(12)H(8)N(2))(CH(4)O)(H(2)O)], contains an Mn(II) ion six-coordinated by one O atom from the 2-[1-(4-hydroxy-phen-yl)-1H-tetra-zol-5-ylsulfan-yl]-acetate ligand, two N atoms from a chelating 1,10-phenanthroline ligand, one O atom from a methanol mol-ecule, one Cl atom and one water mol-ecule in a distorted octa-hedral coordination geometry. The existence of O-H⋯Cl, O-H⋯N and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds further produces a two-dimensional structure.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a product of dendritic cells (DC), is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of allograft rejection, vascular disease, arthritis and diabetes. Rapamycin (Rapa) is an immunosuppressant that inhibits T cell mTOR kinase activation. In contrast, Sanglifehrin A (SFA), is a cyclophilin-binding immunosuppressant that does not act on calcineurin phosphatases but appears to inhibit IL-2-dependent T cell proliferation. Rapa and SFA exert some immunosuppressive effects on DC by inhibiting IL-12 production, although their effects on DC have not been investigated as comprehensively as those on T cells. We aimed to determine the impact of these drugs on DC IL-18 synthesis in vivo and in vitro. We found in vivo that LPS-stimulated OX62(+) DC produced significantly more IL-18 mRNA, compared to OX62(+) DC depleted splenocytes (p<0.01) and non-LPS-stimulated OX62(+) DC (p<0.01). OX62(+)CD4(+) and OX62(+)CD4(-) cells produced similar amounts of IL-18 mRNA. Rapa and SFA, but not CsA, significantly inhibited IL-18 production from OX62(+) DC in vitro, in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). In vivo IL-18 production was also inhibited by Rapa and SFA in splenic OX62(+) DC (p<0.01). Finally, inhibition of IL-18 production by Rapa and SFA was independent of the FK506 or cyclophilin pathways, respectively. In conclusion, Rapa and SFA, but not CsA, block IL-18 production and this novel Rapa blockade effect on IL-18 may contribute to the ability of Rapa to inhibit chronic allograft nephropathy and restenosis.

The present study was conducted to examine the effects of different plant oils or plant oil mixtures and high-temperature, microtime processing (HTMT) on the CLA content in Hanwoo steers. Experiment 1, consisting of 3 in vitro trials, was conducted to determine how the biohydrogenation of C18 fatty acids and CLA production were affected by fat sources (tallow, soybean oil, linseed oil, or mixtures of soybean oil and linseed oil) or HTMT treatment in the rumen fluid. The results showed that HTMT was capable of protecting unsaturated fatty acids from biohydrogenation by ruminal bacteria. The HTMT-treated diet containing 4% linseed oil (LU) and a supplement containing 2% linseed oil and 1% soybean oil treated with HTMT + 1% soybean oil (L(2)S(1)U+S(1)) produced an increased quantity of trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA, and a reduced quantity of trans-10, cis-12 CLA. Based on these results, in vivo studies (Exp. 2) were conducted with LU and L(2)S(1)U+S(1). These 2 treatments increased the content of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in LM compared with the control diet. The content of trans-10, cis-12 CLA in subcutaneous fat was also increased in the L(2)S(1)U+S(1) treatment compared with other treatments. The subcutaneous fat thickness in the LU treatment was decreased compared with the L(2)S(1)U+S(1) treatment. The LU treatment significantly decreased fatty acid synthase expression but simultaneously increased leptin expression. In this report, we showed that diets containing LU and L(2)S(1)U+S(1) were capable of increasing CLA in the intramuscular fat of beef.

Background/aims: One might hypothesize that hemodialysis, by cleansing the blood of metabolic waste, might elevate the patient's sensitivity to insulin. The results of this study show that hypothesis is untrue in the case of liver transplant patients., Methodology: Glucose levels of five liver transplant patients, whom underwent 24 hemodialysis sessions in total, were compared with that of five non-liver transplantation patients, whom had undergon 21 hemodyalisis sessions in total., Results: For liver transplant patients, Glucose levels at two, four, six and eight hours but the ten hours were significantly higher compared with that at the onset of the sessions (p<0.05). In contrast, this phenomenon could not be found in non-liver transplant patients (p>0.05)., Conclusions: The patients who have undergone liver transplantation are more likely to experience hyperglycemia during hemodyalisis than patients who have not undergone liver transplantation.

