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In this study, the East Asian diversity of green-algal Lobaria was evaluated by applying both morphological and phylogenetic approaches. A multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of 72 green-algal Lobaria specimens was performed using a three-locus and time-calibrated species-tree approach. The analyses demonstrate that pairs of sexually and vegetatively reproducing lineages split into highly supported monophyletic clades. Taxonomically, 11 green-algal Lobaria species were identified as new to science, while 10 were previously described species. The species differentiated during the Pliocene and Pleistocene. The coincidence of paleoclimatic events with estimated dates of divergence support a bioclimatic hypothesis for species evolution in the green-algal Lobaria. Molecular phylogenies, a summary of diversity, detailed new species descriptions and geographical analyses are provided. Special recognition of species with a long evolutionary history, which merit high conservation priority, will be critical for preserving geographically restricted endemics in the Himalayas and the Hengduan Mountains, where habitat loss is driving rapid declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of remifentanil on organ damage and energy metabolism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic rats. A total of 45 clean-grade male Wistar rats (weight 270-320 g) were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, an LPS group, and an LPS with remifentanil treatment (LPS+REM) group. After 6 hours of modeling, the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in lung and kidney tissues of rats in each group were detected by ELISA. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung and kidney tissues were determined, and the content of lactic acid, pyruvate and epinephrine in heart and kidney tissues were detected. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and the Western blot test were used to detect the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) in the myocardial tissue. We found that remifentanil treatment inhibited the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA in the lung and kidneys 6 h after the administration of LPS and increased the level of SOD activity. Treatment with remifentanil reduced the expression of lactic acid, pyruvate, and epinephrine in the heart and kidney tissues and attenuated the expression of PDK4 messenger RNA and PDK4 protein in the myocardial tissue. We concluded that remifentanil mignt inhibit the release of tissue inflammatory factors, regulate the body's energy metabolism, and ultimately protect the sepsis tissue damage caused by LPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To detect differentially expressed micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MIR), and to explore the influence of miR- 19a on MIR rats and its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Firstly, the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to prepare MIR models, RNAs were extracted, and miRNA sequencing analysis was carried out to determine differentially expressed miRNAs related to MIR. Secondly, the predicted target genes of miR-19a were collected, and WebGestalt was applied to analyze gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment. Thirdly, the expression of the related proteins and the apoptosis of myocardial cells in MIR rats were detected via Western blotting. Fourthly, the interaction between miR- 19a and the target gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was examined through Luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: Compared with that in the Sham operation (Sham) group, the miR-19a expression in rat myocardial tissues in the MIR group was significantly increased (p<0.05). Compared with those in the miR-negative control (miR-NC) group, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions of PTEN in the miR-19a group were notably decreased (p<0.05). In comparison with the miR-NC group, miR-19a group had elevated expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) (p<0.05). The Luciferase reporter gene assay manifested the direct binding of miR-19a to PTEN mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-19a inhibits the PTEN expression by directly binding to the 3'-UTR of PTEN mRNA, thus activating the Akt/p-Akt signaling pathway to suppress the apoptosis of myocardial cells in MIR injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate the expression of interferon-λ2 (IFN-λ2) in patients with combined allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps (AR+NP), analyze the correlation between IFN-λ2 and tryptase, interleukin 10 (IL-10), and interleukin 12 (IL-12), and identify its peripheral blood cell origins. PATIENTS AND METHODS: ELISA kits were used to investigate plasma levels of IFN-λ2, tryptase, IL-10, and IL-12 in AR+NP patients and healthy controls (HC). Flow cytometry analysis was carried out to detect IFN-λ2 expression in peripheral blood leukocytes. Immunocytochemical staining was performed to detect nasal polyp IFN-λ2 expression in AR+NP patients. RESULTS: Elevated plasma IFN-λ2 levels and positive correlations between plasma IFN-λ2 and tryptase levels in AR+NP patients indicated that IFN-λ2 likely contributes to AR+NP pathogenesis. IFN-λ2 expression was upregulated in