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The interactions of two host–guest inclusion complexes comprised of cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) and cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) with a derivative of toluidine blue O (TB) have been investigated using 1H NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The experimental results revealed that the Q[7] host interacts with a TB molecule to form a 1:1 inclusion complex and the Q[8] host interacts with two TB guest molecules to form a 1:2 inclusion complex. The inclusion of the TB guest molecule within the Q[7] host gave rise to significant fluorescence enhancement, whereas the inclusion of the TB guest molecule within the Q[8] host resulted in significant fluorescence quenching. Further recognition experiments involving a series of l-α-amino acids revealed that the TB@Q[7] inclusion fluorescence probe exhibits high selectivity for the recognition of phenylalanine via significant fluorescence quenching in an aqueous solution, whereas the TB@Q[8] inclusion fluorescence probe also exhibited high selectivity for phenylalanine recognition via fluorescence enhancement in an aqueous solution.

Botrytis cinerea can cause grey mould and seriously affect the commercial value of grapes. An artificial inoculation trial was done using table grape ‘Red Globe’ (Vitis vinifera L.). Grape berries were treated either with ultrapure water or 600, 400, 200 times dilution of wood vinegar (WV), followed by inoculation with B. cinerea suspension after 24 h. Disease incidence (DI), disease severity (DS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide content and activities of peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase, chitinase, and β-1,3-glucanase were determined every two days during B. cinerea infection. Compared with the positive control group, WV treatment significantly reduced the DI and DS of grapes infected with grey mould. WV significantly decreased the amount of hydrogen peroxide and MDA and promoted the accumulation and expression of antioxidant enzyme in grapes. These results suggested the efficacy of WV treatment in improving the resistance of ‘Red Globe’ grapes to grey mould and in mitigating harm caused by oxidative stress.

// Peipei Lou 1, * , Chunlian Li 1, * , Liang Shi 1, * , Tian-Song Xia 1 , Wenbin Zhou 1 , Jing Wu 1 , Xujie Zhou 1 , Xiaoxia Li 1 , Ying Wang 1 , Ji-Fu Wei 2 , Qiang Ding 1 1 Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, 210000, China 2 Research Division of Clinical Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, 210000, China * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Ji-Fu Wei, email: weijifu@hotmail.com Qiang Ding, email: dingqiang@njmu.edu.cn Keywords: progesterone receptor, RNPC1, mRNA stability, breast cancer, proliferation Received: January 04, 2016 Accepted: July 26, 2016 Published: September 14, 2016 ABSTRACT Progesterone receptor (PR) could activate transcriptional process involved in normal mammary gland proliferation and breast cancer development. Moreover, PR expression is an important marker of luminal breast cancer, which is associated with good prognosis and indicates better responding to endocrine therapies. The regulation of PR expression was studied mainly on its post-translational levels. In this study, we found PR was positively regulated by RNA-binding region-containing protein 1 (RNPC1), a RNA-binding protein, in PR positive breast cancer. Overexpression of RNPC1 increased, whereas knockdown of RNPC1 decreased, the level of PR protein and transcripts. Additionally, we demonstrated that RNPC1 could bind to PR mRNA via AU-rich elements (AREs) within PR 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) and then enhance PR mRNA stability. Moreover, we proved that progesterone-dependent PR functions which could induce breast cancer proliferation were enhanced by RNPC1, both in vitro and in vivo . Conclusively, we revealed a novel mechanism by which PR could be regulated by RNPC1 via stabilizing its mRNA.

Graphite intercalation compounds (GIC) are the most common precursors for expanded graphites which are promising materials for many applications. A series of GICs with different expanding volumes (EV) were prepared by a two-step chemical intercalation way. Effects of the input of oxidant and intercalating agent on the EV of GICs were discussed. The microstructures and morphologies of graphites before and after intercalation were analylized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The results show that the GIC with an EV of 600 ml⋅g-1 may be prepared under temperal conditions by a two-step intercalation way. The interlayer spacing of the pre-GIC formeded by one-step intercalation is a bit larger than that of natural graphites, while the interlayer spacing of the GIC obtained by two-step intercalation becomes much larger than that of the pre-GIC because of secondery intercalation. When the d-spacing (d002) value of the GIC rises from 0.3590 nm up to 0.3711nm, its EV increases from 267 up to 600 ml⋅g-1 due to the decomposition and release of much more intercalated substances during a thermal shock.

To investigate the influence of daily activities on myopic refractive change and myopic onset in Chinese urban students. The Beijing Myopia Progression Study was a 3-year cohort study. Cycloplegic refraction and a daily activity questionnaire were assessed at baseline and at follow-up examinations. Refractive change was defined as the difference in cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) between the final follow-up and baseline. 386 students were initially enrolled in the baseline study. At the final follow-up, 222 students (57.5 %) with completed refractive error and daily activity data were analyzed. These students spent 0.32 ± 2.33 h/day more on near work (p = 0.04), and 0.21 ± 1.31 h/day less on outdoor leisure (p = 0.02), than they did at baseline. In the multivariate analysis, the younger among the secondary students (β = 0.06, p

