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Recent evidence suggests that low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) is a promising treatment for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS); however, its safety in pelvic organs, particularly prostate tissues and cells, remains unclear. The current study evaluates the risks of prostate cell damage or oncogenesis following the administration of Li-ESWT for prostatitis. To this end, a robust in vitro model (Cell Counting Kit-8 [CCK-8] assay, clone formation assay, cell scratch assay, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] release assay, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting assay) was designed to examine the effects of Li-ESWT on cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, membrane integrity, and DNA damage. Exome sequencing of Li-ESWT-treated cells was performed to determine the risk of carcinogenesis. Furthermore, an in vivo rat model (n = 20) was employed to assess the effects of Li-ESWT on cancer biomarkers (carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA], Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], and gamma-H2A histone family member X, phosphorylation of the H2AX Ser-139 [γ-H2AX]) in prostate tissue. Based on our findings, Li-ESWT promotes cellular growth and motility without inducing significant cell membrane or DNA damage or alterations. Genetic analyses did not demonstrate an increase in mutations, and no damage to prostate tissue or upregulation of cancer biomarkers was detected in vivo. This comprehensive in vitro and in vivo assessment confirms the safety of Li-ESWT in managing prostate disorders.

The efficiency of industrial knowledge transfer (IKT) directly affects the level of knowledge connection and collaborative innovation in the industry. However, there is a lack of research, particularly from the perspective of network characteristics, to investigate the efficiency of IKT. Therefore, this study proposes a methodology for measuring the efficiency of weighted industrial knowledge transfer network (IKTN) by employing multiple network indicators. Firstly, based on patent data, a weighted IKTN model with node and edge weights is constructed, and the weighted clustering coefficient and path length of the network are defined. Then, considering the indicators of node weights, edge weights, weighted clustering coefficient, and path length, an efficiency measurement model for the weighted IKTN is established. Finally, we take the environmental protection industry (EPI) in the Yangtze River Delta region of China as the practical case to verify the scientific validity and applicability of the proposed method. The results show that the measurement method proposed can effectively evaluate the node efficiency and overall efficiency of IKTN, and provide a scientific basis for relevant policymaking. This study comprehensively considered multiple factors in the IKTN efficiency measurement and used existing data from the patent database in the weight setting, avoiding the problem of excessive reliance on subjective factors in previous studies that may lead to deviations in the authenticity of the evaluation.