cytotoxic T cells and eosinophils in AR+NP patients. Nasal polyp mast cells and macrophages in AR+NP patients expressed IFN-λ2. CONCLUSIONS: The close correlation between IFN-λ2 expression and AR+NP may provide experimental evidence for a possible effect of IFN-λ2 against the allergic inflammatory reaction. Therefore, IFN-λ2 actions may have a potential utility for the treatment and prevention of AR+AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expressions of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-associated gene 6 (NGX6) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and tissues, and to investigate the effects of NGX6 on the proliferation and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and the survival of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (HONE1) and immortalized human nasopharyngeal epithelial cells (NP69) were selected and cultured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of NGX6 were detected via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The expression of NGX6 in HONE1 was up-regulated using the gene transfection technique. Moreover, the effects of NGX6 on the proliferation and invasion capacities of HONE1 were observed via methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and Transwell assay. 50 biopsy tissue specimens of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 20 non-neoplastic nasopharyngeal biopsy tissue specimens were collected, and the immunohistochemical method was used to detect the protein expression of NGX6 in tumor tissues of patients with esophageal carcinoma. Finally, the follow-up data of patients were recorded, Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and the difference in survival rates was detected using the Log-rank test. RESULTS: The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot showed that the mRNA and protein expressions of NGX6 in HONE1 were significantly lower than those in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (NP69). After the overexpression of NGX6, the protein expression of NGX6 in HONE1 was significantly increased, but the proliferation and invasion capacities of HONE1 were significantly decreased. Besides, the immunohistochemical results revealed that the expression of NGX6 in tumor tissues of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma was significantly lower than that in normal tissues; the survival analysis showed that the level of NGX6 was positively correlated with the survival and prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: NGX6 is lowly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and it can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, whose expression is positively correlated with the survival and prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effect of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) on locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) on the expression of succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-six patients diagnosed with locally recurrent NPC in our hospital were selected and divided into the control group (43 cases) and observation group (43 cases). Conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy was applied in the control group, and 3DCRT was adopted in the observation group. The curative effect of both groups was compared. RESULTS: The effective rate and the degree of alleviation of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). There were no differences in the occurrence rate of complications from radiotherapy between the two groups (p>0.05). The survival rate and median survival time of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). The positive expression rate of SDHB in the observation group after radiotherapy was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.05), and the median survival time of patients with positive expression of SDHB was significantly higher than patients with negative expression (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 3DCRT applied for treatment of locally recurrent NPC was safe and effective. It also improved the positive expression rate of SDHB, which was associated with increased survival time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the value of continuous dynamic monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage to predict early postoperative complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 80 patients treated in our hospital from February 2014 to February 2015 were analyzed. The patients all underwent decompressive craniectomies, and their ICP changes were monitored invasively and continuously for 1 to 7 days after surgery. The average blood loss during surgery for the group of patients was 65.3 ± 12.4 ml and the mean GCS score 8.7 ± 2.4. Cases were divided into three groups according to ICP values to compare early postoperative complications of the groups: a normal and mildly increased group (51 cases), a moderately increased group (19 cases) and a severely increased group (10 cases). RESULTS: T o v alidate t he a nalysis w e fi rst showed that comparisons among groups based on gender, age, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, bleeding time, blood loss, operation time, craniectomy localization, and preoperative mannitol dosage yielded no statistically significant differences. In contrast, the following comparisons produced