The objectives of this study were to compare the effectiveness of liquid helium (LHe) and liquid nitrogen (LN2) as cryogenic liquid for vitrification of bovine immature oocytes with open-pulled straw (OPS) system and determine the optimal cryoprotectant concentration of LHe vitrification. Cumulus oocyte complexes were divided into three groups, namely, untreated group (control), LN2 vitrified with OPS group, and LHe vitrified with OPS group. Oocyte survival was assessed by morphology, nuclear maturation, and developmental capability. Results indicated that the rates of normal morphology, maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst (89.3%, 52.8%, 42.7%, and 10.1%, respectively) in the LHe-vitrified group were all higher than those (79.3%, 43.4%, 34.1%, and 4.7%) in the LN2-vitrified group (P0.05) although the corresponding rates in both treated groups decreased compared with the control group (100%, 75.0%, 64.9%, and 40.8%; P0.05). Normal calves were obtained after the transfer of blastocysts derived from LHe- and LN2-vitrified oocytes. The effects of the different vitrification solutions (EDS30, EDS35, EDS40, EDS45, and EDS50) in LHe vitrification for bovine immature oocytes vitrification were examined. No difference was found in the rates of morphologically normal oocytes among the EDS30 (87.9%), EDS35 (90.1%), EDS40 (89.4%), and EDS45 (87.2%) groups (P0.05). The maturation rate of the EDS35 group (65.0%) was higher than those of the EDS30 (51.3%), EDS40 (50.1%), EDS45 (52.1%), and EDS50 groups (36.9%; P0.05). No significant differences were observed in the cleavage and blastocyst rates between the EDS35 (49.0% and 12.1%) and EDS40 (41.7% and 10.2%) groups. However, the cleavage and blastocyst rates in the EDS35 group were higher (P0.05) than those of the EDS30 (36.2% and 6.8%), EDS45 (35.9% and 5.8%), and EDS50 (16.6% and 2.2%) groups. In conclusion, LHe can be used as a cryogenic liquid for vitrification of bovine immature oocytes, and it is more efficient than LN2-vitrified oocytes in terms of blastocyst production. EDS35 was the optimal cryoprotectant agent combination for LHe vitrification in this study.

Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as a means of separation and identification, a solvent extraction (SE) method was first developed and used for isolating and concentrating the volatile components from Syringa flowers. Its performance was assessed by comparing it with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technology, which is generally recognized as an effective means for trapping volatile substances. Four main influencing parameters, the solvent, solvent volume, extraction time and heating temperature, were optimized in order to achieve high extraction efficiency. The experimental results show that both methods exhibit their own extraction performance for Syringa emodi Wall. Among a total of 21 substances that were separated, 17 substances were identified using these two methods. Of these, 15 were identified by SE and 12 by HS-SPME. Among these 17 substances, 10 were identified by both methods and seven only by one method: five by SE and two by HS-SPME. Both methods also give different relative contents of the substances involved. These comparative results show that SE has an ability to trap the volatile components that is even better than that of HS-SPME in this case. Moreover, this method was also applied to 15 other varieties of Syringa flowers.

Objective To observe the protective effect of fasudil hydrochloride against acute renal injury in septicopyemia rats. Methods A total of 60 Wister rats were included in the study and divided into control group (n = 10), model group (n = 25) and treatment group (n = 25). Model group and treatment group received intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin (ET) to establish acute renal injury models while the control group only received daily intraperitoneal injection of normal saline 1 mL. Five rats were taken out of model group and treatment group respectively at 1 h (T1), 6 h (T2), 12 h (T3), 24 h (T4) and 48 h (T5), for intraperitoneal injection of ET 30 mg/kg. Treatment group received intraperitoneal injection of fasudil hydrochloride 30 mg/kg 1 h before injection of ET. For three groups, 5 mL blood samples were collected from postcava for determination of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels at different time points. Concentrations of serum tumor necrosis factor α and ET-1 were determined by using ELISA. The renal pathologic changes were observed under the microscope. Results Serum creatinine levels in both model group and treatment group were significantly higher than control group at T2–T5 (P

Based on the interaction mode of capture probe-target-signaling probe (CP-T-SP), an electrochemical DNA sensor based on the synergism strategy of Au electrode with large surface area, background suppression and multi-redox-modified signaling probe is developed for the detection of a specific DNA sequence. The proposed sensor can detect as low as ∼2 fM target DNA with good mismatch discrimination ability and outstanding working capability in real complex matrixes.

In order to evaluate utilization variation of, and growth response to, soybean meal diets in largemouth bass for breeding programs, test diets with 0%, 35%, and 50% fishmeal having been replaced by soybean meal (SBM; S0, S35, and S50) were administered to three northern strains of largemouth bass (LMB; Jones, Marlow, and Remlinger). In the S35 and S50 groups, the Marlow and Remlinger strains had much better growth response to soybean meal diet (SMD) than the Jones strain, indicating that these two strains can better utilize diets containing high level of SMD. The results suggest that genetic variation exists for growth and feed efficiency in LMB fed diets containing both SBM and fishmeal, and genetic improvement may be possible for the trait of feed efficiency. In all the three strains, the growth performance of individuals in the S35 and S50 groups declined when compared with the S0 group, and the specific growth rate and weight gain correlated negatively with dietary levels of SBM. Genes that were differentially expressed between dietary SBM levels were identified. Transcripts of genes related to insulin-signaling pathway and fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis were significantly downregulated in the S35 and S50 groups compared with the S0 group. Interestingly, several transcripts of genes (egfr, pla2g4, and ugt) involved in GnRH-signaling pathway and steroid hormone biosynthesis were also downregulated in the S35 and S50 groups, inferring that feeding with SMD could impair the sexual development of juvenile LMB. Likewise, the genes related to insulin signaling and fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis were downregulated in the Jones strain compared to the Marlow and Remlinger strains in all three treatments. Overall, the Marlow and Remlinger strains exhibited better adaptation to SBM diets, and could be considered as potential breeding candidates. These results also suggest that insulin-signaling pathway and fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis play important roles in adaptation to diets with high levels of SBM in LMB. This study provides useful information for LMB breeding programs, and it contributes to our understanding of genetic mechanisms related to growth performance of LMB fed with high levels of SMB.

