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To solve the problem that the Chicken swarm optimization (CSO) has low solution accuracy and tends to fall into the local optimum on later stages of iteration, an adaptive mutation learning Chicken swarm optimization (AMLCSO) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, to solve the problem of uneven initial distribution and improve the algorithm’s stability, a good-point set is introduced. Secondly, according to the difference between the current individual position and the optimal individual position, the nonlinear adaptive adjustment of weight is realized and the position update step is dynamically adjusted. This strategy improves the algorithm’s convergence. Thirdly, the learning update strategies of Gaussian mutation and normal distribution are introduced to improve the probability of selection and solving accuracy and avoid falling into the local optimum. Finally, the AMLCSO is compared with other standard algorithms and improved Chicken swarm optimization algorithms on twenty benchmark test functions. The experimental results show the AMLCSO has faster convergence and higher solution accuracy. &nbsp

With the disintegration of the traditionally circumscribed Scrophulariaceae, the phylogenetic placements of most genera formerly placed in that family have been resolved. However, the familial placement of the monotypic genus Mimulicalyx has not been included in any published molecular phylogenetic study. Here, we adopt a two-step approach to resolve the phylogenetic placement of Mimulicalyx using three datasets: (1) a 71 619 bp plastome alignment of Lamiales; (2) a dataset of six plastid DNA regions (atpB, matK, ndhF, rbcL, rps16 and trnL-trnF) for Phrymaceae; and (3) a dataset of the nuclear ribosomal internal and external transcribed spacer regions (nrITS, ETS) for Phrymaceae. Our analyses reveal that Mimulicalyx is a member of the tribe Mimuleae in Phrymaceae. Generic level phylogenetic relationships within Phrymaceae are further discussed, and a dichotomous key to the 15 genera currently recognized is provided.

Mimulicalyx is an oligo-genus including two species that are endemic to southwest China. Based on investigation of the rediscovered populations of M. rosulatus and M. paludigenus, examination of herbarium specimens (including types), as well as consultation of protologues and distributions, no obvious morphorlogical differences has been found and we concluded that they are conspecific. Therefore, M. paludigenus is reduced to a synonym of M. rosulatus. Field photographs and an updated morphological description of M. rosulatus are provided.

Artabotrys pachypetalussp. nov.is described from Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan and Jiangxi in China. A detailed description, distribution data, along with a color plate and a line drawing are provided. In China, specimens representing this species were formerly misidentified asA. multiflorusorA. hongkongensis(=A. blumei).Artabotrys blumeitypically has a single flower per inflorescence, whereas bothArtabotrys pachypetalusandA. multiflorushave multiple flowers per inflorescence. In addition,A. pachypetalusis readily distinguished fromA. multiflorusin having thicker and shorter petals, and connivent and somewhat trigonal or terete inner petal blades.Artabotrys pachypetalusis most similar toA. punctulatusbecause both have multi-flowered inflorescences and similar petal length, butA. pachypetalusdiffers in having cream petalsin vivo, connivent inner petal blades, and a short, raised rim above the inner petal claw.Artabotrys multiflorusshould be excluded from the flora of China because none of the Chinese specimens ofArtabotryscollected so far fall within the variation ofA. multiflorus.

Multifilamentary Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (Bi2212) composite wires are the only high-temperature superconducting round wires (RWs) with sufficient critical current density (Jc) for superconducting magnets generating magnetic fields greater than 25 T. Previous works indicated that various voids in Bi2212 filaments and bridges between the adjacent Bi2212 filaments in Bi2212 RWs were generated after heat treatment. Such complicated microstructural structure will inevitably affect its electrical behavior. Previous studies only focus on single microstructural feature, voids or bridges. Hence, we developed a numerical model containing both voids and bridges to explore the comprehensive influence of these two microstructural features. Due to the preliminary results, it shows that the E-J relationships of the models with bridges and with infinity bridges are similar in the case of numerous bridges between filaments. It indicated that we can build a simplified geometry structural model by removing all the bridges and bonding the adjacent filaments directly. And then the parametric study of the voids was carried out and the results explained that the height (diameter) of void is the key factor to dominant its electrical behavior.

Background Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and deadliest types of cancer worldwide due to its delayed diagnosis and high metastatic frequency, but its exact pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. ETS homologous factor (EHF) is an important member of the ETS family and contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple malignant tumors. To date, whether EHF participates in the development of GC via the c-Met signaling pathway remains unclear. Aim To investigate the role and mechanism of EHF in the occurrence and development of GC. Methods The expression of EHF mRNA in GC tissues and cell lines was measured by quantitative PCR. Western blotting was performed to determine the protein expression of EHF, c-Met, and its downstream signal molecules. The EHF expression in GC tissues was further detected by immunohistochemical staining. To investigate the role of EHF in GC oncogenesis, small interfering RNA (siRNA) against EHF was transfected into GC cells. The cell proliferation of GC cells was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry was performed following Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) to identify apoptotic cells and PI staining to analyze the cell cycle. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by transwell assays. Results The data showed that EHF was upregulated in GC tissues and cell lines in which increased expression of c-Met was also observed. Silencing of EHF by siRNA reduced the proliferation of GC cells. Inhibition of EHF induced significant apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in GC cells. Cell migration and invasion were significantly inhibited. EHF silencing led to c-Met downregulation and further blocked the Ras/c-Raf/extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) pathway. Additionally, phosphatase and tensin homolog was upregulated and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta was deactivated. Moreover, inactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 was detected following EHF inhibition, leading to inhibition of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conclusion These results suggest that EHF plays a key role in cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, the cell cycle and EMT via the c-Met pathway. Therefore, EHF may serve as an antineoplastic target for the diagnosis and treatment of GC.

