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Background: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of postoperative adjuvant lenvatinib + PD-1 blockade for patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with microvascular invasion (MVI)., Methods: A total of 393 patients with HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0 or A) who underwent curative hepatectomy with histopathologically proven MVI were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and assigned to 2 groups: surgery alone (surgery-alone group) and surgery with lenvatinib and PD-1 blockade (surgery + lenvatinib + PD-1 group) to compare recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), recurrence type, and annual recurrence rate after the application of propensity score matching (PSM). The Cox proportional hazards model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses., Results: Overall, 99 matched pairs were selected using PSM. Patients in the surgery + lenvatinib + PD-1 group had significantly higher 3-year RFS rates (76.8%, 65.7%, and 53.5%) than patients in the surgery-alone group (60.6%, 45.5%, and 37.4%) (P = .012). The 2 groups showed no significant difference in recurrence types and OS. Surgery alone, MVI-M2, and alpha-fetoprotein of ≥200 ng/mL were independent risk factors for RFS (P < .05), and history of alcohol use disorder was an independent risk factor for OS (P = .022)., Conclusion: Postoperative lenvatinib + PD-1 blockade improved the RFS in patients with HCC with MVI and was particularly beneficial for specific individuals., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Rhinitis, allergic rhinitis in particular, and urticaria are both common diseases globally. However, there is controversy with regard to the correlation between rhinitis and urticaria. Objective: To examine the accurate association between rhinitis and urticaria. Methods: Three medical literature data bases were searched from data base inception until January 11, 2022. The prevalence and association between rhinitis and urticaria were estimated by meta-analysis. Quality assessment was performed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and pooled prevalence were calculated by using random-effects models. Results: Urticaria prevalence in patients with rhinitis was 17.6% (95% CI, 13.2%-21.9%). The pooled prevalence of rhinitis was 31.3% (95% CI, 24.2%-38.4%) in patients with urticaria, and rhinitis prevalence in patients with acute urticaria and chronic urticaria was 31.6% (95% CI, 7.4%-55.8%) and 28.7% (95% CI, 20.4%-36.9%), respectively. Rhinitis occurrence was significantly associated with urticaria (OR 2.67 [95% CI, 2.625-2.715]). Urticaria and rhinitis were diagnosed based on different criteria, possibly resulting in a potential error of misclassification. Conclusion: Rhinitis and urticaria were significantly correlated. Physicians should be cognizant with regard to this relationship and address nasal or skin symptoms in patients.

Background: Pediatric sepsis is a complicated condition characterized by life-threatening organ failure resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection in children. It is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, and rapid detection and administration of antimicrobials have been emphasized. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic biomarkers of pediatric sepsis and the function of immune cell infiltration in the development of this illness., Methods: Three gene expression datasets were available from the Gene Expression Omnibus collection. First, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found with the use of the R program, and then gene set enrichment analysis was carried out. Subsequently, the DEGs were combined with the major module genes chosen using the weighted gene co-expression network. The hub genes were identified by the use of three machine-learning algorithms: random forest, support vector machine-recursive feature elimination, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The receiver operating characteristic curve and nomogram model were used to verify the discrimination and efficacy of the hub genes. In addition, the inflammatory and immune status of pediatric sepsis was assessed using cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT). The relationship between the diagnostic markers and infiltrating immune cells was further studied., Results: Overall, after overlapping key module genes and DEGs, we detected 402 overlapping genes. As pediatric sepsis diagnostic indicators, CYSTM1 (AUC = 0.988), MMP8 (AUC = 0.973), and CD177 (AUC = 0.986) were investigated and demonstrated statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) and diagnostic efficacy in the validation set. As indicated by the immune cell infiltration analysis, multiple immune cells may be involved in the development of pediatric sepsis. Additionally, all diagnostic characteristics may correlate with immune cells to varying degrees., Conclusions: The candidate hub genes (CD177, CYSTM1, and MMP8) were identified, and the nomogram was constructed for pediatric sepsis diagnosis. Our study could provide potential peripheral blood diagnostic candidate genes for pediatric sepsis patients., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Ischemic stroke (IS) is the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Ferroptosis, a new type of programmed cell death, has been shown to play a crucial role in IS pathogenesis. Traditionally, research focused on neurons did not uncover specific positive results for IS. However, glial cells have recently received interest as promising targets for IS treatment, not only for their structural function but also in the iron transfer between glia and neurons, which indicates a promising glia-neuron crosstalk in mediating the IS process and ischemia/reperfusion-associated neuropathology, showing their affiliation with ferroptosis. This review addresses the major phenomena of iron metabolism and the process and regulation of ferroptosis, with a particular focus on their impact on IS pathology. The review discusses iron homeostasis, the biology of reactive oxygen species, and lipid peroxidation for modulating the process of IS-induced ferroptosis in different glial cells. We then review recent therapies that leverage ferroptosis modulation for the treatment of IS. Extensive preclinical and clinical research is necessary to fully understand the roles of glia-neuron crosstalk and ferroptosis in IS., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2023 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.)

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common liver malignancy after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a dismal prognosis and high heterogeneity. The oncological advantages of anatomical resection (AR) and nonanatomical resection (NAR) in HCC have been studied, but surgical strategies for ICC remain controversial with insufficient investigations., Materials and Methods: From Jan 2013 to Dec 2016, 3880 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed from a single center. Patients with ICC undergoing AR or NAR have been enrolled according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed between two groups with a 1 : 1 ratio. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints included disease-free survival (DFS), intraoperative patterns, postoperative morbidity, mortality, complications and recurrence. A prognostic nomogram was developed by a multivariate Cox proportion hazard model., Results: After PSM, 99 paired cases were selected from 276 patients enrolled in this study. Patients in the AR group achieved better 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS (70%, 46%, and 34%, respectively) and DFS (61%, 21%, and 10%, respectively) than patients in the NAR group with statistical significance after PSM analysis. The postoperative complications and recurrence patterns were comparable between the two groups. Multivariate analysis identified NAR, tumor size >5 cm, multiple tumors, and poor differentiation as independent risk factors for OS ( p < 0.05). Selected patients can benefit most from AR, according to subgroup analysis. A prognostic nomogram based on six independent risk factors for OS and factors with clinical significance was constructed to predict OS in ICC patients., Conclusion: AR improved the long-term survival of ICC with comparable postoperative complications and similar recurrence patterns. AR is suggested in ICC patients with sufficient remnant liver volume. In addition to surgery strategy, malignant characteristics of tumors are risk factors for ICC prognosis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article., (Copyright © 2022 Chao Wang et al.)