A simple chemosensor, 6-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-5,6-dihydro-benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline (1), was synthesized via simple nucleophilic addition reaction coupled with Schiff base condensation. The probe 1 is aggregation-induced emission-active and could be used as an on–off fluorescence sensor toward Cu2+ in H2O/CH3CN (99.5%, v/v) solution. Furthermore, the resultant Cu2+ complex selectively responded to pyrophosphate (PPi) among various anions based on fluorescent on–off signal. In addition, the probe could be used for detecting Cu2+ and PPi in HeLa cells.

Complex ZnO compound material has great potential applications for optoelectronic devices. In this article, we give report to a simulation growth of a kind of special“fruiting ball”——natural “Platanus Occidentalis” made of Al2O3, Au and ZnO. The surface of “Platanus Occidentalis ” has numerous tiny Au seeds on the surface of Al2O3 ball. ZnO needles synthesized by the electrodeposition technique grow well on the Au seed layer. The obtained mono dispersive needles (or hexagonal columns) have different distribution density. The prepared sample looks like the assembled “Platanus Occidentalis” in photographs of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Photoluminescence (PL) of samples at 6 K temperature and other characteristics are investigated. The appearance of sharp bound exciton (BE) emission line and the longitudinal optical (LO)-phonon replicas imply that the ZnO nanocolumns are of high optical quality.

Terahertz frequency resolution is an important factor affecting substance identification, but the presence of the device reflection within the terahertz time domain spectroscopy systems, causes the presence of a plurality of reflection peaks in the reference and measurement signals with low frequency resolution, because of the length truncation of time domain signal. In order to remove the influence of the reflection peak, this paper proposes a method based on empirical mode decomposition to remove the time domain reflection peak, to improve the terahertz frequency resolution. The time domain reflection peaks are positioned by correlation with the real terahertz peak, calculating the reflection peak upper and lower envelope and an average, obtaining intrinsic mode functions, and alternating reflection peaks with intrinsic mode functions, the effective length of the time domain signal is increased to improve the terahertz frequency resolution. Water vapor in the air terahertz transmission spectroscopy results show that this method can self adaptively remove a plurality of reflection peaks and has good repairing effect on the terahertz time-domain signal; the frequency resolution is increased by 12 times; and the useful information of absorption spectrum is not lost; the absorption peak position and the number is consistent with real spectrum; the terahertz spectrum ability to identify is well preserved.

A total of 70% of breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ER)α; therefore, targeting the ER may be an effective endocrine therapy with which to inhibit breast cancer growth. Tamoxifen is the most common‑used clinically used drug for the treatment of advanced or metastatic ER‑positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, a substantial proportion of patients become resistant to endocrine therapies. To overcome this limitation, in this stud, we sought to maximize the benefits associated with tamoxifen therapy via drug combination strategies. We demonstrated that rapamycin, an FDA‑approved mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, enhanced the effects of endocrine therapy with tamoxifen, and the concentration of tamoxifen required for ER+ breast cancer cell growth inhibition was substantially reduced. Moreover, treatment with rapamycin plus tamoxifen significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. In addition, this synergistic effect may be mediated by the induction of p73. We revealed a novel mechanism in which p73 increases ERα expression by directly binding to the promoter region of the ERα gene. Taken together, the findings of this study indicate that combination therapy with rapamycin and tamoxifen underlying p73‑mediated ERα expression may provide new insight into the drug combination for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer.

New supramolecular structures were designed in this work using large-sized polyoxometalates (POMs) and crown-ether-based supramolecular cations selected as building blocks. Two novel supramolecular inorganic–organic hybrids [(3-F-4-MeAnis)([18]crown-6)]2[SMo12O40]•CH3CN (1) and [(4-IAnis)([18]crown-6)]3[PMo12O40]•4CH3CN (2) (3-F-4-MeAnis = 3-fluoro-4-methylanilinium and 4-IAnis = 4-iodoanilinium) were synthesized. Crystals 1 and 2 have been characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and elemental analysis (EA). Based on X-ray diffraction analysis, Crystals 1 and 2 were constructed through noncovalent bonding interactions and belong to different space groups due to the difference of the building blocks used. Supramolecular cations formed due to strong N–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions between the six oxygen atoms of [18]crown-6 molecules and nitrogen atoms of anilinium derivatives. Crystal 1 has two different supramolecular cations with an anti-paralleled arrangement that forms a dimer through weak hydrogen bonding interactions between adjacent [18]crown-6 molecules. Crystal 2 has three independent supramolecular cations that fill large spaces between the [PMo12O40] polyoxoanions forming a rhombus-shape packing arrangement in the ac plane. Crystals 1 and 2 are unstable at room temperature.

SETD2 (SET domain containing protein 2) acts as a histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36)-specific methyltransferase and may play important roles in active gene transcription in human cells. However, its expression and role in porcine oocytes and preimplantation embryos are not well understood. Here, we used immunofluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopy to examine SETD2 expression in porcine fetal fibroblasts, oocytes, and preimplantation embryos derived from in vitro fertilization (IVF), parthenogenetic activation (PA), and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In porcine fetal fibroblasts, SETD2 expression was detected in interphase cells, but not in M (mitotic)-phase cells. The SETD2 signal was observed in non-surrounded nucleolus (NSN)-stage oocytes, but not in surrounded nucleolus (SN)-, metaphase I (MI)-, or metaphase II (MII)-stage oocytes. The SETD2 signal was detectable in sperm, and undetectable immediately after fertilization, detectable at the 2-cell stage, and peaked at the 4-cell stage of IVF embryos in which porcine embryonic genome is activated. Similar to the pattern found in IVF embryos, the SETD2 signal was absent from PA embryos at the 1-cell stage, but it was detected at the 2-cell stage and thereafter maintained to the blastocyst stage. Interestingly, unlike the IVF and PA embryos, the SETD2 signal was detected throughout the development of SCNT embryos, including at the 1-cell stage. These data suggest that SETD2 may be functional for embryonic gene transcription in porcine preimplantation embryos. It is further speculated that the aberrant expression of SETD2 at the 1-cell stage of porcine SCNT embryos may be a factor in the low efficiency of cloning in pig.