Background Pit pattern classification using magnifying chromoendoscopy is the established method for diagnosing colorectal lesions. The Japan Narrow-band-imaging (NBI) Expert Team (JNET) classification is a novel NBI magnifying endoscopic classification that focuses on the vessel, and surface patterns. Aim To determine the diagnostic efficacy of each category of the JNET and Pit pattern classifications for colorectal lesions. Methods A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve of each category of the JNET and Pit pattern classifications were calculated. Results A total of 19227 colorectal lesions in 31 studies were included. The diagnostic performance of the JNET classification was equivalent to the Pit pattern classification in each corresponding category. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) for each category of the JNET classification were as follows: 0.73 (95%CI: 0.55-0.85), 0.99 (95%CI: 0.97-1.00), and 0.97 (95%CI: 0.95-0.98), respectively, for Type 1; 0.88 (95%CI: 0.78-0.94), 0.72 (95%CI: 0.64-0.79), and 0.84 (95%CI: 0.81-0.87), respectively, for Type 2A; 0.56 (95%CI: 0.47-0.64), 0.91 (95%CI: 0.79-0.96), and 0.72 (95%CI: 0.68-0.76), respectively, for Type 2B; 0.51 (95%CI: 0.42-0.61), 1.00 (95%CI: 1.00-1.00), and 0.90 (95%CI: 0.87-0.93), respectively, for Type 3. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that the diagnostic efficacy of the JNET classification may be equivalent to that of the Pit pattern classification. However, due to its simpler and clearer clinical application, the JNET classification should be promoted for the classification of colorectal lesions, and to guide the treatment strategy.

BACKGROUND Intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Recent studies have revealed that impaired autophagy is associated with intestinal mucosal dysfunction in the mucosa of colitis mice. Resveratrol exerts anti-inflammatory functions by regulating autophagy. AIM To investigate the effect and mechanism of resveratrol on protecting the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier and anti-inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis mice. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: negative control group, DSS model group, DSS + resveratrol group, and DSS + 5-aminosalicylic acid group. The severity of colitis was assessed by the disease activity index, serum inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Colon tissues were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and mucosal damage was evaluated by mean histological score. The expression of occludin and ZO-1 in colon tissue was evaluated using immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, the expression of autophagy-related genes was determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western-blot, and morphology of autophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS The resveratrol treatment group showed a 1.72-fold decrease in disease activity index scores and 1.42, 3.81, and 1.65-fold decrease in the production of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β, respectively, in DSS-induced colitis mice compared with DSS group (P < 0.05). The expressions of the tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1 in DSS model group were decreased, and were increased in resveratrol-treated colitis group. Resveratrol also increased the levels of LC3B (by 1.39-fold compared with DSS group) and Beclin-1 (by 1.49-fold compared with DSS group) (P < 0.05), as well as the number of autophagosomes, which implies that the resveratrol may alleviate intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction in DSS-induced UC mice by enhancing autophagy. CONCLUSION Resveratrol treatment decreased the expression of inflammatory factors, increased the expression of tight junction proteins and alleviated UC intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction; this effect may be achieved by enhancing autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND Conventional Crohn’s disease (CD) treatments are supportive rather than curative and have serious side effects. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) have been gradually applied to treat various diseases. The therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of ADSCs on CD are still not clear. AIM To investigate the effect of ADSC administration on CD and explore the potential mechanisms. METHODS Wistar rats were administered with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) to establish a rat model of CD, followed by tail injections of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-modified ADSCs. Flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot were used to detect changes in the Wnt signaling pathway, T cell subtypes, and their related cytokines. RESULTS The isolated cells showed the characteristics of ADSCs, including spindle-shaped morphology, high expression of CD29, CD44, and CD90, low expression of CD34 and CD45, and osteogenic/adipogenic ability. ADSC therapy markedly reduced disease activity index and ameliorated colitis severity in the TNBS-induced rat model of CD. Furthermore, serum anti-sacchromyces cerevisiae antibody and p-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody levels were significantly reduced in ADSC-treated rats. Mechanistically, the GFP-ADSCs were colocalized with intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in the CD rat model. GFP-ADSC delivery significantly antagonized TNBS-induced increased canonical Wnt pathway expression, decreased noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway expression, and increased apoptosis rates and protein level of cleaved caspase-3 in rats. In addition, ADSCs attenuated TNBS-induced abnormal inflammatory cytokine production, disturbed T cell subtypes, and their related markers in rats. CONCLUSION Successfully isolated ADSCs show therapeutic effects in CD by regulating IEC proliferation, the Wnt signaling pathway, and T cell immunity.

