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Despite the diverse roles of tripartite motif (Trim)-containing proteins in the regulation of autophagy, the innate immune response, and cell differentiation, their roles in skeletal diseases are largely unknown. We recently demonstrated that Trim21 plays a crucial role in regulating osteoblast (OB) differentiation in osteosarcoma. However, how Trim21 contributes to skeletal degenerative disorders, including osteoporosis, remains unknown. First, human and mouse bone specimens were evaluated, and the results showed that Trim21 expression was significantly elevated in bone tissues obtained from osteoporosis patients. Next, we found that global knockout of the Trim21 gene (KO, Trim21−/−) resulted in higher bone mass compared to that of the control littermates. We further demonstrated that loss of Trim21 promoted bone formation by enhancing the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and elevating the activity of OBs; moreover, Trim21 depletion suppressed osteoclast (OC) formation of RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the differentiation of OCs from bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) isolated from Trim21−/− and Ctsk-cre; Trim21f/f mice was largely compromised compared to that of the littermate control mice. Mechanistically, YAP1/β-catenin signaling was identified and demonstrated to be required for the Trim21-mediated osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. More importantly, the loss of Trim21 prevented ovariectomy (OVX)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone loss in vivo by orchestrating the coupling of OBs and OCs through YAP1 signaling. Our current study demonstrated that Trim21 is crucial for regulating OB-mediated bone formation and OC-mediated bone resorption, thereby providing a basis for exploring Trim21 as a novel dual-targeting approach for treating osteoporosis and pathological bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long manufacturing process, difficult coordinated regulation of structural properties and interface bonding ability are some of the difficulties that restrict the rapid development of lightweight composite plate forming and manufacturing for a long time. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes adding hard plate to roll Al/Mg/Al composite plates. The thickness of Mg/Al is 10:1, and the hard-plate rolling process experiments were carried out by designing five groups of different temperatures. The influence of magnesium plate microstructure evolution on the interface bonding ability and mechanical behavior of composite plates is mainly studied. Under the same conditions, the matrix microstructure changes greatly from 200 to 350 °C. At 350 °C, the microstructure of Mg plate in ND is uniform without shear bands and twins. Its recrystallization ratio is 31.77%, which played a role in weakening the texture and reducing its anisotropy. Interestingly, in the process of three-point bending, the non-basal plane slip and the basal plane slip start simultaneously, the maximum bending strength of the composite plate reaches 504 MPa, and the interface was well bonded without obvious bending fatigue phenomenon. The tear test showed that the tear load reaches 0.42 kN, and the elastic elongation stage of Al is longer than the tear propagation stage, and the interface bonding was uniform. The hard plate rolling process provides scientific guidance for the forming and preparation of composite plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cymbidium longibracteatum is an economically important Chinese orchid well known for its silver- or gold-colored leaf color patterns, and is desired for its ornamental value. In this study, we analyzed the yellow and green rhizomes from C. longibracteatum by deep RNA-sequencing. A total of 333,497 transcripts and 162,407 unigenes of ‘longchangsu’ obtained from 39.59 Gb of clean reads. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis indicated that 497 genes were upregulated and 147 downregulated in the leaf color mutant. Five of these DEGs were involved in the phototransduction pathway, and 48 genes belonged to the plant-pathogen interaction pathway. Furthermore, we identified seven genes associated with the photosystem, six of which were upregulated, and one (psbA) was downregulated. Our results showed that downregulation of psbA gene may produce leaf color mutants under certain culture conditions that affect the D1 protein of photosystem II. All seven genes were validated by qRT-PCR. This study on genes related to photosystem and other pathways establishes a genetic foundation for ornamental orchids and may help to improve the economic and breeding values of C. longibracteatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During development, Schistosoma japonicum undergoes many morphological and physiological transformations as a result of profound changes in gene expression. Proteins containing zinc finger motifs usually play an important role in DNA recognition, RNA packaging, and transcriptional activation. In our current study, we cloned the open reading frame (ORF) of SjZFP1 of S. japonicum, which encodes a zinc finger protein. We analyzed the complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence of SjZFP1 and examined the expression of SjZFP1 messenger RNA (mRNA) at various developmental stages. We also tested the effects of RNA interference (RNAi) silencing on worm burden, spawning, and egg hatching. The ORF in the SjZFP1 cDNA was 1017 bp in