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) between electroacupuncture combined with conventional western medicine therapy and simple conventional western medicine therapy and its effect on plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-10., Methods: A total of 60 patients with AIS were randomized into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 4 cases dropped off). The control group was treated with conventional western medicine therapy i.e neuroprotection and cerebral circulation improvement. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, in the observation group, acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (GV 24 + ) and Quchi (LI 11), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. on the affected side, Baihui (GV 20)-Yintang (GV 24 + ), Quchi (LI 11)-Hegu (LI 4) and Zusanli (ST 36)-Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were connected with electroacupuncture, with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz in frequency, once a day for consecutive 10 days. Before and after treatment, the scores of National Institution of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were observed, plasma levels of IL-17 and IL-10 were detected by ELISA method., Results: After treatment, NIHSS scores were decreased while MBI scores were increased compared before treatment in both groups ( P <0.01); compared with the control group, NIHSS score was decreased while MBI score was increased in the observation group ( P <0.05). After treatment, IL-17 levels were decreased while IL-10 levels were increased compared before treatment in both groups ( P <0.01); compared with the control group, IL-17 level was decreased while IL-10 level was increased in the observation group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: Electroacupuncture combined with conventional western medinice therapy can improve the nerve function and activity of daily living in patients with AIS, its clinical efficacy is superior to simple conventional western medicine therapy, the mechanism may relate to the regulation on IL-17/IL-10 imbalance.

Two novel cytochalasans, armochaetoglasin J ( 1 ) and armochaetoglasin K ( 2 ), along with 14 known analogues ( 3 - 16 ) were isolated from Chaetomium globosum. Their structures were elucidated by HRESIMS, NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and ECD spectra. Armochaetoglasins J and K were found to be inactive against the HepG2, HT-29, K562, HL-60, and A549 cancer cell lines.

Minisci-type reaction is one of the important means to construct C(sp 3 )-H functionalization of heteroarenes. According to traditional methods, stoichiometric amounts of precious transition metal catalysts and chemical oxidants were required at high temperatures. Here, a green and gentle novel Minisci-type method was developed via visible-light-induced cross-dehydrogenative coupling of heteroarenes with aliphatic C(sp 3 )-H bonds under oxidant-free and transition-metal-catalyst-free conditions. Only the catalytic equivalent of CF 3 SO 2 Na and room temperature were required to maintain an efficient reaction.

Background: Acupuncture has been wildly applied for cerebral ischemia treatment in China for thousands of years, while the specific mechanism remains uncertain. Recently, many studies have shown that acupuncture promotes angiogenesis after ischemia occurs. Here, we examined the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) exosomes on angiogenesis in hypoxia-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)., Objective: To investigate whether EA exosomal miR-210 promotes angiogenesis in the hypoxiainduced HUVECs via the HIF-1α/VEGF/Notch 1 signal pathway., Methods: The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established and treated with EA therapy. Then, exosomes were identified and isolated from rats' plasma in the MCAO+EA group by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), surface markers expressions, and PKH26 reagent. MiR- 210 mimic, miR-210 inhibitor, and HIF-1α were transfected. Flow cytometry, CCK-8 assay, and Transwell assay were conducted to assess the migration, apoptosis, and proliferation of each group of cells. Western blot and quantitative PCR were performed to detect the CD34, HIF-1α, VEGF, Notch 1, and miR-210 expression levels in each group., Results: MiR-210 was significantly upregulated in exosomes of the MCAO plasma, and further enhanced by EA therapy. EA-EXOs and miR-210 mimic inhibited cell apoptosis, promoted cell proliferation and cell migration in hypoxia-induced HUVECs. However, the miR-210 inhibitor reversed the proliferation and migration number induced by EA-EXOs. Besides, EA-EXOs and miR- 210 mimic further enhanced those HIF-1α, VEGF, and Notch 1 levels compared to the hypoxia treatment only. Silencing HIF-1α or miR-210 reversed the high expressions of those three angiogenic factors induced by hypoxia and EA-EXO. qPCR showed similar trends with their relative mRNAs. To analyze these associations quantificationally, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated. As revealed by results, the expression of proteins and mRNA were highly correlative with each other., Conclusion: These results indicated that EA-EXO miR-210 promotes angiogenesis in hypoxia conditions via HIF-1α/VEGF/Notch 1 signal pathway., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: Acupuncture has been recommended as an alternative and complementary therapy for preventing and treating cerebral ischemia by the World Health Organization (WHO) for years. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Accumulating evidence has shown that acupuncture can promote angiogenesis to attenuate brain damage after ischemic stroke. In recent years, exosome- carried microRNAs (miRNAs) activated by acupuncture have proven effective in regulating pathological changes. We, therefore, investigated whether electro-acupuncture (EA) enhanced angiogenesis in cerebral stroke via exosome-carried miR-210., Methods: We extracted and identified the exosomes from the serum of MCAO with EA treatment and injected them into MCAO rats for further observation. Simultaneously, miR-120 siRNA and HIF-1α inhibitor were transfected. Then, we evaluated the volume of infarction, pathological changes, and expression levels of angiogenic related factors of each group of rats by TTC and HE staining, transmission electron microscope (TEM), western blot, and quantitative PCR (qPCR)., Results: Compared with the MCAO group, EA-Exosome (EA-EXO) treatment significantly decreased the infarct volume and the pathological damage, but miR-210 siRNA or HIF-1α inhibitor reversed the protective outcomes induced by EA-EXO. Moreover, EA-EXO treatment upregulated miR-210 and increased CD34, HIF-1α, VEGF, Notch1 protein, and mRNA expressions compared to the MCAO group. MiR-210 siRNA or HIF-1α inhibitor treatments both down-regulated those angiogenic related proteins and mRNAs., Conclusion: EA treatment could activate the HIF-1α/VEGF/Notch 1 signal pathway to facilitate angiogenesis after ischemic stroke via exosomal miR-210., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

