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Background: Hepatoprotective effects of Chinese herbal medicine Schisandra Chinensis (Schisandra) have been widely investigated. However, most studies were focused on its lignan extracts. We investigated the effects of Schisandra polysaccharide (SCP) in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and studied its effect on sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) and the related genes. Methods: The mouse model of NAFLD was established by feeding mice with a high-fat diet for 16 weeks. Effect of SCP-treatment (100 mg/kg, once daily for 12 weeks) on biochemical parameters and liver histopathology was assessed. Relative levels of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) and their gene expressions were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot. Results: SCP significantly reduced the liver index by 12.0%. Serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were decreased by 31.3, 28.3, 42.8, 20.1 and 15.5%, respectively. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased by 26.9%. Further, SCP lowered hepatic TC and TG content by 27.0% and 28.3%, respectively, and alleviated fatty degeneration and necrosis of liver cells. A significant downregulation of mRNA and protein expressions of hepatic lipogenesis genes, SREBP-1c, fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and the mRNA expression of liver X receptor α (LXRα) was observed in NAFLD mice treated with SCP. SCP also significantly reduced the hepatic expression of SREBP-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the hepatoprotective effects of SCP in a mouse model of NAFLD; the effects may be mediated via downregulation of LXRα/SREBP-1c/FAS/ACC and SREBP-2/HMGCR signaling pathways in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astaxanthin is an oxygen-containing derivative of carotenoids that effectively suppresses reactive oxygen and has nutritional and medicinal value. The mechanisms underlying the effects of astaxanthin on isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis remain to be fully understood. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of astaxanthin to reduce isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The results demonstrated that isoflurane induced brain damage, increased caspase-3 activity and suppressed the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in an in vivo model. However, treatment with astaxanthin significantly inhibited brain damage, suppressed caspase-3 activity and upregulated the PI3K/Akt pathway in the isoflurane-induced rats. Furthermore, isoflurane suppressed cell growth, induced cell apoptosis, enhanced caspase-3 activity and downregulated the PI3K/Akt pathway in organotypic hippocampal slice culture. Administration of astaxanthin significantly promoted cell growth, reduced cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activity, and upregulated the PI3K/Akt pathway and isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis. The present study demonstrated that downregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway reduced the effect of astaxanthin to protect against isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis in the in vitro model. The results of the current study suggested that the protective effect of astaxanthin reduces the isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis via activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRs) are short, non-coding RNAs with post-transcriptional regulatory functions. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-34c is involved in diverse biological processes, including carcinogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR-34c and its target genes in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Expression levels of miR-34c and its predicted target genes were measured. The target genes were validated by a luciferase assay. The effects of miR-34c restoration were evaluated by the detection of HBV antigens, cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro, in addition to the tumor growth in vivo. The data demonstrated that miR-34c was downregulated in HBV-associated HCC clinical tissues and HCC cell lines compared with their corresponding controls. transforming growth factor-β-induced factor homeobox 2 (TGIF2), a transcription factor repressing transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling, was observed to be upregulated and was identified as a target gene of miR-34c. The restoration of miR-34c in HepG2.2.15 cells suppressed TGIF2 expression, HBV replication and viral antigen synthesis; inhibited cell proliferation; and induced apoptosis. miR-34c also inhibited tumor growth in a mouse model. The present study indicates that miR-34c may act as a tumor suppressor by targeting TGIF2 during HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinogenesis. miR-34c and TGIF2 may represent key regulatory factors, diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of HBV-associated HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among hundreds of formulae of Chinese herbal prescriptions and recently extracted active components from the herbs, some of which had demonstrated their functions on nervous system. For the last decade or more, Gingko biloba and Polygala tenuifolia were widely studied for their beneficial effects against damage to the brain. Two compounds extracted from