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The deacetylase SIRT1 has been reported to play a critical role in regulating neurogenesis, which may be an adaptive processes contributing to recovery after stroke. Our previous work showed that the antioxidant capacity of Momordica charantia polysaccharides (MCPs) could protect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) after stroke. However, whether the protective effect of MCPs on I/R injury is related to neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation remains unclear. In the present study, we designed invivo and invitro experiments to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which MCPs promote endogenous NSC proliferation during cerebral I/R. Invivo results showed that MCPs rescued the memory and learning abilities of rats after I/R damage and enhanced NSC proliferation in the rat subventricular zone (SVZ) and subgrannular zone (SGZ) during I/R. Invitro experiments demonstrated that MCPs could stimulate the proliferation of C17.2 cells under oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions. Further studies revealed that the proliferation-promoting mechanism of MCPs relied on increasing the activity of SIRT1, decreasing the level of acetylation of β-catenin in the cytoplasm, and then triggering the translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus. These data provide experimental evidence that the up-regulation of SIRT1 activity by MCPs led to an increased cytoplasmic deacetylation of β-catenin, which promoted translocation of β-catenin to the nucleus to participate in the signaling pathway involved in NSC proliferation. The present study reveals that MCPs function as a therapeutic drug to promote stroke recovery by increasing the activity of SIRT1, decreasing the level of acetylated β-catenin, promoting the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and thereby increasing endogenous NSC proliferation.

Background Stroke is the leading cause of long-term motor disability and cognitive impairment. Recently, neurogenesis has become an attractive strategy for the chronic recovery of stroke. It is important to understand the molecular mechanism that promotes neural stem cell (NSC) neurogenesis for future NSC-based therapies. Our previous study showed that Momordica charantia polysaccharides (MCPs) exerted neuroprotective effects on stroke via their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation activities. However, it remains unknown whether MCPs promote NSC neurogenesis after cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods We investigated MCPs’ function in differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in vivo and in vitro experiments. Based on a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model, the effect of MCPs on neuronal differentiation after MCAO was analyzed. Primary NSCs and neural stem cell line C17.2 were cultured and subjected to glutamate stimulation to establish the cell model of IRI. We evaluated the effect of MCPs on NSC differentiation in IRI cell model by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The SIRT1 activity of NSCs post glutamate stimulation was also evaluated by CELL SIRT1 COLORIMETRY ASSAY KIT. In addition, molecular mechanism was clarified by employing the activator and inhibitor of SIRT1. Results MCPs had no effects on the differentiation of neural stem cells under physiological conditions while shifted NSC differentiation potential from the gliogenic to neurogenic lineage under pathological conditions. Activation of SIRT1 with MCPs was responsible for the neuronal differentiation of C17.2-NSCs. The neuronal differentiation effect of MCPs was attributed to upregulation SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of β-catenin. MCP-induced deacetylation via SIRT1 promoted nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in NSCs. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the deacetylation of β-catenin by SIRT1 represents a critical mechanism of action of MCPs in promoting NSC neuronal differentiation. It provides an improved understanding of molecular mechanism underlying neuroprotective effects of MCPs in IRI, indicating its potential role on treating ischemic stroke especially chronic recovery.

This study explored the effects of a Concept Mapping-based Two-tier Test Gaming (CM-TTG) approach on learning achievement. Specifically, the two-tier test was employed as a learning diagnosis tool, and concept maps were utilized as the learning strategies to improve the students' learning achievement. To investigate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a quasi-experimental design was applied to compare the learning achievement, learning motivation, flow experience, and cognitive loads of ninth-grade students using the CM-TTG approach and those using the conventional two-tier test-based gaming approach; moreover, the behavioral patterns of the experimental group and the control group using the different approaches as well as low- and high-achievers in the CM-TTG were analyzed as well. The results of the study showed that the concept-mapping strategy used with the two-tier test digital game-based learning could significantly improve the students' learning achievement. There were no significant differences in the learning motivation, flow experience, or cognitive loads of the two groups. Besides, the average scores of the two groups' learning motivation and flow experience were above 3.0, and those of their cognitive load ratings were below 3.0. It is inferred that the CM-TTG approach did not have a significant impact on the students' cognitive load, learning motivation, or flow experience. However, an examination of the participants' learning behavior patterns in the experimental group revealed that there were distinct differences between high-achieving and low-achieving students, as the former would actively build connections between concept maps and learning tasks to help them achieve the learning goals, while the low-achieving students would feel lost in the game without enforced instructions. Finally, through interviews, we analyzed and synthesized key factors impacting the students’ learning achievements with the CM-TTG approach to serve as a reference for future research.

