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This study explored the role of P2X7 receptors in spinal cord astrocytes in the electroacupuncture-induced inhibition of visceral hypersensitivity (VH) in rats with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Visceral hypersensitivity of IBS was intracolonically induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Visceromotor responses to colorectal distension (CRD-20,40,60,80 mmHg) and abdominal withdrawal reflex scoring (AWRs) were recorded after electroacupuncture at bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoints to evaluate the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture on visceral pain in rats with IBS. Fluorocitric acid (FCA), an astrocyte activity inhibitor, was injected intrathecally before electroacupuncture intervention and AWRs were recorded. Western blot and real-time qPCR were used to detect the expression of NMDA and P2X7 receptor to observe the regulation effect of electroacupuncture on NMDA receptor in the spinal cord of rats with visceral hypersensitivity. Intrathecal injection of P2X7 agonist or antagonist was administered before electroacupuncture treatment. To observe the effect of P2X7 receptor in spinal astrocytes on the inhibition of visceral hyperalgesia by electroacupuncture, the changes of AWR score, NMDA receptor in the spinal cord, and GFAP expression in astrocytes were detected. Inflammation of the colon had basically subsided at day 21 post-TNBS; persistent visceral hypersensitivity could be suppressed by electroacupuncture. This analgesic effect could be inhibited by FCA. The analgesic effect, downregulation of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit, and P2X7 protein of electroacupuncture were all reversed by FCA. P2X7 receptor antagonist A740003 can cooperate with EA to carry out analgesic effect in rats with visceral pain and downregulate the expression of NR1, NR2B, and GFAP in spinal dorsal horn. However, the P2X7 receptor agonist BzATP could partially reverse the analgesic effect of EA, inhibiting the downregulatory effect of EA on the expression of NR1, NR2B, and GFAP. These results indicate that EA may downregulate the expression of the NMDA receptor by inhibiting the P2X7 receptor in the spinal cord, thereby inhibiting spinal cord sensitization in IBS rats with visceral pain, in which astrocytes are an important medium.

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a pathological stage in the Correa's cascade, whereby Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the primary cause. Cellular senescence is an inducing factor for cancer occurrence and cellular senescence is an obvious phenomenon in gastric mucosal tissues of H. pylori-positive CAG patients.In this review, we collated the information on cellular senescence and H. pylori-positive CAG.At present, only a few studies have observed the effect of cellular senescence on precancerous lesions. In combination with the latest research, this review has collated the information on cellular senescence and H. pylori-positive CAG from four aspects- telomere shortening, DNA methylation, increased reacive oxygen species (ROS) production, and failure of autophagy.This is expected to be helpful for exploring the relevant mechanisms underlying inflammatory cancerous transformation and formulating appropriate treatment strategies.

The 5-methylcytosine (m5C) RNA methyltransferase NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 5 (NSUN5) has been reported to serve important roles in numerous diseases. However, the functions and clinical significance of NSUN5 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. Clinical information and NSUN5 mRNA sequencing data for 374 patients with HCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and NSUN5 mRNA and protein expression levels in 120 patients with HCC (present study cohorts) were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting or immunohistochemistry. The association between NSUN5 mRNA and protein expression levels and the clinical characteristics (or prognosis) of patients with HCC was analyzed using the χ

Endothelial tight junctions (TJs) serve as an important barrier in vascular endothelial structure and maintain vascular function homeostasis. Occludin, the most representative tight junction protein, is involved in sealing cell connections and maintaining the integrity and permeability of vascular endothelium. Recent studies have shown that alterations in the expression, distribution, and structure of endothelial TJs may lead to many related vascular diseases and pathologies (such as stroke, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension etc.). Here, we reviewed the research advances on the relationship between occludin and vascular endothelial injury, including the biological information of occludin, the signal pathways that occludin exerts the protective effect of vascular endothelium, and the relationship between occludin and vascular endothelial injury-related diseases.

