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Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is the most common infectious disease of cattle and is registered in many countries of the world. The disease causes significant economic damage to livestock, primarily due to a decrease in the reproductive capacity of infected animals. Infection of cattle during pregnancy results in transmission of the infection to the fetus, which can lead to embryonic death or the birth of persistently infected (PI) calves. PI-animals excrete BVDV in their feces and secretions throughout their lives, which is why they are the main pathway of transmission of the virus. Moreover, acute BVDV infection leads to transient viremia and immunosuppression, resulting in an increase in secondary infections. In recent years, outbreaks of BVD cattle have been reported in several regions of Russia and China bordering Kazakhstan, indicating a high risk of introducing the infection into the country. Although Kazakhstan is officially considered free from BVD cattle, there is ample evidence that this infection is present in many regions of the country. However, the lack of a clear understanding of the epizootic situation in the country in terms of BVD cattle does not allow the full use of effective control measures, such as total vaccination of livestock in regions at risk of infection. This article provides data on the epizootic situation in Kazakhstan on BVD cattle, as well as an epidemiological analysis of the risks of the spread of BVD cattle in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is frequent in women of reproductive age, but very limited data are available on the epidemiology in cases of VVC in China. Objectives: The current study has been conducted to reveal the prevalence, species distribution of yeast causing VVC and molecular genetics of Candida albicans in China. Methods: Vaginal swabs were collected from 543 VVC outpatients recruited in 12 hospitals in China between September 2017 and March 2018. They were preliminarily incubated on Sabouraud dextrose agar and then positive subjects of which were then transmitted to our institute for further identification. CHROMagar™ was used to isolate Candida species, and all isolates were finally identified by DNA sequencing. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to analyse phylogenetic relationships of the various C. albicans isolates. Results: Eleven different yeast species were identified in 543 isolates, among which C. albicans (84.7%) was the most frequent, followed by C. glabrata (8.7%). We obtained 117 unique diploid sequence types from 451 clinical C. albicans isolates and 92 isolates (20.4%) belonged to a New Clade. All the strains appearing in the New Clade were from northern China and they were isolated from non‐recurrent VVC. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that C. albicans are still the main cause of VVC in China and the majority of C. albicans isolates belongs to Clade 1 with DST 79 and DST 45 being two most common. Moreover, the New Clade revealed in our study seems to be specific to northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce experimental effort associated with directed protein evolution and to explore the sequence space encoded by mutating multiple positions simultaneously, we incorporate machine learning into the directed evolution workflow. Combinatorial sequence space can be quite expensive to sample experimentally, but machine-learning models trained on tested variants provide a fast method for testing sequence space computationally. We validated this approach on a large published empirical fitness landscape for human GB1 binding protein, demonstrating that machine learningguided directed evolution finds variants with higher fitness than those found by other directed evolution approaches. We then provide an example application in evolving an enzyme to produce each of the two possible product enantiomers (i.e., stereodivergence) of a new-to-nature carbene Si-H insertion reaction. The approach predicted libraries enriched in functional enzymes and fixed seven mutations in two rounds of evolution to identify variants for selective catalysis with 93% and 79% ee (enantiomeric excess). By greatly increasing throughput with in silico modeling, machine learning enhances the quality and diversity of sequence solutions for a protein engineering problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a study that aims to use a best Bayesian network meta-analysis to evaluate the relative benefits. Topics discussed the risks of balloon kyphoplasty (BK), percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), and non-surgical treatment (NST) for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), mentions the BK, PVP, and NST to treat OVCFs, and information on the role of PVP as the most effective method for improving pain, functional status, and quality of life.

Presents a study that proposed a model for electron tunneling in a quantum well of a double-barrier structure with localized recombination channel using localized imaginary potential. Examination of the properties of nonhermitanian Hamiltonians; Calculation of the lifetime of the quasi-bound state in the quantum well; Determination of the tunneling and luminescence rates.

Presents an approach to treating the problem of the frequency response of tunneling barriers. Details on the model and method for simulation; Results of the study; Conclusion.

