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In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the Leadhued skate Notoraja tobitukai (Rajiformes: Arhynchobatidae) was determined. It was a circle molecular (16, 799 bp), consisted of 37 genes with a typical gene order in vertebrate mitogenome. In the whole mitogenome, there were 24 bp short intergenic and 26 bp overlaps. The nucleotide composition was 32.3% A, 22.6% C, 13.1% G and 32.0% T. Two start codons (GTG and ATG) and two stop codons (TAG, TAA/T) were used in the protein-coding genes. The 22 tRNA genes ranged from 65 bp (tRNA- Cys ) to 75 bp (tRNA- Leu1 ). The phylogenetic result showed that N. tobitukai was clustered with the Pavoraja nitida ., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

In antitumor immunity, dendritic cells (DCs) capture, process, and present tumor antigens to T cells, initiating a tumoricidal response. However, DCs are often dysfunctional due to their exposure to the tumor microenvironment (TME), leading to tumor escape from immune surveillance. Here, a vital role of microRNA-155 (miR-155) in regulating the function of DCs in breast cancer is reported. Host miR-155 deficiency enhanced breast cancer growth in mice, accompanied by reduced DCs in the tumors and draining lymph nodes. miR-155 deficiency in DCs impaired their maturation, migration ability, cytokine production, and the ability to activate T cells. We demonstrate that miR-155 regulates DC migration through epigenetic modulation of CCR7 expression. Moreover, IL-6 and IL-10, two cytokines abundant in the TME, are found to impair DC maturation by suppressing miR-155 expression. Furthermore, animal studies show that a lack of miR-155 diminishes the effectiveness of DC-based immunotherapy for breast cancer. In conclusion, these findings suggest that miR-155 is a master regulator of DC function in breast cancer, including maturation, cytokine secretion, migration toward lymph nodes, and activation of T-cells. These results suggest that boosting the expression of a single microRNA, miR-155, may significantly improve the efficacy of DC-based immunotherapies for breast cancer.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Sicklefin weasel shark Hemigaleus microstoma was first presented in this study. It was 16 701 bp in length with the typical gene arrangement in vertebrates. A total of 25 bp short intergenic spaces and 33 bp overlaps located in 12 and 9 gene junctions, respectively. The overall nucleotide composition was 31.0% A, 26.4% C, 13.5% G and 29.1% T. Two start (ATG and GTG) and three stop (TAG, AGG and TAA/T) codons were found in the protein-coding genes. The size of 22 tRNA genes ranged from 67 to 75 bp. In the phylogenetic tree, H. microstoma (Hemigaleidae) was placed as sister to Galeocerdo cuvier (Carcharhinidae).

The complete mitogenome of Polydactylus sextarius was firstly determined in this study using a long polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and genome walking. It is 16,836 bp in length and has 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and 1 control region. The genes composition and order of which are similar to most other vertebrates. All mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, except for eight tRNA and ND6 genes. The overall base composition of the heavy strand is 27.4% A, 26.0% T, 29.9% C, and 16.7% G, with a slight AT bias of 53.4%. There are eight regions of gene overlap totaling 27 bp and 16 intergenic spacer regions totaling 344 bp. The mitogenome sequence of P. sextarius could contribute to the solution of its phylogenetic position within Polynemidae fishes based on the whole mitogenomic data.

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the Borneo leg skate Sinobatis borneensis (Rajiformes, Anacanthobatidae) was determined. It had circular molecules (16,701 bp), consisting of 37 genes with a typical gene order in vertebrate mitogenome. In the whole mitogenome, there were 28 bp short intergenic and 31 bp overlaps, respectively, located in 12 and 7 gene junctions. The nucleotide composition was 31.1% A, 26.0% C, 13.9% G and 29.1% T. Two start codons (GTG and ATG) and two stop codons (TAG, TAA/T) were used in the protein-coding genes. The 22 tRNA genes ranged from 66 bp (tRNA- Cys ) to 75 bp (tRNA- Leu1 and tRNA- Lys ). The phylogenetic result showed that S. borneensis was clustered with the Atlantoraja castelnaui and Pavoraja nitida ., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide (BuCyE) is a commonly used conditioning regimen for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). This multicenter, phase II study examined the safety and efficacy of BuCyE with individually adjusted busulfan based on preconditioning pharmacokinetics. The study initially enrolled Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients ages 18 to 80 years but was amended due to high early treatment-related mortality (TRM) in patients > 65 years. BuCyE outcomes were compared with contemporaneous recipients of carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BEAM) from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. Two hundred seven subjects with HL (n = 66) or NHL (n = 141) were enrolled from 32 centers in North America, and 203 underwent ASCT. Day 100 TRM for all subjects (n = 203), patients > 65 years (n = 17), and patients ≤ 65 years (n = 186) were 4.5%, 23.5%, and 2.7%, respectively. The estimated rates of 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) were 33% for HL and 58%, 77%, and 43% for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL; n = 63), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL; n = 29), and follicular lymphoma (FL; n = 23), respectively. The estimated rates of 2-year overall survival (OS) were 76% for HL and 65%, 89%, and 89% for DLBCL, MCL, and FL, respectively. In the matched analysis rates of 2-year TRM were 3.3% for BuCyE and 3.9% for BEAM, and there were no differences in outcomes for NHL. Patients with HL had lower rates of 2-year PFS with BuCyE, 33% (95% CI, 21% to 46%), than with BEAM, 59% (95% CI, 52% to 66%), with no differences in TRM or OS. BuCyE provided adequate disease control and safety in B cell NHL patients ≤ 65 years but produced worse PFS in HL patients when compared with BEAM., (Copyright © 2016 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the Blotchy swell shark Cephaloscyllium umbratile was determined. It was a circle molecular (16 698 bp), contained 37 genes with typical order to that of most other vertebrates. The nucleotide composition was 31.0% A, 24.0% C, 14.0% G, and 31.3% T. There were 26 bp short intergenic spaces located in 11 gene junctions and 28 bp overlaps located in 7 gene junctions in the whole mitogenome. Two start codons (GTG and ATG) and two stop codons (TAG and TAA/T) were used in the protein-coding genes. The phylogenetic result showed that C. umbratile was clustered with Scyliorhinus canicula and formed the Scyliorhinidae clade, which was the most basal clade within Carcharhiniformes, and Carcharhinidae is not monophyletic.