An improved simple equation to calculate the minority-carrier effective lifetime in photoconductance measurements is proposed by the perturbation method. When the given constraints are satisfied, the given formulation leads to a fast and accurate determination of effective lifetime from the bulk lifetime, surface recombination velocity, the thickness of the wafer, and diffusion coefficient. Keywords: Photoconductance, Lifetime, Recombination, Perturbation method

We investigated the effects of perioperative blood transfusion in the prognosis of hereditary and sporadic colon cancer. There are 1075 colon cancer patients, including 936 sporadic colon cancer and 139 with hereditary colon cancer undergoing surgery at our hospital. All patients underwent 10 years of follow-up. In the sporadic group, mortality, local recurrence rate and distant metastases rate of transfused patients were significantly higher than non-transfused patients. The 10-year survival rates were significantly lower in patients receiving blood transfusions compared to non-transfused patients. In the hereditary group, mortality was higher in transfused patients compared to non-transfused patients.

The fungus Nodulisporium sp. (No. 65-12-7-1), which can produce a rare class of steroids (4-methyl-progesteroids) in rice solid medium, was subjected to a one strain-many compounds (OSMAC) approach. It was found to produce ten new 4-methyl-progesteroid derivatives named nodulisporisteroids C-L (1-10) in potato-dextrose-broth (PDB) medium, which showed that the fungus was a prolific producer of 4-methyl-progesteroids. The structures of 1-10 were elucidated by spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Their cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines had been evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method.

Purpose We once reported blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) in confined space. Here, bTBI was studied again on goats in the open air using 3.0 kg trinitrotoluene. Methods The goats were placed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 m far from explosion center. Trinitrotoluene (TNT) was used as the source of the blast wave and the pressure at each distance was recorded. The systemic physiology, electroencephalogram, serum level of S-100beta, and neuron specific enolase (NSE) were determined pre and post the exposure. Neuroanatomy and neuropathology were observed 4 h after the exposure. Results Simple blast waveforms were recorded with parameters of 702.8 kPa-0.442 ms, 148.4 kPa-2.503 ms, 73.9 kPa-3.233 ms, and 41.9 kPa-5.898 ms at 2, 4, 6 and 8 m respectively. Encephalic blast overpressure was on the first time recorded in the literature by us at 104.2 kPa-0.60 ms at 2 m, where mortality and burn rate were 44% and 44%. Gross examination showed that bTBI was mainly manifested as congestive expansion of blood vessels and subarachnoid hemorrhage, which had a total incidence of 25% and 19% in 36 goats. Microscopical observation found that the main pathohistological changes were enlarged perivascular space (21/36, 58%), small hemorrhages (9/36, 25%), vascular dilatation and congestion (8/36, 22%), and less subarachnoid hemorrhage (2/36, 6%). After explosion, serum levels of S-100β and NSE were elevated, and EEG changed into slow frequency with declined amplitude. The results indicated that severity and incidence of bTBI is related to the intensity of blast overpressure. Conclusion Blast wave can pass through the skull to directly injure brain tissue.

The goal of the present study is to explore the physiological effects of injected human immunoglobulin on patients with severe bronchiolitis before and after treatment. 86 young children with severe bronchiolitis were randomly divided into the observation group (43 cases) and the treatment group (43 cases). On the basis of conventional therapy, the children in the treatment group were given human immunoglobulin (400 mg/kg, 1–3 times) via intravenous injection. 60 healthy young children, as determined by a physical examination given at the Zhumadian Central Hospital, were enrolled as the control group. The T lymphocytes, cytokines, IgA, IgG, and IgM immunoglobulins in the peripheral blood of all 3 groups were measured. The clinical efficacy of the immunoglobulins to mitigate the effects of bronchiolitis and the amount of time for the reduction of symptoms to occur were observed. The serum Ca, Fe, and Zn levels of children with severe bronchiolitis were significantly lower than those of the healthy control group (p < 0.05). As such, the CD8, IgA, IgG, IgM and IFN-γ levels were also significantly lower in the children with severe bronchiolitis than in the children in the healthy control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the CD4, IgE, IL-4, and IL-4/IFN-γ levels and CD4/CD8 ratio were dramatically higher than in the healthy control group (p < 0.05). Serum levels of the aforementioned indicators either increased or decreased after IVIG treatment. The amount of time required for coughing, wheezing, and pulmonary rales to seize, and the duration of illness for the children with the severe bronchiolitis children was significantly shorter for those in the treatment group than for those in the observation group. Human immunoglobulin via intravenous injection showed active therapeutical effects on trace elements, T lymphocytes, and cytokines in patients with severe bronchiolitis.

The breakage and particle size redistributions in an ultrasound-intensified leaching process were explored experimentally and analyzed statistically. It was found that particle size distributions (PSDs) of this atomic crystal silica may be changed to a certain extent by ultrasound, but the width of PSD cannot be altered under the conditions considered. Chemical reactions played an important reciprocal causality to the breakage and the particle size redistributions, and the contribution was about a half on the mean particle size. The most severe breakup happened at the maximum volume percentage of PSD rather than in the region of the largest particle size end. The ability of conventional stirring to break the silica particles may be larger as expected when the same power was used. The morphology of the silica particles verified that the change before and after leaching is small.

