A clinical study of HBsAg-activated dendritic cells and cytokine-induced killer cells during the treatment for chronic hepatitis B

We aim to study the therapeutic effects of HBsAg-activated DCs and cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells as adoptive immunotherapy in patients with Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB). Autologous HBsAg-activated DC-CIK cells were infused into patients with CHB to evaluate their effect on HBV-DNA, HBsAg, ALT, etc. The viral load in the treatment group decreased significantly (P < 0.001), while that in the control group did not decrease (P > 0.05). Twenty-one patients (63.6% efficiency) in the treatment group had a viral response (≥2 log decrease in viral load), while four patients (14.8% efficiency) from the control group had a viral response. There were significant differences in the viral responses of the two groups (the control group 63.6% versus the control group 14.8%, P < 0.001). We concluded that the immunity was enhanced after HBsAg activation in DCs and CIK cells. Reinfusion of autologous HBsAg-activated DC-CIK cells inhibited HBV proliferation in 21 of 33 (63.6%) patients.

Screening differential expression of serum proteins in AFP-negative HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma using iTRAQ -MALDI-MS/MS

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is serious condition associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Therefore is an urgent need to develop novel noninvasive techniques for early diagnosis, particularly for patients with AFP-negative [AFP(-)] HCC. In this study, iTRAQ-MALDI-MS/MS was used to identify differentially expressed proteins in AFP(-) HBV-related HCC compared with non-cancerous hepatitis B virus (HBV) and healthy controls subjects.Serum was obtained from 18 patients with AFP(-) HBV-related HCC, 18 matched patients with HBV without HCC and 18 healthy control subjects. High abundance proteins were removed from serum and the differentially expressed proteins from the three groups were screened out using iTRAQ-MALDI-MS/MS. The Gene Ontology (GO) function and the interaction networks of differentially expressed proteins were then analyzed. A total of 24 expressed differential proteins associated with AFP(-) HBV-related HCC were screened out, 15 proteins were up-regulated and 9 down-regulated. The most common molecular function of the 24 differentially expressed proteins was enzyme inhibition. Interaction network of the 24 differentially expressed proteins showed that 14 proteins (C5, KNG1, FN1, LRG1, HRG, SERPINC1, CRP, APOB, SAA1, APCS, C4BPA, CFI, CFB and GSN) were central to the functional network. The expression levels of the GSN protein were down-regulated in AFP(-) HBV-related HCC subjects compared with healthy controls and the HBV group (p<0.01), consistent with the iTRAQ results.The 14 proteins from the serum of AFP(-) HBV-related HCC appeared at the fulcrum of the functional network and were differentially expressed compare to HBV and healthy controls suggesting a possible association with HCC progression.

Effects of metallothionein-3 and metallothionein-1E gene transfection on proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells

Metallothionein (MT)-3 has cell growth inhibitory activity, and is the only currently known MT subtype with unique physiological functions. The expression levels of MT-1E, a subtype of MT-1, were positively correlated with the degree of esophageal cancer malignancy. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of MT-3 and MT-1E gene transfection on the proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. The cationic liposome method was used to transfect the esophageal cancer strains Eca-109 and TE13. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect target gene expression, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction was applied to detect cell proliferation, and flow cytometry was used for cell cycle and apoptosis detection. Esophageal cancer cells with MT-3 and MT-1E gene transfection showed high expression of the foreign target gene and mRNA. Cells with MT-3 gene transfection showed markedly inhibited proliferation (P < 0.05), a significantly higher proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase (P < 0.05), a significantly lower proportion of cells in the S phase (P < 0.05), and a significantly increased apoptosis rate (P < 0.05). Cells with MT-1E gene transfection did not show significant changes in proliferation, cell cycle, or apoptosis rate (P > 0.05). Therefore, the upregulation of MT-3 gene expression can inhibit esophageal cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, which may be achieved by blocking the tumor cell growth cycle, whereas effects of the MT-1E gene on the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells were not evident.