To observe the effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion (HPM) on the miRNA expression profile of thyroid tissue in experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) rats.Rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC) group, EAT model (EAT) group, HPM group and western medicine (Med) group. EAT model rats were prepared by a combined immunization with complete and incomplete Freund's adjuvant emulsified with porcine thyroglobulin and iodine. Rats in the HPM group were treated with HPM, while rats in the Med group were treated with levothyrocine (1 μg/2 mL) by gavage. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphological changes of thyroid tissue, ELISAs was uaed to detect the serum concentrations of TGAb, TPOAb, FT3, FT4, TSH. We then performed high-throughput miRNA sequencing to analyse the miRNA expression profiles in the thyroid tissues, followed by a bioinformatics analysis. RT-qPCR was used to verify the identified differentially expressed miRNAs.HPM improved the thyroid tissue morphology and reduced serum TPOAb, TGAb, TSH concentration in EAT rats (P0.05), but with no obvious effect on FT3 and FT4 concentration. While the TSH, FT3 and FT4 concentration was significantly changed in the Med group (P0.01 or P0.05) compared with that of EAT group. Sequencing results showed that a total of 17 miRNAs were upregulated, and 4 were downregulated in the EAT rats, in which the expression levels of miR-346 and miR-331-5p were reversed by HPM. The target genes of the miRNAs that regulated by HPM were associated with a variety of immune factors and immune signals. RT-qPCR verification showed that the expression of miRNA-346 and miRNA-331-5p was consistent with the sequencing results.HPM could regulate the the expression of miRNA-346 and miRNA-331-5p, then act on their target genes to immune and inflammation-related pathways, which may be one of the mechanisms of HPM on EAT rats.

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors that regulate the transcription of target genes. Bile acids (BAs) can be used as effector molecules to regulate physiological processes in the gut, and NRs are important receptors for bile acid signaling. Relevant studies have shown that NRs are closely related to the occurrence of Crohn’s disease (CD). Although the mechanism of NRs in CD has not been clarified completely, growing evidence shows that NRs play an important role in regulating intestinal immunity, mucosal barrier, and intestinal flora. NRs can participate in the progress of CD by mediating inflammation, immunity, and autophagy. As the important parts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy, acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of CD curative mechanism can get a lot of research support. At the same time, acupuncture and moxibustion can regulate the changes of related NRs. Therefore, to explore whether acupuncture can regulate BA circulation and NRs expression and then participate in the disease progression of CD, a new theoretical basis for acupuncture treatment of CD is provided.

Background The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is closely related to the gut microbiota. Moxibustion has been used to improve the inflammation and gastrointestinal dysfunctions in gastrointestinal disorders such as UC. In this study, we investigated whether moxibustion could improve the gut microbial dysbiosis induced by dextran sulphate sodium. Methods Twenty-five male rats were randomly assigned into five groups. The UC rat model was established by administering DSS solution. The rats in the moxibustion and normal rats with moxibustion groups were treated with moxibustion at Tianshu (bilateral, ST25) points, and the mesalazine group rats were treated with mesalazine once daily for 7 consecutive days. Disease activity index (DAI) and haematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate the effect of moxibustion. Gut microbiota profiling was conducted by metagenomic high throughput sequencing technology. The gut microbiota composition, diversity and function were analyzed and compared using metagenomics methodologies. Results The DAI scores and histopathology scores in the moxibustion and mesalazine groups were significantly decreased compared with the UC group (P Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Ascomycota, Synergistetes and decreased abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria. At the genus level, the abundance of Bacteroides, Bacteroides_bacterium_M7, Prevotella, Bacteroidales_bacterium_H2, were increased and Bacteroides_bacterium_H3, Parabacteroides, Porphyromonas, Alistipes, Parasutterella were decreased in the UC group in comparsion with those in the NG group. Moxibustion increased the abundance of Bacteroides and Bacteroides_bacterium_H3 and decreased Bacteroides_bacterium_M7, Prevotella, Bacteroidales_bacterium_H2. In UC group, the specie Bacteroides_massiliensis was negatively (P Bacteroides_eggerthii_CAG109 and Bacteroides_eggerthii were negatively (P Prevotella_sp_CAG1031 and Bacteroides_bacterium_H2 were significant positively (P Conclusions Our findings suggest that moxibustion treatment may protect the host from mucosal inflammation by modulating the intestinal microbiota community.