Mayaca fluviatilis, an aquatic plant belonging to the monogeneric family Mayacaceae, native to tropical America, is reported here for the first time to be naturalized in Guangdong province, China. A morphological description, with detailed photographs, is provided for further taxonomic identification. Its invasive risk is evaluated according to its present propagation tendency.

BACKGROUND Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent protein deacetylase that is involved in various diseases, including cancers, metabolic diseases, and inflammation-associated diseases. However, the role of SIRT1 in ulcerative colitis (UC) is still confusing. AIM To investigate the role of SIRT1 in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in UC and further explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS We developed a coculture model using macrophages and Caco-2 cells. After treatment with the SIRT1 activator SRT1720 or inhibitor nicotinamide (NAM), the expression of occludin and zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) was assessed by Western blot analysis. Annexin V-APC/7-AAD assays were performed to evaluate Caco-2 apoptosis. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice were exposed to SRT1720 or NAM for 7 d. Transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assays were conducted to assess apoptosis in colon tissues. The expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), caspase-12, caspase-9, and caspase-3 in Caco-2 cells and the colon tissues of treated mice were examined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS SRT1720 treatment increased the protein levels of occludin and ZO-1 and inhibited Caco-2 apoptosis, whereas NAM administration caused the opposite effects. DSS-induced colitis mice treated with SRT1720 had a lower disease activity index (P < 0.01), histological score (P < 0.001), inflammatory cytokine levels (P < 0.01), and apoptotic cell rate (P < 0.01), while exposure to NAM caused the opposite effects. Moreover, SIRT1 activation reduced the expression levels of GRP78, CHOP, cleaved caspase-12, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3 in Caco-2 cells and the colon tissues of treated mice. CONCLUSION SIRT1 activation reduces apoptosis of IECs via the suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis-associated molecules CHOP and caspase-12. SIRT1 activation may be a potential therapeutic strategy for UC.

Purpose Multifilamentary Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (Bi2212) superconductor composite wires are the only high-temperature superconducting round wires (RW) with sufficient critical current density (Jc) for superconducting magnets generating magnetic fields greater than 25 Tesla. Very complex microstructures of Bi2212 RWs including the voids or gas bubbles, filament to filament bridges and wire architecture strongly influence their electrical behavior. Especially, a large number of voids in Bi2212 superconducting filaments is believed to be the major current-limiting mechanism. However, the effect of the void structure on the Jc is not well understood yet. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the authors first statistically analyzed the size and distribution of voids in filaments using the reported microscopic data, obtaining the essential statistical regularities. An electrical model was further developed to predict the Jc of multifilamentary wires while taking into account of the current limiting mechanisms of the void structure in filaments, and the current sharing roles of filament to filament bridges. Findings The model predicts the quantitative dependence of Jc on the number of Bi2212 filaments in each bundle of a double-restack wire and porosity. The results are useful optimizing design and fabrication of Bi2212 multifilamentary wires. Originality/value For the complex structure of voids and interfilamentary bridges inside Bi2212 multifilamentary superconducting wires, the authors took a statistical characterization and studied its effect on the critical current density Jc (the key index of evaluating the current carrying capacity).

High-Tc multifilamentary composites Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox/Ag/Ag-alloy (Bi2212) are the only round wires (RWs) to be potential candidates for fabricating high field magnets. However, the complicated microstructure of Bi2212 RWs, and especially the Bi2212 filaments, makes deep understanding of the correlation between macroscopic electrothermal behaviors and the microstructure a challenge. Building on our previous work of fractal-based analysis of the Bi2212/Ag interface, in this paper we focus on the void (gas bubble or pore) structure of individual Bi2212 filaments, taking a fractal-based analysis of the void structure and the resulting anomalous thermal diffusion. For fractal characterization of the void structure of Bi2212 filaments, we developed a fractal-based reconstruction model, and further derived a one-dimensional fractional order differential equation with the exponent α (0

The development of sequencing technology has expanded our knowledge of the human gastric microbiome, which is now known to play a critical role in the maintenance of homeostasis, while alterations in microbial community composition can promote the development of gastric diseases. Recently, carcinogenic effects of gastric microbiome have received increased attention. Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with a high mortality rate. Helicobacter pylori is a well-recognized risk factor for GC. More than half of the global population is infected with H. pylori, which can modulate the acidity of the stomach to alter the gastric microbiome profile, leading to H. pylori-associated diseases. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that bacteria other than H. pylori and their metabolites also contribute to gastric carcinogenesis. Therefore, clarifying the contribution of the gastric microbiome to the development and progression of GC can lead to improvements in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding changes in the microbial composition of the stomach caused by H. pylori infection, the carcinogenic effects of H. pylori and non-H. pylori bacteria in GC, as well as the potential therapeutic role of gastric microbiome in H. pylori infection and GC.