Effects of metallothionein-3 and metallothionein-1E gene transfection on proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells

Metallothionein (MT)-3 has cell growth inhibitory activity, and is the only currently known MT subtype with unique physiological functions. The expression levels of MT-1E, a subtype of MT-1, were positively correlated with the degree of esophageal cancer malignancy. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of MT-3 and MT-1E gene transfection on the proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. The cationic liposome method was used to transfect the esophageal cancer strains Eca-109 and TE13. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect target gene expression, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction was applied to detect cell proliferation, and flow cytometry was used for cell cycle and apoptosis detection. Esophageal cancer cells with MT-3 and MT-1E gene transfection showed high expression of the foreign target gene and mRNA. Cells with MT-3 gene transfection showed markedly inhibited proliferation (P < 0.05), a significantly higher proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase (P < 0.05), a significantly lower proportion of cells in the S phase (P < 0.05), and a significantly increased apoptosis rate (P < 0.05). Cells with MT-1E gene transfection did not show significant changes in proliferation, cell cycle, or apoptosis rate (P > 0.05). Therefore, the upregulation of MT-3 gene expression can inhibit esophageal cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, which may be achieved by blocking the tumor cell growth cycle, whereas effects of the MT-1E gene on the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells were not evident.

Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and progression to arterial stiffness in middle-aged and elderly Chinese

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is an indicator of arterial stiffness, which is recognized as a predictor of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between HDL-c and baPWV among middle-aged and elderly Chinese.

METHODS

A total number of 1133 Chinese (430 men, 703 women) aged from 50 to 90 years old were recruited from Shanghai downtown district. The baPWV and major cardiovascular risk factors of the participants were measured.

RESULTS

Serum HDL-c was negatively correlated with baPWV (r = -0.143, P < 0.001) after adjustment for age and gender. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that age (P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), HDL-c (P < 0.001), smoking (P = 0.001), BMI (P = 0.002), fasting plasma glucose (P = 0.004), and white blood cell (P = 0.005) were independently associated with baPWV. After multiple adjustments, participants in the highest quartile of HDL-c had an odds ratio of 0.442 (95% CI 0.268-0.729) for developing high arterial stiffness compared with participants in the lowest quartile. The association remained significant after further adjustment for major cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSION

HDL-c has an independent protective effect on arterial stiffness in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Early detection of HDL-c level is important in high risk populations with arterial stiffness. Increasing HDL-c level may be an attractive therapeutic target for the prevention of arterial function and subsequent disease.

Effects of platelet-activating factor and its differential regulation by androgens and steroid hormones in prostate cancers

Background:

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is an arachidonic acid metabolite that plays an important role in cell proliferation, migration and neoangiogenesis, but whether it is involved in the progression of prostate cancer remains undiscovered.

Methods:

Clinical prostate specimens were investigated with immunohistochemistry method and in vitro cell experiments referred to MTS cell proliferation assay, invasion and migration experiment, quantitative real-time RT–PCR assay, western blotting analysis and ELISA assay.

Results:

Platelet-activating factor synthetase, lyso-PAF acetyl transferase (LPCAT1), increased significantly in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) specimens and CRPC PC-3 cells than that in controls. Intriguingly, PAF induced invasion and migration of PC-3 cells but not LNCaP cells. The PAF receptor antagonist inhibited proliferation of LNCaP and PC-3 cells. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment caused a decrease in LPCAT1 expression and PAF release in LNCaP cells, which could be blocked by androgen receptor antagonists. Finally, DHT increased LPCAT1 expression and PAF release in PC-3 cells in a Wnt/β-catenin-dependent manner.

Conclusion:

For the first time, our data supported that PAF might play pivotal roles in the progression of prostate cancer, which might throw a new light on the treatment of prostate cancer and the prevention of the emergence of CRPC.

