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AIM: To investigate the impact of hsa_circ_0007482 on the proliferation and apoptosis of human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs) and its correlation with the severity grades of pterygium. METHODS: Pterygium and normal conjunctival tissues were collected from the superior area of the same patient's eye (n=33). The correlation between pterygium severity and hsa_circ_0007482 expression using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were analyzed. Three distinct siRNA sequences targeting hsa_circ_0007482, along with a negative control sequence, were transfected into HPFs. Cell proliferation was assessed using the cell counting kit-8. Expression levels of Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cyclin D1, Bax, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Caspase-3 were measured via RT-qPCR. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to detect Ki67 and vimentin expressions. Apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Hsa_circ_0007482 expression was significantly higher in pterygium tissues compared to normal conjunctival tissues (P

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in severe atrophy of skeletal muscle in paralyzed regions, and a decrease in the force generated by muscle per unit of cross-sectional area. Oxidation of skeletal muscle ryanodine 1 receptors (RyR1) reduces contractile force as a result of reduced binding of calstabin 1 to RyR1. One cause of RyR1 oxidation is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (Nox4). We have previously shown that, in rats, RyR1 was oxidized and bound less to calstabin 1 at 56 days after SCI by spinal cord transection. Here, we used a conditional knockout (KO) mouse model of Nox4 in skeletal muscle to investigate the role of Nox4 in reduced muscle specific force after SCI. Peak twitch force of extensor digitorum longus muscles in control mice after SCI was reduced by 42% compared with sham-operated controls, but was increased by ?43% in SCI Nox4 conditional KO mice compared with SCI controls, although it remained less than that for sham-operated controls. Unlike what was previously observed in rats after SCI, the expression of Nox4 was not increased in gastrocnemius muscle, and binding of calstabin 1 to RyR1 was not reduced in this muscle. The results suggest that Nox4 is directly involved in reduction in muscle twitch force after SCI, although further studies are needed to understand the mechanistic basis for this linkage.

Abstract Background The role of Numb, a protein that is important for cell fate and development and that, in human muscle, is expressed at reduced levels with advanced age, was investigated; adult mice skeletal muscle and its localization and function within myofibres were determined. Methods Numb expression was evaluated by western blot. Numb localization was determined by confocal microscopy. The effects of conditional knock out (cKO) of Numb and the closely related gene Numb‐like in skeletal muscle fibres were evaluated by in situ physiology, transmission and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, three‐dimensional reconstruction of mitochondria, lipidomics, and bulk RNA sequencing. Additional studies using primary mouse myotubes investigated the effects of Numb knockdown on cell fusion, mitochondrial function, and calcium transients. Results Numb protein expression was reduced by ~70% (P

AIM: To quantify and evaluate the capsular adhesion to intraocular lens(IOL)in subjects with high myopia by the latest anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT).METHODS: Retrospective case observation study was designed. Sixty eyes of 60 patients who received extra-capsular extraction combined with IOL implantation in Shenzhen Eye Hospital from October 2019 to December 2019 were divided into two groups by axial length(AL), of which 30 eyes were highly myopic(AL>26mm)and 30 eyes were emmetropic(22mm

AIM: To evaluate the disruption degree of macular fovea structure by pre-operation SD-OCT examination and establish a new method of IMEM. Thus, to analysis the value of this method for predicting the visual functional prognosis of cataract patients complicated with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM)after cataract surgery alone.METHODS: Totally 64 patients(80 eyes)diagnosed as cataract with IMEM, who simply underwent phaco cataract extraction combined with intraocular lens implantation were included in this study. These patients were admitted in Shenzhen Eye Hospital from October 2017 to November 2018. IMEM was divided into 4 stages based on the damage degree of macular fovea structure by pre-operative SD-OCT examination. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), mean retinal sensitivities(MS), central macular thickness(CMT)and the progression rate of IMEM in all the patients were compared and analyzed before and 3mo after the cataract operation.RESULTS: With the IMEM grade rised, the epiretinal membranes became more obvious, the disruption of retinal layers and loss of the foveal depression became more serious on the SD-OCT image. The LogMAR BCVA of pre-operation and 3mo after cataract surgery progressively rised with the increasing of IMEM grade, and the differences were statistically significant(F=37.72, 26.43, P0.05), but the progression rate of IMEM was increased significantly with the IMEM grading(χ2Trend=12.59, P

