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Background: Sepsis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are both responsible for the alterations of the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics. For patients with sepsis receiving CRRT, the serum concentrations of meropenem in the early phase (< 48 h) was significantly lower than that in the late phase (> 48 h). This current trial aimed to investigate whether administration of a loading dose of meropenem results in a more likely achievement of the pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) target (100% fT > 4 × MIC) and better therapeutic results in the patients with sepsis receiving CRRT.Methods: This is a single-blinded, single-center, randomized, controlled, two-arm, and parallel-group trial. This trial will be carried out in Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology Guangdong, China. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with critical sepsis or sepsis-related shock receiving CRRT will be included in the study. The subjects will be assigned to the control group and the intervention group (LD group) randomly at a 1:1 ratio, the estimated sample size should be 120 subjects in each group. In the LD group, the patient will receive a loading dose of 1.5-g meropenem resolved in 30-ml saline which is given via central line for 30 min. Afterward, 0.75-g meropenem will be given immediately for 30 min every 8 h. In the control group, the patient will receive 0.75-g meropenem for 30 min every 8 h. The primary objective is the probabilities of PK/PD target (100% fT > 4 × MIC) achieved in the septic patients who receive CRRT in the first 48 h. Secondary objectives include clinical cure rate, bacterial clearance rate, sepsis-related mortality and all-cause mortality, the total dose of meropenem, duration of meropenem treatment, duration of CRRT, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), C-reactive protein levels, procalcitonin levels, white blood cell count, and safety.Discussion: This trial will assess for the first time whether administration of a loading dose of meropenem results in a more likely achievement of the PK/PD target and better therapeutic results in the patients with sepsis receiving CRRT. Since CRRT is an important therapeutic strategy for sepsis patients with hemodynamic instability, the results from this trial may help to provide evidence-based therapy for septic patients receiving CRRT.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry, ChiCTR2000032865 . Registered on 13 May 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=53616 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have acknowledged Tai Chi and Qigong exercise could be potential effective treatments for reducing depression and anxiety in both healthy and clinical populations. However, there is a scarcity of systematic reviews summarizing the clinical evidence conducted among individuals with substance use disorders. This study tries to fill up this gap. Methods: A systematic search using Medline, EMbase, PsychINFO, Eric, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and the Chinese Scientific Journal (VIP) databases was initiated to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized comparison studies (NRS) assessing the effect of Tai Chi and Qigong versus various comparison groups on depression and anxiety related outcomes. Study quality was evaluated using a Checklist to Evaluate a Report of a Nonpharmacological Trial (CLEAR-NPT) designed for nonpharmacological trial. Results: One RCT and six NRS with a total of 772 participants were identified. Some of them were metaanalyzed to examine the pooled effects based on different types of intervention and controls. The results of meta-analyses suggested the effect of Tai Chi was comparable to treatment as usual (TAU) on depression (standardized mean difference (SMD) = - 0.17[- 0.52, 0.17]). Qigong exercise appears to result in improvement on anxiety compared to that of medication (SMD = -1.12[- 1.47, - 0.78]), and no treatment control (SMD = -0.52[- 0.77, - 0.27]). Conclusion: The findings suggest potentially beneficial effect of Qigong exercise on symptoms of anxiety among individuals with drug abuse. Considering the small number and overall methodological weakness of included studies and lack of RCTs, results should be interpreted with caution and future rigorously designed RCTs are warranted to provide more reliable evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous reports have mainly focused on the volatiles in citrus fruits, and there have been few reports about the volatiles in citrus leaves and flowers. However, citrus leaves and flowers are also rich in volatile compounds with unique aromas. Here, to investigate the volatiles in citrus leaves and flowers, volatile profiling was performed on leaves from 62 germplasms and flowers from 25 germplasms. Results: In total, 196 and 82 volatile compounds were identified from leaves of 62 citrus germplasms and flowers of 25 citrus germplasms, respectively. The dominant volatile terpenoids were more diverse in citrus leaves than in peels. A total of 34 volatile terpenoids were commonly detected in the leaves of at least 20 germplasms, among which 31 were overaccumulated in the leaves of wild or semiwild germplasms. This result was consistent with the high expression levels of five genes and one key gene of the mevalonate and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) biosynthetic pathways, respectively, as well as the low expression levels of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase of the MEP pathway, relative to the levels in cultivars. Fully open flowers showed increased levels of four terpene alcohols and a decrease in sabinene content compared with balloon-stage flowers, especially in sweet orange. A monoterpene synthase gene was identified and functionally characterized as a sabinene synthase in vitro. Conclusions: Collectively, our results suggest that 31 important terpenoids are abundant in wild or semiwild citrus germplasms, possibly because of a negative effect of domestication on the volatiles in citrus leaves. The sweet smell of fully open flowers may be attributed to increased levels of four terpene alcohols. In addition, a sabinene synthase gene was identified by combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The HongXin radish (Raphanus sativus L.), which contains the natural red pigment (red radish pigment), is grown in the Fuling district of Chongqing City. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin synthesis for the formation of natural red pigment in the fleshy roots of HongXin radish are not well studied. Results: De novo transcriptome of HX-1 radish, as well as that of the advanced inbred lines HX-2 and HX-3 were characterized using next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. In total, approximately 66.22 million paired-end reads comprising 34, 927 unigenes (N50 = 1, 621 bp) were obtained. Based on sequence similarity search with known proteins, total of 30, 127 (about 86.26%) unigenes were identified. Additionally, functional annotation and classification of these unigenes indicated that most of the unigenes were predominantly enriched in the metabolic process-related terms, especially for the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites. Moreover, majority of the anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes (ABRGs) involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified by targeted search for their annotation. Subsequently, the expression of 15 putative ABRGs involved in the anthocyanin synthesis-related pathways were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Of those, RsPAL2, RsCHS-B2, RsDFR1, RsDFR2, RsFLS, RsMT3 and RsUFGT73B2-like were identified significantly associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis. Especially for RsDFR1, RsDFR2 and RsFLS, of those, RsDFR1 and RsDFR2 were highest enriched in the HX-3 and WG-3, but RsFLS were down-regulated in HX-3 and WG-3. We proposed that the transcripts of RsDFR1, RsDFR2 and RsFLS might be act as key regulators in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Conclusions: The assembled radish transcript sequences were analysed to identify the key ABRGs involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Additionally, the expression patterns of candidate ABRGs involved in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway were validated by qRT-PCR. We proposed that the transcripts of RsDFR1, RsDFR2 and RsFLS might be acted as key regulators in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. This study will enhance our understanding of the biosynthesis and metabolism of anthocyanin in radish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, working memory deficits and impulsivity. Its worldwide prevalence is estimated to be 3-5% in children and adolescents. The mainstay treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications (e.g. methylphenidate), which increase synaptic dopamine by directly blocking dopamine transporter (DAT). Although these pharmacological agents are effective, they are often associated with various side effects including risks for future substance use disorders in ADHD patients. Here, we investigated an interaction between DAT and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) as a novel target to develop potential therapeutics for the treatment of ADHD by using an interfering peptide (TAT-DATNT) to dissociate this protein complex. We found that TAT-DATNT promotes locomotor behavior in Sprague-Dawley rats. Furthermore, using in vivo microdialysis and high-performance liquid chromatography, we found that the disruption of D2R-DAT elevates extracellular dopamine level. More importantly, the interfering peptide, TAT-DATNT, attenuates hyperactivity and improves spontaneous alternation behavior in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) ------ a common animal model of ADHD. This work presents a different means (i.e. other than direct blockade by a DAT inhibitor) to regulate the activity of DAT and dopaminergic neurotransmission, and a potential target site for future development of ADHD treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan apicomplexan and obligate intracellular parasite that infects a wide range of animals and humans. Rhoptry proteins 5 (ROP5), ROP16, ROP18 and dense granules 15 (GRA15) are the important effectors secreted by T. gondii which link to the strain virulence for mice and modulate the host's response to the parasite. Little has been known about these molecules as well as GRA3 in type Chinese 1 strains that show polymorphism among strains of archetypical genotypes. This study examined the genetic diversity of these effectors and its correlated virulence in mice among T. gondii isolates from China. Results: Twenty-one isolates from stray cats were detected, of which 15 belong to Chinese 1, and 6 to ToxoDB #205. Wh6 isolate, a Chinese 1 strain, has an avirulent phenotype. PCR-RFLP results of ROP5 and ROP18 presented few variations among the strains. Genotyping of GRA15 and ROP16 revealed that all the strains belong to type II allele except Xz7 which carries type I allele. ROP16 amino acid alignment at 503 locus demonstrated that 17 isolates are featured as type I or type III (ROP16I/III), and the other 4 as type II (ROP16II). The strains investigated may be divided into four groups based on GRA3 amino acid alignment, and all isolates of type Chinese 1 belong to the μ-1 allele except Wh6 which is identical to type II strain. Conclusions: PCR-RFLP and sequence alignment analyses of ROP5, ROP16, ROP18, GRA3, and GRA15 in T. gondii revealed that strains with the same genotype may have variations in some of their key genes. GRA3 variation exhibited by Wh6 strain may be associated with the difference in phenotype and pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the body can damage liver cells and cause disorders in blood lipid metabolism. Apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism, but no study on the HBV regulation of ApoC3 has been reported. This purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of HBV on ApoC3 expression and its regulatory mechanism. Methods: The expression levels of ApoC3 mRNA and protein in the human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and HepG2. 