[A bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed genes associated with liver cancer]

Objective: To investigate differentially expressed genes associated with liver cancer using bioinformatics methods, and to screen out molecular markers for early diagnosis of liver cancer and potential molecular targets for immunotherapy. Methods: The microarray data associated with liver cancer were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. JMP software was used for correlation analysis of GSE datasets, Limma program in R language was used to screen out differentially expressed genes, and the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed for differentially expressed genes. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was also established for analysis. An analysis of specific expression associated with liver cancer was performed with reference to RNA-seq transcriptome data for other tumors obtained from TCGA to further identify specific differentially expressed genes in liver cancer, and a survival curve analysis was performed for patients with liver cancer. Results: A total of 92 differentially expressed genes were identified, with 21 upregulated genes and 71 downregulated genes. Through the GO, KEGG, and PPI analyses, RNA-seq data verified that only glypican 3 (GPC3) was upregulated in liver cancer, and MBL2, SDS, SLCO1B3, TDO2, SAA4, and SPP2 were downregulated. Conclusions: GPC3 might act as a target for immunotherapy, and other molecular markers may become molecular markers for early detection of liver cancer and potential targets for immunotherapy.

p.R180C mutation of glycosyltransferase B leads to B subgroup, an in vitro and in silico study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Dysfunctional glycosyltransferase A or B may lead to incomplete glycosylation of H antigen and atypical ABO blood group with weak A or B phenotypes, posing challenges for blood typing for transfusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serological studies and ABO gene analysis were performed. Flow cytometry was performed on HeLa cells transfected glycosyltransferase B expressing plasmids. Agglutination of transfected cells and total glycosyltransferase B transfer capacity were examined. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore possible dynamic conformational changes around the binding pocket.

RESULTS

We identified a mutation c.538C>T (p. R180C) of B allele in a Chinese donor and his father with ABw phenotype. In vitro expression study showed that mutation p.R180C, although not affecting expression of glycosyltransferase B, impaired H to B antigen conversion. The in silico analyses found that the residue Arg180 on the internal loop next to the entry of the binding pocket may have its long side chain salt-bridged with the highly flexible C-terminal carboxyl and contribute to the catalysis of H to B antigen conversion.

CONCLUSION

The p.R180C mutation impairs the conversion from H to B antigen and leads to weak B phenotype. Dynamic interaction between Arg180 and C-terminal of glycosyltransferase B may stabilize its binding with UDP-galactose and facilitate H/B antigen conversion.

Use of Mother-Child Screws in the Treatment of Coronoid Fractures in Terrible Triad Injury of the Elbow

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study aims to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a consecutive series of 18 patients with terrible triad injury. The coronoid fractures of these patients were repaired using Mother-Child screw (MCS). MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve men and six women (mean age: 47.2 years) with terrible triad injury of the elbow were followed up for a mean of 17.6 months (range: 13-42 months). Surgical treatment consisted of open reduction and internal fixation of coronoid fractures with MCS, radial head fracture with MCS (Mason type II, n = 10), or mini-plate (Mason type III, n = 3). Furthermore, all underwent lateral collateral ligament repair (n = 9, 100%), and in cases of persistent instability, medial collateral ligament repair was performed (n = 3, 33%). RESULTS At last follow-up, average arc of ulnohumeral motion was 130° (range: 65° to 150°), average arc of forearm rotation was 148° (range: 100°-160°), mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 7.1 (range: 0-28.5), and mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was 92 (range: 70-100). According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), 10 patients were excellent in, seven patients were good, and one patient was fair. All patients had a stable elbow. No secondary coronoid fragment dislocation or implant failures was reported. Fracture healing was observed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that coronoid fracture treatment with MCS may be a new, effective and easy therapeutic option in terrible triad injury. Key words:terrible triad of the elbow, coronoid process, radial head, functional outcome.

Molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of E2F transcription factor 4 from Antheraea pernyi

The E2F transcription factor family is distributed widely in eukaryotes and has been well studied among mammals. In the present study, the E2F transcription factor 4 (E2F4) gene was isolated from fat bodies of Antheraea pernyi and sequenced. E2F4 comprised a 795 bp open reading frame encoding a deduced amino acid sequence of 264 amino acid residues. The recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli (Transetta DE3), and anti-E2F4 antibodies were prepared. The deduced amino acid sequence displayed significant homology to an E2F4-like protein from Bombyx mori L. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that E2F4 expression was highest in the integument, followed by the fat body, silk glands, and haemocytes. The expression of E2F4 was upregulated in larvae challenged by bacterial (Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus), viral (nuclear polyhedrosis virus), and fungal (Beauveria bassiana) pathogens. These observations indicated that E2F4 is an inducible protein in the immune response of A. pernyi and probably in other insects.