ZnS:O2− (ZSO) nanoparticles were synthesized using a low temperature solid-state reaction method. The effects of annealing conditions and the content of the surfactant polyethylene glycol (PEG) on photoluminescence (PL) properties of the ZSO nanoparticles were studied. It was found that annealing and adding PEG during the synthesis did not change the crystal structure of ZSO nanoparticles, and their average crystallite size increased with increasing annealing time and temperature, but decreased with increasing PEG content. The emission intensity of ZSO nanoparticles was found to be enhanced after annealing or using PEG during the synthesis. Optimal annealing conditions both in air and vacuum and the optimal content of PEG were obtained for achieving maximum emission intensity from the ZSO nanoparticles.

To explore the preventive effect of aspirin on the cardiovascular complications in prostate cancer after endocrinotherapy.A total of 92 patients with prostate cancer were divided into observation group (n=44) and control group (n=48). The control group was treated with medical castration plus anti-androgenic drugs. Based on the above treatment, the observation group was added aspirin. The follow-up duration was 2 years. The changes of partial prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), platelet aggregation rate (PAG), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and serum testosterone (T) before and after treatment as well as incidence of cardiovascular disease were observed.The 2-year survival rates of patients without cardiovascular disease in observation group and control group were 95.45% (42/44) and 72.92% (35/48), respectively, and significant difference was presented between two groups by comparison to the survival rates (χ2=8.5453, p=0.0035). There was no statistical significance between two groups as well as before and after treatment regarding PT (p0.05). After treatment, APTT went down and PAG was gradually on the rise in control group, while PAG down and APTT on the rise increasingly in observation group. Significant differences were presented between two groups as well as before and after treatment (p0.01). Both PSA and T levels were decreased significantly in two groups after treatment (p0.01), but there was no statistical significant between two groups (p0.05).Application of endocrinotherapy in prostate cancer can easily lead to occurrence of cardiovascular disease, but cardiovascular complications can be prevented by aspirin, without affecting the effect of endocrinotherapy.

To establish a finite element (FE) model of the pig head for simulating firearm wounds. An experimental study was carried out by measuring impact load parameters from 17 fresh pig heads that were shot at the right part of cranium by a standard 7.62 mm M43 bullet. FE analysis was executed through the LS-DYNA code under impact loads similar to those obtained from the experimental study. The residual velocity, the transferred energy from the bullet to the cranium, and the surface area of the entrance showed no statistical differences between the FE simulation and the experimental study. However, the mean surface area of the exit wounds was significantly larger than that of the entrance wounds in the experimental and FE study. Although the results of FE analysis corresponded with the experiment study, FE analysis further revealed that the stress zones were mainly located at the impact region of the cranium, mainly located in occipital lobe, frontal lobe and skull base of brain, with a lower speed of stress distribution. The FE model was appropriate and conformed to the basic principles of wound ballistics.

Eight new viridins, nodulisporiviridins A-H (1-8), were isolated from the extract of an endolichenic fungal strain Nodulisporium sp. (No. 65-17-2-1) that was fermented with potato-dextrose broth. The structures were determined using spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Nodulisporiviridins A-D (1-4) are unique viridins with an opened ring A. The Aβ42 aggregation inhibitory activities of 1-8 were evaluated using a thioflavin T (ThT) assay with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) as the positive control (EGCG IC50 of 0.5 μM). Nodulisporiviridin G (7) displayed potent inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 1.2 μM, and the preliminary trend of activity of these viridins as Aβ42 aggregation inhibitors was proposed. The short-term memory assay on an Aβ transgenic drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease showed that all eight compounds improved the short-term memory capacity, with potencies close to that of the positive control (memantine).

Three new cyclohexenones (1-3, named sarcosones A-C) and two new isocoumarins (4 and 5), together with five known isocoumarins (6-10), were isolated from the solid cultures of an endophytic fungus Sarcosomataceae sp. NO.49-14-2-1. Their chemical structures were elucidated by analyses of HR-ESI-TOF-MS, (1)H, (13)C NMR, (1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC spectra. Their absolute configurations were determined via modified Mosher's method and circular dichroism spectra method.

Galiellalactone analogs (1-4) (including two new compounds), together with their possible precursors (5-9, named pregaliellalactone B-F), were obtained from the solid cultures of an endophytic fungus Sarcosomataceae NO.45-1-8-1. Their chemical structures were elucidated by analyses of HR ESI-TOF MS, 1D-, 2D-NMR, CD spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Compounds 5-9, the possible precursors of galiellalactbne analogs, were found to exist as enantiomers for the first time. The cytotoxicity of these compounds against six tumor cell lines was examined and preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) was also discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

4,5-seco-Probotryenols A–C (1–3), a new type of sesquiterpenoids named seco-probotryane-type sesquiterpenoid, have been obtained from Stachybotrys bisbyi (PYH05-7), along with five new botryane skeleton sesquiterpenoids (4, 5, and 8–10), and two known ones (6 and 7). Their structures were determined by NMR analyses, chemical derivatization, and X-ray crystallography.