The effect of solid-state phase transformation during heat treatment on the friction and wear properties of Cu–3Fe–0.18C alloy prepared by vacuum melting was studied. The as-cast structure, deformed structure, Fe–C phase morphology, mechanical properties, and the friction and wear behavior of Cu–Fe–C alloy were studied by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nano-mechanical probe analysis, mechanical properties test, and friction and wear experiments, respectively, at room temperature. The results show that micro- and nano-sized Fe–C phases are dispersed in the Cu–(Fe–C) alloy, and the micron-sized Fe–C phase undergoes solid-state transformation during quenching and tempering, which is similar to the martensite transformation and tempering transformation in steel. After quenched at 850 ℃ and tempering at 200, 400 and 650 ℃, the Fe–C phase gradually transforms from acicular martensite to granular tempered sorbite. The corresponding nano-hardness of the Fe–C phase is 9.4, 8, 4.2 and 3.8 GPa, respectively, and the hardness of the strengthening phase is controlled. Through an analysis of tensile fracture, a large number of dissociation surfaces appear on the fracture surface of the quenched alloy. The crack source is located at the interface between the Fe–C phase and the matrix. With an increase in the tempering temperature, the dissociation surface of the fracture surface of the tempered alloy gradually decreases until it disappears, and the crack source gradually transfers to the matrix. The evolution of fracture surface indicates that the bonding between Fe–C phase and matrix in the quenched alloys is poor. With the increase of the tempering temperature, the bonding interface between the Fe–C phase and the matrix is improved. The experimental results of friction and wear at room temperature show that with the increase of tempering temperature, the wear mechanism of the alloy gradually changes from ploughing to adhesion wear and severe plastic deformation, which results in a decrease in the alloy wear resistance. This paper can provide a reference for controlling the friction and wear properties of Cu–(Fe–C) alloys by the solid-state transformation of the Fe-C phase martensitic decomposition.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with obesity and is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Immobilization, muscle atrophy, obesity, and loss of sympathetic innervation to the liver are believed to contribute to risks of these abnormalities. Systematic study of the mechanisms underlying SCI-induced metabolic disorders has been limited by a lack of animal models of insulin resistance following SCI. Therefore, the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD), which causes weight gain and glucose intolerance in neurologically intact mice, was tested in mice that had undergone a spinal cord transection at thoracic vertebra 10 (T10) or a sham-transection. At 84 days after surgery, Sham-HFD and SCI-HFD mice showed impaired intraperitoneal glucose tolerance when compared with Sham control (Sham-Con) or SCI control (SCI-Con) mice fed a standard control chow. Glucose tolerance in SCI-Con mice was comparable to that of Sham-Con mice. The mass of paralyzed skeletal muscle, liver, and epididymal, inguinal, and omental fat deposits were lower in SCI versus Sham groups, with lower liver mass present in SCI-HFD versus SCI-Con animals. SCI also produced sublesional bone loss, with no differences between SCI-Con and SCI-HFD groups. The results suggest that administration of a HFD to mice after SCI may provide a model to better understand mechanisms leading to insulin resistance post-SCI, as well as an approach to study pathogenesis of glucose intolerance that is independent of obesity.

With the advantages of both Cu and Al, including high conductivity, good corrosion resistance, low density, and easy connectivity, Cu–Al-laminated composites become a substitute for copper plates which can be applied widely in the fields of telecommunication, the petrochemical industry, transportation, decorative buildings, and the aerospace, national defense, and military industries. Cu–Al-laminated composites can be prepared via various methods, such as the explosive combined method, rolling combined method, and cast-rolling combined method. However, all these methods are limited because of the complicated metal surface treatment which poses a restriction on the development of this kind of plate. To resolve this issue, a new process of horizontal continuous casting composite forming (HCCF) for bimetal composite plates with an interface of metallurgical bonding, which is regarded as a short and more efficient process, was presented in this paper. Cu–Al composite plates with a section size of 70 mm × 24 mm (width × thickness) were fabricated, whose feasible preparation parameters were further studied, along with the investigation of the microstructure and properties of the composite plate. The results show that consisting of intermetallic compounds and eutectic phase, an interfacial layer is formed during the preparation and formation of the Cu–Al composite plate. Layer II of θ is formed via a solid–liquid transition during the solidification of liquid Al on the solid Cu plate. With the Cu atoms continuously diffusing into the Al liquid, layer I of γ is formed via a solid–solid transition with a certain content of Cu atoms, while layer III of α + θ is formed via eutectic transformation under the eutectic temperature. Making of Cu–Al intermetallic compounds, Layer I and layer II are the main areas of crack generation and expansion, thus, the thickness of the interface layer plays an important role that can control bonding strength. The temperature distribution of the composite Cu–Al plate during solidification is optimized by adjusting the parameters and controlling the formation of the composite layer. Therefore, a reasonable matching of the process parameters is the key to improving the microstructure of the composite layer and increasing the bond strength of the clad plate.