2.15 were determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The HepG2 cells were co-transfected with the ApoC3 gene promoter and either HBV-infected clone pHBV1.3 or its individual genes. The changes in luciferase activity were assayed. The expression levels of ApoC3 mRNA and protein were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blot. The content of ApoC3 in the supernatant of the cultured cells was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The sera were collected from 149 patients with HBV infection and 102 healthy subjects at physical examination as the normal controls. The serological levels of ApoC3 in the HBV group and the normal control group were determined using ELISA. The contents of serum triglyceride (TG) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the HBV patients and the normal control were determined using an automatic biochemical analyser. Results: The expression levels of ApoC3 mRNA and protein were lower in the HepG2.2.15 cells than in the HepG2 cells. pHBV1.3 and its X gene could inhibit the activity of the ApoC3 promoter and its mRNA and protein expression. The serum levels of ApoC3, VLDL and TG were 65.39 ± 7.48 μg/ml, 1.24 ± 0.49 mmol/L and 0.46 ± 0. 10 mmol/L in the HBV patients and 41.02 ± 6.88 μg/ml, 0.76 ± 0.21 mmol/L, 0.29 ± 0.05 mmol/L in the normal controls, respectively, statistical analysis revealed significantly lower serum levels of ApoC3, VLDL and TG in HBV patients than in the normal controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion: HBV can inhibit the in vivo and in vitro synthesis and secretion of ApoC3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is global health concern that the mass movement of pilgrims to and from Mecca annually could contribute to the international spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). In China, about 11,000 Muslim pilgrims participate in the Hajj gathering in Mecca annually. This is the first report of MERS-CoV and respiratory virus molecular screening of returning pilgrims at points of entry in China from 2013 to 2015.Methods and Results: A total of 847 returning Hajj pilgrims participated in this study. The test results indicated that of the travelers, 34 tested positive for influenza A virus, 14 for influenza B virus, 4 for metapneumo virus, 2 for respiratory syncytial virus, and 3 for human coronavirus. There was a significant difference in the rates of positive and negative influenza virus tests between Hajj pilgrims with symptoms and those without. The detection rates of influenza virus were not significantly different among the three years studied, at 5.3, 6.0 and 6.3% for 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The MERS-CoV and respiratory viruses detection results at points of entry in China from 2013 to 2015 indicated that there were no MERS-CoV infection but a 5.7% positive influenza viruses in returning Chinese pilgrims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: First generation bioethanol production utilizes the starch fraction of maize, which accounts for approximately 60% of the ash-free dry weight of the grain. Scale-up of this technology for fuels applications has resulted in a massive supply of distillers' grains with solubles (DGS) coproduct, which is rich in cellulosic polysaccharides and protein. It was surmised that DGS would be rapidly adopted for animal feed applications, however, this has not been observed based on inconsistency of the product stream and other logistics-related risks, especially toxigenic contaminants. Therefore, efficient valorization of DGS for production of petroleum displacing products will significantly improve the techno-economic feasibility and net energy return of the established starch bioethanol process. In this study, we demonstrate 'one-pot' bioconversion of the protein and carbohydrate fractions of a DGS hydrolysate into C4 and C5 fusel alcohols through development of a microbial consortium incorporating two engineered Escherichia coli biocatalyst strains. Results: The carbohydrate conversion strain E. coli BLF2 was constructed from the wild type E. coli strain B and showed improved capability to produce fusel alcohols from hexose and pentose sugars. Up to 12 g/L fusel alcohols was produced from glucose or xylose synthetic medium by E. coli BLF2. The second strain, E. coli AY3, was dedicated for utilization of proteins in the hydrolysates to produce mixed C4 and C5 alcohols. To maximize conversion yield by the co-culture, the inoculation ratio between the two strains was optimized. The co-culture with an inoculation ratio of 1:1.5 of E. coli BLF2 and AY3 achieved the highest total fusel alcohol titer of up to 10.3 g/L from DGS hydrolysates. The engineered E. coli co-culture system was shown to be similarly applicable for biofuel production from other biomass sources, including algae hydrolysates. Furthermore, the co-culture population dynamics revealed by quantitative PCR analysis indicated that despite the growth rate difference between the two strains, co-culturing didn't compromise the growth of each strain. The q-PCR analysis also demonstrated that fermentation with an appropriate initial inoculation ratio of the two strains was important to achieve a balanced co-culture population which resulted in higher total fuel titer. Conclusions: The efficient conversion of DGS hydrolysates into fusel alcohols will significantly improve the feasibility of the first generation bioethanol process. The integrated carbohydrate and protein conversion platform developed here is applicable for the bioconversion of a variety of biomass feedstocks rich in sugars and proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as an extremely promising therapeutic agent for tissue repair. However, limitations exist such as the low numbers of MSCs obtained from donors, and the poor survival and function of donor cells. Omentin-1, a new fat depot-specific secretory adipokine, exerts proproliferation, prosurvival, and proangiogenic functions in certain cells via an Akt-dependent mechanism; however, little is known about the influence of omentin-1 on MSCs. Methods: MSCs were isolated from 60-80 g donor rats. Cell proliferation was assessed with CCK-8 and EdU assay. Cell cycle, apoptosis ratio, reactive oxygen species concentration, and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry. Hoechst 33342 dye was used to assess morphological changes of apoptosis. Expression levels of Akt, FoxO3a, GSK-3β, and apoptosis- and cell cycle-associated proteins were detected by Western blotting. Tube formation assay was used to test the angiogenesis role of conditioned medium from MSCs in vitro. The cytokine secretion was assessed by ELISA. Results: After treatment with omentin-1 (100-800 ng/ml), MSCs displayed a higher proliferative capacity with an increasing number of cells in the S and G2 phase of the cell cycle. Moreover, omentin-1 preconditioning for 1 h could protect MSCs against H2O2-induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, omentin-1 pretreatment reduced the excessive reactive oxygen species. Western blots revealed that increased Bcl-2 and decreased Bax appeared in MSCs after omentin-1 incubation, which inhibited the mitochondrial apoptosis pathways with evidence showing inhibition of caspase-3 cleavage and preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential. Omentin-1 could enhance angiogenic growth factor secretion and elevate the ability of MSCs to stimulate tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, omentin-1 enhanced Akt phosphorylation; however, blockade of the PI3K/Akt pathway with an inhibitor, LY294002 (20 μM), suppressed the above beneficial effects of omentin-1. Conclusion: Omentin-1 can exert beneficial effects on MSCs by promoting proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, increasing secretion of angiogenic cytokines, and enhancing the ability for stimulating tube formation by HUVECs via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, omentin-1 may be considered a candidate for optimizing MSC-based cell therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Almonds can decrease glycemic index of co-consumed foods and are a rich source for oleic acid and a-tocopherol. The aim of the randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trial was to examine whether as compared to NCEP step II diet as control (CON), ~60 g/d almonds (ALM) added to CON would improve glucoregulation and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in 33 Chinese T2DM patients. Methods: Forty T2DM patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive CON or ALM for 12 wks after a 2-wk. run-in period. Blood and urine samples were collected in the beginning and at the end of each dietary intervention phase for the assessment of biomarkers of glucoregulation, lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Results: While ALM had a better overall nutritional quality than CON, neither ALM nor CON improved the glycemic status as the primary study outcome and other CVD risk factors, except the circulating nitric oxide being decreased by ALM compared to CON. Among 27 of 33 patients with the baseline HbA1c ≤.8, ALM decreased post-interventional fasting serum glucose and HbA1c by 5.9% and 3.0% as compared to that of CON, respectively (P = 0.01 and 0.04). Mean total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were not changed by both diets. Conclusions: These results suggest almonds incorporated into healthful diets can improve glycemic status in diabetic patients with a better glycemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Protein regulator of cytokinesis-1 (PRC1) belongs to the microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) family, and is involved in cytokinesis. Recent investigations suggest PRC1 involvement in human carcinogenesis, including breast carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and etc. However, whether PRC1 contributes to lung adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis remains unknown. Methods: Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) were used to evaluate and contrast the PRC1 expression profile in lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent normal lung tissues. We examined the clinical use of PRC1 in lung adenocarcinoma prognosis. Additionally, the tumorigenesis impact of PRC1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells was verified via in vitro and in vivo metastasis and tumorigenesis assays. Notably, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the oncogenic role of PRC1 in lung adenocarcinoma. Results: PRC1 mRNA and protein expressions were upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues compared to adjacent normal lung tissues. PRC1 protein overexpression correlated with lymph node metastasis and was an independent poor prognostic factor for lung adenocarcinoma patients. Our data implied that PRC1 depletion limited the proliferation