To determine the differences in emissions among different types of coatings, such as solvent-based, water-based, solvent-based ultra-violet(UV), water-based UV, and powder coatings, representative furniture manufacturing companies were selected for analysis. The emission concentrations and compositional characteristics of volatile organic compounds(VOCs) in different types of coatings were compared and studied. The ozone formation potential(OFP) and secondary organic aerosol formation potential(SOAFP) of the different types of coatings were also analyzed. Solvent-based coatings has higher TVOC concentrations, OFPs, and SOAFPs than water-based, solvent-based UV, water-based UV, and powder coatings. The concentrations and composition of VOCs emitted from the different types of coatings were also different. The main VOC groups of the solvent-based and solvent-based UV coatings were aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated volatile organic compounds(OVOCs). Specifically, the proportions of aromatic hydrocarbons are 41.91%-60.67% and 42.51%-43.00%, respectively, and the proportions of OVOCs were 24.75%-41.29% and 41.34%-43.21%, respectively. OVOCs accounted for the highest proportion of VOCs in the water-based, water-based UV, and powder coatings, at 54.02%-62.10%, 55.23%-64.81%, and 42.98%-46.45%, respectively. The major VOC compound of the solvent-based coatings was styrene(14.68%), and the main component of the water-based coatings was methylal(14.61%). The main species of VOCs from the solvent-based UV and water-based UV coatings were butyl acetate(15.36% and 20.56%, respectively). The most abundant species from the powder coatings was ethyl 3-ethoxy propionate(20.19%). Aromatic hydrocarbons were the most important contributor to the OFP of the solvent-based and solvent-based UV coatings, accounting for 79.84% and 80.32%, respectively. Aromatic hydrocarbons(51.48% and 36.71%) and OVOCs(42.30% and 41.03%) were the major contributors to the OFP of the water-based and water-based UV coatings, respectively. Aromatic hydrocarbons(43.46%), OVOCs(28.06%), and olefins(25.24%) were the main factors affecting the OFP of the powder coatings. Aromatic hydrocarbons dominate the SOAFP of solvent-based, water-based, solvent-based UV, water-based UV, and powder coatings, accounting for more than 99%.

The association between blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and prognosis has been the focus of recent research. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between BUN and hospital mortality in critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). This was a retrospective cohort study, in which data were obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III V1.4 database. Data from 697 patients with CS were analyzed. Logistic regression and subgroup analyses were used to assess the association between BUN and hospital mortality in patients with CS. The average age of the 697 participants was 71.14 years, and approximately 42.18% were men. In the multivariate logistic regression model, after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, cardiac arrhythmias, urine output, simplified acute physiology score II, sequential organ failure assessment, creatinine, anion gap, and heart rate, high BUN demonstrated strong associations with increased in-hospital mortality (per standard deviation increase: odds ratio [OR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.92). A similar result was observed in BUN tertile groups (BUN 23-37 mg/dL versus 6-22 mg/dL: OR [95% CI], 1.42 [0.86-2.34]; BUN 38-165 mg/dL versus 6-22 mg/dL: OR [95% CI], 1.99 [1.10-3.62]; P trend 0.0272). Subgroup analysis did not reveal any significant interactions among various subgroups, and higher BUN was associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with CS., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2021 En-qian Liu and Chun-lai Zeng.)

Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but research on this relationship is limited in Japan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between TyG index and the risk of T2DM in the Japanese population. Here, 12732 participants were selected from the NAGALA study (NAfld in the Gifu Area, Longitudinal Analysis) conducted between 2004 and 2015 for a retrospective cohort analysis. The association between TyG index and T2DM was assessed using the Cox proportional-hazard model. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, waist circumference, BMI, and follow-up duration. The formula for TyG index was expressed as ln [fasting triglyceride level (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose level (mg/dL)/2]. After follow-up, 150 (1.18%) patients developed T2DM. After adjusting for potential confounders, a linear relationship was observed between TyG and the risk of T2DM. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, regular exercise, smoking status, and alcohol consumption, TyG index, as a continuous variable, was associated with an increased risk of T2DM (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.79; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.25-2.57). Compared with the first quartile of TyG index, subjects in the fourth quartile were 2.33-fold more likely to develop T2DM (aHR 2.33, 95% CI 1.09-4.96; P for trend 0.0224). Subgroup analyses showed that the association between TyG index and incident T2DM stably existed in different subgroups according to the variables tested. Therefore, TyG index was linearly related to the risk of incident T2DM in the Japanese population and may be used as a monitoring tool., Competing Interests: All authors report that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 En-qian Liu et al.)

Objective: High PM 2.5 concentration is the main feature of increasing haze in developing states, but information on its microbial composition remains very limited. This study aimed to determine the composition of microbiota in PM 2.5 in Guangzhou, a city located in the tropics in China., Methods: In Guangzhou, from March 5 th to 10 th , 2016, PM 2.5 was collected in middle volume air samplers for 23 h daily. The 16S rDNA V4 region of the PM 2.5 sample extracted DNA was investigated using high-throughput sequence., Results: Among the Guangzhou samples, Proteobacteria , Bacteroidetes , Firmicutes , Cyanobacteria , and Actinobacteria were the dominant microbiota accounting for more than 90% of the total microbiota, and Stenotrophomonas was the dominant gram-negative bacteria, accounting for 21.30%-23.57%. We examined the difference in bacterial distribution of PM 2.5 between Beijing and Guangzhou at the genus level; Stenotrophomonas was found in both studies, but Escherichia was only detected in Guangzhou., Conclusion: In conclusion, the diversity and specificity of microbial components in Guangzhou PM 2.5 were studied, which may provide a basis for future pathogenicity research in the tropics., (Copyright © 2020 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.)

