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It is a challenge to develop a robust sensor for simple, rapid operation and sensitive detection of neurotransmitters in complex specimens. Herein, ferric citrate functionalized gold nanoparticles (CA-FeIII/Au NPs) are utilized to develop a facile sensor based on surface-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERRS) for sensitive detection of dopamine (DA). The sensor is prepared by decorating the acupuncture needle with Au NPs, which enables sufficient surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy enhancement. The CA-FeIII structure is highly sensitive and selective for DA due to the formation of the CA-FeIII-DA resonant structure; this indicates the advantages of capturing, carrying, and separating DA molecules from complicated samples in a simple operation. Furthermore, the practical application of the fabricated sensor is validated by the detection of DA in pretreated serum and cerebrospinal fluid of acupuncture-treated mice with detection limits of 0.1 and 2.5 n m DA, respectively. The developed active acupuncture needle sensor has potential benefits for sensitive detection and qualitative identification of DA molecules from biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To look for a way to improve the fastness properties of disperse dyes on PU fibers, six diurethane/diester tethered azo disperse dyes were prepared and applied to the dyeing of polyurethane fibers. Their detailed adsorption behaviors including the dyeing rate, build-up properties, surface-adsorbed state of dyes and colorimetric properties were investigated as well as compared with those of non-tethered azo dyes. The results showed that there were great differences in adsorption properties between the two types of dyes. The excellent build-up performance of the non-tethered dyes was caused by the crystal growth on the surface of polyurethane fibers, and the serious aggregation of dyes on the surface of fibers would alter the color shade, decrease the chroma and produce poor colorfastness properties. When the tethered dyes were applied to polyurethane fibers, owing to their larger molecular sizes, a higher temperature (120 °C) was needed to finish the dyeing process within a conventional time of 30–40 min, and the crystal growth on the surface of polyurethane fibers was obviously restricted, so that the color of dyed PU fibers became bright and the colorfastness was notably improved. With additional dye concentration, a medium color depth was obtained. It was further demonstrated that the tethering modification of azo disperse dyes to enhance the colorfastness on polyurethane fibers was feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The majority of non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) patients result from causative mutations in GJB2 , SLC26A4 and mitochondrial 12S rRNA genes. Accurate detection of these genetic mutations is increasingly recognized for its clinical significance to reduce incidence and guide individual treatment of NSHL. Current methods for clinical practice are labor intensive, expensive or of low sensitivity. Methods Genomic DNA from 7 newborns not passing the hearing screening and 94 newborns passing the hearing screening were analyzed for the common mutations using high resolution melting analysis (HRMA) and Sanger sequencing. Results Our newly developed HRMA allowed the hot-spot mutations of GJB2 c.176_191del16 and c.235delC, SLC26A4 IVS7-2A > G and mitochondrial 12S rRNA 1494C > T and 1555A > G to be detected by melting profiles based on small amplicons. HRMA can distinguish different content mutant DNA from wildtype DNA, with a detection limit of 5%. Moreover, the results were highly concordant between HRMA and Sanger sequencing. Conclusions These results indicate that HRMA could be used as a routine clinical method for prenatal diagnosis and newborn genetic screening due to its accuracy, sensitivity, and rapid, low-cost and less laborious workflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape memory alloys are emerging functional materials in various fields due to their unique mechanical properties. In this work, plate-impact experiments have been performed to study the dynamic behavior of near-equiatomic NiTi shape memory alloys with different initial phases, i.e., the single austenite (B2) and the mixed phase of austenite and martensite (B19′). A Doppler pin system and soft-recovery cylinder are employed to in-situ probe the macroscopic response and catch the shocked sample for postmortem characterizations, respectively. The observed bilinear behavior of the Hugoniot data, combined with the X-ray diffraction analysis of recovered samples, suggests that the B2 austenite undergoes a martensitic transformation at ∼5 GPa. Such a phase transition affects not only the spall damage but also the deformation mechanism of NiTi alloys. Specifically, it is identified that, in association with the B2 to B19' transformation, the spall strength is reduced by ∼7% and the austenite twinning disappears in the recovered NiTi sample. These results thus indicate that the deformation and fracture behaviors of NiTi shape memory alloys under shock compression are strongly coupled with the martensitic transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jianpi Yiqi therapy (JYT) is a classical therapy in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), but the clinical effects of it are still contentious. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of JYT for CAG. Seven electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Springer Link, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chinese Scientific Journals Database), Wan-fang database, and CBM (Chinese Biomedicine Database) were searched from their inception to November 1, 2016. 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1119 participants were identified for analysis. Meta-analyses demonstrated that both JYT (RR 1.41; 95% CI 1.27, 1.57; P < 0.00001) and JYT + western medicine (RR 1.27; 95% CI 1.17, 1.38; P < 0.00001) were more efficacious than only western medicine. Furthermore, JYT had potential improvement on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms scores such as stomachache, stomach distention, belching, fatigue, et al. In addition, no serious adverse events were reported in the selected trials. The Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool was evaluated for the weaknesses of methodological quality, while the quality level of Grades of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence classification indicated “Very low”. This meta-analysis indicates that JYT may have potential effects on the treatment of patients with CAG. However, due to limitations of methodological quality and small sample size of the included studies, further standardized research of rigorous design should be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the knowledge that the receptors of sialic acid are overexpressed on the surface of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which play a crucial role in the tumor's progression and metastasis, a sialic acid-cholesterol conjugate (SA-CH) was synthesized and modified on the surface of epirubicin (EPI)-loaded liposomes (EPI-SAL) to improve the delivery of EPI to the TAMs. The liposomes were developed using remote loading technology via a pH gradient. The liposomes were evaluated for particle size, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, stability, in vitro cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetics. And the in vitro and in vivo cellular uptake studies demonstrated EPI-SAL achieved enhanced accumulation of EPI into TAMs. The antitumor studies indicated that EPI-SAL provided the strongest antitumor activity compared with the other formulations (EPI-S, EPI-CL and EPI-PL represent EPI solution, conventional liposomal EPI, PEGylated liposomal EPI, respectively), and the survival percent of tumor-bearing mice was 83.3%. The superior antitumor efficacy was probably attributed to the killing of TAMs by EPI-SAL, and modulating the tumor microenvironment with the depletion of TAMs. These findings suggested that SA-CH decorated EPI-loaded liposomes may present an effective strategy to eradicate TAMs, which may be a promising approach for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present study was designed to investigate the effects of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) on oxidative stress in preeclampsia (PE) by regulating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathway. HTR8/SVneo cells were randomly assigned into normal, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), HR + AAT and HR + siRNA-AAT groups. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of p-p38MAPK, AAT, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and activating transcription factor2 (ATF2). Flow cytometry, scratch test, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and the 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiazol (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were conducted to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell apoptosis, cell migration, proliferation and cytotoxicity, respectively. Mouse models in PE were established, which were divided into normal pregnancy (NP), PE and PE + AAT groups with blood pressure and urine protein measured. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were conducted to detect the activity of oxidative stress-related kinases and expressions of inflammatory cytokines and coagulation-related factors in cells and mice placenta. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were performed to detect AAT and p38MAPK expressions, apoptosis-related protein expressions, and apoptosis rate in mice placenta. Compared with the normal group, the H/R group had decreased expression of AAT, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and GSH-Px, cell proliferation and migration, but increased p38MAPK, STAT1, ATF2, MDA, H2O2, inflammatory cytokines, coagulation-related factors, cell cytotoxicity, ROS, apoptotic factors and apoptosis rate. Compared with the H/R group, the HR + ATT group had increased expressions of AAT, activity of SOD and GSH-Px, cell proliferation and migration but decreased p38MAPK, STAT1, ATF2, malonyldialdehyde (MDA), H2O2, inflammatory cytokines and coagulation-related factors, cell cytotoxicity, ROS, apoptotic factors and apoptosis rate, while opposite results were observed in the HR + siRNA-ATT group. Compared with the NP group, the PE group had decreased activity of SOD and GSH-Px but increased MDA, H2O2, AAT, p38MAPK, inflammatory cytokines, coagulation-related factors and apoptosis rate. The indexes in the PE + AAT group were between the NP and PE groups. Thus, we concluded that AAT suppressed oxidative stress in PE by inhibiting p38MAPK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modified Banxia Xiexin decoction (MBXD) is a classical Chinese herbal formula in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for long time, but the efficacy of it is still controversial. This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MBXD for the treatment of GERD in adults. The search strategy was carried out for publications in seven electronic databases. RevMan software version 5.3 and the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool were performed for this review. Twelve RCTs were included for the analysis. The results of overall clinical efficacy and efficacy under gastroscope demonstrated that MBXD was superior to conventional western medicine. Meanwhile, the results of subgroup analysis showed clinical heterogeneity between the two groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in acid regurgitation between the two groups. But in the improvement of heartburn and sternalgia, the results showed statistically significant differences for the comparison between two groups. In addition, the adverse reactions of the experiment groups were not different from those of the control groups. This systematic review indicates that MBXD may have potential effects on the treatment of patients with GERD. But because the evidence of methodological quality and sample sizes is weak, further standardized researches are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-17 (IL-17), a proinflammatory cytokine, mainly produced by Th17 cells, participates in both innate and adaptive immune responses and is involved in various diseases, including infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders and cancer. Emerging evidence indicates that IL-17 not only has an oncogenic role in tumorigenesis by regulating tumor angiogenesis and enhancing tumor immune evasion but also exerts anti-tumor functions by enhancing natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) activation and through the recruitment of neutrophils, NK cells and CD4 + and CD8 + T cells to tumor tissue. In this review, we provide an overview on the basic biology of IL-17 and recent findings regarding its enigmatic double-edged features in tumorigenesis, with special attention to the roles of IL-17 produced by tumor cells interacting with other factors in the tumor microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to compare the therapeutic effect of sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and benazepril on diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats and provide a potential novel agent for the clinical treatment of DN. The DN model was established on rats. Animals were dosed orally with SGLT2 and benazepril daily for 4 weeks. The pathological state of renal tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson and periodic acid-Schiff staining. The change in the morphology of renal tissues was observed through transmission electron microscopy. Western blotting was utilized to determine the expression level of TGF-β, N-terminal fragment of the B-type natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The expression level of endothelin 1 (ET-1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), collagen (col)-I and α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in renal tissues was visualized using immunohistochemical assay. Significant pathological changes in the glomerular basement membrane, mesangial membrane, renal tubules, lumen, renal interstitial region and renal tubular epithelial cells were observed in DN rats, accompanied by increased collagen fibers. SGLT2 inhibitor treatment demonstrated more alleviatory effects on the pathological changes of renal tissues compared with benazepril. Compared with control, TGF-β and NT-proBNP were upregulated in DN rats, accompanied by the downregulation of MMP-9, ET-1, vWF, col-I and α-SMA, which were markedly reversed by treatment with SGLT2 inhibitor and benazepril. Compared with benazepril, the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor on the expression level of TGF-β, NT-proBNP, MMP-9, ET-1, vWF, col-I and α-SMA were more significant. Overall, SGLT2 inhibitor demonstrated an increased therapeutic effect against DN rats compared with benazepril by regulating cytokines, renal fibrosis and extracellular matrix degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Au/CuCrO 2 /n-Si device exhibits bipolar resistive switching with self-rectifying behavior. • Statistical distributions 100 switching cycles were analyzed. • The resistive switching behavior in the heterojunction is of interface type. • The self-rectifying behavior is derived from the Schottky-like barrier. The resistive random access memory with self-rectifying behavior is one of the most effective to suppress the crosstalk current problem in crossbar array architectures. In this study, a p-type delafossite CuCrO 2 thin film is fabricated on an n-type silicon (n-Si) substrate, and the resistive switching (RS) behavior of the Au/CuCrO 2 /n-Si device is investigated in detail. The heterostructure exhibits repeatable bipolar RS with self-rectifying behavior. The bipolar RS behavior can be attributed to the trapping/detrapping of charge carriers in oxygen vacancies at the p-CuCrO 2 /n-Si interface. The current-voltage characteristics indicate that the self-rectifying behavior in the low resistance state is derived from the Schottky-like barrier at the interface of p-CuCrO 2 /n-Si. These results provide a potential utilization of resistive random access memory with self-rectifying behavior in p-type delafossite-based heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A specially adsorption and clamping integrated manipulator for tomato harvesting robot. • A global-to-local picking order optimization method for improving harvesting efficiency and reducing collisions. • The adaptive grasping pose estimation method for adjusting the approach pose of the end-effector to reduce collisions. • The harvesting success rate increased to 72.1 % in production greenhouse tests. The prospect of robotic harvesting in greenhouse tomato production has received much attention in the tomato industry in recent years, but research into the replacement of manual harvesting with this technology is still inadequate. There is still a large gap between robotic harvesting accuracy and harvesting efficiency compared to manual harvesting. The aim of this study is to improve the success rate and efficiency of robotic harvesting by accurately identifying the position of the tomato fruit and estimating the grasping pose. Based on a specially designed adsorption and clamping integrated manipulator, we develop the optimal sorting algorithm and fruit nearest neighbour positioning algorithm and design directional grasping and sequential picking control strategies that can reduce the impact of dense fruit on the accurate grasping of the manipulator. The results evaluated in the industrial greenhouse show that the YOLOv5m-based fruit bunch and fruit recognition accuracies are 90.2 % and 97.3 %, respectively. Based on the optimized picking strategy, the impact of collision on the manipulator's grasp was substantially reduced, and the fruit harvesting success rate increased to 72.1 %, while the average harvesting time reached 14.6 s for a single fruit. The research suggests that with moderate improvements in harvesting technology, the use of robotic systems in the tomato industry will gradually become a reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, field-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was treated with normal (Nn) and excessive (Ne) levels of fertilizer N. Results showed that Ne depressed the activity of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase and increased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was higher