and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and lowered tumor development and lung metastasis in vivo. Remarkably, limiting PRC1 substantially prompted G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, by conducting NGS on PRC1-depleted A549 cells and control cells, we discovered that PRC1 expression was significantly correlated with the Wnt signaling pathway. Conclusions: This investigation offers confirmation that PRC1 is a prognostic and promising therapeutic biomarker for people with lung adenocarcinoma and takes on a key part in the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in lung adenocarcinoma development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that our understanding of species diversity within Diaporthe (syn. Phomopsis) is limited. In this study, 49 strains obtained from different countries were subjected to DNA sequence analysis. Based on these results, eight new species names are introduced for lineages represented by multiple strains and distinct morphology. Twelve Phomopsis species previously described from China were subjected to DNA sequence analysis, and confirmed to belong to Diaporthe. The genus Diaporthe is shown to be paraphyletic based on multi-locus (LSU, ITS and TEF1) phylogenetic analysis. Several morphologically distinct genera, namely Mazzantia, Ophiodiaporthe, Pustulomyces, Phaeocytostroma, and Stenocarpella, are embedded within Diaporthe s. lat., indicating divergent morphological evolution. However, splitting Diaporthe into many smaller genera to achieve monophyly is still premature, and further collections and phylogenetic datasets need to be obtained to address this situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chromosome microdissection is one of the most important techniques in molecular cytogenetic research. Cotton (Gossypium Linnaeus, 1753) is the main natural fiber crop in the world. The resistance gene analog (RGA) cloning after its single chromosome microdissection can greatly promote cotton genome research and breeding. Results: Using the linker adaptor PCR (LA-PCR) with the primers of rice disease-resistance homologues, three nucleotide sequences PS016 (KU051681), PS054 (KU051682), and PS157 (KU051680) were obtained from the chromosome Ah01 of upland cotton (cv. TM-1). The Blast results showed that the three sequences are the nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat (NBS-LRR) type RGAs. Clustering results indicated that they are homologous to these published RGAs. Thus, the three RGAs can definitely be confirmed as NBS-LRR class of RGAs in upland cotton. Conclusions: Using single chromosome microdissection technique, DNA libraries containing cotton RGAs were obtained. This technique can promote cotton gene cloning, marker development and even the improvement of cotton genome research and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have steadily increased in recent years. A hypoxic microenvironment is one of the most important characteristics of solid tumors which has been shown to promote tumor metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and vasculogenic mimicry have been regarded as crucial contributing factors to cancer progression. HIF-1α functions as a master transcriptional regulator in the adaptive response to hypoxia. Lysyl oxidases like 2 (LOXL2) is a member of the lysyl oxidase family, which main function is to catalyze the covalent cross-linkages of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix. Recent work has demonstrated that HIF-1α promotes the expression of LOXL2, which is believed to amplify tumor aggressiveness. LOXL2 has shown to promote metastasis and is correlated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of our study is to explore the role of HIF-1α in progression and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting the expression of LOXL2 as well as the potential regulatory mechanism. Methods: HIF-1α, LOXL2 expression and CD31/periodic acid-Schiff double staining in HCC patient samples were examined by immunohistochemical staining. shRNA plasmids against HIF-1α was used to determine whether LOXL2 been increased by HIF-1α. We monitored a series of rescue assays to demonstrate our hypothesis that LOXL2 is required and sufficient for HIF-1α induced EMT and VM formation, which mediates cellular transformation and takes effect in cellular invasion. Then we performed GeneChip® Human Transcriptome Array (HTA) 2.0 in HepG2 cells, HepG2 cells overexpressed LOXL2 and HepG2 cells treated with CoCl2. Results: In clinical HCC tissues, it confirmed a positive relationship between HIF-1α and LOXL2 protein. Importantly, HIF-1α and LOXL2 high expression and the presence of vasculogenic mimicry were correlated to poor prognosis. HIF-1α was found to induce EMT, HCC cell migration, invasion and VM formation by regulating LOXL2. The results of microarray assays were analyzed. Conclusion: HIF-1α plays an important role in the development of HCC by promoting HCC metastasis, EMT and VM through up-regulating LOXL2. This study highlights the potential therapeutic value of targeting LOXL2 for suppression of HCC metastasis and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The inability of patients to accurately and completely recount their clinical status between clinic visits reduces the clinician's ability to properly manage their patients. One way to improve this situation is to collect objective patient information while the patients are at home and display the collected multi-day clinical information in parallel on a single screen, highlighting threshold violations for each channel, and allowing the viewer to drill down to any analog signal on the same screen, while maintaining the overall physiological context of the patient. All this would be accomplished in a way that was easy for the clinician to view and use.Methods: Patients used five mobile devices to collect six heart failure-related clinical variables: body weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, physical activity, and subjective input. Fourteen clinicians practicing in a heart failure clinic rated the display using the System Usability Scale that, for acceptability, had an expected mean of 68 (SD, 12.5). In addition, we calculated the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of the clinician responses using a two-way, mixed effects model, ICC (3,1).Results: We developed a single-screen temporal hierarchical display (VISION) that summarizes the patient's home monitoring activities between clinic visits. The overall System Usability Scale score was 92 (95% CI, 87-97), p < 0.0001; the ICC was 0.89 (CI, 0.79-0.97), p < 0.0001.Conclusion: Clinicians consistently found VISION to be highly usable. To our knowledge, this is the first single-screen, parallel variable, temporal hierarchical display of both continuous and discrete information acquired by patients at home between clinic visits that presents clinically significant information at the point of care in a manner that is usable by clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies highlight a negative association between total bilirubin concentrations and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our study evaluated the relationship between bilirubin concentrations and the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in Chinese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Methods: A total of 258 patients with T1DM were recruited and bilirubin concentrations were compared between patients with or without diabetic nephropathy. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between bilirubin concentrations and 24 h urinary microalbumin. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess independent risk factors for diabetic nephropathy. Participants were divided into four groups according to the quartile of total bilirubin concentrations (Q1, 0.20-0.60; Q2, 0.60-0.80; Q3, 0.80-1.00; Q4, 1.00-1.90 mg/dL) and the chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of DN in patients with T1DM.Results: The median bilirubin level was 0.56 (interquartile: 0.43-0.68 mg/dL) in the DN group, significantly lower than in the non-DN group (0.70 [interquartile: 0.58-0.89 mg/dL], P < 0.001). Spearman's correlational analysis showed bilirubin concentrations were inversely correlated with 24 h urinary microalbumin (r = -0.13, P < 0.05) and multiple stepwise regression analysis showed bilirubin concentrations were independently associated with 24 h urinary microalbumin. In logistic regression analysis, bilirubin concentrations were significantly inversely associated with nephropathy. In addition, in stratified analysis, from the first to the fourth quartile group, increased bilirubin concentrations were associated with decreased prevalence of DN from 21.90% to 2.00%.Conclusion: High bilirubin concentrations are independently and negatively associated with albuminuria and the prevalence of DN in patients with T1DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To determine the prognostic relevance of neuroendocrine differentiation in poorly differentiated colorectal cancer. Methods: The clinicopathological features and survival of 70 patients with poorly differentiated colorectal cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Chromogranin A and synaptophysin were used as neuroendocrine markers. Patients were followed-up for more than 3 years or until death. Results: Of these 70 patients, 36 showed neuroendocrine differentiation. In univariate prognostic analysis, the patients with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), advanced TNM stage (P < 0.001), and neuroendocrine differentiation (P = 0.003) tended to have a poor prognosis. However, only lymph node metastasis was associated with a poor prognosis in multivariate analysis (P < 0.001). Patients with neuroendocrine differentiation were associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.006). Conclusions: Neuroendocrine differentiation in poorly differentiated colorectal cancer was not a direct prognostic factor in these patients. Lymph node metastasis was a direct prognostic factor in these patients. Patients with neuroendocrine differentiation were associated with lymph node metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MicroRNA-381 (miR-381) has been reported to play suppressive or promoting roles in different malignancies. However, the expression level, biological function, and underlying mechanisms of miR-381 in gastric cancer remain poorly understood. Our previous study indicated that transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A) contributed to migration and invasion of gastric cancer and predicted poor prognosis. In this study, we found that miR-381 inhibited the metastasis of gastric cancer through targeting TMEM16A expression. Methods: MiR-381 expression was analyzed using bioinformatic software on open microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) in human gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation was investigated using MTT and cell count assays, and cell migration and invasion abilities were evaluated by transwell assay. Xenograft nude mouse models were used to observe tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis. Luciferase reporter assay, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry were employed to explore the mechanisms of the effect of miR-381 on gastric cancer cells. Results: MiR-381 was significantly down-regulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Low expression of miR-381 was negatively related to lymph node metastasis, advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis. MiR-381 decreased gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. TMEM16A was identified as a direct target of miR-381 and the expression of miR-381 was inversely correlated with TMEM16A expression in gastric cancer tissues. Combination analysis of miR-381 and TMEM16A revealed the improved prognostic accuracy for gastric cancer patients. Moreover, miR-381 inhibited TGF-β signaling pathway and down-regulated epithelial--mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype partially by mediating TMEM16A. Conclusions: MiR-381 may function as a tumor suppressor by directly targeting TMEM16A and regulating TGF-β pathway and EMT process in the development of progression of gastric cancer. MiR-381/TMEM16A may be a novel therapeutic candidate target in gastric cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes acute and chronic liver disease, ultimately leading to the development of liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2G2A) plays important roles in the development and progression of many tumors. Thus far, there have been no reports on the association between HBV and PLA2G2A. The present study investigated the effect of HBV infection on PLA2G2A expression and its application in the diagnosis of HBV-related diseases. Methods: Serum levels of PLA2G2A in 308 HBV-infected patients and 185 healthy controls were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The difference in serum levels of PLA2G2A was analyzed among chronic hepatitis B (CHB), LC, and HCC patients. PLA2G2A mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells carrying the integrated HBV genome were measured using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot assays. The HBV infectious clone pHBV1.3, the control plasmid pBlue-ks and PLA2G2A gene promoter were transfected into HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells. After transfection, the luciferase activity was measured in the cells. PLA2G2A mRNA and protein expression levels were examined using RT-PCR and western blot assays. Results: The serum levels of PLA2G2A were 258.3 ± 20.3ng/dl in the healthy controls and 329.0 ± 22.5ng/dl, 385.4 ± 29.3ng/dl and 459.2 ± 38.6ng/dl in the CHB, LC, and HCC patients, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed significantly higher serum levels of PLA2G2A in CHB, LC, and HCC patients than in the healthy controls (P < 0.05), and PLA2G2A levels were elevated in the order of HCC > LC > CHB group. High serum PLA2G2A levels in HCC patients were associated with a lower prevalence of lymph node metastasis and a lower TNM stage. HepG2.2.15 cells carrying the HBV genome expressed higher levels of PLA2G2A mRNA and protein than the HepG2 cells. In addition, HBV triggered PLA2G2A promoter activity and enhanced PLA2G2A mRNA and protein expression compared to the empty vector pBlue-ks. Conclusion: HBV can upregulate the expression of PLA2G2A, and serum levels of PLA2G2A are associated with the progression of HBV-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of young coronary heart disease (CHD, ≤45 years) in China is increasing. Secondary prevention to counter this trend is an important contemporary public health issure.Methods: A total of 5288 patients (≤45 years) diagnosed with CHD and hospitalized at the Chinese PLA General Hospital and Anzhen Hospital, both in Beijing, were enrolled after satisfying the inclusion criteria.Results: Young CHD patients increased in number from 2010 to 2014, especially men. Among the studied patients, there was no significant change over those years in blood pressure, but heart rate increased significantly (P < 0.05) and body mass index showed a rising trend (P > 0.05). The incidence of hypertension increased from 40.7 to 47.5%, diabetes from 20.3 to 26.1%, and hyperlipidemia from 27.3 to 35.7% (P < 0.05). However, the incidences of smoking and drinking both trended downward (P < 0.05). The levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides also showed a downward trend (P < 0.05), as did levels of low-density lipoprotein, but not to the point of statistical significance (P > 0.05). Mortality during hospitalization decreased significantly from 2010 to 2014 (P < 0.05), but there was no significant improvement in the incidences of cardiac death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after 1-year follow-up (P > 0.05).Conclusions: Over the 5 years studied, the overall incidence of cardiac death and MACE for young CHD patients (≤45 years) has shown little improvement. Secondary prevention of young CHD, and its risk factors, as well as appropriate courses of medical treatment must be further elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The maize kernel row number (KRN) is a key component that contributes to grain yield and has high broad-sense heritability (H2). Quantitative trait locus/loci (QTL) mapping using a high-density genetic map is a powerful approach to detecting loci that are responsible for traits of interest. Bulked segregant ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing (BSR-seq) is another rapid and cost-effective strategy to identify QTL. Combining QTL mapping using a high-density genetic map and BSR-seq may dissect comprehensively the genetic architecture underlying the maize KRN. Results: A panel of 300 F2 individuals derived from inbred lines abe2 and B73 were genotyped using the specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) method. A total of 4,579 high-quality polymorphic SLAF markers were obtained and used to construct a high-density geneticmap with a total length of 2,123 centimorgan (cM) and an average distance between adjacent markers of 0.46 cM. Combining the genetic map and KRN of F2 individuals, four QTL (qKRN1, qKRN2, qKRN5, and qKRN8-1) were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, and 8, respectively. The physical intervals of these four QTL ranged from 4.36 Mb for qKRN8-1 to 7.11 Mb for qKRN1 with an average value of 6.08 Mb. Based on high-throughput sequencing of two RNA pools bulked from leaves of plants with extremely high and low KRNs, two QTL were detected on chromosome 8 in the 10-25 Mb (BSR_QTL1) and 60-150 Mb (BSR_QTL2) intervals. According to the physical positions of these QTL, qKRN8-1 was included by BSR_QTL2. In addition, qKRN8-1 was validated using QTL mapping with a recombinant inbred lines population that was derived from inbred lines abe2 and B73. Conclusions: In this study, we proved that combining QTL mapping using a high-density genetic map and BSR-seq is a powerful and cost-effective approach to comprehensively revealing genetic architecture underlying traits of interest. The QTL for the KRN detected in this study, especially qKRN8-1, can be used for performing fine mapping experiments and marker-assisted selection in maize breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a complex fibro-proliferative disorder of the hand that is often progressive and eventually can cause contractures of the affected fingers. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) has been implicated as a key stimulator of myofibroblast activity and fascial contraction in DD. Pirfenidone (PFD) is an active small molecule shown to inhibit TGF-TGF-β1-mediated action in other fibrotic disorders. This study investigates the efficacy of PFD in vitro in inhibiting TGF-TGF-β1-mediated cellular functions leading to Dupuytren's fibrosis. Methods: Fibroblasts harvested from (DD) and carpal tunnel (CT)- tissues were treated with or without TGF-TGF-β1 and/or PFD and were subjected to cell migration, cell proliferation and cell contraction assays. ELISA; western blots and real time RT-PCR assays were performed to determine the levels of fibronectin; p-Smad2/Smad3; alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), α2 chain of type I collagen and α1 chain of type III collagen respectively. Results: Our results show that PFD effectively inhibits TGF-TGF-β1-induced cell migration, proliferation and cell contractile properties of both CT- and DD-derived fibroblasts. TGF-TGF-β1−induced α-SMA mRNA and protein levels were inhibited at the higher concentration of PFD (800 μg/ml). Interestingly, TGF-TGF-β1 induction of type I and type III collagens and fibronectin was inhibited by PFD in both CT- and DD- derived fibroblasts, but the effect was more prominent in DD cells. PFD down-regulated TGF-TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/Smad3, a key factor in the TGF-TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Conclusion: Taken together these results suggest the PFD can potentially prevent TGF-TGF-β1−induced fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation and inhibit ECM production mainly Type I- and Type III- collagen and fibronectin in DD-derived fibroblasts. Further in-vivo studies with PFD may lead to a novel therapeutic application in preventing the progression or recurrence of Dupuytren's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The outcome of preterm infants has been varied in different hospitals and regions in developing countries. Regular clinical monitor are needed to know the effects of health care. This study aimed to describe the survival and morbidity rates of extreme to very preterm infants in 15 neonatal-intensive care hospitals in China. Methods: Data were collected from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014 for preterm neonates with gestational age (GA) between 24 and 31 complete weeks born in hospitals from our collaborative study group. The primary outcomes were survival and major morbidities prior to hospital discharge. Major morbidities included bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and sepsis. Mutivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factor influencing on the outcomes. Results: The preterm birth rate was 9.9 % (13 701/138 240). The proportion of extreme to very preterm infants was 1. 1 % and 11.8 % respectively. The survival rate prior to discharge was increased with increasing GA (0, 24 weeks; 28 %, 25 weeks; 84.8 %, 26 weeks; 83.5 %, 27 weeks; 87.4 %, 28 weeks; 90.7 %, 29 weeks; 93.9 %, 30 weeks; 96 %, 31 weeks). Rate of survival and without severe morbidity according to GA were 0 at 24 weeks, 8 % at 25 weeks, 60.6 % at 26 weeks; 53.2 % at 27 weeks; 62.3 % at 28 weeks; 67.9 % at 29 weeks; 79.1 % at 30 weeks, 85.8 % at 31 weeks respectively. Rate of antenatal steroid use was 56 %. The antenatal steroid use was lower in GA < 28 weeks infants than that in GA between 28 and 32 weeks (28-44.3 % vs 49.7-60.1 %, P < 0.05). Infants at the lowest GAs had a highest incidence of morbidities. Overall, 58.5 % had respiratory distress syndrome, 12.5 % bronchopulmonary dysplasia, 3.9 % necrotizing enterocolitis, 15.4 % intraventricular hemorrhage, 5.4 % retinopathy of prematurity, 28.4 % patent ductus arteriosus, and 9.7 % sepsis. Mortality and morbidity were influenced by gestational age (OR = 0.891, 95 % CI: 0.796-0. 999, p = 0.0047 and OR = 0.666, 95 % CI: 0.645-0.688, p = 0.000 respectively), birth weight (OR = 0.520, 95 % CI: 0.420-0. 643, p = 0.000 and OR = 0.921, 95 % CI: 0.851-0.997, p = 0.041 respectively), SGA (OR = 1.861, 95 % CI: 1.148-3.017, p = 0. 012 and OR = 1.511, 95 % CI: 1.300-1.755, p = 0.000 respectively), Apgar score <7 at 5 min (OR = 1.947, 95 % CI: 1.269-2. 987, p = 0.002 and OR = 2.262, 95 % CI: 1.950-2.624, p = 0.000 respectively). The survival rate was increased with more prenatal steroid use (OR = 1.615, 95 % CI: 1.233-1.901, p = 0.033). Conclusion: Although most of the preterm infants with GAs ≥26 weeks survived, a high complication in survivors still can be observed. Rate of survival of GAs less than 26 weeks was still low, and quality improvement methods should be used to look into increasing the use of antenatal steroids in the very preterm births. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thymosin α1 (Tα1) as immunomodulatory treatment is supposed to be beneficial for the sepsis patients by regulating T cell subsets and inflammatory mediators. However, limited by the small sample size and the poor study design, the persuasive power of the single clinical studies is weak. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of Tα1 on the sepsis patients.Methods: We searched for the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CBM, VIP, CNKI, WANFANG, Igaku Chuo Zasshi (ICHUSHI) and Korean literature databases reporting the effects of Tα1 on outcomes in sepsis patients.Results: Among 444 related articles, 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met our inclusion criteria. Mortality events were reported in 10 RCTs included 530 patients, and the meta-analysis showed significant decrease in Tα1 group compared with control group (RR 0.59, 95 % CI 0.45 to 0.77, p = 0.0001). The subgroup analysis showed no difference between the two dosages (RR 0.59, 95 % CI 0.43 to 0.81; RR 0.59, 95 % CI 0.35 to 0.98, respectively). In 9 RCTs, with a total of 489 patients, Tα1 administered once per day decrease APACHE II score significantly (SMD -0.80, 95 % CI -1.14 to -0.47, p < 0.0001) while Tα1 twice per day showed no effect (SMD 0.30, 95 % CI-0.10 to 0.70, p = 0.14). However, the length of ICU stay, the incidence of multiple organ failure (MOF) and duration of mechanical ventilation were not significantly affected by Tα1 treatment (SMD -0.52, 95 % CI -1.06 to 0.11, p = 0.06; SMD -0.49, 95 % CI -1.09 to 0.11, p = 0.11; SMD -0.37, 95 % CI -0.90 to 0.17, p = 0.17, respectively). As to the immunological indicators, the level of HLA-DR were increased by Tα1 (SMD 1.23, 95 % CI 0.28 to 2.18, p = 0.01) according to the pooled analysis of 8 studies involving 721 patients. Lymphocyte subsets CD3, CD4 and cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α were also beneficially affected by Tα1 treatment.Conclusions: Tα1 may be beneficial to sepsis patients in reducing mortality and modulating inflammation reactions. However, the quality of evidence supporting the effectiveness is low considering the small sample sizes and inadequate adherence to standardized reporting guidelines for RCTs among the included studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We previously showed that zonula occludens toxin (Zot) encoded by Campylobacter concisus zot808T gene has the potential to initiate inflammatory bowel disease. This Zot protein caused prolonged intestinal epithelial barrier damage, induced intestinal epithelial and macrophage production of tumor necrosis factor-a and enhanced the responses of macrophages to other microbes. In order to understand the potential virulence of Zot proteins in other Campylobacter species, in this study we examined their presence, similarities, motifs and prophages. Methods: The presence of Zot proteins in Campylobacter species was examined by searching for the Zot family domain in multiple protein databases. Walker A and Walker B motifs in Zot proteins were identified using protein sequence alignment. A phylogenetic tree based on Campylobacter zot genes was constructed using maximum-likelihood method. Campylobacter Zot proteins were compared using protein sequence alignment. The zot-containing prophages in Campylobacter species were identified and compared with known prophage proteins and other viral proteins using protein sequence alignment and protein BLAST. Results: Twelve Zot proteins were found in nine Campylobacter species/subspecies. Among these Campylobacter species, three species had two Zot proteins and the remaining six species/subspecies had one Zot protein. Walker A and Walker B motifs and a transmembrane domain were found in all identified Campylobacter Zot proteins. The twelve Campylobacter zot genes from the nine Campylobacter species/subspecies formed two clusters. The ZotCampyType_1 proteins encoded by Cluster 1 Campylobacter zot genes showed high similarities to each other. However, ZotCampyType_2 proteins encoded by Cluster 2 Campylobacter zot genes were more diverse. Furthermore, the zotcontaining Campylobacter prophages were identified. Conclusion: This study reports the identification of two types of Campylobacter Zot proteins. The high similarities of ZotCampyType_1 proteins suggest that they are likely to have similar virulence. ZotCampyType_2 proteins are less similar to each other and their virulent properties, if any, remain to be examined individually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK positive in small intestine is clinically rare and the clinical, radiological and pathological information are generally not available. Here, we report a case of 32-year-old male with ALK positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma at the junction of jejunum and ileum, and highlight the clinicopathological features and the differential diagnosis of this type lymphoma. Case presentation: The patient presented with right middle abdominal mass for 1 month with sporadic pain. Computed tomography (CT) showed a mass measured 8.5 × 7.4 × 4 cm at the junction of jejunum and ileum. The diagnosis was made after pathological examination of the excised tissue by enterectomy. Grossly, the mass was located predominately in intestinal wall with grayish appearance and blurry boundary. Microscopically, almost all layers of the intestinal wall were infiltrated by pleomorphic tumor cells with diffuse and cohesive growth pattern. The neoplastic cells were mainly medium to large size with moderate basophilic cytoplasm. Most of them had hyperchromatic nuclei and prominent nucleoli. “Hallmark” cells were easily detected. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells are characterized by CD30, ALK, CD5, TIA-1, Granzyme B, EMA positive staining, and CD2, CD3, CD7, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD79a negative staining. The Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNAs (EBERs) genome was also negative. A diagnosis as primary small intestinal ALK positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma was finally made. The patient received CHOP chemotherapy and is alive till now without recurrence 5 months after enterectomy. Conclusions: Primary small intestinal ALK positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma is rare. The accurate diagnosis should be based on combined consideration of clinical characteristics, CT image and pathological features, and should be distinguished from other lymphomas or solid tumors in small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Mount Huang eastern honey bees (Apis cerana) are an endemic population, which is well adapted to the local agricultural and ecological environment. In this study, the genetic structure of seven eastern honey bees (A. cerana) populations from Mount Huang in China were analyzed by SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers. Results: The results revealed that 16 pairs of primers used amplified a total of 143 alleles. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 6 to 13, with a mean value of 8.94 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosities showed mean values of 0.446 and 0.831 respectively. UPGMA cluster analysis grouped seven eastern honey bees in three groups. Conclusion: The results obtained show a high genetic diversity in the honey bee populations studied in Mount Huang, and high differentiation among all the populations, suggesting that scarce exchange of honey bee species happened in Mount Huang. Our study demonstrated that the Mount Huang honey bee populations still have a natural genome worth being protected for conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leiomodin proteins, Lmod1, Lmod2 and Lmod3, are key regulators of the thin filament length in muscles. While Lmod1 is specifically expressed in smooth muscles, both Lmod2 and Lmod3 are expressed in striated muscles including both cardiac and skeletal muscles. We and others have previously shown that Lmod3 mainly function in skeletal muscles and the mutant mice display disorganized sarcomere. Lmod2 protein has been found to act as an actin filament nucleator in both cell-free assays and in cultured rat and chicken cardiomyocytes. Results: To better understand the function of Lmod2 in vivo, we have identified and characterized a piggyBac (PB) insertional mouse mutant. Our analysis revealed that the PB transposon inserts in the first exon of the Lmod2 gene and severely disrupts its expression. We found that Lmod2PB/PB mice exhibit typical dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with ventricular arrhythmias and postnatal lethality. Electron microscope reveals that the Lmod2PB/PB hearts carry disordered sarcomere, disarrayed thin filaments, and distorted intercalated discs (ICDs). Those ICDs display not only decreased convolutions, but also reduced electron-dense staining, indicating less ICDs component proteins in Lmod2PB/PB hearts. Consistent with the phenotype, the expression of the ICD component genes, β-catenin and Connexin43, are down-regulated. Conclusions: Taken together, our data reveal that Lmod2 is required in heart thin filaments for integrity of sarcomere and ICD and deficient mice exhibit DCM with ventricular arrhythmias and postnatal lethality. The Lmod2PB/PB mutant offers a valuable resource for interrogation of pathogenesis and development of therapeutics for DCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Campylobacter concisus is a Gram-negative bacterium that is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some C. concisus strains carry zonula occludens toxin (zot) gene which has polymorphisms. This study investigated the effects of C. concisus Zot on intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages using cell line models. Methods: Campylobacter concisus zot808T gene, a polymorphism that is associated with active IBD, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The effects of C. concisus Zot on intestinal epithelial barrier were examined using Caco-2 cell model. Apoptosis induced by C. concisus Zot in Caco-2 cells was assessed by measuring the levels of caspase 3/7. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by C. concisus Zot in HT-29 cells and in THP-1 macrophage-like cells was measured using ELISA kits. Whether exposure to C. concisus Zot can affect the responses of macrophages to E. coli K12 was also investigated. Results: Campylobacter concisus Zot caused prolonged intestinal epithelial barrier damage, induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis, induced epithelial production of TNF-a and IL-8 and upregulated TNF-a in THP-1 macrophage-like cells. Pre-exposure to C. concisus Zot significantly enhanced the production of TNF-α and IL-8 as well as phagocytosis by THP-1 macrophage-like cells in response to E. coli K12. Conclusion: This study suggests that C. concisus Zot may have enteric pathogenic potential by damaging intestinal epithelial barrier, inducing intestinal epithelial and macrophage production of proinflammatory cytokines in particular TNF-α and enhancing the responses of macrophages to other enteric bacterial species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chinese medicinal herbs may use more than one species of Curcumae Radix (Yujin) is the tuberous roots of Curcumae wenyujin, C kwangsiensis, C phaeocaulis and C longa. This study aimed to characterize the chemical profiles of these different species of Curcumae Radix, and develop a method for rapid discrimination of these species by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOFMS) combined with multivariate statistical analysis. Methods: The metabolomes of 33 different batches of Curcumae Radix derived from four Curcumae species were profiled by UHPLC/Q-TOFMS. The resulting sample codes, tR-m/z pairs and ion intensities were processed by unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to characterize the chemical composition of Curcumae Radix across the four different species. Results: Obvious differences were observed in the chemical compositions of the Curcumae Radix samples derived from the four different species according to PCA and OPLS-DA. These results suggested that curcumin, curcumenone, curcumenol and zederone could be used as unique chemical markers for C longa, C wenyujin, C phaeocaulis and C. kwangsiensis, respectively. Conclusions: This study developed a UHPLC/Q-TOFMS method coupled with multivariate statistical analysis to discriminate between Curcumae Radix samples from four different Curcumae species, i.e., C longa, C wenyujin, C phaeocaulis and C kwangsiensis. Notably, this new approach resulted in the identification of curcumin (a), curcumenone (b), curcumenol (c) and zederone (d) as unique chemical markers for the identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate delimitation of plant pathogenic fungi is critical for the establishment of quarantine regulations, screening for genetic resistance to plant pathogens, and the study of ecosystem function. Concatenation analysis of multi-locus DNA sequence data represents a powerful and commonly used approach to recognizing evolutionary independent lineages in fungi. It is however possible to mask the discordance between individual gene trees, thus the speciation events might be erroneously estimated if one simply recognizes well supported clades as distinct species without implementing a careful examination of species boundary. To investigate this phenomenon, we studied Colletotrichum siamense s. lat., which is a cosmopolitan pathogen causing serious diseases on many economically important plant hosts. Presently there are significant disagreements among mycologists as to what constitutes a species in C. siamense s. lat., with the number of accepted species ranging from one to seven. Results: In this study, multiple approaches were used to test the null hypothesis "C. siamense is a species complex", using a global strain collection. Results of molecular analyses based on the Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR) and coalescent methods (e.g. Generalized Mixed Yule-coalescent and Poisson Tree Processes) do not support the recognition of any independent evolutionary lineages within C. siamense s. lat. as distinct species, thus rejecting the null hypothesis. This conclusion is reinforced by the recognition of genetic recombination, cross fertility, and the comparison of ecological and morphological characters. Our results indicate that reproductive isolation, geographic and host plant barriers to gene flow are absent in C. siamense s. lat. Conclusions: This discovery emphasized the importance of a polyphasic approach when describing novel species in morphologically conserved genera of plant pathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lignocellulose biorefinery based on the sugar platform usually focuses on polysaccharide bioconversion, while lignin is only burned for energy recovery. Pyrolysis can provide a novel route for the efficient utilization of residual lignin obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose. The pyrolysis characteristics of residual lignin are usually significantly affected by the pretreatment process because of structural alteration of lignin during pretreatment. In recent years, biological pretreatment using white-rot fungi has attracted extensive attention, but there are only few reports on thermal conversion of lignin derived from enzymatic hydrolysis residue (EHRL) of the bio-pretreated lignocellulose. Therefore, the study investigated the pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of EHRL obtained from bamboo pretreated with Echinodontium taxodii in order to evaluate the potential of thermal conversion processes of EHRL. Results: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra showed that EHRL of bamboo treated with E. taxodii had the typical lignin structure, but aromatic skeletal carbon and side chain of lignin were partially altered by the fungus. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that EHRL pyrolysis at different heating rates could be divided into two depolymerization stages and covered a wide temperature range from 500 to 900 K. The thermal decomposition reaction can be well described by two third-order reactions. The kinetics study indicated that the EHRL of bamboo treated with white-rot fungus had lower apparent activation energies, lower peak temperatures of pyrolysis reaction, and higher char residue than the EHRL of raw bamboo. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was applied to characterize the fast pyrolysis products of EHRL at 600 °C. The ratios of guaiacyl-type to syringyl-type derivatives yield (G/S) and guaiacyl-type to p-hydroxy-phenylpropane-type derivatives yield (G/H) for the treated sample were increased by 33.18 and 25.30 % in comparison with the raw bamboo, respectively. Conclusions: The structural alterations of lignin during pretreatment can decrease the thermal stability of EHRL from the bio-treated bamboo and concentrate the guaiacyl-type derivatives in the fast pyrolysis products. Thus, the pyrolysis can be a promising route for effective utilization of the enzymatic hydrolysis residue from bio-pretreated lignocellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dissecting genome organization is indispensable for further functional and applied studies. As genome sequences data shown, cotton genomes contain more than 60% repetitive sequences, so study on repetitive sequences composition, structure, and distribution is the key step to dissect cotton genome. Results: In this study, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone enriched in repetitive sequences, was discovered initiatively by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). FISHing with allotetraploidy cotton as target DNA, dispersed signals on most regions of all A sub-genome chromosomes, and only middle regions of all D sub-genome chromosomes were detected. Further FISHing with other cotton species bearing A or D genome as target DNA, specific signals were viewed. After BAC sequencing and bioinformational analysis, 129 repeat elements, size about 57,172 bp were found, accounting for more than 62% of the BAC sequence (91,238 bp). Among them, a type of long terminal repeat-retrotransposon (LTR-RT), LTR/Gypsy was the key element causing the specific FISH results. Using the fragments of BAC matching with the identified Gypsy-like LTR as probes, the BAC-57I23-like FISH signals were reappeared. Running BLASTN, the fragments had good match with all chromosomes of G. arboreum (A2) genome and A sub-genome of G. hirsutum (AD1), and had relatively inferior match with all chromosomes of D sub-genome of AD1, but had little match with the chromosomes of G. raimondii (D5) genome, which was consistent with the FISH results. Conclusion: A repeats-enriched cytogenetic marker to identify A and D sub-genomes of Gossypium was discovered by FISH. Combined sequences analysis with FISH verification, the assembly quality of repetitive sequences in the allotetraploidy cotton draft genome was assessed, and better chromosome belonging was verified. We also found the genomic distribution of the identified Gypsy-LTR-RT was similar to the distribution of heterochromatin. The expansion of this type of Gypsy-LTR-RT in heterochromatic regions may be one of the major reasons for the size gap between A and D genome. The findings showed here will help to understand the composition, structure, and evolution of cotton genome, and contribute to the further perfection of the draft genomes of cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood abuse has been implicated as an environmental factor that increases the risk for developing schizophrenia. A recent large population-based case-control study found that abuse may be a risk factor for schizophrenia in women, but not men. Given the sex differences in onset and clinical course of schizophrenia, we hypothesized that childhood abuse may cause phenotypic differences in the disorder between men and women. Methods: We examined the prevalence of childhood physical abuse in a cohort of men and women with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Specifically, we examined differences in positive, negative, cognitive and depressive symptoms in men and women who reported a history of childhood physical abuse. We recruited 100 subjects for a single visit and assessed a history of childhood physical abuse using the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ) and clinical symptoms and cognition using the brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS), the calgary depression scale (CDS) and the repeatable battery of the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS) for cognition. Results: Ninety-two subjects completed the full CTQ with abuse classified as definitely present, definitely absent or borderline. Twelve subjects who reported borderline abuse scores were excluded. Of the 80 subjects whose data was analyzed, 10 of 24 (41.6%) women and 11 of 56 (19.6%) men reported a history of childhood physical abuse (² = 4.21, df = 1, p = 0.04). Women who reported such trauma had significantly more psychotic (sex by abuse interaction; F = 4.03, df = 1.76, p = 0.048) and depressive (F = 4.23, df = 1.76, p = 0.04) symptoms compared to women who did not have a trauma history and men, regardless of trauma history. There were no differences in negative or cognitive symptoms. Conclusions: Women with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder may represent a distinct phenotype or subgroup with distinct etiologies and may require different, individually tailored treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helminth infections and their components have been shown to have a protective effect on autoimmune diseases. The isolated purified protein from Schisotosoma japonicum and its potential therapeutic effect on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis could provide an alternative way to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBDs). Methods: Colitis was induced in Balb/c mice by rectal administration of 2.5 % TNBS, followed by intraperitoneal injection of rSjcystatin 50 μg at 6 h and 24 h afterwards. The inflammation was monitored by recording weight change, stool character and bleeding, colon length, macroscopic score (MAO), microscopic score (MIO), myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) and disease activity index (DAI). The potential underlying mechanism was investigated by examining cytokine profiles including Th1 (IFNγ), Th2 (IL-4), Th17 (IL-17A) and Treg subsets from lymphocytes of spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) by flow cytometry. The mRNA relative expressions of the cytokines in splenocytes and MLN were analysed by quantitative real time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Simultaneously, the concentrations of the cytokines in the colon homogenate supernatants were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and key transcription factors were detected by Western blotting. Results: Administration of rSjcystatin significantly reduced inflammatory parameters and ameliorated the severity of the TNBS-induced