This study was a cross-sectional case-control study aimed at (1) identifying risk factors contributing to the measles epidemic and (2) evaluating the impacts of measles-containing vaccines (MCVs), with the goal of providing evidence-based recommendations for measles elimination strategies in China. Data on measles cases from 2000 to 2014 were obtained from a passive surveillance system at the Center for Diseases Prevention and Control in Xianyang. The effectiveness of MCVs was evaluated in 357 patients with a vaccination history and 503 healthy randomly selected controls. Patient data were subjected to multivariable logistic regression modeling. From 2005 to 2014, the average incidence of measles in Xianyang was 5.42 cases per 100,000 people. The second MCV dose was highly protective in 8-month-old infants. MCVs in general have been highly protective in 8-month-old infants. Multivariable logistic regression modeling indicated that age (≥2 years vs.

Objective To construct a model of Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) for forecasting the epidemic of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Xianyang, Shaanxi, China, and provide valuable reference information for JE control and prevention. Methods Theoretically epidemiologic study was employed in the research process. Monthly incidence data on JE for the period from Jan 2005 to Sep 2014 were obtained from a passive surveillance system at the Center for Diseases Prevention and Control in Xianyang, Shaanxi province. An optimal SARIMA model was developed for JE incidence from 2005 to 2013 with the Box and Jenkins approach. This SARIMA model could predict JE incidence for the year 2014 and 2015. Results SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (2, 1, 1)12 was considered to be the best model with the lowest Bayesian information criterion, Akaike information criterion, Mean Absolute Error values, the highest R2, and a lower Mean Absolute Percent Error. SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (2, 1, 1)12 was stationary and accurate for predicting JE incidence in Xianyang. The predicted incidence, around 0.3/100 000 from June to August in 2014 with low errors, was higher compared with the actual incidence. Therefore, SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (2, 1, 1)12 appeared to be reliable and accurate and could be applied to incidence prediction. Conclusions The proposed prediction model could provide clues to early identification of the JE incidence that is increased abnormally (≥0.4/100 000). According to the predicted Results in 2014, the JE incidence in Xianyang will decline slightly and reach its peak from June to August.

We aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasonic treatment on the yield of polysaccharide in the extraction and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide. By employing an ultrasonic technique, polysaccharide was extracted from Pleurotus eryngii (PPE). The optimal conditions for ultrasonic extraction of PPE were revealed utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) which was adopted to assess the effects of four variables on the extraction of PPE. These variables included temperature, time, ultrasonic power and solvent-solid ratio and were independent to each other. The plots of response surface showed that these variables presented complicated and significant effects on the extraction of polysaccharide. To obtain the highest recovery of polysaccharide, ultrasonic extraction was performed at 95°C for 82 min with a solvent-solid ratio of 20 mL/g and an ultrasonic power of 213 W. The estimated recovery was 14.5%. The determination of extractions in the experiments under optimal conditions showed insignificant differences with the estimated recovery. Following these experiments, the antioxidant activity in vitro was assessed by detecting scavenging ability against DPPH, superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals. A 45.6% removal rate for DPPH was observed at 2.5 mg/ml of PPE.

CXCL3 and its receptor CXCR2 were considered to play particularly important roles in the progression of malignancies. However, the investigations about CXCL3/CXCR2 axis in prostate cancer have been poorly involved. Herein we firstly reported our studies on the expression and biological roles of CXCL3 and CXCR2 in prostate cancer. Expression levels of CXCL3 and CXCR2 in prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3, DU145 and LNCaP), immortalized prostate stromal cell line (WPMY-1) and immortalized prostate epithelial cell line (RWPE-1) were investigated by RT-PCR, ELISA and western blot, whereas expression levels of CXCL3 in a prostate tissue microarray were detected by immunohistochemistry. Cell counting kit-8 and transwell assays were, respectively, utilized to determine the effects of exogenous CXCL3 on the cell proliferation and migration. We further examined whether CXCL3 could regulate the expression of genes correlated with prostate tumorigenesis by RT- PCR. Elevated expression of CXCR2 was detected in DU145, LNCaP and RWPE-1. Moreover, high-level CXCL3 can be secreted by PC-3 and RWPE-1, and CXCL3 protein expression level in tissue microarray is concordant with prostate cancer metastasis. Exogenous CXCL3 does not contribute to proliferation, but has a significant effect on migration of prostate cancer cells and RWPE-1. Finally, our data showed that exogenous CXCL3 can regulate the expression of genes including ERK, TP73, NUMB, BAX and NDRG3. Our findings suggest that CXCL3 and its receptor CXCR2 are overexpressed in prostate cancer cells, prostate epithelial cells and prostate cancer tissues, which may play multiple roles in prostate cancer progression and metastasis.