under Ne at anthesis and medium milk but similar at the early dough stage and significantly lower at the hard dough stage than that under Nn. The metabolomics analysis of the leaf responses to Ne during grain filling showed 99 metabolites that were different between Ne and Nn treatments, including phenolic and flavonoid compounds, amino acids, organic acids and lipids, which are primarily involved in ROS scavenging, N metabolism, heat stress adaptation and disease resistance. Organic carbon (C) and total N contents were affected by the Ne treatment, with lower C/N ratios developing after medium milk. Ultimately, grain yields decreased with Ne. Based on these data, compared with the normal N fertilizer treatment, we concluded that excessive N application decreased the ability to scavenge ROS, increased lipid peroxidation and caused significant metabolic changes disturbing N metabolism, secondary metabolism and lipid metabolism, which led to reduced grain filling in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The 2DMts were designed as a novel card house structure and coated SA. • The formed 2DMt/SA nanocomposite has a good heat storage performance (221.6 J/g) and thermal stability. • The phase transition temperature range of the composite material expanded to 40–80 °C. • A new type of self-adjusting temperature pavement coating was designed and investigated. In order to solve the problem of high temperature of pavement and alleviate the heat island effect, a new type of self-adjusting temperature pavement coating was designed and investigated. The designed coating well reduced the pavement temperature. Montmorillonite (Mt) was exfoliated to less than 19.78 nm on a large scale by the freezing/thawing method to form two-dimensional Mt nanosheets (2DMts). The 2DMts were designed as a novel card house structure and then encapsulated with stearic acid (SA). The formed 2DMt/SA nanocomposite has a good heat storage performance (221.6 J/g) and thermal stability. In addition, the phase transition temperature range of the composite material expanded to 40–80 °C, and this temperature range can adapt to a variety of climatic conditions. In addition, the actual cooling effect of the self-adjusting temperature pavement coating was tested. When the composite material volume fraction is 12 %, the temperature will be reduced by approximately 5 °C in 1 h compared to the uncoated asphalt block. This study provides new ideas and possibilities for reducing the pavement temperature and alleviating the heat island effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new kinds of diester/diurethane tethered azo disperse dyes were synthesized through the reaction between the hydroxyl group in disperse dyes, such as C. I. Disperse Red 1 ( 1a ), C. I. Disperse Red 13 ( 1b ), and C. I. Disperse Blue 106 ( 1c ), and terephthaloyl chloride or p -phenylene diisocyanate. Structures of these new dyes were fully characterized with NMR, MS, and FT-IR. Visible absorption measurement in DMF indicated that all new diester/diurethane tethered dyes exhibited a little shorter maximum absorption wavelength and much higher molar extinction coefficient than their prototypes. Moreover, the fastnesses to wash and sublimation of dyeing on polyurethane fibre were dramatically improved due to the dye's moderately increased molecular size. It is an attractive new strategy to synthesize a library of tethered dyes with improved fastness properties using various different tethering agents or disperse dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcomes, complications, reoperation rates, and late neurological deterioration between anterior decompression and fusion (ADF) and laminoplasty (LAMP) in the treatment of multilevel cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).Methods: All related studies published up to August 2015 were acquired by searching PubMed and EMBASE. Exclusion criteria were case reports, revision surgeries, combined anterior and posterior surgeries, the other posterior approaches including laminectomy or laminectomy and instrumented fusion, non-English studies, and studies with quality assessment scores of <7. The main end points including Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, recovery rate of JOA, cervical lordosis, complication rate, reoperation rate, and late neurological deterioration were analyzed. All available data was analyzed using RevMan 5.2.0 and Stata 12.0.Results: A total of seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The mean surgical level of ADF was 3.1, and the mean preoperative occupation ratios of ADF and LAMP group were 55.9% and 51.9%, respectively. No statistical difference was observed with regard to preoperative occupation ratio and preoperative JOA score. Although LAMP group had a higher preoperative cervical lordosis than ADF group (P<0.05, weighted mean difference [WMD] =-5.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] =-9.67--1.80), significantly decreased cervical lordosis was observed in LAMP group after operation. ADF group had higher postoperative JOA score (P<0.05, WMD =2.18, 95% CI =0.98-3.38) and neurological recovery rate (P<0.05, WMD =27.22, 95% CI =15.20-39.23). Furthermore, ADF group had a lower late neurological deterioration rate than the LAMP group (P<0.05, risk difference =0.16, 95% CI =0.04-0.73). The complication rates of both groups had no statistical difference. However, LAMP group had a significantly lower reoperation rate than ADF group. The reoperation rate of ADF group (20.5%) was almost six times that of LAMP group (3.5%).Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggested that ADF was associated with better postoperative neurological function, neurological recovery rate, and less late neurological deterioration than LAMP in the treatment of multilevel cervical OPLL with a high mean occupation ratio. LAMP was associated with a decreased postoperative cervical lordosis, which might be a cause of late neurological deterioration. The complication rates of both groups showed no statistical difference. However, the reoperation rate was significantly higher in ADF group compared with LAMP group. Benefits and risks should be balanced when ADF or LAMP is selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SNaPshot minisequencing is a rapid and robust methodology based on a single base extension with a labeled ddNTP. The present study detected 15 selected SNPs in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control and coding regions by minisequencing methodology using SNaPshot for forensic purpose. The samples were collected from 99 unrelated individuals of the Yi ethnic minority group in Yunnan Province. We have predominantly found high-frequency transitions (91.7%) and a significantly lower frequency of transversions (8.3%). The nt152, 489, 8701, 10,398, 16,183, and 16,362 loci were highly polymorphic, while the nt231, 473 and 581 loci were not polymorphic in the studied population. Based on these 15 SNPs, a total of 28 mtDNA haplotypes were defined in 99 individuals with the haplotype diversity of 0.9136. Also, we compared the mtDNA sequences of Yi group and other 9 populations worldwide and drew a Neighbor-Joining tree based on the shared 12 mtDNA SNP loci, which demonstrated a close relationship between Yi and Bai groups. In conclusion, the analysis of the 15 selected SNPs increases considerably the discrimination power of mtDNA. Moreover, the SNaPshot minisequencing method could quickly detect mtDNA SNPs, and is economical and sensitive. The set of selected 15 SNPs is highly informative and is capable for anthropology genetic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A droplet-vitrification procedure is described for cryopreservation of Malus shoot tips. Survival patterns, recovery types, histological observations, and genetic integrity were compared for Malus shoot tips cryopreserved using this droplet-vitrification procedure and an encapsulation-dehydration procedure that was previously reported by us. In both procedures, three types of shoot tip recovery were observed following cryopreservation: callus formation without shoot regrowth, leaf formation without shoot regrowth, and shoot regrowth. Three categories of histological observations were also identified in cross-sections of shoot tips recovered after cryopreservation using the two cryogenic procedures. In category 1, almost all of the cells (94–95%) in the apical dome (AD) were damaged or killed and only some cells (30–32%) in the leaf primordia (LPs) survived. In category 2, only a few cells (18–20%) in the AD and some cells (30–31%) in the LPs survived. In category 3, majority of the cells (60–62%) in the AD and some cells (30–33%) in the LPs survived. These data suggest that shoot regrowth is correlated to the presence of a majority of surviving cells in the AD after liquid nitrogen exposure. No polymorphic bands were detected by inter-simple sequence repeats or by random amplified polymorphic DNA assessments, and ploidy levels analyzed by flow cytometry were unchanged when plants recovered after cryoexposure were compared to controls. The droplet-vitrification procedure appears to be robust since seven genotypes representing four Malus species and one hybrid recovered shoots following cryopreservation. Mean shoot regrowth levels of these seven genotypes were 48% in the