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Late-onset hypogonadism is defined as a condition caused by a decline in the levels of testosterone with aging. One of the major factors contributing to the low levels of testosterone is the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Leydig cells during the ageing process. Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prdx2), a member of the peroxiredoxin family, is an antioxidant protein, the predominant function of which is to neutralize ROS. However, its role in Leydig cells remains to be elucidated. In the present study, primary Leydig cells were exposed to low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress. Cell apoptosis was measured using an Annexin V fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide apoptosis detection kit and flow cytometry. The level of testosterone was determined by radioimmunoassay, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Prdx2 were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. The results revealed a significant increase in cell apoptosis and decrease in testosterone production. In addition, the expression of Prdx2 was decreased by H2O2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and this decrease may have been caused by the induction of its molecular structure transformation due to H2O2 elimination. The above findings indicated that Prdx2 may prevent H2O2 accumulation in Leydig cells, and may be important in oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and decreased testosterone production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emotion of despair that occurs with uncontrollable stressful event is probably retained by memory, termed despair-associated memory, although little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here, we report that forced swimming (FS) with no hope to escape, but not hopefully escapable swimming (ES), enhances hippocampal α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-dependent GluA1 Ser831 phosphorylation (S831-P), induces a slow-onset CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) in freely moving rats and leads to increased test immobility 24-h later. Before FS application of the antagonists to block S831-P or N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) or glucocorticoid receptor (GR) disrupts LTP and reduces test immobility, to levels similar to those of the ES group. Because these mechanisms are specifically linked with the hopeless of escape from FS, we suggest that despair-associated memory occurs with an endogenous CA1 LTP that is intriguingly mediated by a unique combination of rapid S831-P with NMDAR and GR activation to shape subsequent behavioral despair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background MicroRNA-133b (miR-133b), which is a muscle-specific microRNA, has been reported to be downregulated in human colorectal carcinoma (CRC) when compared to adjacent non-tumor tissue. However, its diagnostic value and role in CRC have yet to be described. CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4), which participates in multiple cell processes such as cell invasion-related signaling pathways, was predicted to be a potential target of miR-133b. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations and functions of miR-133b and CXCR4 in CRC initiation and invasion. Methods Mature miR-133b and CXCR4 expression levels were detected in 31 tumor samples and their adjacent, non-tumor tissues from patients with CRC, as well as in 6 CRC cell lines, using real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Luciferase reporter assays and Western blots were used to validate CXCR4 as a putative target gene of miR-133b. Regulation of CXCR4 expression by miR-133b was assessed using qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis, and the effects of exogenous miR-133b and CXCR4 on cell invasion and migration were evaluated in vitro using the SW-480 and SW-620 CRC cell lines. Results A significant downregulation of miR-133b was observed in 93.55% of CRC tissues, and the expression of miR-133b was much lower in metastatic tumors (stage C and D, stratified by the Modified Dukes Staging System) than in primary tumors (stage A and B). In contrast, CXCR4 protein expression significantly increased in 52.63% of CRC samples, and increased CXCR4 expression in CRC was associated with advanced tumor stage. CXCR4 was shown to be a direct target of miR-133b by luciferase reporter assays, and transfection of miR-133b mimics inhibited invasion and stimulated apoptosis of SW-480 and SW-620 CRC cells. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that downregulated miR-133b contributed to increased cell invasion and migration in CRC by negatively regulating CXCR4. These findings may be significant for the development of therapy target for CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on numeric simulation in frequency domain of seismic wave, which used Fourier transformation to transform the seismic wave equation into boundary problems of Helmholtz equation.

Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized in Mussaenda pubescens for further study of its levels of genetic diversity and changes in population genetic structure in reproductive character displacement and in shifts of sexual systems. Methods and Results: Nineteen microsatellite loci were amplifi ed successfully in M. pubescens, 17 of which were polymorphic. A maximum of eight alleles were detected per locus in 68 individuals at population level. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0 to 1.000 and 0 to 0.882, respectively. Conclusions: These newly developed microsatellite markers will be useful in further investigations of genetic diversity and gene fl ow among populations of M. pubescens and its congeneric species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution, source and potential ecosystem risk of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Weihe River were estimated. In 2015 the mean values of ∑PAHs were 278.4 ng/L in water dissolved phase (WDP) and 1,340 ng/g dry weight (dw) in sediment, respectively. While in 2016 the mean concentrations of ∑PAHs reduced to 108.6 ng/L in WDP and 539.1 ng/g dw in sediment, respectively. The concentrations of PAHs in Weihe River were at a moderate level compared with other rivers in the world. Compared with the data in our previous study in 2014 and the data in other studies, the PAHs level in Weihe River in 2015 and 2016 decreased obviously. The PAHs concentrations in WDP and sediment samples from 8 sewage outlets discharging into Weihe River were much higher than those in Weihe River. Principal component analytical results indicated that coal combustion was the most important source of PAHs in Weihe River. The results suggested that Weihe River Comprehensive Treatment Project (WRCTP) played its role effectively in reducing PAHs pollution of Weihe River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) has a 100% disease-specific mortality rate. The JAK1/2-STAT3 pathway presents a promising target for treating hematologic and solid tumors. However, it is unknown whether the JAK1/2-STAT3 pathway is activated in ATC, and the anti-cancer effects and the mechanism of action of its inhibitor, ruxolitinib (Ruxo, a clinical JAK1/2 inhibitor), remain elusive. Our data indicated that the JAK1/2-STAT3 signaling pathway is significantly upregulated in ATC tumor tissues than in normal thyroid and papillary thyroid cancer tissues. Apoptosis and GSDME-pyroptosis were observed in ATC cells following the in vitro and in vivo administration of Ruxo. Mechanistically, Ruxo suppresses the phosphorylation of STAT3, resulting in the repression of DRP1 transactivation and causing mitochondrial fission deficiency. This deficiency is essential for activating caspase 9/3-dependent apoptosis and GSDME-mediated pyroptosis within ATC cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate DRP1 is directly regulated and transactivated by STAT3; this exhibits a novel and crucial aspect of JAK1/2-STAT3 on the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. In ATC, the transcriptional inhibition of DRP1 by Ruxo hampered mitochondrial division and triggered apoptosis and GSDME-pyroptosis through caspase 9/3-dependent mechanisms. These results provide compelling evidence for the potential therapeutic effectiveness of Ruxo in treating ATC.

The thermal expansion curves of 20CrMnTiH test steel with three compositions at different cooling rates were measured by DIL805 type quench deformation expansion instrument ， and the microstructures at room temperature were observed， the continuous cooling transition （CCT） curves were drawn. The test results show that the composition fluctuation mainly affects the cooling range of bainite and martensite phase transformation during the cooling transformation of 20CrMnTiH， and has little effect on the critical phase transformation temperature. The kinetic parameters of martensitic transformation of the three test steels were fitted by using K-M equation. Combined with the optimized Li empirical model and the regression equation of critical transition temperature， a prediction model of phase transformation prediction model of ferrite，pearlite and bainite during continuous cooling of 20CrMnTiH was established ，the influence of composition fluctuation on CCT curve of the test steels were predicted successfully. Furthermore， the end-quenching simulation model of 20CrMnTiH steel was established by finite element analysis method， which can better predict the influence of composition fluctuation on the hardenability of the test steel. This method can provide reference for the composition optimization design and material selection of gear steel.

Considerable achievements were realized in illuminating underlying pathological mechanisms of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). Although IMN patients are well diagnosed before they reach renal failure, no currently available drug intervention is effective in halting IMN progression. In this study, we assess Moshen granule (MSG) effect on IMN patients and cationic bovine serum albumin (CBSA)-induced rats. Increasing studies has indicated that activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was related to oxidative stress and inflammation. We further determine MSG effect on AHR, nuclear factor ƙB (NF-ƙB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the CBSA-induced rats. MSG markedly reduces proteinuria and improves kidney function in both IMN patients and rats induced by CBSA. MSG markedly inhibits increased mRNA expressions of intrarenal AHR and its four downstream target genes including CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1 and COX-2 compared with untreated CBSA-induced rats. This is accompanied by markedly downregulated protein expressions of p-IƙBα and NF-ƙB p65 and its downstream gene products including MCP-1, COX-2, 12-LOX, iNOS, p47phox and p67phox, while markedly preserves protein expressions of Nrf2 and its downstream gene products including catalase, HO-1, GCLM, GCLC, MnSOD and NQO1 in the kidney tissues. These data suggests MSG blunts podocyte damage through inhibiting activation of NF-ƙB/Nrf2 pathway via AHR signaling. This finding may provide a promising therapy for treatment of IMN through oxidative stress and inflammation.