To evaluate the efficacy of herb-partitioned moxibustion (HPM) at Qihai (CV6), Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints in relieving symptoms and the immune regulation of HPM on the toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.A randomized, single-blind study was conducted 63 patients to receive HPM or sham HPM treatment. The efficacy outcomes included scores of the Mayo, Baron, inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ), self-rating depression scale (SDS), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS). HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of the colon. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and TLR4 signaling pathway related molecules were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry.Baron, SDS, SAS scores were significantly decreased in moxibustion group (P0.05), IBDQ score was significantly greater in the moxibustion group than in the sham moxibustion group (P0.05). Histopathology of mucosal biopsies showed that both two groups improved in mucosa after treatment. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-2, interleukin-12, interferon-γ, and TLR4, lipopolysaccharide, myeloid differentiation factor 88, interleukin receptor associated kinase, tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 and nuclear factor kappa-B p65 were significantly lower in the moxibustion group than in the sham moxibustion group (P0.05).This study showed that HPM at Qihai?(CV6),?Tianshu?(ST25) and?Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints is effective to relieve symptoms, anxiety, depression and improving life quality in UC patients, which may be related to the immune regulation of HPM on TLR4 signaling pathway.

Phytophthora infestans is the pathogen of potato late blight, which is one of the most serious diseases of the potato. Myxobacteria, especially Myxococcus, become a valuable biological control resource due to their preponderant abilities to produce various secondary metabolites with novel structure and remarkable biological activity. In a previous study, Myxococcus fulvus B25-I-3 with antagonistic activity against P. infestans was isolated from an environmental sample by rabbit fecal induction method. The biocontrol mechanism of M. fulvus B25-I-3 against P. infestans and its control efficiency on potato late blight were studied. The results showed that the active substances produced by strain B25-I-3 had strong inhibitory effect on the asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction of P. infestans. In addition, the active substances could reduce the content of soluble proteins and the activity of the protective enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, superoxide dismutase) in P. infestans and increase the oxidative damage and permeability of cell membrane. And the active substances could inhibit the infection of the detached potato leaves by P. infestans significantly. In conclusion, M. fulvus B25-I-3 can produce active substances against P. infestans and has potential value to develop into biological pesticides for the control of potato late blight. The completion of this work may provide basic data for the isolation and identification of active substances and the development of pesticides against potato late blight.

The role of RNA m5C (5-methylcytosine) and RNA m5C methyltransferases (RCMTs, including NSUN1, NSUN2, NSUN3, NSUN4, NSUN5, NSUN6, NSUN7 and TRDMT1) in human cancers remains largely unknown. In this study, GEPIA2 was used to compare the expression of RCMTs in human cancers and that in associated normal tissues, and to analyze the prognosis value of NSUN5 expression. UALCAN was used to compare the methylation level of NSUN5 promoter in human cancers and that in associated normal tissues. LinkedOmics was used perform BPs (biological processes), CCs (cellular components), MFs (molecular functions) and KEGG pathways analyses of NSUN5-correlated genes in each cancer one by one. We found that six RCMTs (NSUN1-NSUN5 and TRDMT1), especially NSUN5, were generally upregulated in human cancers, that the hypomethylation of NSUN5 promoter may be responsible for its upregulation, and that overexpressed NSUN5 predicted poorer prognosis and was positively correlated with translation in human cancers. The function of NSUN5 in human cancers and its mechanism need to be validated by biological experiments.