droplet-vitrification method, which were lower than those (61%) in the encapsulation-dehydration procedure reported in our previous study, suggesting the latter may be preferred for routine cryobanking applications for Malus shoot tips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that the effects of manual acupuncture (MA) are contributed by collagen fibers and mast cells in local acupoints, at which acupuncture stimulation causes various afferent fiber groups to be excited. However what happens in local nerve fibers and mast cells after MA remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the response of cutaneous nerve fibers and mast cells to MA stimulation in acupoint Hegu (LI4). The contralateral LI4 of the same rat was used as a non-stimulated control. Immnohistochemistry analysis were carried out to observe the expression of histamine (HA), serotonin (5-HT) and nociceptive neuropeptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP), in the LI4 area. Mast cells were labeled with anti-mast cell tryptase antibody and simultaneously with HA or 5-HT primary antibodies to observe their co-expression. Our results showed that SP and CGRP were expressed more highly on the cutaneous nerve fibers of LI4 after MA stimulation than that of the control. Mast cells aggregated in close proximity to the blood vessels in intra-epidermis and dermis and some of them with degranulation in the lower dermis and subcutaneous tissue of LI4. Both mast cells and their granules appeared with HA (+) and 5-HT (+) expression at stimulated L14 sites, while a few intact mast cells with a little expression of 5-HT and HA were distributed in areas of non-stimulated L14. The results indicated that local cutaneous nerve terminals and mast cells responded to MA with higher expression of SP and CGRP in nerve fibers, as well as with aggregation and degranulation of mast cells with HA and 5-HT granules at acupoint LI4. These neuroactive substances may convey signals to certain pathways that contribute to the effects of acupuncture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate whether zero-profile anchored spacer (Zero-P) could reduce complication rates, while maintaining similar clinical outcomes compared to plate-cage construct (PCC) in the treatment of cervical spondylosis.Methods: All prospective and retrospective comparative studies published up to May 2015 that compared the clinical outcomes of Zero-P versus PCC in the treatment of cervical spondylosis were acquired by a comprehensive search in PubMed and EMBASE. Exclusion criteria were non-English studies, noncomparative studies, hybrid surgeries, revision surgeries, and surgeries with less than a 12-month follow-up period. The main end points including Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores, cervical lordosis, fusion rate, subsidence, and dysphagia were analyzed. All studies were analyzed with the RevMan 5.2.0 software. Publication biases of main results were examined using Stata 12.0.Results: A total of 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. No statistical difference was observed with regard to preoperative or postoperative JOA and NDI scores, cervical lordosis, and fusion rate. The Zero-P group had a higher subsidence rate than the PCC group (P<0.05, risk difference =0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00-0.26). However, the Zero-P group had a significantly lower postoperative dysphagia rate than the PCC group within the first 2 weeks (P<0.05, odds ratio [OR] =0.64, 95% CI 0.45-0.91), at the 6th month [P<0.05, OR =0.20, 95% CI 0.04-0.90], and at the final follow-up time [P<0.05, OR =0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.45].Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggested that surgical treatments of single or multiple levels of cervical spondylosis using Zero-P and PCC were similar in terms of JOA score, NDI score, cervical lordosis, and fusion rate. Although the Zero-P group had a higher subsidence rate than the PCC group, Zero-P had a lower postoperative dysphagia rate and might have a lower adjacent-level ossification rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron beam welding of the medium-entropy alloy (MEA) (NiCoCr) 94 Al 3 Ti 3 to 304 stainless steel (SS) has been undertaken. Defect-free joints were obtained with coarse columnar grains: the columnar grains on the 304 SS side of the fusion zone (FZ) were finer (94 μm, length-to-width ratio∼2.7) than the grains on the MEA side (204 μm, 2.9), a difference that probably resulted from a higher cooling rate after welding due to the higher thermal conductivity of the 304 SS compared to the MEA. Mixing of the two materials in the FZ led to lower vol.% (14%) and larger diameter (44 nm) of L1 2 nanoparticles compared to the 23 nm dia. and 37% vol.% in the aged MEA, a result consistent with CALPHAD analysis. The joint showed a good combination of yield strength (323 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (670 MPa), and elongation (24%). Failure occurred by ductile fracture in the FZ. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the “intensity-response” relationship in local moxibustion-like stimuli- (LMS-) modulated gastric motility and its underlying receptor mechanism. Based on the thermal pain threshold (43°C), 41°C, 43°C, and 45°C LMS were separately applied to ST36 or CV12 for 180 s among ASIC3 knockout (ASIC3−/−) mice, TRPV1 knockout (TRPV1−/−) mice, and their homologous wild-type C57BL/6 mice (n=8 in each group). Gastric motility was continuously measured by an intrapyloric balloon, and the amplitude, integral, and frequency of gastric motility during LMS were compared with those of initial activities. We found that both 43°C and 45°C LMS at ST36 induced significantly facilitated effect of gastric motility P<0.05, while LMS at CV12 induced inhibited effects P<0.05. 41°C LMS had no significant impact on gastric motility. Compared with C57BL/6 mice, the facilitatory effect at ST36 and inhibitive effect of LMS at CV12 were decreased significantly in TRPV1−/− mice (P<0.05; P<0.01) but not changed markedly in ASIC3−/− mice P>0.05. These results suggest that there existed an “intensity-response” relationship between temperature in LMS and its effects on gastric motility. TRPV1 receptor played a crucial role in the LMS-modulated gastric motility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the freshness indicator protein of Coregonus peled and the effects of oxidation on the quality of fish during 4 °C storage. Samples were stored at 4 °C after oxidation treatment and analyzed for changes in proteins, using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS). A total of 382 differential proteins were identified, of which 20 proteins were quantified and studied including 12 proteins related to oxidation. The analysis of differential proteins was related to quality postmortem. Moreover, creatine kinase, malate dehydrogenase, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase were identified as potential biomarkers for protein oxidative damage. Actin can be used to represent the softening of fish in postmortem storage. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the changes in protein structure and biomarkers were influenced by oxidation. Bioinformatics suggested that differentially expressed proteins participated in the metabolic pathway via oxidation during 4 °C storage. The results of this study can contribute to a further understanding of the changes in fish quality during storage and the use of differential proteins as indicators of fish freshness. • In total, 382 differential proteins were identified in oxidative C. peled muscle. • 20 proteins were selected as freshness indicator proteins of oxidative C. peled. • Analysis on oxidative proteins in C. peled highlighted energy metabolism pathways. • Energy metabolism and proteolysis were prominent with increasing in storage time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weldability and effects of subsequent heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the medium-entropy alloy (MEA) (NiCoCr) 94 Al 3 Ti 3 have been explored using electron beam welding (EBW). It was found that EBW joints consist of a supersaturated f.c.c. matrix with coarse, asymmetric columnar grains (17.7–24 μm). The fraction of twins and Σ3n CSL boundaries in weld joints was only 10% of that in the base metal, a value which increased to 30% after aging at 800 °C. The aging also led to improvements in the hardness, tensile strength, and work hardening rate, a result of the precipitation of a high volume fraction (0.29–0.33) of ultrafine (15–17.4 nm dia.) coherent spherical L1 2 -structured particles. The contributions of the L1 2 nanoparticles and Hall-Petch strengthening to the yield strength were estimated to be 537–573 MPa and 105–123 MPa, respectively. The MEA shows excellent weldability and, after aging, good strength (YS∼1098 MPa, UTS∼1368 MPa) and elongation to failure (∼11%) by ductile fracture. • Electron beam weld joints consist of supersaturated f.c.c. phase with asymmetric coarse columnar grains. • Aging treatment following EBW leads to precipitation of L1 2 nanoparticles in the weld joint. • Precipitation of L1 2 nanoparticles results in a dramatic improvement in hardness, strength, and work hardening rate. • EBW MEA shows good weldability and strength-ductility synergy (YS∼1098 MPa, UTS∼1368 MPa, E∼11%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To elucidate the clinicopathological significance and the role of Jun Activation Domain-Binding Protein 1 (JAB1), Ser10-phosphorylated p27 (p27S10), and total p27 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis. Methods: We evaluated the expression of JAB1 and p27S10 in tissues by immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses. p27 Ser10 phosphorylation and Ser10 phosphorylation-dependent p27-JAB1 interaction were demonstrated in proliferating Huh7 cells following transfection of pEGFP-p27WT/p27S10A/p27S10D plasmids and pcDNA3.1-p27WT/p27S10A/p27S10D-Myc plasmids. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine their role in HCC prognosis. Results: JAB1 and p27S10 are overexpressed in HCC samples compared with paired normal tissues. There was a strong correlation between JAB1 and p27S10 expression ( P < 0.001), and expression of both inversely correlated with total p27 levels ( P < 0.001). High JAB1 and p27S10 expression correlated with histological grade, vascular invasion, and serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level (all P < 0.01). Total p27 expression also correlated with histological tumor grade ( P = 0.048) and AFP level ( P = 0.015). The p27S10(high)/JAB1(high)/p27(1ow) profile was the most reliable indication of poor prognostic. Ser10 phosphorylation increased and total p27 levels decreased in a time-dependent manner in serum-starved Huh7 cells following addition of serum. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that p27 Ser-to-Asp substitution at position 10 (S10D) markedly enhanced the interaction between JAB1 and p27, but replacement of S10A reduced binding. Conclusions: This study revealed that combined JAB1, p27S10, and total p27 expression may serve as a prognostic marker for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly c-axis oriented Bi2− x Na x Sr2 Co2 O y ( x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) thin films were successfully deposited onto LaAlO3 (0 0 1) single crystal substrates by the chemical solution deposition method. The Na-doping effects on microstructures as well as transport and thermoelectric properties were investigated. The crystallite size normal to the thin film surface was decreased with Na doping, and the carrier concentration and mobility was enhanced and decreased, respectively. As for the transport properties, it is suggested that Na-doping-induced disorders play a more important role at low temperatures, while at the medium temperature the doping play a trivial role, at higher temperatures Na-doping weakens the electron correlation. Combined with the transport properties and Seebeck coefficient results, it is suggested that the thermoelectric properties are mainly controlled by carrier concentration due to the hole doping in blocking layers. Power factor at 300 K was enhanced about 22% for the Bi1.7 Na0.3 Sr2 Co2 O y thin film as compared with that of the undoped thin films, suggesting that Na doping at blocking layer in Bi2 Sr2 Co2 O y was an effective route to enhance the thermoelectric power factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate respiratory chain complex II deficiency resulted from mutation in succinate dehydrogenase gene (SDH) encoding complex II subunits in China. Methods: An 11-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital. He had a history of progressive psychomotor regression and weakness since the age of 4years. His cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed focal, bilaterally symmetrical lesions in the basal ganglia and thalamus, indicating mitochondrial encephalopathy. The activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes I−V in peripheral leukocytes were determined via spectrophotometry. Mitochondrial DNA and the succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA) gene were analyzed by direct sequencing. Results: Complex II activity in the leukocytes had decreased to 33.07nmol/min/mg mitochondrial protein (normal control 71.8±12.9); the activities of complexes I, III, IV and V were normal. The entire sequence of the mitochondrial DNA was normal. The SDHA gene showed two heterozygous frame-shift mutations: c.G117G/del in exon 2 and c.T220T/insT in exon 3, which resulted in stop codons at residues 56 and 81, respectively. Conclusions: We have described the first Chinese case of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex II deficiency, which was diagnosed using enzyme assays and gene analysis. Two novel, compound, frame-shift mutations, c.G117G/del in exon 2 and c.T220T/insT in exon 3 of the SDHA gene, were found in our patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Polyurethane based composites were prepared using iron carbide nanofilaments. [•] Iron carbide acts as a semiconducting and ferromagnetic material. [•] A new bifunctionality has been created in this kind of organic/inorganic composites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: Glycyrrhizin (GL) has been reported to protect against ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury by inhibiting the cytokine activity of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). In the present study, the protective effects of GL against I/R injury, as well as the related molecular mechanisms, were investigated in rat brains. Methods: Focal cerebral I/R injury was induced by intraluminal filamentous occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in Male Sprague-Dawley rats. GL alone or GL and rHMGB1 were administered intravenously at the time of reperfusion. Serum levels of HMGB1 and inflammatory mediators were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological examination, immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and western blotting analyses were performed to investigate the protective and anti-apoptotic effects and related molecular mechanisms of GL against I/R injury in rat brains. Results: Pre-treatment with GL significantly reduced infarct volume and improved the accompanying neurological deficits in locomotor function. The release of HMGB1 from the cerebral cortex into the serum was inhibited by GL administration. Moreover, pre-treatment with GL alleviated apoptotic injury resulting from cerebral I/R through the inhibition of cytochrome C release and caspase 3 activity. The expression levels of inflammation- and oxidative stress-related molecules including TNF-α, iNOS, IL-1β, and IL-6, which were over-expressed in I/R, were decreased by GL. P38 and P-JNK signalling were involved in this process. All of the protective effects of GL could be reversed by rHMGB1 administration. Conclusions: GL has a protective effect on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat brains through the inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptotic injury by antagonising the cytokine activity of HMGB1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, SrMoO4 thin films have been prepared by chemical solution deposition using rapid thermal annealing. The results show that the thus-derived thin films are c-axis oriented, irrespective of the annealing temperature or the substrate orientation, indicating the self-assembled nature of the c-axis orientation, which is attributed to the combined effects of rapid thermal annealing, the lowest surface energy of the (001) plane, and the large anisotropic thermal expansion coefficient between the ab-plane and along the c-axis orientation in SrMoO4. Abnormal grain growth in thin films annealed under high temperatures or on substrates with large lattice/thermal expansion coefficient mismatch is observed and can be attributed to “strain-induced secondary recrystallization” or “strain annealing”. Bimodal-like rocking curves that are observed in some of the present thin films are attributed to the different interface structures, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy observations. The photoluminescence properties show different characteristics due to the variations in the degree of orientation, the microstructure and the strain. The results will provide an instructive route to optimizing the properties of scheelite-structured molybdate thin films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A family of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with varied Fe contents were employed as catalyst precursors for the controllable bulk growth of few-layer graphene/single-walled carbon nanotube (G/SWCNT) hybrids in a fluidized-bed reactor through chemical vapor deposition of methane at 950°C. All the G/SWCNT hybrids exhibited the morphology of SWCNTs interlinked with graphene layers. The purity, thermal stability, graphitization degree, specific surface area, and total pore volume of the G/SWCNT hybrids decreased with the increasing Fe contents in the LDH precursors. A high yield of 0.97gG/SWCNTs/gcat can be achieved by tuning the Fe content in the FeMgAl LDHs after a 15-min growth. After the removal of the as-calcined FeMgAl layered double oxide flakes, a high carbon purity of ca. 98.3% for G/SWCNT hybrids was achieved when the mole ratio of Fe–Al is 0.05:1. The size and density of Fe nanoparticles decorated in the as-obtained G/SWCNT hybrids depend largely on Fe content in the FeMgAl LDH precursors. Furthermore, the mass ratio of graphene materials to SWCNTs in the as-prepared