Denis RD, Stahlman J, Stamen R, Stanecka E, Stanek RW, Stanescu C, Stanescu-Bellu M, Stanitzki MM, Stapnes S, Starchenko EA, Stark J, Staroba P, Starovoitov P, Staszewski R, Staude A, Stavina P, Steele G, Steinbach P, Steinberg P, Stekl I, Stelzer B, Stelzer HJ, Stelzer-Chilton O, Stenzel H, Stern S, Stewart GA, Stillings JA, Stockton MC, Stoerig K, Stoicea G, Stonjek S, Strachota P, Stradling AR, Straessner A, Strandberg J, Strandberg S, Strandlie A, Strang M, Strauss E, Strauss M, Strizenec P, Ströhmer R, Strom DM, Strong JA, Stroynowski R, Strube J, Stugu B, Stumer I, Stupak J, Sturm P, Styles NA, Su D, Subramania HS, Succurro A, Sugaya Y, Suhr C, Suk M, Sulin VV, Sultansoy S, Sumida T, Sun X, Sundermann JE, Suruliz K, Susinno G, Sutton MR, Suzuki Y, Suzuki Y, Svatos M, Swedish S, Sykora I, Sykora T, Ta D, Tackmann K, Taffard A, Tafirout R, Taiblum N, Takahashi Y, Takai H, Takashima R, Takeda H, Takeshita T, Takubo Y, Talby M, Talyshev A, Tamsett MC, Tan KG, Tanaka J, Tanaka R, 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Trottier-McDonald M, Trzebinski M, Trzupek A, Tsarouchas C, Tseng JCL, Tsiakiris M, Tsiareshka PV, Tsionou D, Tsipolitis G, Tsiskaridze S, Tsiskaridze V, Tskhadadze EG, Tsukerman II, Tsulaia V, Tsung JW, Tsuno S, Tsybychev D, Tua A, Tudorache A, Tudorache V, Tuggle JM, Turala M, Turecek D, Turk Cakir I, Turlay E, Turra R, Tuts PM, Tykhonov A, Tylmad M, Tyndel M, Tzanakos G, Uchida K, Ueda I, Ueno R, Ugland M, Uhlenbrock M, Uhrmacher M, Ukegawa F, Unal G, Undrus A, Unel G, Unno Y, Urbaniec D, Usai G, Uslenghi M, Vacavant L, Vacek V, Vachon B, Vahsen S, Valenta J, Valentinetti S, Valero A, Valkar S, Valladolid Gallego E, Vallecorsa S, Valls Ferrer JA, Van Berg R, Van Der Deijl PC, van der Geer R, van der Graaf H, Van Der Leeuw R, van der Poel E, van der Ster D, van Eldik N, van Gemmeren P, van Vulpen I, Vanadia M, Vandelli W, Vaniachine A, Vankov P, Vannucci F, Vari R, Varnes EW, Varol T, Varouchas D, Vartapetian A, Varvell KE, Vassilakopoulos VI, Vazeille F, Vazquez Schroeder T, Vegni G, Veillet JJ, Veloso F, Veness R, Veneziano S, Ventura A, Ventura D, Venturi M, Venturi N, Vercesi V, Verducci M, Verkerke W, Vermeulen JC, Vest A, Vetterli MC, Vichou I, Vickey T, Vickey Boeriu OE, Viehhauser GHA, Viel S, Villa M, Villaplana Perez M, Vilucchi E, Vincter MG, Vinek E, Vinogradov VB, Virchaux M, Virzi J, Vitells O, Viti M, Vivarelli I, Vives Vaque F, Vlachos S, Vladoiu D, Vlasak M, Vogel A, Vokac P, Volpi G, Volpi M, Volpini G, von der Schmitt H, von Radziewski H, von Toerne E, Vorobel V, Vorwerk V, Vos M, Voss R, Vossebeld JH, Vranjes N, Vranjes Milosavljevic M, Vrba V, Vreeswijk M, Vu Anh T, Vuillermet R, Vukotic I, Wagner W, Wagner P, Wahlen H, Wahrmund S, Wakabayashi J, Walch S, Walder J, Walker R, Walkowiak W, Wall R, Waller P, Walsh B, Wang C, Wang H, Wang H, Wang J, Wang J, Wang R, Wang SM, Wang T, Warburton A, Ward CP, Warsinsky M, Washbrook A, Wasicki C, Watanabe I, Watkins PM, Watson AT, Watson IJ, Watson MF, Watts G, Watts S, Waugh AT, Waugh BM, Weber MS, Weber P, Weidberg AR, Weigell P, Weingarten J, Weiser C, Wells PS, Wenaus T, Wendland D, Weng Z, Wengler T, Wenig S, Wermes N, Werner M, Werner P, Werth M, Wessels M, Wetter J, Weydert C, Whalen K, Wheeler-Ellis SJ, White A, White MJ, White S, Whitehead SR, Whiteson D, Whittington D, Wicek F, Wicke D, Wickens FJ, Wiedenmann W, Wielers M, Wienemann P, Wiglesworth C, Wiik-Fuchs LAM, Wijeratne PA, Wildauer A, Wildt MA, Wilhelm I, Wilkens HG, Will JZ, Williams E, Williams HH, Willis W, Willocq S, Wilson JA, Wilson MG, Wilson A, Wingerter-Seez I, Winkelmann S, Winklmeier F, Wittgen M, Wollstadt SJ, Wolter MW, Wolters H, Wong WC, Wooden G, Wosiek BK, Wotschack J, Woudstra MJ, Wozniak KW, Wraight K, Wright M, Wrona B, Wu SL, Wu X, Wu Y, Wulf E, Wynne BM, Xella S, Xiao M, Xie S, Xu C, Xu D, Yabsley B, Yacoob S, Yamada M, Yamaguchi H, Yamamoto A, Yamamoto K, Yamamoto S, Yamamura T, Yamanaka T, Yamaoka J, Yamazaki T, Yamazaki Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Yang UK, Yang Y, Yang Z, Yanush S, Yao L, Yao Y, Yasu Y, Ybeles Smit GV, Ye J, Ye S, Yilmaz M, Yoosoofmiya R, Yorita K, Yoshida R, Young C, Young CJ, Youssef S, Yu D, Yu DR, Yu J, Yu J, Yuan L, Yurkewicz A, Zabinski B, Zaidan R, Zaitsev AM, Zajacova Z, Zanello L, Zanzi D, Zaytsev A, Zeitnitz C, Zeman M, Zemla A, Zendler C, Zenin O, Ženiš T, Zenz S, Zerwas D, Zevi della Porta G, Zhan Z, Zhang D, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhao L, Zhao T, Zhao Z, Zhemchugov A, Zhong J, Zhou B, Zhou N, Zhou Y, Zhu CG, Zhu H, Zhu J, Zhu Y, Zhuang X, Zhuravlov V, Zieminska D, Zimin NI, Zimmermann R, Zimmermann S, Zimmermann S, Zinonos Z, Ziolkowski M, Zitoun R, Živković L, Zmouchko VV, Zobernig G, Zoccoli A, zur Nedden M, Zutshi V, Zwalinski L. Improved luminosity determination in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] using the ATLAS detector at the LHC