Background: Dry eye syndrome is one of the complaints of diabetic patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the tear functions in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using tests: Schirmer, tear break-up time (TBUT), and tear film osmolarity (TFO) tests and the Ocular Surface Disease Index score (OSDI).Methods: Pregnant women with GDM (Group 1, n=46) and healthy pregnant women (Group 2, n=36) were enrolled. Initially, all participants were asked to answer the OSDI and then they underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination including Schirmer, TBUT, and TFO tests. The individuals with ocular or systemic disorders that might affect the tear function tests and who were using topical medications were excluded.Results: The results of Schirmer, TBUT, TFO tests and OSDI scores were 11.20±4.93 mm, 5.59±2.16 sec, 309.65±14.80 mOsm/L, and 9.59 ± 9.69 in Group 1, respectively, and 12.33±5.33 mm, 5.67±2.68 sec, 308.36±16.00 mOsm/L, and 10.62±8.66 in Group 2, respectively. There was no significant difference in any of the tear function tests and OSDI scores between the study groups (p>0.05).Conclusion: GDM seems to have no negative effects on tear function tests. This may be due to a lack of duration of hyperglycemia long enough to affect the tear function tests of pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chiral-amine-catalyzed enantioselective and diastereodivergent method for aldehyde addition to electron-deficient olefins is presented. Hydrogen bonding was used as a control element to achieve unusual anti selectivity, which was further elucidated through mechanistic and computational studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chiral-amine-catalyzed enantioselective and diastereodivergent method for aldehyde addition to electron-deficient olefins is presented. Hydrogen bonding was used as a control element to achieve unusual anti selectivity, which was further elucidated through mechanistic and computational studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the effect of illumination on a two-dimensional transport in a double-barrier diode with partial lateral current confinement. Growth of the double-barrier resonant tunneling structure by molecular beam epitaxy; Characteristics of the resonant tunneling structure; Dependence of the tunneling characteristics on the lateral current confinement.

Presents a study which modelled the scattering process inside the quantum well, which destroy the coherency of the wavefunction of the electron in a double-carrier resonant tunneling structure. Information on the double barrier structures examined; Information on the reflection coefficient of an asymmetric double-barrier structure; Conclusions.

Enzymes that catalyze carbon–silicon bond formation are unknown in nature, despite the natural abundance of both elements. Such enzymes would expand the catalytic repertoire of biology, enabling living systems to access chemical space previously only open to synthetic chemistry. We have discovered that heme proteins catalyze the formation of organosilicon compounds under physiological conditions via carbene insertion into silicon–hydrogen bonds. The reaction proceeds both in vitro and in vivo, accommodating a broad range of substrates with high chemo- and enantioselectivity. Using directed evolution, we enhanced the catalytic function of cytochrome c from Rhodothermus marinus to achieve more than 15-fold higher turnover than state-of-the-art synthetic catalysts. This carbon–silicon bond-forming biocatalyst offers an environmentally friendly and highly efficient route to producing enantiopure organosilicon molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 50-year-old diabetic male patient with celiac crisis. Topics explored include the medical history of the patient which consists of hypoglycemic attacks, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, results of the physical and laboratory examinations performed, and resolution of the metabolic abnormalities reported by the patient after starting a gluten-free diet.

Im Laufe der vierzig Jahre, die seit Mukaiyamas ersten Berichten zur Verwendung von Silicium ‐ und Borenolaten in gezielten Aldolreaktionen vergangen sind, hat sich diese in hohem Maße kontrollierte Kohlenstoff ‐ Kohlenstoff ‐ Kupplung aufgrund ihrer Fähigkeit zur simultanen Definition der Stereochemie, Einführung der Komplexität und Aufbau des Kohlenstoffgerüsts mit einem charakteristischen Oxygenierungsmuster als eine leistungsstarke Methode für die Naturstoffsynthese etabliert. Dieser Kurzaufsatz präsentiert repräsentative Totalsynthesen, die die Bedeutung der Mukaiyama ‐ Aldolreaktion veranschaulichen, und diskutiert die zugrundeliegenden Mechanismen, die für die stereochemische Anordnung entscheidend sind. Vierzig Jahre nach Mukaiyamas ersten Berichten zur Verwendung von Silicium ‐ und Borenolaten in gezielten Aldolreaktionen hat sich diese kontrollierte Kohlenstoff ‐ Kohlenstoff ‐ Kupplung zu einer leistungsstarken Methode für die Naturstoffsynthese entwickelt. Hier wird die Bedeutung der Mukaiyama ‐ Aldolreaktion anhand repräsentativer Totalsynthesen veranschaulicht, und es werden die Mechanismen diskutiert, die ihrem stereochemischen Verlauf zugrundeliegen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four decades since Mukaiyama's first reports on the successful application of silicon and boron enolates in directed aldol reactions, the ability of this highly controlled carbon-carbon bond-forming method to simultaneously define stereochemistry, introduce complexity, and construct the carbon skeleton with a characteristic 1,3-oxygenation pattern has made it a powerful tool for natural product synthesis. This Minireview highlights a number of representative total syntheses that demonstrate the impact of the Mukaiyama aldol reaction and discusses the underlying mechanistic rationale that determines the