G/SWCNT hybrids can be well controlled in a range of 0.4–15.1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Herringbone carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were efficiently produced by chemical vapor deposition on Ni nanoparticles derived from layered double hydroxide (LDH) precursors. The as-obtained CNFs with a diameter ranging from 40 to 60nm demonstrated herringbone morphologies when they grew on Ni/Al LDH derived catalysts both in the fixed-bed and fluidized-bed reactor. The Ni/Mg/Al, Ni/Cu/Al, as well as Ni/Mo/Mg/Al catalysts were also effective to grow herringbone CNFs. The diameter and specific surface area of the as-obtained CNFs highly depended on the catalyst composition and the growth temperature. When CNFs were grown at 550°C on Ni/Al catalyst, the as-obtained products had an outer diameter of ca. 50nm and a specific surface area of 242m2 g−1, possessed a discharge capacity of 330mAhg−1 as the electrode in a two-electrode coin-type cell. With the increase of the surface area, the discharge capacity increased at a rate of 0.90mAhcm−2, while the initial coulombic efficiency decreased gradually on nanocarbon anodes. This is attributed to the fact that CNFs with higher surface area afford smaller sp2 carbon layer that facilitated more Li ions to extract from the anodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highly c-axis-oriented Ca3 Co4− x Cu x O9+δ ( x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) thin films were prepared by chemical solution deposition on LaAlO3 (001) single-crystal substrates. X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electronic microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrums were used to characterize the derived thin films. The solubility limit of Cu was found to be less than 0.2, above which [ Ca2( Co0.65 Cu0.35)2 O4]0.624 CoO2 with quadruplicated rock-salt layers was observed. The electrical resistivity decreased monotonously with increasing Cu-doping content when x ≤ 0.2, and then slightly increased with further Cu doping. The Seebeck coefficient was enhanced from ~100 μV/K for the undoped thin film to ~120 μV/K for the Cu-doped thin films. The power factor was enhanced for about two times at room temperature by Cu doping, suggesting that Cu-doped Ca3 Co4 O9+δ thin films could be a promising candidate for thermoelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• GEO reduced potato sprouting. • Ten HSPs were down after treatment. • HSP26.5 promotes tobacco sprouting. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers are rich in starch, protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. However, sprouting can produce solanine and reduce the commodity value during periods of storage. Some research has suggested that some essential oils from plants reduce tuber sprouting. Garlic essential oil (GEO) is reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. In this study, we first found that GEO reduced tuber sprouting, and the starch content, soluble sugar content and ɑ-amylase activity were altered after 60 d of GEO treatment. Then, comparative proteomic analysis of tuber bud eyes revealed 140 and 180 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) with increased and decreased levels of abundance respectively after 30 d of GEO treatment. Among them, StHSP26.5 protein abundance decreased after GEO treatment, however, as the storage time increased, the expression level of this gene increased. Further research suggested that overexpressing StHSP26.5 tobacco showed increased seed germination and POD activity after GEO treatment. Our results provide new insights into proteomic mechanisms in the sprouting process after GEO treatment and suggest the potentially utility of StHSP26.5 as a target gene in tuber molecular breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• IgD may participate in synovitis by activating WNT signaling pathway in FLS. • IgD-Fc-Ig fusion protein may play a therapeutic role in CIA rats. • IgD-Fc-Ig fusion protein may improve synovitis by inhibiting activation of Wnt. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation, synovial hyperplasia, cartilage degeneration, bone erosion, and pannus. Immunoglobulin D (IgD) plays an important role in autoimmune diseases although the content of it in vivo is low. Increased concentrations of anti-IgD autoantibodies have been detected in many RA patients. IgD-Fc-Ig fusion protein is constructed by connecting human IgD Fc domain and IgG1 Fc domain, which specifically block the IgD/ IgDR pathway and regulate the function of cells expressing IgDR to treat RA. The expression levels of Wnt5A and Frizzled 5 are higher in RA synovial tissue specimens. The complex of Wnt5A-Fzd5-LRP5/6-CTHRC1 promotes the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α by activating nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), leading to high expression of VEGF and participating in angiogenesis. VEGF is the strongest angiogenic factor found so far. Here, we aimed to explore whether IgD participates in synovitis by binding to IgDR and regulating the activation of Wnt5A-Fzd5-CTHRC1-NF-κB signaling pathway in fibroblast synovial cells (FLSs), whether IgD-Fc-Ig fusion protein inhibits VEGF production in FLS of CIA and explore mechanism. We found that IgDR is expressed on MH7A and FLS. IgD promotes VEGF expression by activating Wnt5A-Fzd5-CTHRC1-NF-κB signaling pathway in MH7A and FLS. After activation of Fzd5 with Wnt5A, IgD-Fc-Ig reduced VEGF-A level in the culture supernatant of MH7A stimulation by IgD. The expressions of CTHRC1, Fzd5, p-P65 and VEGF in MH7A and FLSs were down-regulated after IgD-Fc-Ig treatment. IgD-Fc-Ig suppressed the combination of CTHRC1 and Fzd5 as well. By using the animal model, we demonstrated that IgD-Fc-Ig suppress ankle CTHRC1 and Fzd5 production resulted in inhibition of index of joint inflammation of CIA rats, which were consistent with vitro results. Conclusively, IgD-Fc-Ig inhibits IgD and Wnt5A-induced angiogenesis and joint inflammation by suppressing the combination of CTHRC1 and Fzd5. Our results show that IgD-Fc-Ig exerts its suppressive effect on IgD and Wnt5A by Wnt5A-Fzd5-CTHRC1-NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: La0.7Sr0.3Mn1+ x O y (1⩽ x ⩽4) thin films were prepared by chemical solution deposition on LaAlO3 (001) single crystal substrates. The derived thin films were composed of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 and Mn3O4 phases when excess Mn content was used as compared to the stoichiometric La0.7Sr0.3MnO3, which could be attributed to a spinodal-like growth mechanism. Both La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 and Mn3O4 phases were epitaxial growth and full relaxation of stress. With increasing Mn content, Mn3O4 phase was squeezed out from matrix and tented to aggregate onto La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 surface. Two magnetic transitions were observed in composite thin films, showing no magnetic coupling between these two phases. Magnetoresistance was only enhanced slightly with increasing Mn content due to slightly enhanced interface effects. It is suggested that the spinodal-like growth will provide a novel route to construct new microstructures in thin films using chemical solution deposition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To study the clinical, biochemical, and genetic heterogeneity of six Chinese patients and their mothers with the 3243 A>G mutation, six patients (ranging from 5 to 11 years) were hospitalized. All the mothers were healthy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities were determined by spectrophotometry. Mitochondrial gene was analyzed in all patients. Six core pedigrees were investigated. Two patients had mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes syndrome and one had Leigh syndrome. The common initial symptoms were headache, vomiting, blurred vision, and epilepsy. m.3243A>G mutation was detected in all patients and their mothers. The mutation loads ranged from 43.6% to 58% and those of their mothers ranged from 14.1% to 28.6%. Varied respiratory chain deficiencies were observed in all patients and two mothers. m.3243A>G mutation can result in a wide spectrum of respiratory chain complex deficiencies. Mitochondrial DNA mutation detected in blood may be likely to transmit to offspring, and the mutation load may increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mutation-based molecular diagnostics of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is complicated by genetic and allelic heterogeneity, large multi-exon genes, and duplication sequences of PKD1. Recently, targeted resequencing by pooling long-range polymerase chain reaction (LR-PCR) amplicons has been used in the identification of mutations in ADPKD. Despite its high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, LR-PCR is still complicated. We performed whole-exome sequencing on two unrelated typical Chinese ADPKD probands and evaluated the effectiveness of this approach compared with Sanger sequencing. Meanwhile, we performed targeted gene and next-generation sequencing (targeted DNA-HiSeq) on 8 individuals (1 patient from one family, 5 patients and 2 normal individuals from another family). Both whole-exome sequencing and targeted DNA-HiSeq confirmed c.11364delC (p.H3788QfsX37) within