Three halophilic archaeal strains, YJ-53 T , ZS-5 and DYF38, were isolated from marine solar salterns located in different provinces of China. The three strains formed a single cluster (99.7-99.8 and 97.9-99.2 % similarities, respectively) that was separate from the current two members of Salinigranum (96.7-98.0 and 89.8-92.9 % similarities, respectively) on the basis of 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis. Diverse phenotypic characteristics differentiated strains YJ-53 T , ZS-5 and DYF38 from Salinigranum rubrum GX10 T and Salinigranum salinum YJ-50-S2 T . The major polar lipids of isolated strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and two major glycolipids chromatographically identical to mannosyl glucosyl diether and sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether, detected in the current members of Salinigranum . The OrthoANI and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values between the three strains were in the range of 97.7-98.4 % and 80.3-86.1 %, respectively, much higher than the threshold values proposed as species boundaries (average nucleotide identity 95-96 % and in silico DDH 70 %), revealing that the three strains represent one species. Results of comparative OrthoANI and in silico DDH analyses of the strains described in this study with validly described members of the genus Salinigranum supported that strains YJ-53 T (=CGMCC 1.12860 T =JCM 30238 T ), ZS-5 (=CGMCC 1.12867=JCM 30240) and DYF38 (=CGMCC 1.13779=JCM 33557) represent a novel species of the genus Salinigranum , for which the name Salinigranum halophilum sp. nov. is proposed.

Background: Platelets in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are characterized by increased activation and aggregation, which tends to be associated with a high morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, a large proportion of DM2 patients show an inadequate response to standard antiplatelet treatments, contributing to recurrent cardiovascular events. In our previous study, we indicated that Salvianolic acid A (SAA) presents an antiplatelet effect in healthy volunteers. However, whether it can inhibit "activated platelets" with a pathologic status has not been explored. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the antiplatelet effect of SAA and its diabetic complication-related difference in DM2., Methods: Forty patients diagnosed with DM2 from January 2018 to April 2018 were recruited. Fibrinogen-binding (PAC-1) and P-selectin (CD62p) flow cytometry reagents were measured under resting and stimulated conditions by flow cytometry, while agonist-induced platelet aggregation was conducted by light transmission aggregometry. Before all these measurements were conducted, all platelet samples were preincubated with a vehicle or SAA for 10 min. Additionally, the diabetic complication-related difference in the antiplatelet effect of SAA was further studied in enrolled patients., Results: The expressions of PAC-1 and CD62p were elevated in DM2, as well as the maximal platelet aggregation. In addition, SAA decreased the expressions of PAC-1 and CD62p, which were enhanced by ADP and thrombin (all P < 0.01). It also reduced the platelet aggregation induced by ADP (P < 0.001) and thrombin (P < 0.05). Comparing the antiplatelet effect of SAA on DM2, with and without diabetic complications, no statistically significant difference was found (all P > 0.05)., Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that SAA can inhibit platelet activation and aggregation in patients with DM2, and the inhibition did not abate for the existence of diabetic complications.

The furniture manufacturing industry is a typical industry with high pollution, low added value, relatively outdated technology and low levels of pollution control. The process of furniture manufacturing uses a large number of paints and adhesives, which emit a great quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The furniture manufacturing industry is a key industry for the control of VOCs in China. The VOCs emission characteristics and environmental impact of the furniture manufacturing industry has been studied in this work, which could be helpful for the Chinese government when formulating VOCs pollution control policy for this industry. In this study, a typical furniture manufacturing enterprise was chosen as the object. The emission concentration level and source profile of VOCs in a typical enterprise was obtained, and an assessment of the environmental impact of furniture manufacturing was developed. The results showed that the concentration of VOCs in the workshop ranged from 9.18 to 181.58 mg·m -3 , the concentration of VOCs in the stack was 30.64-155.94 mg·m -3 , and the treatment efficiency was 7.43%-67.14%. The main species of VOCs in the workshop were aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, and aldehydes and ketones; the main species of VOCs in the stack are esters and aromatic hydrocarbons, followed by alkanes, and the main VOCs in the industry are sec-butyl acetate, toluene, m -xylene, methylal and ethylbenzene. The average ozone generation potential (OFP) of workshop and stack VOCs was 258.01 and 289.14 mg·m -3 , respectively, and the average secondary organic aerosol generation potential (SOAFP) of workshop and stack VOCs was 148.66 and 165.31 mg·m -3 , respectively. The most important contribution to the OFP and SOAFP in each emission sector is aromatic hydrocarbons. The OFP and SOAFP in the edge-sealing workshop are large and the VOCs should be controlled. The main malodorous substances at the shop boundary are sec-butyl acetate, m -xylene, butyl acetate, p -xylene, ethylbenzene, 1-ethyl-3-methylbenzene, o -xylene, and toluene; the VOCs at the factory boundary produce almost no odor pollution. Targeted enhanced control of aromatic hydrocarbons and esters should be adopted to achieve effective emission reduction of VOCs in furniture manufacturing.

Nanomedicine compounds containing nanoparticles, such as iron oxides and gold, have been demonstrated to be effective in promoting different magnitudes of interaction with amyloid β fibrils, of which disintegrating or inhibiting effects are of great importance to treating fibrillary aggregation-induced neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. This research herein studies the interaction between lysozyme amyloid fibrils, a type of fibers derived from hen egg white lysozyme, and Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of an assorted diameter sizes of 5 nm, 10 nm and 20 nm, using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Specifically, the effects of the sizes of negatively charged MNPs on the resultant amyloid fibrillary mixture was investigated. Our results of AFM images indicated that the interaction between MNPs and the fibrils commences immediately after adding MNPs to the fibril solution, and the actions of such MNPs-doped fibrillary interplay, either integration or segmentation, is strongly dependent on the size and volume concentration of MNPs. In the cases of 5 nm and 20 nm particles of equivalent volume concentration, the adsorption and agglomeration of MNPs onto the fibrillary surfaces was observed, whereas, interestingly, MNPs with diameter size of 10 nm enables segmentation of the slender fibrils into debris when a proper implemented volume concentration was found, which signifies utter destruction of the amyloid fibrillary structure.

The miRNA processing genes play essential roles in the biosynthesis of mammalian miRNAs, and their genetic variants are involved in the development of various cancers. Our study aimed to determine the potential association between miRNA processing gene polymorphisms and cervical precancerous lesions. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including Ran-GTP ( RAN ) rs14035, exportin-5 ( XPO5 ) rs11077, DICER1 rs3742330, DICER1 rs13078, and TARBP2 rs784567, were genotyped in a case-control study to estimate risk factors of cervical precancerous lesions. The gene-environment interactions and haplotype association were estimated. We identified a 27% decreased risk of cervical precancerous lesions for individuals with minor G allele in DICER1 rs3742330 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.58-0.92, P = 0.009). The AG and AG/GG genotypes in DICER1 rs3742330 were also found to decrease the risk of cervical precancerous lesions (AG compared with AA: OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.35-0.73, P <0.001; AG/GG compared with AA: OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.39-0.77, P = 0.001). The GT haplotype in DICER1 had a risk effect on cervical precancerous lesions compared with the AT haplotype (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.08-1.73, P = 0.010). A two-factor ( DICER1 rs3742330 and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection) and two three-factor (model 1: rs3742330, passive smoking, and HPV infection; model 2: rs3742330, abortion history, and HPV infection) interaction models for cervical precancerous lesions were identified. In conclusion, the genetic variants in the miRNA processing genes and interactions with certain environmental factors might contribute to the risk of cervical precancerous lesions in southern Chinese women., (© 2018 The Author(s).)