The present research was designed to study expression of AQP2, AQP4 and AQP8 in mouse intestines induced by unprocessed and processed Euphorbia lathyris. KM mice were given by different dose lavage of unprocessed and processed Euphorbia lathyris, Euphorbia factor L1, Euphorbia factor L2, Euphorbia factor L3. Samples of mouse intestine were collected for protein levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 which were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and mRNA expression of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 which were quantified by Real Time-PCR. Comparing to the normal control group, the protein levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 were significantly decreased (P0.05)by Semen Euphorbiae group and Semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group (unprocessed and processed Euphorbia lathyris) induced. Protein expression of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 in the Euphorbia factor L1, Euphorbia factor L2 and Euphorbia factor L3 group were not significantly lower than normal control group. There had no differences on the levels of AQP2 and AQP 8 mRNA expressions between the high-dose group of semen Euphorbiae group, semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group and positive control group, while significantly lower than normal control group (P0.05). Expression of AQP4 mRNA in the Semen Euphorbiae group and Semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group has not significantly decreased. But levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 mRNA in the Euphorbia factor L1 group had no significant differences in normal control group and positive control group. These findings suggest that semen Euphorbiae could regulate expression of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 protein and mRNA, which may be the possible one reason of semen Euphorbiae induces diarrhea. The semen Euphorbiae group has more significant effects on the levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 protein and mRNA than semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group, which may be one of the mechanisms of processing attenuation.

The size distribution of particulate was analyzed by the FA-3 9 stage sampler in Northern-suburb of Nanjing from January to November in 2014. First, the monitoring result from FA-3 was compared with the results of the same period obtained from a medium flow size grading sampler (KC-120H) and online monitoring instrument of the Environmental Protection Agency. The data correlation coefficients were all greater than 0.95. The fine particle concentration from FA-3 was lower by 13.9% and 16.6%, while PM

Using APS-3321, the atmospheric aerosol number concentrations (0.5-20 μm) were continuously monitored to analyze the characteristics of winter and spring pollution in 2014 in a northern suburb of Nanjing. The average number concentrations were (364.8±297.8) cm

The use of mineral magnetic measurements as a potential pollution proxy is explored as an alternative means of monitoring heavy metal pollution in playground dust in industrial areas. Dust samples were collected from playgrounds in an industrial area in Nanjing. The magnetic properties of the samples were analyzed, and the total and acid-extractable concentrations of heavy metals were measured.Mineral magnetic concentration parameters[mean magnetic susceptibility (

The response of duckweed (Lemna minor L.) roots to Cd and its chemical forms was investigated. The relative root growth rate and concentrations of Cd and its different chemical forms in the root, that is, ethanol-extractable (FE-Cd), HCl-extractable (FHCl-Cd), and residual fractions (Fr-Cd), were quantified. Weibull model was used to unravel the regression between the relative root elongation (RRL) with chemical forms of Cd. Parameters assessed catalase (CAT), peroxidases (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (A-TOC). Our results show that both the relative root growth rate and relative frond number were affected by Cd concentrations. The chemical forms of Cd were influenced by Cd content in the medium. Relative root elongation (RRL) showed a significant correlation with chemical forms of Cd. Additionally, POD and SOD increased at lower Cd concentrations followed by a decrease at higher Cd concentrations (at more than 5 μM Cd). Moreover, MDA and A-TOC increased and CAT decreased with increasing Cd exposure. Furthermore, CAT showed a significant correlation with FHCl-Cd. Taken together, it can be concluded that the chemical forms of Cd are statistically significant predictors of Cd toxicity to duckweed and to the other similar aquatic plants.

Position-based cryptography has attracted lots of researchers’ attention. In the mobile Internet, there are lots of position-based security applications. For the first time, one new conception, positioning-protocol-based symmetric cryptography is proposed. Based on one secure positioning protocol, one symmetric model is proposed. In the model, positioning protocols are bound to symmetric cryptography tightly, not loosely. Moreover, we propose one concrete positioning-protocol-based symmetric scheme, its correctness is proved. To our best knowledge, it is the first positioning-protocol-based symmetric scheme.

