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Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Although the available evidence for its efficacy is inconclusive, acupuncture is used as an alternative therapy for KOA. The aim of this trial is to determine the efficacy of electro-acupuncture and manual acupuncture versus sham acupuncture for KOA.Methods/design: This is a study protocol for a randomised, three-arm, multicentre, clinical trial. A total of 480 patients with KOA will be randomly assigned to the electro-acupuncture group, the manual acupuncture group or the sham acupuncture group in a 1:1:1 ratio. All patients will receive 24 sessions over 8 weeks. Participants will complete the trial by visiting the research centre at week 26 for a follow-up assessment. The primary outcome is the success rate: the proportion of patients achieving a minimal clinically important improvement, which is defined as ≥2 points on the numerical rating scale and ≥6 points on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function score at week 8 compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes include the numerical rating scale, WOMAC score, global patient assessment and quality of life at weeks 4, 8, 16 and 26 after randomisation.Discussion: This trial may provide high-quality evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of KOA. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03274713 . Registered on 20 November 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Temozolomide (TMZ)-based chemotherapy represents an effective way for treating human glioma. However, its clinical application is limited because of its side effects and resistance to standard chemotherapy. Hence, the search for novel chemosensitizers to augment their anticancer efficiency has attracted much attention. Natural borneol (NB) has been identified as a potential chemosensitizer in treating human cancers. However, the synergistic effect and mechanism of NB and TMZ in human glioma have not been investigated yet. Materials and methods: U251 human glioma cells were cultured, and the cytotoxicity and apoptosis of NB and/or TMZ were examined by MTT assay, flow cytometric analysis and Western blot. Nude mice tumor model was also employed to evaluate the in vivo anticancer effect and mechanism. Results: The results showed that the combined treatment of NB and TMZ more effectively inhibited human glioma growth via triggering mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in vitro, accompanied by the caspase activation. Combined treatment of NB and TMZ also caused mitochondrial dysfunction through disturbing Bcl-2 family expression. Further investigation revealed that NB enhanced TMZ-induced DNA damage through inducing reactive oxide species (ROS) overproduction. Moreover, glioma tumor xenograft growth in vivo was more effectively inhibited by the combined treatment with NB and TMZ through triggering apoptosis and anti-angiogenesis. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings validated that the strategy of using NB and TMZ could be a highly efficient way to achieve anticancer synergism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some refractory organic matters or soluble microbial products remained in the effluents of refractory organic wastewater after biological secondary treatment and need an advanced treatment before final disposal. Graphene oxide (GO) was known to have potential to be the next generation membrane material. The functional organics/inorganic salts separation GO membrane preparation and application in wastewater advanced treatment could reduce energy or chemicals consumption and avoid organics/inorganic salts mixed concentrate waste problems after nanofiltration or reverse osmosis. In this study, we developed a novelty GO membrane aiming at advanced purification of organic matters in the secondary effluents of refractory organic wastewater and avoiding the organics/inorganic salts mixed concentrate waste problem. The influence of preparation conditions including pore size of support membrane, the number of GO layers and the applied pressure was investigated. It was found that for organics/inorganic salts mixture separation membrane preparation, the rejection and flux would achieve balance for the support membrane at a pore size of ~0.1 μm and the number of GO layers of has an optimization value (~10 layers). A higher assemble pressure (~10 bar) contributed to the acquisition of a higher rejection efficiency and lower roughness membrane. This as prepared GO membrane was applied to practical secondary effluent of a chemical synthesis pharmaceuticals wastewater. A good organic matter rejection efficiency (76%) and limited salt separation (<14%) was finally obtained. These results can promote the practical application of GO membrane and the resourcelized treatment of industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bright blue emitting excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) molecule, 2-(4,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1 H -imidazol-2-yl)-4-chlorolphenol (HPICl) has been designed and synthesized, whose solvent-dependent PLQY is up to 0.53 in EtOH, and 0.46 as solid state. Fluorescence quenching experiments manifest the selective detection of picric acid (PA) and p -nitrophenol ( p -NP) over other nitroaromatic explosive compounds, which is closely related with the presence of OH groups on these two molecules that affect the ESIPT-based luminescence character of HPICl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To explore the relationship between insulin levels and nonpsychotic dementia. Methods. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, SCI, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang) were searched from January 1, 2007, to March 1, 2017. Experimental or observational studies that enrolled people with nonpsychotic dementia or abnormal insulin levels in which insulin levels or MMSE scores (events in nonpsychotic dementia) were the outcome measures. Random-effects models were chosen for this meta-analysis. Sample size, mean, s.d., and events were primarily used to generate effect sizes (with the PRIMA registration number CRD42017069860). Results. 50 articles met the final inclusion criteria. Insulin levels in cerebrospinal fluid were lower (Hedges’ g = 1.196, 95% CI = 0.238 to 2.514, and P=0.014), while the levels in peripheral blood were higher in nonpsychotic dementia patients (Hedges’ g = 0.853 and 95% CI = 0.579 to 1.127), and MMSE scores were significantly lower in the high insulin group than in the healthy control group (Hedges’ g = 0.334, 95% CI = 0.249 to 0.419, and P=0.000). Conclusions. Our comprehensive results indicate that blood insulin levels may increase in patients with nonpsychotic dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core-shell or striped heteroatomic lanthanide metal-organic framework hierarchical single crystals were obtained by liquid-phase anisotropic epitaxial growth, maintaining identical periodic organization while simultaneously exhibiting spatially segregated structure. Different types of domain and orientation-controlled multicolor photophysical models are presented, which show either visually distinguishable or visible/near infrared (NIR) emissive colors. This provides a new bottom-up strategy toward the design of hierarchical molecular systems, offering high-throughput and multiplexed luminescence color tunability and readability. The unique capability of combining spectroscopic coding with 3D (three-dimensional) microscale spatial coding is established, providing potential applications in anti-counterfeiting, color barcoding, and other types of integrated and miniaturized optoelectronic materials and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core-shell or striped heteroatomic lanthanide metal-organic framework hierarchical single crystals were