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol and is supposed to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiapoptotic properties. Although some studies have reported the therapeutic effects of curcumin on ulcerative colitis (UC), the specific mechanism remains unclear. An in vitro coculture model of Caco-2 and differentiated THP-1 cells was established. After administration of curcumin (10 μM), Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the protein levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins zonula occludens- (ZO-) 1 and claudin-1. Annexin V-APC/7-AAD assays and flow cytometry were conducted to assess Caco-2 cell apoptosis. The expression levels of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress- (ERS-) related molecules were determined by Western blot analysis. Curcumin administration significantly upregulated ZO-1 and claudin-1 protein levels and reduced Caco-2 cell apoptosis. The protein levels of oxidative stress markers inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and γH2AX and ERS-induced apoptosis-related molecules C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and cleaved caspase-12 were significantly downregulated upon curcumin treatment. Furthermore, curcumin administration greatly blocked the protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase- (PERK-) eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α- (eIF2α-) activating transcription factor 4- (ATF4-) CHOP signaling pathway. Curcumin enhanced intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in the in vitro coculture model by upregulating TJ protein expressions and reducing intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis. The potential mechanisms may be suppression of ERS and subsequent apoptosis.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy, and cisplatin (DDP) is an important component of chemotherapeutic regimens for GC. However, the application of DDP is limited by its dose‑dependent systemic toxicity. Resveratrol (RES) is a natural polyphenol compound that has chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against various cancers, including GC. However, whether RES can sensitize GC cells to DDP remains unknown. Following RES/DDP combination treatment, cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit‑8 and colony‑forming assays, and cell apoptosis and the cell cycle were detected by FITC‑Annexin V/PI staining assay and PI staining assay, respectively, followed by flow cytometry. Moreover, western blotting was performed to evaluate the protein expression levels, and the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration was determined by a Fluo‑4 AM probe after cell cotreatment with RES and DDP. The present results demonstrated that RES/DDP combination treatment significantly inhibited cell viability, promoted cell apoptosis and induced G2/M phase arrest in AGS cells. In addition, it was determined that RES combined with DDP significantly increased the levels of Bax, cleaved poly‑ADP‑ribose polymerase (PARP), glucose‑regulated protein 78 (GRP78), PRKR‑like ER kinase (PERK), p‑eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (p‑eIF2α), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and cleaved caspase‑12, whereas Bcl‑2 expression was downregulated following RES/DDP cotreatment. Moreover, RES/DDP cotreatment significantly upregulated phosphorylated cyclin‑dependent kinase 1 (p‑CDK1, Tyr15), p21Waf1/Cip1 and p27Kip1 protein levels and downregulated Cdc25C protein levels. In conclusion, RES and DDP synergistically inhibited the growth of the gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress‑mediated apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest via activation of the PERK/eIF2α/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/CHOP signaling pathway and caspase‑12 and by inactivating the CDK1‑cyclin B1 complex. These results indicated that RES is a promising adjuvant for DDP during GC chemotherapy.

Rationale: Intramural esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) without mucosal invasion is extremely rare. Endoscopic mucosal biopsy results are often negative, making diagnosis difficult. In these cases, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) biopsy is a useful diagnostic method. Patient concerns: A 78-year-old female was admitted to hospital due to dysphagia, and gastroscopy showed a concentric narrowing of the esophageal lumen with a smooth and undamaged esophageal mucosa. Diagnoses: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) revealed that the esophageal mucosa was thickened with a low echo, and the layers of the esophageal wall could not be clearly distinguished. Cytologic and pathologic diagnoses were obtained through EUS-FNA, which suggested ESCC. Interventions: According to the pathologic diagnosis obtained by EUS-FNA, surgery or radiotherapy were recommended for this patient. Eventually, this patient elected to seek treatment at another medical institution. Outcomes: This type of disease cannot be diagnosed according to gastroscopic biopsy alone, and the diagnosis was eventually confirmed through EUS-FNA. Lessons: When an imaging examination suggests a possible malignant lesion of the oesophagus, EUS-FNA may be considered if the surface mucosa contains no endoscopic damage. EUS-FNA has high diagnostic value with high sensitivity, minimal invasiveness, and high safety.

Background: There have been various articles reporting relationship between Vitamin D (VitD) and celiac disease (CeD), but results remain controversial. This study aimed to conduct a meta‐analysis to systematically review and quantify the relationship between VitD and CeD. Moreover, difference in Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) genotypes between CeD patients and controls was also analyzed. Methods: Articles published until July 20, 2019 in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, relevant statistical data were collated and extracted, which were finally analyzed by STATA15.1. Results: 27 articles and 28 sets of data were included. It showed that average 25(OH)D level in CeD patients was 8.36 nmol/L lower than controls (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) = −8.36, 95% CI = [−14.63, −2.09] nmol/L). After gluten-free diet treatment, we found that average 25(OH)D level in treated patients was 15.6 nmol/L higher than untreated patients (WMD = 15.6, 95% CI = [5.96, 25.23] nmol/L). In addition, 25(OH)D level in treated patients was close to healthy controls (WMD = −2.82, 95% CI = [−6.45, 0.73] nmol/L). However, genetic polymorphism analysis showed that there is no difference in VDR genotypes between CeD and control. Conclusions: CeD had decreased serum 25(OH)D levels, which returned to normal after treatment, suggesting that VitD may play a role in the development of CeD. The directionality of this association cannot be confirmed from cross-sectional studies. Demonstration of a causal role of VitD deficiency in CeD development in future studies could have important therapeutic implications.

