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[Display omitted] • Fruit and vegetable byproducts were evaluated as media and carbon sources for Euglena. • When used as media, Euglena cultivated with orange peel showed the highest beta-glucan production. • When used as a carbon source, Euglena cultivated with apple pomace showed the highest beta-glucan production. • Fruit and vegetable byproducts were effective for beta-glucan production when used as a single carbon source. • It is expected to contribute to the circular economy of waste. Five fruit and vegetable byproducts were evaluated as carbon sources and media for beta-glucan production from Euglena gracilis. Orange peel showed the highest beta-glucan concentration (6.5 g/L) and productivity (1.9 g/L/day) when used as a medium. However, when employed as carbon sources, apple pomace showed the highest beta-glucan concentration (10.6 g/L) and productivity (3.5 g/L/day). The appropriate chemical oxygen demand/nitrogen ratio (71.1) and favorable carbon sources of apple contributed to beta-glucan production. Increasing sugar concentrations in apple pomace and orange peel from 10 to 30 g/L raised the beta-glucan concentration to 11.6 g/L. Using apple pomace and orange peel individually proved more effective than mixing them for beta-glucan production. Therefore, apple as a carbon source is the most effective fruit and vegetables byproduct for beta-glucan production. This is expected to reduce the cost of E. gracilis cultivation on a large-scale and contribute to the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibitory and bactericidal activities of thyme oil against the foodborne multiple antibiotics-resistant Enterococcus faecalis biofilm were evaluated in this study. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that more than 70% of the composition of thyme oil is thymol. Crystal violet staining assay showed that 128 and 256 mg/mL thyme oil significantly inhibited the biofilm formation of E. faecalis. The cell adherence of E. faecalis, as shown by its swimming and swarming motilities, was reduced by thyme oil. The exopolysaccharide (EPS) quantification assay showed that thyme oil inhibited the EPS synthesis in E. faecalis biofilms. The 3D-view observations through confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy suggested that cell adherence and biofilm thickness were decreased in thyme oil-treated biofilms. Quantitative real-time analyses showed that the transcription of ebp and epa gene clusters, which were related to cell mobility and EPS production, was inhibited by thyme oil. Thus, thyme oil effectively inhibited the biofilm formation of E. faecalis by affecting cell adherence and EPS synthesis. Furthermore, 2,048 and 4,096 mg/mL thyme oil can effectively inactivate E. faecalis population in the mature E. faecalis biofilms by 5.75 and 7.20 log CFU/mL, respectively, after 30 min of treatment. Thus, thyme oil at different concentrations can be used as an effective antibiofilm or germicidal agent to control E. faecalis biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most prevalent gynecological cancers with a 5-year survival rate of 20–60%. Feasible prognostic molecular biomarkers of EC are necessary for accurate prediction of EC prognosis. RAC3 is a member of the Rho GTPases. Public databases including Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA2), Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), LinkedOmics, Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), TISIDB and cBioPortal were employed to analyze the differential expression, clinicopathologic characteristics, functional networks, immune cell infiltrates and genetic alteration of RAC3 in EC patients. RAC3 expression was elevated in EC patients analyzed by TIMER and GEPIA. Overexpression of RAC3 was obviously correlated with clinical stage, histological type, histological grade and DNA hypomethylation. Patients with high RAC3 expression displayed poor overall survival. Functional enrichment analysis showed that RAC3 was involved in translational initiation, DNA replication and mRNA processing. RAC3 expression was negatively associated with infiltrating levels of B cells, CD8 + T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells in EC. Experiments in vitro showed that RAC3 was upregulated in EC tissues and cell lines, and RAC3 induced cell proliferation and invasion by increasing fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression. High expression of RAC3iscorrelated with poor prognosis and low infiltration of immune cells in EC. RAC3 promotes cell proliferation and invasion via FASN. These results demonstrate thatRAC3 functions as an EC oncogene and reveal its underlying mechanism in EC progression, suggesting that RAC3 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report described the cloning and gene expression pattern of cxcr4 paralogues, cxcr4a and cxcr4b, in Asian swamp eel Monopterus albus . The swamp eel cxcr4a cDNA contained a 1047 bp open reading frame encoding a deduced cxcr4a protein of 348 amino acids (aa) while cxcr4b had a 984 bp ORF coding for a 327 aa protein. Swamp eel cxcr4a and cxcr4b are members of G protein-coupled receptors with seven transmembrane domains. Cxcr4b from teleost is closer to tetrapod CXCR4 than to teleost cxcr4a. Like tetrapod CXCR4, all teleost cxcr4b genes have 2 exons and 1 intron. However, teleostean cxcr4a had 4–5 exons in the genomic DNA. Both cxcr4 genes had highest expression levels in the intestine and causal kidney. Stimulation with the Gram negative bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila in vivo and in vitro was able to modulate expression of cxcr4 paralogues. Poly I:C down-regulated cxcr4b expression of while it up-regulated cxcr4a expression. Acanthocephalan Pallisentis ( Neosentis ) celatus also increased the expression of swamp eel cxcr4 paralogues. Our data suggested that cxcr4 paralogues might play a significant role in the immune response of Asian swamp eel. Statement of relevance This report described cxcr4 paralogues and their modulation by pathogen infection, which is of significance in swamp eel aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the antibacterial effect of the combination of e-polylysine (e-PL) and nisin against Enterococcus faecalis strains. The combination of e-PL and nisin showed synergistic antibacterial activity against three Enterococcus strains. Scanning electron microscopy and a membrane permeability assay revealed that the combined treatment with e-PL and nisin synergistically damaged the cell morphology of E. faecalis strain R612Z1 cells. Both e-PL and nisin can dissipate the transmembrane electric potential of E. faecalis R612Z1 cells, but these peptides did not affect the transmembrane pH gradient. The combination of e-PL and nisin can produce a high reactive oxygen species level in E. faecalis R612Z1 cells. The results indicated that the uptake of e-PL into cells was promoted through nisin and that the combination of e-PL and nisin could produce a high reactive oxygen species level in E. faecalis R612Z1 cells, leading to cell growth inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ion-pairing effect was investigated based on the substituent effect of ferrocene (Fc) derivatives using cyclic voltammetry. It was shown that the presence of ion-pairing strongly affected the electrochemical redox behavior in the organic solvent. The formal redox potential ( E 0′ , the average of anodic and cathodic peak potential) shifted negatively with the increasing ion-pairing effect. That was because the formation of ion pair (Fc + ·ClO 4 − ) was beneficial to equilibrium shift from Fc to Fc + in thermodynamics. In this work, electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents of ferrocene derivatives were employed for a deep study of ion-pairing effect, respectively. It is confirmed that both ion-pairing effect and electron-donating substituent effect facilitated the negative shift of E 0′ for ferrocene derivatives, showing the positive cooperativity. While the electron-withdrawing substituent effect resulted in the positive shift of E 0′ for ferrocene derivatives and was unfavorable for the oxidation of Fc derivatives, reflecting the negative cooperativity with ion-pairing effect. In addition, the reversal phenomenon of weak electron-withdrawing substituent was revealed when the ion-pairing effect was stronger than the electron-withdrawing substituent effect, indicating that the ion-pairing function has a significant effect on electrochemical behavior of