Linker length affects expression and bioactivity of the onconase fusion protein in Pichia pastoris

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of linker length on the expression and biological activity of recombinant protein onconase (ONC) in fusion with human serum albumin (HSA) in Pichia pastoris. Four flexible linkers with different lengths namely Linker L0, L1: (GGGGS)1, L2: (GGGGS)2, and L3:(GGGGS)3 were inserted into the fusion gene and referred to as HSA-n-ONC, where N = 0, 5, 10, or 15. The sequence of the fusion gene HSA-ONC was designed based on the GC content and codon bias in P. pastoris; the signal peptide of albumin was used as the secretion signal. Gene sequences coding for the fusion protein with different linkers were inserted into pPICZα-A to form recombinant plasmids pPICZα-A/HSA-n-ONC, which were then transformed into P. pastoris X-33 for protein expression. Ideal conditions for expression of the fusion proteins were optimized at a small scale, using shake flasks before proceeding to mass production in 10-L fermenters. The recombinant fusion proteins were purified by aqueous two-phase extraction coupled with DEAE anion exchange chromatography, and their cytotoxic effect on the tumor cell was evaluated by the sulforhodamine B assay. The results showed that the expressed amount of fusion proteins had no significant relationship with the length of different linkers and rHSA-0-ONC had no cytotoxic effect on the tumor cells. While rHSA-5-ONC and rHSA-10-ONC had a weak cytotoxic effect, rHSA-15-ONC could kill various tumor cells in vitro. In summary, the biological activity of the fusion protein gradually improved with increasing length of the linker.

Application of the ERK signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059 in long-term in vivo experiments

The aim of this study was to explore methods by which the ERK signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059 (PD) could be used in long-term in vivo experiments. Forty healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into blank control, model control, PD low-dose, PD high-dose, PD blank, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control, DMSO blank, and positive control groups. The corresponding treatments were administered to each experimental group over the course of four weeks, after which, total ERK1/2 and ERK5 protein levels, protein phosphorylation, and gene expression were measured in myocardial tissues. Treatment of rabbits with Adriamycin (doxorubicin) resulted in the significant overall differences in ERK1/2 and ERK5 phosphorylation (P < 0.05). Compared with the model control group, changes in phosphorylated ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK5 were lowest in the PD high-dose group (P < 0.05). No significant differences in total protein and mRNA levels of myocardial ERK1/2 and ERK5 were detected between the groups after four weeks (P > 0.05). Continuous intravenous injection of PD98059 significantly reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and that of ERK5. In conclusion, Adriamycin-induced myocardiopathy and abnormal ERK signaling might constitute a valuable model foruse in long-term experiments. These methods may provide a theoretical basis for related in vivo studies of long duration.

Root-soil air gap and resistance to water flow at the soil-root interface of Robinia pseudoacacia

During periods of water deficit, growing roots may shrink, retaining only partial contact with the soil. In this study, known mathematical models were used to calculate the root-soil air gap and water flow resistance at the soil-root interface, respectively, of Robinia pseudoacacia L. under different water conditions. Using a digital camera, the root-soil air gap of R. pseudoacacia was investigated in a root growth chamber; this root-soil air gap and the model-inferred water flow resistance at the soil-root interface were compared with predictions based on a separate outdoor experiment. The results indicated progressively greater root shrinkage and loss of root-soil contact with decreasing soil water potential. The average widths of the root-soil air gap for R. pseudoacacia in open fields and in the root growth chamber were 0.24 and 0.39 mm, respectively. The resistance to water flow at the soil-root interface in both environments increased with decreasing soil water potential. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that soil water potential and soil temperature were the best predictors of variation in the root-soil air gap. A combination of soil water potential, soil temperature, root-air water potential difference and soil-root water potential difference best predicted the resistance to water flow at the soil-root interface.