statistically significant differences: the comparison of postoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores showing that the lower intracranial pressure, the higher the GCS score; the postoperative rehemorrhage, cerebral edema and death ratios showing the higher the intracranial pressure, the higher the rehemorrhage ratio; the average ICP and the time to occurrence of rehemorrhage, cerebral edema or cerebral infarction, showing the relationship between the average ICP and the time to a complication. Patients with higher ICP averages suffered a complication of rehemorrhage within the first 9.6 ± 2.5 hours on average. Nevertheless, the comparison of GCS scores in those patients and the others showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, the dynamic monitoring of intracranial pressure can early and sensitively predict postoperative complications of patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, and guide the clinical intervention actively to improve the surgery outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 400 1-d-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were raised at a recommended environmental temperature from d 1 to 20 (experimental day [ED] = ED1 to ED20). On ED21, the chicks were weighed and reallocated into 5 treatment groups, with 8 replicates of 10 birds each. The 5 treatment groups were as follows: the control group, in which chicks were housed at 22 ± 1°C and fed the basal diet, and the HS, HS-CUR50, HS-CUR100, and HS-CUR200 groups, in which chicks were housed at 34 ± 1°C for 8 h (0900-1700 h) and 22 ± 1°C for the rest time and fed the basal diet with 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/ kg curcumin, respectively. From ED21 to ED42, the heat treatment lasted for 20 consecutive days. The results showed that heat-stressed broilers had greater (P < 0.05) average head surface and rectal temperature on ED21 and ED42 than the non-heat-stressed broilers. Diets supplied with 50 and 100 mg/kg curcumin increased (P < 0.05) the G:F compared to the heat-stressed groups. Mitochondrial malondialdehyde levels, an index of lipid peroxidation, in the breast muscle were 15.15 and 9.09% higher (P < 0.05) in 50 and 100 mg/kg curcumin supplemented groups than that of the heat-stressed group, respectively. Curcumin supplementation (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) increased (P < 0.05) mitochondrial glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and manganese superoxide dismutase activities compared to heat-stressed broilers. Curcumin supplementation (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) of heat shock protein 70 mRNA levels in the breast muscle. The breast muscle mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α and nuclear respiratory factor 1 and 2 in heat-stressed groups was increased (P < 0.05) in response to dietary 100 mg/kg curcumin treatment. Additionally, when compared to the heat-stressed group, mitochondrial transcription factor A mRNA levels were increased (P < 0.05) by 17.64% in the 200 mg/kg curcumin supplemented group. In conclusion, dietary curcumin supplementation prevented heat-stress-impaired growth performance, possibly through improving the antioxidant defense system and enhancing the mitochondrial biogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human peripheral blood monocytes are a heterogeneous population, including CD14CD16'classical' monocytes and CD14CD16'proinflammatory' monocytes. CD16 monocytes are expanded in various inflammatory conditions. However, little is known about the CD14CD16 monocytes in patients with breast cancer. We detected CD14CD16 monocytes in 96 patients with breast cancer and 54 control subjects using flow cytometry. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the feasibility of CD14CD16 monocytes as an indicator for diagnosis of breast cancer. We found that the frequency of CD14CD16 monocytes showed a significantly greater increase in breast cancer patients than in controls (16·96% versus 10·84%, P < 0·0001). The area under the ROC curve for CD14CD16 monocytes was 0·805 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0·714-0·877, P = 0·0001]. Furthermore, the levels of CD16 monocytes were significantly negatively associated with the tumour size and pathological staging. In vitro, we showed that CD14CD16 monocytes were expanded significantly when the purified CD14 monocytes were exposed to Michigan Cancer Foundation (MCF)-7 cells-conditioned medium (MCF-CM) or, separately, to monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1). Neutralizing antibodies against MCP-1 inhibited the expansion of CD14CD16 monocytes by MCF-CM. Collectively, our findings indicated that MCP-1 can expand CD14CD16 monocytes in patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, the CD14CD16 monocyte may be a useful indicator in early diagnosis of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study concerning the changes in the behavior and temperature of bees namely Apis mellifera and Apis cerana cerana during resting and heat-balling. According to the study, thoracic temperature of bees rose to 29.8 degree Celsius during wasp-hawking and if it persisted, 30 guard bees made a ball around the wasp and raised their temperatures to 46 degree Celsius. It further states that this temperature was above the lethal limit of the wasp and led to its death.