In this study, the mitogenome of the blackspotted catshark Halaelurus burgeri was first determined. This circle molecular was rich in A (30.7%)+T (30.4%), poor in C (25.0%)+G (13.8%) and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a longest control region (3481 bp with lots of repeated motifs) in sharks. Two start codons (ATG and GTG) and two stop codons (TAG and TAA/T) were found in the protein-coding genes. The 22 tRNA genes ranged from 66 bp (tRNA- Ser 2) to 75 bp (tRNA- Leu 1). The phylogenetic result showed that H. burgeri did not cluster to the two species of Scyliorhinidae ( Cephaloscyllium umbratile and Scyliorhinus canicula )., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

The complete mitogenome of the Taiwan spurdog shark Squalus formosus (Squaliformes: Squalidae) is determined in this study. It is a circle molecular (16,735 bp), containing 37 genes with typical order to that of most other vertebrates. The nucleotide composition is: A 30.9%; C 24.5%; G 14.2%; T 30.5%. Two start codons (GTG and ATG) and two stop codons (TAG and TAA/T) are used in the protein-coding genes. 22 tRNA genes range from 66 bp (tRNA- Ser 2) to 75 bp (tRNA- Leu 1). The phylogenetic result shows that S. formosus clusters to the ( Squalus acanthias  +  Cirrhigaleus australis ) clade., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

We isolated a novel H5N2 avian influenza virus from swans in China. The virus was derived from a widespread H9N2 avian influenza virus but acquired the hemagglutinin gene from Eurasian H5 subtype with a naturally occurring in-frame deletion of four basic residues in the polybasic hemagglutinin cleavage site., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Pi-extended polyaromatics tend to exhibit improved electronic properties with respect to the intrinsic structures. Herein, the rational design of a π-extended diindole-fused diazapentacenone (IP), with a nine-ring-fused core, obtained by applying an intramolecular Friedel-Crafts diacylation synthetic routine, is reported. The chemical structure, physical properties, and morphology of IP were fully characterized. Serving as an organic cathode material for a lithium-ion battery, the as-prepared nanorods of π-extended IP display higher conductivity and superior electrochemical performance than those of the naked diazapentacenone without diindole fusion., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The mitochondrial genome of the spinner shark (Carcharhinus brevipinna) was determined in this study. It was 16,706 bp in length with the typical genomic organization and gene order as most vertebrates. Whole nucleotide base composition was 31.3% A, 25.3% C, 13.2% G and 30.1% T. Among the protein-coding genes, there are three overlapping reading-frames on the same strand, while one of it on the opposite strand. Two start codons (ATG and GTG) and three stop codons (AGG, TAG and TAA/T) were used in 13 protein-coding genes. The 22 tRNA ranged from 67 (tRNA-Cys and tRNA-Ser2) to 75 bp (tRNA-Leu1) in length. Only the tRNA-Ser2 could not fold into the typical clover-leaf structure, which lost the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm and replaced by a simple loop. The control region was 1064 bp in length and showed a higher AT content (66.8%) than the average value of whole mitogenome (61.4%).

Limited toxicological information is available for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD),a widely used additive brominated flame retardant. Inhalation is a major route of human exposure to HBCD. The aim of this study was to determine the acute inhalation toxicity and potential subchronic inhalation toxicity of HBCD in Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to HBCD only through inhalation. The acute inhalation toxicity of HBCD was determined using the limit test method on five male and five female Sprague-Dawley rats at a HBCD concentration of 5000 mg/m(3). Repeated-dose toxicity tests were also performed, with 20 males and 20 females randomly assigned to four experimental groups (five rats of each sex in each group). There were three treatment groups (exposed to HBCD concentrations of 125,500, and 2000 mg/m(3)) and a blank control group (exposed to fresh air). In the acute inhalation toxicity study, no significant clinical signs were observed either immediately after exposure or during the recovery period. Gross pathology examination revealed no evidence of organ-specific toxicity in any rat. The inhalation LC50(4 h) for HBCD was higher than 5312 ± 278 mg/m3 for both males and females. In the repeated dose inhalation study, daily head/nose-only exposure to HBCD at 132 ± 8.8, 545.8 ± 35.3, and 2166.0 ± 235.9 mg/m(3) for 14 days caused no adverse effects. No treatment-related clinical signs were observed at any of the test doses. The NOAEL for 14-day repeated dose inhalation toxicity study of HBCD is 2000 mg/m(3)., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this study, the complete mitogenome of the Smooth lanternshark Etmopterus pusillus (Squaliformes: Etmopteridae) was firstly determined. It was 16,729 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 1 putative control region with typical order to that of most other vertebrates. Its nucleotide base composition is 31.3% A, 23.0% C, 14.3% G and 31.5% T. Two start codons (GTG and ATG) and two stop codons (TAG and TAA/T) were used in the protein-coding genes. The phylogenetic results showed that E. pusillus was clustered to Squaliolus aliae (Dalatiidae) and suggested that Dalatiidae was polyphyletic., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Taylor & Francis.)