AIM: To compare the visual quality of bifocal(AT LISA 809MP)and trifocal(AT LISA tri 839MP)IOLs after implantation.METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 49 eyes of 28 patients with cataract who underwent phacoemulsification combined with multifocal IOL implantation from March 2018 to February 2019 were collected. There were 30 eyes of 18 patients in the bifocal group, aged 40-85(mean 67.08±10.80)years. The trifocal group consisted of 19 eyes of 10 patients, aged 38-79(mean 62.21±14.50)years. All patients underwent visual quality analysis system(OQAS), defocus curve and other examinations.RESULTS: The near BCVA of the two focus groups was better than that of the three focus groups, and the medium UCVA and far BCVA of the three focus groups were better than those of the two focus groups(all PPCONCLUSION: Both bifocal and trifocal IOL implantation can achieve good uncorrected and near visual acuity and high visual quality, while trifocal IOL can achieve better intermediate visual acuity.

AIM: To study the expressions of TGFBI and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha(LC3)in granular corneal dystrophy, and the influences of lithium chloride(LiCl)on corneal stromal fibroblast cell proliferation by TGFBI. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and Western-blot assays were used to detect the expression levels of TGFBI and LC3 in corneal dystrophy and normal corneal tissues. TGFBI overexpression vector was transfected into corneal stromal fibroblasts, and then the cells were treated with 5, 10, 20, 40mmol/L LiCl for different times(0, 1, 6, 12h), and Western-blot assay was performed to evaluate the expression levels of TGFBI and LC3, and CCK-8 assay was carried out to assess cell proliferation activity.RESULTS: TGFBI and LC3 were highly expressed in corneal tissues of patients with corneal dystrophy. TGFBI overexpression inhibited the proliferation ability of corneal stromal fibroblasts(PPCONCLUSION: LiCl promoted the proliferation and autophagy of corneal stromal fibroblasts, and its mechanism may be related to down regulated expressions of TGFBI and LC3.

AIM: To investigate the axial length(AL)and corneal curvature in patients with congenital cataract, and to provide references for development, treatment and prognosis of the disease.METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2018, 229 patients(333 eyes)with congenital cataract aged less than 20 years old before surgery and without other ocular diseases or systemic diseases were included in the retrospective study. Their AL and corneal curvature were measured using IOL Master 500. Corneal curvature was represented by Km, which was the mean of K1 and K2.The data were statistically analyzed using partial correlation analysis, to detect the correlation between patients' AL, Km and age, and we conducted curve fitting for the correlated parameters and age. We compared bilateral and unilateral cataract's AL and Km, and we also compared male and female patients' AL and Km.RESULTS: The correlation between patients' AL and age was significant(r =0.250, P=0.001), and the fitting curve was obtained with equation AL=20.85+0.96×ln(age), but patients' Km wasn't significantly correlated with age(r= -0.024, P=0.759). No significant difference was found in AL between male and female patients(P=0.495), but Km was significantly greater in female patients than that in male patients(P=0.018). AL wasn't significantly different between eyes from bilateral cataract and affected eyes from unilateral cataract(P=0.159), but AL was significantly shorter in bilateral cataract than that in healthy eyes from unilateral cataract(P=0.033). No significant difference was found in Km between eyes from bilateral cataract and affected eyes or healthy eyes from unilateral cataracts(P=0.483, 0.176).CONCLUSION: Congenital cataract may affect AL growth, especially in bilateral cataract, AL was shorter in bilateral cataract than that in healthy eyes from unilateral cataract. No effect of congenital cataract was found on corneal curvature, but corneal curvature was significantly greater in female patients than that in male patients.

AIM: To investigate the necessity of visual acuity, intraocular pressure(IOP)and slit lamp microscope examination on the same day after cataract surgery, and to explore a safe and effective method for postoperative observation.METHODS: We collected cataract patients receiving day surgery from October to November 2018. They underwent phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens(IOL)implantation. 149 patients(149 eyes)were included. Before the surgery, and 2h, 1d, 1wk after the surgery, we measured and compared their best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and IOP, observing whether they had the corneal edema, IOL dislocation or other complications with slit lampmicroscope. We also compared the percentage of high IOP, low IOP before and after surgery.RESULTS: BCVA before and 2h after surgery, BCVA 2h and 1d after surgery, and BCVA 1d and 1wk after surgery were statistically different, showing a gradually improving trend(PP>0.05), but the IOP 1wk after surgery was lower than that before surgery, 2h after surgery and 1d after surgery(PCONCLUSION: The visual acuity, IOP and corneal edema of the patients recovered 1wk after day cataract surgery, and high IOP was easy to happen 2h after surgery. Visual acuity, IOP and slit lamp microscope examination were safe, and corresponding treatment could be given to patients with high IOP.