stereochemical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The signalling of interleukin-23 (IL-23) and its receptor (IL-23R) is a key element in the differentiation of T cells to the Th17 phenotype. Here, we present the identification and characterization of human IL23R splice variants resulting from alternative splicing of the IL23R mRNA, from activated human leukocytes, following the analysis of IL23R cDNA. Twenty-four different IL23R transcripts were observed in this study, which may potentially lead to an alteration in the protein coding region of IL-23Rα. Consequently, by analysing amino acid sequences deduced from alternatively spliced mRNA sequences, four different putative premature early termination forms of IL-23Rα: (1) a very short ‘IL-23Rα’, (2) an IL-23Rα containing only the extracellular region, (3) a IL-23Rα with truncated intracellular domain and (4) in-frame exon-skipping causing changes to the extracellular region of the IL-23Rα were revealed. These changes may affect the function of IL-23R by altering the ligand–binding interaction, producing a soluble form of the receptor to act as a decoy receptor and/or modify the IL-23/IL-23R signalling, respectively. Taken together, identification of potentially functional splice variants of IL23R underscores the biological diversity of the IL23R gene and will aid in the understanding of the gene's function in normal and pathological conditions.Genes and Immunity (2008) 9, 631–639; doi:10.1038/gene.2008.64; published online 28 August 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative splicing of mRNA is an important mechanism for organisms to enhance protein diversity from a limited number of genes. In this report, we described a novel exon insertion in the interleukin 23 (IL-23) receptor between exons 9 and 10, denoted as exon 9a. This 162 base-pair insertion was the only insertion variant discovered in more than 20 IL23R deletion variants found in the mRNA of mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Sequence analysis revealed that a pair of GT/AG splice donor–acceptor site and several putative cis-acting sequences were present; the insertion was identified throughout the genome and found to contain homology to the L1 retrotransposon protein. This report describes an insertion in the IL-23 receptor and due to consequent early termination within the intracellular region, causing a possible non-responsive receptor isoform.Genes and Immunity (2008) 9, 566–569; doi:10.1038/gene.2008.51; published online 10 July 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azzawi M, Kan S W, Hillier V, Yonan N, Hutchinson I V&Hasleton P S(2005)Histopathology46,314–319The distribution of cardiac macrophages in myocardial ischaemia and cardiomyopathy: Recent evidence has implicated the macrophage as an effector cell in the inflammatory processes in transplant rejection, as well as cardiac disease, including coronary atherosclerosis. Although the latter is a vascular disease, the entire myocardium is affected. We have previously demonstrated the presence and distribution of macrophages in the‘normal’ human heart. In this paper the distribution of myocardial macrophages, in the various chambers of the failing human heart, from cases of coronary atheroma and cardiomyopathy undergoing heart transplantation is documented.: Tissue blocks were removed at specific sites taken from six cases with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) (four males, two females, age range 54–62 years), and four cases with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) (three males, one female, age range 18–49 years). These were compared with hearts from five cases of sudden death, unrelated to heart disease. Sections were stained with a CD68 pan macrophage marker. Positive cells were enumerated in 20 random fields. Results were analysed using a generalized linear modelling method using a Poisson distribution. Macrophages were identified within the interstitium and often close to blood vessels in all hearts. Macrophages from IHD hearts demonstrated the most intense staining and were often larger and more elongated than those found in‘normal’ control hearts. Macrophages were also often degranulated and staining was diffuse in the interstitium. Overall, there were significantly more macrophages in most areas from IHD hearts than from IDCM hearts or control hearts (P < 0.001).: Significantly more macrophages were found in all four chambers in diseased hearts compared with controls. Macrophage numbers were higher in the atria than in ventricles in the diseased myocardium. This study suggests selective recruitment of macrophages into the atria in the disease states studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-process tracking and measurements play a critical role in software development, particularly for software testing. Although there are many discussions and publications on this subject and numerous proposed metrics, few in-process metrics are presented with sufficient experiences of industry implementation to demonstrate their usefulness. This paper describes several in-process metrics whose usefulness has been proven with ample implementation experiences at the IBM Rochester AS/400(R) software development laboratory. For each metric, we discuss its purpose, data,interpretation, and use and present a graphic example with real-life data. We contend that most of these metrics, with appropriate tailoring as needed, are applicable to most software projects and should be an integral part of software testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies a monolithic integration of a double barrier AIA/GaAs resonant tunneling diode and a GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well laser. Negative differential resistance and negative differential optical response at room temperature; Bistable electrical and optical characteristics; Operation as a two-state optical memory.