colitis through decreasing IFNγ in three organs and lifting the level of IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, and TGF-β in the colon tissues, with uptrending Tregs in the MLN and LPMC. Conclusion: The findings provide evidence that rSjcystatin has a therapeutic potential for diminishing colitis inflammation in Balb/c mice. The immunological mechanism may involve the down-regulation of Th1 response and up-regulation of Th2 and Tregs in the MLN and colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HIV-1-infected and/or immune-activated microglia and macrophages are pivotal in the pathogenesis of HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Glutaminase, a metabolic enzyme that facilitates glutamate generation, is upregulated and may play a pathogenic role in HAND. Our previous studies have demonstrated that glutaminase is released to the extracellular fluid during HIV-1 infection and neuroinflammation. However, key molecular mechanisms that regulate glutaminase release remain unknown. Recent advances in understanding intercellular trafficking have identified microvesicles (MVs) as a novel means of shedding cellular contents. We posit that during HIV-1 infection and immune activation, microvesicles may mediate glutaminase release, generating excessive and neurotoxic levels of glutamate. Results: MVs isolated through differential centrifugation from cell-free supernatants of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and BV2 microglia cell lines were first confirmed in electron microscopy and immunoblotting. As expected, we found elevated number of MVs, glutaminase immunoreactivities, as well as glutaminase enzyme activity in the supernatants of HIV-1 infected MDM and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglia when compared with controls. The elevated glutaminase was blocked by GW4869, a neutral sphingomyelinase inhibitor known to inhibit MVs release, suggesting a critical role of MVs in mediating glutaminase release. More importantly, MVs from HIV-1-infected MDM and LPS-activated microglia induced significant neuronal injury in rat cortical neuron cultures. The MV neurotoxicity was blocked by a glutaminase inhibitor or GW4869, suggesting that the neurotoxic potential of HIV-1-infected MDM and LPS-activated microglia is dependent on the glutaminase-containing MVs. Conclusions: These findings support MVs as a potential pathway/mechanism of excessive glutamate generation and neurotoxicity in HAND and therefore MVs may serve as a novel therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan that affects most species of endothermic animals including humans with a great infection rate. The vertical transmission of T. gondii causes abortion, constituting a serious threat to humans and leading to great losses in livestock production. Distinct from population structure of T. gondii in North America and Europe, Chinese 1 (ToxoDB #9) is a dominant genotype prevalent in China. Among the isolates of Chinese 1, the Wh3 and Wh6 have different virulence and pathogenicity in mice. However, little has been known about their difference at the genomic level. Thus the next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach was used to discover the association of the phenotypical variations with the genome sequencing data and the expression and polymorphisms of the key effectors. Results: We successfully sequenced the genome of Chinese 1 strains of Wh3 and Wh6. The average sequencing depths were 63.91 and 63.61 for Wh3 and Wh6, respectively. The variations of both isolates were identified in comparison with reference genome of type I GT1 strain. There were 505,645 and 505,856 SNPs, 30,658 and 30,004 indels, 4661 and 2320 SVs, and 1942 and 3080 CNVs for Wh3 and Wh6, respectively. In target search variations of particular factors of T. gondii, the dense granule protein 3 (GRA3) and rhoptry neck protein 3 (RON3) were found to have 35 SNPs, 2 indels and 89 SNPs, 6 indels, respectively. GRA3 and RON3 were both found to have higher expression levels in less virulent Wh6 than in virulent Wh3. Both strains of type Chinese 1 share polymorphic GRA15II and ROPI/III with type I, II, and III strains. Conclusions: Sequencing of the two strains revealed that genome structure of Chinese 1 and type I strains has considerable genomic variations. Sequencing and qRT-PCR analyses of 26 effectors displayed a remarkable variation that may be associated with phenotype and pathogenic differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maize is a major staple food crop globally and contains various concentrations of vitamins. Folates are essential water-soluble B-vitamins that play an important role as one-carbon (C1) donors and acceptors in organisms. To gain an understanding of folate metabolism in maize, we performed an intensive in silico analysis to screen for genes involved in folate metabolism using publicly available databases, followed by examination of the transcript expression patterns and profiling of the folate derivatives in the kernels of two maize inbred lines. Results: A total of 36 candidate genes corresponding to 16 folate metabolism-related enzymes were identified. The maize genome contains all the enzymes required for folate and C1 metabolism, characterized by highly conserved functional domains across all the other species investigated. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these enzymes in maize are conserved throughout evolution and have a high level of similarity with those in sorghum and millet. The LC-MS analyses of two maize inbred lines demonstrated that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate was the major form of folate derivative in young seeds, while 5-formyltetrahydrofolate in mature seeds. Most of the genes involved in folate and C1 metabolism exhibited similar transcriptional expression patterns between these two maize lines, with the highest transcript abundance detected on day after pollination (DAP) 6 and the decreased transcript abundance on DAP 12 and 18. Compared with the seeds on DAP 30, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate was decreased and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate was increased sharply in the mature dry seeds. Conclusions: The enzymes involved in folate and C1 metabolism are conserved between maize and other plant species. Folate and C1 metabolism is active in young developing maize seeds at transcriptional levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) is marked by a sudden loss of hepatic function and is associated with a high mortality rate in children. The etiology of ALF is shown to vary geographically. This study assessed the frequency of hepatotropic viruses as etiological agents of ALF in Indian children. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled children aged 0-18 years with confirmed ALF admitted to Christian Medical College, Vellore and King Edward Memorial Hospital and Research Center, Pune between January 2003 and December 2005. The frequency of hepatotropic viruses as etiological agents in children with ALF aged ≤18 years was calculated with 95 % confidence interval (CI). Descriptive analyses of demographic characteristics, clinical signs and symptoms of ALF, choice of treatment and outcomes were performed. Results: Of 76 children enrolled, 54 were included in the per-protocol analyses. Mean age of children with ALF was 5.43 years (standard deviation = 3.62); 51.9 % (28/54) were female. The percentage of children positive for anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgM and hepatitis B surface antigen was 65.9 % (27/41; 95 % CI 49.4-79.9) and 15.9 % (7/44; 95 % CI 6.6-30.1), respectively. The final cause of ALF was HAV (36.3 %) followed by hepatitis B virus (HBV; 8.8 %). Before and during admission, encephalopathy was observed in 77.8 % (42/54) and 63.0 % (34/54) of children, respectively. A high number of children (46/54; 85.2 %) required intensive care and ALF was fatal in 24.1 % (13/54). The proportion of deaths due to HAV and HBV was 18.5 % (5/27) and 57.1 % (4/7), respectively. Conclusions: HAV and HBV were the most common etiological agents of ALF in Indian children. Primary prevention by vaccination against HAV and HBV in young children may be useful in the prevention of ALF due to viral hepatitis in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) has been focused on as a key determinant of the incidence of cancer, cancer stage at diagnosis as well as treatment choices in western countries. However, to the authors' knowledge, little work has been done concerning the relationship of SES and esophageal cancer in China. Methods: Patients diagnosed with primary esophageal cancer from January to December 2007 in Qilu hospital were included. Socioeconomic status was determined by a questionnaire including religion, years of schooling and high education, place of residence, occupation, annual household income, and insurance. Results: A total of 238 cases were collected in this study. Linear-by-linear association testing revealed that healthcare delay was significantly associated with SES (P = 0.009). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that increased health-care delay (>2 months) was more frequently observed in patients with lower SES (OR 2.271; 95% CI 1.069-4.853). Patients diagnosed at TNM I and II were more frequently in higher SES groups (P = 0.017). The association test was statistically significant for undergoing surgical resection only (P = 0.015) and chemotherapy (P = 0.015). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that surgical resection only was less performed in higher SES group compared with lower SES group (OR 0.372; 95% CI 0.188-0.734). For chemotherapy, higher SES patients had a threefold higher likelihood compared with lower SES group (OR 3.042; 95% CI 1.335-6.928). Conclusion: Socioeconomic status was found to be associated with health-care delay, tumor stage and treatment modalities in esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adipose tissue-derived stromal stem cells (ASCs) represent a promising regenerative resource for soft tissue reconstruction. Although autologous grafting of whole fat has long been practiced, a major clinical limitation of this technique is inconsistent long-term graft retention. To understand the changes in cell function during the transition of ASCs into fully mature fat cells, we compared the transcriptome profiles of cultured undifferentiated human primary ASCs under conditions leading to acquisition of a mature adipocyte phenotype. Methods: Microarray analysis was performed on total RNA extracted from separate ACS isolates of six human adult females before and after 7 days (7 days: early stage) and 21 days (21 days: late stage) of adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Differential gene expression profiles were determined using Partek Genomics Suite Version 6.4 for analysis of variance (ANOVA) based on time in culture. We also performed unsupervised hierarchical clustering to test for gene expression patterns among the three cell populations. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used to determine biologically significant networks and canonical pathways relevant to adipogenesis. Results: Cells at each stage showed remarkable intra-group consistency of expression profiles while abundant differences were detected across stages and groups. More than 14,000 transcripts were significantly altered during differentiation while ~6000 transcripts were affected between 7 days and 21 days cultures. Setting a cutoff of +/-two-fold change, 1350 transcripts were elevated while 2929 genes were significantly decreased by 7 days. Comparison of early and late stage cultures revealed increased expression of 1107 transcripts while 606 genes showed significantly reduced expression. In addition to confirming differential expression of known markers of adipogenesis (e.g., FABP4, ADIPOQ, PLIN4), multiple genes and signaling pathways not previously known to be involved in regulating adipogenesis were identified (e.g. POSTN, PPP1R1A, FGF11) as potential novel mediators of adipogenesis. Quantitative RT-PCR validated the microarray results. Conclusions: ASC maturation into an adipocyte phenotype proceeds from a gene expression program that involves thousands of genes. This is the first study to compare mRNA expression profiles during early and late stage adipogenesis using cultured human primary ASCs from multiple patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA) are prevalent skeletal disorders among postmenopausal women. Coexistence is common especially that of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) and lumbar OA. An hypothesis has been raised that OP and OA might share the same pathogenic mechanism, and pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) were reported to have anti-osteoporosis and anti-osteoarthritis properties, but this suggestion was based primarily on biomarker data. Therefore, whether these two effects could take place simultaneously has not yet been investigated. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) is designed to explore the effect of PEMFs for PMO and concomitant lumbar OA.Methods/design: The study will include PMO patients (postmenopausal women; aged between 50 and 70 years; have been postmenopausal for at least 5 years and diagnosed with OP using proximal femur T-score) with concomitant lumbar OA (patients with confounding disorders like diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and previous fracture history, etcetera, will be excluded) will be randomly assigned to two arms: PEMFs group and sham PEMFs group. There will be 25 participants in each arm (50 in total) and the outcome assessment, including the primary endpoint (proximal femur bone mineral density), will be performed at 5 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after enrollment.Discussion: PMO and lumbar OA are prominent public health problem, especially for postmenopausal women. We hope this RCT will provide scientific evidence to primary care of the postmenopausal women regarding the use of these nonpharmaceutical, noninvasive modalities, PEMFs, in managing PMO and lumbar OA.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-TRC-14005156 (28 August 2014). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young neurons in the developing brain establish a polarized morphology for proper migration. The PIWI family of piRNA processing proteins are considered to be restrictively expressed in germline tissues and several types of cancer cells. They play important roles in spermatogenesis, stem cell maintenance, piRNA biogenesis, and transposon silencing. Interestingly a recent study showed that mutations of PIWI family members are de novo strongly associated with autism. Results: Here, we report that PIWI-like 1 (PIWIL1), a PIWI family member known to be essential for the transition of round spermatid into elongated spermatid, plays a role in the polarization and radial migration of newborn neurons in the developing cerebral cortex. Knocking down PIWIL1 in newborn cortical neurons by electroporation in utero of specific siRNAs resulted in retardation of the transition of neurons from the multipolar stage to the bipolar stage followed by a defect in their radial migration to the proper destination. Domain analysis showed that both the RNA binding PAZ domain and the RNA processing PIWI domain in PIWIL1 were indispensable for its function in neuronal migration. Furthermore, we found that PIWIL1 unexpectedly regulates the expression of microtubule-associated proteins in cortical neurons. Conclusions: PIWIL1 regulates neuronal polarization and radial migration partly via modulating the expression of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). Our finding of PIWIL1's function in neuronal development implies conserved functions of molecules participating in morphogenesis of brain and germline tissue and provides a mechanism as to how mutations of PIWI may be associated with autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adipose tissue-derived stromal stem cells (ASCs) represent a promising regenerative resource for soft tissue reconstruction. Although autologous grafting of whole fat has long been practiced, a major clinical limitation of this technique is inconsistent long-term graft retention. To understand the changes in cell function during the transition of ASCs into fully mature fat cells, we compared the transcriptome profiles of cultured undifferentiated human primary ASCs under conditions leading to acquisition of a mature adipocyte phenotype. Methods: Microarray analysis was performed on total RNA extracted from separate ACS isolates of six human adult females before and after 7 days (7 days: early stage) and 21 days (21 days: late stage) of adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Differential gene expression profiles were determined using Partek Genomics Suite Version 6.4 for analysis of variance (ANOVA) based on time in culture. We also performed unsupervised hierarchical clustering to test for gene expression patterns among the three cell populations. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used to determine biologically significant networks and canonical pathways relevant to adipogenesis. Results: Cells at each stage showed remarkable intra-group consistency of expression profiles while abundant differences were detected across stages and groups. More than 14,000 transcripts were significantly altered during differentiation while ~6000 transcripts were affected between 7 days and 21 days cultures. Setting a cutoff of +/-two-fold change, 1350 transcripts were elevated while 2929 genes were significantly decreased by 7 days. Comparison of early and late stage cultures revealed increased expression of 1107 transcripts while 606 genes showed significantly reduced expression. In addition to confirming differential expression of known markers of adipogenesis (e.g., FABP4, ADIPOQ, PLIN4), multiple genes and signaling pathways not previously known to be involved in regulating adipogenesis were identified (e.g. POSTN, PPP1R1A, FGF11) as potential novel mediators of adipogenesis. Quantitative RT-PCR validated the microarray results. Conclusions: ASC maturation into an adipocyte phenotype proceeds from a gene expression program that involves thousands of genes. This is the first study to compare mRNA expression profiles during early and late stage adipogenesis using cultured human primary ASCs from multiple patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an emerging metabolic regulator associated with glucose and lipid metabolism, and it is still unclear whether FGF21 is related to atherosclerosis. Here, we explored the potential link between FGF21 and lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD) in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 504 type 2 diabetic patients (283 men, 221 women). LEAD was defined by Ankle-brachial index (ABI) <0.9 and lower extremity arterial plaque evaluated by color Doppler ultrasound. Serum FGF21 concentrations were quantified by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The total FGF21 levels of male and female patients had no significant differenence ((299.14(177.31-534.49) vs 362.50(214.01-578.73), P=0.516). Serum FGF21 levels in LEAD group were significantly higher than non-LEAD group in females (385.34(243.89-661.54) vs 313.13(156.38-485.79), P=0.006), while not in male patients (295.52(177.09-549.64) vs 342.09 (198.70-549.87), P=0.613). In diabetic women, subjects with LEAD had significantly higher serum FGF21 regardless of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (P < 0.05). And serum FGF21 levels were positively correlated with waist circumference and systolic blood pressure after adjusted for age and BMI (r=0.198, P=0.004; r=0.152, P=0.027; respectively). Moreover, FGF21 was independently tied to femoral intima-media thickness (FIMT) (β=0.208, P=0.031). After adjusted for other LEAD risk factors, FGF21 was demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for LEAD in type 2 diabetic women (OR, 1.106; 95%CI 1.008-1.223; P=0.028). In addition, FGF21 was negatively correlated with estradiol in premenopausal diabetic women (r=-0.368, P=0.009). After adjusted for estradiol, serum FGF21 levels were still positively associated with FIMT in premenopausal diabetic women (r=0.381, P=0.007). In diabetic men, serum FGF21 levels were correlated with triglyceride and C-reactive protein even after adjusted for age and BMI (r=0.204, P=0.001; r=0.312, P < 0.001; respectively). However, serum FGF21 was not an independent impact factor for LEAD in men (P >0.05). Conclusions: Serum FGF21 level independently and positively links LEAD in Chinese women with type 2 diabetes. The gender difference may be due to different estrogen levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, there is no cure for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD). However, clinical trials with new therapeutic strategies are being conducted or considered. A comprehensive database is critical for patient recruitment and efficacy evaluation. China has the largest population, yet, no comprehensive database for DMD/BMD is available. Our study registered the data of the DMD/BMD patients in East China. Methods: A modified registry form of Remudy (http://www.remudy.jp/) was applied to Chinese DMD/BMD patients through the outpatient clinic at Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai during the period of August 2011 to December 2013. The data included geographic distribution of patients, age at diagnosis, clinical manifestation, genetic analysis and treatment status. Results: 194 DMD and 35 BMD patients were registered. Most patients lived in East China, namely Jiangsu province, Anhui province, Zhejiang province, Jiangxi province, Shanghai, Fujian province and Shandong province. All individuals aged less than 18 years (age limit to a children's hospital). Diagnosis was made for a majority of patients during the age of 3-4 (16.6%) and 7-8 (14.8%) years old. Exon deletion was the most frequent genetic mutations (65.5% and 74.3%) followed by point mutations (14.4% and 11.4%), duplications (9.8% and 8.6%) and small insertion/deletion (9.3% and 2.9%) for DMD and BMD, respectively. 82.5% of DMD registrants were ambulatory, and all the BMD registrants were able to walk. 26.3% of DMD registrants have been treated with steroids. Cardiac functions were examined for 46.4% DMD boys and 45.7% BMD boys and respiratory functions were examined for 18.6% DMD boys and 14.3% BMD boys. Four boys with abnormal cardiac function were prescribed for treatment with cardiac medicine. 33.2% of DMD patients are eligible for exon skipping therapy, and among them 9.2% and 4.3% patients are eligible for skipping exon 51 and 53, respectively. Conclusions: The database is the first linking accurate genetic diagnosis with clinical manifestation and treatment status of dystrophinopathy patients in East China. It provides comprehensive information essential for further patient management, especially for promotion of international cooperation in developing experimental therapies such as exon skipping and read-through of nonsense mutations targeting a subgroup of DMD patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]