Renibacterium sp. QD1, a bacteria strain capable of hydrolysing chitosan, was isolated from the homogenate of small crabs. An extracellular chitosanase, Csn-A, was purified from the QD1 fermentation broth. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity, with a yield of eight-fold, 67% recovery and a specific activity of 1575 U/mg proteins. The molecular weight of Csn-A was estimated to be 26.1 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Unlike other chitosanases, the purified Csn-A displayed maximal activity at a pH range of 5.3–6.5, and it was stable in a broad pH range of 5.0–10.0. The optimum temperature for chitosanlytic activity was 55°C. The enzyme activity was strongly stimulated by Mn2+ but inhibited by Fe3+, Cu2+, Al3+, Zn2+ and SDS. TLC analysis demonstrated that Csn-A hydrolysed N-deacetylated polymeric glucosamines into chito-biose and -triose in an endo-type manner. The amino acid seuquence of Csn-A showed close identity with an uncharacterized chitosanase of strain ATCC33209. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: Purple sweet potato (PSP) pigments have been widely accepted as antioxidants but their radioprotective effect still remains unclear. In this study we investigated the effect of PSP pigments on 60Co γ-ray-induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in murine thymocytes. Materials and methods: The murine thymocytes were pretreated by PSP pigments before exposure to 4 Gy 60Co γ-rays. Flow cytometry analysis was used to measure apoptotic cells and mitochondrial membrane potential. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using 2′,7′,-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe and the activity of antioxidant enzymes was tested by biochemical assay after irradiation. Cytochrome c, caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) were measured by Western blotting. Results: After treatment with PSP pigments and exposure to 4 Gy radiation the apoptosis of thymocytes was reduced and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential was maintained compared to control cells. In the presence of PSP pigments, ROS were reduced and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were protected and in some cases increased. All the pro-apoptotic proteins (cytochrome oxidase, caspase 3 and PARP) decreased in PSP pigments pretreated thymocytes compared to irradiated cells in the absence of PSP pigments. Conclusions: Pre-treatment with PSP pigments significantly inhibited 60Co γ-ray-induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. This radioprotective effect might be related to ROS scavenging, the enhancement of the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the maintenance of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and the sequential inhibition of cytochrome c release and downstream caspase and PARP cleavage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously purified macromolecular-translocation inhibitor-Ill (MTI-III), which inhibits the binding of the activated glucocorticoid-receptor complex (GR) to nuclei, to homogeneity from rat liver, and we found that the purified MTI-III bound to partially purified activated GR under low salt conditions at slightly acidic pH [Liu, G., Okamoto, K., and Isohashi, F. (1993) Eur. J. Biochem;. 218, 679-687]. This was the first direct evidence that the inhibitor acts through a direct interaction with the activated GR. In this study, we examined whether the purified MTI-III could interfere with the binding of GR to a DNA fragment containing a specific glucocorticoid-response element (GRE). Under nearly isotonic salt conditions at neutral pH, the activated GR bound to the GRE but not to nonspecific DNA. Under similar conditions, the activated GR also bound to the purified MTI-III. The resulting GR/MTI-III complex did not bind to the GRE. We also found that addition of MTI-III to the GR/GRE complex resulted in time-dependent disruption of the GR/GRE complex and formation of the GR/MTI-III complex. The half-life of the GR/GRE complex in the presence of MTI-III was about 13 min. These results suggest that MTI-III enhances the release of GR from the GR/GRE complex and immediately forms a stable GR/MTI-III complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Construct prokaryotic expression vector carrying mouse TRBP (TAR RNA-binding protein) gene and test the double-stranded RNA binding ability of TRBP., Methods: RT-PCR was used to obtain TRBP cDNA from mouse genomic DNA. Then, we built the His-tag fusion expression vector of TRBP and transformed it into E.coli BL21(DE3). Ni-NTA beads were used to isolate and purify the recombinant protein and vitro transcription was used to get Pre-miR-122. Finally, SDS-PAGE and ITC (isothermal titration calorimetry) assay were both used to validate TRBP's binding ability with Pre-miR-122., Results: We purified the recombinant protein TRBP whose molecular weight is 32.4 kDa. The purified bioactive TRBP protein binding on NI-NTA beads showed that it had a strong binding capacity on Pre-miR-122., Conclusion: We constructed TRBP prokaryotic expression system successfully and studied the double-stranded RNA binding ability of TRBP preliminarily.

In recent years, antibiotic resistance of bacteria has become a global health crisis. Especially, the new class of "superbug" was found in South Asia, which is resistant to almost known antibiotics and causes worldwide alarm. Through the underlying mechanisms of bacterial pathogenecity, the expression of many pathogen virulence factors is regulated by the process of quorum sensing. Screening efficient quorum sensing inhibitors is an especially compelling approach to the future treatment of bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance. This article focuses on bacterial quorum sensing system, quorum sensing screening model for in vitro and evaluation of animal models in vivo, recent research of quorum sensing inhibitors and so on.

Purpose: Purple sweet potato (PSP) pigments have been widely accepted as antioxidants but their radioprotective effect still remains unclear. In this study we investigated the effect of PSP pigments on ⁶⁰Co γ-ray-induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in murine thymocytes., Materials and Methods: The murine thymocytes were pretreated by PSP pigments before exposure to 4 Gy ⁶⁰Co γ-rays. Flow cytometry analysis was used to measure apoptotic cells and mitochondrial membrane potential. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using 2',7',-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe and the activity of antioxidant enzymes was tested by biochemical assay after irradiation. Cytochrome c, caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) were measured by Western blotting., Results: After treatment with PSP pigments and exposure to 4 Gy radiation the apoptosis of thymocytes was reduced and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential was maintained compared to control cells. In the presence of PSP pigments, ROS were reduced and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were protected and in some cases increased. All the pro-apoptotic proteins (cytochrome oxidase, caspase 3 and PARP) decreased in PSP pigments pretreated thymocytes compared to irradiated cells in the absence of PSP pigments., Conclusions: Pre-treatment with PSP pigments significantly inhibited ⁶⁰Co γ-ray-induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. This radioprotective effect might be related to ROS scavenging, the enhancement of the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the maintenance of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and the sequential inhibition of cytochrome c release and downstream caspase and PARP cleavage.