obtained by liquid-phase anisotropic epitaxial growth, maintaining identical periodic organization while simultaneously exhibiting spatially segregated structure. Different types of domain and orientation-controlled multicolor photophysical models are presented, which show either visually distinguishable or visible/near infrared (NIR) emissive colors. This provides a new bottom-up strategy toward the design of hierarchical molecular systems, offering high-throughput and multiplexed luminescence color tunability and readability. The unique capability of combining spectroscopic coding with 3D (three-dimensional) microscale spatial coding is established, providing potential applications in anti-counterfeiting, color barcoding, and other types of integrated and miniaturized optoelectronic materials and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A real photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) evaluation approach based on compressed sensing with non-subsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) and the total variation model is proposed for modeling optical properties of the real PCFs. The classical images of a commercial large mode area PCF and polarization-maintaining PCF are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Experimental results demonstrate that the cross section images of real PCFs are rebuilt effectively by using only 36% image data for evaluating the optical properties with the same accuracy as by 100% data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the instance of applying the compressed sensing with the NSCT and total variation to reconstruct the cross section images of PCFs for quickly evaluating the optical properties of real PCFs without the requirement of long fiber samples and expensive measurement apparatuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All proteins are synthesized by the ribosome, a macromolecular complex that accomplishes the life-sustaining tasks of faithfully decoding mRNA and catalyzing peptide bond formation at the peptidyl transferase center (PTC). The ribosome has evolved an exit tunnel to host the elongating new peptide, protect it from proteolytic digestion, and guide its emergence. It is here that the nascent chain begins to fold. This folding process depends on the rate of translation at the PTC. We report here that besides PTC events, translation kinetics depend on steric constraints on nascent peptide side chains and that confined movements of cramped side chains within and through the tunnel fine-tune elongation rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Usewear analysis has become an essential method for studying function of lithic artifacts. This article discusses experiments and analyses of usewear on quartzite artifacts caused from bone-working. The raw materials were collected from the Wulanmulun Site, Inner Mongolia, north China. Four working motions were involved, including cutting, scraping, drilling, and chopping. Five specimens were selected for a multi-stage experiment. This experiment demonstrates that apparent usewear would occur on the employable location on specimens as follows: 1) mainly large and medium scarring sizes; 2) mainly stepped and feathered terminations, and hinged ones occasionally; 3) continuous and overlapped distributions; 4) heavy rounding on the used edges of specimens. The multi-stage experiment shows that the number of newly produced scars declined with time duration and intensity of usage. The development of rounding shows a non-linear increase from light to heavy. This article intends to establish a reference collection of lithic usewear on Chinese quartzite for archaeological analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we attempt to determine the source of the hornfels used to make the famous Late Middle Pleistocene lithic industry from Dingcun in North China. By combining geological mapping and geochemical fingerprinting (μ-XRF), we demonstrate that the source of the hornfels was around the Dagudui Mountain, 7 km east of Dingcun. Taking into consideration the Gujiao site, which is also located along the Fenhe River, the Palaeolithic inhabitants of the Fenhe River drainage basin had a good knowledge of the local rock sources, and used them over a very long period from the Middle Pleistocene to the Neolithic. Our geochemical data not only helps us to establish the source of the Dingcun industry, but also provides a reliable basis for the sub-classification of the hornfels that is more accurate than that resulting from visual inspection. In addition, our research initiates a new method for studying raw material sources of Chinese Paleolithic sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) will form the senile plaques and cause oxidative damage and neuronal cell death, which was accepted as the major pathological mechanism to the Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hence, inhibition of Aβ-induced oxidative damage and neuronal cell apoptosis by agents with potential antioxidant properties represents one of the most effective strategies in combating human AD. Curcumin (Cur) a natural extraction from curcuma longa has potential of pharmacological efficacy, including the benefit to antagonize Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. However, the molecular mechanism remains elusive. The present study evaluated the protective effect of Cur against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in PC12 cells and investigated the underlying mechanism. The results showed that Cur markedly reduced Aβ-induced cytotoxicity by inhibition of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis through regulation of Bcl-2 family. The PARP cleavage, caspases activation, and ROS-mediated DNA damage induced by Aβ were all significantly blocked by Cur. Moreover, regulation of p38 MAPK and AKT pathways both contributed to this protective potency. Our findings suggested that Cur could effectively suppress Aβ-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis by inhibition of ROS-mediated oxidative damage and regulation of ERK pathway, which validated its therapeutic potential in chemoprevention and chemotherapy of Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Usewear analysis is one of the most important and significant methods in studying the hafting wear. The raw material used in this article is quartzite gathered from identified raw material resource of Wulanmulun Site, and the wooden handle and hemp rope are used as the binding material of accomplishing the experimental study on the hafting wear on quartzite tools. The low-power technique was applied in observing stone specimens. The research shows that the hafting wear on quartzite tools has its own regular pattern that can be well recognized by the low-power technique. Generally, the difference of major features and patterns of hafting wear occurred and distributed at areas of the lateral edges, surface ridges and basal edges of the lower part on the specimens can be well distinguished. The binding material, binding method, processing way of binding and the morphology of stone specimen themselves can be also affected factors to the hafting wear patterns. The present study may contribute a partial set of reference standards in constructing hafting wear patterns on the quartzite tools and aid interpretation of features observed on archaeological assemblages on the basis of the low-power technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe)-based catalysts are widely used for taming nitrogen oxides (NO x) containing flue gas, but the regeneration and long-term reusability remains a concern. The reusability can be acquired by external additives, and resultantly can not only increase the cost but can also add to process complexity as well as secondary pollutants. Herein, a self-sustainable material is designed to regenerate the catalyst for long-term reusability