ferrocene derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of NaCl stress (0 to 8%, wt/vol) on the growth and tyramine production in two Enterococcus faecalis strains was examined during culture time. The growth of E. faecalis was inhibited by the increase in NaCl concentration, but tyramine production was unaffected. Tyramine accumulated rapidly during the logarithmic phase of the strains, and the final tyramine levels were approximately 800 gg/ml. Relative gene expression of four genes in the tyrosine decarboxylase locus, namely, tyrRS, tyrDC, tyrP, and nhaC, was evaluated at different incubation times. The results showed that NaCl stress could upregulate the expression of tyrDC and tyrP to improve the tyramine production of a single E. faecalis strain under certain conditions, and TyrS could act as a negative regulator on the genetic regulation of the tyramine cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyramine production by Enterococcus faecalis R612Z1 in water-boiled salted ducks was evaluated during storage at different temperatures. The results showed that E. faecalis R612Z1 could produce tyramine in meat samples when the storage temperature was no less than 4°C. The E. faecalis R612Z1 counts of the meat samples reached 108 CFU/g on day 7 at 4°C and on day 4 at 10°C. However, the tyramine content of the meat samples stored at 10°C increased to 23.73 µg/g (on day 10), which was greater than the level in the samples stored at 4°C (7.56 µg/g). Reverse transcription quantitative PCR detection of the expression level of the tyrDC gene in E. faecalis R612Z1 in the meat samples revealed no significant changes at different storage temperatures. Thus, the changes in tyramine production of E. faecalis R612Z1 may be due to the different enzymatic activities at different storage temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the failure mechanism and the bearing capacity of stainless steel lipped C section stub columns under axial and eccentric compression. A series of tests were performed on S30408 stainless steel, including 16 mechanical property tests, 10 axially loaded and 28 eccentrically loaded stub column tests. Flat and corner coupon tests were conducted to investigate the anisotropy, the hardening index and the stress-strain behavior of stainless steel. Stub column tests were carried out to obtain the load-displacement curves, the bearing carrying capacity and the section strain variation. Comparison of test results with code predictions indicates that the design strengths are lower than the experimental strengths, and that the deviation between test and predicted results reduces as the section plate slenderness coefficient increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel mean shift algorithm is proposed for object tracking in this paper. The mean shift procedure with Chaotic Artificial Bee Colony (Chaotic ABC) and Space Variant Resolution (SVR) of human visual system is utilized for adaptation of the target acceleration and estimation of the target's scale and orientation changes. In order to test the effectiveness and robustness of our proposed method, two groups of experiments were carried out and the related results of the proposed mean shift tracker with Chaotic ABC and SVR (MS-Chaotic ABC& SVR) are compared with three other algorithms, which demonstrate that our proposed approach is most robust and effective in solving object tracking problems than the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti=sub=3=/sub=AlC=sub=2=/sub=/TiAl=sub=3=/sub= composite was successfully synthesized from Ti, Al, TiC and CNTs mixture powders at 1350°C and 30MPa for 2h in situ. The Vickers hardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness of the composite are 4.3±0.1GPa, 487.2±64.6MPa and 5.5±0.2MPam=sup=1/2=/sup=, respectively. Toughening is mainly attributed to crack deflection, crack bridging, crack branching and pull-out of Ti=sub=3=/sub=AlC=sub=2=/sub= particles as well as transgranular cracking. The strong interface combination strength and the dispersed Ti=sub=3=/sub=AlC=sub=2=/sub= particulates are responsible for the enhancement of the strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyrosine decarboxylase (TDC) is responsible for tyramine production and can catalyze phenylalanine to produce β-phenylethylamine. Enterococcus strains are a group of bacteria predominantly producing tyramine and β-phenylethylamine in water-boiled salted duck. In this study, the heterologous expression and characterization of two TDCs from Enterococcusfaecalis R612Z1 (612TDC) and Enterococcus faecium R615Z1 (615TDC) were studied. The recombinant putative proteins of 612TDC and 615TDC were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. 612TDC is a 620-amino-acid protein with a molecular mass of 70.0 kDa, whereas 615TDC is a 625-amino-acid protein with a molecular mass of 70.3 kDa. Both 612TDC and 615TDC showed an optimum temperature of 25°C for the tyrosine and phenylalanine substrates. However, 612TDC revealed maximal activity at pH 5.5, whereas 615TDC revealed maximal activity at pH 6.0. Kinetic studies showed that 612TDC and 615TDC exhibited higher specificity for tyrosine than for phenylalanine. The catalysis abilities of both 612TDC and 615TDC for phenylalanine were restrained significantly with the increase in NaCl concentration, but this was not the case for tyrosine. This study revealed that the enzyme properties of the purified recombinant 612TDC and 615TDC were similar, although their amino acid sequences had 84% identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TEAD (transcriptional enhancer activator domain) proteins share an evolutionarily conserved DNA-binding TEA domain, which binds to the MCAT cis-acting regulatory element. Previous studies have shown that TEAD proteins are involved in regulating the expression of smooth muscle α-actin. However, it remains undetermined whether TEAD proteins play a broader role in regulating expression of other genes in vascular smooth muscle cells. In this study, we show that the expression of TEAD1 is significantly induced during smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation and negatively correlates with smooth muscle-specific gene expression. We further demonstrate that TEAD1 plays a novel role in suppressing expression of smooth muscle-specific genes, including smooth muscle α-actin, by abolishing the promyogenic function of myocardin, a key mediator of smooth muscle differentiation. Mechanistically, we found that TEAD1 competes with myocardin for binding to serum response factor (SRF), resulting in disruption of myocardin and SRF interactions and thereby attenuating expression of smooth muscle-specific genes. This study provides the first evidence demonstrating that TEAD1 is a novel general repressor of smooth muscle-specific gene expression through interfering with myocardin binding to SRF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When platelets are strongly stimulated, a procoagulant platelet subpopulation is formed that is characterized by phosphati-dylserine (PS) exposure and epitope modulation of integrin αIIbβ3 or a loss of binding of activation-dependent antibodies. Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) formation, which is essential for the formation of procoagulant platelets, is impaired in the absence of cyclophilin D (CypD). Here we investigate the mechanisms responsible for these procoagulant platelet-associated changes in integrin αIIbβ3 and the physiologic role of procoagulant platelet formation in the regulation of platelet aggregation. Among strongly stimulated adherent platelets, integrin αIIbβ3 epitope changes, mPTP formation, PS exposure, and platelet rounding were closely associated. Furthermore, platelet mPTP formation resulted in a decreased ability to recruit additional platelets. In the absence of CypD, integrin αIIbβ3 function was accentuated in both static and flow conditions, and, in vivo, a prothrombotic phenotype occurred in mice with a platelet- specific deficiency of CypD. CypD-dependent proteolytic events, including cleavage of the integrin β3 cytoplasmic domain, coincided closelywith integrin αIIbβ3 inactivation.Calpain inhibition blocked integrin3 cleavage and inactivation but not mPTP formation or PS exposure, indicating that integrin inactivation and PS exposure are mediated by distinct pathways subsequent to mPTP formation. mPTP-dependent alkalinization occurred in procoagulant platelets, suggesting a possible alternative mechanism for enhancement of calpain activity in