The equipment manufacturing industry accelerate the pace of development in Shaanxi province in recent years, and industrial scale jumped significantly boosted the regional industry economy. This paper calculated the industrial influence coefficient and the sensitivity coefficient of the equipment manufacturing industry, and analyzed the current situation and development trend of industry association in equipment manufacturing industry in Shaanxi province based on the table from 1997 to 2007 of Shaanxi province and 2007 input-output table of China. The results show that Shaanxi Province ripple effect equipment manufacturing industry decline, and there is disparities between Shaanxi Province and the national development level in the 27 industrial sectors. Shaanxi Province equipment manufacturing industry level has much room to improve.

With the rapid development of economy and a large number of energy consumption, the countries all over the world are faced with the depletion of fossil energy resources. Meanwhile, a large number of fossil energy extraction cause geological disasters frequently and the greenhouse effect, which lead to global warming, acid rain and other serious environmental problems. As a representative of the biomass energy, crop straws have advantages of wide distribution, large amount, low price and cleaning, which will be an ideal choice in the future. But it is hard to be efficiently used because of the special structure of crop straws. Through fermentation engineering and gene engineering, people can greatly improve the efficiency of utilization of crop straws, which offers a very promising way to make a breakthrough for energy consumption.

Background PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog gene on chromosome 10), a well-characterized tumor suppressor, is a key regulator of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway involved in cell survival, metastasis and cell renewal. PTEN expression is closely related to the phenotype, prognosis and drug selection in breast cancer. It is mainly regulated by transcriptional and post-transcriptional modifications. RNA binding motif protein 38 (RBM38), an RNA-binding protein (RBP) and a target of P53 family, plays a crucial role in the regulation of cellular processing, especially in post-transcription regulation and gene transcription. In this study, we investigated a new post-transcription regulation mechanism of PTEN expression by RBM38 in breast cancer. Methods Immunohistochemistry, lentivirus transfections, Western blotting analysis, qRT-PCR and ELISA were used to conduct the relation between RBM38 and PTEN. RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA electrophoretic mobility shift and dual-luciferase reporter assays were employed to identify the direct binding sites of RBM38 with PTEN transcript. Colony formation assay was conducted to confirm the function of PTEN in RBM38-induced growth suppression. Results PTEN expression was positively associated with the expression of RBM38 in breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cells. Moreover, RBM38 stabilized PTEN transcript to enhance PTEN expression via binding to multiple AU/U- rich elements (AREs) in 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of PTEN transcript. Additionally, specific inhibitors of PTEN activity and small interfering (siRNA) of PTEN expression inhibited RBM38-mediated suppression of proliferation, which implied that RBM38 acted as a tumor suppressor partly by enhancing PTEN expression. Conclusion The present study revealed a new PTEN regulating mechanism that PTEN was positively regulated by RBM38 via stabilizing its transcript stability, which in turn alleviated RBM38-mediated growth suppression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-017-0620-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Purpose To identify disease-causing gene mutations in 21 northern Chinese families with congenital cataracts. Methods Medical record collection and ophthalmologic examinations were conducted for 21 families with congenital cataracts. A volume of 5 ml of peripheral blood was drawn from each participant for genomic DNA isolation. Thirty-four known candidate genes for congenital cataracts were analyzed in the probands of 21 families with targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). Bioinformatics analysis of the sequence variants was performed through computational predictive programs. Sanger sequencing was used to perform the cosegregation analysis. Genotyping and haplotype analyses were performed in two patients with a p.V44M mutation in the GJA8 gene. Results Twelve disease-causing mutations were detected in 13 of the 21 patients, and the mutation detection rate was 61.9%. The 12 gene mutations included one nonsense, one splice site, seven missense, and three insert and deletion (INDELs) mutations. Four mutations were novel. Of the 13 patients with pathogenic gene mutations, five (38.5%) were affected by mutations in lens crystallin genes, three (23%) were affected by mutations in connexin genes, three (23%) were affected by mutations in transcription factor genes, one (7.7%) was affected by a mutation in a transmembrane transporter gene, and one (7.7%) was affected by a mutation in a chromatin-modifying protein gene. Two families carried the p.V44M mutation in the GJA8 gene. Haplotype analysis revealed a chromosome region of 475 kb containing the mutation in the GJA8 gene was harbored by two families. Conclusions Compared with traditional Sanger sequencing, targeted NGS for genetic testing of congenital cataracts markedly increases the mutation detection rate and is cost-effective. The p.V44M mutation in the GJA8 gene was the most common mutation and was due to a founder effect within the Chinese cohort studied. The results of this study expand the gene mutation spectrum of congenital cataracts.

Cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation are the basis of many diseases. Forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FOXO1) changes in response to cellular stimulation and maintains tissue homeostasis during the above-mentioned physiological and pathological processes. Substantial evidences indicate that FOXO1's function depends on the modulation of downstream targets such as apoptosis- and autophagy-associated genes, anti-oxidative stress enzymes, cell cycle arrest genes, and metabolic and immune regulators. In addition, oxidative stress, high glucose and other stimulations induce the regulation of FOXO1 activity via PI3k-Akt, JNK, CBP, Sirtuins, ubiquitin E3 ligases, etc., which mediate multiple signalling pathways. Subsequent post-transcriptional modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, deacetylation, arginine methylation and O-GlcNAcylation, activate or inhibit FOXO1. The regulation of FOXO1 and its role might provide a significant avenue for the prevention and treatment of diseases. However, the subtle mechanisms of the post-transcriptional modifications and the effect of FOXO1 remain elusive and even conflicting in the development of many diseases. The determination of these questions potentially has implications for further research regarding FOXO1 signalling and the identification of targeted drugs.