Background and aim The microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of the terminal ileum, sigmoid colon, and rectal mucosa of adult patients with active Crohn's disease (CD) have been previously reported. The purpose of this study was to identify dysregulated miRNAs in the mucosa of the ascending colon. Methods Biopsy tissue samples were taken from the mucosae of inflammatory (iCD) or noninflammatory (niCD) areas of the ascending colons of adult patients with active CD. miRNA and mRNA expression profiles were detected using microarray analyses. miRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) demonstrating significant differences were validated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Luciferase reporter genes were used to measure two miRNAs inhibition of potential target genes in human 293T cells in vitro. Results Compared with the healthy control group, the ascending colon miRNA expression profiles revealed that 43 miRNAs were significantly upregulated and 35 were downregulated in the iCD group. The mRNA expression profiles indicated that 3370 transcripts were significantly differentially expressed in the ascending colon, with 2169 upregulated and 1201 downregulated mRNAs in the iCD group, and only 20 miRNAs demonstrated significant differential expression in the niCD group. In contrast, nearly 100 miRNAs significantly varied between the iCD and niCD groups. Finally, luciferase reporter gene assays showed that hsa-miR-16-1 directly regulated the human C10orf54 gene and that they were negatively correlated. Conclusions Our results indicated that the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs were related to immune inflammation and intestinal flora. The data provide preliminary evidence that the occurrence of CD involves the inhibition of C10orf54 expression by hsa-miR-16-1.

Objective To explore the regulating effect of moxibustion on the enteric nervous system of rats with Crohn's disease. Methods Ten SD rats were selected randomly from 40 rats as normal control (group A), and the other 30 rats were established into Crohn's disease rat models by adopting clysis method with TNBS. On the basis of modeling successfully, the model rats were randomly divided into model group (group B), herbs-partitioned moxibustion group (group C) and mild moxibustion group (group D) with 8 rats in each group (4 rats were dead during modeling. After modeling, 2 rats were selected from group A, and 2 rats were selected from models for determination, at last, 8 rats were included in each group). In group C and group D, herbs-partitioned moxibustion or mild moxibustion was applied on “Tiānshū ( ST 25)” bilaterally, and the rats in group A and group B were fixed as in treatment groups. HE stain was conducted, and morphological observation was performed on the colonic tissue of rats; the expression levels of proteins of S-100, SP, NPY and their receptors were observed by adopting immunohistochemical method. Results Compared with group A, the expression levels of proteins of S-100, SP and its receptor NK1R, NPY and its receptors NPY1R and NPY2R in the intestinal tract of rats in model groups increased obviously, and the differences were statistically significant. (Ps-100 Conclusion Moxibustion treatment may regulate the expression levels of proteins of S-100, SP, NK1R, NPY, NPYIR and NPY2R through warm stimulation, alleviate inflammatory response of colonic tissue, and repair impaired colonic mucosa, thus achieving the goal of treating Crohn's disease.

To explore the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture nerve stimulation therapy (ENST) for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS).A total of 68 patients with IC/PBS were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 34 cases in each one. The patients in the observation group were treated with ENST; abdominal four acupoints and sacral four acupoints were connected with a pair of electrodes and treated alternately every other day. The ENST was given 50 min per times, three times a week for 3 months. The patients in the control group were treated with perfusion therapy of four-medication combination (heparin sodinm, lidocaine, sodium bicarbonate, gentamicin sulfate), twice a week for the first 6-8 weeks, followed by twice per month for 3 months. The infusion fluid remained for 1 h before discharging. The O' Leary-Sant score, including interstitial cystitis symptom index (ICSI) and interstitial cystitis problem index (ICPI), 24 h urination frequency, visual analogue scale (VAS) and maximum bladder volume were observed before treatment and treatment of 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment respectively; the adverse events during the treatment were also recorded.Compared before treatment, the O'Leary-Sant score (ICSI, ICPI), 24 h urination frequency, VAS and maximum bladder volume in the two groups were improved after 1, 3 months treatment and 6 months after treatment (allENST could effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of IC/PBS, but its long-term efficacy needs further observation.

