Delivery of the Sox9 gene promotes chondrogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells in an in vitro model

SRY-related high-mobility-group box 9 (Sox9) gene is a cartilage-specific transcription factor that plays essential roles in chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of genetic delivery of Sox9 to enhance chondrogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs). After they were isolated from human umbilical cord blood within 24 h after delivery of neonates, hUC-MSCs were untreated or transfected with a human Sox9-expressing plasmid or an empty vector. The cells were assessed for morphology and chondrogenic differentiation. The isolated cells with a fibroblast-like morphology in monolayer culture were positive for the MSC markers CD44, CD105, CD73, and CD90, but negative for the differentiation markers CD34, CD45, CD19, CD14, or major histocompatibility complex class II. Sox9 overexpression induced accumulation of sulfated proteoglycans, without altering the cellular morphology. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that genetic delivery of Sox9 markedly enhanced the expression of aggrecan and type II collagen in hUC-MSCs compared with empty vector-transfected counterparts. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis further confirmed the elevation of aggrecan and type II collagen at the mRNA level in Sox9-transfected cells. Taken together, short-term Sox9 overexpression facilitates chondrogenesis of hUC-MSCs and may thus have potential implications in cartilage tissue engineering.

Observation of e+e- → γX(3872) at BESIII

With data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring at center-of-mass energies from 4.009 to 4.420 GeV, the process e+e-→ γX(3872) is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of 6.3σ. The measured mass of the X(3872) is (3871.9 ± 0.7s tat ± 0.2 syst)  MeV/c(2), in agreement with previous measurements. Measurements of the product of the cross section σ[e+e- → γX(3872)] and the branching fraction B[X(3872)→π+π-J/ψ] at center-of-mass energies 4.009, 4.229, 4.260, and 4.360 GeV are reported. Our measurements are consistent with expectations for the radiative transition process Y(4260) → γX(3872).

A three-phase epidemiological study of short and long sleepers in a middle-aged Chinese population: prevalence and characteristics

Epidemiological studies of short and long sleepers have not been conducted previously. We collected socioeconomic, psychological, and polysomnographic characteristics of 6501 parents (3252 men and 3249 women) of 4036 primary school children in Guangzhou city. The study data were collected in three phases. The overall prevalence of short (5 h or less) and long (10 h or more) sleep duration was 0.52 and 0.64%, respectively. Long sleepers had higher Eysenck Personality Questionnaire neuroticism scores [odds ratio (OR)=1.224, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.047-1.409] and lower education levels (OR=0.740, 95%CI=0.631-0.849) than short sleepers. In the polysomnographic assessment, short, long, and normal sleepers (7-8 h) shared similar durations of Stage 3 sleep (short=25.7±10.7, long=20.3±7.9, and normal=28.0±12.8 min, F=1.402, P=0.181). In daytime multiple sleep latency tests, short sleepers (10/19, 52.6%) were more prone to have a short sleep latency (≤8 min) than long sleepers (2/23, 8.7%). In addition to different sleep durations, neuroticism might also contribute to differences between short and long sleepers in social achievements. Stage 3 sleep might be essential for humans. The short sleep latency (≤8 min) of short sleepers in multiple sleep latency tests should be interpreted cautiously, since it was of the same severity as required for a diagnosis of narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia.

Observation of a charged (DD*)± mass peak in e+ e- → πDD* at sqrt[s] = 4.26 GeV

We report on a study of the process e+ e- → π± (DD*)∓ at sqrt[s] = 4.26  GeV using a 525 pb(-1) data sample collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. A distinct charged structure is observed in the (DD*)∓ invariant mass distribution. When fitted to a mass-dependent-width Breit-Wigner line shape, the pole mass and width are determined to be Mpole = (3883.9±1.5(stat)±4.2(syst))  MeV/c2 and Γpole = (24.8±3.3(stat)±11.0(syst))  MeV. The mass and width of the structure, which we refer to as Zc(3885), are 2σ and 1σ, respectively, below those of the Zc(3900) → π± J/ψ peak observed by BESIII and Belle in π+ π- J/ψ final states produced at the same center-of-mass energy. The angular distribution of the πZc(3885) system favors a JP = 1+ quantum number assignment for the structure and disfavors 1- or 0-. The Born cross section times the DD* branching fraction of the Zc(3885) is measured to be σ(e+ e- → π± Zc(3885)∓)×B(Zc(3885)∓ → (DD*)∓) = (83.5±6.6(stat)±22.0(syst))   pb. Assuming the Zc(3885) → DD* signal reported here and the Zc(3900) → πJ/ψ signal are from the same source, the partial width ratio (Γ(Zc(3885) → DD*)/Γ(Zc(3900) → πJ/ψ)) = 6.2±1.1(stat)±2.7(syst) is determined.