Apium graveolens and Rhizoma coptidis, butylphthalide and berberine, respectively, received much attention recently as potential neuroprotective agents. In this review, the two traditionally used herbs and the two relatively new compounds will be discussedwith regard to their potential advantages in alleviating brain and other relevant ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The a-(1,2) fucosyltransferases (Fut1 and Fut2) and a-(1,3) fucosyltransferases (Fut4, Fut9) are responsible for the synthesis of Lewis X (LeX) and Lewis Y (LeY) conjugated to glycoproteins. We recently reported that these fucosyltransferases were differentially expressed in the reproductive tract of male mouse. Here, we studied the effect of androgen on fucosyltransferase expression through the use of mouse castration models. We found that Fut1 mRNA and Fut4 mRNA were upregulated, while Fut2 mRNA and Fut9 mRNA were downregulated by androgen in the caput epididymis. However, in the vas deferens and prostate, only Fut4 mRNA and Fut2 mRNA were respectively upregulated following exposure to androgen. In the seminal vesicle, all fucosyltransferases, with the exception of Fut9, were upregulated. We identified the androgen receptor binding sites (ARBSs) of Fut2, Fut4 and Fut9 in the caput epididymis. Luciferase assay for these ARBSs is able to provide an indication as to why Fut4 and Fut9 are differently expressed and regulated by androgen, although they catalyze the same a-(1,3) fucose linkage. Our study showed that androgen could differentially regulate the expression of these fucosyltransferases and provided an insight into the characteristic distribution of each fucosyltransferase responsible for LeX/LeY biosynthesis in the male reproductive tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial dysfunction is a critical factor during the initiation of cardiovascular complications in diabetes. Berberine can ameliorate endothelial dysfunction induced by diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of berberine on palmitate-induced endothelial dysfunction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The cell viability of HUVECs was determined by MTT assays. Nitric oxide (NO) level and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined in supernatants or in the cultured HUVECs. The mRNA level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was measured by RT-PCR, and the protein levels of eNOS, p-eNOS, Akt, p-Akt, AMPK, p-AMPK, and NADPH oxidase (NOX4) were analyzed. The results demonstrated that berberine significantly elevated NO levels and reduced the production of ROS. The expressions of eNOS were significantly increased, while NOX4 protein expression was decreased in berberine-treated HUVECs. Moreover, berberine upregulated the protein expression of AMPK and p-AMPK in palmitate-treated HUVECs, but had no effect on the levels of Akt. Therefore, berberine ameliorates palmitate-induced endothelial dysfunction by upregulating eNOS expression and downregulating expression of NOX4. This regulatory effect of berberine may be related to the activation of AMPK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of target genes at the post-transcriptional level by transcript degradation or translational inhibition. The role of bta-miR-15a in bovine mammary gland hasn't been reported. Using miRNAs prediction software, GHR gene was predicted to be a potential target of bta-miR-15a. In this study, bovine mammary epithelial cell line was used as an in vitro cell model to address the function of bta-miR-15a on bovine mammary epithelial cells. The expression changes of bta-miR-15a and Ghr after bta-miR-15a transfection were detected by qRT-PCR; the expression of GHR protein and casein was detected by western blotting. To determine whether bta-miR-15a can affect cell viability, cells were examined using an electronic Coulter counter (CASY-TT). In conclusion, bta-miR-15a inhibited the expression of casein of bovine mammary epithelial cells, and cell number and viability were reduced by bta-miR-15a expression. Bta-miR-15a inhibited the viability of mammary epithelial cells as well as the expression of GHR mRNA and protein level, therefore suggesting that bta-miR-15a may play an important role in mammary gland physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puccinellia tenuiflora is a useful monocotyledonous halophyte that might be used for improving salt tolerance of cereals. This current work has shown that P. tenuiflora has stronger selectivity for K+ over Na+ allowing it to maintain significantly lower tissue Na+ and higher K+ concentration than that of wheat under short- or long-term NaCl treatments. To assess the relative contribution of Na+ efflux and influx to net Na+ accumulation, unidirectional 22Na+ fluxes in roots were carried out. It was firstly found that unidirectional 22Na+ influx into root of P. tenuiflora was significantly lower (by 31–37%) than in wheat under 100 and 150 mm NaCl. P. tenuiflora had lower unidirectional Na+ efflux than wheat; the ratio of efflux to influx was similar between the two species. Leaf secretion of P. tenuiflora was also estimated, and found the loss of Na+ content from leaves to account for only 0.0006% of the whole plant Na+ content over 33 d of NaCl treatments. Therefore, it is proposed that neither unidirectional Na+ efflux of roots nor salt secretion by leaves, but restricting unidirectional Na+ influx into roots