Gentianella macrosperma Ma ex H.F. Cao, J.D. Ya & Q.R. Zhang, a new species of Gentianaceae from Xinjiang, Northwest China is described and illustrated. This new species is unique in having equal length of corolla lobe and corolla tube, nectaries located at the throat of the corolla tube and large seeds up to 1.6 mm in diameter. In addition, an updated identification key to the Chinese species of Gentianella is provided.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in dysregulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism; the underlying cellular and physiological mechanisms remain unclear. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a circulating protein primarily secreted by the liver that lowers blood glucose levels, corrects abnormal lipid profiles, and mitigates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. FGF21 acts via activating FGF receptor 1 and ß-klotho in adipose tissue and stimulating release of adiponectin from adipose tissue which in turn signals in the liver and skeletal muscle. We examined FGF21/adiponectin signaling after spinal cord transection in mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) or a standard mouse chow. Tissues were collected at 84 days after spinal cord transection or a sham SCI surgery. SCI reduced serum FGF21 levels and hepatic FGF21 expression, as well as β-klotho and FGF receptor-1 (FGFR1) mRNA expression in adipose tissue. SCI also reduced serum levels and adipose tissue mRNA expression of adiponectin and leptin, two major adipokines. In addition, SCI suppressed hepatic type 2 adiponectin receptor (AdipoR2) mRNA expression and PPARα activation in the liver. Post-SCI mice fed a HFD had further suppression of serum FGF21 levels and hepatic FGF21 expression. Elevated serum free fatty acid (FFA) levels after HFD feeding were observed in post-SCI mice but not in sham-mice, suggesting defective FFA uptake after SCI. Moreover, after SCI several genes that are implicated in insulin’s action had reduced expression in tissues of interest. These findings suggest that downregulated FGF21/adiponectin signaling and impaired responsiveness of adipose tissues to FGF21 may, at least in part, contribute to the overall picture of metabolic dysfunction after SCI.

Flaccid paralysis in the upper extremity is a severe motor impairment after stroke, which exists for weeks, months, or even years. Electroacupuncture treatment is one of the most widely used TCM therapeutic interventions for poststroke flaccid paralysis. However, the response to electroacupuncture in different durations of flaccid stage poststroke as well as in the topological configuration of the cortical network remains unclear. The objectives of this study are to explore the disruption of the cortical network in patients in different durations of flaccid stage and observe dynamic network reorganization during and after electroacupuncture. Resting-state networks were constructed from 18 subjects with flaccid upper extremity by partial directed coherence (PDC) analysis of multichannel EEG. They were allocated to three groups according to time after flaccid paralysis: the short-duration group (those with flaccidity for less than two months), the medium-duration group (those with flaccidity between two months and six months), and the long-duration group (those with flaccidity over six months). Compared with short-duration flaccid subjects, weakened effective connectivity was presented in medium-duration and long-duration groups before electroacupuncture. The long-duration group has no response in the cortical network during electroacupuncture. The global network measures of EEG data (sPDC, mPDC, and N) indicated that there was no significant difference among the three groups. These results suggested that the network connectivity reduced and weakly responded to electroacupuncture in patients with flaccid paralysis for over six months. These findings may help us to modulate the formulation of electroacupuncture treatment according to different durations of the flaccid upper extremity.

A series of novel 4-ferrocenylchroman-2-one derivatives were designed and synthesised to discover potent anti-inflammatory agents for treatment of arthritis. All the target compounds had been screened for their anti-inflammatory activity by evaluating the inhibition effect of LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among them, 4-ferrocenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[g]chromen-2-one (3h) was found to be the most potent compound in inhibiting the productions of NO with low toxicity. This compound also exhibited significant inhibition of the productions of IL-6 and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Preliminary mechanism studies indicated that compound 3h could inhibit the activation of LPS-induced NF-κB and MAPKs signalling pathways. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of this compound was determined in the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model.

Background/Aims: Sepsis is a severe and complicated syndrome that is characterized by dysregulation of host inflammatory responses and organ failure. Cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE)/ hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has potential anti-inflammatory activities in a variety of inflammatory diseases. NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), a member of the NADPH oxidases, is the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its expression is increased in sepsis, but its function in CSE-mediated anti-inflammatory activities remains unknown. Methods: Macrophages were either transfected with CSE, Nox4 siRNA or transduced with lentiviral vector encoding CSE or Nox4, and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expression of inflammatory mediators and signaling pathway activation were measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR), ELISA, and immunoblotting. LPS-induced shock severity in WT, Nox4 knockdown and CSE knockout (CSE-/-) mice was assessed. Results: Here we showed that CSE and Nox4 were upregulated in macrophage and mouse in response to LPS. After LPS stimulation, the inflammatory responses were significantly ameliorated by lentiviral Nox4 shRNA knockdown, but were exacerbated by lentiviral overexpressing Nox4. Furthermore, Nox4 mediated inflammation through PI3K/Akt and p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathway. Notably, CSE knockout served to amplify the inflammatory cascade by increasing Nox4-ROS signaling activation in septic mice and macrophage. Similarly, the enhanced production of inflammatory mediators by macrophages was reduced by CSE overexpression. Conclusion: Thus, we demonstrated that CSE/H2S attenuated LPS-induced sepsis against oxidative stress and inflammation damage probably largely through mediated Nox4 pathway.