Abstract P5-03-09: Phenotypic modulation of mammary stem cells by CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester)

Background: Over 30% of cancer patients and up to 60% of breast cancer patients routinely use alternative formulations, commonly in combination with allopathic treatment, which may be linked with fewer adverse events. The naturopathic formulation propolis, and its active component Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE), is a widely available honeybee product with an extended safety history credited with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. We have previously shown that CAPE, inhibits growth of MCF-7 (ER+/PR+) and MDA-231 (TNBC) cells by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis; inhibits mdr-1 gene expression, NF-kB, and VEGF (1). In addition, CAPE inhibits the growth and tumorigenic potential of breast cancer stem cells derived from MDA-231 cells (2). We have demonstrated that CAPE, which is structurally similar to the hydroxamic acid class of HDAC inhibitors, mediates its effects on breast cancer through epigenetic modifications via histone deacetylase inhibition (unpublished data). We hypothesized that CAPE would inhibit mammary stem cells, which was tested in primary mouse mammary epithelial cells and a human breast epithelial cell line.

Materials and Methods: Single mammary epithelial cells were isolated from Balb/c mice and cultured for 8 days in Ultra Low Attachment 96 well plates using mammosphere media containing 5%FBS and 5% Matrigel (3). The first generation of mammospheres were dissociated into single cells and recultured in the presence of CAPE for 8 days in secondary and tertiary passages. Alternatively, a Let7c-miRNA reporter expressed in MCF10a non-malignant human mammary epithelial cells were sorted to isolate Let7c-negative cells and placed in mammosphere culture and similarly treated with CAPE for 7 to 10 days. The mammospheres were stained with luminal marker K18 and basal marker K14 and examined using immunofluorescent microscopy.

Results: CAPE treatment results in a dose dependent decrease in mammosphere forming efficiency (MFE) of mammospheres obtained from a primary culture of mammary gland derived epithelial cells as well as those derived from the MCF10A cell line. Furthermore, MFE of tertiary cultures is reduced even after CAPE is removed. Interestingly, mammospheres shifted from predominantly K14 to K18 positive in those mammospheres that formed at the lowest CAPE treatment concentration.

Conclusion: CAPE inhibits mammosphere formation from normal mouse mammary gland and from a non-malignant human mammary cell line. The mechanism of CAPE effects may lie in its established role in inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis or via epigenetic mechanisms, among others. Interestingly, CAPE causes a shift from a basal to a luminal cell phenotype in mammospheres, suggesting an effect on lineage commitment.

References

1) *Wu J, *Omene C, Karkaszka J, et al. CANCER LETTERS. 2011 Sep 1;308(1):43-53. Epub 2011 May 13. (* Share 1st authorship)

2) Omene C, Wu J, Frenkel K. INVESTIGATIONAL NEW DRUGS. 2012 Aug;30(4):1279-88. Epub 2011 May 3.

3) Guo W, Keckesova Z, Donaher JL, et al. CELL. 2012 Mar 2;148(5):1015-28.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-03-09.