In this research, the dynamic process of aggregation that forms microflower morphology in solution of lysozyme amyloid fibrils doped with spherical or spindle-like magnetic nanoparticles during the process of drying as well as their final microstructures were investigated. The prepared lysozyme amyloid fibrils as well as their mixtures with in-lab synthesized magnetic particles, which were prepared by adding the nanoparticles to the fibrils solution after the process of fibrillation was done, were characterized using brightfield trans-illumination-mode optical microscope, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Brightfield optical imaging bases upon photoabsorptive property of the fibrils-nanoparticle composites clearly reveals the morphological features in microscale, and additionally, for the in vivo, live action of the time-dependent process of self-assembly of such composites composed of fibrillary structure incorporated with magnetic particles was optically elucidated at ambient temperature. Moreover, while results of AFM reveal delicate and peculiar association of fibrils with magnetic nanoparticles of different shapes, SEM images illustrate a stark difference in fine detailed final morphology of microstructures associated with spherical and spindle-like nanoparticles. Our results indicated that the interaction between fibrils solution and the nanoparticles commence right after mixing, the dynamic process of forming dendritic structure resembling microflower morphology is on the order of minutes, and its final structure is highly dependent on the shape of magnetic nanoparticles., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To discuss the influences of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with hepatic arterial chemoembolization on the expression level of immunity and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1a) and early growth response protein2 (EGR2) of patients with hepatocarcinoma., Patients and Methods: Patients with primary hepatic carcinoma treated in our hospital from 2011 to 2014 were divided into research group (RFA+TACE) and control group (TACE) according to different therapy methods, with 72 patients in each group. Then, the immunity functions were detected before treatment and 3 months after treatment, the expression level of HIF-1a, EGR-2, the alpha fetal protein (AFP), the therapeutic effect, and incidence of adverse reaction in near and specific future were compared between two groups., Results: After treatment, the ratio of CD3+ and CD4+T cells, specific vale of CD4/CD8, and NK cell population in research group were more than those in control group, while the ratio of CD8+T cells was less than that in control group with statistical significance. Meanwhile, the expression levels of HIF-1a (F between-group*time point = 5.353, p = 0.043), EGR-2 (F between-group*time point = 4.385, p = 0.044), and AFP (F between-group*time point = 4.205, p = 0.045) had difference with statistical significance. Moreover, the recent therapy response rate in research group was 76.4%, which was higher than that in control group (50.0%), with significant difference (χ2 = 10.784, p = 0.029), while the difference of long-term therapeutic effect between two groups has statistical significance (χ2 = 7.439, p = 0.005)., Conclusions: The treatment of primary hepatic carcinoma by TACE combined with RAF therapeutic schedule was helpful in improving organic immunity, decreasing tumor angiogenesis and reducing tumor cell proliferation speed to improve the short- and long-term therapeutic effects.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is an oral opportunistic pathogen. Sequenced P. gingivalis laboratory strains display limited diversity in antigens that modulate host responses. Here, we present the genome sequence of A7A1-28, a strain possessing atypical fimbrillin and capsule types, with a single contig of 2,249,024 bp and a G+C content of 48.58%., (Copyright © 2017 Xie et al.)

Background: Lipoma preferred partner ( LPP ) and T-cell activation Rho GTPase activating protein ( TAGAP ) polymorphisms might influence the susceptibility to celiac disease. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis by identifying relevant studies to estimate the risks of these polymorphisms on celiac disease. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases were searched (up to October 2016) for LPP rs1464510 and TAGAP rs1738074 polymorphisms. Results: This meta-analysis included the same 7 studies for LPP rs1464510 and TAGAP rs1738074. The minor risk A allele at both rs1464510 and rs1738074 carried risks (odds ratios) of 1.26 (95% CI: 1.22-1.30) and 1.17 (95% CI: 1.14-1.21), respectively, which contributed to increased risks in all celiac disease patients by 10.72% and 6.59%, respectively. The estimated lambdas were 0.512 and 0.496, respectively, suggesting that a co-dominant model would be suitable for both gene effects. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides robust estimates that polymorphisms in LPP and TAGAP genes are potential risk factors for celiac disease in European and American. Prospective studies and more genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are needed to confirm these findings, and some corresponding molecular biology experiments should be carried out to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms of celiac disease.

It is well-known that anti-lipopolysacchride factors (ALFs) are involved in the recognition and elimination of invading pathogens. In this study, the full-length ALF cDNA sequence of the red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (termed CqALF) was cloned from a suppression subtractive hybridization library constructed using red claw crayfish hematopoietic tissue cell (Hpt cell) cultures following challenge with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). The full-length cDNA sequence of CqALF was 863 bp, and the open reading frame encoded 123 amino acids with a signal peptide in the N-terminus and a conserved LPS-binding domain. Unlike most ALFs, which are highly expressed in haemocytes, high expression levels of CqALF were detected in epithelium, the stomach and eyestalks, while lower expression was detected in Hpt, nerves, the heart, muscle tissue, gonads, haemocytes, intestines, gills and the hepatopancreas. To further explore the biological activities of CqALF, mature recombinant CqALF protein (rCqALF) was expressed and purified using a eukaryotic expression system, and an antimicrobial activity test was carried out. rCqALF clearly exerted antiviral activity, as evidenced by the severe disruption of the envelope of intact WSSV virions following co-incubation of virions with rCqALF. Additionally, pre-incubation of WSSV with rCqALF resulted in both a significant reduction in WSSV replication in red claw crayfish Hpt cell cultures and an increased survival rate among animals. Furthermore, rCqALF was effective against both Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Shigella flexneri and Staphylococcus aureus. A membrane integrity assay suggested that rCqALF was unlikely to disrupt bacterial membrane integrity compared to cecropin P1. Taken together, these data suggest that CqALF may play an important role in immune defence in the crustacean C. quadricarinatus., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To establish an easy, not depending on advanced laboratory apparatus method to isolate and culture rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and to explore the effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on cell proliferation and migration., Methods: The right ventricle was perfused with the mixture of iron, agarose, and the PASMCs and iron could adhere to agarose. The iron-con-taining tissue would move to side of the tube next to the magnet and could be digested by collagenase I. By the method, vessel-containing tissue could be attained. With 3-4 weeks' purification, the PASMCs could be obtained. The PASMCs morphology was observed by an inverted micro-scope, and identified by immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. The effects of PDGF on cell proliferation and migration was detected by MTT assay and scratch wound assay., Results: 14 days、21 days and primary culture after isolation, the PASMCs was identified, and the re-sult showed that isolation and primary culture of the cells were PASMCs. Compared with the cells with no stimulation, the proliferation of PASMCs exposed to PDGF was increased significantly( P <0.05), and scratch wound assay demonstrated that PDGF induced the significant increase of migration of PASMCs., Conclusions: This method to isolate and culture rat PASMCs is simple, not depending on advanced laborato-ry. PDGF can promote the proliferation and migration of PASMCs.