The luminosity calibration for the ATLAS detector at the LHC during pp collisions at [Formula: see text] in 2010 and 2011 is presented. Evaluation of the luminosity scale is performed using several luminosity-sensitive detectors, and comparisons are made of the long-term stability and accuracy of this calibration applied to the pp collisions at [Formula: see text]. A luminosity uncertainty of [Formula: see text] is obtained for the 47 pb-1 of data delivered to ATLAS in 2010, and an uncertainty of [Formula: see text] is obtained for the 5.5 fb-1 delivered in 2011.

Japanese encephalitis virus infects porcine kidney epithelial PK15 cells via clathrin- and cholesterol-dependent endocytosis

BACKGROUND

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes acute viral encephalitis in humans. Pigs are important amplifiers of JEV. The entry mechanism of JEV into porcine cells remains largely unknown. In this study, we present a study of the internalization mechanism of JEV in porcine kidney epithelial PK15 cells.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that the disruption of the lipid raft by cholesterol depletion with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) reduced JEV infection. We also found that the knockdown of clathrin by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced JEV-infected cells and JEV E-glycoprotein levels, suggesting that JEV utilizes clathrin-dependent endocytosis. In contrast, the knockdown of caveolin-1, a principal component of caveolae, had only a small (although statistically significant) effect on JEV infection, however, JEV entry was not affected by genistein. These results suggested that JEV entry was independent of caveolae.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results demonstrate that JEV enters porcine kidney epithelial PK15 cells through cholesterol- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between patellar resurfacing and nonresurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: retrospective study of 130 cases