Contrast to planktonic cells, biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that develop on biotic or abiotic surfaces. Most of bacteria can form biofilms under proper conditions. Once biofilm form, the inner bacteria cells often exhibit reduced antibiotic susceptibility than their free-floating counterparts, so conventional methods of killing bacteria, such as antibiotics and disinfections are often ineffective with them. Biofilms may cause huge economic loss in equipment damage, product contamination, energy losses and medical infections. Therefore, bacterial biofilm is evolving as a focal problem and an active area of research. As a relatively new area, the progress of biofilm science depends on the development of a satisfactory set of methods. But the classic methods to study planktonic bacteria cannot fulfill the biofilm research, one for which there are few widely accepted methodological standards. Even though biofilms are complicated physical-chemical-biological systems, experience demonstrates that accessible research methods are feasible. In this paper, the theories, principles, merits and limitations of some methods currently used in bacterial biofilm researches, involving artificial biofilm forming and biofilm measurement, were discussed.

Aim: To investigate the antioxidant mechanisms of propylene glycol mannate sulfate (PGMS) in hyperlipidemic rats., Methods: Male Wistar rats were given high lipid emulsion diet to establish hyperlipidemic model. PGMS was given every day at different doses (37.8 and 75.6 mg.kg-1, ig) to hyperlipidemic rats for three weeks. In addition, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) was given 200 mg.kg-1.3 d-1 (i.p.) to inhibit SOD activity. Then, the MDA content was examined using TBA method to show the oxidation level, and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT were examined following the kit protocols to indicate the capability of eliminating OFR. RT-PCR was applied to study the expression of Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA in rat liver., Results: The MDA content of PGMS treatment groups decreased markedly compared with hyperlipidemic group, and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT increased distinctly. Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA expression was significantly increased by PGMS treatment. Furthermore, the application of DDC(the SOD inhibitor) reduced total SOD activity and Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA expression induced by PGMS, and the content of MDA increased correspondingly., Conclusion: PGMS can induce the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the mRNA expression of Cu, Zn-SOD, which contribute to the elimination of oxygen free radical. This may explain the molecular mechanism of antioxidant effects of PGMS.

Aim: To study the effects of prophylene glycol mannate sulfate (PGMS) on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA expression in hyperlipidemic rat aorta and to clarify the molecular mechanism of PGMS for the prevention of atherosclerosis., Methods: PGMS (37.8 and 75.6 mg.kg-1.d-1, ig) or PGMS (37.8 and 75.6 mg.kg-1.d-1, ig) combined with diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC, an inhibitor of SOD, 200 mg.kg-1 every three days, i.p.) were given to hyperlipidemic rats for three weeks. The MDA content and SOD activity were determined after 12 h of starvation, and MCP-1 mRNA expression in aorta was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)., Results: There was significant decrease (29.46% or 58.40)% of MCP-1 mRNA expression in aortic after the therapy. The SOD activity increased markedly and the MDA content decreased at the same time. After treatment with DDC, the SOD activity was inhibited and the MDA content increased, but with no significant effect on MCP-1 mRNA expression., Conclusion: PGMS inhibited MCP-1 mRNA expression with no relation to its effect on decreasing MDA content.

Extracellular alginate lyase secreted by Vibrio sp. QY101, which was isolated from brown algae, was purified to homogeneity by a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow anion-exchange chromatography and Superdex 75 gel filtration chromatography. Its molecular mass was 39 kD as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis. The enzyme had an optimal temperature of 30 degrees for its activity, and was most active at pH 7.5. The thermal and pH stability were 0-30 degrees, and pH 6.5-8.5, respectively. The enzyme activity was stimulated by 0.5 mol/L NaCl, 1.0 mmol/L Ca(2+) or 5.0 mmol/L (Mn(2+), and inhibited by 5.0 mmol/L Ni(2+), 1.0 mmol/L Fe2+) or 1.0 mmol/L EDTA. Preliminary analysis on substrate specificity showed that this alginate lyase had activity on both poly-alpha 1,4-L-guluronate and poly-beta1,4-D-mannuronate substrates.