with a strong selectivity for K+ over Na+ seems likely to contribute to the salt tolerance of P. tenuiflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After converting cropland to forest, carbon is sequestered in the aggrading biomass of the new forests, but the question remains, to what extent will the former arable soil contribute as a sink for CO2? Quantifying changes in soil carbon is an important consideration in the large-scale conversion of cropland to forest. Extensive field studies were undertaken to identify a number of suitable sites for comparison of soil properties under pasture and forest. The present paper describes results from a study of the effects of first rotation larch on soil carbon in seven stands in an afforestation chronosequence compared with adjacent Korean pine, pasture, and cropland. An adjacent 250-year-old natural forest was included to give information on the possible long-term changes in soil carbon in northeast China in 2004. Soil carbon initially decreased during the first 12 yr before a gradual recovery and accumulation of soil carbon occurred. The initial (0–12 yr) decrease in soil carbon was an average 1.2% per year among case studies, whereas the increase in soil carbon (12–33 yr) was 1.90% per year. Together with the carbon sequestration of forest floors, this led to total soil carbon stores of approximately 101.83 Mg/hm2 over the 33-year chronosequence. Within the relatively short time span, carbon sequestration occurred mainly in tree biomass, whereas soil carbon stores were clearly higher in the 250-year-old plantation (184 Mg/hm2). The ongoing redistribution of mineral soil carbon in the young stands and the higher soil carbon contents in the 250-year-old afforested stand suggest that nutrient-rich afforestation soils may become greater sinks for carbon (C) in the long term. (Managing editor: Ya-Qin Han) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two copper-complex-substituted tungstogermanates [Cu5(2,2′-bpy)6-(H2O)][GeW8O31]•9H2O, 1, and {[Cu5(2,2′-bpy)5(H2O)][GeW9O34]}2• 7H2O, 2 (2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. X-ray structural analyses show that 1 is a rare tetralacunary Keggin anion of [B-β-GeWBO31]10- substituted by copper complexes, while dimer 2 consists of two trilacunary [B-α-GeWgO34]10- Keggin units bridged by copper complexes. Magnetic measurement for 2 shows the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions within the dinuclear Cu2+ cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate whether Huisheng oral solution (HSOS) has an inhibitory effect on the development of pulmonary thrombosis and metastasis in mice with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), and to explore the possible mechanisms involved. A mouse model of LLC was developed, and model mice were divided into either a treatment group or a control group to undergo treatment with HSOS or normal saline. Normal mice treated with saline were used as normal controls. On day 25 after treatment, blood samples were drawn from the eyes of half the mice in each group to determine blood cell counts and plasma levels of D-Dimer and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), while heart blood samples were collected from the remaining mice to measure the rate of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. For all mice, pathological analyses of the cerebrum, lung, mesentery, femoral vein, external iliac vein and spleen were performed. Tumors were weighed to assess the impact of HSOS treatment on tumor growth, and the number of thrombi, metastatic nodules and neovessels in the tumor tissue were counted. In addition, 24 normal New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups and treated with either HSOS or normal saline to determine the rates of ADP-, collagen- or thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Compared with the model group, HSOS treatment decreased the incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism and metastasis, the number of metastatic nodules, the plasma levels of D-dimer and VEGF, the rate of collagen-induced platelet aggregation in rabbits and the numbers of leukocytes and tumor neovessels (P<0.05 for all). It increased the thymus and spleen coefficients and the number of platelets (P<0.05 for all), but had no significant effect on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation in mice and rabbits, ADP-induced platelet aggregation in rabbits, or the number of red blood cells. The reduced rate of tumor growth was 9.7% in mice treated with HSOS. HSOS treatment effectively reduced the development of pulmonary thromboembolism and metastasis in mice bearing LLC via mechanisms possibly associated with ameliorating a blood hypercoagulable state, decreasing tumor angiogenesis and enhancing immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aims to explore the effect of vacuum sealed drainage on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in gastric patients after radical gastrectomy. Methods One hundred and twenty patients who received radical for gastric cancer were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the control group received continuous gastrointestinal decompression to drain the gastric juices after radical gastrectomy, whereas patients in the treatment group received vacuum sealed drainage. The postoperative variables between the two groups were compared, including time of bowel sound