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical outcomes between patellar resurfacing and nonresurfacing in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

Data from osteoarthritis patients who underwent TKA and were followed up for ≥ 9 years were analysed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: patellar nonresurfacing group and patellar resurfacing group. In the nonresurfacing group, the partial lateral facet of the patella was removed, the patella was reshaped to match the trochlea of the femoral prosthesis and circumpatellar denervation was performed. In the resurfacing group, the patella was resurfaced with a cemented component. Clinical outcomes included incidence of anterior knee pain, Knee Society Score, patient satisfaction, revision rate and radiographic findings.

RESULTS

Of the 130 patients included, 71 were assigned to the nonresurfacing group and 59 to the resurfacing group. No significant between-group differences were observed for any clinical outcomes measured. The incidence of anterior knee pain was 14.1% (nonresurfacing group) and 5.1% (resurfacing group). The revision rate was 9.89% (nonresurfacing group) and 3.4% (resurfacing group).

CONCLUSION

Clinical outcomes for patellar nonresurfacing, including patelloplasty and circumpatellar denervation, are similar to those for patellar resurfacing, in TKA.

Climate control on tree growth at the upper and lower treelines: a case study in the qilian mountains, tibetan plateau

It is generally hypothesized that tree growth at the upper treeline is normally controlled by temperature while that at the lower treeline is precipitation limited. However, uniform patterns of inter-annual ring-width variations along altitudinal gradients are also observed in some situations. How changing elevation influences tree growth in the cold and arid Qilian Mountains, on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, is of considerable interest because of the sensitivity of the region’s local climate to different atmospheric circulation patterns. Here, a network of four Qilian juniper (Sabina przewalskii Kom.) ring-width chronologies was developed from trees distributed on a typical mountain slope at elevations ranging from 3000 to 3520 m above sea level (a.s.l.). The statistical characteristics of the four tree-ring chronologies show no significant correlation with increasing elevation. All the sampled tree growth was controlled by a common climatic signal (local precipitation) across the investigated altitudinal gradient (520 m). During the common reliable period, covering the past 450 years, the four chronologies have exhibited coherent growth patterns in both the high- and low-frequency domains. These results contradict the notion of contrasting climate growth controls at higher and lower elevations, and specifically the assumption that inter-annual tree-growth variability is controlled by temperature at the upper treeline. It should be stressed that these results relate to the relatively arid conditions at the sampling sites in the Qilian Mountains.

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure in e+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ at sqrt[s] = 4.26 GeV

We study the process ee+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ at a center-of-mass energy of 4.260 GeV using a 525  pb(-1) data sample collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross section is measured to be (62.9±1.9±3.7)  pb, consistent with the production of the Y(4260). We observe a structure at around 3.9  GeV/c2 in the π(±)J/ψ mass spectrum, which we refer to as the Z(c)(3900). If interpreted as a new particle, it is unusual in that it carries an electric charge and couples to charmonium. A fit to the π(±)J/ψ invariant mass spectrum, neglecting interference, results in a mass of (3899.0±3.6±4.9)  MeV/c2 and a width of (46±10±20)  MeV. Its production ratio is measured to be R = (σ(e+ e- → π(±)Z(c)(3900)(∓) → π+ π- J/ψ)/σ(e+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ)) = (21.5±3.3±7.5)%. In all measurements the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic.

Exposure to bisphenol A disrupts meiotic progression during spermatogenesis in adult rats through estrogen-like activity