Gene targeting is a rising technology in molecular biology,which is defined as the introduction of exogeneous DNA to specific site in genome by homologous recombination,and consequently change the hereditary character of the cell. This technology provides a new and powerful means for research in developmental biology,molecular genetics,immunology and medicine. Progresses have been made in exploring gene structure and function,gene expression and regulation,transgene and gene therapy with the application of gene targeting. But there are some problems in gene targeting,especially for the low efficiency. This article just provided a review of the principle and program of gene targeting,and discussed the possible approaches to increase the efficiency of gene targeting.

Aim: To study the effect of propylene glycol mannate sulfate (PGMS) on blood lipids and lipoprotein lipase in hyperlipidemic rat, and its anti-hyperlipidemic mechanism., Methods: PGMS was administered ig at different doses (37.8 mg.kg-1.d-1 and 75.6 mg.kg-1.d-1) to hyperlipidemic rats for three weeks and blood serum was obtained after starved 12 h. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were examined. The mRNA expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in liver, spleen and artery was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)., Results: PGMS significantly decreased the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C and increased that of HDL-C in hyperlipidemic serum dose-dependently. PGMS was shown to increase the level of LPL mRNA expression, which is related directly to the controlling effects of PGMS on blood lipids., Conclusion: PGMS modulated blood lipids by promoting mRNA expression of LPL. This may be one important mechanism of PGMS to modulate blood lipids.

Interleukin (IL) 12 treatment in the CSA1M and OV-HM, but not in Meth A tumor models,induces tumor regression that is associated with T-cell migration to tumor sites.Here, we investigated the role of the CC chemokine receptor (CCR)5 in T-cell migration induced after IL-12 treatment. In the two IL-12-responsive tumor models (CSA1M and OV-HM), IL-12 treatment up-regulated the mRNA expression of CCR5 in splenic T cells as well as ligands for CCR5, such as macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) 1alpha and MIP-1beta in tumor masses. In contrast, the expression of CCR5 in spleens and MIP-1alpha/MIP-1beta in tumor masses was marginally induced before and even after IL-12 treatment in the Meth A model in which T-cell migration is not observed. T cells infiltrating tumor masses in the former two IL-12-responsive models expressed CCR5. Administration of a synthetic CCR5 antagonist TAK-779 to tumor-bearing mice during IL-12 immunotherapy prevented T-cell migration and tumor regression. Furthermore, anti-CCR5 antibody was found to inhibit T-cell migration in the lymphoid cell migration assay. Namely, although splenic T cells prepared from IL-12-treated CSA1M or OV-HM-bearing mice migrated into the corresponding tumor masses in recipient mice, the migration was inhibited when donor T cells were treated with anti-CCR5 antibody before the injection. These results indicate a critical role for CCR5 in the induction of T-cell migration to tumor sites after IL-12 treatment.

Aim: To study the effect of propylene glycol mannate sulfate (PGMS) on induction of CuZn-SOD., Methods: Wistar rats were given PGMS p.o. at different doses (0, 18.9, 37.8 and 75.6 mg.kg-1.d) for ten days. Then the rats were sacrificed and the total RNA was extracted from the livers. The total RNA samples were loaded on a 1% agarose gel to detect the quality of total RNA. RT-PCR was applied to study the expression of CuZn-SOD mRNA in rat livers. The amplified products were detected by the 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. Simultaneously, the CuZn-SOD activities in rat liver were determined by nitrite method., Results: The total RNA extracted from rat livers was integrated without being decomposed by RNase. The level of CuZn-SOD mRNA of the high-dosage group (75.6 mg.kg-1.d) was higher than that of the control group (0 mg.kg-1.d) (P < 0.01); the CuZn-SOD activities of the high-dosage group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.001) and the CuZn-SOD activities of the middle- (37.8 mg.kg-1.d) and low-dosage groups (18.9 mg.kg-1.d) were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: PGMS can increase the CuZn-SOD activities as well as CuZn-SOD on mRNA level. Therefore, it is possible for PGMS to counteract Atherosclerosis (AS) by inducing the expression of CuZn-SOD.