Objective: To explore the relation of the standard uptake values (SUV) of 18F-fluorodexygl-gucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT and the pathological classification and clinical staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)., Method: Whole body 18F-FDG PET imaging was performed in 32 patients with pathologically confirmed NPC, who received no previous treatment. The regions of interest (ROI) covering the pharyngeal and cervical lesions were defined along the margins of the lesion, and the lesion volume and the SUVs were calculated., Results: The SUVs in stage I, II, III, and IV patients were 4.50-/+0.42, 5.62-/+1.44, 7.33-/+1.50, and 8.24-/+2.16, respectively, showing significant differences between them (P < 0.05). In patients in stage T1, T2, T3, and T4, the SUVs increased significantly in advanced stageds (2.56-/+1.05, 3.72-/+0.60, 6.87-/+1.07, and 9.70-/+0.70, respectively, P < 0.05). The SUVs were not significantly different in patients in stages N1, N2, and N3, differed significantly between lymph nodes > 6 cm in size and those < or = 6 cm (5.92-/+1.51 vs 3.48-/+1.31, P < 0.05). The SUV in poorly differentiated squamous carcinoma was significantly lower than that in undifferentiated carcinoma (5.58-/+1.48 vs 8.41-/+1.71, F = 1.3323, P = 0.01)., Conclusions: The SUV is not associated with the clinical staging of NPC, but is correlated to the T staging of NPC. Though irrelevant to the N staging of NPC, the SUV is correlated to the size of the lymph nodes, and also related to the degree of differentiation of NPC.

Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) is a typical vascular feeder, primarily sucking the phloem sap of host plants. Its feeding on rice, Oryza sativa L., plants changes the pattern of allocation of assimilates between roots and shoots, and the root:shoot (R/S) ratio of assimilates is often measured as an index of physiological responses to N. lugens. The current study investigated changes in the R/S ratio of biomass, sucrose, and soluble sugar contents of rice plants in a susceptible variety (TN1) and a resistant variety (Xieyou 963). The results demonstrated that root and shoot biomasses in the two varieties linearly decreased with the increase of N. lugens infestation density. However, the relationship between changes in the R/ S ratio ofbiomass and N. lugens density differed between rice varieties, with the R/S increasing with infestation density in TN1 and decreasing in Xieyou 963. Sucrose and soluble sugar contents and their R/S values were also significantly different between the two varieties. Compared with the control that was not infested by N. lugens, the R/S values of sucrose and soluble sugar at 3 days after infestation (DAI) increased but decreased at 6 DAI in TN1. The R/S values of sucrose and soluble sugar were higher at 6 DAI than those at 3 DAI in TN1, whereas these values were lower at 6 DAI than at 3 DAI in Xieyou 963. These contrasting results suggest that physiological responses to N. lugens infestation differ between the susceptible and tolerant rice varieties.

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the breast (PNHLB)., Methods: The characteristics, treatment methods and outcomes of 45 patients with PNHLB were retrospectively analyzed. Chemotherapy including CHOP and CHOP-like regimens was administered in 43 patients, and monoclonal antibody therapy in 6 patients. Furthermore, 19 patients underwent radiotherapy after chemotherapy., Results: Of these 45 patients, 37 patients had diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), patients with T cell or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma were 4, respectively. Overall response rate of first-line chemotherapy was 90.7%. Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of all patients was 6.82 and 4.25 years, respectively. The results of Cox regression model analysis showed that international prognostic index score (IPI) (RR = 5.682, P = 0.002) and Ann Arbor stage (RR = 1.836, P = 0.040) were negative independent prognostic factors for OS. Central nervous system involvement (RR = 1.107, P = 0.005) was a negative independent prognostic factor for PFS., Conclusion: The patients with PNHLB have early occurrence in lifespan. Most pathologic type was DLBCL. IPI and Ann Arbor stage are two independent prognostic factors for survival.

