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An A/G polymorphism (rs3746444) has been identified in the miR-499 gene that can change the conformation of the secondary gene structure and thereby directly affect binding to target mRNAs and the microRNA (miRNA) maturation process, thus altering protein expression and potentially contributing to cancer susceptibility. Numerous studies investigating the association between the rs3746444 polymorphism and cancers have been published; however, results are inconsistent and inconclusive. To clarify the relationship between the miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and cancer, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis on 14 case-control studies comprising 7189 cases and 8577 controls. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by using dominant, recessive, and co-dominant genetic models. A publication bias test and subgroup analysis were also performed. Results showed that the G allele was associated with a significantly increased cancer risk compared to the A allele (OR = 1.09; 95%CI = 1.00-1.18). Similarly, moderately elevated risks were also observed in overall analyses in the dominant model (OR = 1.13; 95%CI = 1.01-1.26). Moreover, significantly increased risks were observed in Asian populations (G allele vs A allele: OR = 1.18; 95%CI = 1.01-1.37; GG vs AA: OR = 1.36; 95%CI = 1.07-1.73; dominant model: OR = 1.19; 95%CI = 1.00-1.41; recessive model: OR = 1.31; 95%CI = 1.03-1.66), but not in European populations. These findings indicate that the miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism is associated with an increased cancer risk.

The flight distance, flight time and individual flight activities of males and females of Dendroctonus armandi were recorded during 96-h flight trials using a flight mill system. The body weight, glucose, glycogen and lipid content of four treatments (naturally emerged, starved, phloem-fed and water-fed) were compared among pre-flight, post-flight and unflown controls. There was no significant difference between males and females in total flight distance and flight time in a given 24-h period. The flight distance and flight time of females showed a significant linear decline as the tethered flying continued, but the sustained flight ability of females was better than that of males. The females had higher glycogen and lipid content than the males; however, there was no significant difference between both sexes in glucose content. Water-feeding and phloem-feeding had significant effects on longevity, survival days and flight potential of D. armandi, which resulted in longer feeding days, poorer flight potential and lower energy substrate content. Our results demonstrate that flight distances in general do not differ between water-fed and starved individuals, whereas phloem-fed females and males fly better than water-fed and starved individuals.

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are useful for producing transgenic chickens and preserving genetic material in avian species. In this study, we investigated the in vitro differentiation potential of chicken PGCs into different cell types. For differentiation into adipocytes, chicken PGCs were cultured for 21 days in induction media containing dexamethasone, insulin and/or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), and differentiation rates ranging from 74% to 91% were identified by oil red-O and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. For differentiation into neuron-like cells, chicken PGCs were cultured for 3 or 7 days in the induction media containing retinoic acid (RA) and IBMX, and differentiation rates ranging from 71% to 87% were identified by toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemical staining. For differentiation into osteoblasts, chicken PGCs were cultured for 15 or 21 days in the induction media containing desamethasone, beta-glycerol phosphate and/or vitamin C, and differentiation rates ranging from 47% to 79% were confirmed by Von Kossa, cytochemical and immunohistochemical staining. These data suggest that, like mammalian PGCs, chicken PGCs can differentiate into different cell types in vitro., ((c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The differential Raman scattering cross-sections of totally-symmetric vibrational modes for pyridine and pyridine-metal clusters have been calculated by using ab initio and density functional methods. The results are compared with experimental data and a good agreement is obtained. In particular, we can theoretically reproduce the significant changes in the relative Raman intensities of the nu(12) mode in pyridine-metal cluster complexes. We focus on two mechanisms for these Raman intensities changes: (1) the chemical interaction between the pyridine and the metal clusters; and (2) the charge transfer mechanism. For the pyridine-silver cluster complexes, we find that due to the weak bonding, the chemical interaction does not influence the relative intensities of the Raman peaks of the nu(1) and nu(12) modes. However, in the case where the copper or the gold clusters are attached to pyridine, the intensity of the band of the nu(12) mode is weakened significantly. We also find that the charge transfer mechanism increases the asymmetry of the bands of the nu(1) and nu(12) modes on all three metals.

Eleven cases of pericardial cysts and 3 cases of pericardial diverticulum were reported. The prominent X-ray manifestations were a round or oval shape shadow with homogeneous density and smooth border in the mediastinum. In this series, the sizes of the lesions were 5-22 cm in diameter with averaged 9.9 cm. In the cases of pericardial diverticulum with a large base, fluoroscopic examination usually revealed that variation in contour of diventiculums during respiration and changing in position of the patients. Some aspects on the operation for pericardial cysts with secondary infection or adhering to the cardiac muscles were suggested in this paper.

A centrifugal counter-current partition chromatograph has been developed and tested in order to simplify earlier counter-current chromatographic (CCC) procedures. It includes a helical coil rotor and a rotating face-seal. The rotor is designed to be adapted in an ordinary laboratory centrifuge for toroidal coil CCC. Twisting between the inlet and outlet tubing is avoided by using the rotating seal in the rotor. The seal is placed between the rotor, on which helical coils are mounted, and a newly designed centrifuge lid. This chromatographic rotor, rotating simply around its own axis, has simplified a previous CCC device in which a coil planet mechanism is used to avoid tube twisting whilst retaining the capability for chromatographic separations. Results for separations of nystatin, dinitrophenylamino acids and Poly I:C were comparable to those obtained by liquid chromatography and the previous CCC procedure.