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Background: Cytoplasmic activation/proliferation-associated protein-1 (caprin-1) is a newly discovered RNA-binding protein and is now recognized as one of the putative oncogenes. This study was performed to reveal its presence in human gliomas and its oncogenic functions in human glioblastoma-derived Denver brain tumor research group 05 (DBTRG-05MG) cells. Materials and Methods: Clinical glioma samples were cumulatively collected for the identification of caprin-1 using immunoblot analysis and immunofluorescence detection. DBTRG cells transfected with caprin-1-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to verify caprin-1's oncogenic function using a real-time cell analyzer (RTCA) and scratch assay. Results: Seven of eight collected glioma samples were identified as positive for caprin-1 expression. siRNA dose-responsive inhibition of cell proliferation was observed in DBTRG cells with RTCA, and cell migration rate was significantly reduced by siRNA transfection (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study identified the higher expression of caprin-1 in human glioblastoma-derived DBTRG cells. Its oncogenic functions, mainly enhanced cell proliferation and promoted cell migration capacity, were also verified in these cells. This study provided fundamentals for developing caprin-1 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of gliomas.

Spermiogenesis is a complex and tightly regulated process, consisting of acrosomal biogenesis, condensation of chromatin, flagellar assembly, and disposal of extra cytoplasm. Previous studies have reported that sperm flagellar 2 (SPEF2) deficiency causes severe asthenoteratozoospermia owing to spermiogenesis failure, but the underlying molecular mechanism in humans remains unclear. Here, we performed proteomic analysis on spermatozoa from three SPEF2 mutant patients to study the functional role of SPEF2 during sperm tail development. A total of 1262 differentially expressed proteins were detected, including 486 upregulated and 776 downregulated. The constructed heat map of the differentially expressed proteins showed similar trends. Among these, the expression of proteins related to flagellar assembly, including SPEF2, sperm associated antigen 6 (SPAG6), dynein light chain tctex-type 1 (DYNLT1), radial spoke head component 1 (RSPH1), translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOM20), EF-hand domain containing 1 (EFHC1), meiosis-specific nuclear structural 1 (MNS1) and intraflagellar transport 20 (IFT20), was verified by western blot. Functional clustering analysis indicated that these differentially expressed proteins were specifically enriched for terms such as spermatid development and flagellar assembly. Furthermore, we showed that SPEF2 interacts with radial spoke head component 9 (RSPH9) and IFT20 in vitro, which are well-studied components of radial spokes or intra-flagellar transport and are essential for flagellar assembly. These results provide a rich resource for further investigation into the molecular mechanism underlying the role that SPEF2 plays in sperm tail development and could provide a theoretical basis for gene therapy in SPEF2 mutant patients in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new spirocyclic lactone, terreinlactone C (1), and one new benzopyran derivative, 2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxychroman-6-aldehyde (2), were discovered from the fungus Aspergillus terreus. The chemical structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by detailedly analyzing NMR and HRESIMS data. Compound 1 is the first natural product with a 1-oxaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one ring system and a possible biogenetic pathway is proposed. Two compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resveratrol (RES) can induce macrophage polarization to achieve the immune response. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine whether RES attenuates inflammation by regulating macrophage polarization through inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MyD88 signaling. Materials and Methods: We measured the effects of different concentrations of RES on cellular activity of RAW264.7 and measured it using the methyl thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide method. The immunomodulatory effects of RES on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells were detected by measuring the levels of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the markers of M1 and M2 polarization of macrophages. The changes in the expression of both mRNA and proteins related to the TLR4/ myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) receptor pathway detected by Western blot (WB) and RT-qPCR analyses. Results: According to our results, 2, 4, and 8 μmol/L RES decreased the levels of NO, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, thereby reducing inflammation and increasing immunity. IL-1 and inducible NO synthase, which are the markers of M1-type macrophages, were increased by LPS, and arginase-1, CD206, which are the markers of M2-type macrophages, were decreased. However, in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells incubated with RES, we observed the opposite results for both M1-and M2-type macrophage markers. Proteins and mRNA related to the TLR4 pathway were detected by WB and RT-qPCR analysis and TLR4, P65, MyD88, interleukin receptor-associated kinases 1, tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6, activated kinase 1, and IKKβ were significantly increased by LPS. In contrast, when the cells were incubated with RES, the TLR4 pathway-related proteins and mRNA were significantly decreased and showed a volume-response relationship. Conclusion: RES can polarize M1-type macrophages to M2-type macrophages and regulate them through the TLR4/MyD88 receptor pathway. The polarization of macrophages can reduce the level of inflammation and regulate the immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The guidance systems based on separately the designing of the estimator and the guidance law have not been suboptimal. This paper addresses the problem of guiding a missile towards an evading agile target in the presence of noisy measurements. A new guidance law that complies with the optimal estimator under the guidelines of the GST is proposed. The conception of miss-set is termed and a geometric approach is utilized. As a result, The new cooperative guidance law is designed. The numerical simulation for a realistic engagement scenario demonstrates the performance and viability of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene expression chip of a salt-tolerant wheat mutant under salt stress was used to clone a salt-induced gene with unknown functions. This gene was designated as TaSR (Triticum aestivum salt-response gene) and submitted to GenBank under accession number EF580107. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed that gene expression was induced by salt stress. Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza sativa) plants expressing TaSR presented higher salt tolerance than the controls, whereas AtSR mutant and RNA interference rice plants were more sensitive to salt. Under salt stress, TaSR reduced Na(+) concentration and improved cellular K(+) and Ca(2+) concentrations; this gene was also localized on the cell membrane. β-Glucuronidase (GUS) staining and GUS fluorescence quantitative determination were conducted through fragmentation cloning of the TaSR promoter. Salt stress-responsive elements were detected at 588-1074 bp upstream of the start codon. GUS quantitative tests of the full-length promoter in different tissues indicated that promoter activity was highest in the leaf under salt stress. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation and yeast two-hybrid screening further showed the correlation of TaSR with TaPRK and TaKPP. In vitro phosphorylation of TaSR and TaPRK2697 showed that TaPRK2697 did not phosphorylate TaSR. This study revealed that the novel TaSR may be used to improve plant tolerance to salt stress., (© 2015 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.)

Manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieves (OMS-2) for VOCs catalytic combustion were synthesized by refluxing method. The crystal structure, particle morphology, pore structure and H2-reduction ability were characterized by XRD, SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption and H2-TPR techniques. The catalytic activities of the OMS-2 calcined at different temperatures in benzene combustion and the stability of the sample calcined at 300 degrees C were evaluated. The results indicated that the effect of calcinations temperature on the surface characters of catalysts was remarkable. With higher calcination temperature, the samples showed lower surface area and pore volume, but larger average pore size. At the same time, high calcination temperature leaded to low activity. The benzene conversion of the sample calcined at 300 degrees C was 50% degrees C at 200 degrees C and 90% at 250 degrees C, respectively. The catalytic activity exhibited only 5% reduction after reaction at 260 degrees C for 70 h, which indicated that the as-made catalysts were very stable after calcination at 300 degrees C.

Objective: This study assessed the effects of narcotic analgesics, nitrates drugs, somatostatin analogues on human sphincter of Oddi motility and the antagonistic effects of nitrates drugs and anticholinergic agents against morphine measured by choledochoscope manometry., Methods: 157 patients who had a T tube after cholecystectomy and choledochotomy were assessed by choledochoscope manometry. They were randomly divided into 5 groups. Sphincter of Oddi basal pressure (SOBP), amplitude (SOCA), frequency of contractions (SOF), duration of contractions (SOD), duodenal pressure (DP), common bile duct pressure (CBDP) were scored and analyzed., Results: SOBP, SOCA and SOF increased after injection of morphine and Ap-237, CBDP increased after intramuscular administered morphine. No apparent change occurred after intramuscularly administered pethidine. SOBP and SOCA decreased after tramadol. After intravenous administration of stilamin in a dose of 250 microg/h, SOCA increased. After administration stilamin of 500 microg/h dose, SOCA and SOBP declined. After intravenous administration of sandostatin, CBDP increased obviously. BPOS and SOCA decreased significantly after administration of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), SOBP reduced evidently after application of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PTN). SOBP, SOCA, SOF and CBDP increased evidently after injection of morphine. After associated application of ISDN and GTN, the four indications above decreased. As to associated application with PTN, SOCA and SOF decreased. After associated application of anisodamine or atropine, SOCA, SOBP declined, after injected buscopan, SOCA, SOBP, SOF all declined., Conclusion: The regular dose of morphine and Ap-237 shows excitatory effect on the sphincter of Oddi motility. Tramadol shows inhibitory effect on the sphincter of Oddi. The regular dose of pethidine and sandostatin shows no apparent effect on the sphincter of Oddi. Stilamin in low dose shows excitated effect on the sphincter of Oddi. Nitrates drugs show inhibited effects on SO motility. Nitrates drugs and anticholinergic agents can antagonize the excitated effect of morphine.