The effect of bisphenol A (BPA) on the reproductive system is highly debated but has been associated with meiotic abnormalities. However, evidence is lacking with regard to the mechanisms involved. In order to explore the underlying mechanisms of BPA-induced meiotic abnormalities in adult male rats, we exposed 9-week-old male Wistar rats to BPA by gavage at 0, 2, 20 or 200 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day for 60 consecutive days. 17β-Estradiol (E2) was administered at 10 μg/kg bw/day as the estrogenic positive control. Treatments with 200 μg/kg bw/day of BPA and E2 significantly decreased sperm counts and inhibited spermiation, characterized by an increase in stage VII and decrease in stage VIII in the seminiferous epithelium. This was concomitant with a disruption in the progression of meiosis I and the persistence of meiotic DNA strand breaks in pachytene spermatocytes,and the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated and checkpoint kinase 2 signal pathway was also activated; Eventually, germ cell apoptosis was triggered as evaluated by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling assay and western blot for caspase 3. Using the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182780, we determined that ER signaling mediated BPA-induced meiotic disruption and reproductive impairment. Our results suggest that ER signaling-mediated meiotic disruption may be a major contributor to the molecular events leading to BPA-related male reproductive disorders. These rodent data support the growing association between BPA exposure and the rapid increase in the incidence of male reproductive disorders.

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Cytospora germanica Causing Canker on Populus spp. in China

Species of Cytospora Ehrenb. cause canker and dieback on many genera of hardwoods. During surveys of forest trees in 2004 and 2008, some hardwoods such as Populus spp. with symptoms of canker and dieback were found in Liaoning and Xinjiang provinces, respectively. In these trees, the canker pathogen discolored the sapwood. During wet weather, the conidia were exuded from the fruiting bodies in gelatinous matrices, usually as yellow or orange tendrils. In the spring, the affected trees were wilting and the diffuse cankers spread rapidly and extensively during the period when trees began active spring growth. For saplings, sometimes the death rate of the pathogen has exceeded 50%. Conidiomatal stromata immersed in bark, prominent, circular to ovoid, 1.10 ± 0.23 mm in diameter (n = 10). Discs were white, nearly flat, circular, 0.44 ± 0.04 mm in diameter (n = 10), with one or two ostioles per disc. Ostioles were gray. Locules were subdivided by invaginations into chambers. Conidia were hyaline and lelongate-allantoid shaped, 4 to 5.4 μm long and 1 to 1.4 μm wide. Pieces (5 × 5 mm²) of the junction of affected and healthy tissues were surface sterilized with 1% NaOCl for 30 s and then rinsed twice in sterile distilled water. The fragments were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates incubated at 25°C for 7 days. The obtained isolates were cultured on PDA at 25°C in diffuse fluorescent light for 30 days, and then were deposited in the culture collection of the Chinese Academy of Forestry. According to these morphological features we initially thought that this pathogen was Cytospora chrysosperma (Pers.) Fr. However, BLAST analysis showed 98% and 99% homology with ITS sequence of isolate CBS118560 (GenBank Accession No. DQ243793), 99% and 100% homology with LSU gene of isolate AR3427 (AF362561) when we amplified ITS-rDNA gene and LSU gene of the isolates. The sequences were submitted to GenBank with the following accession numbers: JQ086563, JQ086564, JX524617, and JX524618. Pathogenicity tests were conducted in the greenhouse by inoculating 20 disinfected (70% ethanol) Populus tomentosa cuttings. Another two cuttings were treated with water agar as controls. The cuttings were incubated at 25°C for 30 days. In 18 of the 20 cuttings, the cambium became brown and appeared water soaked 20 days later, whereas controls did not show any symptoms. C. germanica was reisolated from symptomatic tissues. Inoculations were later repeated two times with similar results. Hubbes (1) and Spielman (2) considered V. germanica (teleomorph of C. germanica) a synonym of V. sordida (teleomorph of C. chrysosperma) based on morphological studies. We almost regarded these isolates as C. chrysosperma too. Morphological identification has been a weak and often inadequate means of identifying Cytospora species (1,2); the present study based on ITS-rDNA gene and LSU gene has substantially elevated identifications. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. germanica on Populus spp. in China. Populus species are economically important trees in forests of North China and C. germanica has the potential to cause significant economic losses. References: (1) M. Hubbes. Phytopathol. Z. 39:65, 1960. (2) L. J. Spielman. Can. J. Bot. 63:1355, 1985.