procoagulant platelets. Together, these results indicate that, in strongly stimulated platelets, mPTP formation initiates the calpain-dependent cleavage of integrin β3 and associated regulatory proteins, resulting in integrin αIIbβ3 inactivation, and demonstrate a novel CypD-dependent negative feedback mechanism that limits platelet aggregation and thrombotic occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymph nodes are very important factors for diagnosing gastric cancer in clinical use, and are usually distributed within the fatty tissue around the stomach. When extracting fatty tissues whose structures and textures are complicated, automatic extraction is still a challenging task, while manual extraction is time-consuming. Consequently, semi-automatic extraction, which allows introducing interactive opera-tions, appears to be more realistic. Currently, most interactive methods need to indicate the position and main features in both the object and background. However, it is easier for radiologists to only mark object information. Due to this issue, a new Object Information based Interactive Segmentation (OIIS) method is proposed in this paper. Different from the most existing methods, OIIS just needs to input the object information, while the background information is not required. Experimental results and comparative studies show that OIIS is effective for fatty tissue extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential to produce biogenic amines was investigated with 15 Lactococcus lactis and 15 Enterococcusfaecalis strains isolated from water-boiled salted duck. The production of biogenic amines from the isolated strains grown in de Man Rogosa Sharpe broth containing precursor amino acids was determined by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. None of the L. lactis strains produced any biogenic amines, whereas 12 strains of E. faecalis produced tyramine and β-phenylethylamine. PCR assays were used to detect the presence of tyrosine decarboxylase genes in all of the isolated strains. Only the 12 biogenic amine-producing Enterococcus strains had a 924-bp fragment characteristic for the tyrosine decarboxylase gene. The comparison of the amplified partial tyrDC gene sequences of the 12 positive Enterococcus strains revealed 99% similarity within the same species. The tyramine production of the sterilized water-boiled salted duck inoculated with E. faecalis R612Z1 increased significantly during storage. This study reveals that the isolated E. faecalis strains can produce tyramine and β-phenylethylamine in the medium; however, they can only produce tyramine in water-boiled salted duck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CtBP2 has been demonstrated to possess tumor-promoting capacities by virtue of up-regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and down-regulating apoptosis in cancer cells. As a result, cellular CtBP2 levels are considered a key factor determining the outcome of oncogenic transformation. How pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic factors compete for fine-tuning CtBP2 levels is incompletely understood. Here we report that the cyclin H/cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CCNH/CDK7) complex interacted with CtBP2 in vivo and in vitro. Depletion of either CCNH or CDK7 decreased CtBP2 protein levels by accelerating proteasome-dependent CtBP2 clearance. Further analysis revealed that CCNH/CDK7 competed with the tumor repressor HIPK2 for CtBP2 binding and consequently inhibited phosphorylation and dimerization of CtBP2. Phosphorylation-defective CtBP2 interacted more strongly with CCNH/CDK7 and was more resistant to degradation. Finally, overexpression of CtBP2 increased whereas depletion of CtBP2 dampened the invasive and migratory potential of breast cancer cells. CtBP2 promoted the invasion and migration of breast cancer cells in a CCNH-dependent manner. Taken together, our data have delineated a novel pathway that regulates CtBP2 stability, suggesting that targeting the CCNH/CDK7-CtBP2 axis may yield a viable anti-tumor strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Shaping of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into desired morphologies have attracted much attention recently. High quality heterostructured helical carbon nanotubes (HCNTs) were synthesized from transitional metal oxide and ethanol by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in this paper. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) results showed that, heterostructured “U” shape, “G” shape and “S” shape HCNTs were achieved. Iron oxide was reduced to α-Fe by ethanol, and catalyzed the growth of heterostructured HCNTs. Helical coiling of HCNTs was induced by the anisotropic facet catalytic activity of α-Fe catalyst for carbon deposition. Then, symmetrical growth of two HCNTs from one catalyst nanoparticle resulted in symmetrical “U” shape HCNTs, while successive connecting of several “arc” and “tail” HCNTs led to asymmetrical “G” and “S” morphologies HCNTs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The lack of accurate and efficient methods for target identification has been the bottleneck in drug discovery. In recent years, inverse docking has been applied as an efficient method in target identification, and several specific inverse docking strategies have been employed in academic and industrial researches. However, the effectiveness of these docking strategies in multiple targets identification is unclear. In this study, five inverse docking schemes were evaluated to find out the most effective approach in multiple targets identification. A target database containing a highly qualified dataset that is composed of 1714 entries from 1594 known drug targets covering 18 biochemical functions was collected as a testing pool for inverse docking. The inverse docking engines including GOLD, FlexX, Tarfisdock and two in-house target search schemes TarSearch-X and TarSearch-M were evaluated by eight multiple target systems in the dataset. The results show that TarSearch-X is the most effective method in multiple targets identification and validation among these five schemes, and the effectiveness of GOLD in multiple targets identification is also acceptable. Moreover, these two inverse docking strategies will also be helpful in predicting the undesirable effects of drugs, such as toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgenic mice that overexpress angiotensinogen, the sole precursor of angiotensins, in their renal proximal tubular cells develop hypertension, albuminuria, and tubular apoptosis. These pathological changes are due to enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species in the proximal tubule cells. Here, we determined whether overexpression of catalase to decrease oxidant injury in the proximal tubular cells could reverse these abnormalities. Double-transgenic mice specifically overexpressing angiotensinogen and catalase in their renal proximal tubular cells were created by cross-breeding the single transgenics. Non-transgenic littermates served as controls. Overexpression of catalase prevented hypertension, albuminuria, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and tubular apoptosis in the angiotensinogen transgenic mice. Furthermore, the double transgenics had lower reactive oxygen species generation and reduced pro-fibrotic and apoptotic gene expression in the renal proximal tubular cells. Renal angiotensin converting enzyme-2 expression and urinary angiotensin 1–7 levels were downregulated in the single but normal in the double-transgenic mice. Thus, we suggest that the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system and reactive oxygen species generation have an important role in the development of hypertension and renal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of polyisocyanoprismanes, C6H6− n (NC) n (n =1–6), has been designed computationally. We have calculated the heats of formation (HOFs) of the title compounds by using density functional theory (DFT) with 6-31G** basis set. We chose [3]prismane C6H6-D 3h as a reference compound in the process of designing isodesmic reactions. The relationship between the HOFs and the molecular structures is discussed. The results have shown that the HOFs of the title compounds gradually increase with increasing number of isocyano groups. On average, the contribution of one isocyano group to the heat of formation is about 232.3kJ/mol and 234.1kJ/mol at the B3LYP and B3P86 levels, respectively. The relative stabilities of