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure Zc(4020) and search for the Zc(3900) in e+e-→π+π-hc

We study e+e-→π+π-hc at center-of-mass energies from 3.90 to 4.42 GeV by using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross sections are measured at 13 energies and are found to be of the same order of magnitude as those of e+e-→π+π-J/ψ but with a different line shape. In the π±hc mass spectrum, a distinct structure, referred to as Zc(4020), is observed at 4.02  GeV/c2. The Zc(4020) carries an electric charge and couples to charmonium. A fit to the π±hc invariant mass spectrum, neglecting possible interferences, results in a mass of (4022.9±0.8±2.7)  MeV/c2 and a width of (7.9±2.7±2.6)  MeV for the Zc(4020), where the first errors are statistical and the second systematic. The difference between the parameters of this structure and the Zc(4025) observed in the D*D[over ¯]* final state is within 1.5σ, but whether they are the same state needs further investigation. No significant Zc(3900) signal is observed, and upper limits on the Zc(3900) production cross sections in π±hc at center-of-mass energies of 4.23 and 4.26 GeV are set.

Cloning and expression analysis of the 37-kDa laminin receptor precursor gene from Hyriopsis cumingii

Hyriopsis cumingii is an economically important freshwater pearl mussel with high pearl quality that is endemic in China. Investigation of genes relevant to shell formation is important for increased pearl output. The substances that form mollusk shells are secreted by epithelial cells in the mantle, the proliferation of which influences secretion ability. This study focused on the proliferation-related 37-kDa laminin receptor precursor (37LRP) of H. cumingii. The full-length cDNA (1133 bp) encoding this 300-amino acid protein was cloned from the mantle. Quantitative fluorescence analysis showed that 37LRP expressed in eight tissues, with the highest expression observed in the liver, and its expression pattern in the mantle reflected shell repair. During repair, 37LRP expression was higher in the experimental shell repair group than that in the control group, exhibiting an initial increase followed by a decrease in expression, and returning to basal levels on completion of the repair. A similar trend was also observed with respect to immunity and cellular metabolism. Expression of the 37LRP protein in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group at the first and second days after shell injury. After 4 days, 37LRP expression in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group. In situ hybridization revealed a strong positive signal corresponding to the 37LRP mRNA at the horny grooves of the mantle, evagination, and in epithelial cells of the velum, which implicated these areas in the repair and formation of the cuticle, prismatic layer, and nacre.

Water decoction of coptidis rhizoma prevents oxidative damage in erythrocytes of mice

Coptidis Rhizoma (Coptis chinensis) has been reported to have antioxidative effect on hemolysis of erythrocytes induced by acetylphenylhydrazine in mice and rats. However, the ability of Coptidis Rhizoma to protect structure and function of erythrocytes membrane and morphology of erythrocytes against oxidative damage remains unknown. In this study, we undertook a characterization of antioxidative activity in erythrocytes membrane of Coptidis Rhizoma using an in vivo model of acetylphenylhydrazine-induced mice together with in vitro studies with 2,2-azo-bis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced erythrocytes for further morphology characterization. Acetylphenylhydrazine-induced mice were treated intragastrically with Coptidis Rhizoma at doses of 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 g/kg per day for 3 days and at the dose of 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg it showed that there was an increasing trend in membranes cytoskeletal proteins of band I-IV, especially a significant upregulation in band II. Significant increase in phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine content at the dose of 1.2 g/kg Coptidis Rhizoma was obsereved. At all doses of Coptidis Rhizoma, the declined membrane fluidity of acetylphenylhydrazine-induced mice was significantly increased. In addition, at the dose of 1.2 g/kg Coptidis Rhizoma treatment showed a significant increase in Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase activity and there was an increasing trend in the activity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. In vitro, Coptidis Rhizoma protected erythrocytes from 2,2-azo-bis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced hemolysis in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 0.25-1.5 mg/ml, and also significantly inhibited the 2,2-azo-bis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced morphological alterations in mice erythrocytes. These results demonstrate that Coptidis Rhizoma is capable of protecting erythrocytes against oxidative damage probably by acting as an antioxidant and maintaining membrane integrity.

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.