Reports on the case of a man who was presented with a three-month history of slowly enlarging ulceration on his lower left leg. Effectiveness of some antifungal agents including amphotericin B combined with ketoconazole or fluconazole and itraconazole in treating Acremonium infection; Proposal of the use of itraconazole as an alternative choice in treating deep fungal infections caused by Acremonium.

Small carbocycles are structurally rigid and possess high intrinsic energy due to their ring strain. These features lead to broad applications but also create challenges for their construction. We report the engineering of hemeproteins that catalyze the formation of chiral bicyclobutanes, one of the most strained four-membered systems, via successive carbene addition to unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds. Enzymes that produce cyclopropenes, putative intermediates to the bicyclobutanes, were also identified. These genetically encoded proteins are readily optimized by directed evolution, function in Escherichia coli, and act on structurally diverse substrates with high efficiency and selectivity, providing an effective route to many chiral strained structures. This biotransformation is easily performed at preparative scale, and the resulting strained carbocycles can be derivatized, opening myriad potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conventional Helmholtz coil used in a uhf high-resolution NMR probe is usually constructed from copper or silver bands instead of thin wires. This paper proposes a novel probe fabrication process by which the entire tank circuit of the probe can be etched or cut out from a piece of copper foil. A balanced structure with split coaxial line as rf feeders is illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have successfully grown GaAs/AlAs double-barrier resonant tunneling structures on Si substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. At room temperature, a high peak to valley current ratio of 2.9 was observed. At 77 K, the peak to valley current ratio increased to 12.5. We attribute the excellent results to the smooth interfaces and low defect concentrations in GaAs on Si. Only a small deviation in current-voltage characteristics over the wafer was observed indicating a good uniformity of high crystalline quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep and goat pox (SGP) disease is a highly contagious and dangerous viral infection, characterized by fever, formation of papular-pustular lesions in the epithelium of the skin and respiratory tract of small ruminants. This disease causes enormous damage to sheep breeding due to the death of animals, forced slaughter, loss of productivity, costs for veterinary and sanitary and quarantine measures. The causative agents are two closely related viruses: sheep pox virus and goat pox virus, belonging to the family Poxviridae, the genus Capripoxvirus. SGP is considered an endemic in Kazakhstan and SGP outbreaks have been registered in a number of regions both in our country and bordering states. The uncontrolled spread of this infection can be associated with colossal economic losses and significant damage of the image of our country as an exporter of lamb. Thus, it is important to monitore the epizootological situation of SGP in the country, control outbreaks of infection, and develop veterinary and sanitary measurements to adequately anticipate of the disease spread. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to perform risk analyses of SGP transmission in Kazakhstan. As a result of the research, the SGP risk factors, epizootological characteristics of this infection in Kazakhstan in the last 10 years, and the districts with high risks regarding the possible occurrence of large outbreaks of SGP were identified and the epizootic visualization map was created. This work provides valuable information on the importance of SGP control and prevention programs in Kazakhstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 130 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unified strategy for the chemical synthesis of the chivosazoles is described. This strategy is based on two closely related approaches involving the late-stage installation of the isomerization-prone (2 Z,4 E,6 Z,8 E)-tetraenoate motif, and an expedient fragment-assembly procedure. The result is a highly convergent total synthesis of chivosazole F through the orchestration of three mild Pd/Cu-mediated Stille cross-coupling reactions, including the use of a one-pot, site-selective, three-component process, in combination with controlled installation of the requisite alkene geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unified strategy for the chemical synthesis of the chivosazoles is described. This strategy is based on two closely related approaches involving the late-stage installation of the isomerization-prone (2 Z,4 E,6 Z,8 E)-tetraenoate motif, and an expedient fragment-assembly procedure. The result is a highly convergent total synthesis of chivosazole F through the orchestration of three mild Pd/Cu-mediated Stille cross-coupling reactions, including the use of a one-pot, site-selective, three-component process, in combination with controlled installation of the requisite alkene geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic of axially chiral o-iodoanilides and o- tert-butylanilides as useful chiral was achieved by means of binaphthyl-modified chiral quaternary ammonium-salt-catalyzed under phase-transfer conditions. The synthetic utility of axially chiral products was demonstrated in various transformations. For example, axially chiral N-allyl- o-iodoanilide was transformed to 3-methylindoline by means of