This study evaluates patients with congenital aniridia and cataract who underwent phacoemulsification, capsular tension ring placement, and foldable intraocular lens implantation. In this prospective case series, 10 patients (17 eyes) underwent cataract surgery via a 3.2 mm clear corneal incision. A continuous circular capsulorhexis with

Background RNA-binding protein 38 (RBM38) is a member of the RNA recognition motif (RRM) family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). RBM38 often exerts its function by forming regulatory loops with relevant genes. c-Myc is an oncogenic transcription factor that is upregulated in one-third of breast cancers and involved in many cellular processes in this malignancy. In our previous study, RBM38 was identified as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the regulation of this tumor suppressor. Methods Lentivirus transfections, Western blotting analysis, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were employed to study the expression of c-Myc and RBM38. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the direct relationship between c-Myc protein and the RBM38 gene. RNA immunoprecipitation combined with dual-luciferase reporter assays was conducted to confirm the direct relationship between the RBM38 protein and the c-Myc transcript. Results Knockdown of c-Myc increased RBM38 expression by binding directly to specific DNA sequences (5′-CACGTG-3′), known as the E-box motif, in the promoter region of RBM38 gene. Additionally, RBM38 destabilized the c-Myc transcript by directly targeting AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of c-Myc mRNA to suppress c-Myc expression. Moreover, specific inhibitors of c-Myc transcriptional activity inhibited RBM38-induced suppression of growth, implying that RBM38 acts as a tumor suppressor via a mechanism that depends, at least partially, on the reduction of c-Myc expression in breast cancer. Conclusions RBM38 and c-Myc form a unique mutually antagonistic RBM38-c-Myc loop in breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-017-0521-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Exhaust system is the most important infrared radiation source of a long-endurance UAV and the shape of the nozzle contribute to the infrared radiation characteristics of exhaust system. This paper built a 2-D nozzle and use ANSYS14.5 simulated the temperature filed of the plume. And then, spectral infrared radiation characteristics of the plume were obtained by the single band C-G approximation method. Finally, the infrared radiation intensity distribution of the exhaust system of the 2-D nozzle in different planes is obtained. The results show: The infrared radiation of the plume in wide side detection surface is far greater than the narrow side; The infrared radiation of the nozzle in wide side detection surface is smaller than the narrow side; The infrared radiation of the exhaust system in wide side detection surface is smaller than the narrow side. The results maybe contribute to the further study of the infrared radiation characteristics of the long-endurance UAV.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different oils on growth performance of juvenile Anguilla marmorata. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental diets were formulated to contain fish oil (FO), sunflower oil (SFO), peanut oil (PO), corn oil (CO) and soybean oil (SBO), respectively, as lipid sources each at an inclusion level of 50 g/kg. The diets were fed to apparent satiation for 10 weeks, twice a day to triplicate tanks of 30 fish each with an initial body weight 6.00±0.06 g. Weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed the FO and SBO diets were markedly higher than those fed the CO diet, while no other difference in WG and SGR were observed among other treatments. Fish fed FO and SBO diets had better feed utilization than the other diet fish groups. Muscle of fish fed the FO diet had significantly higher levels of C20:5n-3 and n-3/n-6 ratio compared with fish fed vegetable oil (VO) diets, while muscle n-6 PUFA and C18:2n-6 content showed an opposite trend. The present results suggest that soybean oil is a suitable replacement for fish oil for Anguilla marmorata. The IJA appears exclusively as a peer-reviewed on-line open-access journal at http://www.siamb.org.il. To read papers free of charge, please register online at registration form. Sale of IJA papers is strictly forbidden.

The aim of this study is to investigate the remission rate of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China and identify its potential determinants. A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2009 to January 2012. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews of the rheumatology outpatients in 28 tertiary hospitals in China. The remission rates were calculated in 486 RA patients according to different definitions of remission: the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) Boolean definition. Potential determinants of RA remission were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. The remission rates of RA from this multi-center cohort were 8.6 % (DAS28), 8.4 % (SDAI), 8.2 % (CDAI), and 6.8 % (Boolean), respectively. Favorable factors associated with remission were: low Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score, absence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), and treatment of methotrexate (MTX) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Younger age was also predictive for the DAS28 and the Boolean remission. Multivariate analyses revealed a low HAQ score, the absence of anti-CCP, and the treatment with HCQ as independent determinants of remission. The clinical remission rate of RA patients was low in China. A low HAQ score, the absence of anti-CCP, and HCQ were significant independent determinants for RA remission.

Six new polyesters, talapolyesters A-F (1-4, 14, and 16), together with 11 known ones 15G256 nu (5), 15G256 nu-me (6), 15G256 pi (7), 15G256 beta-2 (8), 15G256 alpha-2 (9), 15G256 alpha-2-me (10), 15G256 iota. (11), 15G256 beta (12), 15G256 alpha (13), 15G256 alpha-1 (15), and 15G256 omega (17), were isolated from the wetland soil-derived fungus Talaromyces flavus BYD07-13, and their structures were determined by NMR and MS spectroscopic data. Among them, 1-4 and 16 were assembled in a different manner from that of the known 256 polyesters. All the polyesters are composed of (R)-2,4-dihydroxy-6-(2-hydroxypropyl)benzoic acid and (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid/(S)-3,4-dihydroxybutyric acid residues. The absolute configurations of the residues were determined by alkaline hydrolysis. The cytotoxicity against five tumor cell lines of these compounds was examined, and a tight structure-activity relationship is proposed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

With the use of representative observed wind speed data for a whole year in Jiuquan field in Gansu province of Hexi Corridor ,we analysed the characteristics of ten-minutes wind speed, diurnal wind speed, monthly wind speed variation , as well as the influence of the wind power change rate in different time periods and diurnal variation in four seasons. Studies have shown that ten-minutes short-term wind turbulence characteristics was more obvious, with some randomness , but mainly exhibited typical diurnal characteristics of variation. In addition to mean state of wind conditions, there were sustained gale, short-term gale, continued small wind, regular small wind appeared. Monthly variation of wind speed is characterized by the "three peaks and three valleys" , showing the regular change that wind speed was larger in spring and summer , and it was smaller in autumn and winter. Daily fluctuation of wind electricity generation in four seasons presented similar trends, it was a peak-valley feature, valley generally appeared between 9-11 a.m., the peak occurred between 5-7 p.m..Wind power got larger between 1 and 11 p.m., this period was the peak electricity needed, wind power added can significantly ease the power grid pressure and will has significant positive effect for the power grid control. Ten-minute power variation was relatively stable, with the time interval increased, variation in electricity generation of one day rate increased gradually.