the title compounds are discussed in terms of the calculated HOFs, the energy gaps between the frontier orbitals, and the bond dissociation energies. The interactions of the isocyano groups in these polyisocyanoprismanes are also discussed. The results have not only shown that these compounds may be used as high-energy-density materials, but also provide some useful information for further syntheses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Angiotensin II stimulates the formation of reactive oxygen species by increased NADPH oxidase activity, which contributes to proapoptotic and profibrotic mechanisms critical in renal injury. Here we determine if apocynin, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, interferes with the action of the intrarenal renin–angiotensin system to minimize the progression of renal disease. Transgenic mice that overexpress rat angiotensinogen in their proximal tubule cells were given either apocynin, perindopril, or hydralazine while untreated or apocynin-treated non-transgenic littermates served as controls. Untreated transgenic mice had significant elevations of their systolic blood pressure, albuminuria, reactive oxygen species production, NADPH oxidase activity, tubular apoptosis, active caspase-3, Bax, transforming growth factor-β1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, extracellular matrix proteins, collagen type IV, and phosphorylated p47phox expression compared to untreated non-transgenic mice. Apocynin and perindopril blunted these changes; however, apocynin had no effect on the systolic blood pressure whereas hydralazine prevented hypertension and tubulointerstitial fibrosis but not proximal tubule cell apoptosis. Our study shows that the intrarenal renin–angiotensin system stimulates proximal tubule cell apoptosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, in part, by enhanced NADPH oxidase activity and reactive oxygen species generation independent of systemic hypertension.Kidney International (2009) 75, 156–166; doi:10.1038/ki.2008.509; published online 15 October 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In many image analysis and interpretation applications, shadows interfere with fundamental tasks such as object extraction and description. According to illumination, shadows interfere with moving vehicle extraction and location and recognition. For this reason, shadow segmentation is an important step in real-time vehicle recognition system. In this paper, we propose a simple and effective method for detection of moving cast shadows on a traffic surveillance scene. The proposed method exploits spectral and geometrical properties of shadows and relationship between the point in shadow region and space position and vehicle shape. Firstly, the cast shadows can be rough detected by spectral properties, and then feature points of occluding function are detected using wave transform, finally, the boundary between self-shadow and cast shadow is detected. The proposed method does not know in advance the light source direction and the color information of vehicle and background texture information. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed cast shadows segmentation method can detect the shadows regions accurately and completely. This is the foundation for future vehicle recognition and understanding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Accumulating evidence suggests that multiple complex mechanisms may be involved, simultaneously or complementarily, in the emergence and development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in various cancers. Cell adhesion-mediated MDR is one such mechanism. In the present study, we initially observed increased cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins by the MDR human breast tumor cell line MCF-7/MX compared to its parental cells. We then used a strategy that combined antibody-based screening technique and mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify membrane proteins that contribute to the enhanced adhesion of MCF-7/MX cells. Using MCF-7/ MX cells as immunogen, we isolated a mouse monoclonal antibody, 9C6, that preferentially reacts with MCF-7/MX cells over the parental MCF-7 cells. The molecular target of 9C6 was identified as cytokeratin 8 (CK8), which was found to be overexpressed on the cell surface of MCF-7/MX cells. We further observed that down-regulation of cell surface levels of CK8 through siRNA transfection significantly inhibited MCF-7/MX cell adhesion to fibronectin and vitronectin. In addition, anti-CK8 siRNA partially reversed the MDR phenotype of MCF-7/MX cells. Taken together, our results suggest that alterations in the expression level and cellular localization of CK8 may play a significant role in enhancing the cellular adhesion of MDR MCF-7/MX cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS) proteins are key players in insulin signal transduction and are the best studied targets of the insulin receptor. Ser/Thr phosphorylation of IRS proteins negatively modulates insulin signaling; therefore, the identification of IRS kinases and their target Ser phosphorylation sites is of physiological importance. Here we show that in Fao rat hepatoma cells, the IκB kinase β (IKKβ) is an IRS-1 kinase activated by selected inducers of insulin resistance, including sphingomyelinase, ceramide, and free fatty acids. Moreover, IKKβ shares a repertoire of seven potential target sites on IRS-i with protein kinase C ζ (PKCζ), an IRS-1 kinase activated both by insulin and by inducers of insulin resistance. We further show that mutation of these seven sites (Ser-265, Ser-302, Ser-325, Ser-336, Ser-358, Ser-407, and Ser-408) confers protection from the action of IKKβ and PKCζ when they are overexpressed in Fao cells or primary hepatocytes. This enables the mutated IRS proteins to better propagate insulin signaling. These findings suggest that insulin-stimulated IRS kinases such as PKCζ overlap with IRS kinases triggered by inducers of insulin resistance, such as IKKβ, to phosphorylate IRS-1 on common Ser sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal performance of tablets coated with pH responsive acrylic polymers (Eudragit) was investigated in human volunteers. Tablet cores were coated with Eudragit S dissolved in ethanol (organic), Eudragit S aqueous dispersion (aqueous), or Eudragit FS aqueous dispersion. Eight fasted volunteers received the tablets in a two-way crossover design—treatment 1: Eudragit S (organic) and Eudragit FS coated tablets; treatment 2: Eudragit S (aqueous) and Eudragit FS coated tablets. Eudragit FS coated tablets were included in both treatments to assess its intra-subject performance. Tablets were radiolabelled and followed by gamma scintigraphy; the disintegration times and positions were recorded. Tablets coated with Eudragit S (aqueous) disintegrated in all volunteers mainly in the proximal to mid small intestine. Eudragit S (organic) tablets failed to disintegrate in three out of eight volunteers, while disintegration was in the ileo-caecal junction and ascending colon in all others. Eudragit FS coated tablets disintegrated in 14 out of the 16 administrations. The Eudragit FS coated tablets that did disintegrate exhibited consistent intra- and inter-subject performance, with the site of disintegration focused on the ileo-caecal junction and ascending colon. These in vivo results correlate better with our published in vitro dissolution data in physiological bicarbonate buffers compared to phosphate buffers. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 95:2760–2766, 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the role of 1H spetral selected point-resolved spectroscopy (SS-PRESS) sequence in distinguishing benign from malignant breast lesions by the malignancy marker of choline peak and to investigate the factors influencing the diagnosis. Methods A total of 131 patients (aged 24-83 years, average 44. 