with high chirality transfer from axial chirality to C-centered chirality. Furthermore, stereochemical information on axial chirality in o- tert-butylanilides could be used as a template to control the stereochemistry of subsequent transformations. The transition-state structure of the present phase-transfer reaction was discussed on the basis of the X-ray crystal structure of ammonium anilide, which was prepared from binaphthyl-modified chiral ammonium bromide and o-iodoanilide. The chiral tetraalkylammonium bromide as a phase-transfer catalyst recognized the steric difference between the ortho substituents on anilide to obtain high . The size and structural effects of the ortho substituents on anilide were investigated, and a wide variety of axially chiral anilides that possess various functional groups could be synthesized with high . This method is the only general way to access a variety of axially chiral anilides in a highly fashion reported to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ED is prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and closely related to poor sleep and depression. Efficacy of treating ED either with sildenafil or vardenafil has been shown to be beneficial in ameliorating concomitant depression in non-HD patients. It is yet to be shown whether treatment of ED with a PDE-5 inhibitor would improve poor sleep in HD patients. We aimed to compare the effects of sildenafil and vardenafil on sleep quality and depression in HD patients with ED. A total of 32 maintenance HD patients with ED randomized into two groups to receive either sildenafil or vardenafil for 4 weeks. After a 2-week washout and a crossover, each group received the other drug for another 4-week period. Sleep quality and depression were evaluated via post-sleep inventory (PSI) and Beck's depression inventory (BDI), respectively, at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Sildenafil and vardenafil both improved PSI and BDI scores significantly compared with pretreatment values. However, there was no difference between sildenafil and vardenafil with respect to these parameters. PDE-5 inhibitors, sildenafil and vardenafil, caused a significant improvement in sleep quality and depression in this cohort of HD patients with ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Incidence rates for many cancers are lower in India than in Britain and it is therefore of interest to compare rates in British Indians to British whites, as well as to rates in India. We present estimates for Leicester, which has the largest population of Indian origin in Britain, and also has virtually complete, self-assigned, ethnicity data.Methods: We obtained data on all cancer registrations from 2001 to 2006 for Leicester with ethnicity data obtained by linkage to the Hospital Episode Statistics database. Age-standardised incidence rates were calculated for British Indians and British whites as well as incidence rate ratios, adjusted for age and income.Results: Incidence rate ratios for British Indians compared with British whites were significantly less than 1.0 for all cancers combined (0.65) and for cancer of the breast (0.72), prostate (0.76), colon (0.46), lung (0.30), kidney (0.36), stomach (0.54), bladder (0.48) and oesophagus (0.64), but higher than 1.0 for liver cancer (1.95).Conclusion: These results are likely to be the most accurate estimate of cancer incidence in British Indians to date and confirm that cancer incidence in British Indians is lower than in British whites in Leicester, particularly for cancer of the breast, prostate, colon and lung (and other smoking-related cancers), but much higher than in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable infection of Bacillus anthracis laboratory strains with environmental bacteriophages confers survival phenotypes in soil and earthworm intestinal niches (R. Schuch and V. A. Fischetti, PLoS One 4:e6532, 2009). Here, the natural occurrence of two such B. anthrticis-infective bacteriophages, Wip1 and Wip4, was examined in the intestines of Eiseniafetida earthworms as part of a 6-year longitudinal study at a Pennsylvania forest site. The Wipl tectivirus was initially dominant before being supplanted by the Wip4 siphovirus, which was then dominant for the next 3 years. In a host range analysis of a wide-ranging group of Bacillus species and related organisms, Wip1 and Wip4 were both infective only toward B. anthracis and certain B. cereus strains. The natural host of Wip4 remained constant for 3 years and was a B. cereus strain that expressed a B. anthracis-like surface polysaccharide at septal positions on the cell surface. Next, a novel metagenomic approach was used to determine the extent to which such B. cereus- and B. anthracis-like strains are found in worms from two geographical locations. Three different enrichment strategies were used for metagenomic DNA isolation, based either on the ability of B. cereus sensu lato to form heat-resistant spores, the sensitivity of B. anthracis to the PlyG lysin, or the selective amplification of environmental phages cocultured with B. anthracis. Findings from this work indicate that B. cereus sensu lato and its phages are common inhabitants of earthworm intestines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death due to the high incidence of metastasis; therefore, novel and effective treatments are urgently needed. A current strategy is cancer-specific targeted gene therapy. Although many identified that cancer-specific promoters are highly specific, they tend to have low activity compared with the ubiquitous cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, limiting their application. We developed a targeted gene therapy expression