Objective: To investigate positron-emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) findings of radiation encephalopathy (RE) following radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), observe the metabolic changes of the compromised brain tissues, and postulate the clinical classification of RE to provide reference for its diagnosis., Methods: This study included 53 pathologically confirmed NPC patients who received previous radical radiotherapy, and the diagnosis of RE was established according to the clinical manifestations and CT/PET findings. All the patients underwent PET/CT whole-body and head scans, and the image data were evaluated along with the clinical data of the patients., Results: RE most frequently involved the lateral or bilateral inferior temporal lobes. PET identified hypometabolic changes in the bilateral temporal lobes of 35 patients (70 lobes) and in the lateral temporal lobe of 18 patients (18 lobes). According to the PET/CT findings, the lesions were classified into 3 types, namely the oedema type (56 temporal lobes), liquefactive necrosis type (10 temporal lobes), and atrophic calcification type (22 temporal lobes). One patient with oedema type lesion received neurotrophic treatment and recovered completely with normal brain tissue density and metabolism, but the oedema type lesions in 2 patients progressed into to atrophic calcification type; the liquefactive necrotic lesions in another 2 patients also progressed into atrophic calcification type., Conclusion: RE patients exhibit significant hypometabolic changes in the inferior temporal lobe on PET. According to the findings by PET/CT, RE can be classified into the oedema type, liquefactive necrosis type, and atrophic calcification type, and lesions of the former two types may progress into the third type.

Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera:Delphacidae) is a serious migratory pest of rice in Asia. Pest resurgence often occurs because of insecticide overuse. Using both susceptible (TN1) and moderately resistant (Xieyou 963) cultivars, we studied the effect of foliar insecticides on the percentage of brachypterous adults, female reproductive rate, and crude fat and soluble sugar contents in third- and fifth-instar nymphs and adults. The percentage of brachypterous adults and reproductive rate of adult females developed from nymphs that fed on insecticide-treated plants varied significantly with rice cultivar, type of insecticide, and its concentration. Feeding on susceptible plants increased the percentage of brachypterous adults and reproductive rate of adult females. Also, deltamethrin increased brachypterous production relative to imidacloprid and triazophos. The highest reproductive rate was on plants treated with triazophos. All insecticide treatments in both cultivars resulted in increase of soluble sugar contents in third- and fifth-instar nymphs and adults developed from nymphs feeding on insecticide-treated rice plants. This effect was stronger on the susceptible cultivar. Changes of crude fat content after N. lugens feeding on insecticide-treated plants were related to its feeding duration. Crude fat content in adult developed from nymphs feeding on treated plants was significantly higher that on control plants. These studies showed that plant and insecticide influences on physiological ecology of this planthopper will influence its population dynamics under commercial production of rice in Asia.

The basic helix-loop-helix myogenic regulatory factors play critical roles in skeletal myogenesis. Among the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), MRF4 shows a biphasic expression pattern during the formation of myotomes, although its function remains unclear. In this study, we used BEF (spontaneously immortalized bovine embryonic fibroblast that shows myogenic differentiation by overexpression of MyoD) and C2C12 cells to investigate the function of MRF4. Ectopic expressions of MRF4 did not stimulate myogenic differentiation in the BEF and C2C12 cells, but did show a marked increase of cell proliferation, upregulation of cyclin E, and downregulation of p21WAF1. Furthermore, MRF4 was found to induce degradation of the MyoD protein, which acts as a transcriptional activator for p21WAF1, and thus indicates that MRF4 accelerates cell proliferation by suppressing MyoD-dependent p21WAF1 expression. However, forced expression of MyoD in the MRF4-overexpressing cells inhibited cell proliferation and partially induced myogenic differentiation, which suggests that MyoD is a potential negative intercessor of MRF4 in the regulation of the cell cycle. Taken together, these results indicate that MRF4 and MyoD play competitive roles in myogenesis by stimulating cell proliferation and differentiation, respectively.