the unduplicated region of PKD1 in one proband; in the other family, targeted DNA-HiSeq identified a small insertion, c.401_402insG (p.V134VfsX79), in PKD2. These methods do not overcome the screening complexity of homology. However, the true positives of variants confirmed by targeted gene and next-generation sequencing were 69.4%, 50% and 100% without a false positive in the whole coding region and the duplicated and unduplicated regions, which indicated that the screening accuracy of PKD1 and PKD2 can be largely improved by using a greater sequencing depth and elaborate design of the capture probe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim To determine the genetic diversity of invasive snails ( Pomacea spp.) that are implicated in crop damage, environmental degradation and human disease, and to determine their distribution pattern in a large part of eastern Asia. Location People's Republic of China (P.R. China). Methods We collected Pomacea snails in a national survey using a grid sampling approach. Overall, 544 snails from 54 sites were used for the present investigation. The mitochondrial cox1 gene was amplified and sequenced from all the snails. We determined and classified the haplotypes using network analyses and mapped them within P.R. China. Haplotypes from this study, together with sequences available from GenBank, were used to reveal the global distribution of Pomacea canaliculata and P. insularum. Results We obtained 521 cox1 sequences and identified 24 unique haplotypes. Six haplotypes were commonly found in P.R. China. Two species, P. canaliculata and P. insularum, and one cryptic group were observed. The distribution of the 24 haplotypes across P.R. China shows a mosaic pattern. Globally, only six of 112 haplotypes of P. canaliculata, P. insularum, P. dolioides, P. lineata and P. paludosa are shared between introduced and native snail populations. We found 16 haplotype clusters, five of which occur in mainland P.R. China. Three of the five clusters could be traced back to South America. The remaining two clusters were unique to P.R. China. Main conclusions Phylogenetic analyses indicate that P. canaliculata, P. insularum and two cryptic groups, discovered by the present and previous studies, coexist in the mainland of P.R. China. The mosaic distribution and the high diversity found in the collection sites suggests multiple and secondary introductions. The findings indicate the importance of preventing further intentional introductions and call for appraisal of the risk posed by these snails in vulnerable areas. Discrimination of the ecological impacts of the different species or genotypes will help to develop setting-specific management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Cytokines have been implicated in the acute rejection of solid organ transplantation. Many studies have investigated the association between recipient or donor IL-4 polymorphism and acute rejection, with different studies reporting inconclusive results. Methods: We searched PUBMED and EMBASE until June 2012 to identify eligible studies investigating the association between IL-4 polymorphism with acute rejection after solid organ transplantation. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA10.0. Results: A total of 12 studies were included. Pooled ORs suggested 1) no significant association was detected between recipient or donor IL-4 −590C/T polymorphism and acute rejection of solid allograft; 2) no significant association was detected between recipient IL-4 −33C/T polymorphism and acute rejection of solid allograft; 3) when stratified by transplantation type, IL-4 −590C/T polymorphism was associated with acute rejection of liver transplantation (T/T+C/T vs. C/C: OR=0.36, 95%CI=0.14–0.90); 4) significantly decreased risk of acute rejection was detected in recipient IL-4 −590*T-negative/donor T-positive genotype pairs than all other recipient–donor IL-4 −590T/C pairs (OR=0.14, 95%CI=0.03–0.66). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggested that recipient IL-4 −590C/T polymorphism was associated with acute rejection of liver transplantation, but nor renal or heart transplantation. It was also suggested that combined recipient IL-4 −590*T-negative/donor T-positive genotype may suffer decreased risk of acute rejection of solid allograft. Further well-designed studies with larger sample size were required to verify our findings, with focus on the association of IL-4 polymorphism with acute rejection in patients with liver transplantation and studies investigating combined recipient–donor genotype. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: VO2(M) nanobelts encapsulated into carbon core–shell structured composite (VO2(M)@C) was successfully synthesized by the thermal treatment with the precursor V3O7·H2O@C composite under the inert atmosphere. The as-obtained sample was characterized by XRD, EDS, EA, FT-IR, Raman, SEM and TEM measurements. The core exhibited monoclinic phase VO2(M) and the carbon coated on the surface of VO2(M) was amorphous. The average thickness of carbon was about 18.5 nm. The possible formation mechanism of VO2(M)@C was proposed as that the reaction underwent the solid state reaction by the interface reaction between V3O7 core and carbon shell. Furthermore, VO2(M) and VO2(M)@C composite were explored as the cathode materials to apply in lithium-ion batteries, indicating that the VO2(M)@C composite electrode exhibited the better electrochemical properties than that of pure VO2(M), achieving the aim of improving the electrochemical properties of VO2(M). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Genetic screening for germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene has been extensively exploited worldwide to optimize the diagnostic and clinical management of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) patients and their relatives. However, a distinct lag period exists not only in the recognition but also in the medical treatment of patients with MEN2. Here we present a comprehensive genetic and clinical analysis of MEN2 among Chinese families followed from 1975 to 2011. Our series comprises 36 index cases and 134 relatives from 11 independent families. Methods: Genetic diagnosis was performed in all participants by direct sequencing all relevant RET exons. Thyroidectomy was performed in 50 patients with varying cervical neck dissection procedures. Patients with pheochromocytoma (PHEO) underwent specific surgery. Demographic, clinical profiles, mutation types, tumor histopathologic features, and follow-up records were systematically analyzed. Results: The RET mutations p.C634Y ( n=34), p.C634R ( n=6), p.C618S ( n=13), p.V292M/R67H/R982C ( n=7), p.L790F ( n=2), and p.C634Y/V292M/R67H/R982C ( n=1) were confirmed in 31 index cases and then identified in 32 at-risk relatives (mutation carriers), with MEN2A as the most common clinical subtype. The overall penetrance of PHEO in patients with MEN2A was 46.7%. A total of 50 patients underwent thyroidectomy, and there was a significant lowering of their mean age at thyroidectomy and the tumor diameter of the mutation carriers that were detected and operated on compared with the index cases (age at first surgery: 29.3 vs. 39.3 years, p<0.05; maximum size: 1.1 vs. 3.3 cm, p<0.001). There was also a decrease in the TNM staging and the proportion of patients who underwent inappropriate initial thyroid surgery (pN1: 31.6% vs. 100%, p<0.001; inappropriate surgery: 0% vs. 29%). Meanwhile, disease-free survival (DFS) increased (DFS: 100% vs. 58.1%, p<0.05). Both medullary thyroid carcinoma-specific ( n=1) and PHEO-specific ( n=5) deaths were reported during the study period. Conclusions: Our results further substantiate that gene scanning of all relevant RET exons is a powerful tool in the management of MEN2 patients, especially in asymptomatic carriers, and has led to earlier diagnosis and more complete initial treatment of patients with MEN2 in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ceriops tagal is a long-lived, woody perennial mangrove species, which is expected to maintain high levels of genetic diversity. We used two kinds of molecular markers, including maternally inherited chloroplast intergenic spacers (total ∼2550bp) and bi-parentally inherited nuclear genes (total ∼69,308bp) to examine the genetic variation of C. tagal across East India Ocean (EIO), West Pacific Ocean (WPO) and North Australia (NA), representing the largest range ever investigated. For nuclear genes survey, we adopted deep sequencing technologies to sequence 90 nuclear loci from pooled DNA samples of 100 individuals from each of three populations of C. tagal. Our data showed an extremely low level of polymorphism both at the chloroplast regions (nucleotide diversity: π =3.2×10−4) and nuclear loci (π =3.0×10−4) across the species range investigated. This species appeared to have passed through severe and prolonged demographic bottlenecks in the Pleistocene glaciation. However, a highly differentiated population structure among geographical regions was revealed by both molecular markers. Chlorotype analysis identified three major geographical groups in correspond to the EIO, WPO and NA. The high genetic identities within any local populations of C. tagal and shallow distinct genetic differences between geographical groups suggested recent