Introduction: The production of antimicrobial peptides by airway epithelial cells is an important component of the innate immune response to pulmonary infection and inflammation. Hepcidin is a β-defensin-like antimicrobial peptide and acts as a principal iron regulatory hormone. Hepcidin is mostly produced by hepatocytes, but is also expressed by other cells, such as airway epithelial cells. However, nothing is known about its function in lung infectious and inflammatory diseases. We therefore sought to investigate the role of airway epithelial cell-derived hepcidin in sepsis-induced acute lung injury., Methods: Acute lung injury was induced by polymicrobial sepsis via cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery. Adenovirus-mediated short hairpin RNA specific for the mouse hepcidin gene hepc1 and control adenovirus were intratracheally injected into mice. The adenovirus-mediated knockdown of hepcidin in airway epithelial cells was evaluated in vivo. Lung injury and the 7-day survival rate were assessed. The levels of hepcidin-related iron export protein ferroportin were measured, and the iron content and function of alveolar macrophages were evaluated., Results: The hepcidin level in airway epithelial cells was upregulated during polymicrobial sepsis. The knockdown of airway epithelial cell-derived hepcidin aggravated the polymicrobial sepsis-induced lung injury and pulmonary bacterial infection and increased the mortality (53.33% in Ad-shHepc1 treated mice versus 12.5% in Ad-shNeg treated mice, P <0.05). The knockdown of hepcidin in airway epithelial cells also led to reduced ferroportin degradation and a low intracellular iron content in alveolar macrophages. Moreover, alveolar macrophages form the airway epithelial cell-derived hepcidin knockdown mice showed impaired phagocytic ability than those from the control mice., Conclusions: Airway epithelial cell-derived hepcidin plays an important role in CLP induced acute lung injury. The severe lung injury in the airway epithelial cell-derived hepcidin knockdown mice is at least partially related to the altered intracellular iron level and function of alveolar macrophages.

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of mycobacterial DNA microarray technology for diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis., Methods: 120 clinical specimens were collected from hospitalized child patients. Acid-fast staining, mycobacterial culture and DNA microarray assays were performed using these clinical specimens. The results of DNA microarray assays were compared with the results of acid-fast staining and mycobacterial culture., Results: The sensitivity of DNA microarray assays for specimens from children with tuberculosis was 24.3% (17/70), of acid-fast staining 17.1% (12/70), of mycobacterial culture 20.0% (14/70), and the specificity of the three methods was all 100.0% (50/50). The difference between results of DNA microarray assays and that of acid-fast staining or mycobacterial culture was not significant., Conclusion: DNA microarray assay has reference value for the diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis. It provides a new way for the diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis.

Background: Information on polymorphic DNA in organelle genomes is essential for evolutionary and ecological studies. However, it is challenging to perform high-throughput investigations of chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms. In recent years, EcoTILLING stands out as one of the most universal, low-cost, and high-throughput reverse genetic methods, and the identification of natural genetic variants can provide much information about gene function, association mapping and linkage disequilibrium analysis and species evolution. Until now, no report exists on whether this method is applicable to organelle genomes and to what extent it can be used., Methodology/principal Findings: To address this problem, we adapted the CEL I-based heteroduplex cleavage strategy used in Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING) for the discovery of nucleotide polymorphisms in organelle genomes. To assess the applicability and accuracy of this technology, designated ORG-EcoTILLING, at different taxonomic levels, we sampled two sets of taxa representing accessions from the Brassicaceae with three chloroplast genes (accD, matK and rbcL) and one mitochondrial gene (atp6). The method successfully detected nine, six and one mutation sites in the accD, matK and rbcL genes, respectively, in 96 Brassica accessions. These mutations were confirmed by DNA sequencing, with 100% accuracy at both inter- and intraspecific levels. We also detected 44 putative mutations in accD in 91 accessions from 45 species and 29 genera of seven tribes. Compared with DNA sequencing results, the false negative rate was 36%. However, 17 SNPs detected in atp6 were completely identical to the sequencing results., Conclusions/significance: These results suggest that ORG-EcoTILLING is a powerful and cost-effective alternative method for high-throughput genome-wide assessment of inter- and intraspecific chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms. It will play an important role in evolutionary and ecological biology studies, in identification of related genes associated with agronomic importance such as high yield and improved cytoplasmic quality, and for identifying mitochondrial point mutations responsible for diseases in humans and other animals.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) transplantation has been suggested to be a promising method for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a fatal disease currently without effective preventive/therapeutic strategies. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying BM-MSC therapy are largely unknown. We designed the present study to test the hypothesis that circulating platelets facilitate BM-MSC homing to the lung vasculature in a rat model of PAH induced by monocrotalin (MCT). A single subcutaneous administration of MCT induced a marked rise in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and the weight ratio of right to left ventricle plus septum (RV/LV+S) 3 weeks after injection. The injection of MSCs via tail vein 3 days after MCT significantly reduced the increase of RVSP and RV/LV+S. The fluorescence-labeled MSCs injected into the PAH rat circulation were found mostly distributed in the lungs, particularly on the pulmonary vascular wall, whereas cell homing was abolished by an anti-P-selectin antibody and the GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor tirofiban. Furthermore, using an in vitro flow chamber, we demonstrated that MSC adhesion to the major extracellular matrix collagen was facilitated by platelets and their P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa. Therefore, the current study suggested that platelet-mediated MSC homing prevented the aggravation of MCT-induced rat PAH, via P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa-mediated mechanisms.