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) tension. Angiotensin II (Ang II) as the main effector molecule of RAS can increase the intracellular Ca

Abnormal pain processing in the central nervous system may be related to abdominal pain in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in resting-state brain activity in patients with CD in remission and its relationship with the presence of abdominal pain. Twenty-five patients with CD and with abdominal pain, 25 patients with CD and without abdominal pain, and 32 healthy subjects were scanned using a 3.0-T functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) was used to assess resting-state brain activity. Daily pain scores were collected 1 week before functional magnetic resonance imaging. We found that patients with abdominal pain exhibited lower ReHo values in the insula, middle cingulate cortex (MCC), and supplementary motor area and higher ReHo values in the temporal pole. In contrast, patients without abdominal pain exhibited lower ReHo values in the hippocampal/parahippocampal cortex and higher ReHo values in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (all P < 0.05, corrected). The ReHo values of the insula and MCC were significantly negatively correlated with daily pain scores for patients with abdominal pain (r = -0.53, P = 0.008 and r = -0.61, P = 0.002, respectively). These findings suggest that resting-state brain activities are different between remissive patients with CD with and without abdominal pain and that abnormal activities in insula and MCC are closely related to the severity of abdominal pain.

Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is an important pathological process of cardiac remodeling in patients with heart failure; however its etiology has not been clear. It has been known that the angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibody (AT1-AA) is present in patients with heart failure, but it is unclear whether this antibody directly causes MF. In this study, we investigated the role of AT1-AA in MF and its effects on cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). The AT1-AA positive rat model was established by active immunization method, and the measurement of indexes were made in the 8th week after active immunity. The results of heart echocardiography showed that the cardiac systolic and diastolic functions of AT1-AA positive rats were impaired with reduced left ventricular wall thickness and enlarged heart chambers. HE staining results showed that the myocardial fibers were disorganized and ruptured, and Masson staining revealed that the area of collagen fibers around the myocardium and coronary arteries was significantly increased in AT1-AA positive group compared with that of the control group (P0.05). Moreover, primary CFs isolated from neonatal rats were cultured and treated with AT1-AA for 48 h. CCK-8 and immunofluorescence staining results showed that AT1-AA enhanced proliferation rate of CFs (P0.001), and Western blot results showed that AT1-AA significantly increased expressions of collagen I (Col I), Col III, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in CFs (all P0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that AT1-AA may induce MF and cardiac dysfunction via activating CFs.

To investigate the effect and mechanism of moxibustion in rats with ulcerative colitis.A rat colitis model was established by administering 4% dextran sulphate sodium solution. Seventy male rats were randomly divided into seven groups: Healthy controls (HC), ulcerative colitis model group (UC), UC with 7 d of moxibustion (UC-7), UC with 14 d of moxibustion (UC-14), UC with mesalazine gavage (UC-W), HC with 7 d of moxibustion (HC-7), HC with 14 d of moxibustion (HC-14). Moxibustion was applied to the bilateral Tianshu (ST25). Gut microbiome profiling was conducted by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and PCR and ELISA determined the expression of inflammatory cytokines in colon mucosa and serum, respectively.Moxibustion treatment restored the colonic mucosa and decreased submucosal inflammatory cell infiltration in colitis rats. Rats treated with moxibustion and mesalazine had significantly lower levels of the dominant phyla Proteobacteria and the generaOur findings suggest that moxibustion exerts its therapeutic effect by repairing mucosal tissue damage and modulating the gut microbiome and intestinal mucosal immunity.

The complement C1q/TNF related protein (CTRP) family is rapidly growing and currently comprises 15 members. Although CTRP proteins share a common structure composed of four distinct domains: a signal peptide at the N terminus, a short variable region, a collagenous domain, and a C-terminal globular domain, which is homologous to adiponectin, each CTRP has a unique tissue expression profile and varied function. In this review we focus on the biochemistry and pleiotropic functions of CTRPs as new molecular mediators regulating cardiovascular metabolic disorders and its related risk factors diseases.