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) serves an important function in chronic inflammation and cancer development; however, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) of IL-8 in uterine cervical cancer remains unclear. The present study investigated whether IL-8 and its receptors [IL-8 receptor (IL-8R)A and IL-8RB] contributed to the proliferative and migratory abilities of HeLa cervical cancer cells, and also investigated the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Results demonstrated that IL-8 and its receptors were detected in HeLa cells, and levels of IL-8RA were significantly increased compared with those of IL-8RB. Furthermore, the level of IL-8 in cervical cancer tissues was significantly increased compared with that in normal uterine cervical tissues, and migratory and proliferative efficiencies of HeLa cells treated with exogenous IL-8 were increased, compared with untreated HeLa cells. In addition, exogenous IL-8 was able to downregulate endocytic adaptor protein (NUMB), and upregulate IL-8RA, IL-8RB and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs) expression levels in HeLa cells. Results suggest that IL-8 and its receptors were associated with the tumorigenesis of uterine cervical cancer, and exogenous IL-8 promotes the carcinogenic potential of HeLa cells by increasing the expression levels of IL-8RA, IL-8RB and ERK, and decreasing the expression level of NUMB.

Objective To construct a model of Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) for forecasting the epidemic of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Xianyang, Shaanxi, China, and provide valuable reference information for JE control and prevention. Methods Theoretically epidemiologic study was employed in the research process. Monthly incidence data on JE for the period from Jan 2005 to Sep 2014 were obtained from a passive surveillance system at the Center for Diseases Prevention and Control in Xianyang, Shaanxi province. An optimal SARIMA model was developed for JE incidence from 2005 to 2013 with the Box and Jenkins approach. This SARIMA model could predict JE incidence for the year 2014 and 2015. Results SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (2, 1, 1)

Objective Meta-analysis was used to assess the clinical efficacy of acupuncture treatment for simple obesity and to provide evidence-based medical data for treating obesity with acupuncture. Methods A comprehensive search of studies on MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Chinese databases (Wan Fang,CNKI and VIP) from 1 January 1915 through 30 November 2015 (MEDLINE search updated through 31 December 2015) was performed. We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that used acupuncture and sham acupuncture to treat simple obesity. The effect of acupuncture on simple obesity was measured using body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and body weight (BW). The Jadad scale was used to assess methodological quality. The random effects model was used in the pooled analysis to adjust for the heterogeneity of the included studies, and funnel plots were used to examine publication bias. The differences between treatment groups were reported as mean differences (MD). Results Eleven RCTs were selected after all relevant literature from the electronic databases had been screened. There were 338 and 305 participants in the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups, respectively. Auricular and electro acupuncture were both able to reduce BMI in obese patients (MD 0.47 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.58, p0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture for simple obesity appeared to be an effective treatment, but more studies on the safety of acupuncture used to treat simple obesity are required.

Ten dry red wines, produced two major wine-producing regions from China-Changli in Hebei Province and Yantai in Shandong Province, were examined in this study. The antioxidant activities of wines were measured by different analytical methods: 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2, 2-azino-di- (3-ethylbenzothialozine-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). Furthermore, total phenols, total flavonoids and seven individual phenolic compounds (Gallic acid; Catechin; Chlorogenic acid; Caffeic acid; Ferulic acid; Rutin and Morin) of wines were also determined. The results showed that sample 9 (College dry red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011) contained the highest total phenol content, up to 2131 mg/L; sample 7 (Great Wall dry red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Yantai) contained the highest total flavonoids, up to 1282 mg/L. Seven individual phenolics in wine samples were detected by Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). Different types of dry red wine polyphenols on DPPH scavenging rate from 78.88 to 98.55%, the highest FRAP scavenging activity was up to 222.66 μmol/L, the lowest was 189.51 μmol/L, different types of wine polyphenols have high ABTS scavenging activity. The current findings will provide useful information for evaluating the wine quality and for educating consumers to choose specific dry wine for specific health-promoting effects.

It has been demonstrated that Src could modulate NMDA receptor, and PAR1 could also affect NMDAR signaling. However, whether PAR1 could regulate NMDAR through Src under ICH has not yet been investigated. In this study, we demonstrated the role of Src-PSD95-GluN2A signaling cascades in rat ICH model and in vitro thrombin challenged model. Using the PAR1 agonist SFLLR, antagonist RLLFS and Src inhibitor PP2, electrophysiological analysis showed that PAR1 regulated NMDA-induced whole-cell currents (INMDA) though Src in primary cultured neurons. Both in vivo and in vitro results showed the elevated phosphorylation of tyrosine in Src and GluN2A and enhanced interaction of the Src-PSD95-GluN2A under model conditions. Treatment with the PAR1 antagonist RLLFS, AS-PSD95 (Antisense oligonucleotide against PSD95) and Src inhibitor PP2 inhibited the interaction among Src-PSD95-GluN2A, and p-Src, p-GluN2A. Co-application of SFLLR and AS-PSD95, PP2, or MK801 (NMDAR inhibitor) abolished the effect of SF. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that activated thrombin receptor PAR1 induced Src activation, enhanced the interaction among Src-PSD95-GluN2A signaling modules, and up-regulated GluN2A phosphorylation after ICH injury. Elucidation of such signaling cascades would possibly provide novel targets for ICH treatment.