reoccurrence, time of the first flatus, indwelling time of gastric tube, days of hospitalization, and complications, such as anastomotic leakage, intestinal obstruction, wound infection, pulmonary infection, fever, and pharyngitis. SPSS 13.0 was used to analyze the data. Results Significant differences in the following variables were observed in patients between the two groups: time of bowel sound reoccurrence, time of the first flatus, indwelling time of gastric tube, and length of hospitalization of the patients. The value of each of these variables was much smaller in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the incidence of anastomotic leakage, intestinal obstruction, and wound infection among patients between the two groups (P>0.05). However, a significant differences were observed in the incidence of pulmonary infection, fever, and pharyngitis among the patients between the two groups (P<0.05), with much lower incidence of the variables in the treatment group than in the control group. Conclusions Vacuum sealed drainage used in gastric cancer patients after radical gastrectomy can accelerate the recovery of gastrointestinal function and reduce postoperative complications. Moreover, it shortens the indwelling time of the gastric tube, thereby making the patients feel comfortable without the disturbance from the gastric tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community health nursing in China is an emerging specialty. A multi-component collaborative endeavor between the Schools of Nursing of Tianjin Medical University, China, and the University of Ottawa, Canada is described. This project, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency, commenced in 1989. It has laid the groundwork for an expanded role for community health nurses in Tianjin, a municipality of 11 million people located in Northeast China. The historical context for the evolution of community health nursing in China and the emergence of community health nursing as a priority area within the project are described. Major project activities are highlighted, illustrating several underlying principles for strengthening the educational preparation of baccalaureate nurses who can apply community health skills. These include creating a critical mass of faculty who can teach community health nursing, modelling classroom and clinical teaching of community health nursing, bridging the gap between nursing in the community and nursing in the hospital, and developing a prototype for baccalaureate community health nursing experience. Lessons learned from this initiative are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Schisandra, a globally distributed plant, has been widely applied for the treatment of diseases such as hyperlipidemia, fatty liver and obesity in China. In the present work, a rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RRLC-Q-TOF-MS)-based metabolomics was conducted to investigate the intervention effect of Schisandra chinensis lignans (SCL) on hyperlipidemia mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: Hyperlipidemia mice were orally administered with SCL (100 mg/kg) once a day for 4 weeks. Serum biochemistry assay of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) was conducted to confirm the treatment of SCL on lipid regulation. Metabolomics analysis on serum samples was carried out, and principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were carried out for the pattern recognition and characteristic metabolites identification. The relative levels of critical regulatory factors of liver lipid metabolism, sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) and its related gene expressions were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for investigating the underlying mechanism. Results: Oral administration of SCL significantly decreased the serum levels of TC, TG and LDL-c and increased the serum level of HDL-c in the hyperlipidemia mice, and no effect of SCL on blood lipid levels was observed in control mice. Serum samples were scattered in the PCA scores plots in response to the control, HFD and SCL group. Totally, thirteen biomarkers were identified and nine of them were recovered to the normal levels after SCL treatment. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis, the anti-hyperlipidemia mechanisms of SCL may be involved in the following metabolic pathways: tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, synthesis of ketone body and cholesterol, choline metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. Meanwhile, SCL significantly inhibited the mRNA expression level of hepatic lipogenesis genes such as SREBP-1c, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and decreased the mRNA expression of liver X receptor α (LXRα). Moreover, SCL also significantly decreased the expression level of SREBP-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) in the liver of hyperlipidemia mice. Conclusion: Anti-hyperlipidemia effect of SCL was confirmed by both serum biochemistry and metabolomics analysis. The mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of LXRα/SREBP-1c/FAS/ACC and SREBP2/HMGCR signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four basket-like organic-inorganic hybrids, formulated as [{CuII(H2O)2}{Ca4(H2O)4(HO0.5)3(en)2}{Ca⊂P6Mo4VMo14VIO73}]•7H2O (1), (H4bth)[{FeII(H2O)}{Ca⊂P6Mo18VIO73}]•4H2O (2), (H2bih)3[{CuII(H2O)2}{Ca⊂P6Mo2VMo16VIO73}]•2H2O (3), (H2bib)3[{FeII(H2O)2}{Ca⊂P6Mo2V Mo16VIO73}]•4H2O (4), (bth = 1,6-bis(triazole)hexane; bih = 1,6-bis(imidazol)hexane; bib = 1,4-bis(imidazole)butane) have been hydrothermally synthesized and fully characterized. Compounds 1-4 contain polyoxoanion [Ca⊂P6MonVMo18-nVIO73](6+n)- (n = 0, 2, or 4) (abbreviated as {P6Mo18O73}) as a basic building block, which is composed of a "basket body" {P2Mo14} unit and a "handle"-liked {P4Mo4} fragment encasing an alkaline-earth metal Ca2+ cation in the cage. Compound 1 exhibits an infrequent 2D layer structure linked by the Cu(H2O)2 linker and an uncommon tetranuclear calcium complex, while compound 2 is 8-connected 2-D layers connected by binuclear {Fe2(H2O)3} segaments, which are observed for the first time as 2-D basket-like assemblies. Compounds 3 and 4 are similar 1D Z-typed chains bonded by M(H2O)2 units (M = Cu for 3 and Fe for 4). The optical band gaps of 1-4 reveal their semiconductive natures. They exhibit universal highly efficient degradation ability for typical dyes such as methylene blue, methyl orange, and rhodamine B under UV light. The lifetime and catalysis mechanism of the catalysts have been investigated. The compounds also show good bifunctional electrocatalytic behavior for oxidation of amino acids and reduction of NO2-. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four basket-like organic-inorganic hybrids, formulated as [{CuII(H2O)2}{Ca4(H2O)4(HO0.5)3(en)2}{CaP6Mo4VMo14VIO73}]·7H2O (1), (H4bth)[{FeII(H2O)}{CaP6Mo18VIO73}]·4H2O (2), (H2bih)3[{CuII(H2O)2}{CaP6Mo2VMo16VIO73}]·2H2O (3), (H2bib)3[{FeII(H2O)2}{CaP6Mo2VMo16VIO73}]·4H2O (4), (bth = 1,6-bis(triazole)hexane; bih = 1,6-bis(imidazol)hexane; bib = 1,4-bis(imidazole)butane) have been hydrothermally synthesized and fully characterized. Compounds 1-4 contain polyoxoanion [CaP6MonVMo18-nVIO73](6+n)- (n = 0, 2, or 4) (abbreviated as {P6Mo18O73}) as a basic building block, which is composed of a "basket body" {P2Mo14} unit and a "handle"-liked {P4Mo4} fragment encasing an alkaline-earth metal Ca2+ cation in the cage. Compound 1 exhibits an infrequent 2D layer structure linked by the Cu(H2O)2 linker and an uncomMon tetranuclear calcium complex, while compound 2 is 8-connected 2-D layers connected by binuclear {Fe2(H2O)3} segaments, which are observed for the first time as 2-D basket-like assemblies. Compounds 3 and 4 are similar 1D Z-typed chains bonded by M(H2O)2 units (M = Cu for 3 and Fe for 4). The optical band gaps of 1-4 reveal their semiconductive natures. They exhibit universal highly efficient degradation ability for typical dyes such as methylene blue, methyl orange, and rhodamine B under UV light. The lifetime and catalysis mechanism of the catalysts have been investigated. The compounds also show good bifunctional electrocatalytic behavior for oxidation of amino acids and reduction of NO2-. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Noise exposure (NE) is a severe modern health hazard that induces hearing impairment. However, the noise-induced ultrastructural changes of blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) and the potential involvements of tight junction proteins (TJP) remain inconclusive. Objectives We investigated the effects of NE on not only the ultrastructure of cochlea and permeability of BLB but also the expression of TJP within the guinea pig cochlea. Methods Male albino guinea pigs were exposed to white noise for 4 h or 2 consecutive days (115 dB sound pressure level, 6 hours per day) and the hearing impairments and light microscopic change of BLB were evaluated with auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and the cochlear sensory epithelia surface preparation, respectively. The cochlear ultrastructure and BLB permeability after NE 2d were revealed with transmission electron microscope (TEM) and lanthanum nitrate-tracing techniques, respectively. The potential alterations of TJPs Claudin-5 and Occludin were quantified with immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results NE induced significant hearing impairment and NE 2d contributed to significant outer hair cell (OHC) loss that is most severe in the first row of outer hair cells. Furthermore, the loosen TJ and an obvious leakage of lanthanum nitrate particles beneath the basal lamina were revealed with TEM. Moreover, a dose-dependent decrease of Claudin-5 and Occludin was observed in the cochlea after NE. Conclusions All these findings suggest that both decrease of Claudin-5 and Occludin and increased BLB permeability are involved in the pathologic process of the noise exposure induced hearing impairment; however, the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel 3D compounds based on Keggin heteropoly blue anion-chains, [Na(H2O)2{MI(btp)}4(PWVI8WV4O39)] (M = Cu (1), Ag (2), btp = 1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propane), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, PXRD and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In compounds 1 and 2, the neighboring Keggin clusters are connected via sharing terminal oxygen atoms to form unusual Keggin anion chains by W-O-W covalent interactions, which are further reinforced by two copper(I) or silver(I) bridging fragments. Such saturated Keggin anion chains have been observed for the first time. The (Mbtp)4 40-membered cation-macrocycles and {Na(H2O)2} units serve as linkers to bond two adjacent anion chains resulting in infinite 2-D layers. The layers are further fused by interactions between the 40-membered macrocycles and {Na(H2O)2} units leading to intricate 3-D frameworks, which exhibit a novel 4, 6, 8-connected topology. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 exhibit good electrocatalytic activity for reduction of nitrite and fluorescence properties in the solid state at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three supramolecular materials based on {P4Mo6} polyoxoanions, (Hbbi)2(H2bbi)[Cu3Mo12VO24(OH)6(H2O)6(HPO4)4(H2PO4)2(PO4)2]·3H2O (1), (Hbbi)2(H2bbi)[Ni3Mo12VO24(OH)6(H2O)2(HPO4)4(H2PO4)2(PO4)2]·9H2O (2), (Hbpy)(bpy)3[Ni2(H2O)10Na(PCA)2][NiMo12VO24(OH)6(H2PO4)6(PO4)2]·6H2O (3) (bbi=1,1'-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), bpy=4,4'-bipyridine, PCA=pyridine-4-carboxylic acid), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by the elemental analysis, TG, IR, UV-vis, PXRD and the single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit covalent 1-D chains constructed from M[P4Mo6]2 dimeric cluster and {M(H2O)n} (M=Cu, n=3 for 1 and M=Ni, n=1 for 2) linker. Compound 3 possesses an unusual POMMOF supramolecular layers based on [Ni(P4Mo6)]2 dimeric units and 1-D metal-organic strings [Ni(H2O)5Na(PCA)]n, in which an in situ ligand of PCA from 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp) precursor was observed. Furthermore, the electrochemical behavior of 1-3-CPE and magnetic properties of 1-3 have been investigated in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, cancer research has focused on protein-coding genes, which are considered the principal effectors and regulators of tumorigenesis. Non-coding RNAs, in particular microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have been widely reported to be important in the regulation of tumorigenesis and cancer development. However, to the best of our knowledge, investigation of the expression profiles of lncRNAs and a comparison of the involvement of lncRNAs, miRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in esophageal tumorigenesis and development have not previously been performed. In the current study, intrinsic associations among the expression profiles of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs from normal esophageal tissues and those from cancer tissues were investigated. Oligonucleotide microarrays were used to detect the expression profiles of the three types of RNA in the canceration processes of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues. It was demonstrated that the different RNAs exhibit associated patterns of expression among normal esophageal epithelium, low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), and carcinoma tissues, particularly in the critical period of canceration (HGIN to ESCC). Furthermore, the results indicated a high level of similarity in the potential function of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in the processes of ESCC development. In the current study, a first generation atlas of lncRNA profiling and its association with miRNAs and mRNAs in the canceration processes of ESCC were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D organic-inorganic hybrid compound based on the Lindqvist-type polyoxometalate, [{Cu(phen)}3- {Cu(μ2-ox)3}{Mo6O19}] (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, ox = oxalate), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, PXRD, XPS, UV-vis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In compound 1, three C2O42- ligands bridge one Cu atom and three Cu(phen) fragments to form a tetra-nuclear copper(II) coordination complex [{Cu(phen)}3{Cu(μ2-ox)3}]2+ unit. The six-node [Mo6O19]2- clusters are interweaved by the 6-connected tetranuclear copper(II) complex units into an intricate 3D network structure, exhibiting a 412.63-nbo (sodium chloride-type) topology. Compound 1 exhibits the highest connectivity of Lindqvist-type POM hybrid materials. The electrochemical behavior of 1-CPE has been investigated in detail. Furthermore, a diffuse reflectivity spectrum of 1 reveals the presence of an optical band gap and the nature of semiconductivity with a large energy gap. A magnetic susceptibility study reveals predominant antiferromagnetic interactions between the CuII bridge units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to identify key genes associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) using microarray data and bioinformatic analyses. The dataset GSE6012, downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, contains gene expression data from 10 AD skin samples and 10 healthy skin samples. Following data preprocessing, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package of the R project. Interaction networks were constructed comprising DEGs that showed a degree of node of >3, >5 and >10, using the Osprey software. Functional enrichment and pathway enrichment analysis of the network comprising all DEGs and of the network comprising DEGs with a high degree of node, were performed with the DAVID and WebGestalt toolkits, respectively. A total of 337 DEGs were identified. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that the list of DEGs was significantly enriched for proteins related to epidermis development (P=2.95E-07), including loricrin (LOR), keratin 17 (KRT17), small proline-rich repeat proteins (SPRRs) and involucrin (IVL). The chemokine signaling pathway was the most significantly enriched pathway (P=0.0490978) in the network of all DEGs and in the network consisting of high degree node DEGs (>10), which comprised the genes coding for chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7), chemokine ligand (CCL19), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1). In conclusion, the list of AD-associated proteins identified in this study, including LOR, KRT17, SPRRs, IVL, CCR7, CCL19, PIK3R1 and STAT1 may prove useful for the development of methods to treat AD. From these proteins, PIK3R1 and KRT17 are novel and promising targets for AD therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the role of real-time B-mode ultrasound in posterior decompression and reduction and to observe the signal changes in spinal cord blood flow in a thoracolumbar burst fracture (TBF). Between February 2004 and December 2008, 138 patients with TBF were divided into group A (108 cases) and group B (30 cases). In group A, under the assistance of real-time B-mode ultrasound, posterior decompression and fracture piece reduction were performed, and we observed the signal changes in spinal cord blood flow. In group B, posterior fenestration was combined with pushing the fracture piece into the fractured vertebral body using an L-shaped operative tool. Presurgical and postsurgical recovery of neurological function was evaluated according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) standards, and the range of spinal decompression was determined by measuring the proportion of encroached fracture piece in the spinal canal (spinal stenosis rate) on the computed tomography (CT) image. In group A, 12 patients had a grade A spinal injury according to the Frankel grading system, and there were six cases without neurological recovery. In the other patients, neurological function increased by 1-3 grades. There were no aggravated spinal cord injuries or other serious complications. In group B, three patients were categorized as grade A and there were two cases without neurological recovery. In the other patients, neurological function increased by 1-3 grades. In groups A and B, the postsurgical spinal stenosis rate was significantly lower than the presurgical stenosis rate (P<0.05). The postsurgical spinal stenosis rate in group B was significantly higher compared with group A (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in neurological function recovery between the groups (P>0.05). Real-time B-mode ultrasound is an effective method for posterior decompression and reduction and to observe signal changes in spinal cord blood flow in TBF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A C/T polymorphism (rs11614913) was identified in the microRNA (miRNA) 196a2 (miR-196a2) gene and was implicated in the susceptibility to cancer. Numerous studies have investigated its association with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the results were inconsistent and inconclusive. The present meta-analysis was conducted based on the results of six published case-control studies comprising 1,754 cases and 2,430 controls (up to November, 2012). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the allelic and genotypic comparisons following the co-dominant, dominant and recessive genetic models. The Chi-square-based Q-test was used to assess heterogeneity. Egger's test and inverted funnel plots were used to investigate publication bias. Subgroup analysis was also performed. The results demonstrated that almost all the genetic models (except the model of CT vs. TT) indicated a significant association between rs11614913 polymorphism and CRC risk. The subgroup analysis in an Asian population also demonstrated similar results. However, there was no significant association of miR-196a2 rs11614913 polymorphism with the clinical characteristics of CRC patients. Our results confirmed the association of the polymorphism rs11614913 with the risk of CRC, but not with tumor stage and grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of solid tumors depends on neovascularization. Several therapies targeting tumor angiogenesis have been developed. However, poor response in some tumors and emerging resistance necessitate further investigations of newdrug targets. Notch signal pathway plays a pivotal role in vascular development and tumor angiogenesis. Either blockade or forced activation of this pathway can inhibit angiogenesis. As blocking Notch pathway results in the formation of vascular neoplasm, activation of Notch pathway to prevent tumor angiogenesis might be an alternative choice. However, an in vivo deliverable reagent with highly efficient Notch-activating capacity has not been developed. Here, we generated a polypeptide, hD1R, which consists of the Delta--Serrate--Lag-2 fragment of the human Notch ligand Delta-like 1 and an arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) motif targeting endothelial cells (ECs). We showed that hD1R could bind to ECs specifically through its RGD motif and effectively triggered Notch signaling in ECs. We demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo that hD1R inhibited angiogenic sprouting and EC proliferation. In tumor-bearing mice, the injection of hD1R effectively repressed tumor growth, most likely through increasing tumor hypoxia and tissue necrosis. The amount and width of vessels reduced remarkably in tumors of mice treated with hD1R. Moreover, vessels in tumors of mice treated