We first determined the complete mitochondrial genome of the White-spotted guitarfish Rhynchobatus australiae (Rajiformes, Rhinobatidae). The complete mitogenome was 16,804 bp, with a base composition of 32.3% A, 27.5% T, 26.9% C and 13.3% G, containing 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNAs, 22 tRNAs and a control region (D-loop). It had 35 bp short intergenic spaces and 39 bp overlaps between genes. The gene order and composition of R. australiae was similar to most other fishes. The codon usage followed the typical vertebrate mitochondrial pattern (ATG or GTG for start codon and TAA or T for stop codon). The phylogenetic result showed that R. australiae was clustered with the Rhinobatos., Competing Interests: The authors report that they have no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Taylor & Francis.)

We determined the complete mitochondrial genome of the Jenkins whipray Himantura jenkinsii . The total length of the mitogenome was 17, 670 bp, consisted of 37 genes with typical gene order in vertebrate mitogenome. The nucleotide composition was: 30.5% A, 29.1% T, 26.5% C and 13.9% G. It had 70 bp short intergenic spaces and 22 bp overlaps. Two start codons (GTG and ATG) and two stop codons (TAG and TAA/T) were used in the protein-coding genes. The 22 tRNA genes were ranged from 67 bp (tRNA -Ser2 ) to 75 bp (tRNA- Leu1 ). The phylogenetic result showed that H. jenkinsii was clustered with the Hortle's whipray H. hortlei ., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Taylor & Francis.)

The complete mitogenome of the smalleye pygmy shark Squaliolus aliae (Squaliformes: Dalatiidae) is presented in this study firstly. It is 16,717 bp with a nucleotide base composition of 30.7% A, 26.2% C, 14.7% G and 28.5% T, containing 37 genes and a control region with typical order as vertebrate. There are 23bp short intergenic spaces and 28bp overlaps locating in gene junctions. 2 rRNA genes are located in heavy strand. Twenty-two tRNA genes range from 67bp (tRNA- Cys ) to 75 bp (tRNA- Leu 1). Two initial codons (ATG and GTG) and two terminal codons (TAA and T) are found in protein-coding genes. The phylogenetic result shows that S. aliae in this study is clustered to the ( Somniosus pacificus +  Squalidae)., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Taylor & Francis.)

Fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines are known as β-diketone antibiotics (DKAs) because of bearing a diketone group in their molecular structure. DKAs are the most widely used antibiotics to prevent generation of disease in humans and animals and to suppress bacterial growth in aquaculture. In recent years, overuse of DKAs has caused serious environmental risk due to their pseudo-persistence in the environment, even though their half-lives are not long. So far, no reports were concerned with the joint immunotoxicity of DKAs. Herein, we reported on the immunotoxicity of DKAs on zebrafish after a 3-month DKAs exposure using transcriptomic techniques. According to transcriptome sequencing, 10 differentially expressed genes were screened out among the genes related to KEGG pathways with high enrichment. The identified 7 genes showed to be consistent between RNA-seq and qRT-PCR. Due to DKAs exposure, the content or activity for a series of immune-related biomarkers (Complement 3, lysozyme, IgM and AKP) showed the inconsistent changing trends as compared with the control group. Histopathological observations showed that the number of goblet cells increased sharply, the columnar epithelial cells swelled, the nucleus became slender in intestinal villi, and numerous brown metachromatic granules occurred in spleens of DKAs-exposed groups. Overall, both detection of biomarkers and histopathological observation corroborated that chronic DKAs exposure could result in abnormal expression of immune genes and enzymes, and variable levels of damage to immune-related organs. These complex effects of DKAs may lead to zebrafish dysfunction and occurrence of diseases related to the immune system.

In this study, the complete mitogenome of Proscyllium habereri (Carcharhiniformes: Proscylliidae) is first determined. It is 16,708 bp in length, containing 37 genes with typical order to that of most other vertebrates. Its overall base composition of the H-strand is A 30.9%; C 23.7%; G 14.2%; T 31.2%. Two start codons (ATG and GTG) and two stop codons (TAG and TAA/T) are found in the protein-coding genes. The 22 tRNA genes range from 67 bp (tRNA- Cys , tRNA- Ser 2) to 75 bp (tRNA- Leu 1). The phylogenetic result showed that P. habereri was clustered to Pseudotriakis microdon ., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Taylor & Francis.)