High-dose glucocorticoids increases the expression of mineralocorticoid receptor in vascular endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of glucocorticoid new mechanism to observe the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and dexamethasone (Dex) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LPS "injured" endothelial cells with Dex for "treatment", and then detected the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the endothelial cells by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

With high dose (10-6 mol/L) of Dex to stimulate cell 3h, GRmRNA no significant changes in the expression, 6h began to decrease, 12h peak, 24h recovered nearly the level before stimulation. Using different concentrations of Dex and 100 ng/ml LPS stimulation, HUVEC MRmRNA expression was decreased, and high dose (10-6 mol/L) of Dex to stimulate cell 3h, MRmRNA no significant changes in expression, and GRmRNA The difference is that the expression began to increase 6h, 12h, peaked, 24h rebound near the level before stimulation. Immunohistochemistry results consistent with the RT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Large dose of DEX (10-6 mol/l) up-regulated the expression of MR and GR in the reduction of the contrast exactly. GC induced the expression of GR and MR in different changes of stress injury of the body may be a regulatory mechanism, and indicate one new mechanism of glucocorticoid exist.

N-Fused BDOPV: a tetralactam derivative as a building block for polymer field-effect transistors

An N-fused BDOPV derivative, NBDOPV, was designed and synthesized. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of NBDOPV were systematically investigated. The NBDOPV-based conjugated polymer PITET shows a large hole mobility of 1.92 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1).

Bispectral index for monitoring anesthetic depth in patients with severe burns receiving target-controlled infusion of remifentanil and propofol

This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of using the bispectral index (BIS) to monitor anesthetic depth in patients with severe burns receiving intravenous target-controlled infusion (TCI) of remifentanil and propofol. We randomly assigned 80 patients undergoing elective escharectomy (<1 week) to BIS (A) and control (B) groups. All patients received remifentanil and propofol as intravenous TCI anesthesia. Clinical data were recorded at different time points. The time from drug withdrawal to eye opening upon the patient hearing his/her name called and upon reaching an Aldrete score of 9 points was also recorded. During anesthesia maintenance, the target concentrations of remifentanil and propofol in group A were significantly lower than that in group B (2.12 ± 0.35 vs 2.50 ± 0.21 ng/mL and 2.54 ± 0.22 vs 2.86 ± 0.31 μg/mL, respectively; P < 0.01). The time from drug withdrawal to eye opening upon the patient hearing his/her name called and reaching an Aldrete score of 9 points in group A was considerably shorter than that in group B (7.90 ± 0.58 vs 8.35 ± 0.66 min and 9.15 ± 0.69 vs 11.13 ± 0.96 min, respectively; P < 0.01). In both groups, mean arterial pressure and heart rate values at each time point after loss of consciousness were significantly lower than the baseline values (P < 0.05), with the exception of 2 min after intubation. The use of BIS to monitor anesthetic depth in patients with severe burns receiving TCI of remifentanil and propofol during the perioperative period reduces propofol consumption and shortens the consciousness recovery time in patients.

Synthesis, structure and properties of C3-symmetric heterosuperbenzene with three BN units

The parent skeleton of BN heterocoronene with three BN units and C3 symmetry was synthesized as a model compound of BN-doped graphene. Further investigation of this graphene-type molecule revealed the important role of BN doping in opening the bandgap and modulating the electronic properties.

Subtraction suppressive hybridisation analysis of differentially expressed genes associated with puberty in the goat hypothalamus