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the structure-activity relationship of anti-tumor activity of diosgenin derivatives in vitro. Study has found that diosgenin can inhibit the reproduction of tumor cells by inducing apoptosis and the main target spot of this effect is Bcl-2. Based on the characteristics of pharmacophoric points' of the three-dimensional pharmacophore for Bcl-2 inhibitors, we have docked lots of diosgenin derivatives with Bcl-2, then synthesized 31 compounds of them, finally assessed the anti-tumor activity of the diosgenin derivatives in vitro against A375, A549, HepG-2 and K562. Preliminary studies of SAR have indicated that the aliphatic esters, and aromatic esters of diosgenin without F ring have no anti-tumor activity in vitro. The triazole bromides of diosgenin all achieve fairly good anti-tumor activity in vitro, and those with larger hydrophobic group have the better activity. The stronger is the hydrogen bonding interaction and dipole-dipole interaction of the heterocyclic of diosgenin and diosgenin without F ring and the acid ester of diosgenin without F ring, the better is the activity of derivatives.

Background and Objective: Salvianolic acid A (SAA) is a water-soluble component from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, a herb that is widely used for atherothrombotic disease treatment in Asian medicine. As platelets play pivotal roles in atherothrombogenesis, we studied the effect of SAA on platelet activation and its underlying mechanisms., Methods and Results: SAA dose-dependently inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP, thrombin, collagen and U46619. It reduced ADP-enhanced platelet P-selectin expression and fibrinogen binding, which consequently hampered ADP-induced platelet-leukocyte aggregation. SAA also inhibited platelet spreading on fibrinogen, a process mediated by outside-in signaling. Under an arterial shear rate of 1000 s(-1), SAA decreased platelet adhesion on collagen surfaces by approximately 40%. Western blot analysis showed that SAA, like the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors LY294002 and TGX-221, potently inhibited PI3K, as shown by reduced Akt phosphorylation. The in vitro findings were further evaluated in the mouse model of arterial thrombosis, in which SAA prolonged the mesenteric arterial occlusion time in wild-type mice (35 + or - 2 min without SAA and 56 + or - 4 min with SAA; P < 0.01). Interestingly, SAA could even counteract the shortened arterial occlusion time in Ldlr(tm1Her) mutant mice (21 + or - 2 min without SAA and 45 + or - 4 min with SAA; P < 0.01)., Conclusions: SAA inhibits platelet activation via the inhibition of PI3K, and attenuates arterial thrombus formation in vivo. Our data suggest that SAA may be developed as a novel therapeutic agent for the prevention of thrombotic disorders.

Objectives: Thrombosis and inflammation are associated with the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, there are no solid data supporting the involvement of platelet and leukocyte activation and interaction in PAH. The present study thus investigated the activation and interaction of circulating platelets and leukocytes in a rat model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension., Methods: Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was monitored in rats (n = 24) before and 2, 3 and 7 weeks after MCT (60 mg/kg)injection. In parallel, activation of circulating platelets and leukocytes and platelet-leukocyte aggregates were measured by whole-blood flow cytometry., Results: Two weeks after MCT injection, mPAP had increased significantly, i.e. from 11.25 ± 0.92 mm Hg at baseline to 15.71 ± 1.66 mm Hg (p < 0.05), and it had increased even further at week 7 (26.83 ± 3.29 mm Hg; p < 0.01). Fibrinogen binding of circulating platelets had increased from the basal level of 1.45 ± 0.61 to 4.08 ± 1.59% 3 weeks after MCT injection (p < 0.01). Platelet responsiveness to ADP was also significantly enhanced. CD11b expression of circulating neutrophils was elevated; i.e. mean fluorescence intensity increased from 1.67 ± 0.38 before MCT injection to 2.37 ± 0.31 3 weeks after MCT injection (p < 0.01), and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (1 × 10⁻⁷M) stimulation induced more marked elevation of neutrophil CD11b expression in MCT-treated animals. Circulating platelet-neutrophil aggregates were already increased 2 weeks after MCT treatment (14.93 ± 4.22%; p < 0.01) compared to baseline (6.01 ± 2.91%) and remained elevated at 3 weeks (15.19 ± 4.78%; p < 0.01)., Conclusions: MCT-induced PAH in rats is associated with increased platelet and leukocyte activation and platelet-leukocyte interaction in vivo, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PAH., (Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: To explore the effect of gallic acid extracted from Leaves of Phyllanthus emblica on the apoptosis of BEL-7404 cells., Methods: MTT assay was applied to detect the influence on prolifetation in vitro. Inverted microscope was utilized to observe the morphological changes after BEL-7404 cells were treated with gallic acid. Annexin V/PI double label method was used to detect earlier period apoptosis cells and Tunel was applied to calculate the apoptosis rates., Results: Gallic acid could restrain the BEL-7404 cells proliferation at diffierent levels in a time and concentration dependent manner. The typical morphological changes of apoptosis were observed after BEL-7404 cells were treated with gallic acid. Annexin V/PI double label method and Tunel method showed that the viable apoptotic cell and apoptosis rates added as action time prolonged., Conclusion: Gallic acid can restrain the BEL-7404 cells proliferation and induce apoptosis, and its effect on apoptosis is time dependent.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of postures on blood pressure (BP) readings in patients with hypertension., Methods and Results: BP was measured in 1,487 hypertensive patients in sitting and supine positions. The systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP in supine position was 2.9 +/- 7.8mmHg and 0.9 +/- 5.4 mmHg higher, respectively, than in the sitting position (P <0.001). The greatest difference between supine and sitting SBP was found in those aged between 30 and 39 years (3.6 +/- 6.8 mmHg), and in those who were older than 80 years (5.3 +/- 7.9 mmHg).A greater difference between the supine and sitting DBP was identified in the groups > 60-years of age. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age and sex were independent predictors for the increment of BP in the supine position., Conclusion: There is a significant difference between supine and sitting SBP and DBP, with age and sex being the most important predicting factors.