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the Bowmouth guitarfish Rhina ancylostoma (Rajiformes, Rhinobatidae) was first determined. The total length of this circle DNA was 17 217 bp, consisted of 37 genes with a typical gene order in vertebrate mitogenome. It had 42 bp short intergenic spaces and 40 bp overlaps. The nucleotide composition in R. ancylostoma was as follows: A, 33.0%; C, 25.1%; G, 12.6% and T, 29.3%. Two start codons (GTG and ATG) and two stop codons (TAG and TAA/T) were used in the protein-coding genes. The 22 tRNA genes were ranged from 67 bp (tRNA- Ser2 ) to 75 bp (tRNA- Leu1 ). The phylogenetic result showed that R. ancylostoma was clustered with the Rhinobatos., Competing Interests: This study was supported by Ministry of Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province (2013F50015). The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Taylor & Francis.)

This study was carried out in order to investigate bone dysfunction and the involvement of bradykinin receptors and the Eph/Ephrin signaling pathway in osteoblasts and in mice with diabetes-related osteoporosis in response to exposure to high glucose. Osteogenic transdifferentiation was inhibited when the osteoblasts were exposed to high glucose, and the expression levels of bone formation-related genes [Runx2 and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were decreased, while those of bone resorption-related genes [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9 and carbonic anhydrase II (CAII)] were increased. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression levels of bradykinin receptor B1 (BK1R)/bradykinin receptor B2 (BK2R) and EphB2/EphrinB2 were significantly decreased in the osteoblasts following exposure to high glucose. Intriguingly, the interaction between BK2R and EphB2/EphrinB2 was confirmed, and BK2R loss-of-function significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of EphB2/EphrinB4. In vivo, hyperglycemia induced the disequilibrium of calcium homeostasis through the inhibition of bone formation and the acceleration of bone resorption, which was manifested by the reduction of trabecular bone mass of the primary and secondary spongiosa, as well as by the increase in the number of mature osteoclasts throughout the proximal tibial metaphysis in mice with diabetes-related osteoporosis. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression levels of BK1R/BK2R and EphB2/EphrinB2 in the tibias of the mice with diabetes-related osteoporosis were significantly decreased. These results demonstrate that bradykinin receptors and the EphB4/EphrinB2 pathway mediate the development of complications in mice with diabetes-related osteoporosis and suggest that the inactivation of bradykinin receptors and the EphB4/EphrinB2 pathway enhance the severity of complications in mice with diabetes-related osteoporosis.

Here, we report the genome sequence for Leucobacter sp. strain G161 due to its distinct and effective hexavalent chromium reduction under aerobic growth conditions, followed by facultative anaerobic incubation. The draft genome sequence of Leucobacter sp. G161 comprises 3,554,188 bp, with an average G+C content of 65.3%, exhibiting 3,341 protein-coding genes and 55 predicted RNA genes., (Copyright © 2016 Ge et al.)

The complete mitochondrial genome of the zebra shark ( Stegostoma fasciatum ) was first determined in this study. The total length of this circle DNA was 16 658 bp, consisted of 37 genes with typical gene order in vertebrate mitogenome. Its nucleotide content was 34.1% A, 25.9% C, 12.5% G and 27.5% T. This mitogenome had 23 bp short intergenic spaces located in 10 gene junctions and 54 bp overlaps located in 11 gene junctions. In the protein-coding genes, two start codons (GTG and ATG) and two stop codons (TAG and TAA/T) were found. The 22 tRNA genes ranged from 66 bp (tRNA- Cys ) to 75 bp (tRNA- Leu1 ). The phylogenetic result showed that S. fasciatum was clustered with the whale shark Rhincodon typus ., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Taylor & Francis.)

Doxorubicin (DOX) is known to induce apoptosis and necrosis in healthy tissue resulting in unwanted toxicities. To improve the ability of DOX to more specifically target tumors and minimize undesirable side effects, conjugation of DOX with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)--binding peptide (DOX-EBP) has been developed to deliver DOX to EGFR-overexpressing neoplastic cells. Here, we investigated whether DOX-EBP was able to reduce toxicity and enhance anticancer efficacy in vivo through receptor-mediated targeted delivery system. Nude mice were treated with DOX or DOX-EBP to estimate general toxicity, normal tissue damage, biodistribution, and antitumor efficacy. In addition, the expression levels of EGFR in tumor tissues and normal organs were investigated by Western blotting, and their mRNA expression was analyzed by reverse transcription PCR. This study demonstrated that DOX-EBP was able to effectively decrease the distribution of DOX in normal tissues without EGFR overexpressing and reduce DOX-induced toxicity. On the other hand, the research also confirmed that DOX-EBP was able to preferentially accumulate DOX in EGFR-overexpressing tumor tissues and showed the enhanced anticancer efficacy over free DOX. DOX-EBP could be used for receptor-targeted chemotherapy with less toxicity and greater efficacy of tumor cells overexpressing EGFR. DOX-EBP conjugate is a good therapeutic agent for cancer treatment., (Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The complete mitochondrial genome of the peacock sole Pardachirus pavoninus was firstly determined in this study. It is 16,537 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and one control region with the typical gene order in vertebrates. There are 26 bp overlaps and 28 bp short intergenic spaces located in 7 and 11 gene junctions, respectively. The overall nucleotide composition of the L-strand is 29.1% A, 29.5% C, 16.4% G and 25.0% T. The 22 tRNAs range from 65 bp (tRNA-Cys) to 74 bp (tRNA-Val, tRNA-Leu1, tRNA-Lys and tRNA-Thr) in length. Two start codons (ATG and GTG) and two stop codons (AGG and TAA/T) were found in 13 protein-coding genes.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the milk sole fish Aseraggodes kobensis was determined in this study. It is 16,944 bp in length, contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and one putative control region with the typical gene order and transcriptional orientation in vertebrates. The nucleotide base content of A. kobensis mitochondrial genome is: 31.7% A, 27.3% C, 15.3% G and 25.8% T. There are 24 bp overlaps and 48 bp short intergenic spaces located in 6 and 12 gene junctions, respectively. Two start codons (ATG and GTG) and two stop codons (TAG and TAA/T) were found in protein-coding genes. The origin of L-strand replication sequence was found between the tRNA(Asn) and tRNA(Cys) genes, and could be folded into a hairpin structure. The control region is 1239 bp in length with the rich A+T (66.4%) and poor G (13.1%) content.