Background: Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) thrombolysis therapy has been regarded as a promising therapeutic measure for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). But its effectiveness and safety are unclear because of the lack of large, long-term, prospective and multi-center clinical studies in China. Objective: This study was to explore the efficacy of the therapy, and hypothesize some baseline clinical variables that might affect clinical outcomes.Methods: All patients with AIS were treated by intravenous rt-PA thrombolysis within 4.5 h from stroke onset. The clinical records and laboratory data of pre- and post-treatment were statistically analyzed to testify the efficacy and safety of this treatment and to find out the independent prognostic factors.Results: A total of 1 067 patients were selected in this study and divided into group A (

The moving range control chart is usually established to monitor the variability of the process characteristic for situations where the individuals control chart is applied. In the design of a control chart, the average run length (ARL) of the chart is usually used as an important indicator for evaluating control chart performance. In the present paper, the out-of-control ARL of the moving range chart is investigated using computer simulation. Three types of data are generated for study: normal and independent data, non-normal data, and autocorrelated data, such that the effects of non-normality and autocorrelation on the detection ability of the chart can be investigated. From the simulation results, we find that positive skewness coefficient present in the underlying distribution would produce a shorter out-of-control ARL than the normal data. Also, if we are able to know that the data are positively highly autocorrelated, then “span two” should be used for the operation of the moving range char...

The microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of the terminal ileum, sigmoid colon, and rectal mucosa of adult patients with active Crohn's disease (CD) have been previously reported. The purpose of this study was to identify dysregulated miRNAs in the mucosa of the ascending colon.Biopsy tissue samples were taken from the mucosae of inflammatory (iCD) or noninflammatory (niCD) areas of the ascending colons of adult patients with active CD. miRNA and mRNA expression profiles were detected using microarray analyses. miRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) demonstrating significant differences were validated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Luciferase reporter genes were used to measure two miRNAs inhibition of potential target genes in human 293T cells in vitro.Compared with the healthy control group, the ascending colon miRNA expression profiles revealed that 43 miRNAs were significantly upregulated and 35 were downregulated in the iCD group. The mRNA expression profiles indicated that 3370 transcripts were significantly differentially expressed in the ascending colon, with 2169 upregulated and 1201 downregulated mRNAs in the iCD group, and only 20 miRNAs demonstrated significant differential expression in the niCD group. In contrast, nearly 100 miRNAs significantly varied between the iCD and niCD groups. Finally, luciferase reporter gene assays showed that hsa-miR-16-1 directly regulated the human C10orf54 gene and that they were negatively correlated.Our results indicated that the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs were related to immune inflammation and intestinal flora. The data provide preliminary evidence that the occurrence of CD involves the inhibition of C10orf54 expression by hsa-miR-16-1.

What is the central question of this study? High titres of autoantibodies against the second extracellular loop of the β

Two pink, non-motile, aerobic, alkaliphilic, halotolerant, Gram-negative cocci, designated MIM28T and MIM29, were isolated from the surface water of a haloalkaline lake on the Mongolia Plateau. The isolates grew optimally at 30–33 °C, at pH 8–9 and with 3–4 % (w/v) NaCl. The isolates were chemoheterotrophic and could assimilate carbohydrates, organic acids and amino acids. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-7. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (13.8–17.5 %), anteiso-C15 : 0 (10.5–11.2 %), iso-C16 : 0 (9.9–13.0 %), C16 : 0 (4.3–4.6 %), iso-C17 : 0 (3.8–5.3 %), anteiso-C17 : 0 (3.7–7.1 %), C17 : 1ω6c (4.6–6.4 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (4.6–5.8 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 4.0–6.4 %) and summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl; 10.4–12.5 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolates were most closely related to Litoribacter ruber YIM CH208T (93.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), the genus Echinicola (90.4–92 %) and other members of the family Cyclobacteriaceae (87.8–90 %). The DNA G+C contents of strains MIM28T and MIM29 were 62.8 and 62.2 mol%. On the basis of morphology, physiology, fatty acid composition, phylogeny and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolates are assigned to a novel species of a new genus, for which we propose the name Mongoliicoccus roseus gen. nov., sp. nov.; the type strain of the type species is MIM28T ( = ACCC 05511T = KCTC 19808T).