AIM: To observe the visual quality after segmental Refractive multifocal intraocular lens(IOL)implantation.METHODS: Totally 50 cases(83 eyes)of cataract patients who receiving phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in our hospital from June 2016 to February 2017 were selected as the study object. Based on the IOL types, the patients were divided into two groups: 22 cases(37 eyes)in observation group implanted segmental refractive multifocal IOL, 28 cases(46 eyes)in control group implanted monofocal IOL. Three months after surgery, the uncorrected visual acuity was recorded. A double-pass optical quality analysis system(OQAS II)was used to evaluate the visual quality. The near spectacle independence, satisfaction, and symptoms of visual disturbance were assessed by a questionnaire.RESULTS: Three months after surgery, there were no statistical differences in uncorrected distance visual acuity(UCDVA)between the observation group and control group(P=0.273). The uncorrected intermediate visual acuity(UCIVA)and uncorrected near acuity(UCNVA)of observation group was better than control group(PPP>0.05).CONCLUSION: Segmental refractive multifocal intraocular lens provides wider objective amplitude of accommodation and good overall visual acuity, reduces spectacle dependency and provides high patient satisfaction.

Based on our previous docking model, in order to carry out more rational drug design, totally 82 vinyl sulfonyl fluorides, including some 2-(hetero)arylethenesulfonyl fluorides and 1,3-dienylsulfonyl fluorides derivatives as potential human telomerase inhibitors were designed and synthesised. The in vitro anticancer activity assay showed that compound 57 (1E,3E)-4-(4-((E)-2-(fluorosulfonyl)vinyl)phenyl)buta-1,3-diene-1-sulfonyl fluoride exhibited high activity against A375 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with IC50 1.58 and 3.22 µM, but it manifested obvious un-toxic effect against GES-1 and L-02 with IC50 with IC50 values less than 2.00 mM. By the modified TRAP assay, some compounds including 57 exhibited potent inhibitory activities against telomerase with IC50 values of 0.71–0.97 µM.

The existing wireless cooperative MAC protocols rarely consider the impact of channel condition and node energy consumption.To this issue,a new wireless cooperative MAC protocol was proposed,which used the random linear network coding,and introduced a mechanism of request relay frame to solve the hidden terminal problem.Specifically,the proposed method adaptively adjusted the node rate according to RSSI,and determined the relay node based on the requirements of cooperative transmission.The simulation results show that the network performance can be improved through deploying the proposed protocol.

Purpose. To investigate the function and morphology of meibomian glands (MG) in night shift medical staff (MS). Methods. Sixty-two eyes of 31 patients in the MS group and 59 eyes of 31 patients in the control group were consecutively enrolled. All participants completed Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and Standard Patient Dry Eye Evaluation (SPEED) questionnaires for dry eye severity, as well as Schirmer I and tear break-up time (TBUT) tests. LipiView® II Ocular Surface Interferometer was used for lipid layer thickness (LLT), MG dropout, and partial blink (PB) rate tests. MG expression was measured with an MG evaluator. Results. The OSDI score in the MS group was 22.39 ± 13.42, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (9.87 ± 6.64 Z = −3.997, P=0.001). The SPEED score in the MS group was 7.94 ± 3.81, which was significantly higher than in the control group (3.65 ± 2.11, Z = −4.766, P=0.001). There was no significant difference in Schirmer I test between the MS group and control group (Z = −1.346, P=0.178). TBUT in MS group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (Z = −5.201, P=0.001). The mean LLT of the MS group was 55.02 ± 21.17 nm significantly thinner than that of the control group 72.76 ± 21.62 nm (Z = −4.482, P=0.001). MG loss occurred in 45.16% of affected eyes in the MS group and 16.13% of affected eyes in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 14.352, P=0.001). MG yielding liquid secretion and MG yielding secretion score were significantly lower in the MS group than in the control group (Z = −3.641, P=0.001; Z = −3.146, P=0.001, resp.). There was a negative correlation between mean LLT and SPEED score (Spearman r = −0.363, P=0.045). Conclusions. Night shift MS had a higher incidence of MGD compared to day workers.