The whale shark Rhincodon typus (Pisces: Chondrichthyes, Orectolobiformes, Rhincodontidae) is the largest living fish on Earth. In this study, we presented its complete mitogenome. It is 16,928 bp in length, contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and one control region with the typical gene order and transcriptional direction in the vertebrates. Overall base composition of the R. typus mitogenome is 33.5% A, 24.3% C, 12.8% G and 29.5% T. Two start codon (GTG and ATG) and two stop codon patterns (TAG and TAA/T) were found in protein-coding genes. The tRNA-Ser2 could not be folded into the typical cloverleaf secondary structure because of the replacement of its dihydrouridine arm by a simple loop. A termination associated sequences (TAS) and three conserved sequence blocks (CSB1-3) were identified in the control region.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus is determined for the first time in this study. The gene composition and order in the mitogenome of C. melanopterus is identical to most vertebrates. The overall base composition is 31.3% A, 25.3% C, 13.3% G and 30.1% T. There are 29 bp overlaps and 21 bp short intergenic spaces in the mitogenome. Two start codons and three stop codons were found in protein-coding genes. The dihydrouridine arm of tRNA-Ser2 was replaced by a simple loop and the other tRNAs could be folded into the typical cloverleaf structure. The termination associated sequence (TAS) and the conserved sequence blocks (CSB1-3) are found in the control region.

The wavyband sole Pseudaesopia japonica is the only known member of the genus Pseudaesopia. In this study, we firstly determined the complete mitochondrial genome of P. japonica. It is 16,789 bp in length and contains two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and one putative control region with the typical gene order and transcriptional direction in vertebrates. The overall base composition of mitogenome in P. japonica is 28.4% A, 30.3% C, 15.6% G and 25.7% T. Two start codons (ATG and GTG) and four stop codons (AGA, AGG, TAG and TAA) were found in 13 protein-coding genes. The 22 tRNAs range from 67 bp (tRNA-Cys and tRNA-Tyr) to 75 bp (tRNA-Lys) in length. The control region is 1120 bp in length, representing a higher proportion of A + T (65.3%) while lower of G (12.0%).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the whitetip reef shark Triaenodon obesus is determined in this study. It is 16,700 bp in length, with the typical gene composition, arrangement and transcriptional orientation in vertebrates. The overall base composition is 31.4% A, 25.8% C, 13.2% G and 29.7% T. Two start codons and two stop codons are found in the protein-coding genes. The 22 tRNA genes ranged from 67 to 75 nucleotides. The tRNA-Ser2 lost the DHU arm and could not be folded to the typical cloverleaf secondary structure. The origin of L-strand replication (OL) sequence was identified between tRNA-Asn and tRNA-Cys genes. The high A+T content of control region is due to a lot of poly A and poly T.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the oriental sole Brachirus orientalis was presented in this study. It is 16,600 bp in length, contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and 1 control region. A total of 28 bp short overlaps and 23 bp non-coding intergenic spacers were found in the mitogenome. The overall base composition of the L-strand is 30.5% A, 28.7% C, 15.2% G and 25.6% T. Two start codons (ATG and GTG) and three stop codons (AGG, TAG and TAA/T) were found in the protein-coding genes. Twenty-two tRNA genes ranged from 66 bp to 75 bp. Since the tRNA-Ser2 lacks the dihydrouridine arm it can not fold into a typical cloverleaf structure. The control region demonstrates the highest A+T content (66.4%) and the lowest G content (11.8%) in the mitogenome.