Objective: To study the effect of C21 steroidal glycoside (CSG) from the root of Cynanchum auriculatum from Jiangsu on D-galactose (D-gal) induced aging model mice., Method: D-gal aging mouse model was established by cervicodorsal region subcutaneous injection with D-gal once a day for eight successive weeks. The mice in the normal control group (NCG, non-modeled) and the model control group (MCG, modeled but untreated) were treated with 1% CMC-Na. The model mice in the low, middle and high-dose CSG and Vitamin E treated groups were treated with a dose of (10, 20, 40, 100 mg x kg(-1) per day, respectively. The SOD activity, MDA content and telomerase activity in serum, heart, liver and brain tissues of mice were measured., Result: CSG could obviously increase the SOD activity and decrease the MDA level in serum, heart, liver and brain tissues in D-gal aging mice (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between three CSG treated groups and Vitamin E treated groups. In comparison of telomerase activity between MCG and the treated groups, it was shown that there was a significant increase in serum in middle and high dose group, and in heart tissues in CSG and Vit E treated groups, but was not in liver and brain tissue., Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CSG can antagonize free radical injury, increase the SOD activity and decrease the MDA content of serum, heart, liver and brain in D-gal aging mice, and increase the telomerase activity in serum and heart tissues but not in liver and brain tissue.

Background: Coronary artery spasm usually attacks while at rest and the diagnosis depends on provoking tests which mostly are invasive, expensive and not practical. Previous investigations demonstrated that in most patients with coronary artery spasm, treadmill exercise electrocardiography (TEEC) did not induce any ischemic changes, and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) showed reverse redistribution (RR)., Hypothesis: Combination of resting chest pain, negative TEEC and RR might be a rational noninvasive set to predict coronary artery spasm., Methods: Patients with chest pain at rest, no significant coronary artery stenosis, and willing to undergo acetylcholine test were included. TEEC, dipyridamole and rest thallium-201 MPS were performed before or after coronary angiography. The patients were divided into spasm and nonspasm groups by acetylcholine test. The clinical features and results of TEEC and MPS were compared between the spasm and nonspasm groups., Results: Acetylcholine test was performed in 92 patients and coronary artery spasm was successfully provoked in 68 patients. Positive TEEC was induced in only 4 patients in the spasm group. RR was present in totally 77 patients and 68 of them were from the spasm group. By a combination of resting chest pain, negative TEEC and RR to diagnose coronary artery spasm, the sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 96% respectively., Conclusion: Combination of resting chest pain, negative TEE and RR appears to be a rational noninvasive set to predict coronary artery spasm., (Copyright (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: To investigate the value of stress electrocardiography (S-ECG) and stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (S-MPS) in the differential diagnosis of patients with atypical chest pain., Methods: Patients with atypical chest pain were undergone S-ECG, S-MPS, coronary angiography and coronary artery spastic provocation with intracoronary acetylcholine test. The final diagnoses of those patients were coronary heart disease, coronary spasm, coronary artery muscular bridge, microvascular angina pectoris and chest pain with non-coronary heart disease. Those patients were grouped by final diagnoses to retrospectively compare the results of S-ECG and S-MPS between groups., Results: Totally 186 patients with integrated data were included. The final diagnoses were coronary artery stenosis (above 50% stenosis in diameter) in 20%, coronary artery spasm in 27%, coronary artery muscular bridge in 14%, microvascular angina pectoris in 5%, and chest pain with non-coronary artery disease in 34%. The sensitivity and specificity to diagnose ischemic coronary artery disease (including coronary stenosis, coronary artery muscular bridge and syndrome X but not coronary artery spasm) were 92% and 65% in S-ECG, 62% and 79% in S-MPS, respectively. Combination of atypical chest pain, negative S-ECG and reversal redistribution of S-MPS was an accurate non-invasive method to diagnose coronary artery spasm with sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 96%., Conclusions: Most of patients with atypical chest pain have organic or functional ischemic coronary artery disease. Combination of heart stress tests are helpful to differentiate the etiology of atypical chest pain.