The security of wireless sensor networks is very important. ZigBee technology offers an optional security system to ensure the wireless sensor network runs safely and reliably. This article analysis of the ZigBee security mechanisms, key management, encryption algorithm and its data integrity mechanism, ZigBee security based on the CCM* mode of the AES-128, has several security scheme, which is a relatively reliable wireless sensor network standard.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an important role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). To study on the structure and function of CETP in the tree shrew, a kind of animal resistant to atherosclerosis, we completed the cloning of the full-length tree-shrew CETP cDNA sequence based on the reported partial sequence. The full-length cDNA of tree shrew CETP was 1,704 bp and the deduced protein of the cDNA showed a sequence identity of 81, 80 and 74%, respectively, with the human, monkey and rabbit CETP. The level of CETP mRNA in the liver was much more abundant than that in the other tissues. A mutant protein with a substitution of Asn at position 110 by Gln was found to possess an impaired secretion property compared with the wild-type tree shrew CETP. The mutant proteins, respectively, with a substitution of Pro at position 344 by Ser and a substitution of Gln at position 452 by Arg displayed similar secretion ability, but a decreased cholesteryl ester transfer capability compared with the wild type (48 and 26% lower, respectively). These findings demonstrate that liver is the main tissue synthesizing CETP in the tree shrew. Asn at position 110 plays an important role in the secretion of tree shrew CETP. The residues at position 344 and 452 play essential roles in cholesteryl ester transferring process.

The quasi-classical trajectory calculations O++DH(v = 0, j = 0)→OD++H reactions on the RODRIGO potential energy surface have been carried out to study the isotope effect on stereo-dynamics at the collision energies of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 eV. The distributions of dihedral angle P(r) and the distributions of P(θr) are discussed. Furthermore, the angular distributions of the product rotational vectors in the form of polar plot in θr and r are calculated. The differential cross section shows interesting phenomenon that the reaction is dominated by the direct reaction mechanism. Reaction probability and reaction cross section are also calculated. The calculations indicate that the stereo-dynamics properties of the title reactions are sensitive to the collision energy.

Mu-guk-bo-yang-tm (tm means moxibustion), which Nam-soo Kim has developed from extensive clinical findings through acupuncture and moxibustion applications for over 80 years. Mu-guk-bo-yang-tm inclucing Zusanli (ST 36), Quchi (LI 11), Zhongwan (CV 12), Feishu (BL 13), Gaohuang (BL 43), Baihui (GV 20), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4) [Zhongji (CV 3) and Shuidao (ST 28) replace Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4) for women]. Do moxibustion 3-5 cones on every point with half the size of a rice of moxa every day.

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) modulates plasma levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), a cardiovascular protecting factor. Tree shrew was considered to be an animal protected from atherosclerosis characterized by high proportion of HDL in plasma. The cDNA clones and expression of tree shrew ABCA1 was identified using SMART-RACE and Real-Time PCR techniques respectively. The nucleotide sequence of tree shrew ABCA1 covered 7,762 bp, including a 6,786 bp coding region which encoded a 2,261 amino acids protein with the high identity to human ABCA1 (95%). Tree shrew ABCA1 was expressed in various tissues, the highest in lung, followed by liver, kidney, spleen and cardiac muscle in turn from high to medium expression levels. This pattern was partially different from that of human ABCA1 which was low in kidney and cardiac muscle. This work could shed new light on its role of ABCA1 in the distinctive HDL metabolism in tree shrew.