The cost of developing replacement nanny goats could be reduced by decreasing the age at puberty because this way nanny goats could be brought into production at an earlier age. The aim of the present study was to screen genes related to puberty to investigate the molecular mechanisms of puberty. Subtracted cDNA libraries were constructed for hypothalami from juvenile (Group A), pubertal (Group B) and age-matched control pubertal (Group E) Jining grey (JG) and Liaoning cashmere (LC) goats using suppression subtractive hybridisation (SSH). Differentially expressed genes were analysed by bioinformatics methods. There were 203 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in the subtracted cDNA libraries that were differentially expressed between JG and LC goats at the juvenile stage, 226 that were differentially expressed at puberty and 183 that were differentially expressed in the age-matched control group. The differentially expressed ESTs in each subtracted cDNA library were classified as known gene, known EST and unknown EST according to sequence homology in the GenBank non-redundant (NR) and EST database. According to gene function analysis in the COG (Cluster of Orthologous Groups) database, the known genes were grouped into 10 subdivisions in Group A, into seven subdivisions in Group E and into nine subdivisions in Group B under three categories: cellular processes and signalling, information storage and processing, and metabolism. Pathway analysis in the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway database of known genes revealed that the three pathways that most differentially expressed genes were involved in were metabolic pathways, Parkinson's disease and oxidative phosphorylation. Protein interaction analysis of the high homology genes revealed the most dominant network to be structure of ribosome/protein translation, oxidative phosphorylation and carbohydrate metabolism. The results reveal that the onset of puberty is a complex event involving multiple genes in multiple biological processes. The differentially expressed genes include genes related to both neuroendocrine and energy metabolism.

[Micro-CT observations of the adaptation at gingival wall in Class II restorations with different dental restorative materials]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the adaptation of different materials for gingival layer in Class II restorations using Micro-CT.

METHODS

Eighteen extracted human premolars were selected, and Class II cavities were prepared. The teeth were randomly divided into six groups and restored using layering technique. Six materials were used for gingival layer, including four injectable materials: Beautifil Flow Plus F00 (F00), Beautifil Flow F10 (F10), Filtek Z350 Flowable (Z350F), FujiII LC CAPSULE (Fuji), and two packable materials: BeautifilII (BF), Filtek Z350 (Z350). The restored teeth were scanned with micro-CT and the images were 3D reconstructed to evaluate the volumes and the distribution of the voids on the restoration-tooth interface of the gingival layer. The volume of the voids were statistically analyzed using nonparametric Jonckheere-Terpstra tests.

RESULTS

The volumes (mm(3)) of the voids on the restoration-tooth interface were: Z350F (0.000 15), F10 (0.000 39), F00 (0.012), Fuji (0.070), Z350 (0.16) and BF (0.20). There were significant differences between Z350F/F10 and Fuji/Z350/BF (P < 0.05). Most of the voids were found on the point-line angles of the cavities.

CONCLUSION

The voids on the restoration-tooth interface were mainly on the point-line angles of the cavities. Injectable materials with high flowablility could reduce the restoration-tooth interface voids significantly when used for the gingival layer in Class II restorations.

EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT RESECTIONS ON NON-MUSCLE-INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER AND ANALYSIS OF THE OPTIMAL SURGICAL METHOD

This study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of different resections in treating non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), including partial cystectomy, transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and holmium laser resection of bladder tumor. Two hundred and sixteen patients were recruited with NMIBC who were available for follow-up visits in hospital, including 62 cases treated with partial cystectomy, 90 cases treated with TURBT and 64 cases with holmium laser resection. Analysis was made on the cases with tumor relapse in the two years, on operation time, blood loss, time for indwelling urinary catheter, hospital stay and complications after operation. Results were compared to the clinical efficacy of these operation patterns. It was found that the two-year relapse rate for TURBT group, partial cystectomy group and Holmium laser resection group was 41%, 31%, and 33% respectively, and the difference had no statistical significance (p>0.05). Both the TURBT group and holmium laser resection group had shorter operation time, hospital stay and time for indwelling urinary catheter as well as much less blood loss when compared with the partial cystectomy group; the difference had statistical significance (p<0.001). In terms of complications, the TURBT group was likely to induce obturator nerve reflex and bladder perforation while the partial cystectomy group was likely to induce bladder spasm. Therefore, this study presumes that holmium laser resection and TURBT are much safer and quicker for recovery and obviously superior to the partial cystectomy.

New advances in nanographene chemistry

This review discusses recent advancements in nanographene chemistry, focusing on the bottom-up synthesis of graphene molecules and graphene nanoribbons.

Corannulene derivatives with low LUMO levels and dense convex–concave packing for n-channel organic field-effect transistors

N-channel OFETs in air based on corannulenes through lowering their LUMO levels and packing the molecules densely in single crystals were achieved.