The ratedependence characteristics of polyurethane elastomer were investigated by compression tests. The instantaneous response and equilibrium response of the material which represents responses of infinitely fast loading and infinitely slow loading were determined through different strain-rate compression tests and multi-step-relaxation test respectively. The relation between instantaneous modulus and equilibrium modulus was studied and it is found that they are coincidently varied with compression strain, the least-square method was used to determine the difference. Five-term Mooney-Rivlin strain energy function was used to modeling instantaneous response and equilibrium response, and Prony series was employed as material relaxation function to describe linear viscoelasticity. Nonlinear viscoelasticity constituent model was founded by combined nonlinear hyperelasticity and linear viscoelasticity model. Numerical results obtained from nonlinear viscoelasticity constituent model are compared with the test results to verify the adequacy of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Eimeria tenella mainly invades and develops into cecal epithelial cells of chickens, resulting in cecal epithelial cell damage. Infectious intracellular pathogens possibly act by influencing the autophagy process after invading cells. The interaction between E. tenella and the autophagy of host cells was explored by infecting E. tenella with chick embryo cecal epithelial cells. Transmission electron microscopy, laser confocal microscopy, and Western blot analysis were used to demonstrate that E. tenella infection could induce autophagy in host cells. Results showed that infection with E. tenella induced the formation of autophagosomes in cells. The expression of ATG 5, Beclin-1, and LC3B-II proteins were significantly (P < 0.01) increased after E. tenella infected host cells. Expression of p62 protein levels were significantly (P < 0.01) decreased in host cells infected with E. tenella. Chloroquine (CQ) significantly (P < 0.01) increased the expression levels of LC3B-II and P62 in E. tenella-infected host cells. Rapamycin (RAPA) induced autophagy in host cells, thus reducing the intracellular infection of E. tenella. By contrast, the infection rate of E. tenella increased in cells treated with 3-Methyladenine (3-MA). Hence, E. tenella sporozoite infection could induce autophagy activation in chick embryo cecal epithelial cells, and enhanced autophagy could reduce the infection rate of E. tenella.

Abstract Background Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm due to early left ventricle rupture is a serious complication after cardiac surgery. Urgent surgery is recommended in most cases with a high mortality rate. Conservative treatment of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm due to early left ventricle rupture is very rare. Case presentation We present a 61-year-old woman with left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after mitral valve replacement due to early left ventricle rupture. This patient was treated in a conservative approach. This patient had an uneventful recovery. She was in good condition and remained asymptomatic 3.5 years after mitral valve surgery. Conclusion This case suggests that medical treatment left ventricular pseudoaneurysm patients has a limited but acceptable role in selected and unusual circumstances.

Abstract Background Parachute mitral valve with reticular chordae tendineae is an extremely rare anomaly. Case presentation We present a case of parachute mitral valve associated with distinctive reticular chordae tendineae in an adult. It was diagnosed from the echocardiogram. The patient was referred for surgery. Valve analysis showed thickened mitral valve leaflets and commissures. The chordae tendinae were lengthy and thick. All the chordae tendinae merged into a solitary papillary muscle. A distinctive reticular fibrous tissue was found on mitral valve apparatus as the chordae tendinae intermixed each other. The only functional communication between the left atrium and the left ventricle was through the reticular spaces. This anomaly was considered to be unrepairable and was replaced with a mechanical valve. Conclusions An extremely rare and unique case of parachute mitral valve associated with reticular chordae tendineae was reported. Mitral valve replacement is a reasonable choice in patients with parachute mitral valve with reticular chordae tendineae.

ABSTRACT: It has been an intense debate on the exact boundary between Ediacaran and Cambrian in the southwest Yangtze Block. The calibration of this critical boundary has a remarkable influence on the further investigation of the break-up of the Rodinia Supercontinent, the early life evolution, and the mechanism of the phosphorite deposit. Ediacaran and Cambrian strata and fossils are widely distributed in Anning, Yunnan Province in China. In recent years, the Xiaowaitoushan Member from the Lower Yuhucun Formation has been studied. Through this interval with continuous collections, the first appearance datums (FADs) of the protoconodont (Fomitchella cf. inchoate Yang et He, Protohertzina cf. anabarica Missarzhevsky) and globular embryos fossil (Olivooides sp.) earlier than these in the Lower Cambrian strata of the Meishucun Formation were discovered. This discovery indicates that the Xiaowaitoushan Member has included more FADs than the previously discovered single FAD of Anabarites primitivus Qian et Jiang, and the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary in southwest China should be replaced below the Point “A” of the Meishucun Formation in Yunnan Province. The Point “B” of the Meishucun Formation is younger than the suggested age 541 Ma of the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary and can no longer reference the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) correlation in southwest China. It can be suggested based on the previous stratigraphy and palaeontology studies from northern Sichuan and southern Shaanxi and the FAD of the globular embryos fossils that the Ediacaran−Cambrian boundary in the southwest Yangtze Block should be placed at the base of the Xiaowaitoushan Member; other phosphorite strata refer to Xiaowaitoushan Member. The discovery of the FADs of the shelly fossils in the Xiaowaitoushan Member provides new evidence for the global correlation of the Ediacaran –Cambrian boundary in the southwest Yangtze Block. The conodont discoloration index (CAI) of the specimens in Anning is between 2 and 3, which indicates that the organic matter in Xiaowaitoushan Member is matured and has high potential to form a shale gas reservoir.