historical isolation among the populations. Genetic information obtained from this study should help provide a framework for the development of conservation program for this species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The two rodent intra-arterial nematodes, Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus costaricensis, can cause human ill-health. The present study aimed to characterize and compare the mitochondrial (mt) genomes of these two species, and clarify their phylogenetic relationship and the position in the phylum Nematoda. The complete mt genomes of A. cantonensis and A. costaricensis are 13,497 and 13,585 bp in length, respectively. Hence, they are the smallest in the class of Chromadorea characterized thus far. Like many nematode species in the class of Chromadorea, they encode 12 proteins, 22 transfer RNAs, and two ribosomal RNAs. All genes are located on the same strand. Nucleotide identity of the two mt genomes is 81.6%, ranging from 77.7% to 87.1% in individual gene pairs. Our mt genome-wide analysis identified three major gene arrangement patterns (II-1, II-2, and II-3) from 48 nematode mt genomes. Both patterns II-1 and II-2 are distinct from pattern II-3, which covers the Spirurida, supporting a closer relationship between Ascaridida and Strongylida rather than Spirurida. Thymine (T) was highly concentrated on coding strands in Chromadorea, but balanced between the two strands in Enoplea, probably due to the gene arrangement pattern. Interestingly, the gene arrangement pattern of mt genomes and phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated amino acids indicated a closer relationship between the order Ascaridida and Rhabditida rather than Spirurida as indicated in previous studies. These discrepancies call for new research, reassessing the position of the order of Ascaridida in the phylogenetic tree. Once consolidated, the findings are important for population genetic studies and target identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous study demonstrated that morphine dose- and time-dependently elevated dopamine (DA) concentrations in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) during the expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats. However, still unknown are how DA concentrations dynamically change during the morphine-induced CPP test and whether tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays a vital role in this process. In the present study, we measured dynamic changes in TH and phosphorylated TH serine 40 (pTH Ser) and pTH Ser proteins in the VTA, and DA concentrations in the NAc at 5 min intervals during a 30 min morphine-induced CPP test. Rats that underwent morphine-induced CPP training significantly preferred the morphine-paired chamber during the CPP expression test, an effect that lasted at least 30 min in the drug-free state. DA concentrations in the NAc markedly increased at 15 min when the rats were returned to the CPP boxes to assess the expression of preference for the previously drug-paired chamber. DA concentrations then declined 2 h after the CPP test. TH and pTH Ser levels, but not pTH Ser levels, in the VTA were enhanced during the CPP test. These results indicated that TH and the phosphorylation of TH Ser in the VTA may be responsible for DA synthesis and release in the NAc during the behavioral expression of conditioned reward elicited by a drug-associated context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic arsenic exposure has been linked to an increased risk of vascular diseases. To clarify the molecular mechanisms through which arsenic causes injuries to blood vessels, we analyzed the effects of arsenic trioxide on the cytotoxicity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), the expression of related genes, and signaling pathways involved in the SVEC4-10 mouse endothelial cells. Arsenic dose-dependently caused SVEC4-10 cell death, which is completely inhibited by α-lipoic acid (LA), a thioreductant, but partially ameliorated by Tiron, a potent superoxide scavenger. The mRNA levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly increased by arsenic. The up-regulation of these can be blocked by LA instead of Tiron, suggesting ROS is not important in their increase. HO-1 competitive inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin improved the cytotoxicity of arsenic in an inverted-U dose-response curve, indicating the biphasic hormetic effect of HO-1. HO-1 siRNA decreased VEGF expression in response to arsenic. Arsenic exposure also enhanced NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and increased activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). NF-κB inhibitor Bay 11-7082 reduced arsenic-mediated expression of HO-1 and IL-6. Selective blocking of the MAPK pathways with p38 inhibitor SB203580 significantly decreased arsenic-induced HO-1 and VEGF expression, while JNKs inhibitor SP600125 increased IL-6 expression. These results suggest that in arsenic-treated SVEC4-10 cells, HO-1 expression is mediated through Nrf2-, NF-κB-, and p38 MAPK-dependent signaling pathways and serves as an upstream regulator of VEGF. IL-6 expression is regulated by NF-κB and JNKs. In conclusion, oxidative stress may be associated with arsenic-induced cytotoxicity and endothelial gene up-regulation, but signaling transduction dominates the direct effects of ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Belt-like VO2(M)@C core-shell structured composite was successfully fabricated by the thermal treatment with V3O7·H2O@C composite under a flow of Ar gas at 500°C for 12h. The processes of the formation of VO2(M)@C were briefly discussed. The core exhibited monoclinic phase VO2(M) and the carbon coated on the surface of VO2(M) was amorphous. The as-obtained VO2(M)@C composite consisted of belt-like shape with width ranging from 50 to 250nm, length ranging from a few hundred nanometers to several micrometers and the thickness of carbon was about 18.5nm on average. Furthermore, the phase transition property of VO2(M)@C was measured by DSC, revealing that VO2(M)@C also had the reversible first-order metal-to-insulator transition in the case of VO2(M). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Published data on the association between miR-196a2 T/C polymorphism and cancer susceptibility are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. A total of 21 studies including 10,441 cases and 12,353 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Overall, significantly elevated cancer risk was associated with miR-196a2 C allele when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis (TC vs. TT: OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.11–1.36; CC vs. TT: OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.14–1.48; dominant model: OR=1.25, 95% CI=1.13–1.38). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risks were found in Asains (TC vs. TT: OR=1.24, 95% CI=1.10–1.40; CC vs. TT: OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.13–1.52; dominant model: OR=1.26, 95% CI=1.12–1.41) but with bordline statistical significance in Caucasians (TC vs. TT: OR=1.15, 95% CI=1.00–1.31). In the subgroup analysis by cancer type, statistically significantly increased risks were found for breast cancer (TC vs. TT: OR=1.15, 95% CI=1.01–1.31; CC vs. TT: OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.01–1.68; dominant model: OR=1.22, 95% CI=1.00–1.50; and recessive model: OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.01–1.23) and lung cancer (CC vs. TT: OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.10–1.54; and recessive model: OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.02–1.36). When stratified by study design, statistically significantly elevated risk was found in hospital-based studies (TC vs. TT: OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.13–1.49; CC vs. TT: OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.14–1.66; dominant model: OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.15–1.53) and population-based studies (CC vs. TT: OR=1.19, 95% CI=1.06–1.35; dominant model: OR=1.13, 95% CI=1.01–1.25). Despite some limitations, this meta-analysis suggests that the miR-196a2 C allele is a low-penetrant risk factor for cancer development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is the only lagomorph animal of which the genome has been sequenced. Establishing a rabbit miRNA resource will benefit subsequent functional genomic studies in mammals. We have generated small RNA sequence reads with SOLiD and Solexa platforms to identify rabbit miRNAs, where we identified 464 pre-miRNAs and 886 mature miRNAs. The brain and heart miRNA libraries were used for further in-depth analysis of isomiR distributions. There are several intriguing findings. First, several rabbit pre-miRNAs form highly conserved clusters. Second, there is a preference in selecting one strand as mature miRNA, resulting in an arm selection preference. Third, we analyzed the isomiR expression and validated the expression of isomiR types in different rabbit tissues. Moreover, we further performed additional small RNA libraries and defined miRNAs differentially expressed between brain and heart. We conclude also that isomiR distribution profiles could vary between brain and heart tissues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]