17β-estradiol suppresses the macrophage foam cell formation associated with SOCS3

Evidence from clinical trials and animal experiments has shown that estrogen has anti-atherosclerotic effects when administered to young women or experimental animals. The mechanisms involve the modulation of vascular inflammation, growth factor expression, and oxidative stress injured arteries. However, whether estrogen modulates the foam cell formation in plaque remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on cholesterol efflux in vivo and in vitro. ApoE null mice underwent an ovariectomy at 5(th) week of age and then were treated with E2 or vehicle for the following 8 weeks. Compared with the vehicle-treated mice, the serum total cholesterol level, atherosclerotic plaque size, and lipid deposits were decreased and meanwhile ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression in the plaque was increased in mice with E2 treatment. E2 also increased suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression in the atherosclerotic plaques and in RAW264.7 cells. In vitro, E2 treatment reversed janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT)-inhibited ABCA1 expression in RAW264.7 cells but had no effect on ABCA1 expression in SOCS3 knockdown cells. SOCS3 overexpression elevated ABCA1 expression through the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation. Finally, we also found that E2 enhanced the cholesterol efflux to apoA I in RAW264.7 cells. In summary, E2 reduces atherosclerosis in ApoE null mice associated with upregulating ABCA1 expression and modulating the cholesterol efflux, which are dependent on SOCS3 upregulation. These results provide new insight into the athero-protective effects of estrogen.

Screening of condensed tannins from Canadian prairie forages for anti-Escherichia coli O157:H7 with an emphasis on purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent)

Tannins from forages grown (n = 10) on the Canadian prairie, as well as from Quebracho, Rhus semialata, and brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum), were screened for anti-Escherichia coli O157:H7 activity against E. coli O157:H7 strain 3081 at a concentration of 400 μg/ml for each tannin type, except for brown seaweed, which was at 50 μg/ml. Growth of the bacteria was assessed by measuring the optical density at 600 nm over 24 h. Tannin from seaweed at a concentration of 50 μg/ml inhibited growth of strain 3081. Among the terrestrial forages, only condensed tannins (CT) from purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent; PPC) increased (P < 0.05) the lag time and reduced (P < 0.05) the growth rate of E. coli O157:H7. The anti-E. coli O157:H7 activity of PPC CT was further assessed by culturing E. coli strain ATCC 25922 and eight strains of E. coli O157:H7 with PPC CT at 0, 25, 50, 100, or 200 μg/ml. Selected strains were enumerated after 0, 6, and 24 h of incubation, and fatty acid composition was determined after 24 h of incubation. E. coli strain 25922 was cultured with 0, 50, or 200 μg of CT per ml and harvested during the exponential growth phase for examination by transmission electron microscopy. Increasing CT concentration linearly increased (P < 0.001) the lag times of seven strains and linearly reduced (P < 0.001) the growth rates of eight E. coli O157:H7 strains. Proportions of unsaturated fatty acids in the total fatty acids were decreased (P < 0.01) by CT at 50 μg/ml. Transmission electron microscopy showed that CT disrupted the outer membrane structure. Anti-E. coli O157:H7 activity of PPC CT at levels of up to 200 μg/ml was bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal, and the mechanism of anti-E. coli activity may involve alteration in the fatty acid composition and disruption of the outer membrane of the cell.

Assessment of localisation to auditory stimulation in post-comatose states: use the patient's own name

Background

At present, there is no consensus on how to clinically assess localisation to sound in patients recovering from coma. We here studied auditory localisation using the patient’s own name as compared to a meaningless sound (i.e., ringing bell).

Methods

Eighty-six post-comatose patients diagnosed with a vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome or a minimally conscious state were prospectively included. Localisation of auditory stimulation (i.e., head or eyes orientation toward the sound) was assessed using the patient’s own name as compared to a ringing bell. Statistical analyses used binomial testing with bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.

Results

37 (43%) out of the 86 studied patients showed localisation to auditory stimulation. More patients (n=34, 40%) oriented the head or eyes to their own name as compared to sound (n=20, 23%; p<0.001).

Conclusions

When assessing auditory function in disorders of consciousness, using the patient’s own name is here shown to be more suitable to elicit a response as compared to neutral sound.