length and was predicted to encode a 338-aa protein with a molecular mass of approximately 38.5 kDa and theoretical isoelectric point (pI) of 7.08. Several conserved regions, including a B-box-type zinc-binding domain, two bipartite nuclear localization signal domains, a paired amphipathic helix repeat, and overlapping RING and PHD finger domains, were identified in the predicted amino acid sequence of SjZFP1. Using real-time PCR, we showed that the SjZFP1 mRNA was expressed across all of the developmental stages of the parasite and that the level of transcription was highest in the cercariae, eggs, schistosomula, and mature adult worms. The level of SjZFP1 mRNA expression in cultured schistosomula treated with one of two SjZFP1-specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs; AY770 and AY546) was reduced by over 80 %, compared with that in the controls. In RNAi experiments in BALB/c mice, the level of SjZFP1 mRNA increased significantly when the mice were treated with the same SjZFP1-specific siRNAs during the early stages of infection. By contrast, the level of SjZFP1 mRNA decreased significantly when the mice were treated with the SjZFP1-specific siRNAs during the middle to late stages of infection. In four independent experiments, fewer worms were recovered from mice treated with the SjZFP1-specific siRNAs, compared with the number of worms recovered from the control mice. Both the average number and hatching rates of liver eggs recovered from mice treated with the SjZFP1-specific siRNAs during the middle to late stages of infection were significantly lower than those of the liver eggs recovered from the control mice. Our results suggest that the SjZFP1 gene might be important for parasite development, spawning in the vertebrate host, and egg hatching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On May 12, 2008, a massive earthquake occurred along the Longmen Mountain Central Fault in Sichuan Province, China, causing serious damages to buildings near the fault. As the Longmen Mountain Central Fault and the Anterior Fault both traversed Dujiangyan and Pengzhou cities, the seismic intensity in these areas reached levels IX-XI. Therefore, these two cities were among the most seriously damaged regions. In this article, the types of damage to buildings in the two cities and their affiliated towns or villages are investigated and reported. It is found that the damage to a building is related to its structure type, distance from the faults, and so on. The results provide valuable information on the seismic resistance of buildings in similar areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On May 12, 2008, an Ms 8.0 earthquake occurred on the Longmen Mountain Fault in Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, China. Based on the reported earthquake intensity and surface displacement distributions in the affected areas, the damages to buildings in high-intensity areas were investigated. This paper focused on the buildings in Yingxiu Town, Wenchuan County. The unreasonable structural design and structural type were found to be the main reason for the damages of buildings. The geological environment problems of the residential area were also discussed. This research would provide valuable reference for scientific earthquake-resistance design and reconstruction after earthquake disaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study aimed to examine an association between the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) polymorphisms ( GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1) genetic polymorphisms with the risk and expression in children with isolated Hirschsprung disease (HD). Methods: GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genetic polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 80 HD and 180 normal children (controls). The genic expressions were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expressions were detected by Western blot. Results: The GSTM1 null genotype especially is associated with a greater risk of HD ( X = 1.129, P = 0.288, OR = 0.851, 95% CI = 0.632-1.146). The GSTT1 null genotype especially is associated with a greater risk of HD ( X = 6.165, P = 0.013, OR = 1.472, 95% CI = 1.084-1.999). The GSTP1 null genotype especially is associated with a greater risk of HD ( X = 4.748, P = 0.029, OR = 0.701, 95% CI = 0.509-0.964). GSTP1 and GSTP1 expressiones were higher than GSTM1 in HD patients. Positive expressive rate of the GSTT1 and GSTP1 were 40.56% and 56.67% in HD. The mRNA and protein expressiones level of GSTT1 and GSTP1 genes were significantly higher in HD than controls ( P < 0.05). Positive expressive rate of the GSTM1 was 10.56% in HD. The GSTM1 was low expressed between in HD and controls ( P > 0.05). Conclusions: The GSTP1 genetic polymorphisms correlate to HD. We postulate that inherited gene deletion of GSTT1 and GSTP1 may produce increased genotoxic susceptibility for HD respectively, following exposure to xenobiotics that are substrates for these enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new 3d-4f heterometallic coordination polymers [CuEu(2,5-pydc)(HO)]·4(HO) ( 1), [ZnEu(2,5-pydc)(HO)]·3(HO) ( 2), and [CoLn(2,6-pydc)(HO)]·4(HO) (Ln = Eu, 3; Dy, 4) (Hpydc = pyridinedicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized and characterized. All of these compounds have extended 3D coordination frameworks containing supramolecular 1D channels, in which lattice water molecules are located. Hydrogen bonds stabilize the 3D frameworks. Additionally, a