with hD1R recruited more NG2+ perivascular cells and were better perfused. Combined application of hD1R and chemotherapy with cisplatin and teniposide revealed that these two treatments had additive antitumor effects. Our study provided a new strategy for antiangiogenic tumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of yoga on psychologic function and quality of life (QoL) in women with breast cancer. Design: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and the Chinese Digital Journals Full-text Database was carried out. Randomized control trials (RCTs) examining the effects of yoga, versus a control group receiving no intervention, on psychologic functioning and QoL in women with breast cancer were included. Methodological quality of included RCTs was assessed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.0.1, and data were analyzed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager 5.1. Results: Six (6) studies involving 382 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that yoga can improve QoL for women with breast cancer. A statistically significant effect favoring yoga for the outcome of QoL was found (standard mean difference = 0.27, 95% confidence interval [0.02, 0.52], p = 0.03). Although the effects of yoga on psychologic function outcomes--such as anxiety, depression, distress and sleep--were in the expected direction, these effects were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Fatigue showed no significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusions: The present data provided little indication of how effective yoga might be when they were applied by women with breast cancer except for mildly effective in QOL improvement. The findings were based on a small body of evidence in which methodological quality was not high. Further well-designed RCTs with large sample size are needed to clarify the utility of yoga practice for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In adults, angiogenic abnormalities are involved in not only tumor growth but several human inherited diseases as well. It is unclear, however, concerning how the normal vascular structure is maintained and how angiogenesis is initiated in normal adults. Using the Cre-LoxP-mediated conditional gene deletion, we show in the present study that in adult mice disruption of the transcription factor recombination signal-binding protein Jκ (RBP-J) in endothelial cells strikingly induced spontaneous angiogenesis in multiple tissues, including retina and cornea, as well as in internal organs, such as liver and lung. In a choroidal neovascularization model, which mimics the angiogenic process in tumor growth and age-related macular degeneration, RBP-J deficiency induced a more intensive angiogenic response to injury. This could be transmitted by bone marrow, indicating that RBP-J could modulate bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells in adult angiogenesis. In addition, in the absence of RBP-J, proliferation of endothelial cells increased significantly, leading to accumulative vessel outgrowth. These findings suggest that in adults RBP-J-mediated Notch signaling may play an essential role in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis by repressing endothelial cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the mechanism of resistance to wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) powdery mildew, suppression subtractive hybridization was conducted between an isogenic resistant line carrying Pm21 and its recurrent parent Yangmai 5 to isolate the resistance relative genes. A cDNA fragment specifically expressed in the resistant line was obtained and its full length was cloned by in silico cloning and RT-PCR. This gene encoded a deduced protein of 219 amino acids with a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) motif, often found in plant resistance genes, and was designated as Ta-LRR2. Ta-LRR2 had an increased expression level in the resistant line after inoculation with Erysiphe graminis DC. f. sp. tritici Marchal. PCR analysis with different cytogenetic stocks suggested that Ta-LRR2 was specifically associated with chromosome arms 6VS and 6AS. Linkage analysis further showed that Ta-LRR2 could be used as a resistance gene analog polymorphism marker of Pm21 for marker-assisted selection in germplasm enhancement and breeding practice. Moreover, how to isolate Pm21 based on the information obtained for Ta-LRR2 is discussed. (Managing editor: Li-Hui Zhao) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows that epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) / mu-near-zero material can be obtained by using the transformation optics (TO) approach. It shows that when a line is stretched to a cylinder the z component of permittivity and permeability is zero, while the rho and phi components are equal to one. Hence in the presence of a TE mode wave, the cylinder is equivalent to an isotropic ENZ column. We further show that some additional spatial mapping can be applied to eliminate or mimic the scattering of the ENZ cylinder. To verify our proposal, a rigorous analysis based on Maxwell’s equations and numerical simulations based on the finite element method are provided. Finally, cloaking and coherence enhancement are taken as examples to demonstrate potential applications of the ENZ material from the viewpoint of TO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]