Mesh migration and penetration into abdominal viscera rarely occur after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. We present the first case of mesh migration into the sigmoid colon identified as a colonic polyp at initial colonoscopic examination. The patient complained of mild abdominal distention in the lower abdomen over the previous year without changes in bowel habits or stool appearance and without weight loss. By complementary endoscopic ultrasonography, a cavity-like structure beneath the suspected polyp was further confirmed. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography merely revealed local bowel wall thickening and inflammation of the colosigmoid junction. The migrating mesh, which was lodged in the sigmoid colon and caused intra-abdominal adhesion in the lower abdominal cavity, was finally identified via exploratory surgery. The components of inflammatory granulation tissue around the mesh material were diagnosed based on histological examination of the surgical specimen after sigmoidectomy. In this patient, nonspecific endoscopic and imaging outcomes during clinical work-up led to the diagnostic dilemma of mesh migration. Therefore, the clinical, radiological and endoscopic challenges specific to this case as well as the underlying reasons for mesh migration are discussed in detail.

The histone acetyltransferases (HATs) adenovirus E1A-associated protein (p300) and CREB binding protein (CBP) serve as coactivators during a diverse assortment of cellular processes. In the present study, p300 and CBP were highly expressed in 5 gastric cancer (GC) cell lines (SGC‑7901, MKN45, MGC-803, BGC-823 and KATO III) compared with human normal gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1). C646, a selective inhibitor of p300 and CBP, inhibited cell viability and cell cycle and promoted cell apoptosis in all 5 GC cell lines. In addition, C646 suppressed the migration and invasion capability of the GC cell lines, except for the middle-differentiated SGC-7901 cell line. Furthermore, we detected the differential expression of corresponding oncogenic signalling molecules, such as c-Met, Akt, Bcl-2, Bax, cyclin D1, MMP7 and MMP9, in GC cells following C646 treatment. In conclusion, our results suggest that C646 inhibits the acetylation of histone H3 via inactivation of p300 and CBP, resulting in antineoplastic effects toward GC cells. Thus, the selective HAT inhibitor C646 could be a promising antitumour reagent for GC treatment.

Background To evaluate and compare the safety, efficacy and cost of endoscopic submucosal snaring with circumferential mucosal incision (ESS-CMI) with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in various types of colonic neoplasms. Methods Patients who were admitted in our endoscopic center for colonic neoplasm therapy were screened, with the Chinese item of “endoscopic submucosal dissection” and the English abbreviation of ESD, for the period between January 2011 and December 2017. Initially enrolled patients were further categorized into ESD and ESS-CMI groups after careful assessment of detailed operation procedures. Data on patients’ and colonic neoplasm’s characteristics, recurrence, treatment, follow-up and disease status were collected after medical records review. Further cost-effective analysis includes two main aspects: treatment effect and complication as well as the cost and efficiency. Results A total of 278 patients was selected. Though there were no significant differences in basic anthropometric and disease status data such as age, gender, neoplasm type, degree and the method of follow up, the location of rectum, the longest side and the surface area were significantly higher in ESD group than those in ESS-CMI group. For ESS-CMI, further cost-effective study showed the similar treatment effect and complication rate but significantly decreased cost, operation time and average hospital stay, when compared with ESD. Further subgroup analysis showed that there were no significant differences between the ESS-CMI successful and failure groups. Conclusion ESS-CMI might become a new and better choice for colonic neoplasm therapy, based on its decreased operation cost but similar treatment efficacy and complication rate as ESD.

Parkinson disease autosomal recessive, early onset 7 (PARK7 or DJ-1) is involved in multiple physiological processes and exerts anti-apoptotic effects on multiple cell types. Increased intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis and excessive activation of the p53 signaling pathway is a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). However, whether DJ-1 plays a role in colitis is unclear. To determine whether DJ-1 deficiency is involved in the p53 activation that results in IEC apoptosis in colitis, here we performed immunostaining, real-time PCR, and immunoblotting analyses to assess DJ-1 expression in human UC and CD samples. In the inflamed intestines of individuals with IBD, DJ-1 expression was decreased and negatively correlated with p53 expression. DJ-1 deficiency significantly aggravated colitis, evidenced by increased intestinal inflammation and exacerbated IEC apoptosis. Moreover, DJ-1 directly interacted with p53, and reduced DJ-1 levels increased p53 levels both in vivo and in vitro and were associated with decreased p53 degradation via the lysosomal pathway. We also induced experimental colitis with dextran sulfate sodium in mice and found that compared with DJ-1(−/−) mice, DJ-1(−/−)p53(−/−) mice have reduced apoptosis and inflammation and increased epithelial barrier integrity. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of p53 relieved inflammation in the DJ-1(−/−) mice. In conclusion, reduced DJ-1 expression promotes inflammation and IEC apoptosis via p53 in colitis, suggesting that the modulation of DJ-1 expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy for managing colitis.