Purpose: To investigate the radiosensitizing effect of polysaccharide from Schisandrae Chinensis fruit (SCFP) on ovarian cancer SKOV3 cell line. Methods: The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to evaluate SKOV3 cell viability. Caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, and Bcl-2 levels in SKOV3 cells were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, mRNA expression of caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax and Bcl-2 in SKOV3 cells were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. Results: β-Irradiation (10 Gy) did not show obvious inhibitory effects on SKOV3 cell proliferation. However, SCFP at a dose of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/mL significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity of SKOV3 cells to β-irradiation (p < 0.01). Furthermore, SCFP at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/mL significantly increased the levels of caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax in SKOV3 cells, but decreased that of Bcl-2 (p < 0.01). In addition, SCFP combined with β-irradiation up-regulated mRNA expression of caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax (p < 0.01), but down-regulated that of Bcl-2 in SKOV3 cells (p < 0.01). Conclusion: SCFP significantly enhances the sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma SKOV3 cells to β-irradiation. The possible mechanism of sensitization might be correlated to the induction of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. This research provides a scientific basis for the development of SCFP for the treatment of ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Asthma is a disease with a core abnormality in airway smooth muscle function, and the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) plays a pivotal role in asthma airway remodeling. Our previous study showed that S100A9 (S100 calcium-binding protein A9; 400 and 800 ng/mL) significantly inhibited rat ASMCs proliferation at 48 h, and 50–800 ng/mL S100A9 (50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ng/mL) also induced a lasting effect by significantly inhibiting rat ASMCs proliferation at 72 h in a dose-dependent manner. However, the intracellular effects of S100A9 on ASMCs proliferation remain unknown. Methods. Rat ASMCs with stable S100A9 knockdown were generated using short hairpin RNA. The effects of decreased S100A9 expression on cellular proliferation, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and p38 MAPK pathway protein expression were examined. Results. Decreased intracellular S100A9 expression significantly promoted platelet-derived growth factor-induced rat ASMCs proliferation and increased ROS production. The antioxidative agent N-acetylcysteine significantly inhibited rat ASMCs proliferation. Western blot results showed that the decreased intracellular S100A9 expression significantly inhibited p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Conclusion. Decreased S100A9 expression promoted rat ASMCs proliferation by stimulating ROS generation and inhibiting p38 MAPK. Our study may provide novel insights into the regulation of asthma airway remodeling.

This study investigated the effects of irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilization on mitigating salt-induced Na + toxicity and sustaining sea rice growth for perfecting irrigation and fertilization of sea rice. Three irrigation methods (submerged irrigation, intermittent irrigation, and controlled irrigation), three kinds of N fertilizers (urea, controlled release urea, and mixed N fertilizer), and control treatment without NaCl were set up in a pot experiment of sea rice with NaCl stress. The electrical conductivity in root layer soil of treatment with mixed N fertilizer and intermittent irrigation decreased slowly with the growth of rice and was significantly smaller than that of other treatments with NaCl. The Na + content in sea rice of intermittent irrigation was the least, and that of submerged irrigation was significantly smaller than that of controlled irrigation, but the K + and Ca 2+ contents of three irrigation treatments were opposite to the Na + content. The Na + content of treatment with mixed N fertilizer and intermittent irrigation was the lowest, while the K + , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ contents of mixed N fertilizer and intermittent irrigation were the highest in treatments with NaCl. The cell membrane permeability and malondialdehyde contents of rice leaves of mixed N fertilizer and intermittent irrigation were significantly smaller than those of other treatments with NaCl. The rice yield of mixed N fertilizer was significantly greater than that of urea and controlled release urea, and that of mixed N fertilizer and intermittent irrigation was increased by 104, 108, 277, 300, and 334% compared with mixed N fertilizer and submerged irrigation, urea and intermittent irrigation, urea and submerged irrigation, controlled release urea and intermittent irrigation, and controlled release urea and submerged irrigation, respectively. Therefore, the treatment of mixed N fertilizer and intermittent irrigation is worth recommending for being used for planting sea rice on coastal saline-sodic soil., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: Authors state no conflict of interest., (© 2022 Li Jin et al., published by De Gruyter.)