Toward electron-deficient pyrene derivatives: construction of pyrene tetracarboxylic diimide containing five-membered imide rings

Electron-deficient pyrene-1,2,6,7-tetracarboxylic diimide (PyrDI) and pyrene-4,9-dicyano-1,2,6,7-tetracarboxylic diimide (PyrDI-CN) containing five-membered imide rings have been designed and synthesized as a new family of aromatic diimides.

BN heterosuperbenzenes: synthesis and properties

Replacement of C=C unit with its isoelectronic B-N unit in aromatics provides a new class of molecules with appealing properties, which have attracted great attention recently. In this Concept, we focus on BN-substituted polycyclic aromatics with fused structures, and review their synthesis, photophysical, and redox properties, as well as their applications in organic electronics. We also present challenging synthetic targets, large BN- substituted polycyclic aromatics, such as regioregular BN heterosuperbenzenes, which can be viewed as BN-doped nanographenes. Finally, we propose an atomically precise bottom-up synthesis of structurally well-defined BN-doped graphenes.

Large-scale analysis of factors influencing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its relationship with liver enzymes

Serum liver enzyme levels are often used effectively for the evaluation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the associations between serum liver enzyme levels and risks for NAFLD in over 8000 cases in a large-scale analysis. A cross-sectional survey with multiple stages and random samplings was performed from May 2007 to May 2009 on 8102 workers at Tongji University. A questionnaire was given, assessments of physical measurements, plasma glucose, lipid profiles, and liver enzymes were made, and real-time liver ultrasounds conducted. The prevalence of NAFLD in Tongji University was 22.2%. It was higher in males than in females (P = 0.0023). The body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, serum total triglycerides, serum total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) values were all higher in the NAFLD group than in the control group. For moderate and severe NAFLD patients, the ALT, AST and GGT values were significantly increased, high density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased, and drinking much, heavy entertainment and less exercise were more prevalent (P < 0.001). There were strong correlations between serum liver enzyme levels and NAFLD (P < 0.001), with GGT being a more sensitive marker for NAFLD than ALT or AST. ALT and GGT were independent predictors for NAFLD, and GGT was a better predictor than ALT for NAFLD.

Intramolecular C-F and C-H bond cleavage promoted by butadienyl heavy Grignard reagents

Organomagnesium compounds (Grignard reagents) are among the most useful organometallic reagents and have greatly accelerated the advancement of synthetic chemistry and related sciences. Nevertheless, heavy Grignard reagents based on the metals calcium, strontium or barium are not widely used, mainly due to their rather inert heavy alkaline-earth metals and extremely high reactivity of their corresponding Grignard-type reagents. Here we report the generation and reaction chemistry of butadienyl heavy Grignard reagents whose extremely high reactivity is successfully tamed. Facile synthesis of perfluoro-π-extended pentalene and naphthalene derivatives is realized by the in situ generated heavy Grignard reagents via intramolecular C-F/C-H bond cleavage. These obtained perfluorodibenzopentalene and perfluorodinaphthopentalene derivatives show low-lying LUMO levels, with one being the lowest value so far among all pentalene derivatives. Our results set an exciting example for the meaningful synthetic application of heavy Grignard reagents.

Association of Carotid Intima-media Thickness and Atherosclerotic Plaque with Periodontal Status