8 years) were enrolled in this study. The examinations were performed on a 1.5T scanner with four-channel phased array breast coil. Single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) was acquired by SS-PRESS sequence in these patients referred to surgical or biopsy consultation. Results Among these patients, 74 were proved to have breast carcinomas and 57 have benign lesions by histopathological examinations. Thirty-one elevated choline peaks were observed in these 74 confirmed malignant lesions, and 5 detectable choline peaks were demonstrated in the 57 benign lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of 1H SS- PRESS MRS were 41.9% and 91.2% , respectively. The main factors influencing the diagnosis were signal-to-noise ratio and pathological type. Conclusions 1H SS-PRESS MRS can provide a noninvasive, biochemical measurement of metabolism and improve the specificity of breast magnetic resonance imaging. Choline peak in vivo is a specific but not sensitive marker of malignancy. Technique factors and histopathological characterization of lesions influence the detection rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2), a G protein-coupled receptor activated by prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), has been identified as a receptor expressed on cell types critical to the pathogenesis of asthma. The cDNA encoding guinea pig CRTH2 was cloned and mRNA expression examined in selected tissues. Transcript profiling of guinea pig CRTH2 indicated relatively high levels of expression in bone marrow, intermediate levels in brain and relatively low levels in lung, spleen, thymus, lymph node, etc. Characterization of the molecular pharmacology of guinea pig CRTH2 revealed that guinea pig CRTH2 exhibited a greater affinity for Δ12-PGJ2, a stable PGD2 metabolite relative to human CRTH2. The CRTH2 selective agonists 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGD2 and Δ12-PGJ2 induced the recruitment of eosinophils following intradermal administration of these ligands in guinea pigs. Chemotaxis of guinea pig eosinophils was elicited by either PGD2 or Δ12-PGJ2, and was abolished by a CRTH2-specific antagonist. These results indicate that PGD2 and the stable metabolite, Δ12-PGJ2, play important roles in CRTH2 activation in the guinea pig. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective To construct a DNA vaccine as a prophylactic model to prevent condyloma acuminatum and detect its immunogenicity in mice. Methods The major capsid protein (L1) gene of human papillomavirus (HPV) 6b was inserted into an eukaryotic expression plasmid (pcDNA3.1). The recombinant plasmid was transfected into COS-7 cells. Western blot were performed to detect whether L1 protein can be expressed in eukaryotic cells. Eighteen female BALB/c mice were tested for immunogenicity study. Results The recombinant plasmid (pcDNA3.1-HPV6bL1) was verified as HPV6b L1 gene by sequencing. Western blot showed specific strip. Anti-L1 protein antibodies could be detected in the mice's sera inoculated with pcDNA3.1-HPV6bL1. Similarly, IL-4, IL-2, and IFN-γ were increased in the same mice. Conclusion HPV6b L1 recombinant plasmid was constructed successfully which had immunogenicity for BALB/c mice. It provided experimental evidence for the research of DNA vaccine of condyloma acuminata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) is a class II HDAC implicated in controlling gene expression important for diverse cellular functions, but little is known about how its expression and stability are regulated. We report here that this deacetylase is unusually unstable, with a half-life of less than 8 h. Consistent with the instability of HDAC4 protein, its mRNA was also highly unstable (with a half-life of less than 4 h). The degradation of HDAC4 could be accelerated by exposure of cells to ultraviolet irradiation. HDAC4 degradation was not dependent on proteasome or CRM1-mediated export activity but instead was caspase-dependent and was detectable in diverse human cancer lines. Of two potential caspase consensus motifs in HDAC4, both lying within a region containing proline-, glutamic acid-, serine-, and threonine-rich (PEST) sequences, we identified, by site-directed mutagenesis, Asp-289 as the prime cleavage site. Notably, this residue is not conserved among other class IIa members, HDAC5, -7, and -9. Finally, the induced expression of caspase-cleavable HDAC4 led to markedly increased apoptosis. These results therefore unexpectedly link the regulation of HDAC4 protein stability to caspases, enzymes that are important for controlling cell death and differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ski protein has been proposed to serve as a corepressor for Smad4 to maintain a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-responsive promoter at a repressed, basal level. However, there have been no reports so far that it indeed acts on a natural promoter. We have previously cloned the human Smad7 promoter and shown that it contains the 8-base pair palindromic Smad-binding element (SBE) necessary for TGF-β induction. In this report, we have characterized the negative regulation of Smad7 promoter basal activity by Ski. We show that Ski inhibits the Smad7 promoter basal activity in a SBE-de- pendent manner. Mutation of the SBE abrogates the inhibitory effect of Ski on the Smad7 promoter. Moreover, mutation of the SBE increases the Smad7 promoter basal activity. Using the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we further show that Ski together with Smad4 binds to the endogenous Smad7 promoter. Finally, we show that RNAi knockdown of Ski increases Smad7 reporter gene activity in transient transfection assays as well as elevating the endogenous level of Smad7 mRNA. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence that Ski is indeed a corepressor for Smad4, which can inhibit a natural TGF-β responsive gene at the basal state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Criteria for uniform Gateaux differentiability and weak uniform rotundity of Musielak–Orlicz function spaces equipped with the Orlicz norm as well as the Luxemburg norm are presented. Interpretations of the criteria in the case of Orlicz spaces are given. It is worth noticing that criteria for the Luxemburg norm are different than for the Orlicz norm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on a study which examined the effects of extracts isolated from Lagerstroemia speciosa L., or banaba, on glucose transport and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. Materials and methods; Results and discussion.

Objective To compare the effectiveness of immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in detecting human papilloma virus (HPV) in condyloma acuminata (CA). Methods HPVs in CA tissues from 60 patients were detected by immunofluorescence and PCR, respectively. Different subtypes of HPVs were also identified with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) Results The positive detective rates of immunofluorescence and PCR were 56. 67% (34/60) and 96. 67% (58/60), respectively (P < 0. 01). RFLP results showed HPV6 and HPV11 were the main subtypes in the detected virus, which accounted for 98. 28%. Conclusion The sensibility of PCR is superior to that of immunofluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a ubiquitous RNA-binding protein, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) interacts with numerous nucleic acids and proteins and is involved in various cellular functions. Available literature indicates that it can regulate dendritic spine density through the extracellular signal-regulating kinase (ERK) - brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway, which is crucial to retain the synaptic plasticity in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and mouse depression models. However, ERK upstream regulatory kinase has not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, it remains unexplored whether hnRNPK may impact the depressive condition via the ERK pathway. The present study addressed this issue by integrating approaches of genetics, molecular biology, behavioral testing. We found that hnRNPK in the brain was mainly distributed in the hippocampal neurons; that it was significantly downregulated in mice that displayed stress-induced depression-like behaviors; and that the level of hnRNPK markedly decreased in MDD patients from the GEO database. Further in vivo and in vitro analyses revealed that the changes in the expressions of BDNF and PSD95 and in the phosphorylation of ERK (Thr202/Tyr204) paralleled the variation of hnRNPK levels in the ventral hippocampal neurons in mice with depression-like behaviors. Finally, esketamine treatment significantly increased the level of hnRNPK in mice. These findings evidence that hnRNPK involved in the pathogenesis of depression via the ERK-BDNF pathway, pinpointing hnRNPK as a potential therapeutic target in treating MDD patients. [Display omitted] • HnRNPK is mainly expressed in the ventral hippocampal neurons in mice. • HnRNPK decreases in the ventral hippocampal neurons in mice that display stress-induced depression-like