Background: Somatostatin, a neuropeptide and hormone, exists in the biliary tract of several species. The effects of somatostatin and its analogues on the sphincter of Oddi motility have been controversial. The aim of this study was to observe the action of stilamin and sandostatin on the sphincter of Oddi via choledochofiberscope manometry., Methods: Twenty patients who had had "T" duct after cholecystectomy and choledochotomy were divided into 2 groups randomly: stilamin and sandostatin. They were subjected to manometry via a choledochofiberscope through the "T" duct tract. The following data recorded included duodenal pressure (DP), sphincter of Oddi basal pressure (SOBP), sphincter of Oddi contractive amplitude (SOCA), frequency of the sphincter of Oddi (SOF), duration of the sphincter of Oddi, and the common bile duct pressure (CBDP)., Results: After intravenous administration of stilamin at a dose of 250 microg/h, the mean SOCA increased from 89.18(26.50) to 128.57(54.21) mmHg (P<0.05). After the administration of stilamin at a dose of 500 microg/h the mean SOCA declined to 92.18(42.81) mmHg (P<0.05), and mean SOBP declined from 17.63(13.36) to 8.16(4.01) mmHg (P<0.05). Although SOF had declined from 9.25(2.45) to 7.46(1.52) n/min, it was not significantly influenced. After intravenous administration of sandostatin at a dose of 100 microg, the mean CBDP increased obviously., Conclusions: Intravenous administration of stilamin at a dose of 250 microg/h stimulates the motility of the sphincter of Oddi whereas the injection of stilamin at a dose of 500 microg/h inhibits its motility. Intravenous injection of sandostatin of 100 mug has no effect on the sphincter of Oddi.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of nitroester drugs on human sphincter of Oddi (SO) motility and their antagonistic effects against morphine which shows excitatory effect on Oddi's sphincter motility., Methods: The effects of these drugs on SO were evaluated by means of choledochofiberoscopy manometry. A total of 67 patients having T-tubes after cholecystectomy and choledochotomy were involved in the study, they were randomly divided into glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) group, isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) group, pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PTN) group, morphine associated with GTN group, morphine associated with ISDN group and morphine associated with PTN group. Basal pressure of Oddi's sphincter (BPOS), amplitude of phasic contractions (SOCA), frequency of phasic contractions (SOF), duration of phasic contractions (SOD), duodenal pressure (DP) and common bile duct pressure (CBDP) were scored and analyzed. Morphine was given intramuscularly while nitroester drugs were applied sublingually., Results: BPOS and SOCA decreased significantly after administration of ISDN and GTN, BPOS reduced from 10.95+/-7.49 mmHg to 5.92+/-4.04 mmHg (P<0.05) evidently after application of PTN. BPOS increased from 7.37+/-5.58 mmHg to 16.60+/-13.87 mmHg, SOCA increased from 54.09+/-38.37 mmHg to 100.70+/-43.51 mmHg, SOF increased from 7.15+/-3.20 mmHg to 10.38+/-2.93 mmHg and CBDP increased 3.75+/-1.95 mmHg to 10.49+/-8.21 mmHg (P<0.01) evidently after injection of morphine. After associated application of ISDN and GTN, the four indications above decreased obviously. As for application associated with PTN, SOCA and SOF decreased separately from 100.64+/-44.99 mmHg to 66.17+/-35.88 mmHg and from 10.70+/-2.76 mmHg to 9.04+/-1.71 mmHg (P<0.05) markedly., Conclusion: The regular dose of GTN, ISDN and PTN showed inhibitory effect on SO motility, morphine showed excitatory effect on SO while GTN, ISDN and PTN could antagonize the effect of morphine. Among the three nitroester drugs, the effect of ISDN on SO was most significant.

Aim: To assess the effects of intramuscular analgesics (morphine, Ap-237, pethidine and tramadol) on human Oddi's sphincter motility with choledochoscope manometry., Methods: A total of 70 patients having T tubes after cholecystectomy and choledochotomy were assessed by choledochoscope manometry. They were randomly divided into morphine group, Ap-237 group, pethidine group and tramadol group. Basal pressure of Oddi's sphincter (BPOS), amplitude of phasic contractions (SOCA), frequency of phasic contractions (SOF), duration of phasic contractions(SOD), duodenal pressure (DP) and common bile duct pressure (CBDP) were scored and analyzed. All narcotic analgesic drugs were administered intramuscularly., Results: Levels of BPOS, SOCA and SOF were increased after injection of morphine and Ap-237 (P<0.05), level of CBDP was increased from 4.97+/-3.87 mmHg to 8.62+/-7.43 mmHg (10 min later) and 7.32+/-5.95 mmHg (20 min later) after injection of morphine (P<0.01). No apparent change occurred after intramuscular injection of pethidine. Level of BPOS was increased from 7.01+/-5.50 mmHg to 2.87+/-2.78 mmHg 10 min after injection of tramadol and SOCA was decreased from 63.34+/-35.29 mmHg to 45.90+/-27.86 mmHg (10 min later,P<0.05) and 35.97+/-24.30 (20 min later,P<0.01) after administration of tramadol., Conclusion: All these findings indicate that Oddi's sphincter manometry via choledochoscope is a practical and new way to study the dynamics of Oddi' s sphincter. The regular dose of morphine and Ap-237 could increase BPOS, SOF and SOCA. Morphine could increase the level of CBDP, demonstrating an excitatory effect on the sphincter of Oddi. Pethidine had no effect on Oddi's sphincter motility. Tramadol shows an inhibitory effect on the motility of the sphincter of Oddi and decreases levels of BPOS and SOCA.