Abstract Liver diseases such as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are characterized by excess hepatic accumulation of lipid droplets and triglycerides which are associated with defective insulin action. Myostatin (Mstn) and adiponectin, secreted by muscle cells and adipocytes, respectively, play important roles in regulating insulin signaling and energy metabolism. The mechanisms underlying the actions of Mstn and adiponectin remain largely unknown. Moreover, the interactions between Mstn and adiponectin in regulating gene expression critical for fatty acid metabolism and insulin action in hepatocytes have not been investigated. The effects of Mstn and AdipoRon, a synthetic adiponectin receptor agonist that is orally active, alone or in combination, on hepatic gene expression and function was investigated. While Mstn increased fatty acid (FA) accumulation and desensitized cellular responses to insulin, AdipoRon protected against Mstn‐induced defects in hepatic gene expression and function. In addition, these effects of Mstn were associated with reduced AMPK and PPARα activities which were reversed by AdipoRon. Finally, AdipoRon was able to prevent Mstn‐induced activation of the Smad2/3 pathway. These data suggest crosstalk between Mstn‐induced Smad2/3 and adiponectin‐induced AMPK/PPARα pathways, which may play important roles in the regulation of hepatic gene expression critical for FA metabolism and insulin signaling. In addition, the data suggest that AdipoRon, as an adiponectin receptor agonist, may serve a therapeutic role to reduce the hepatic contribution to the disorders of fat metabolism and insulin action.

Twenty-three novel resveratrol-based cinnamic ester hybrids were designed and synthesized. All the compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity using RAW264.7 cells. Among them, compound D15 was found to be the most potent one in inhibiting NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The further study indicated that compound D15 could suppress expression of proteins iNOS, COX-2, p-p65, and p-IκB LPS-induced. Immunofluorescence further revealed compound D15 could reduce activation p65 in nuclei. All the results indicated that the anti-inflammatory activity of title compound may partly due to its inhibitory effect on the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the third physiological gasotransmitter, is well recognized as an anti-inflammatory mediator in various inflammatory conditions. Herein, we explored the protective effects of S-propargyl-cysteine (SPRC, also known as ZYZ-802), an endogenous H2S modulator, on RA and determined the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, SPRC concentration-dependently attenuated inflammatory mediator expression, reactive oxidase species generation, and the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9 in interleukin (IL)-1β-induced human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes MH7A. In addition, SPRC blocked IL-1β-mediated migration and invasion of MH7A cells. As expected, the protective effects of SPRC were partially abrogated by DL-propargylglycine (PAG, a H2S biosynthesis inhibitor). In vivo study also demonstrated that SPRC treatment markedly ameliorated the severity of RA in adjuvant-induced arthritis rats, and this effect was associated with the inhibition of inflammatory response. We further identified that SPRC remarkably induced heme oxygenase-1 expression associated with the degradation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2); this effect was attributed to the sulfhydrylation of the cysteine residue of Keap1. Our data demonstrated for the first time that SPRC, an endogenous H2S modulator, exerted anti-inflammatory properties in RA by upregulating the Nrf2-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway.

Abstract Background Myxozoa is a well-known economically and ecologically important group of metazoan parasites, phylogenetically related to Cnidaria. High diversity of myxosporeans has been recorded in Russia and China; however, most of the species were solely morphologically characterised. Here, we identified a new gibel carp-infecting Myxobolus species and morphologically and molecularly compared the Russian and Chinese isolates of this new myxosporean. Results Myxobolus pronini n. sp. was found free in the abdominal cavity of Carassius auratus gibelio (Bloch, 1782) in Lake Baikal watershed, Russia, and embedded in the visceral serous membranes of the same fish species in Lake Taibai, Hubei province, China. The morphometric data of the plasmodia and mature spores exhibited some differences between the Russian and Chinese isolates, but SSU rDNA sequences indicated that these two geographical isolates are conspecific. The mature spores from the two locations are obovate in frontal view, with wider anterior than posterior end and lemon-shaped in sutural view. Spores of the Russian isolate were 14.3–16.2 (mean 15.1 ± 0.2) μm long, 9.6–10.8 (10.1 ± 0.1) μm wide and 6.4–7.4 (6.7 ± 0.15) μm thick; those of the Chinese isolate were 13.8–15.6 (14.7 ± 0.24) μm long, 9.6–13.3 (9.6 ± 0.65) μm wide and 6.2–7.2 (6.6 ± 0.16) μm thick. The newly-generated rDNA sequences (including SSU rDNA, ITS and LSU rDNA) from the two isolates represented some variations within the intraspecific range. Homology search by BLAST showed that the newly obtained rDNA sequences do not match any sequences available on GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis based on the aligned partial SSU rDNA sequences indicated that this novel species clustered with several gibel carp-infecting Myxobolus spp. with round anterior end of spores. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis based on all obtained ITS sequences showed that distinct genetic geographical differentiation occurred for this new parasite. Conclusions Myxobolus pronini n. sp. is described by integrating morphological, ecological and molecular evidence. Two geographical isolates of this species showed some morphological and genetic differences but within the intraspecific range of variation.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical results of capsular tension ring(CTR)implantation in phacoemulsification for eyes with congenital lens subluxation. METHODS: This study comprised 18 patients(31 eyes)with congenital ectopia lentis. All patients received phacoemulsification with CTR and intraocular lens(IOL)implantation. Visual acuity before and after surgery were examined. IOL decentration were measured with Image-Pro Plus image processing software. The complications were also recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Uncorrected vision of all eyes increased after surgery, and all cases had different degree of IOL decentration after surgery. Two eyes received CTR scleral fixation 3mo after surgery because the IOL decentration aggravated during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification with CTR and IOL implantation is effective and safe for congenital lens subluxation. The implantation of CTR increase the stability of the capsular bag, improve the safety of surgery, and maintain the right position of IOL. CTR scleral fixation is a effective supplement for progressive cases.