CD36 is a key transporter involved in fatty acid (FA) uptake and contributes to the accumulation of FA in cardiomyocytes. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of ouabain, a glycoside regulator of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, in the regulation of CD36 expression and FA accumulation. FATP1 transgenic (Tg) mice with lipotoxic cardiomyopathy displayed significantly increased cardiac CD36 expression and free fatty acid accumulation. The data on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that endogenous ouabain was decreased in the serum of Tg mice versus wild-type mice. CD36 expression and free fatty acid accumulation in their primary cardiomyocytes were abated by treatment with 0.15-0.30 μM ouabain. CD36 expression was suppressed by 0.2 μM ouabain treatment, and the suppression was rescued by C-reactive protein. CD36 expression and free fatty acid accumulation in the heart were markedly reduced in Tg mice injected with 30 or 40 ng of ouabain (P < 0.01). Obvious fatty infiltration was found in noninjected Tg mice but not in the mice injected with 40 ng of ouabain. In conclusion, low-dose exogenous ouabain increased Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity, suppressed C-reactive protein-mediated CD36 expression, and alleviated murine cardiac lipotoxicity in vitro and in vivo.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the brown guitarfish Rhinobatos schlegelii is presented for the first time in this study. It is 16,780 bp in length, consisting 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 1 putative control region with the typical gene order and direction of transcription in vertebrates. The overall base composition is 32.1% A, 26.3% C, 13.2% G and 28.3% T. Two start codon (GTG and ATG) and two stop codon patterns (TAG and TAA/T) were found in protein-coding genes. The 22 tRNA genes ranged from 67 (tRNA-Ser2) to 75 (tRNA-Leu1) bp in length. The origin of L-strand replication (OL) was between tRNA-Asn and tRNA-Cys genes within the WANCY region. The tRNA-Ser2 could not be fold into the typical cloverleaf secondary structure because of the replacement of its dihydrouridine arm by a simple loop. The control region was 1089 bp in length with high A + T content (64.0%).

Porcine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (pBMSCs) have the potential for application in regenerative medicine. This study aims to investigate the effects of extracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]o) on pBMSCs proliferation and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. The results demonstrated that 4 mM [Ca(2+)]o significantly promoted pBMSCs proliferation by reducing the G0/G1 phase cell percentage and by increasing the S phase cell proportion and the proliferation index of pBMSCs. Accordingly, [Ca(2+)]o stimulated the expression levels of proliferative genes such as cyclin A2, cyclin D1/3, cyclin E2, and PCNA and inhibited the expression of p21. In addition, [Ca(2+)]o resulted in a significant elevation of intracellular calcium and an increased ratio of p-ERK/ERK. However, inhibition of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) by its antagonist NPS2143 abolished the aforementioned effects of [Ca(2+)]o. Moreover, [Ca(2+)]o-induced promotion of pBMSCs proliferation, the changes of proliferative genes expression levels, and the activation of ERK1/2 signaling pathway were effectively blocked by U0126, a selective ERK kinase inhibitor. In conclusion, our findings provided evidence that the enhanced pBMSCs proliferation in response to [Ca(2+)]o was associated with the activation of CaSR and ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which may be useful for the application of pBMSCs in future clinical studies aimed at tissue regeneration and repair.

The complete mitogenome the longtail butterfly ray (Gymnura poecilura) was first presented in this study. It is 17,874 bp in length, contains 37 genes with the typical gene order and transcriptional direction in vertebrates. The overall base composition is: 28.5% A, 26.5% T, 15.0% G and 30.1% C. There are 26 bp overlaps and 41 bp short intergenic spaces located in 7 and 16 gene junctions, respectively. Two start codons (ATG and GTG) and two stop codons (TAG and TAA/T) were used in protein-coding genes. The origin of L-strand replication (OL) was found between tRNA-Asn and tRNA-Cys genes. The control region has the same A and C contents (28.8%).

The complete mitogenome was first determined for a minnow Hemiculter leucisculus in this study. It is 16,622 bp in length and has 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and 1 control region. Overall nucleotide base composition is 30.4% A, 27.10% C, 17.10% G and 25.40% T. All the tRNA genes can fold into the typical clover-leaf secondary structures, except the tRNA-Ser2 which loses the dihydrouridine arm and is replaced with one 11 bp loop. The origin of light-strand replication (OL) was found between the tRNA-Asn and tRNA-Cys genes while the termination associated sequence (TAS) and the conserved sequence blocks (CSB1-3) were found in the control region.

A quantitative determination method for the diagnosis of hyperlipidemia was developed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Random forest (RF) was demonstrated as a potential multivariate algorithm for the FTIR analysis of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and tri-glycerides (TG) in human serum samples. The informative wavebands for LDL-C and TG were selected based on the Gini importance. The selected wavebands were mainly within the fingerprint region. The RF modeling results were better than those derived using PLS in validation process, because the chance for over-fitting was possibly eliminated in RF algorithm. ARF also demonstrated favorable results in the test process. The prospective model exhibited a higher than 90% true prediction in negative/positive properties for male and female samples. These clinical statistical results indicated the optimization of RF algorithm performed accurately in the FTIR determination of LDL-C and TG. RF is evaluated as a promising tool for diagnosing and controlling hyperlipidemia in populations. The parameter optimization methodology is useful in the improving model accuracy using FTIR spectroscopic technology., (© 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.)