without adding to process complexity. The catalyst is based on reduced graphene-oxide impregnated by Fe 2 O 3 -MnO (rGO@Fe 2 O 3 -MnO; G-F-M) for spontaneous intra electron (e-)-transfer from Mn to Fe. The developed catalyst; G-M-F exhibited 93.7% NO x reduction, which suggests its high catalytic activity. The morphological and structure characterizations confirmed the Fe/Mn loading, contributing to e--transfer between Mn and Fe due to its conductivity. The synthesized G-F-M showed higher NO x reduction about 2.5 folds, than rGO@Fe 2 O 3 (G-FeO) and rGO@MnO x (G-MnO x). The performance of G-M-F without and with an electrochemical system was also compared, and the difference was only 5%, which is an evidence of the spontaneous e- transfer between the Mn and Fe-NO x complex. The designed catalyst can be used for a long time without external assistance, and its efficiency was not affected significantly (<3.7%) in the presence of high oxygen contents (8%). The as-prepared G-M-F catalyst has great potential for executing a dual role NOx removal and self-regeneration of catalyst (SRC), promoting a sustainable remediation approach for large-scale applications. [Display omitted] • Self-healing rGO@Fe 2 O 3 -MnO is prepared to propel applicability of catalytic reduction systems. • rGO@Fe 2 O 3 -MnO maintained > 90 % NO x removal for 48 h compared to rGO@FeO and rGO@MnO x. • GC-MS analysis confirmed efficient catalytic conversion of NO x into N 2 (∼81 %) and N 2 O (9.4 %). • Catalyst's efficacy for NO x reduction was not affected significantly (<3.7 %) in presence of O 2 (8 %). • Redox potential of Mn is higher than Fe, facilitating e- transfer from Mn to Fe for self-regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) is an excellent material for membrane surface modification. However, little is known about how and to what extent surface functional groups change after GO modification influence membrane anti-fouling properties. Carboxyl is an inherent functional group on polyamide or other similar membranes. Multivalent cations in wastewater secondary effluent can bridge with carboxyls on membrane surfaces and organic foulants, resulting in serious membrane fouling. In this study, carboxyls of a polydopamine (pDA)/1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride (TMC) active layer are shielded by covalently-bound GO. The process is mediated by N -(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N’-ethylcarbodiimide (EDC)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). For GO containing low quantities of carboxyls, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and zeta potential analyzer test results reveal that the carboxyl density decreased by 52.3% compare to the pDA/TMC membrane after GO modification. Fouling experiments shows that the flux only slightly declines in the GO functionalized membrane (19.0%), compared with the pDA/TMC membrane (36.0%) after fouling. In addition, during GO modification process the pDA/TMC active layer also become harder and thinner with the aid of EDC/NHS. So the pure water permeability increases from 56.3 ± 18.2 to 103.7 ± 12.0 LMH/MPa. Our results provide new insights for membrane modification work in water treatment and other related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 66 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 66 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothermia treatment is one of the neuroprotective strategies that improve neurological outcomes effectively after brain damage. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been an important treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Herein, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of MIS joint local cooling lavage (LCL) treatment on ICH via detecting the inflammatory responses, oxidative injury, and neuronal apoptosis around the hematoma cavity in rats. ICH model was established by type IV collagenase caudatum infusion. The rats were treated with MIS 6 h after injection, and then were lavaged by normothermic (37 °C) and hypothermic (33 °C) normal saline in brain separately. The results indicated that MIS joint LCL treatment showed enhanced therapeutic effects against ICH-induced inflammation injury and apoptosis in rats, as convinced by the decline of TUNEL-positive cells, followed by the decrease of IL-1β and LDH and increase of IL-10 and SOD. This study demonstrated that the strategy of using MIS joint LCL may achieve enhanced neuroprotection against ICH-induced inflammation injury and apoptosis in rats with potential clinic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenocysteine (SeC) a natural available selenoamino acid exhibits novel anticancer activities against human cancer cell lines. However, the growth inhibitory effect and mechanism of SeC in human glioma cells remain unclear. The present study reveals that SeC time- and dose-dependently inhibited U251 and U87 human glioma cells growth by induction of S-phase cell cycle arrest, followed by the marked decrease of cyclin A. SeC-induced S-phase arrest was achieved by inducing DNA damage through triggering generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide anion, with concomitant increase of TUNEL-positive cells and induction of p21waf1/Cip1 and p53. SeC treatment also caused the activation of p38MAPK, JNK and ERK, and inactivation of AKT. Four inhibitors of MAPKs and AKT pathways further confirmed their roles in SeC-induced S-phase arrest in human glioma cells. Our findings advance the understanding on the molecular mechanisms of SeC in human glioma management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly three thousand specimens of mammalian remains were unearthed from Wulanmulun Paleolithic site in Ordos, Nei Mongol, during 2010–2012 rescue excavations. The majority of the remains belong to medium and large sized hoofed mammals, particularly woolly rhinoceros. The materials are mostly fragmental and associated with thousands of stone artifacts. Taphonomic analyses show that the remains were subjected to little alluvial transportation but some weathering before burial. Only two kinds of bone tools, antler hammers and shaft points, were identified. The cut marks on the bones showed that the animals were mostly hunted and butchered on the spot rather than scavenged. The prey were likely lured or driven into the site and trapped in the muddy alluvial deposits and butchered near or after their death. The site is more probably a trap for hunting large animals and a follow-up butchery shop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudostellaria heterophylla is an important traditional Chinese herbal medicine with vast clinical consumption because of its positive effects. To date, changes in the metabolite composition of P. heterophylla have been well documented; however, the molecular differences between cultivated P. heterophylla and its wild-type are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in cultivated and wild P. heterophylla . Due to the lack of a genomic database, we used high-throughput transcriptomic and proteomic technologies to identify proteins in the herb. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) MS/MS were used to detect statistically significant changes between cultivated and wild P. heterophylla . We detected 3775 proteins; 332 showed differential accumulations across two different ecotypes of P. heterophylla . 71 significant differential expressions of proteins were selected based on GO annotations, KEGG, STRING analysis, and expression level. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis confirmed the authenticity and accuracy of the proteomic analysis. The results indicated that the carbohydrate and cellular amino acid metabolisms in cultivated P. heterophylla were weaker than those in its wild-type; seven important proteins were found to regulate sucrose and amino acids. This will provide the basic information for exploring the cause of differences in secondary metabolites in different ecotypes of P. heterophylla and the protein mechanism of its quality formation. Biological significance This study combined a transcriptome, proteome, and metabolism approach for analyzing differentially expressed proteins of cultivated and wild P. heterophylla and established the relationship between significantly differentially expressed proteins and differential chemical components in non-model plants. The results of proteomic analysis provide the basic information for exploring the quality forming process, which will demonstrate, and provide guidance for, the study of effective constituents of P. heterophylla and its quality formation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testes-specific protease 50 (TSP50) is abnormally overexpressed in many kinds of cancers and promotes cell proliferation and migration. However, whether TSP50 can influence the tumor microenvironment, especially the function of immune cells in the microenvironment, remains largely unknown. We demonstrated that exposure to the conditioned medium from TSP50-overexpressing cells, or co-culture with TSP50-overexpressing cells, enhanced the cytokine production and phagocytic activities of macrophages, and induced M2b polarization. Further investigation showed that production of TNF-α and IL-1β was strongly induced by TSP50 in TSP50-overexpressing cells. TSP50-induced TNF-α and IL-1β were main factors that mediated the effects of TSP50-overexpressing cells on macrophages. The NF-κB pathway could be activated in macrophages upon the treatment of conditioned medium of TSP50-overexpressing cells and its activation is necessary for the observed effects on macrophages. Taken together, our results suggested that oncogenic TSP50 expressed in cells could activate surrounding macrophages and induce M2b polarization, partly through inducing TNF-α/ IL-1β secretion and subsequent NF-κB pathway activation. This implies a potential mechanism by which oncogene TSP50 regulates tumor microenvironment to support tumor development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Toll-like receptor ( TLR)-7 agonists have been used in cancer immunotherapy, but tumour heterogeneity means that TLR-7 activity is variable in different components of the tumour microenvironment and the characteristics of TLR-7 in oral squamous cell carcinoma ( OSCC) are unclear. Methods and results Twenty healthy oral tissues, 50 oral leukoplakia tissues and 166 retrospective primary OSCC samples were collected for immunohistochemical staining of TLR-7 and showed up-regulated expression during carcinogenesis. Moreover, patients with high expression of TLR-7 in tumour cells ( TCs) had poor differentiation and prognosis. Interestingly, patients with high expression of TLR-7 in stroma fibroblast-like cells ( FLCs) had low tumour stage, no lymph node metastasis ( LNM) and better prognosis. Furthermore, Ki-67, CD3, CD4, CD8 and forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ tumour-infiltrated lymphocytes were assessed and we found that TLR-7high TCs were infiltrated by fewer CD3+ CD4+ but more FoxP3+ lymphocytes. Importantly, patients with TLR-7low TCs and TLR-7high FLCs had less FoxP3+ lymphocyte infiltration and longer survival time than those with TLR-7high TCs/ TLR-7low FLCs, although TLR-7 was not an independent prognostic factor for OSCC. Conclusions The low expression of TLR-7 in tumour and high expression of TLR-7 in stroma predict a good clinical outcome for OSCC patients, and stroma FLCs might be amenable to immunotherapy by a TLR-7 agonist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy in clinic is severely limited by its adverse effect, including neurotoxicity. Oxidative damage contributes to cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity, but the mechanism remains unclearly. Cyanidin, a natural flavonoid compound, exhibits powerful antioxidant activity. Hence, we investigated the protective effects of cyanidin on PC12 cells against cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity and explored the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity was completely reversed by cyanidin through inhibition of PC12 cell apoptosis, as proved by the attenuation of Sub-G1 peak, PARP cleavage, and caspases-3 activation. Mechanistically, cyanidin significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced DNA damage in cisplatin-treated PC12 cells. Our findings revealed that cyanidin as an apoptotic inhibitor effectively blocked cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity through inhibition of ROS-mediated DNA damage and apoptosis, predicating its therapeutic potential in prevention of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. Graphical Abstract: Cisplatin caused DNA damage, activated p53, and subsequently induced PC12 cells apoptosis by triggering ROS overproduction. However, cyanidin administration effectively inhibited DNA damage, attenuated p53 phosphorylation, and eventually reversed cisplatin-induced PC12 cell apoptosis through inhibition ROS accumulation.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Postural instability/gait difficulty ( PIGD) and tremor-dominant ( TD) subtypes of Parkinson's disease ( PD) show different clinical manifestations; however, their underlying neural substrates remain incompletely understood. This study aimed at investigating the subtype-specific patterns of spontaneous brain activity in PD. Methods Thirty-one patients with PD (12 TD/19 PIGD) and 22 healthy gender- and age-matched controls were recruited. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected, and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations ( ALFF) was measured. Voxelwise one-way analysis of covariance and post hoc analyses of ALFF were performed among the three groups, with age and gender as covariates (levodopa daily dosage and gray matter volume as additional covariates for validation analysis). Correlations of clinical variables (e.g., disease duration and PIGD/tremor subscale score) with ALFF values were examined. Results Compared with controls, patients with TD exhibited higher ALFF in the right cerebellar posterior lobe and patients with PIGD exhibited lower ALFF in the bilateral putamen and cerebellar posterior lobe, and higher values primarily in several cortical areas including the inferior and superior temporal gyrus, superior frontal, and parietal gyrus. Compared with patients with PIGD, patients with TD had higher ALFF in the bilateral putamen and the cerebellar posterior lobe, as well as lower ALFF in the bilateral temporal gyrus and the left superior parietal lobule. In all patients, ALFF in the bilateral cerebellar posterior lobe positively correlated with tremor score and ALFF in the bilateral putamen negatively correlated with PIGD score. Conclusion Different patterns of spontaneous neural activity in the cerebellum and putamen may underlie the neural substrate of PD motor subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct white-light emission and further a dual-channel readable barcode module in both visible and NIR region was established by single-component homo-metallic Pr(iii)-MOF crystals for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodiola crenulata is clinically used to combat hypobaric hypoxia brain injury at high altitude with the function of invigorating Qi and promoting blood circulation in Tibetan medicine. Salidroside (Sal), an active compound identified from Rhodiola species, has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects against hypoxic brain injury. However, its mitochondrial protective mechanisms remain largely unknown. The present study aimed to explore the mitochondrial protection of Sal and the involved mechanisms related to mitochondrial dynamics homeostasis on hypoxia-induced injury of HT22 cells. Hypoxic