Studies have suggested an association between clinical/subclinical atherosclerosis and periodontal status. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association among maximal carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), atherosclerotic plaque, and periodontal status in Chinese elderly patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 847 participants (age, 70.64 ± 9.03 yr) with ≥10 teeth. A questionnaire survey, routine biochemical tests, a periodontal examination, and maximal cIMT measurement were performed for each. Traditional risk factors for atherogenesis were considered in the statistical analysis. Mean plaque index, which reflects oral hygiene, was correlated with maximal cIMT and atherosclerotic plaque in the study sample overall (β = 0.068, p < .001; OR = 2.051, p < .001) and in euglycemic participants (β = 0.066, p = .008; odds ratio = 2.122, p = .009). In hyperglycemic participants, multiple linear regression analysis (p = .006) and multivariate logistic regression analysis (p = .025) revealed a linear and dose-dependent association between mean clinical attachment loss and maximal cIMT after adjustment for traditional risk factors. Each 1-mm increase in mean clinical attachment loss corresponded to a 0.018-mm increase in maximal cIMT. The risk of atherosclerotic plaque increased by 18.3% with each 1-mm increase in mean clinical attachment loss. Other indicators of periodontal exposure, including percentage of sites with attachment loss ≥ 3 to 5 mm (3%-5%), were also correlated with cIMT and atherosclerotic plaque in hyperglycemic patients. In this elderly population, a linear and dose-dependent association among mean clinical attachment loss, attachment loss 3% to 5%, maximal cIMT, and atherosclerotic plaque was verified in those with hyperglycemia. Poor oral hygiene was correlated with maximal cIMT and atherosclerotic plaque in all participants, including those with normal blood glucose.

Metformin vs insulin in the management of gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of metformin compared with insulin in achieving glycemic control and investigate the maternal and neonatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We searched four electronic databases from inception through December 2012. Terms for Gestational diabetes/gestational diabetes mellitus/diabetes pregnancy AND/OR Metformin/hypoglycemic drugs/Hypoglycemic Agents/Antidiabetic Medications were used in the search. Two investigators independently reviewed titles and abstracts, performed data abstraction on full articles, and assessed study quality. Meanwhile, manual search of other resources and the search on Google Scholar were also carried out to identify more related articles .Rev Man 5.0 was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Six randomized clinical trials involving 1420 subjects were included. The current limited data suggested that using metformin in gestational diabetes subjects did not significantly increase adverse maternal outcomes and neonatal outcomes, also with less weight gain and neonatal hypoglycemia, but a higher incidence of premature birth.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin will not increase the incidence of adverse maternal outcomes and neonatal outcomes.

A straightforward strategy toward large BN-embedded π-systems: synthesis, structure, and optoelectronic properties of extended BN heterosuperbenzenes

A straightforward strategy has been used to construct large BN-embedded π-systems simply from azaacenes. BN heterosuperbenzene derivatives, the largest BN heteroaromatics to date, have been synthesized in three steps. The molecules exhibit curved π-surfaces, showing two different conformations which are self-organized into a sandwich structure and further packed into a π-stacking column. The assembled microribbons exhibit good charge transport properties and photoconductivity, representing an important step toward the optoelectronic applications of BN-embedded aromatics.

Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on shelf life, visual quality and nutritional quality of netted melon

The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on shelf life, fruit visual quality and nutritional quality were investigated. Netted melons were treated with air (control) and 0.6 µl l(-1) 1-MCP at 25 ℃ for 24 h, and then stored at 25 ℃ or 10 ℃ for 10 days. 1-MCP significantly extended the shelf life, inhibited weight loss and delayed firmness decline of melon fruits. Ethylene production was also inhibited and respiration rate was declined. 1-MCP retarded 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) increases and inhibited ACC synthase and ACC oxidase activity. Moreover, 1-MCP treatment reduced the decrease in total soluble solids and titratable acidity, as well as the decrease of the content of sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose). These results indicated that 1-MCP treatment is a good method to extend melon shelf life and maintain fruit quality, and the combination of 1-MCP and low temperature storage resulted in more acceptable fruit quality.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the value of real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (US) in differentiating benign and malignant breast lumps.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with breast lesions were observed. The enhancement form, intensity, and time-intensity curve were classified, and the characteristics of all the lesions were analyzed.

RESULTS

Inhomogeneous partial enhancement and entire enhancement were exhibited in most of the malignant lesions. High enhancements were observed in malignant lesions, whereas lower enhancement and no enhancement were exhibited in the benign tumors. The peak value and regression time were significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

There's a significant difference regarding the results of real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound between the benign tumor and malignant tumor which would help to improve the diagnostic accuracy of breast neoplasms.