behaviors. • HnRNPK impacts the synaptic plasticity by modulating the expressions of BDNF and PSD95 via the ERK pathway. • Esketamine treatment increases hnRNPK in the ventral hippocampal neurons in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-Methyl-D-aspartate type glutamate receptors (NMDARs) are key mediators of synaptic activity-regulated gene transcription in neurons, both during development and in the adult brain. Developmental differences in the glutamate receptor ionotropic NMDA 2 (GluN2) subunit composition of NMDARs determines whether they activate the transcription factor cAMP-responsive element-binding protein 1 (CREB). However, whether the developmentally regulated GluN3A subunit also modulates NMDAR-induced transcription is unknown. Here, using an array of techniques, including quantitative real-time PCR, immunostaining, reporter gene assays, RNA-Seq, and two-photon glutamate uncaging with calciumimaging, we show that knocking down GluN3A in rat hippocampal neurons promotes the inducible transcription of a subset of NMDAR-sensitive genes. We found that this enhancement is mediated by the accumulation of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the nucleus, which drives the activation of the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) and promotes the transcription of a subset of synaptic activity-induced genes, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc). Our evidence that GluN3A regulates MEF2C-dependent transcription reveals a novel mechanism by whichNMDAR subunit composition confers specificity to the program of synaptic activityregulated gene transcription in developing neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core-shell Cu O C catalysts were synthesized by a vapor-expansion route, which enhances their oxygen reduction catalysis. [Display omitted] • Challenging the dominated Cu N C catalysts, core–shell Cu O C catalysts was synthesized by a simple vapor expansion route. • The Cu O C catalysts have good ORR activities (onset potential: 0.895 V, halfwave potential: 0.837 V). • Cu 2 O active sites contribute to the synergistic catalysis of core–shell Cu O C catalysts. • The M O C (M refers to transition metals) catalysts will pave a new road to synthesize high-efficient catalysts for fuels cells. M N C (M refers to transition metals) catalysts are the most promising alternative candidates to replace the precious commercial Pt/C catalysts for fuel cells. Due to the high reaction energy barriers between M and N elements, however, a simple and effective route to form M−N x actives sites in M N C catalysts remains a big challenge. Herein we have developed a confined vapor expansion growth of core–shell Cu O C catalysts, which demonstrated good ORR activities (onset potential: 0.895 V, halfwave potential: 0.837 V) under 273–278 K low temperatures. Experimental and first-principles calculations results elucidated that Cu 2 O active sites were found on the copper core of core–shell Cu O C catalysts. By means of forming copper complex organometallics, C O, C O and Cu–O bonds between carbon shell and copper core of core–shell Cu O C catalysts were constructed, which contributed to their synergistic catalysis. Challenging the dominated M N C catalysts, the M O C design route will pave a new road to synthesize high-efficient and low-cost catalysts for fuels cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During mammary development, the transdifferentiation of mammary preadipocytes is one of the important sources for lactating mammary epithelial cells (MECs). However, there is limited knowledge about the mechanisms of dynamic regulation of transcriptome and genome-wide DNA methylation in the preadipocyte transdifferentiation process. Here, to gain more insight into these mechanisms, preadipocytes were isolated from adipose tissues from around the goat mammary gland (GM-preadipocytes). The GM-preadipocytes were cultured on Matrigel in conditioned media made from goat MECs to induce GM-preadipocyte-to-MEC transdifferentiation. The transdifferentiated GM-preadipocytes showed high abundance of keratin 18, which is a marker protein of MECs, and formed mammary acinar-like structures after 8 days of induction. Then, we performed transcriptome and DNA methylome profiling of the GM-preadipocytes and transdifferentiated GM-preadipocytes, respectively, and the differentially expressed genes and differentially methylated genes that play underlying roles in the process of transdifferentiation were obtained. Sub-sequently, we identified the candidate transcription factors in regulating the GM-preadipocyte-to-MEC transdifferentiation by transcription factor-binding motif enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes and differentially methylated genes. Meanwhile, the secretory proteome of GM-preadipocytes cultured in conditioned media was also detected. By integrating the transcriptome, DNA methylome, and proteome, three candidate genes, four proteins, and several epigenetic regulatory axes were further identified, which are involved in regulation of the cell cycle, cell polarity establishment, cell adhesion, cell reprogramming, and adipocyte plasticity. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of preadipocyte transdifferentiation and mammary development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective: To investigate the effects of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on cardiovascular response and heart rate (HR) variability in elderly patients during anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation. Design: A randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. Setting: University-affiliated teaching hospital. Participants: Eighty elderly patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grades I and II) receiving elective surgery during general anesthesia. Interventions: Right stellate ganglion injection (SGB) was performed in all patients using 10 mL of 1% lidocaine or normal saline. Measurements: Systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, HR, and calculated rate pressure product. HR variability at the following time points: conscious status before induction (T0); immediately before intubation (T1); immediately after intubation (T2); and 1, 3, and 5 minutes postintubation (T3, T4, and T5). Main Results: No significant differences in BP and HR were observed between the 2 groups. Rate pressure product values significantly increased in the control group compared with baseline and SGB group values. Low-frequency power (LF) and LF/high-frequency power (HF) significantly increased, and HF and normalized units of HF significantly decreased in the control group compared with baseline values. LF, normalized units of LF, and LF/HF in the SGB group significantly decreased compared with those of the control group. Conclusion: SGB protects the myocardium and effectively suppresses stress responses during anesthesia induction and tracheal intubation in elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycycoumarin is a major bioactive coumarin of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), one of the most popular herbal medicines worldwide. In this work, the metabolism of glycycoumarin in rats was investigated. After oral administration of 40 mg/kg glycycoumarin, 4 and 10 metabolites were respectively detected in rats plasma and urine samples by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS). These metabolites were tentatively characterized by analyzing their tandem mass spectra and high-resolution mass spectra, and the structures of glucuronides were confirmed by β-glucuronidase hydrolysis. Glycycoumarin mainly undertakes hydroxylation and glucuronidation metabolism, accompanied by hydrogenation and dehydrogenation as minor reactions. Two hydroxylated metabolites, 4''-hydroxyl glycycoumarin and 5''-hydroxyl glycycoumarin, were obtained by microbial transformation of Syncephalastrum racemosum AS 3.264, and their structures were fully identified by 1D and 2D NMR. Both metabolites are new compounds. Furthermore, they were proved to be catalyzed by P450 enzymes by rat liver microsomes incubation experiments. Finally, a metabolic pathway of glycycoumarin in rats was proposed. This is the first systematic study on metabolites identification of glycycoumarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of luteolin (LUT) on the growth, antioxidant capacity, non−specific immunity and intestinal microbiota of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), 300 individual crayfish (4.17 ± 0.50 g average