Callicarpa nudiflorahas been widely used in Li nationality medicine and treated burns and scalds in China. Our objective was to preliminarily elucidate healing effect and action mechanism ofCallicarpa nudiflorawater extract (CNE) on the scald wounds using an experimental rat mode. The second-degree scald wounds were induced by hot water on dorsal surface of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and then they were randomly divided into 5 groups as follows: control (CON), Vaseline, Silver sulfadiazine (SSD), and Vaseline supplemented with 10% and 20% CNE groups. These ointments were employed locally once daily for 21 days. The macroscopic analysis showed CNE significantly accelerated the wound healing process and lowered the wound areas on days 15, 18, and 21 especially in 20% CNE group compared to CON group. Histopathological evaluation showed the mildly hypertrophic epidermis and the intact dermis in the 20% CNE-treated group were obviously distinguished from CON group on day 21. The CNE-treated groups had no obvious effect for TNF-αand IL-10 expressions on the second day and 14th day, while TGF-β1 expression level was decreased on the 21th day and VEGF level was increased on the 7th day in the 20% CNE group. Furthermore, the expression level of Samd3 was strongly inhibited in 20% CNE group. These findings suggested that the CNE can enhance the wound healing and skin repair in deep second-degree scald rats and thus support its traditional use.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasm featured by activated mutations of KIT and PDGFRA. Although overall survival rates have greatly improved by the development of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, most patients ultimately acquire resistance due to secondary mutations of KIT or PDGFRA. Inhibition of the histone acetyltransferases (HATs) CREB‑binding protein (CBP) and p300 results in antineoplastic effects in various cancers. To determine whether CBP/p300 can serve as an antineoplastic target for GISTs, specific short interfering RNA sequences and the selective HAT inhibitor C646 were administered to GIST882 cells. Cell viability, apoptosis and the cell cycle were analysed using the Cell Counting Kit-8, a caspase-3/7 activity assay or Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (PI) staining and PI staining. Gene and protein expression levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Transcriptional blockage of CBP, rather than p300, resulted in suppression of cell proliferation. Interestingly, both CBP and p300 depletion enhanced caspase-3/7 activity. A lack of CBP and p300 caused ETS translocation variant 1 (ETV1) downregulation and KIT inhibition in GIST cells. Nevertheless, the absence of CBP, not p300, leads to extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 inactivation and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation, suggesting a more crucial role for CBP than p300 in cell proliferation and survival. Furthermore, proliferation of GIST cells was reduced by administration of C646, a selective HAT inhibitor for CBP/p300. Apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest were detected after exposure to C646, indicating that its antitumor activities were supported by its antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects. Additionally, C646 treatment attenuated ETV1 protein expression and inactivated KIT-dependent pathways. Taken together, the present study suggests that CBP/p300 may serve as novel antineoplastic targets and that use of the selective HAT inhibitor C646 is a promising antitumor strategy for GISTs.

OBJECTIVES: Anemia and changes in platelets (PLT) are common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In our study, we aimed to verify whether PLT count can independently reflect the severity of IBD. METHODS: In our hospital, 137 Crohn’s Disease (CD), 69 Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and 412 healthy controls were included to compare the differences in PLT count. In addition, the effect of anemia, C-reactive protein (CRP), age, CD activity index (CDAI) or Mayo on PLTs was also analyzed. If PLTs independently affected CD or UC, we used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to verify the diagnostic value and obtain the cut-off value of PLT. RESULTS: CD and UC patients had higher PLT than controls (p

The idea of low carbon is a crucial guidance for the construction of eco-civilization and scientific development in China. As the backbone of the socialist construction, college students are supposed to actively promote low-carbon development. Based on a profound analysis of the economy, the Communist Party of China has put forward the concept of low-carbon development, which conforms to the international trend and Chinese realistic requirements for economic construction. It is of great significance in facilitating harmonious coexistence between man and nature, fostering the economic and social development and building socialist eco-civilization and so on. To build a beautiful China, colleges are required to take the initiative to teach their students to spread the idea of low-carbon development in classroom teaching, after-school activities, and social practice.

Under the background of innovation and entrepreneurship, the innovative and entrepreneurial ability has been incorporated into talent training programs. Relevant specialized courses have to be set up. Based on this principle, considering the construction of economics laboratory courses, this paper analyzes the current situation of entrepreneurship and innovation in terms of experimental courses, teaching staff and management. It puts forward the training methods to build an experimental course system, which is better for the teaching of innovation and entrepreneurship and the implementation of undergraduate training programs.