condition was performed as cells cultured in a tri-gas incubator with 1% O 2 , 5% CO 2 and 94% N 2. We firstly investigated the effects of different concentrations of Sal on the viability of normal or hypoxic HT22 cells. Whereafter, the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and Na+-K+-ATPase were tested by commercial kits. Meanwhile, mitochondrial superoxide, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were determined by specific labeled probes. Mitochondrial morphology was detected by mito-tracker green with confocal microscopy. Additionally, the potential interactions of Sal with Sirt1/p53/Drp1 signaling pathway-related proteins were predicted and tested by molecular docking and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) techniques, respectively. Furthermore, the protein levels of Sirt1, p53, ac-p53, Drp1, p-Drp1(s616), Fis1 and Mfn2 were estimated by western blot analysis. Sal alleviated hypoxia-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells as evidenced by increased cell viability and SOD activity, while decreased LDH release and MDA content. The protected mitochondrial function by Sal treatment was indicated by the increases of ATP level, Na+-K+-ATPase activity and MMP. Miraculously, Sal reduced hypoxia-induced mitochondrial fission, while increased mitochondrial tubular or linear morphology. The results of molecular docking and LSPR confirmed the potential binding of Sal to proteins Sirt1, p53, Fis1 and Mfn2 with affinity values 1.38 × 10−2, 5.26 × 10−3, 6.46 × 10−3 and 7.26 × 10−3 KD, respectively. And western blot analysis further demonstrated that Sal memorably raised the levels of Sirt1 and Mfn2, while decreased the levels of ac-p53, Drp1, p-Drp1 (s616) and Fis1. Collectively, our data confirm that Sal can maintain mitochondrial dynamics homeostasis by activating the Sirt1/p53/Drp1 signaling pathway. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD) is a traditional Chinese formula that is efficacious in treating diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetic encephalopathy; the underlying mechanisms of HLJDD in diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction remain unclear. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of HLJDD on cognitive function, and the possible underlying mechanisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a rat model of cognitive impairment. Twelve active ingredients in HLJDD were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. An animal model of cognitive dysfunction in T2DM was induced via a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with a low dose of streptozotocin. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, T2DM, metformin (0.34 g/kg/day), and HLJDD groups (3, 1.5, and 0.75 g/kg/day). All treatments were intragastrically administrated for nine continuous weeks after the development of T2DM. Body weight, food and water intake, fasting blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, and blood lipid levels were measured. Spatial learning and memory of the rats were assessed using the Morris water maze test. Hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining were performed to evaluate neuronal morphology and vitality. Glutathione, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels were measured to determine the level of oxidative stress in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the synaptic morphology and structure of hippocampal neurons. IL-1β levels in the hippocampus and cerebrospinal fluid were determined. The protein expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, mature IL-1β, ATG7, P62, LC3, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was determined using western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. HLJDD attenuated cognitive dysfunction in rats with T2DM as shown by the decreased escape latency, increased times crossing the platform and time spent in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze test (P < 0.05), improvement in hippocampal histopathological changes, and an elevated level of cell vitality. HLJDD treatment also reduced blood glucose and lipid levels, ameliorated oxidative stress, and downregulated IL-1β expression in the hippocampus and cerebrospinal fluid (P < 0.05). Moreover, HLJDD enhanced BDNF, ATG7, and LC3 protein expression and significantly inhibited the expression of P62, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and mature IL-1β in the hippocampal CA1 region (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence results further confirmed that the fluorescence intensity of NLRP3 and P62 in the hippocampus decreased after HLJDD intervention (P < 0.05). HLJDD ameliorated cognitive dysfunction in T2DM rats. The neuroprotective effect is exerted via the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, upregulation of autophagy, and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two series of Pb(ii)–Ln(iii) heteronuclear coordination complexes are assembled from a tripodal ligand triCB-NTB ((4,4′,4′′-(2,2′,2′′-nitrilotris(methylene)tris(1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2,1-diyl)tris(methylene))tribenzoic acid)). In the Pb2LnL2 series, the Ln3+ ion is encapsulated in a highly symmetrical {LnO6} octahedron with an inversion center, and Pb–Ln–Pb clusters are formed by the linkage of carboxyl groups on triCB-NTB ligands to Pb2+ and Ln3+ simultaneously. However, in the PbLn2L2 series, the Ln3+ ion is encapsulated in a distorted {LnO9} polyhedron without an inversion center. Pb2+ ions are coordinated with benzimidazole and apical N atoms on the ligand in isolation, and the carboxyl groups link two Ln3+ ions into a Ln–Ln cluster. This structural variation leads to different photoluminescence behaviour in these two series of complexes. Most importantly, the linkage of the Pb–Ln–Pb clusters causes more perturbation to the excited states of the ligand. Therefore, a more obvious ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) process is observed in the Pb2LnL2 series, and the energy transfer to the accepting levels of Ln3+ ions becomes more efficient. Furthermore, the combination of LC (ligand-centered) + LMCT + MC (metal-centered) emissions in the Pb2EuL2 complex results in single component white light emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordination of a rigid triangular ligand 2,4,6-tris[4-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)phenyl]-1,3,5-triazine (TIPT) with Cd(II) ions afforded two compounds with structural motifs of a CdI 2 -type and a (4,4) network for anions OTf − (CF 3 SO 3 − ) and OTs − ( p -CH 3 C 6 H 5 SO 3 − ), respectively, between which structural transition can be induced by anion exchange via solvent-mediated recrystallization process. Using this method, a pure substance can be obtained from a mixture under the excess of certain kind of anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordination of metal ions with a pair of chiral tripodal ligands ( R or S )-2-(2-((bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl)phenoxy)- N -(1-phenylethyl)acetamide ( R - or S - L ) results in the circular dichroism (CD) enhancement distinctly, giving fingerprint information among different metals. Specifically, the CD signals show more obvious magnification upon coordination with Ln 3 + compared with Zn 2 + and other metals. Structural analyses show that in Eu-complex ( 1 ), the Eu 3 + metal center is surrounded in a 10-coordinating geometry and the ligand takes fan-like configuration, while in Zn-complex ( 2 ), Zn 2 + is surrounded in a 7-coordinating geometry and the ligand takes pincer-like configuration. These differences in the coordination structure as well as intramolecular packing effects are responsible for the variation in CD signal responses of different metal-coordinated systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in genes encoding aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are known to cause leukodystrophies and genetic leukoencephalopathies—heritable disorders that result in white matter abnormalities in the central nervous system. Here we report three individuals (two siblings and an unrelated individual) with severe infantile epileptic encephalopathy, clubfoot, absent deep tendon reflexes, extrapyramidal symptoms, and persistently deficient myelination on MRI. Analysis by whole exome sequencing identified mutations in the nuclear-encoded alanyl-tRNA synthetase ( AARS ) in these two unrelated families: the two affected siblings are compound heterozygous for p.Lys81Thr and p.Arg751Gly AARS , and the single affected child is homozygous for p.Arg751Gly AARS . The two identified mutations were found to result in a significant reduction in function. Mutations in AARS were previously associated with an autosomal-dominant inherited form of axonal neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2N (CMT2N). The autosomal-recessive AARS mutations identified in the individuals described here, however, cause a severe infantile epileptic encephalopathy with a central myelin defect and peripheral neuropathy, demonstrating that defects of alanyl-tRNA charging can result in a wide spectrum of disease manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero-valent copper, even cheap, is rarely used in hydrodechlorination (such as chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons), because Cu has poor catalytical dechlorination activity and complex reaction mechanisms. In this study, Cu-Fe and Cu-Ni alloys were prepared by mechanical ball-milling, ad the effect of micro-environment for the chlorophenol (4-CP) dechlorination behavior of Cu was studied in order to investigate the effect of organic chlorine molecular structure on Cu dechlorination. Two reaction mechanisms were examined for low-cost copper during dechlorination. SEM-EDS and GC-MS analyses show that the structure of organic chlorine and Cu metal environment coold directly affect the mechanism. In the Cu-Fe system, Cu follows the classic catalytic hydrodechlorination mechanism and the degradation product 4-CP is phenol. But in the Cu-Ni system, nickel metal does not play a catalytic hydrogenation of action, the degraded product for 4-CP by Cu-Ni alloy is cyclohexanone. Copper acts as hydrogen-metal and shows a strong reducing activity by direct electron transfer. 4-CP degradation for Zero-valent copper was up to 70%, while only 34% for Cu-Fe system. These differences concluded that the aromatic ring was a direct electron transfer for Cu. Zero-valent copper can degrade 4-CP and phenol with high chemical stability, but cannot degrade aliphatic chlorinated organics (e. g., monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid) with relatively poor chemical stability. In conclusion, dechlorination mechanism for zero-valent copper is not traditiooal catalytic hydrodechlorination, but the direct electron transfer reduction mechanism which is affected by target molecule structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion from triene- to diene-typedansamycins is clarifiedstep by step in Streptomyces seoulensisIFB-A01.Such an intertype convertibility is adopted to establish for the firsttime the simultaneous mutasynthesis of both types of C17-benzene ansamycins(C17BAs). Three of the newly generated unnatural compounds showedpotent cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four novel supramolecular complexes [Cd(H2L)2]·(NO3)2·2H2O (1), [Cd(H2L)2]·(OH)2·(EtOH)0.5 (2), [Zn(H2L)(2,6-pdc)]·(2,6-H2pdc)1.5·MeOH·0.5H2O (3) and [Zn(H2L)2][Zn(2,5-Hpdc)3]2·1.5H2O (4) (H2L = 2,6-di-(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine, 2,6-H2pdc = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 2,5-H2pdc = 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid) based on pyrazolyl derivatives as ligands were designed and synthesized. They were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structural analysis indicates that the central metal atom (cadmium and zinc atoms) is six-coordinated, and possesses a slightly distorted-octahedral configuration. In addition, a cytotoxicity study was performed using multiple parallel perfused microbioreactors and the potential apoptotic effects on adrenal pheochromocytoma cells and human adipose tissue-derived stem cells were examined by flow-cytometric analysis. The results show that the percentage of apoptotic cells becomes gradually higher as the concentration of the supramolecular complex is increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Three transition metal complexes with pyridine-based ligand and dicarboxylate acids are synthesized. [•] Crystal structures are given. [•] Their activities in surface electron behavior field have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium complexes (VO)2(2,2′-bipy)2(bta)(H2O)2(1) and (VO)2(1,10-phen)2(bta)(H2O)2(2) (H4bta = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2-bipyridine and 1,10-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized by the reaction of V2(SO4)3, H4bta, 2,2′-bipy (for1) and 1,10-phen (for2) by hydrothermal methods. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–vis, thermogravimetric analyses, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural analyses indicate that1and2are both VO-bta-N-heterocycle system complexes. The central vanadium is coordinated by N2O4donors to form a distorted octahedral geometry. The complexes exhibit catalytic bromination activity in a single-pot reaction with conversion of phenol red to bromophenol blue in a mixed solution of H2O-DMF at 30 ± 0.5 °C with pH 5.8, indicating that they can be considered as a functional model of vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases. The practical application of H2O2detection has also been studied. Two oxovanadium complexes, (VO)2(2,2′-bipy)2(bta)(H2O)2(1) and (VO)2(1,10-phen)2(bta)(H2O)2(2) (H4bta = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2-bipyridine and 10-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized and characterized. The catalytic bromination activity and the practical application of H2O2detection have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Four novel oxidovanadium complexes. [•] Poly(pyrazolyl)borate ligand modified by iodine. [•] Crystal structure. [•] Bromination reaction activity. [•] Potential detection of hydrogen peroxide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The 2-thiouridine (s2U) at the wobble position of certain bacterial and eukaryotic tRNAs enhances aminoacylation kinetics, assists proper codon–anticodon base pairing at the ribosome A-site, and prevents frameshifting during translation. By mass spectrometry of affinity-purified native Escherichia coli tRNA1 Gln UUG, we show that the complete modification at the wobble position 34 is 5-carboxyaminomethyl-2-thiouridine (cmnm5s2U). The crystal structure of E. coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS) bound to native tRNA1 Gln and ATP demonstrates that cmnm5s2U34 improves the order of a previously unobserved 11-amino-acid surface loop in the distal β-barrel domain of the enzyme and imparts other local rearrangements of nearby amino acids that create a binding pocket for the 2-thio moiety. Together with previously solved structures, these observations explain the degenerate recognition of C34 and modified U34 by GlnRS. Comparative pre-steady-state aminoacylation kinetics of native tRNA1 Gln, synthetic tRNA1 Gln containing s2U34 as sole modification, and unmodified wild-type and mutant tRNA1 Gln and tRNA2 Gln transcripts demonstrates that the exocyclic sulfur moiety improves tRNA binding affinity to GlnRS 10-fold compared with the unmodified transcript and that an additional fourfold improvement arises from the presence of the cmnm5 moiety. Measurements of Gln–tRNAGln interactions at the ribosome A-site show that the s2U modification enhances binding affinity to the glutamine codons CAA and CAG and increases the rate of GTP hydrolysis by E. coli EF-Tu by fivefold. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Long non-coding RNAs play an important role in tumorigenesis, hence, identification of cancer-associated lncRNAs and investigation of their biological functions and molecular mechanisms are important for understanding the development and progression of cancer. Recently, the downregulation of lncRNA MEG3 has been observed in various human cancers. However, its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the expression pattern of MEG3 in NSCLC and to evaluate its biological role and clinical significance in tumor progression.Methods: Expression of MEG3 was analyzed in 44 NSCLC tissues and 7 NSCLC cell lines by qRT-PCR. Over-expression approaches were used to investigate the biological functions of MEG3 in NSCLC cells. Bisulfite sequencing was used to investigate DNA methylation on MEG3 expression. The effect of MEG3 on proliferation was evaluated by MTT and colony formation assays, and cell apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst staining and Flow-cytometric analysis. NSCLC cells transfected with pCDNA-MEG3 were injection into nude mice to study the effect of MEG3 on tumorigenesis in vivo . Protein levels of MEG3 targets were determined by western blot analysis. Differences between groups were tested for significance using Student's t-test (two-tailed).Results: MEG3 expression was decreased in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor tissues compared with normal tissues, and associated with advanced pathologic stage, and tumor size. Moreover, patients with lower levels of MEG3 expression had a relatively poor prognosis. Overexpression of MEG3 decreased NSCLC cells proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and impeded tumorigenesis in vivo. MDM2 and p53 protein levels were affected by MEG3 over-expression in vitro.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that MEG3 is significantly down-regulated in NSCLC tissues that could be affected by DNA methylation, and regulates NSCLC cell proliferation and apoptosis, partially via the activition of p53. Thus, MEG3 may represent a new marker of poor prognosis and is a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonated graphene nanosheet/gold nanoparticle (SGN/Au) hybrid was synthesized by electrostatic self-assembly of anionic SGN and positively charged gold nanoparticles. Due to the well-dispersivity of SGN in aqueous solution and its adequate negative charge, Au nanoparticles were assembled uniformly on graphene surface with high distribution. With the advantages of both graphene and Au nanoparticles, SGN/Au hybrid showed enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards O reduction. Furthermore, it provided a conductive and favorable microenvironment for the glucose oxidase (GOD) immobilization and thus promoted its direct electron transfer at the glassy carbon electrode. Based on the consumption of O caused by glucose at the interface of GOD electrode modified with SGN/Au hybrid, the modified electrode displayed satisfactory analytical performance, including high sensitivity (14.55 μA mM cm), low detection limit (0.2 mM), an acceptable linear range from 2 to 16 mM, and also the prevention from the interference of some species. These results indicated that the prepared SGN/Au hybrid is a promising candidate material for high-performance glucose biosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, and surgical resection is the commonly used curative management of early-stage disease. However, the recurrence rate is high after resection, and liver fibrosis has been thought to increase the risk of recurrence. Conventional histological staging of fibrosis is highly subjective to observer variations. To overcome this limitation, we used a fully quantitative fibrosis assessment tool, qFibrosis (utilizing second harmonic generation and two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy), with multi-dimensional artificial intelligence analysis to establish a fully-quantitative, accurate fibrotic score called a "combined index", which can predict early recurrence of HCC after curative intent resection. Therefore, we can pay more attention on the patients with high risk of early recurrence. Background: Liver fibrosis is thought to be associated with early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after resection. To recognize HCC patients with higher risk of early recurrence, we used a second harmonic generation and two-photon excitation fluorescence (SHG/TPEF) microscopy to create a fully quantitative fibrosis score which is able to predict early recurrence. Methods: The study included 81 HCC patients receiving curative intent hepatectomy. Detailed fibrotic features of resected hepatic tissues were obtained by SHG/TPEF microscopy, and we used multi-dimensional artificial intelligence analysis to create a recurrence prediction model "combined index" according to the morphological collagen features of each patient's non-tumor hepatic tissues. Results: Our results showed that the "combined index" can better predict early recurrence (area under the curve = 0.917, sensitivity = 81.8%, specificity = 90.5%), compared to alpha fetoprotein level (area under the curve = 0.595, sensitivity = 68.2%, specificity = 47.6%). Using a Cox proportional hazards analysis, a higher "combined index" is also a poor prognostic factor of disease-free survival and overall survival. Conclusions: By integrating multi-dimensional artificial intelligence and SHG/TPEF microscopy, we may locate patients with a higher risk of recurrence, follow these patients more carefully, and conduct further management if needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a highly sensitive and selective amperometric sensor for the determination of nitrite. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with a composite made from gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and sulfonated graphene (SG). The modified electrode displays excellent electrocatalytic activity in terms of nitrite oxidation by giving much higher peak currents (at even lower oxidation overpotential) than those found for the bare electrode, the AuNPs-modified electrode, and the SG-modified electrode. The sensor has a linear response in the 10 μM to 3.96 mM concentration range, a very good detection sensitivity (45.44 μA mM), and a lower detection limit of 0.2 μM of nitrite. Most common ions and many environmental organic pollutants do not interfere. The sensor was successfully applied to the determination of nitrite in water samples, and the results were found to be consistent with the values obtained by spectrophotometry. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common pathological process which occurs in hemorrhage, intoxication, etc. It has been shown that the lymphatic circulation plays an important regulatory role in the pathogenesis of hemorrhage shock, and that exogenous normal lymph (ENL) has a beneficial effect on multiple organ injuries. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ENL on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI in rats. Methods: The AKI was induced by the jugular vein injection of LPS (iv, 15 mg/kg). After 15 min of LPS injection, saline or ENL without cell components (5 mL/kg) was iv infused at the speed of 0.5 mL per minute. Then, the renal function indices in plasma and renal histomorphology, and the levels of P-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Na+-K+-ATPase in renal tissue were assessed at 3 or 6 h after LPS injection. Results: LPS induced a severe kidney injury including increased levels of urea, creatinine in plasma, aggrandized activities of ICAM-1 and MPO in renal tissue, and decreased the Na+-K+-ATPase activity in renal cells. These deleterious effects of LPS were significantly ameliorated by ENL treatment. Conclusion: The present results indicate that ENL protect against LPS-induced AKI, suggesting an alternative therapeutic strategy for treatment of kidney injury accompanied with severe infection or sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives To prospectively evaluate the effects of a nurse-led educational intervention on the management of hyperphosphataemia as well as knowledge of phosphate among patients with end-stage renal disease. Background Haemodialysis and phosphate binder therapy are the major methods used to reduce the phosphate level in dialysis patients. However, patient education related to hyperphosphataemia, diet and phosphate binders may be another important factor associated with the success of the control of the hyperphosphataemia. Design This prospective randomised controlled trial was conducted during the period from June 2009-March 2011 at the HD units of two hospitals in Tianjin, China. Methods A total of 80 participants were randomly assigned to experimental group ( n = 40) and control group ( n = 40). Participants in the experimental group received the nurse-led intensive educational programme, including individualised education and educational session about diet and medicine regimes, etc., while participants in the control group received the routine guidance. Results There were statistically significant differences between the study groups in decline in serum phosphorus and calcium-phosphorus product levels and improvement in patients' general knowledge three months postintervention, and these differences sustained until the end of the study. Increased serum calcium level was observed both in the experimental group and in the control group, but there was no significant difference between groups. No statistical significance was found regarding serum albumin level between the groups. No significant difference in the serum parathyroid hormone level was found between the groups by month 6. Conclusions Nurse-led intensive educational programme plays an important role in the control of hyperphosphataemia among patients with end-stage renal disease. Relevance to clinical practice Chronic kidney failure patients with hyperphosphataemia are more likely to benefit from nurse-led intensive educational programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation and renal tubular injury are major features of acute kidney injury (AKI). Many cytokines and chemokines are released from injured tubular cells and acts as proinflammatory mediators. However, the role of IL-19 in the pathogenesis of AKI is not defined yet. In bilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced and HgCl2-induced AKI animal models, real-time quantitative (RTQ)-PCR showed that the kidneys, livers, and lungs of AKI mice expressed significantly higher IL-19 and its receptors than did sham control mice. Immunohistochemical staining showed that IL-19 and its receptors were strongly stained in the kidney, liver, and lung tissue of AKI mice. In vitro, IL-19 upregulated MCP-1, TGF-β1, and IL-19, and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in murine renal tubular epithelial M-1 cells. IL-19 upregulated TNF-α and IL-10 in cultured HepG2 cells, and it increased IL-1β and TNF-α expression in cultured A549 cells. In vivo, after renal IRI or a nephrotoxic dose of HgCl2 treatment, IL-20R1-deficient mice (the deficiency blocks IL-19 signaling) showed lower levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum and less tubular damage than did wild-type mice. Therefore, we conclude that IL-19 mediates kidney, liver, and lung tissue damage in murine AKI and that blocking IL-19 signaling may provide a potent therapeutic strategy for treating AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are immune effector cells characterized by co-expression of CD3 and CD56 molecules. We examined the quantities of CIK cells and the changes of these cell expressing NK cell receptors in HIV-1-positive children infected via mother-to-child transmission. The percentage of CIK cells was quantified and the changes in the surface cell receptor profiles in 18 HIV-1-infected children were examined. We found that CIK cell percentages were dramatically increased in HIV-1-infected children. Furthermore, the expressions of CD16, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80 and CD244 on CIK cells were decreased, while the expressions of KIR3DL1 and NKG2D on CIK cells were increased in HIV-1-infected children. However, the expressions of KIR2D and NTB-A on CIK cells did not change in the HIV-1-infected children. CIK cells possessed the characteristics of promoting the maturation of dendritic cells and killing functions in HIV-1-infected children. Moreover, serum concentrations of IL-4 and IFN-γ were significantly increased in HIV-1-infected children compared with the HIV-negative controls. These changes likely occurred as a protective mechanism against transmission of maternal HIV-1 virus and thereby helped to limit viral spread, eliminate infected cells and help HIV-1-infected patients to slow the progression to AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: To investigate the effect of exogenous normal lymph on kidney injury in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) rats and to probe its mechanism. Methods: The DIC model was established by intravenous injection of Dextran 500. After 6 min, normal lymph without cell components was infused in the lymph group. After 40 min, the renal and coagulation function indices and renal histomorphology were observed. Results: Serum urea and creatinine in the model group were significantly higher than in the control and lymph groups. Renal morphological study showed red blood cell silting and casts forming in the model group. The prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin time ratio (PTR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time of lymph and model groups were higher than those in the control group, whereas fibrinogen was lower. The PT, PTR, and APTT were prolonged in the lymph group than in the model group. The platelet functions of the lymph and model groups were higher than in the control group, but platelet aggregation rate and thrombosis-forming indices were lower than in the control group; the platelet adhesive and aggregation rates and thrombosis dry weight of the lymph group were lower than those of the model group. Conclusion: Exogenous normal lymph could alleviate kidney injury in DIC rats, which may be related to the improving coagulation function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cell cycle is a temporal program that regulates DNA synthesis and cell division. When we compared the codon usage of cell cycle‐regulated genes with that of other genes, we discovered that there is a significant preference for non‐optimal codons. Moreover, genes encoding proteins that cycle at the protein level exhibit non‐optimal codon preferences. Remarkably, cell cycle‐regulated genes expressed in different phases display different codon preferences. Here, we show empirically that transfer RNA (tRNA) expression is indeed highest in the G2 phase of the cell cycle, consistent with the non‐optimal codon usage of genes expressed at this time, and lowest toward the end of G1, reflecting the optimal codon usage of G1 genes. Accordingly, protein levels of human glycyl‐, threonyl‐, and glutamyl‐prolyl tRNA synthetases were found to oscillate, peaking in G2/M phase. In light of our findings, we propose that non‐optimal (wobbly) matching codons influence protein synthesis during the cell cycle. We describe a new mathematical model that shows how codon usage can give rise to cell‐cycle regulation. In summary, our data indicate that cells exploit wobbling to generate cell cycle‐dependent dynamics of proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]