Background and Purpose: Recent studies have shown that resveratrol increased endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) numbers and functional activity. However, the mechanisms remain to be determined. Previous studies have demonstrated that increased EPC numbers and activity were associated with the inhibition of EPC senescence, which involves activation of telomerase. Therefore, we investigated whether resveratrol inhibits the onset of EPC senescence through telomerase activation, leading to potentiation of cellular activity., Experimental Approach: After prolonged in vitro cultivation, EPCs were incubated with or without resveratrol. The senescence of EPCs were determined by acidic beta-galactosidase staining. The bromo-deoxyuridine incorporation assay or a modified Boyden chamber assay were employed to assess proliferative or migratory capacity, respectively. To further examine the underlying mechanisms of these effects, we measured telomerase activity and the phosphorylation of Akt by western blotting., Key Results: Resveratrol dose dependently prevented the onset of EPCs senescence and increased the proliferation and migration of EPCs. The effect of resveratrol on senescence could not be abolished by eNOS inhibitor or by an oestrogenic receptor antagonist. Resveratrol significantly increased telomerase activity and Akt phosphorylation. Pre-treatment with the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, significantly attenuated resveratrol-induced telomerase activity., Conclusions and Implications: Resveratrol delayed the onset of EPC senescence and this effect was accompanied by activation of telomerase through the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. The inhibition of EPCs senescence by resveratrol might protect EPCs against dysfunction induced by pathological factors in vivo and improve EPC functional activities in a way that may be important for cell therapy.

Objective: To determine the quantitive and functional changes of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in dogs with dehydromonocrotaline-induced pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH)., Methods: Dehydromonocrotaline was injected into the canine right ventricle to induce pulmonary hypertension. Circulating EPCs were enumerated as AC+(113), KDR+ cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorter using counting beads, and the number and activity of EPCs after in vitro expansion were determined by acLDL uptake/lectin staining assay and in vitro tubule forming assay., Results: Nine of the 10 beagles survived after dehydromonocrotaline injection. Six weeks later, mean pulmonary artery pressure increased from (11.3 +/- 2.0) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) to (20.2 +/- 1.6) mm Hg (t =10.307, P < 0.01), and the AC+(133) and KDR+ cells decreased from (632.8 +/- 42.8) cells/ml to (206.1 +/- 26.8) cells/ml (t = 25.361, P < 0.01). UEA- I and DiLDL positive cells deceased from (41 +/- 6) EPCs/ x 200 field to (22 +/- 6) EPCs/ x 200 field (t = 6.510, P < 0.01). In addition, in vasculogenesis assay, PAH EPCs formed less quantitative (11.2 +/- 2.8 vs 21.1 +/- 2.8 tubules/ x 200 field, respectively, t = 7. 583, P <0. 01) and less qualitive tubules than baseline EPCs., Conclusion: The number and vessel forming ability of EPCs are impaired in this canine model of dehydromonocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension.

Objective: To investigate the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the changes treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), and its signal transduction pathway., Methods: Atrial tissues were obtained from 47 patients with RHD undergoing cardiac surgery. The mRNA of ACE2 and ACE were semi-qualified by RT-PCR and normalized to the gene beta-actin. Western blot analysis was employed to examine the expressions of ACE2, ACE, ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK (pERK1/2). The atrial tissue angiotensin II (Ang II) content was determined by radioimmunoassay detection., Results: The expression of ACE2 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the expression of ACE and pERK1/2 were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the level of atrial tissue Ang II was significantly increased in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation group (CAF) compared with sinus rhythm group (SR) (P < 0.05). Compared with CAF patients treated without ACEI, the expression of ACE2 significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the relative activity of ERK1/2 significantly decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the expression of ACE and the level of atrial tissue Ang II remained unchanged in CAF patients treated with ACEI., Conclusions: The study suggested that the dysequilibrium of ACE/ACE2 might play an important role in the process of atrial fibrillation, which may be related to the activation of ERK1/2 pathway. The clinical effect of long-term treatment of ACEI maybe associated with elevated ACE2 expression but not ACE expression.

Background and Aims: Seed coat morphology is known to be an excellent character for taxonomic and evolutionary studies, thus understanding its structure and development has been an important goal for biologists. This research aimed to identify the developmental differences of seed coats between amphidiploids and their putative parents in Brassica., Methods: Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies were carried out on six species (12 accessions), three amphidiploids and their three diploid parents., Key Results: Twelve types of basic ornamentation patterns were recognized during the whole developmental process of the seed coat. Six types of seed coat patterns appeared in three accessions of Brassica rapa, five types in B. oleracea, B. nigra and B. carinata, seven types in B. napus, and eight types in B. juncea. There was less difference among seed coat patterns of the three accessions of B. rapa. The reticulate and blister types were two of the most common patterns during the development of seeds in the six species, the blister-pimple and the pimple-foveate patterns were characteristic of B. rapa, and the ruminate of B. oleracea and B. nigra. The development of seed coat pattern in amphidiploids varied complicatedly. Some accessions showed intermediate patterns between the two putative parents, while others resembled only one of the two parents., Conclusions: The variation in the patterns of seed coat development could be used to provide a new and more effective way to analyse the close relationship among amphidiploids and their ancestral parents.

Two new ent-kauranoid diterpenoid dimers, fritillebin C (1) and fritillebin D (2), were isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria ebeiensis G.D. Yu and G.Q. Ji. Their structures were determined to be ent-16beta-hydroxy-kauran-17-yl ent-16beta3-kauran-17-oate (1); ent-16alpha-hydroxy-kauran-17-yl ent-16beta-kauran-17-oate (2) by means of spectral analysis and chemical evidence.

Addison's disease secondary to metastatic cancer to the adrenal gland is underdiagnosed. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential and could enhance the quality of life. Cases of adrenal insufficiency produced by metastatic carcinoma are unusual, despite the frequency of carcinomatous metastases to the adrenal glands. The clinical features of adrenal insufficiency are relatively nonspecific and can be easily overlooked in a patient with a malignant neoplasm. We report herein the case of a middle-aged man who presented with adrenal insufficiency in association with pancreatic carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of adrenal insufficiency occurring with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.