In the present study, a novel pH-responsive amphiphilic copolymer, 1,2-distearoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine- N -[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)] conjugated poly(β-amino esters) (DSPE- b -PEG- b -PAE- b -PEG- b -DSPE), was designed and successfully synthesized via Michael-type step polymerization. The chemical structure of the pentablock copolymer was confirmed with proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H-NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The copolymer was able to self-assemble into core/shell polymeric micelles in aqueous solution at low concentrations, and its critical micelle concentration (CMC) value was 4.5 mg l −1 determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The p K b value of the copolymer was about 6.5, confirmed by acid–base titration, indicating the pH-sensitivity of the polymeric micelle. The hydrodynamic diameter, distribution and zeta potential of the polymeric micelles at different pH conditions were monitored by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated into the core of the micelles with a high drug loading content (15.9%) and entrapment efficacy (60.4%). In vitro experiments demonstrated that the release behaviour of DOX from the DOX-loaded polymeric micelles (DOX-PMs) was pH-triggered. When the pH decreased from 7.4 to 5.0, the drug release rate was markedly accelerated. MTT assay showed that the copolymer had negligible cytotoxicity whereas the DOX-PMs displayed high toxicity for tumour cells such as B16F10, HepG2 and HeLa cell lines. The results demonstrated that these pH-sensitive polymeric micelles could be used as potential anti-cancer drug carriers for cancer chemotherapy with controlled release.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used and proven effective in long term clinical practice. However, the molecular mechanism of action for many TCMs remains unclear due to the complexity of many ingredients and their interactions with biological receptors. This is one of the major roadblocks in TCM modernization. In order to solve this problem, we have developed TCMAnalyzer, which is a free web-based toolkit allowing a user to (1) identify the potential compounds that are responsible for the bioactivities for a TCM herb through scaffold-activity relation searches using structural search techniques, (2) investigate the molecular mechanism of action for a TCM herb at the systemic level, and (3) explore the potentially targeted bioactive herbs. The toolkit can result in TCM networks that demonstrate the relations among natural product molecules (small molecular ligands), putative protein targets, pathways, and diseases. These networks are graphically depicted to reveal the mechanism of actions for a TCM herb or to identify new molecular scaffolds for new chemotherapies. TCMAnalyzer is freely available at http://www.rcdd.org.cn/tcmanalyzer .

An approach for molecular similarity/substructure searching based on structural hierarchy matching is proposed. In this approach, small molecules are divided into two categories, acyclic and cyclic forms. The latter are further divided into three structural hierarchies, namely, framework, complicated-, and mono-rings. During searching, the similarity coefficients of a structural query and each retrieved molecule are calculated using the hierarchy of the query as the reference. A total of 13,911 chemicals were involved in this work, from which the minimal cyclic and acyclic substructures are extracted, and further processed into fuzzy structural fingerprints. Subsequently, the fingerprints are used as the searching indices for molecular similarity or substructure searching. The tests show that this approach can give user options to choose between one-substructure and multi-substructure searching with sorted results. Moreover, this algorithm has the potential to be developed for molecular similarity searching and substructure analysis.

To investigate the mechanism of the treatment of hyperlipidemia rats induced by Huangqi San. The 40 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Huangqi San low and high dose group (1, 2 g·kg⁻¹), and positive lipitor group (2 mg·kg⁻¹). The normal group feeds on base feed, and other groups feed on high-fat feed. After 8 weeks, the hyperlipidemia model was successful. After intervention by drugs for 13 weeks, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol content of all rats were measured. The pathological changes of liver and skeletal muscle of rats were observed in rats. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of AMPK signaling pathway in the liver and skeletal muscles (AMPK, ACC, CPT1A, SREBP2, HMGCR). The degree of FPG, TC, TG and LDL-C were the highest in the model group, and the liver and skeletal muscle pathology were the most obvious. After intervention by Huangqi San and lipitor, a significant reduction in the blood sugar blood fat, liver, and skeletal muscle injury has improved significantly, except SREBF2 and HMGCR mRNA and protein expression of this enzyme is reduced, other AMPK pathway related mRNA and protein expression increased significantly. Huangqi San effect is superior to lipitor. Huangqi San may improve hyperlipidemia by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway, increasing the oxidation of fatty acids and inhibiting cholesterol synthesis.