To observe the effect of ADM on cells apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells. The SGC-7901 cells were treated by ADM. And the inhibitory ratio of cells was measured by trypan blue stain assay, the IC50 value was calculated. Cells apoptosis were detected by DNA agarose gel electrophoresis.The cell cycles were analyzed by flow cytometry system after treatment with ADM. Morphologic changes were observed using phase-contrast microscopy . The SGC-7901 cells proliferation were remarkably inhibited by ADM. The IC50 values were 5.7 μg / mL. The typical DNA ladder on agarose gel electrophoresis for analysis of cellular apoptosis were significantly appeared. ADM could restrain the SGC-7901 cells proliferation, and to cause the morphologic changes of apoptosis. Apoptosis peaks appeared with flow cytometry analysis.

Mineral and heavy metal in grape flesh of different cultivars were measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. Eight grape varieties including four wine grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Gernischt) and four table grapes (Muscat, Red Globe, Vitis labruscana Kyoho, Milk grape) from China’s main grape planting region, Changli, Hebei province were investigated. Concentrations of calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were measured. All the parameters investigated in this study significantly changed depending on the cultivar. The minor and heavy metal levels for grape were determined between 5.68 and 15.11 mg/kg Cr, 6.56 and 19.85 mg/kg Cu, 96.79 and 172.15 mg/kg Fe, 6.54 and 25.23 mg/kg Mn, 3.70 and 5.89 mg/kg Ni, 0 and 1.64 mg/kg Pb and 4.29 and 13.44 mg/kg Zn. K ranged from 7,622.87 to 15,276.51 mg/kg and Na concentration ranged from 8,932.82 to 54,343.4 mg/kg. Cadmium was not detected at all.

A new type of amino resin nanocomposite(THPS-OMMT-MDFP) was synthesized from amino resin(MDFP), Tetra-hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate(THPS) and Organ-montmorillonite (OMMT)by intercalation compounding method. It was characterized by FT-IR，XRD and TG/DTG and applied to the preparation of flam-retardant leather. The flame retardant performance was characterized by Oxygen index (OI) test. The results showed that the nanocomposite was obtained as expected and had effective flame retardant performance.

The compact storage and efficient evaluation of feasible assembly sequences is one crucial concern for assembly sequence planning. The implicitly symbolic ordered binary decision diagram (OBDD) representation and manipulation technique has been a promising way. In this paper, Sharafat’s recursive contraction algorithm and cut-set decomposition method are symbolically implemented, and a novel symbolic algorithm for generating mechanical assembly sequences is presented using OBDD formulations of liaison graph and translation function. The algorithm has the following main procedures: choosing any one of vertices in the liaison graph G as seed vertex and scanning all connected subgraphs containing seed vertex by breadth first search; transforming the problem of enumerating all cut-sets in liaison graph into the problem of generating all the partitions: two subsets V1and V2of a set of vertices V where both the induced graph of vertices V1and V2are connected; checking the geometrical feasibility for each cut-set. Some applicable experiments show that the novel algorithm can generate feasible assembly sequences correctly and completely.

The BRAF mutation V600E (BRAF(V600E)) is the most common genetic alteration in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), while overexpression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) has been found in various tumors. Both of these events are implicated in carcinogenesis, tumor progression, recurrence, etc. There are few reports, however, of the BRAF(V600E) mutation and XIAP overexpression in PTC patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of the BRAF(V600E) mutation in PTC and its relationship to clinicopathological parameters and the expression of XIAP.Genomic DNA was extracted from 123 paraffin-embedded PTC tumor tissue samples and amplified for analysis of the V600E mutation in exon 15 of the BRAF gene by polymerase chain reaction. XIAP expression was examined by immunohistochemical methods in 46 PTCs, 18 benign nodular goiters, and 10 Hashimoto's thyroiditis samples.The BRAF(V600E) mutation was found in 34.1% of PTC, and was especially prevalent in the classic type. BRAF(V600E) was significantly correlated with younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.026), tumor size (p = 0.009), and histological variants (p = 0.024). There was a trend towards association with extrathyroidal invasion (p = 0.067). By logistic regression analysis, a significant relationship was found between tumor size and the BRAF(V600E) mutation (p = 0.03). XIAP was expressed in 82.6% of PTCs, which was a higher percentage than observed in the group of benign thyroid disorders (35.7%, p0.001). Neither the intensity (p = 0.611) nor the extent (p = 0.723) of XIAP staining was correlated with the presence of BRAF(V600E) in PTC patients.These data indicate that BRAF(V600E) is associated some of the aggressive clinicopathological features of PTC including younger age at diagnosis, larger tumor size, and classic histological type, as well as also extrathyroidal invasion. XIAP-positive staining was more prevalent in PTCs than in the benign thyroid disorders. Although BRAF(V600E) and XIAP expression are commonly seen in PTC, their presence together seems unrelated.