study of their fluorescence properties has indicated that compounds 1 and 2 show the characteristic transitions of Eu. Weak antiferromagnetic interactions are observed in compound 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) mRNA was obtained from human embryonic lung fibroblast cells infected by HCMV clinical strains from urine samples of infants at different kinetic periods. The cDNA of UL131A-128 mRNAs was amplified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and analysed by sequencing. Meanwhile, clones containing UL131A-128 transcripts in an HCMV cDNA library of a clinical strain were selected and sequenced. It was demonstrated that UL131A-128 mRNA was expressed with immediately early, early and late kinetics. Sequences obtained by RT-PCR showed that the UL131A gene consisted of two exons and the coding region of the UL130 gene was not interrupted by any intron in the region as reported earlier. However, the transcript of the UL128 gene showed two patterns: one pattern consisted of three exons as reported earlier; the other contained the three exons and also the first intron. Moreover, the above characteristics of UL131A-128 spliced transcripts were confirmed by the sequences of clones selected from the HCMV cDNA library. Our results demonstrated that the UL131A, UL130 and UL128 genes were transcribed with the 3′-coterminal, although the initiation points of their mRNA may be different. The variation in the transcripts found in our study indicated the complex nature of transcription of UL131A-128 genes in clinical strains of HCMV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-step lateral flow test is recommended as the first line screening of syphilis for primary healthcare settings in developing countries. However, it generally shows low sensitivity. We describe here the development of a novel fluorescent POC (Point Of Care) test method to be used for screening for syphilis. The method was designed to combine the rapidness of lateral flow test and sensitiveness of fluorescent method. 50 syphilis-positive specimens and 50 healthy specimens conformed by Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) were tested with Quantum Dot-labeled and colloidal gold-labeled lateral flow test strips, respectively. The results showed that both sensitivity and specificity of the quantum dots–based method reached up to 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91–100%), while those of the colloidal gold-based method were 82% (95% CI, 68–91%) and 100% (95% CI, 91–100%), respectively. In addition, the naked-eye detection limit of quantum dot–based method could achieve 2 ng/ml of anti-TP47 polyclonal antibodies purified by affinity chromatography with TP47 antigen, which was tenfold higher than that of colloidal gold–based method. In conclusion, the quantum dots were found to be suitable for labels of lateral flow test strip. Its ease of use, sensitiveness and low cost make it well-suited for population-based on-the-site syphilis screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum dot is a special kind of nanomaterial composed of periodic groups of II–VI, III–V or IV–VI materials. Their high quantum yield, broad absorption with narrow photoluminescence spectra and high resistance to photobleaching, make them become a promising labeling substance in biological analysis. Here, we report a quick and parallel analytical method based on quantum dots for ToRCH-related antibodies including Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) and 2 (HSV2). Firstly, we fabricated the microarrays with the five kinds of ToRCH-related antigens and used CdTe quantum dots to label secondary antibody and then analyzed 100 specimens of randomly selected clinical sera from obstetric outpatients. The currently prevalent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were considered as “golden standard” for comparison. The results show that the quantum dots labeling-based ToRCH microarrays have comparable sensitivity and specificity with ELISA. Besides, the microarrays hold distinct advantages over ELISA test format in detection time, cost, operation and signal stability. Validated by the clinical assay, our quantum dots-based ToRCH microarrays have great potential in the detection of ToRCH-related pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can cause symptomatic or asymptomatic infection in infants. One hundred and twenty-six infants were assessed clinically for disease in infantile period. Eighty of them were classified as symptomatic infection on the basis of physical, instrumental, and laboratory findings, 5 were demonstrated by following up to have later developed HCMV disease, and the other 41 infants were classified as asymptomatic infection. HCMV DNA was positive in all urine samples of the symptomatic infants detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HCMV-IgM antibody detected by chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) was positive in 62 of the 85 symptomatic infants, but was negative in all of the samples of asymptomatic infants. HCMV pp65 antigen detected by flow cytometry assay (FCA) was positive in 77 of the 85 symptomatic infants and in none of the asymptomatic infants. The coincidence to symptom of HCMV pp65 antigen detection was higher than those of HCMV DNA and HCMV-IgM antibody detection. The sensitivity, specificity, positive prognostic value and the negative prognostic value of HCMV pp65 antigen detection for diagnosis of HCMV infection was 90.6, 100, 100 and 83.7%, respectively. We concluded