system for lung cancer that is highly specific with strong activity. Our expression vector uses the survivin promoter, highly expressed in many cancers but not normal adult tissues. We enhanced the survivin promoter activity comparable to the CMV promoter in lung cancer cell lines using an established platform technology, whereas the survivin promoter remained weak in normal cells. In mouse models, the transgene was specifically expressed in the lung tumor tissue, compared with the CMV promoter that was expressed in both normal and tumor tissues. In addition, the therapeutic gene BikDD, a mutant form of pro-apoptotic Bcl2 interacting killer, induced cell killing in vitro, and inhibited cell growth and prolonged mouse survival in vivo. Importantly, there was virtually no toxicity when BikDD was expressed with our expression system. Thus, the current report provides a therapeutic efficacy and safe strategy worthy of development in clinical trials treating lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcription factor scleraxis (SCX) is expressed throughout tendon development and plays a key role in directing tendon wound healing. However, little is known regarding its role in fetal or young postnatal tendons, stages in development that are known for their enhanced regenerative capabilities. Here we used RNA-sequencing to compare the transcriptome of adult and fetal tenocytes following SCX knockdown. SCX knockdown had a larger effect on gene expression in fetal tenocytes, affecting 477 genes in comparison to the 183 genes affected in adult tenocytes, indicating that scleraxis-dependent processes may differ in these two developmental stages. Gene ontology, network and pathway analysis revealed an overrepresentation of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling processes within both comparisons. These included several matrix metalloproteinases, proteoglycans and collagens, some of which were also investigated in SCX knockdown tenocytes from young postnatal foals. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we also identified novel genes that SCX differentially interacts with in adult and fetal tenocytes. These results indicate a role for SCX in modulating ECM synthesis and breakdown and provide a useful dataset for further study into SCX gene regulation. Unlabelled Image • Scleraxis-dependent gene expression is differentially controlled in adult and fetal tenocytes. • Scleraxis knockdown results in changes in extracellular matrix remodelling genes. • Chromatin immunoprecipitation reveals novel downstream target genes which scleraxis directly regulates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous work has demonstrated that variants of a heme protein, Rhodothermus marinus cytochrome c (Rma cyt c), catalyze abiological carbene boron–hydrogen (B–H) bond insertion with high efficiency and selectivity. Here we investigated this carbon–boron bond-forming chemistry with cyclic, lactone-based carbenes. Using directed evolution, we obtained a Rma cyt c variant BORLAC that shows high selectivity and efficiency for B–H insertion of 5- and 6-membered lactone carbenes (up to 24,500 total turnovers and 97.1:2.9 enantiomeric ratio). The enzyme shows low activity with a 7-membered lactone carbene. Computational studies revealed a highly twisted geometry of the 7-membered lactone carbene intermediate relative to 5- and 6-membered ones. Directed evolution of cytochrome c together with computational characterization of key iron-carbene intermediates has allowed us to expand the scope of enzymatic carbene B–H insertion to produce new lactone-based organoborons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, heme proteins have been discovered and engineered by directed evolution to catalyze chemical transformations that are biochemically unprecedented. Many of these nonnatural enzymecatalyzed reactions are assumed to proceed through a catalytic iron porphyrin carbene (IPC) intermediate, although this intermediate has never been observed in a protein. Using crystallographic, spectroscopic, and computational methods, we have captured and studied a catalytic IPC intermediate in the active site of an enzyme derived from thermostable Rhodothermus marinus (Rma) cytochrome c. High-resolution crystal structures and computational methods reveal how directed evolution created an active site for carbene transfer in an electron transfer protein and how the laboratory-evolved enzyme achieves perfect carbene transfer stereoselectivity by holding the catalytic IPC in a single orientation. We also discovered that the IPC in Rma cytochrome c has a singlet ground electronic state and that the protein environment uses geometrical constraints and noncovalent interactions to influence different IPC electronic states. This information helps us to understand the impressive reactivity and selectivity of carbene transfer enzymes and offers insights that will guide and inspire future engineering efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility is considered of preparing finely crystalline yttrium-aluminum garnet using high-temperature processes in solar furnaces. The effect of concentrated radiation heat flow density during treatment of a mixture of yttrium and aluminum oxides on phase composition of the melt obtained is revealed. The optimum radiation flux density for preparing specimens of finely crystalline single-phase yttrium-aluminum garnet is 8.4 MW/m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents chemical equations related to the article "Phase-Transfer-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Axially Chiral Anilides" by K. Liu and others, published in the periodical "Chemistry: An Asian Journal" in 2013.