It has been well documented that Momordica charantia polysaccharide (MCP) has multiple biological effects such as immune enhancement, anti-oxidation and anti-cancer. However, the potential protective effects of MCP on stroke damage and its relative mechanisms remain unclear. Our present study demonstrated that MCP could scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) in intra-cerebral hemorrhage damage, significantly attenuating the neuronal death induced by thrombin in primary hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, we found that MCP prevented the activation of the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK3), c-Jun and caspase-3, which was caused by the intra-cerebral hemorrhage injury. Taken together, our study demonstrated that MCP had a neuroprotective effect in response to intra-cerebral hemorrhage and its mechanisms involved the inhibition of JNK3 signaling pathway.

The accumulation of Pb in urban soils is still apparent in China, and scientific assessment and management of risks from Pb-contaminated soils is necessarily based on contamination levels and extent evaluated accurately. Lead concentration in urban soils has a strong spatial variation and complex spatial structures. Carried out in a single spatial scale, most current investigations cannot comprehensively reveal characteristics of spatial structures, and did not promote more scientific assessment and management of risk. Exploring a new method which can help identify the overall spatial structures is needed. To achieve this aim, this paper firstly investigated the factors linked to the spatial variability of Pb concentration in urban soils, and three major factors were identified: various pollution sources, hierarchical pollution processes and heterogeneous urban landscape. These factors were form a nested hierarchical spatial structure with three spatial levels. Based on the conceptual spatial structure, we proposed a method framework guided by geostatistical theory and focused on linear mixed model (LMM). This proposed framework can divide the nested hierarchical spatial structures of Pb concentration in urban soils into three levels: global trend, random variation with spatial autocorrelation, and outliers. Two recommendations were given to promote the multiple-scale investigation in spatial variation of soil Pb contamination in urban area including: finding more efficient sampling strategy and determining the characteristic scale.

The polyphenols and total antioxidant activities of four wine grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabenet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Gernischt) and four table grapes (Muscat, Red Globe, Vitis labruscana Kyoho, Milk grape) were determined and compared. The concentrations of phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanins and resveratrol of 8 grape varieties were examined. The antioxidant activity including diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·) scavenging, azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing power was evaluated. The results indicated that cabernet gernischt contained the highest total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and total anthocyanin content with 257.0 ± 8.9, 607.7 ± 24.3 and 164.2 ± 6.1 mg/100 g, respectively. Merlot had the highest resveratrol content with 11.7 ± 0.61 μg/100 g of fresh sample. The table grapes have less total phenolic, total flavonoid and total anthocyanin content. Cabernet sauvignon, cabernet gernischt and merlot possessed higher antioxidant capacity. On the contrary, the table grapes have less antioxidant capacity. Phenolic content of these fruits is significantly correlated with antioxidant capacity. These findings revealed that phytochemicals in the selected grapes have potent antioxidant activities. Key words: Grape, phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, antioxidant activity.

Endothelial dysfunction as well as abnormal thyroid hormone levels may be responsible for increased cardiovascular risk in Graves’ disease (GD). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are new markers of endothelial and myocardial dysfunction, respectively. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among the serum levels of ADMA, NT-proBNP, and thyroid hormones in GD patients. This was a cross-sectional investigation conducted in a university teaching hospital. Two hundred and thirty-nine GD (Female: 182, Male: 57) patients and 81 normal controls were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of ADMA were positively related with FT3 (r = 0.584, P < 0.001), FT4 (r = 0.551, P < 0.001), and TRAb levels (r = 0.502, P < 0.001). Serum NT-proBNP levels were positively associated with FT3 (r = 0.243, P < 0.001) and FT4 levels (r = 0.274, P < 0.001), as well as heart rate (r = 0.271, P < 0.03). The elevation of serum ADMA and NT-proBNP levels were also observed in patients with controlled hyperthyroidism. It is thus concluded that serum ADMA and NT-proBNP levels were increased in GD patients. Future studies may determine the usefulness of these two biomarkers to detect early signs of endothelial dysfunction, vascular stiffness, and fluid volume in GD patients.

The expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) and the P2X7 receptor were demonstrated in a variety of tumors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the associations of XIAP and P2X7 receptor expression with the clinicopathological features of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In this cross-sectional study, a total of 62 cases were examined, including 43 patients with PTCs and 19 with benign nodular goiters. XIAP and P2X7 receptor expression were examined by immunohistochemical methods on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded thyroid tissues. The staining intensity and extent were evaluated and scored using a semi-quantitative method. The immunohistochemical staining score integrating the intensity and extent of XIAP and P2X7 receptors in PTCs was higher than in nodular goiters. XIAP (OR: 5.6, 95% CI: 1.5-21.1, P=0.009) and P2X7 receptor (OR: 6.1, 95% CI: 1.5-24.4, P=0.007) expression were associated with lymph node metastasis in PTCs. In logistic regression analysis, P2X7 receptor expression, tumor size, and capsular infiltration were predictors for lymph node metastasis (P=0.001). Our results suggested that XIAP and P2X7 receptor expression may predict the aggressiveness of PTC.

Regenerating gene IV (RegIV), a member of the regenerating gene family discovered in 2001, has been found to be involved in malignancy in several different organs including the stomach, colorectum, pancreas and prostate, but the overall expression profile of RegIV has not been reported. To learn more about RegIV, we evaluated its distribution by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a total of 360 samples including 24 types of normal tissue, 40 benign and malignant lesions, and 18 neuroendocrine tumors. We found that in normal tissues, in addition to its relative specificity for the gastrointestinal tract, RegIV was detected in the adrenal gland and mammary gland. Among all the malignancies of various histological types under evaluation, RegIV was found mostly in adenocarcinomas. Studies on additional sets of colorectal tumor samples showed that RegIV expression was predominant in colorectal adenoma (87.5%) and peritumoral tissue (100%) but not in cancer tissue (30.8%). Among neuroendocrine tumors, RegIV had a relatively restricted expression to those of digestive system.

Understanding of the mechanism of colorectal carcinogenesis has been gaining momentum for some years on account of its high incidence and impact on the lives of individuals affected. Different genetic abnormalities have been found in colorectal cancers from different sites. For example, proximal colon cancer is usually related to the nucleotide instability pathway, as microsatellite instability (MSI). However, distal colon cancer is usually associated with specific chromosomal instability (CIN). The development of cancer at the rectum, though similar to that at the colon, displays its own unique features. These differences might be partially attributed to different embryological development and physiological circumstances. Environmental factors such as diet and alcohol intake also differ in their role in the development of tumors in the three segments, proximal colon, distal colon, and rectum. “Proximal shift” of colon cancer has been known for some time, and survival rates of colorectal cancer are higher when rectal cancers are excluded, both of which emphasize the three different segments of colorectal cancer and their different properties. Meanwhile, colonic and rectal cancers are distinctive therapeutic entities. The concept of three entities of colorectal cancer may be important in designing clinical trails or therapeutic strategies. However, the dispute about the inconsistency of data concerning the site-specific mechanism of colorectal carcinoma does exist, and more evidence about molecular events of carcinogenesis and targeted therapy needs to be collected to definitely confirm the conception.

Stream water samples under the Korean pine broad-leaved forest, spruce-fir forest, and larch plantation in Liangshui Nature Reserve of Xiaoxing' an Mountains were collected monthly from March to October 2006 to study the dynamic changes of their hydrochemical characteristics. The results indicated that the content of major cations in the streams was in the sequence of Ca2+Na+K+Mg2+, and that of anions was HCO3(-)SO4(2-)NO3(-)Cl(-). The average content of Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+ and Fe3+ was in the order of spruce-fir forestlarch plantationKorean pine broad-leaved forest, while that of K+ was in the order of larch plantationspruce-fir forestKorean pine broad-leaved forest. The average monthly content of anions in stream water was the highest under larch plantation.

To evaluate the metabolic characteristics of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in isolated impaired fasting glucose (iIFG) and isolated fasting hyperglycemia (IFH) and to clarify the factors responsible for the development of IFH.Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was conducted in 1852 subjects. Three groups were classified according to a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): (1) normal glucose tolerance (NGT), n = 557; (2) iIFG, n = 221; (3) IFH, n = 81. The three groups were compared with insulin secretion (insulinogenic index) and insulin sensitivity (insulin sensitivity index).Using ROC analysis, the optimal cut point of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) related to diabetes diagnosis with OGTT was 6.695 mmol/L and the optimal cut point of FPG related to impaired glucose to lerance (IGT) diagnosis with OGTT was 5.590 mmol/L. From NGT to iIFG and IFH in these subjects, the insulinogenic index and insulin sensitivity index showed gradual decrease.Subjects with iIFG and IFH exhibit distinctly impaired early-phase insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, indicating that both reduced insulin secretion and insulin resistance are the determinants of deterioration from NGT to iIFG and IFH.