Elemental sulfur cathodes for lithium/sulfur cells are still in the stage of intensive research due to their unsatisfactory capacity retention and cyclability. The undesired capacity degradation upon cycling originates from gradual diffusion of lithium polysulfides out of the cathode region. To prevent losses of certain intermediate soluble species and extend lifespan of cells, the effective encapsulation of sulfur plays a critical role. Here we report an applicable way, by using thin-layered nickel-based hydroxide as a feasible and effective encapsulation material. In addition to being a durable physical barrier, such hydroxide thin films can irreversibly react with lithium to generate protective layers that combine good ionic permeability and abundant functional polar/hydrophilic groups, leading to drastic improvements in cell behaviours (almost 100% coulombic efficiency and negligible capacity decay within total 500 cycles). Our present encapsulation strategy and understanding of hydroxide working mechanisms may advance progress on the development of lithium/sulfur cells for practical use.

An unprecedented rhodium(III)-catalyzed regioselective redox-neutral annulation reaction of 1-naphthylamine N-oxides with diazo compounds was developed to afford various biologically important 1H-benzo[g]indolines. This coupling reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions and does not require external oxidants. The only by-products are dinitrogen and water. More significantly, this reaction represents the first example of dual functiaonalization of unactivated a primary C(sp(3) )H bond and C(sp(2) )H bond with diazocarbonyl compounds. DFT calculations revealed that an intermediate iminium is most likely involved in the catalytic cycle. Moreover, a rhodium(III)-catalyzed coupling of readily available tertiary aniline N-oxides with α-diazomalonates was also developed under external oxidant-free conditions to access various aminomandelic acid derivatives by an O-atom-transfer reaction., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Introduction: Transient elastography has good diagnostic accuracy for predicting fibrosis and cirrhosis related to hepatitis B virus. However, the enrolled subjects in some studies have also included chronic hepatitis B patients with chronic hepatitis C coinfection or other etiologies of liver diseases. This might under- or overestimate the role of transient elastography in chronic hepatitis B patients., Methods: A systematic review was conducted on records in PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library electronic databases until 31 December 2013. We systematically assessed the effectiveness and accuracy of transient elastography for predicting the fibrosis and cirrhosis of the single hepatitis B virus. The questionnaire for quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies was used., Results: In this meta-analysis, out of 257 articles evaluated for eligibility, 165 satisfied the predetermined inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Eventually, our final data set for the meta-analysis contained 19 studies. The areas under the summary receiver-operating characteristic curve for transient elastography of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.8225 and 0.9108, respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratios for transient elastography of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 11.19 (95 % CI 6.63-18.89) and 26.87 (95 % CI 17.88-40.38), respectively. In Europe, the areas of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.803 and 0.905; those in Asia were 0.871 and 0.914, respectively., Conclusions: Based on this meta-analysis we claim that liver stiffness measurement using transient elastography has good diagnostic accuracy for predicting single hepatitis B virus-related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis, especially in Asian populations.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nano-CeO₂) have been reported to cause damage and apoptosis in human primary hepatocytes. Here, we compared the toxicity of three types of nano-CeO₂ with different nanocrystal morphologies (cube-, octahedron-, and rod-like crystals) in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). The cells were treated with the nano-CeO₂ at various concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 μg/mL). The crystal structure, size and morphology of nano-CeO₂ were investigated by X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. The specific surface area was detected using the Brunauer, Emmet and Teller method. The cellular morphological and internal structure were observed by microscopy; apoptotic alterations were measured using flow cytometry; nuclear DNA, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) in HepG2 cells were measured using high content screening technology. The scavenging ability of hydroxyl free radicals and the redox properties of the nano-CeO₂ were measured by square-wave voltammetry and temperature-programmed-reduction methods. All three types of nano-CeO₂ entered the HepG2 cells, localized in the lysosome and cytoplasm, altered cellular shape, and caused cytotoxicity. The nano-CeO₂ with smaller specific surface areas induced more apoptosis, caused an increase in MMP, ROS and GSH, and lowered the cell's ability to scavenge hydroxyl free radicals and antioxidants. In this work, our data demonstrated that compared with cube-like and octahedron-like nano-CeO₂, the rod-like nano-CeO₂ has lowest toxicity to HepG2 cells owing to its larger specific surface areas.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic pathogen of the phylum Microspora that infects humans as well as a variety of animal species worldwide. While molecular epidemiologic studies have characterized this parasite in various hosts, isolates from many susceptible hosts have not yet been examined. In this study, E. bieneusi was isolated from 47 Pere David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in Henan, China and characterized via PCR analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene. E. bieneusi was detected in 16 out of 47 (34.0%) fecal specimens examined. Sequence analysis of the ITS revealed six known genotypes: type IV (4), EbpC (4), EbpA (4), BEB6 (2), COS-I (1), and COS-II (1). Of these, type IV, EbpC, and EbpA are known to cause human microsporidiosis worldwide, whereas the remaining genotypes are generally specific to ruminants. The present study indicated that Pere David's deer are naturally infected with E. bieneusi, predominantly with zoonotic genotypes, and may pose a risk for human transmission., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The complete mitochondrial genome of the ringstraked guitarfish Rhinobatos hynnicephalus is firstly presented in this study, which is also the first representative in the family Rhinobatidae. It is 16,776 bp in length and contains 37 genes and one control region as the typical gene arrangement and transcriptional direction in vertebrates. The overall base composition is 31.7% A, 26.8% C, 13.5% G and 28.1% T. The 22 tRNA genes ranged from 67 bp (tRNA-Ser2) to 75 bp (tRNA-Leu1). The origin of L-strand replication (OL) sequence was identified between tRNA-Asn and tRNA-Cys genes. The termination associated sequence (TAS) and the conserved sequence blocks (CSB 1--3) were recognized in the control region.