ZnS:X− (X = F and I) nanoparticles have been prepared successfully via a solid-state method at low temperature, and the effects of doping with X− on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of ZnS nanoparticles have been investigated. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), ultraviolet–visible diffusion reflection spectra, and emission and excitation spectra were used to characterize the crystal structure, chemical compositions, diameter, surface states, and optical properties of ZnS:X− (X = F and I) nanoparticles. XRD studies showed the phase singularity of ZnS:X− particles having zinc-blende (cubic) structure with an average crystallite size 4.7–11.0 nm. The results indicated that the PL of doping halogen ZnS nanoparticles can be enhanced remarkably by controlling suitable halogen doping, and the most intense emission was obtained when X/Zn = 0.3 and 0.45 under 387 nm excitation corresponding to X = F and I, respectively. The emission intensity of ZnS:F− (F/Zn = 0.3) nanoparticles was higher than that of ZnS:I− (I/Zn = 0.45), and exhibited strong emission with an intensity about 9 times higher than the undoped nanoparticles. It was found that the PL of ZnS nanoparticles doped with various halogens was decreased with the increase of the halogen ion radius.

The microscopic deformation mechanism was taken into account to research the high efficient solid ice and snow clearing technology. The solid ice and snow constitutive model was established, which the deformation mechanism of snow microstructure and macroscopic continuous behavior were linked together, considering the damage of solid ice and snow depends on the mechanical properties of the snow volume elements of the grain bonds between grains, and using the microstructure factor scale the stress state of microstructure in the continuous stress. The density is 520Kg/m3-600Kg/m3 of the solid ice and snow was selected for studying and the homogeneous triaxial loading test was conducted by using the SJ-1A strain control type triaxial shear instrument. The relations of local strain rate with limit stress was established according to the simulation analysis conducted the constitutive model that was been established, the results found that both of those showed a near-linear relations, it was fit with the experience relations. The computer simulation and experimental curves deviated a little, and the reasonableness of the established solid ice and snow constitutive model was verified. Studied have shown that the failure rule of solid ice and snow can be well described by the constitutive model, which presents a theoretical reference for the design of key icebreaking components.

It is benefit to improve the snow clearing effect, reduce energy consumption, conserve resources and enhance the performance of the machine was pointed. Using the depth into show, concave disc spacing and the angle between marching directions as factors, snow pack volume flaking, fracture width and snow clearing resistance as objective the three factors five levels orthogonal rotation test was conducted. The interaction between effect spacing of tools ,the fractures great influence on clearing efficiency and energy consumption when clearing the compacted ice and snow by using multi-blade cutting mode was found through the concave disc cutting test. The relation response surface graph was obtained through the analysis of test data by using the Design-Expert 6.0 software. The optimal parameters are: the angle between marching directions is 13°, depth into snow is 38mm~44mm, concave disc spacing is 14mm~17mm, which made the snow pack volume flaking is 124cm3~130cm3, the fracture width is 79mm~80mm, the snow clearing resistance is 0.6KN~0.65KN.

Single phase of Ba3Y1-xEuxB3O9 (0.05 ≤ x≤ 0.35)samples was prepared by the solid state reaction. The crystal structure, the surface, the particle size and luminescence properties were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy and spectrophotometer. The results showed that the obtained samples with the particle size from 0.3 to 1.5 um were hexagonal structure. Monitored by 592 nm emission, the excitation spectra of Ba3Y1-xEuxB3O9were dominated by the charge transfer band of O2-→Eu3+ peaking at about 259 nm until x= 0.15; the transition from 7F0 to 5L6 level of Eu3+ at about 395 nm was maximum after x> 0.15. The strongest emission peak due to the 5D0→7F1transition of Eu3+ was all located at about 592 nm in the emission spectra of Ba3Y1-xEuxB3O9, and the maximum emission was obtained at x= 0.15 and 0.3 under 254 and 395 nm excitation, respectively. The excitationprocess under the two excitation energies was analyzed. It indicated that only the centrosymmetric lattices could be excited under 254 nm excitation; both the centrosymmetric and noncentrosymmetric positions could be excited by 395 nm, accordingly, the ratio of the red emission (5D0→7F2) to the orange one (5D0→7F1) increased, leading to a better chromaticity of the phosphors.

The electrically controlled birefringence of nematic liquid crystal BL-009 was measured by polarized interference method. The influence of LC absorption effect, the birefringence variation, is discussed in this paper. The experiments results showed the influence to birefringence is big in infrared region. Not only the birefringence value is greatly different with that of unconsidering absorption effect, but also the gradient changing of birefringence curves is obvious. Furthermore, the electrically controlled birefringences of two conditions are compared when the absorption coefficients of ordinary light and the extraordinary light are nearly same and greatly different. The analysis demonstrated the approximate method of absorption coefficient is feasible.