Additionally an example for enantioselective radical reduction of bromide (IX) is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precipitation of a heterogeneous polydisperse suspension of low hydrophylicity onto an aluminosilicate substrate is used to obtain ceramic membranes with an asymmetric structure. The average pore size of the ceramic membrane is 0.3-0.5 μm. The problem of matching the shrinkage of the ceramic substrate and membrane layers is solved. A technology for obtaining micro- and ultrafiltration membranes using suspensions based on water and alcohol-water solutions of carboxymethyl cellulose is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our previous study indicates that leptin enhances gastric cancer (GC) invasion. However, the exact effect of leptin on GC metastasis and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), a major molecule in stabilising cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, is overexpressed and has crucial roles in tumour metastasis.Methods: Here, we investigated leptin and ICAM-1 expression in GC tissues. Furthermore, we characterised the influence of leptin on ICAM-1 expression in GC cells and elucidated the underlying mechanism.Results: Leptin and ICAM-1 were overexpressed in GC tissues, and a strong positive correlation was observed. They were also related with clinical stage or lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, leptin induced GC cell (AGS and MKN-45) migration by upregulating ICAM-1, and knockdown of ICAM-1 by small interference RNA (siRNA) blocked this process. Cell surface ICAM-1, as well as soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1), was also enhanced by leptin. Moreover, leptin increased ICAM-1 expression through Rho/ROCK pathway, which was attenuated by pharmacological inhibition of Rho (C3 transferase) or its downstream effector kinase Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) (Y-27632).Conclusions: Our findings indicate that leptin enhances GC cell migration by increasing ICAM-1 through Rho/ROCK pathway, which might provide new insight into the significance of leptin in GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Our previous study indicates that leptin enhances gastric cancer (GC) invasion. However, the exact effect of leptin on GC metastasis and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), a major molecule in stabilising cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, is overexpressed and has crucial roles in tumour metastasis.Methods:Here, we investigated leptin and ICAM-1 expression in GC tissues. Furthermore, we characterised the influence of leptin on ICAM-1 expression in GC cells and elucidated the underlying mechanism.Results:Leptin and ICAM-1 were overexpressed in GC tissues, and a strong positive correlation was observed. They were also related with clinical stage or lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, leptin induced GC cell (AGS and MKN-45) migration by upregulating ICAM-1, and knockdown of ICAM-1 by small interference RNA (siRNA) blocked this process. Cell surface ICAM-1, as well as soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1), was also enhanced by leptin. Moreover, leptin increased ICAM-1 expression through Rho/ROCK pathway, which was attenuated by pharmacological inhibition of Rho (C3 transferase) or its downstream effector kinase Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) (Y-27632).Conclusions:Our findings indicate that leptin enhances GC cell migration by increasing ICAM-1 through Rho/ROCK pathway, which might provide new insight into the significance of leptin in GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endotoxin (Et) adsorption therapy with a column of polymyxin B-immobilized fibers (PMX) is effective in improving the partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) and increasing mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in sepsis. S100A12 and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product (sRAGE) are useful as early markers of acute lung injury. Purpose: To investigate the effect of improving the PaO2/FiO2 ratio by PMX-direct hemoperfusion (PMX-DHP) on production of S100A12 and sRAGE. Subjects and Methods: Sepsis patients after surgery for perforation of the lower gastrointestinal tract were adopted as the subjects. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 20 patients on mechanical ventilation and continuous administration of norepinephrine. We recorded PaO2/FiO2 ratio, MAP, and norepinephrine doses. S100A12, sRAGE, and Et levels were measured before and after PMX-DHP. Results: The PaO2/FiO2 ratio and MAP improved significantly after PMX-DHP (p < 0.05). S100A12 and Et decreased significantly after PMX-DHP (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in sRAGE. Conclusion: S100A12 is useful as a marker that reflected improvement in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio after PMX-DHP. We consider PMX-DHP to be useful as adjunctive therapy for sepsis that reduces the Et and corrects the pathology in the early stage. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third leading cause of cancer death in the world, is the most general type of primary liver cancer. Although current treatment modalities, such as liver transplantation, resection, percutaneous ablation, transarterial embolization, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are potentially curative, these methods are not universally applicable to all of HCC patients, especially for those with poor prognosis in which no effective remedy is available. Therefore, development of novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of HCC is urgently needed. In the current study, we developed a promising HCC-targeted gene therapy vector driven by liver cancer-specific α-fetoprotein promoter/enhancer coupled to an established platform technology. The activity of this expression vector is comparable with or even higher than that of strong cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter and exhibits strong promoter activity in liver cancer cells/tumors, but has nearly no or very low activity in normal cells/organs in vitro and in orthotopic animal models in vivo. Its cancer specificity exceeds that of the CMV promoter, which expresses non-specifically in both normal and tumor cells. In addition, targeted expression of a therapeutic BikDD, a mutant of proapoptotic gene Bik effectively and preferentially killed liver cancer cells, but not normal cells and significantly repressed growth of HCC tumors, and prolonged survival in multiple xenograft and syngeneic orthotopic mouse models of HCC through intravenous systemic gene delivery. Importantly, systemic administration of BikDD by our expression vector exerted no systemically acute toxicity compared with CMV-BikDD in mice. Taken together, this study elucidates a relatively safe and highly effective and specific systemic gene therapy strategy for liver cancer, and is worthy of further development for future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) molecule, a non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I antigen, exhibits highly limited tissue distribution and gene variation. Recent studies indicate strong immunoinhibitory properties in tumor cells that may favor their escape from anti-tumor immune responses. However, the role of HLA-G in cervical premalignant and malignant lesions has not been defined clearly. In our study, HLA-G expression was studied in cervical tissue from 119 patients with lesions and 22 normal cervical tissue specimens by immunohistochemistry. HLA-G was expressed in 45% (54/119) of cervical lesion-containing tissues while it was rarely detectable (0/22) in the control specimens ( P = 0.000). ROC curve analysis showed that HLA-G has an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.694. Furthermore, we investigated soluble HLA-G expression in the plasma of 172 patients with cervical lesions and 20 healthy controls. Significant increases were also observed in soluble HLA-G levels (median, 191.4 vs 45.18 U/ml, P < 0.001). The relative operating characteristic (ROC) curves for soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) show an AUC of 0.710, 0.634, and 0.588, respectively. At the cut-off values of 108.20 U/ml for sHLA-G, 1.5 ng/ml for SCC, and 35 U/ml for CA125, the sensitivity was 73.30%, 47.83%, and 44.83%, respectively. The detection of soluble HLA-G in plasma may have significance in the early detection of cervical malignant lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although endovascular surgery is now widely used to treat intracranial aneurysms, no comparative studies of clipping versus endovascular surgery to address distal ACA aneurysms at the same institution are available. We compared the results of these treatment modalities to address distal ACA aneurysms at our institution. We treated 68 patients with ruptured distal ACA aneurysms (endovascular surgery, n=13; clipping surgery, n=55). We performed a retrospective comparison of the treatment outcomes. To study the efficacy of endovascular surgery we classified all our cases into three types: type A were small-necked aneurysms, type B were wide-necked aneurysms on the parent artery, and type C were aneurysms in which the A3 portion of the ACA arose from the aneurysmal dome near the neck. Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in 7.7% of aneurysms treated by endovascular surgery and in 34.5% treated by clipping surgery. In 7.7% of the endovascularly-treated aneurysms we noted coil migration during embolization surgery; venous infarction due to cortical vein injury occurred in 7.3% of clipped aneurysms. Of the endovascularly-treated aneurysms, 7.7% manifested post-embolization hemorrhage; 23.1% manifested coil compaction. In clipping surgery, postoperative rerupture occurred in 1.8% of the aneurysms; one patient presented with postoperative acute epidural hematoma. Clip dislocation was noted in 1.8% of aneurysms. Angiography was indicative of post-treatment vasospasm in 7.7% of aneurysms treated endovascularly and in 50.9% of the clipped aneurysms. The clinical outcome showed no significant difference between endovascular surgery and clipping surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]