Radix Sophorae Flavescentis (RSF) and Fructus Cnidii (FC) compose a typical herbal synergic pair in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for pruritus symptom treatments. The mechanisms of action for the synergy are not understood. This paper aims at predicting the anti-pruritus targets and the main active ingredients for the RSF and FC herbal pair. We demonstrate that the RSF–FC herbal pair can be elucidated by mining the chemical structures of compounds derived from RSF and FC. Based on chemical structure data, the putative targets for RSF and FC were predicted. Additional putative targets that interact with the anti-pruritus targets were derived by mapping the putative targets onto a PPI network. By examining the annotations of these proteins, we conclude that (1) RSF’s active compounds are mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. The representative putative targets of the alkaloids are inflammation-related proteins (MAPK14, PTGS2, PTGS2, and F2) and pruritus-related proteins (HRH1, TRPA1, HTR3A, and HTR6). The representative putative targets of the flavonoids are inflammation-related proteins (TNF, NF-κB, F2, PTGS2, and PTGS2) and pruritus-related proteins (NR3C1 and IL2). (2) FC’s active compounds are mainly coumarins. Their representative putative targets are CNS-related proteins (AChE and OPRK1) and inflammation-related proteins (PDE4D, TLR9, and NF-κB). (3) Both RSF and FC display anti-inflammatory effects, though they exhibit their anti-pruritus effects in different ways. Their synergy shows that RSF regulates inflammation-related pruritus and FC regulates CNS-related pruritus.

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is taking an increasing role in our lives. Because the energy of the sensors is limited how to efficiently use the energy to prolong the lifecycle of the sensor networks is very important. In this paper, a novel energy-balanced dynamic routing algorithm based on ACO is proposed. The novel routing algorithm can dynamically choose routing according to the residual energy of the sensors and the sensors with more power is taken more data transfer tasks. The simulation results show that the proposed routing algorithm can effectively balance energy consumption and prolong the lifecycle of the networks.

Intracellular proton extrusion in gastric cancer cells has been reported to promote cancer cell survival under acidic conditions via hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase (H+/K+-ATPase). Rabeprazole is a frequently used second-generation proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that irreversibly inactivates gastric H+/K+-ATPase. Therefore, we hypothesized that rabeprazole could reduce the viability of gastric cancer cells. In the present study, four human gastric cancer cell lines and one non-cancer gastric cell line were cultured. Cell viability, the α- and β-subunits of H+/K+-ATPase and cellular apoptosis were analyzed by dye exclusion assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, respectively. The expression level of total extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) and phosphorylated-ERK protein was detected by western blot analysis. Gastric cancer cell lines were more tolerant of the acidic culture media than non-cancer cells. Administration of rabeprazole led to a marked decrease in the viability of MKN-28 cells. Exposure to rabeprazole induced significant apoptosis in AGS cells. Rabeprazole completely inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 in the MKN-28 cells, whereas the same effect was not observed in either the KATO III or MKN-45 cells. The ERK 1/2 inhibitor, PD98059, attenuated the viability of the AGS cells. A similar antiproliferative effect was observed in the rabeprazole treatment group. In addition, PD98059 and rabeprazole were able to efficaciously inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 in the gastric cancer cells. Therefore, it was concluded that rabeprazole can attenuate the cell viability of human gastric cancer cells through inactivation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. The results of the present study demonstrate that rabeprazole inhibits the viability of gastric cancer cells in vitro and may serve as a novel antineoplastic agent.

Isotrema plagiostomum X. X. Zhou & R. J. Wang, a new species of Isotrema (Aristolochiaceae) from Guangdong, south China, is described and illustrated for the first time. It is similar to I. thwaitesii in the morphology of the obliquely truncated calyx limb, but differs by the habit, leaf shape, inflorescence position and splitting extent of calyx limb. It is evaluated as CR according to the IUCN categories and criteria.

Because MOLAP uses Multi-dimensional database (MDDB) to store data, there are limits to implement OLAP, such as data growth. Also, there is a close relationship between the influencing factor of MOLAP data growth and OLAP model, and the models will influence the size of cubes, also the performance and expansibility of OLAP system. This paper studies the approaches of MOLAP data storage organization, aggregate levels of dimension, compound growth factor (CGF), the relationship of query performance and percentage pre-calculated, and giving a brief analysis to how to use CGF to ravel out the data growth of MOLAP.

The characterization of the elastic properties of whole Bi2223/Ag/Ag alloy composite tapes is a very important issue, even when these properties of each constituent are known. In this paper, the generalized self-consistent approach is used for predicting the elastic properties of inner core (Bi2223 filaments combined with Ag matrix), and the mixture rule for those of the whole composite tape (the inner core sheathed with Ag alloy). Compared with the simple estimation of the mixture rule, the prediction of the generalized self-consistent approach is not only physically rational, but also is much more accurate. Further, the theoretical prediction agreed well with the measured data. Hopefully, the generalized self-consistent approach can be adopted to predict the elastic properties of other superconducting composite structures.

A 37-year-old female presented to our hospital with the complaint of abdominal distension for one month. A gastroscopy examination showed extensive chyme retention and varying erosion and ulceration of the gastric body. The pathology showed moderate chronic inflammation and erosion of the gastric body mucosa, with accompanying Helicobacter pylori infection. She accepted treatment for one month. The patient then accepted to undergo endoscopic ultrasonography, which showed that normal structure of the gastric body intumescence was discernible. The pathology showed chronic mild-moderate inflammation of the gastric body mucosa associated with interstitial amyloidosis, with accompanying Helicobacter pylori infection. She accepted treatment for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, and the original ulcer healed.