Background/Aim: Sodium 9-acetoxyltanshinone IIA sulfonate (ZY-1A4), a novel compound derived from sodium 9-hydroxyltanshinone IIA sulfonate, was synthesized with potential biological activities. This study aimed to explore the effects of ZY-1A4 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered inflammatory response and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Activation of RAW264.7 macrophages was induced by LPS. The effects of ZY-1A4 on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, nitric oxide (NO) generation, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, and nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway were evaluated to elucidate its underlying mechanisms on inflammatory responses. Results: ZY-1A4 concentration-dependently reduced iNOS expression and NO production, and inhibited c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) phosphorylation and NF-κB activation in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In addition, ZY-1A4 concentration- and time-dependently induced HO-1 expression associated with degradation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and nuclear translocation of Nrf2, while the effect of ZY-1A4 was abolished by a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002. Intriguingly, pharmacological inactivation of HO-1 with zinc protoporphyrin IX reversed anti-inflammatory effect of ZY-1A4, but the anti-inflammatory effect of ZY-1A4 was largely mimicked by HO-1 by-products carbon monoxide and bilirubin. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of ZY-1A4 on LPS-induced iNOS expression and NO release was abolished by HO-1 siRNA or LY294002. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that ZY-1A4 suppressed LPS-induced iNOS expression and NO generation via modulation of NF-κB activation and HO-1 expression. This new finding might shed light to the prevention and therapy of cardiovascular diseases.

Previously, we have shown that boehmenan, a natural product isolated from the dried stem of Caulis clematidis armandii , exhibits various biological activities. The current study investigated the effects of boehmenan on the growth of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Cell viability and 50% inhibiting concentration (IC 50 ) were assessed by CellTiter-Glo luminescent cell viability assay. Cell cycle arrest was measured by flow cytometry. Intracellular reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ m ) collapse were analyzed by a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway was evaluated by Western blot. The results showed that boehmenan significantly inhibited the growth of A431 cells (IC 50 = 1.6 µM) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This compound also blocked cell cycle progression at G2/M phase and modulated mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins, as evidenced by upregulating p21, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase protein levels and by downregulating Bcl-2, pro-caspase-9 levels. In addition, boehmenan also markedly induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production and ΔΨ m depolarization in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, boehmenan-attenuated epidermal growth factor mediated the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6)/S6 in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, our results suggest that boehmenan-mediated antiproliferative property in A431 cells was mediated partially by modulation of mitochondrial function and inhibition of STAT3 and p70S6 signal pathways.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the third endogenous gaseous signaling molecule alongside nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide, is synthesized by multiple enzymes in cardiovascular system. Similar to other gaseous mediators, H2S has demonstrated a variety of biological activities, including anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, pro-angiogenic, vasodilating capacities and endothelial NO synthase modulating activity, and regulates a wide range of pathophysiological processes in cardiovascular disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms by which H2S mediates cardiovascular homeostasis are not fully understood. This review focuses on the recent progress on functional and mechanistic aspects of H2S in the inflammatory and immunoregulatory processes of cardiovascular disorders, importantly myocardial ischemia, heart failure, and atherosclerosis. Moreover, we highlight the challenges for developing H2S-based therapy to modulate the pathological processes in cardiovascular diseases. A better understanding of the immunomodulatory and biochemical functions of H2S might provide new therapeutic strategies for these cardiovascular diseases.

Glycyrrhizin (GA) analogs in the form of 3-glucuronides and 18-epimers were synthesized and their anticancer activities were evaluated. Alkaline isomerization of monoglucuronides is reported. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that glycyrrhetinic acid monoglucuronides (GAMGs) displayed higher anticancer activities than those of bisglucuronide GA analogs, while anticancer activity of the 18α-epimer was superior to that of the 18β-epimer. 18α-GAMG was firstly nicely bound to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) via six hydrogen bonds and one charge interaction, and the docking calculation proved the correlation between anticancer activities and EGFR inhibitory activities. Highly active 18α-GAMG is thus of interest for the further studies as a potential anticancer agent.