Significant association between SNPs in the superoxide dismutase 3, extracellular (SOD3) gene and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in the freshwater mussel Hyriopsis cumingii

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) is a major antioxidant enzyme that protects organs from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, the SOD3 gene was identified and characterized from the freshwater mussel Hyriopsis cumingii (Hc-SOD3). The cDNA sequence consists of 763 bp, encoding a protein of 208 amino acids. The amino acid sequence possesses two CuZnSOD signature sequences, and amino acids required for binding of Cu (His-93, -95, -110 and -169) and Zn (His-110, -118, -129 and Asp-132) were conserved in Hc-SOD3. The Hc-SOD3 genomic sequence was 9165 bp in length, containing four exons and three introns. Eighteen single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the Hc-SOD3 gene from resistant stock (RS) and susceptible stock (SS) of H. cumingii to Aeromonas hydrophila. The genotype and allele distribution were examined in resistant and susceptible stocks. Among them, a C/G substitution at the g.7994C>G locus and G/C substitution at the g.8087G>C locus were significantly associated with resistance/susceptibility of H. cumingii to A. hydrophila, both in genotype (P = 0.017, P = 0.004 respectively) and allele frequency (P = 0.021, P = 0.006 respectively). Linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed that g.7994C>G, g.8001A>G, g.8035G>A, g.8087G>C and g.8191T>A were in linkage disequilibrium. The results suggest that the two polymorphic loci, g.7994C>G and g.8087G>C, could be potential genetic markers for future molecular selection of strains that are resistant to diseases.

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.

Genetic diversity of Phytophthora capsici (Pythiaceae) isolates in Anhui Province of China based on ISSR-PCR markers

Phytophthora capsici is a plant pathogenic oomycete that damages numerous crops worldwide. Consequently, interest in research on the genetic structure of this species has grown in recent decades. However, there is little information about P. capsici in eastern China. We investigated the genetic diversity of P. capsici isolates from three large regions of Anhui Province in eastern China based on ISSR-PCR technology. Thirteen random primers were screened and used to amplify DNA from 51 samples. We obtained 158 reproducible ISSR fragments, of which 90% were polymorphic, revealing a high degree of polymorphism among the isolates. Genetic similarity coefficients among all the isolates ranged from 0.56 to 0.94, with a mean of 0.84 based on the ISSR data, indicating a high level of genetic variation in these P. capsici isolates. Cluster analysis using UPGMA indicated that the Anhui isolates were divided into seven groups according to the DNA fingerprints, although there was no correlation between the ISSR group and geographic origin. Isolates from the same location showed no clustering based on the year of sampling. AMOVA partitioned variability among (13.6%) and within populations (86.4%). The gene flow among populations ranged from 2.804 to 4.937, with a mean of 3.545, indicating highly frequent gene exchange. Genetic distances and genetic differentiation were negatively correlated with geographic distances. These results lead us to suggest that this pathogen has considerable evolutionary potential, which will enable it to adapt to and overcome management strategies over time.

The significance of fragile histidine triad protein as a molecular prognostic marker of bladder urothelial carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

The role and clinical significance of fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene in the pathogenesis of bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC) and the potential of Fhit protein as a prognostic biomarker for UC were investigated.

METHODS

FHIT expression was determined according to semiquantitative immunohistochemical staining for Fhit protein levels in normal bladder and bladder UC tissues. Associations between FHIT expression, clinicopathological features and survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

This study evaluated 42 cases of normal bladder and 125 cases of bladder UC; bladder UC cases had a median follow-up of 53.5 months. Immuno histochemistry showed that 95.2% of normal cases and 47.2% of bladder UC cases, respectively, were positive for Fhit protein; this difference was statistically significant. There was a significant association between negative FHIT expression in bladder UC and advanced tumour stage, high pathological grade, large tumour size, tumour recurrence and reduced survival time, but no association with age, gender, tumour number or tumour shape.

CONCLUSIONS

The FHIT gene may have an important role in the pathogenesis of bladder UC and was expressed at lower levels in bladder UC compared with normal bladder tissue. Using Fhit protein as a biomarker could provide important information about patient prognosis.

Evidence for the direct two-photon transition from ψ(3686) to J/ψ

The two-photon transition ψ(3686)→γγJ/ψ is studied in a sample of 1.06×10(8) ψ(3686) decays collected by the BESIII detector. The branching fraction is measured to be (3.1±0.6(stat)(-1.0)(+0.8)(syst))×10(-4) using J/ψ→e(+)e(-) and J/ψ→μ(+)μ(-) decays, and its upper limit is estimated to be 4.5×10(-4) at the 90% confidence level. This work represents the first measurement of a two-photon transition among charmonium states. The orientation of the ψ(3686) decay plane and the J/ψ polarization in this decay are also studied. In addition, the product branching fractions of sequential E1 transitions ψ(3686)→γχ(cJ) and χ(cJ)→γJ/ψ(J=0,1,2) are reported.

Adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of antimony

A new method is described for the determination of antimony based on the cathodic adsorptive stripping of Sb(III) complexed with 2',3,4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone(morin) at a static mercury drop electrode (SMDE). The reduction current of the adsorbed antimony complex was measured by 1.5th-order derivative linear-sweep adsorption voltammetry. The peak potential is at -0.51 V (vs. SCE). The effects of various parameters on the response are discussed. The optimized analytical conditions were found to be: supporting electrolyte, chloroacetic acid (0.04 mol/l, pH 2.3); concentration of morin, 5x10(-6) mol/l; accumulation potential, -0.25 V (vs. SCE); scan rate, 100 mV/s. The limit of detection and the linear range were 7x10(-10) mol/l and 1.0x10(-9) approximately 3.0x10(-7) mol/l Sb(III) for a 2-min accumulation time, respectively. This method has been applied to the determination of Sb(III) in steel and brass samples and satisfactory results were obtained. The adsorptive voltammetric characteristics and composition of the Sb(III)-morin complex were studied.

Identification of the forensically important beetles Nicrophorus japonicus, Ptomascopus plagiatus and Silpha carinata (Coleoptera: Silphidae) based on 16S rRNA gene in China

Sarcophagous beetles play an important role in estimating postmortem interval time (PMI) in the later stages decomposition of carcasses. However, the morphological similarity of beetles usually poses a challenge for forensic scientists within their routine work. As a supplementary to traditional morphological method, molecular genetics identification is simple and time-saving. A molecular identification method involving a 288-bp segment of the 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene from 15 beetles of Silphidae (Coleoptera), collected from 5 locations in 4 Chinese provinces, was evaluated. Phenogram analysis of the sequenced segments by the unweighted pairgroup method analysis (UPGMA) method showed that all specimens were properly assigned into four species with strong similarity, which indicated the possibility of separation congeneric species with the short 16S rRNA fragment. These results will be instrumental for implementation of the Chinese database of forensically relevant beetles.

First observation of the M1 transition ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S)

Using a sample of 106×10(6) ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring, we have made the first measurement of the M1 transition between the radially excited charmonium S-wave spin-triplet and the radially excited S-wave spin-singlet states: ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S). Analyses of the processes ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S) with η(c)(2S)→K(S)(0)K(±)π(∓) and K(+)K(-)π(0) give an η(c)(2S) signal with a statistical significance of greater than 10 standard deviations under a wide range of assumptions about the signal and background properties. The data are used to obtain measurements of the η(c)(2S) mass (M(η(c)(2S))=3637.6±2.9(stat)±1.6(syst) MeV/c(2)), width (Γ(η(c)(2S))=16.9±6.4(stat)±4.8(syst) MeV), and the product branching-fraction (B(ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S))×B(η(c)(2S)→KKπ)=(1.30±0.20(stat)±0.30(syst))×10(-5)). Combining our result with a BABAR measurement of B(η(c)(2S)→KKπ), we find the branching fraction of the M1 transition to be B(ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S))=(6.8±1.1(stat)±4.5(syst))×10(-4).

Field reversed configuration confinement enhancement through edge biasing and neutral beam injection

Field reversed configurations (FRCs) with high confinement are obtained in the C-2 device by combining plasma gun edge biasing and neutral beam injection. The plasma gun creates an inward radial electric field that counters the usual FRC spin-up. The n = 2 rotational instability is stabilized without applying quadrupole magnetic fields. The FRCs are nearly axisymmetric, which enables fast ion confinement. The plasma gun also produces E × B shear in the FRC edge layer, which may explain the observed improved particle transport. The FRC confinement times are improved by factors 2 to 4, and the plasma lifetimes are extended from 1 to up to 4 ms.