To study the influence of Radix Astragali (RA) on pulmonary tissue endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension rats.Twenty one healthy male Wistar rats weighing 210-310 g were divided into three group at random with 7 in each. The rats in control group were raised in ordinary room condition; those in hypoxic group were raised in ordinary pressure hypoxic box [concentration of O(2) was (10.0 +/- 0.5)%] for 8 hours a day, for 30 days; those in RA group were raised in the same condition as hypoxic group and treated with an intraperitoneal injection of RA 8 g/kg per day. The rats in the control group and hypoxic group were given the same volume of intraperitoneal injection of normal saline. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), mean carotid artery pressure (mCAP) were measured via right cardiac catheterization, concentration of NO in pulmonary tissue was measured by radioimmunoassay.(1) The mPAP (mm Hg) (21.9 +/- 1.6) and ET-1 (pg/ml) (309.1 +/- 58.1) in hypoxemic group were significantly higher than those in RA group (16.2 +/- 0.8, 287.7 +/- 57.5) and control group (15.3 +/- 0.8, 241.1 +/- 52.5) (P0.01,0.05), but the difference between RA group and control group was not significant. (2) NO (micromol/L) in pulmonary tissue in hypoxemic group (6.5 +/- 0.3) was lower than that in RA group and control group (9.2 +/- 0.9), NO in RA group was higher than that in hypoxic group but lower than that in control group (P0.05). (3) There was no significant difference in mCAP among the three groups (P0.05). (4) Under electron microscope, the endothelial cells of arterioles of the lung tissue of control group were flat and had normal morphology. However, in the lung tissue of hypoxic group, there were proliferation, hypertrophy and swelling of endothelial cells of pulmonary medium and small arteries and plenty of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticula in cytoplasm.Chronic hypoxia can result in reconstruction and endothelial lesion in pulmonary arterioles of rats, elevation of mPAP and ET-1 in pulmonary tissue, and decrease of NO. Injection of Radix Astraglai can reverse the reconstruction of pulmonary vessels partially, regulate the concentration of ET-1 and NO in pulmonary tissue, which may have certain therapeutic effects on pulmonary arteriolar changes induced by hypoxia.

To investigate the circadian rhythmicity of adiponectin in patients with Cushing's syndrome and obesity, as well as in normal subjects. The effects of glucocorticoids, insulin and leptin on the secretion of adiponectin were also explored.15 patients with Cushing's syndrome and 10 with obesity as well as 9 normal subjects were recruited and their serum adiponectin, glucocorticoids, insulin and leptin levels were determined 6 times a day (8:00, 12:00, 16:00, 20:00, 24:00, 3:00).Circadian rhythmicity of adiponectin was not observed, but the adiponectin levels in patients with obesity were lower than those in the normal subjects at all 6 time spots. The area under curve (AUC) of serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI, r = 0.46, P0.01), waist circumference (r = -0.33, P0.05) and insulin AUC (r = -0.36, P0.05). A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that BMI and waist circumference were two significant independent parameters of the plasma adiponectin level. The adiponectin levels did not manifest any change after short term dexamethasone administration with both high and low doses, but were obviously decreased after surgery.Neither long-term endogenous hyperglucocorticoidism nor short-term dexamethasone administration affects the serum adiponectin levels and the serum adiponectin concentrations remain unchanged even with elevated postprandial insulin levels.

To observe the effect of berberine on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into adipocytes and to elucidate its mechanism.3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured and then divided into 7 groups into whose media were added berberine of the concentrations of 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 micro mol/L, 100 nmol/Linsulin, and 10 micro mol/L berberine + 100 nmol/L insulin. The proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was detected by MTT method. The accumulation of lipid in the cytoplasm of differentiated adipocytes was observed by oil red O staining. The peroxisome proliferation activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2) mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively.MTT method showed that the absorbance at 570 nm of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes increased by 17% (P0.01), 36% (P0.001), and 22% (P0.05) in the groups of 1, 10, and 100 micro mol/L berberine, by 53% (P0.0001)in the group of 100 nmol/L insulin, and by 66% in the group of 10 micro mol/L berberine + 100 nmol/L insulin. There were less and smaller lipid droplets in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with berberine as compared with the untreated control cells and only 10% - 20% of the treated cells displayed big lipid drops. RT-PCR showed that berberine significantly reduced the expression of PPARgamma2 mRNA by 48% (P0.01) in the course of 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Western blotting showed that berberine inhibited the expression of PPARgamma2 protein.Berberine promotes the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, decreases the accumulation of lipid drops therein, and inhibits the terminal differentiation of adipocyte, which may be associated with its effect on decreasing the expression of PPARgamma2 mRNA and protein, suggesting that berberine has advantages in the treatment of obesity patients with type 2 diabetes.