Control charting is a graphical expression and operation of statistical hypothesis testing. In the present paper, we develop the economic design of the variable sampling intervals (VSI) exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) charts to determine the values of the six test parameters of the charts (i.e., the sample size, the long sampling interval, the short sampling interval, the warning limit coefficient, the control limit coefficient, and exponential weight constant) such that the expected total cost is minimized. The genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to search for the optimal values of the six test parameters of the VSI EWMA chart, and an example is provided to illustrate the solution procedure. A sensitivity analysis is then carried out to investigate the effects of model parameters on the solution of the economic design.

To clarify whether apoptosis is involved in the injury processes induced by autoantibody against cardiac β1-adrenoceptor, we investigated the biological and apoptotic effects of antibodies on cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Wistar rats were immunized with peptides corresponding to the second extra- cellular loop of the β1-adrenoceptor to induce the production of anti-β1-adrenoceptor antibodies in the sera. Immunoglobulin (Ig) G in the sera was detected using synthetic antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and purified using the diethylaminoethyl cellulose ion exchange technique. Apoptosis of cardiomyo- cytes was evaluated using agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. Our results showed that the positive serum IgG greatly increased the beating rates of cardiomyocytes and showed an "agonist-like" activity. Furthermore, positive serum IgG induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis after treatment with β 1- adrenoceptor overstimulation for 48 h. The effects of monoclonal antibody against β1-adrenoceptor were also found to be similar to those of positive serum IgG. It was suggested that the autoantibody could induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis by excessive stimulation of β1-adrenoceptor.

Natto has recently attracted attention throughout the world due to its healthy benefits. In 1987 a potent fibrinolytic enzyme in the extract of natto was discovered and named as ‘nattokinase’. Many biotechnology companies produce nattokinase via the fermentation of Bacillus subtilis natto. Various factors in the fermentation process may affect the production of nattokinase. This work reports the application of Taguchi parameter design to identifying the importance of those factors and then to obtain the optimal condition of fermentation to achieve the maximum yield of enzyme. Seven controllable factors and one noise factor were involved in the experiment. Based on the analysis of experimental data, both the volume of medium and the fermentation time were considered to have a significant effect on nattokinase activity value. Their nominal values should be set as 80mL and 36h, respectively, to maximise the yield of nattokinase.

Natto has attracted worldwide attention because of its health benefits and long history in Japanese food. It has been found that a potent fibrinolytic enzyme named nattokinase, which is extracted from natto, is able to prevent atherosclerosis. The production of nattokinase may be influenced by various factors such as temperature, shaking speed, volume of medium, fermentation time and so forth. Three-step response surface methodology was applied to obtain the optimal operation conditions of the fermentation process in order to maximize the nattokinase yield. The three major steps are described as follows. First, the important factors for fermentation were identified by L₈ orthogonal array experiment. The chosen factors were temperature (37 or 45C), shaking speed (110 or 150 rpm), volume of medium (80 or 120 mL), Brix of wheat bran extract (1.5 or 3°), Brix of soy meal extract (1 or 2°), glucose concentration (0.6 or 1.2%) and fermentation time (24 or 36 h). Second, a regression equation was established between the response (i.e., the enzyme activity) and the two statistically significant factors (i.e., the volume of medium and fermentation time). Third, the optimal solutions for the volume of medium and fermentation time were obtained based on the response surface of the regression equation. According to the response surface analysis, the optimal operation conditions for the fermentation process should be 80 mL and 37.0817 h for the volume of medium and the fermentation time, respectively, which resulted in 459.11 FU[solidus]mL as the predicted enzyme activity.

Control charts are one of the most important methods in industrial process control. The acceptance control chart is generally applied in situations when an X¯ chart is used to control the fraction of conforming units produced by the process and where 6-sigma spread of the process is smaller than the spread in the specification limits. Traditionally, when designing control charts, one usually assumes that the data or measurements are normally distributed. However, this assumption may not be true in some processes. In this paper, we use the Burr distribution, which is employed to represent various non-normal distributions, to determine the appropriate control limits or sample size for the acceptance control chart under non-normality. Some numerical examples are given for illustration. From the presented examples, ignoring the effect of non-normality in the data leads to a higher type I or type II error probability.