Measurements of the mass and width of the η(c) using the decay ψ(3686)→γη(c)

The mass and width of the lowest-lying S-wave spin singlet charmonium state, the η(c), are measured using a data sample of 1.06×10(8) ψ(3686) decays collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. We use a model that incorporates full interference between the signal reaction, ψ(3686)→γη(c), and a nonresonant radiative background to describe the line shape of the η(c) successfully. We measure the η(c) mass to be 2984.3±0.6±0.6 MeV/c(2) and the total width to be 32.0±1.2±1.0 MeV, where the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic.

First observation of η(1405) decays into f(0)(980)π0

The decays J/ψ → γ π+ π- π0 and J/ψ → γ π0 π0 π0 are analyzed using a sample of 225×10(6) J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector. The decay of η(1405) → f(0)(980)π0 with a large isospin violation is observed for the first time. The width of the f(0)(980) observed in the dipion mass spectra is anomalously narrower than the world average. Decay rates for three-pion decays of the η' are also measured precisely.

A systematic review on use of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for treatment of obesity

Obesity is a major health hazard and despite lifestyle modification, many patients frequently regain any lost body weight. The use of western anti-obesity drugs has been limited by side effects including mood changes, suicidal thoughts, and gastrointestinal or cardiovascular complications. The effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine including Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and acupuncture provide an alternative established therapy for this medical challenge. In this systematic review, we used standard methodologies to search, review, analyse and synthesize published data on the efficacy, safety and relapse of weight regain associated with use of CHM and acupuncture. We also examined the rationale, mechanisms and potential utility of these therapies. A total of 12 electronic databases, including Chinese, English, Korean and Japanese, were searched up to 28 February 2010. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for CHM and/or acupuncture with comparative controls were considered. We used the Jadad scale to assess methodological qualities, the random effect model in the pooled analysis of therapeutic efficacy to adjust for heterogeneity and funnel plots to explore publication bias. After screening 2,545 potential articles from the electronic databases, we identified 96 RCTs; comprising of 49 trials on CHM treatment, 44 trials on acupuncture treatment and 3 trials on combined therapy for appraisal. There were 4,861 subjects in the treatment groups and 3,821 in the control groups, with treatment duration ranging from 2 weeks to 4 months. Of the 77 publications written in Chinese, 75 had a Jadad score <3, while 16 of the 19 English publications had a Jadad score of >3. Efficacy was defined as body weight reduction ≥ 2 kg or body mass index (BMI) reduction ≥ 0.5 kg/m(2) . Compared with placebo or lifestyle modification, CHM and acupuncture exhibited respective 'risk ratio' (RR) of 1.84 (95% CI: 1.37-2.46) and 2.14 (95% CI: 1.58-2.90) in favour of body weight reduction, with a mean difference in body weight reduction of 4.03 kg (95% CI: 2.22-5.85) and 2.76 kg (95% CI: 1.61-3.83) and a mean difference in BMI reduction of 1.32 kg m(-2) (95% CI: 0.78-1.85) and 2.02 kg m(-2) (95% CI: 0.94-3.10), respectively. Compared with the pharmacological treatments of sibutramine, fenfluramine or orlistat, CHM and acupuncture exhibited an RR of 1.11 (95% CI: 0.96-1.28) and 1.14 (95% CI: 1.03-1.25) in body weight reduction, mean difference in body weight reduction of 0.08 kg (95% CI: -0.58 to 0.74) and 0.65 kg (95% CI: -0.61 to 1.91), and mean difference in BMI reduction of 0.18 kg m(-2) (95% CI: -0.39 to 0.75) and 0.83 kg m(-2) (95% CI: 0.29-1.37), respectively. There were fewer reports of adverse effects and relapses of weight regain in CHM intervention studies conducted in China than studies conducted outside China. CHM and acupuncture were more effective than placebo or lifestyle modification in reducing body weight. They had a similar efficacy as the Western anti-obesity drugs but with fewer reported adverse effects. However, these conclusions were limited by small sample size and low quality of methodologies.

Pharmacokinetics of tramadol in a diverse healthy Chinese population

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES

Drug disposition may show ethnicity and gender differences. The objective of this study is to assess whether there are gender and ethnic differences in the pharmacokinetics of tramadol.