that detection of pp65 antigen by FCA is more sensitive for diagnosis of HCMV infection than detection of HCMV-IgM antibody and is better than HCMV DNA quantification for distinguishing the symptomatic and asymptomatic HCMV infection in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The partial transformation of crystal phase of micron-sized TiO2 powder from rutile to anatase was realized utilizing microwave irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution. Afterwards, the ultrasound of low power was used as an irradiation source to induce the transition crystal TiO2 powder to perform the sonocatalytic activity through the degradation of azo fuchsine in aqueous solution. The results show that the sonocatalytic activity of the transition crystal TiO2 powder is obviously higher than that of pure micron-sized rutile and anatase TiO2 powders. The degradation ratio of azo fuchsine in the presence of the transition crystal TiO2 powder attains nearly 80% within 80 min ultrasonic irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a ubiquitous human pathogen, is the leading cause of birth defects in newborns. A region (referred to as UL/b′) present in the Toledo strain of HCMV and low-passage clinical isolates) contains 22 additional genes, which are absent in the highly passaged laboratory strain AD169. One of these genes, UL145 open reading frame (ORF), is located between the highly variable genes UL144 and UL146. To assess the structure of the UL145 gene, the UL145 ORF was amplified by PCR and sequenced from 16 low-passage clinical isolates and 15 non-passage strains from suspected congenitally infected infants. Nine UL145 sequences previously published in the GenBank were used for sequence comparison. The identities of the gene and the similarities of its putative protein among all strains were 95.9-100% and 96.6-100%, respectively. The post-translational modification motifs of the UL145 putative protein in clinical strains were conserved, comprising the protein kinase C phosphorylation motif (PKC) and casein kinase II phosphorylation site (CK-II). We conclude that the structure of the UL145 gene and its putative protein are relatively conserved among clinical strains, irrespective of whether the strains come from patients with different manifestations, from different areas of the world, or were passaged or not in human embryonic lung fibroblast (HELF) cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the effects of urotensin II (UII) on the carotid sinus baroreflex (CSB). Methods: The functional curve of carotid sinus baroreflex was measured by recording changes in arterial pressure in anesthetized male rats with perfused isolated carotid sinus. Results: UII at the concentration of 3 nmol/L had no effect on the CSB, while at the concentration of 30, 300 and 3000 nmol/L inhibited the CSB, shifting the functional curve of the baroreflex upward and to the right. There was a marked decrease in peak slope and reflex decrease in blood pressure. These effects of UII were concentration-dependent. Pretreatment with verapamil (an antagonist of the L-type calcium channel, 10 μmol/L) partially eliminated the above effects of UII (300 nmol/L) on the CSB. Pretreatment with BIM-23127 (3 μmol/L), an antagonist of human and rat UII receptors, abolished the actions of UII on the CSB. Pretreatment with NG-nitro- L-arginine methyl ester ( L-NAME) 100 μmol/L did not affect the inhibitory effects of UII (300 nmol/L) on the CSB. Conclusion: These data suggest that UII exerts an inhibitory action on the isolated CSB. Such an action of UII is predominantly mediated by the UII receptors in vascular smooth muscles, resulting in the opening of L-type calcium channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotine biosynthesis in Nicotiana tabacum is under genetic control by the A and B loci. Plants containing semi-dominant mutations at both the A and B loci (i.e. aabb genotype) have lower nicotine levels, reduced nicotine biosynthetic enzyme activities, and reduced mRNA levels of the corresponding biosynthetic genes. The A and B loci therefore appear to be coordinate regulators of several nicotine biosynthetic genes and define a group of co-regulated genes called the A–B regulon. To investigate the composition of genes in the A–B regulon, a fluorescent differential display (FDD) screen was used to randomly sample the transcriptomes of wild type and mutant aabb roots. This resulted in the isolation of 64 FDD clones, representing 49 unique genes or gene families. Four genes associated with nicotine biosynthesis were identified, whereas most of the other FDD clones were homologous with an assortment of stress response genes. Thirty-three genes or gene families showed reproducible aabb genotype effects, representing seven distinct mRNA expression patterns in response media treatments that increase the mRNA levels of known alkaloid biosynthetic genes. Thus, the A and B loci regulate the mRNA levels of some target genes differently than others. Eleven genes or gene families showed only treatment-specific effects, representing four mRNA accumulation patterns. These results indicate the A–B regulon is complex network of differentially expressed stress response genes, only a small subset of which are involved in nicotine biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the carotid sinus baroreflex (CSB). Methods: The functional curve of the carotid sinus baroreflex was measured by recording changes in arterial pressure in anesthetized male rats with perfused carotid sinus. Results: H2S (derived from sodium hydrosulfide) at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μmol/L facilitated the CSB, shifting the functional curve of the baroreflex downward and to the left. There was a marked increase in peak slope (PS) and reflex decrease in blood pressure (RD). Effects were concentration-dependent. Pretreatment with glibenclamide (20 μmol/L), a KATP channel blocker, abolished the above effects of H2S on CSB. Pretreatment with Bay K8644 (an agonist of calcium channels; 500 μmol/L) eliminated the effect of H2S on CSB. An inhibitor of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), DL-propargylglycine (PPG; 200 μmol/L), inhibited CSB in male rats and shifted the functional curve of the baroreflex upward and to the right. Conclusion: These data suggest that exogenous H2S exerts a facilitatory role on isolated CSB through opening KATP channels and further closing the calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. Endogenous H2S may activate the activity of the CSB in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of genistein (GST) on carotid baroreceptor activity (CBA). The functional curve of carotid baroreceptor (FCCB) was constructed and the functional parameters of carotid baroreceptor were measured by recording sinus nerve afferent discharge in anesthetized male rats with perfused isolated carotid sinus. GST at 50, 100, and 200 μmol/L inhibited the CBA, which shifted FCCB to the right and downward, with a marked decrease in peak slope and peak integral value of carotid sinus nerve discharge in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with 100 μmol/L NG-nitro- L-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, did not affect the effect of GST on CBA. Pretreatment with 500 nmol/L Bay K8644, an agonist of calcium channels, could completely abolish the effect of GST on CBA. A potent inhibitor of tyrosine phosphatase, sodium orthovanadate (1 mmol/L), could attenuate the inhibitory effect of GST. GST inhibits CBA, and the effect may be mediated by protein tyrosine kinase inhibition and a decrease in Ca2+ influx through the stretch-activated channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimal utilization problem for a class of renewable resources system is investigated. Firstly, a control problem was proposed by introducing a new utility function which depends on the harvesting effort and the stock of resources. Secondly, the existence of optimal solution for the problem was discussed. Then, using a maximum principle for infinite horizon problem, a nonlinear four-dimensional differential equations system was attained. After a detailed analysis of the unique positive equilibrium solution, the existence of limit cycles for the system is demonstrated. Next a reduced system on the central manifold is carefully derived, which assures the stability of limit cycles. Finally significance of the results in bioeconomics is explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-time behavior of the consumer population in a Gallopin's system, located in a polluted environment, was studied. Firstly, a mathematical model, i. e., a nonlinear ordinary differential system, was made by taking a constant catch rate into account in model of MA Zhi-en. Secondly, using the extension theorem and the comparison theorem, the bound of the system was estimated. Then, the effect of the pollution on the consumer population was discussed by the use of calculus and qualitative theory of differential equation. Finally, some conditions for weak persistence in the mean and extinction are found out. The threshold between persistence and extinction can be established in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sixteen-member cyclic depsipeptide, strepeptolide, was isolated from the culture broth of an endophytic actinomycetes strain. The structure of the compound was elucidated by detailed 1D, 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and IR spectroscopic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural properties of forest soils have important hydro-ecological function and can influence the soil water-physical characters and soil erosion. The experimental soil samples were obtained in surface horizon (0–10 cm) from different subalpine forest types on east slope of Gongga Mountain in the upriver area of Yangtze River China in May 2002. The soil bulk density, porosity, stable infiltration rate, aggregate distribution and particle-size distribution were analyzed by the routine methods in room, and the features and effects on eco-environment of soil aggregation were studied. The results showed that the structure of soil under mixed mature forest is in the best condition and can clearly enhance the eco-environmental function of soil, and the soil structure under the clear-cutting forest is the worst, the others are ranked between them. The study results can offer a basic guidance for the eco-environmental construction in the upper reaches of Yangtze River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the influence of annealing and aging processes on the martensitic transformation (MT) behavior of Ni-19Al-16Mn-5Fe high-temperature shape memory alloys (SMA). Use of differential scanning calorimetry; Preparation of the alloy by arc melting; Effect of annealing temperature and aging time on the MT start temperature; Evidence that the MT temperature and temperature hysteresis increase with increasing annealing temperature in the alloy when the annealing treatment is carried out in the range of 1173-1473 K.