body weight and 50.19 ± 1.40 mm average body length) were randomly divided into five groups and fed with LUT doses of 0 mg/kg (CG), 50 mg/kg (LG50), 100 mg/kg (LG100), 300 mg/kg (LG300), and 500 mg/kg (LG500) for 8 weeks, respectively. Firstly, the results demonstrated that the survival and growth performance were significantly improved in all LUT added groups compared to the control (CG group), with no significant differences in hepatosomatic index, feed coefficient and muscle components, and the crayfish in LG100 group showed the maximal survival rate (SR) and specific growth rate (SGR) (P < 0.05). Secondly, histological observations displayed that the hepatopancreas and intestine tissues were not impacted in the LUT−supplemented groups, and the length of intestinal folds was significantly increased in LG100 and LG300 groups. Thirdly, LG50, LG100, and LG300 groups produced significantly increased hepatopancreatic antioxidant enzyme activities and hemolymph immune indicators compared with the control. In all experimental groups, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were significantly reduced, as were aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities. Lastly, dietary LUT specifically improved the structure and optimized the function of the gut microbiota. Compared to the control, the LG100 group displayed a significant increase in the index of Chao1 and Observed species, an increase in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, a decrease in the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes, and an increase in the abundance of Thermomonas , Turicibacter , Bdellovibrio and Enterococcus. PICRUSt analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in the KEGG pathway associated with isoflavone biosynthesis in the LG group. In conclusion, the present study confirms that dietary supplementation with 50−300 mg/kg LUT favors growth, non−specific immunity and antioxidant function in P. clarkii , with optimal additions ranging from 102−165 mg/kg. Furthermore, it optimized gut microbiota function, suggesting that LUT can be used as a potential feed additive for P. clarkii. These findings provide new insights for crayfish's healthy culture. • The optimal level of LUT addition to P. clarkii diet was 102−165 mg/kg. • Dietary addition of LUT improved the survival and growth performance of P. clarkii. • Dietary addition of LUT enhanced the antioxidant and immune capacity of P. clarkii. • Dietary addition of LUT improved intestinal microbiota structure of P. clarkii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fish species have poor capability of carbohydrate metabolism relative to mammals. Specifically, fish cannot utilize dietary glucose well. Heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) can be induced by heat shock and prevent stress-induced activation of c-Jun amino N-terminal kinase (JNK) which then promotes the insulin signaling pathway in mammals. However, the function of Hsp72 on glucose utilization is unknown in fish. We conducted a study to understand the role played by heat shock on glucose utilization using juveniles of the grass carp fish. In this study, the juveniles of grass carp were fed with either high glucose diet or control diet. Half of the juveniles were subjected to several temporary heat shock treatments within 8weeks. The growth performance, body composition of juveniles and the expression of glucose metabolism related genes, including Hsp72 in the livers of juveniles were analyzed from each group. The heat shock treatments could improve growth performance and body composition of grass carp juveniles, and could activate JNK. Though the expression of Hsp72 increased significantly in Group GH (juveniles fed with high-glucose diet and given heat shock treatment) (P <0.05) as measured by fluorescent real time PCR and Western blot, the expression of JNK and p-JNK were not suppressed by Hsp72 in our study, which was different from some previous studies in mammals. In summary, the study showed that heat shock did not affect glucose metabolism through JNK pathway in grass carp. This may give a clue to explain why fish species have a much poorer capability of carbohydrate metabolism than mammals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme that removes free radicals from cells in many organisms. In order to further characterize these repair effects and their mechanism when subjected to radiation, Bacillus subtilis cells were exposed to gamma radiation and the cell survival rate, intracellular SOD activity, and DNA double-strand breakage were investigated. Vegetative cells of B. subtilis were irradiated by 60Co gamma radiation at varying doses and subsequently exposed to varying levels of exogenous SOD. Standard plate-count, xanthine oxidase, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) methods were employed to investigate the repair effects. The results showed that the exogenous SOD could significantly improve cell survival rate and intracellular SOD activity after gamma radiation. The cell survival rate was elevated 30–87 times above levels observed in control samples. Adding exogenous SOD into gamma irradiated cells may dramatically increase intracellular SOD activity (p < 0.01), while percentage of DNA release (PR) values may decrease significantly when cells are treated with SOD. The repair effects were observed to vary with the gamma radiation dose and SOD concentration. These findings suggest that exogenous SOD may have the ability to repair vegetative B. subtilis cell damage after irradiated by gamma radiation. DNA strand scission may also be prevented by addition of SOD. This research contributes to better understanding of protection from the effects of free radicals and their mechanisms, an ongoing process in many organisms that involves the cellular response to gamma radiation, which occurs naturally in soil and water, as well as in unusual cases of high-dosage exposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

New single lithium-ion conducting polymer electrolytes are prepared by a copolymerization of the two monomers, lithium (4-styrenesulfonyl)(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiSTFSI) and methoxy-polyethylene glycol acrylate (MPEGA, CH2 =CHCO2—(CH2CH2O)n—CH3, n =8) in various monomer ratios. The structures and compositions of the prepared lithium poly[(4-styrenesulfonyl)(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide-co-methoxy-polyethylene glycol acrylate] (Li[PSTFSI-co-MPEGA]) copolymers are characterized by 1H and 19F NMR, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For comparison, the corresponding blended polymer electrolytes comprising lithium poly[(4-styrenesulfonyl) (trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide] (LiPSTFSI) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) are also prepared and characterized. The fundamental properties of these two types of lithium-ion conducting polymer electrolytes are comparatively studied, in terms of phase transitions, thermal stability, XRD, ionic conductivities, lithium-ion transference numbers (t Li +), and electrochemical stabilities. Both types of the polymer electrolytes are thermally stable up to 300°C. While both types of polymer electrolytes exhibit single lithium-ion conducting behavior with t Li + >0.9, the solid-state ionic conductivities of the Li[PSTFSI-co-MPEGA] copolymer electrolytes are all higher by 1–3 orders in magnitude than those of the blended ones, irrespective of the concentration of lithium ions. The highest ionic conductivities for the copolymer electrolytes are 7.6×10−6 S cm−1 at 25°C and reach 10−4 S cm−1 at 60°C, which are obtained at the ethylene oxide (EO) unit/Li+ ratio of 20.5. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The “Enrichment Program for Cultivating Problem Solving Abilities and Multiple Intelligences for Gifted Preschoolers” (PSMIGP program) was the first enrichment program for young gifted children in Taiwan. It was an extra-curricular program that was implemented over a 3-year period. The assessment and curriculum were designed by adapting the main part of the DISCOVER curriculum. The purpose of this paper was to introduce the identification model and to analyze the participants'' performance in problem solving activities and in demonstrating their special talents. To offer enrichment services for gifted young children, the researchers developed an identification model to discover more young gifted children and serve their needs in learning, regardless of the nature of their talents, disabilities, or cultural or socio-economical status. All participating young children were screened in a three-stage process that included both objective and subjective assessments, including checklists, interviews, portfolio assessment, group intelligence tests, observation in the play corner, individual intelligence tests, and structured observation activities. It was also necessary to adjust the standardized test procedure to fit the needs of twice exceptional young children. In total there were sixty-one preschoolers participated in this three-year program, including eleven twice exceptional children and one child from a new immigrant home. Among these sixty-one preschoolers, eight of them participated in two years of the program; the others only participated in one year of the program. The results of this enrichment program found significant correlations among the measurement scores; the scores of teacher assessment of problem solving abilities also showed that most students performed well on all five kinds of problem solving types. From children''s archives, participating children presented scientific thinking characteristics, such as rich knowledge with fascinating imagination and the ability to seek many approaches to solving problems. They were delighted to challenge others and pleased to be challenged. The twice exceptional children also performed well in the program, especially those children with autism whose progress in social skills and group adaptability were remarkable. In sum, the researchers in this program had a belief that children, whether gifted or not, did not get the satisfaction of making progress until they had opportunities to find and develop their potentials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated the effects of water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from the sporoderm-removed spores of Ganoderma lucidum (GLP) against AOM/DSS-induced inflammation, tumorigenesis, and gut microbiota modification, which has never been reported before. Our data revealed that GLP (200 and 300 mg/kg) decreased AOM/DSS-induced colitis and tumorigenesis, manifested by significantly reduced disease activity index score, and total number and size of tumors. Furthermore, GLP ameliorated AOM/DSS-induced microbiota dysbiosis, increased short-chain fatty acid production, and alleviated endotoxemia by inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling. Besides, GLP profoundly improved gut barrier function as evidenced by increased numbers of goblet cells, MUC2 secretion, and tight junction protein expressions. GLP treatment inhibited macrophage infiltration and downregulated IL-1β, iNOS, and COX-2 expressions. Additionally, GLP inhibited lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation markers and MAPK (JNK and ERK) activation in macrophage RAW264.7, intestinal HT-29, and NCM460 cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that GLP is a promising prebiotic for the treatment of colorectal cancer. • GLP inhibits AOM/DSS-induced colitis, inflammation, and tumorigenesis in mice. • GLP improves microbiota dysbiosis and endotoxemia, increases SCFAs production. • GLP improves intestinal barrier function, inhibits immune cell infiltration in mice. • GLP inhibits LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 and intestinal cells. • GLP inhibits TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and MAPK pathways in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A major barrier to clinical xenotransplantation is preformed xenoreactive natural antibodies (XNA) found in higher primates which react to Galα(1,3)Gal (α-Gal) epitopes found on lower species. Accommodation of organs to xenogeneic recipients involves upregulation of cytoprotective genes and resistance to complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Methods: To develop methods of increasing these organ-protective effects, we established an in vitro CDC model utilizing human serum as the source of XNA and porcine endothelial cells (pEC) as targets. Results: Using this system we demonstrated that downregulation of α-Gal epitopes by siRNA silencing of α1,3-galactosyltransferase (α-GT) led to marginal protection from CDC while α-Gal silencing combined with Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4 (GS-IB4), a lectin that specifically binds to α-Gal epitopes, led to complete protection. Interestingly, α-Gal silencing and GS-IB4 mediated effects were not associated with inhibition of XNA binding to cells, but with significant decreased E-selectin expression and cytoprotective gene HO-1 upregulation. P13K inhibitor LY294002 could block the elevation of HO-1 protein expression and reverse the protective effect of α-Gal silencing and GS-IB4 against CDC. Conclusion: These data support the use of combination approaches targeting independent accommodation mechanisms to synergistically enhance donor organ survival in a xenogeneic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The structure of the melt-spun Cu60Zr30Ti10 metallic glass is investigated by anomalous small angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS). It is confirmed that the compositional segregation in the diameter range of 30–50 nm exists in the as-quenched state. ASAXS results have convincingly shown the aggregation of Cu atoms and the formation of Cu-rich domains in the amorphous matrix. The Cu-rich domains grow slightly with low growth rate below the glass transition temperature, while the sizes of these domains drastically increase with high growth rate in the supercooled liquid temperature region. The Cu-rich domains are presumed to be associated with nucleation for the primary crystallization process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Qizhen capsule (QZC) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation that has been widely used in clinical practice and exerts promising therapeutic effects against breast, lung, and gastric cancers. However, studies have not reported whether QZC inhibits colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. Meanwhile, the underlying molecular mechanisms of its anticancer activity have not been studied. To investigate the anticancer effects of QZC on CRC and the possible underlying molecular mechanisms of QZC in vitro and in vivo. The MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to determine the viability and apoptosis of HCT116 and HT-29 cancer cells. A xenograft nude mouse model was used to study the antitumor effects of QZC in vivo. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of key proteins responsible for the molecular mechanisms elicited by QZC. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-activated gene-1 or growth differentiation factor-15 (NAG-1/GDF15). Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to silence NAG-1/GDF15 in cells. In this study, QZC significantly reduced the viability of HCT116 and HT-29 cells and induced apoptosis in dose- and time-dependent manners, but displayed much less toxicity toward normal cells. QZC-induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells was accompanied by the deregulation of the expression of the Bcl-2, Bax, PARP, caspase-3, and caspase-9 proteins. Furthermore, QZC induced NAG-1/GDF15 expression in HCT116 cells, while silencing of NAG-1/GDF15 attenuated QZC-induced apoptosis and cell death. Next, QZC increased the phosphorylation of mTOR, AMPK, p38, and MAPK/ERK in HCT116 cells. We then demonstrated that QZC-induced apoptosis and NAG-1/GDF15 upregulation were mediated by MAPK/ERK activation. Moreover, QZC significantly inhibited HCT116 xenograft tumor growth in nude mice, which was accompanied by NAG/GDF15 upregulation and MAPK/ERK activation. QZC also prevented 5-FU-induced weight loss or cachexia in tumor-bearing mice. The expression of Ki67 and PCNA was suppressed, while cleaved caspase-3 level and TUNEL staining were increased in the tumor sections from QZC-treated mice compared to the control. QZC is a novel anticancer agent for CRC that targets NAG-1/GDF15 via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. [Display omitted] • Qizhen capsule (QZC) preferably inhibits cell viability in colorectal cancer cells. • NAG/GDF15 is responsible for QZC-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. • QZC induces apoptosis through activating MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. • QZC inhibits colorectal cancer tumorigenesis in xenograft tumor mice. • QZC prevents 5-FU-induced weight loss in tumor-bearing mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]