METHODS

Fifty healthy volunteers from five different ethnic Chinese groups (Han, Mongolian, Korean, Uygur and Hui) were recruited, and blood samples were obtained for up to 36 h after oral administration of a single 100 mg capsule of tramadol. The plasma concentration-time course of tramadol was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and the pharmacokinetic estimated.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The mean maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) of tramadol was different between Chinese males and females. There were also statistically significant differences between Hui and the other ethnic groups in tramadol's clearance (CL/F), volume of distribution (V(d) /F), C(max) and area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC(0-∞)) (P < 0·05).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

The pharmacokinetics of tramadol was different in Hui subjects compared to the other Chinese ethnic groups. Tramadol CL/F may also show gender differences.

Spin-parity analysis of pp¯ mass threshold structure in J/ψ and ψ(3686) radiative decays

A partial wave analysis of the pp¯ mass-threshold enhancement in the reaction J/ψ→γpp¯ is used to determine its J(PC) quantum numbers to be 0(-+), its peak mass to be below threshold at M=1832(-5)(+19)(stat)(-17)(+18)(syst)±19(model) MeV/c(2), and its total width to be Γ<76 MeV/c(2) at the 90% C.L. The product of branching ratios is measured to be BR[J/ψ→γX(pp¯)]BR[X(pp¯)→pp¯]=[9.0(-1.1)(+0.4)(stat)(-5.0)(+1.5)(syst)±2.3(model)]×10(-5). A similar analysis performed on ψ(3686)→γpp¯ decays shows, for the first time, the presence of a corresponding enhancement with a production rate relative to that for J/ψ decays of R=[5.08(-0.45)(+0.71)(stat)(-3.58)(+0.67)(syst)±0.12(model)]%.

Association of AFLP and SCAR markers with common leafspot resistance in autotetraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

To identify amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers associated with resistance or susceptibility of alfalfa to common leafspot (CLS) caused by the fungus Pseudopeziza medicaginis (Dermateaceae), bulked segregant analysis was conducted based on an F(1(M × M)) population of 93 plants and a BC(1)S population of 91 plants. Three AFLP markers, ACTCAA(R206), TAGCAC(R185), and GGACTA(S264), were found to be associated with CLS resistance or susceptibility. All three markers were found at significantly different frequencies (71.9, 80.3 and 91.8%) compared to resistant or susceptible plants in the original population. Subsequently, these three AFLP markers were converted into three SCAR markers, ACTCAA(R136), TAGCAC(R128) and GGACTA(S254), which are easier to employ in breeding programs. The three SCAR markers were used in a randomly selected population with 50% resistance; the probability of finding one resistant plant was increased to 67.3, 66.7 and 90.0% with markers ACTCAA(R136), TAGCAC(R128) and GGACTA(S254), independently. If two of the SCAR markers were used simultaneously, the probability would be higher than 89%. The three SCAR markers identified in this study would be applicable for selection for CLS resistance in alfalfa breeding programs. Moreover, the genetic analysis indicated that CLS resistance in alfalfa is conferred by a single dominant gene.

Performance and microbial characteristics of integrated fixed-film activated sludge system treating industrial wastewater

Integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) is a modification of conventional activated sludge processes used for wastewater treatment consisting of biofilm attachment surfaces added to suspended-growth reactors, thereby creating hybrid suspended attached-growth systems. In this work, an IFAS system, with a total working volume of 560.7 L, was employed to investigate the performance of pollutants removal in industrial effluent. Microbial communities of suspended-growth and attached-growth biomass were investigated by a combination of polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In the system, suspended-growth and attached-growth biomass worked together to maintain a stable COD, NH₄(+)-N and TN removal efficiency of 74, 93 and 76%, respectively. PCR-DGGE results showed that Proteobacteria was the dominant genera of bacteria in both the suspended and attached growth sludge. Some of the bacterial species (Firmicutes and Pseudomonas) may play an important role in the organic degradation of this water. Denitrifying bacteria were found to be accumulated in the biofilms. FISH results showed that there were more nitrifying bacteria in the suspended-growth biomass than the attached-growth biomass but fewer denitrifying bacteria in the former biomass.