Jet energy resolution in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] recorded in 2010 with the ATLAS detector

The measurement of the jet energy resolution is presented using data recorded with the ATLAS detector in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text]. The sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35 pb-1. Jets are reconstructed from energy deposits measured by the calorimeters and calibrated using different jet calibration schemes. The jet energy resolution is measured with two different in situ methods which are found to be in agreement within uncertainties. The total uncertainties on these measurements range from 20 % to 10 % for jets within |y|<2.8 and with transverse momenta increasing from 30 GeV to 500 GeV. Overall, the Monte Carlo simulation of the jet energy resolution agrees with the data within 10 %.

Osteocalcin, glucose metabolism, lipid profile and chronic low-grade inflammation in middle-aged and elderly Chinese

AIM

To assess the relationship between serum total osteocalcin and measurements of adiposity, glucose tolerance, lipid profile, adipokine and chronic low-grade inflammation in middle-aged and elderly Chinese subjects.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional community-based study in central Shanghai. Serum total osteocalcin was measured by radioimmunoassay in 783 men and 946 post-menopausal women. Their associations with measurements of adiposity, glucose tolerance, lipid profile and chronic low-grade inflammation were examined.

RESULTS

Serum total osteocalcin levels revealed a sexual dimorphism, with post-menopausal women having significantly higher levels than men (P < 0.001). Serum osteocalcin levels of participants with self-reported cardiovascular disease were significantly lower (P = 0.044) than those without. In men, serum osteocalcin levels of participants with the metabolic syndrome were significantly lower than those without the metabolic syndrome (P = 0.036). Serum osteocalcin correlated negatively with fasting serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides and total cholesterol, and positively with homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function in both men and post-menopausal women (all P < 0.05). In men, serum osteocalcin correlated negatively with BMI, diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and 2-h oral glucose tolerance test glucose after adjustment for age (all P < 0.05). In post-menopausal women, serum osteocalcin correlated negatively with waist-hip ratio, LDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein, and positively with adiponectin (all P < 0.05). Serum osteocalcin was not associated with CXC chemokine ligand 5 level (P > 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase was an independent predictor of serum osteocalcin in both men and post-menopausal women (both P < 0.001). Adiponectin was an independent predictor of serum osteocalcin in post-menopausal women (P = 0.011). Serum osteocalcin was an independent predictor of homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function in both genders (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum total osteocalcin was closely associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in both Chinese men and post-menopausal women.

Anomalous exchange bias at collinear/noncollinear spin interface

We report on the interfacial magnetic coupling in manganite bilayers of collinear ferromagnetic La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ and noncollinear multiferroic TbMnO₃. Exchange bias is observed at the Néel temperature of TbMnO₃ (~41 K) due to the onset of long-range antiferromagnetic ordering in the Mn spin sublattice. Interestingly, an anomalous plateau of exchange bias emerges at the ordering temperature of Tb spins (~10 K), and we ascribe this unique feature to the strong coupling between Tb and Mn spin sublattices in TbMnO₃, which in turn influences the magnetic coupling across the interface. On the other hand, the enhancement of coercivity in La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃/TbMnO₃ shows monotonous temperature dependence. Our results illustrate a strong interfacial magnetic interaction at the La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃/TbMnO₃ interface, highlighting the roles of competing spin orders, magnetic frustration, and coupling between multiple spin sublattices in artificial collinear/noncollinear spin heterostructures.

Observation of two new N* resonances in the decay ψ(3686)→ppπ0

Based on 106×10(6)ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII facility, a partial wave analysis of ψ(3686)→ppπ0 is performed. The branching fraction of this channel has been determined to be B(ψ(3686)→ppπ0)=(1.65±0.03±0.15)×10(-4). In this decay, 7 N* intermediate resonances are observed. Among these, two new resonances, N(2300) and N(2570) are significant, one 1/2+ resonance with a mass of 2300(-30-0)(+40+109)  MeV/c2 and width of 340(-30-58)(+30+110)  MeV/c2, and one 5/2- resonance with a mass of 2570(-10-10)(+19+34)  MeV/c2 and width of 250(-24-21)(+14+69)  MeV/c2. For the remaining 5 N* intermediate resonances [N(1440), N(1520), N(1535), N(1650) and N(1720)], the analysis yields mass and width values that are consistent with those from established resonances.