Classification is an important theme in data mining. Rough sets and neural networks are the most common techniques applied in data mining problems. In order to extract useful knowledge and classify ambiguous patterns effectively, this paper presented a hybrid algorithm based on the integration of rough sets and BP neural network to construct a novel classification system. The attribution values were discretized through PSO algorithm firstly to establish a decision table. The attribution reduction algorithm and rules extraction method based on rough sets were proposed, and the flowchart of proposed approach was designed. Finally, a prototype system was developed and some simulation examples were carried out. Simulation results indicated that the proposed approach was feasible and accurate and was outperforming others.

In order to improve the performance of robot dexterous hand, a controller based on GA-fuzzy-immune PID was designed. The control system of a robot dexterous hand and mathematical model of an index finger were presented. Moreover, immune mechanism was applied to the controller design and an improved approach through integration of GA and fuzzy inference was proposed to realize parameters’ optimization. Finally, a simulation example was provided and the designed controller was proved ideal.

In order to improve the maintenance training effect of complex mechanical product, a virtual maintenance system was developed. The system framework was proposed, and the main functional modules were elaborated. A multilevel information representation model for complex mechanical product was put forward, and the flowchart of model transformation technology was designed. Moreover, a collision detection method based on hierarchical bounding volume was proposed, and the maintainability analysis and evaluation solution based on maintenance knowledge was presented. Finally, a prototype system was developed, and the proposed system was provedto be efficient through an example of hydraulic winch.

In the title complex, [Ni(C7H3NO4)(C7H6N2)3], the NiII ion is coordinated by two carboxylate O atoms and the N atom from a pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate ligand and by three N atoms from three benzimidazole ligands to form a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional network.

The title mononuclear complex, [Ni(C7H3NO4)(C9H10N2)3], shows a central NiII atom which is coordinated by two carboxylate O atoms and the N atom from a pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate ligand and by three N atoms from different 5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzimidazole ligands in a distorted octahedral geometry. The crystal structure shows intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds.

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), the third physiologically relevant gaseous molecule, is recognized increasingly as an anti-inflammatory mediator in various inflammatory conditions. Herein, we explored the effects and mechanisms of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a H(2)S donor) on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) dysfunction.Application of NaHS concentration-dependently suppressed TNF-α-induced mRNA and proteins expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), mRNA expression of P-selectin and E-selectin as well as U937 monocytes adhesion to HUVEC. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of the cytoprotective enzyme, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), was induced and coincident with the anti-inflammatory action of NaHS. Furthermore, TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation assessed by IκBα degradation and p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation and ROS production were diminished in cells subjected to treatment with NaHS.H(2)S can exert an anti-inflammatory effect in endothelial cells through a mechanism that involves the up-regulation of HO-1.

In the title compound, C12H16N4+·2C7H4NO4−, the complete 2,2′-(p-phenylene)bis(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium) (bib) dication is generated by crystallographic inversion symmetry. The bib cations reside on crystallographic inversion centers, which coincide with the centroids of the respective benzene rings. In the cation, the imidazole ring adopts an envelop conformation with the flap atom displaced by 0.082 (3) Å from the plane through the other ring atoms. In the crystal, the cations and anions are linked through intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains running along the a axis. C—H...O interactions also occur. Weak π–π contacts between the imidazole rings of bib and between the benzene rings of NB [centroid–centroid distances = 3.501 (1) and 3.281 (2) Å, respectively] may further stabilize the structure.

In the cation of the title compound, C12H15N4+·C7H6NO2−, the benzene ring makes dihedral angles of 30.51 (9) and 25.64 (9)° with the imidazole and imidazolinium rings, respectively. In the crystal, intermolecular N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen-bonding interactions link the molecules into a three-dimensional network.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C14H16N42+·2C7H4NO4−·2C7H5NO4, comprises one-half of the 3,3′-(p-phenylenedimethylene)di-1H-imidazol-1-ium dication, which lies on an inversion centre, one 4-nitrobenzoate anion and one 4-nitrobenzoic acid molecule. In the crystal, the components are linked into a two-dimensional network parallel to (110) by O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds.

In the centrosymmetric title binuclear complex, [Zn2(C8H7O2)4(C7H10N2)2], the Zn atoms [Zn...Zn = 3.0287 (6) Å] are bridged by four 4-methylbenzoate ligands. The four nearest O atoms around each ZnII atom form a distorted square-planar arrangement with the distorted square-pyramidal coordination completed by the pyridine N atom of the 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine ligand. In the crystal structure, weak intermolecular C—H...O interactions link the molecules into infinite chains. The chains are further linked by weak C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional network.