Little is known about the cost-benefit of soft silicone foam dressings in pressure ulcer (PU) prevention among critically ill patients in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU). A randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy of soft silicone foam dressings in preventing sacral and heel PUs was undertaken among 440 critically ill patients in an acute care hospital. Participants were randomly allocated either to an intervention group with prophylactic dressings applied to the sacrum and heels in the ED and changed every 3 days in the ICU or to a control group with standard PU prevention care provided during their ED and ICU stay. The results showed a significant reduction of PU incidence rates in the intervention group (P = 0·001). The intervention cost was estimated to be AU$36·61 per person based on an intention-to-treat analysis, but this was offset by lower downstream costs associated with PU treatment (AU$1103·52). Therefore, the average net cost of the intervention was lower than that of the control (AU$70·82 versus AU$144·56). We conclude that the use of soft silicone multilayered foam dressings to prevent sacral and heel PUs among critically ill patients results in cost savings in the acute care hospital., (© 2013 The Authors. International Wound Journal © 2013 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

A Rh(III)- or Ir(III)-catalyzed direct aldehyde C-H alkynylation was developed for the first time as a simple and practical method for the synthesis of ynones. This catalytic reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions and tolerates a variety of synthetically important functional groups (e.g., chloro, bromo, aldehyde), thus providing a good complement to previous methods.

A two-person-30-day controlled ecological life support system (CELSS) integrated test was carried out, and more than 30 kinds of trace harmful gases including formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia were measured and analyzed dynamically. The results showed that the kinds and quantities of the trace harmful gases presented a continuously fluctuating state during the experimental period, but none of them exceed the spacecraft maximum allowable concentration (SMAC). The results of the Pre-Test (with two persons without plants for 3 days) and the Test (with two persons and four kinds of plants for 30 days) showed that there are some notable differences for the compositions of the trace harmful gases; the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, hexane, and acetamide were searched out in the Pre-Test, but were not found in the Test. Moreover, the concentrations of the trace harmful gases such as acetic benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia decreased greatly in the Test more than those in the Pre-Test, which means that the plants can purify these gases efficiently. In addition, the VOCs such as carbon monoxide, cyclopentane, and dichloroethylene were checked out in the Test but none in the Pre-Test, which indicates that these materials might be from the crew's metabolites or those devices in the platform. Additionally, the ethylene released specially by plants accumulated in the later period and its concentration reached nearly ten times of 0.05 mg m(-3) (maximum allowed concentration for plant growth, which must have promoted the later withering of plants). We hoped that the work can play a referring function for controlling VOCs effectively so that future more CELSS integrating tests can be implemented smoothly with more crew, longer period, and higher closure.

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are serious skin injuries whereby the wound healing process is frequently stalled in the inflammatory phase. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulate as a result of inflammation and promote cutaneous wound healing by mechanisms that are not fully understood. Recently, MDSCs have been shown to differentiate into fibrocytes, which serve as emerging effector cells that enhance cell proliferation in wound healing. We postulate that in wound healing MDSCs not only execute their immunosuppressive function to regulate inflammation but also stimulate cell proliferation once they differentiate into fibrocytes. In the current study, by using full-thickness and PU mouse models, we found that Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) deficiency resulted in decreased accumulation of MDSCs and fibrocytes, and wound healing was significantly delayed. Conversely, KLF4 activation by the plant-derived product Mexicanin I increased the number of MDSCs and fibrocytes and accelerated the wound healing. Collectively, our study revealed a previously unreported function of MDSCs in cutaneous wound healing and identified Mexicanin I as a potential agent to accelerate PU wound healing.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the pelagic thresher Alopias pelagicus is first presented in this study. It is 16,692 bp in length and contains the 37 genes and 1 control region with the typical gene order and transcriptional direction in the vertebrates. The overall base composition is 32.1% A, 29.3% T, 25.3% C and 13.3% G. Totally, 27 bp overlaps and 25 bp short intergenic spaces are dispersal in the mitogenome. The tRNA-Ser2 (GCU) cannot be folded into the typical cloverleaf structure because of lacking the dihydrouridine arm. Two start codons (ATG and GTG) and three stop codons (AGG, TAG and TAA/T) were used in the 13 protein-coding genes.

In this study, we first presented the complete mitochondrial genome of the blue shark Prionace Glauca, a pelagic and oceanic species. It is 16,705 bp in length and contains 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and 1 putative control region. The overall base composition is 31.6% A, 24.4% C, 13.1% G and 30.9% T. Overlaps and short inter-genic spaces are located in the genome. The tRNA-Ser2 loses the dihydrouridine arm and cannot be folded into the typical clover-leaf secondary structure. Two start codons (GTG and ATG) with two stop codons (TAG and TAA) or with one incomplete stop codon (T) are found in the 13 protein-coding genes. The control region contains high A + T (69.9%) and low G (12.0%).