Molecular characterisation of the broad-spectrum resistance to powdery mildew conferred by the Stpk-V gene from the wild species Haynaldia villosa

A key member of the Pm21 resistance gene locus, Stpk-V, derived from Haynaldia villosa, was shown to confer broad-spectrum resistance to wheat powdery mildew. The present study was planned to investigate the resistance mechanism mediated by Stpk-V. Transcriptome analysis was performed in Stpk-V transgenic plants and recipient Yangmai158 upon Bgt infection, and detailed histochemical observations were conducted. Chromosome location of Stpk-V orthologous genes in Triticeae species was conducted for evolutionary study and over-expression of Stpk-V both in barley and Arabidopsis was performed for functional study. The transcriptome results indicate, at the early infection stage, the ROS pathway, JA pathway and some PR proteins associated with the SA pathway were activated in both the resistant Stpk-V transgenic plants and susceptible Yangmai158. However, at the later infection stage, the genes up-regulated at the early stage were continuously held only in the transgenic plants, and a large number of new genes were also activated in the transgenic plants but not in Yangmai158. Results indicate that sustained activation of the early response genes combined with later-activated genes mediated by Stpk-V is critical for resistance in Stpk-V transgenic plants. Stpk-V orthologous genes in the representative grass species are all located on homologous group six chromosomes, indicating that Stpk-V is an ancient gene in the grasses. Over-expression of Stpk-V enhanced host resistance to powdery mildew in barley but not in Arabidopsis. Our results enable a better understanding of the resistance mechanism mediated by Stpk-V, and establish a solid foundation for its use in cereal breeding as a gene resource.

Characterization and functional analysis of serpin-1 like gene from oak silkworm Antheraea pernyi

Serpins are a broadly distributed family of proteases found in various organisms that play an important role in regulating the immune response. Here, we identified a serpin-1 gene from Antheraea pernyi that encodes a 279 amino acid protein with a molecular weight of 30.8 kDa. We expressed the recombinant Ap-serpin-1 protein in Escherichia coli and used the purified protein to prepare rabbit anti-Ap-serpin-1 polyclonal antibodies. We calculated the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titer of the antibody as 1:128000. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that Ap-serpin-1 was expressed in all examined tissues, including hemolymph, malpighian tubules, midgut, silk gland, integument and the fat body; the highest Ap-serpin-1 expression levels was detected in the fat body. We next investigated the expression patterns of Ap-serpin-1 in both fat body and hemolymph samples, following treatment with E. coli, Beauveria bassiana, Micrococcus luteus and nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV). We reported that NPV and M. luteus significantly enhanced Ap-serpin-1 expression in the fat body. While, in the hemolymph samples, treatment with B. bassiana and M. luteus was shown to upregulate Ap-serpin-1 expression at 24 h induction. Altogether, our results suggest that Ap-serpin-1 is involved in the innate immunity of A. pernyi.

Measurement of B_{s}^{0} and D_{s}^{-} Meson Lifetimes

We report on a measurement of the flavor-specific B_{s}^{0} lifetime and of the D_{s}^{-} lifetime using proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, collected by the LHCb experiment and corresponding to 3.0  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity. Approximately 407 000 B_{s}^{0}→D_{s}^{(*)-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} decays are partially reconstructed in the K^{+}K^{-}π^{-}μ^{+} final state. The B_{s}^{0} and D_{s}^{-} natural widths are determined using, as a reference, kinematically similar B^{0}→D^{(*)-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} decays reconstructed in the same final state. The resulting differences between widths of B_{s}^{0} and B^{0} mesons and of D_{s}^{-} and D^{-} mesons are Δ_{Γ}(B)=-0.0115±0.0053(stat)±0.0041(syst)  ps^{-1} and Δ_{Γ}(D)=1.0131±0.0117(stat)±0.0065(syst)  ps^{-1}, respectively. Combined with the known B^{0} and D^{-} lifetimes, these yield the flavor-specific B_{s}^{0} lifetime, τ_{B_{s}^{0}}^{fs}=1.547±0.013(stat)±0.010(syst)±0.004(τ_{B})  ps and the D_{s}^{-} lifetime, τ_{D_{s}^{-}}=0.5064±0.0030(stat)±0.0017(syst)±0.0017(τ_{D})  ps. The last uncertainties originate from the limited knowledge of the B^{0} and D^{-} lifetimes. The results improve upon current determinations.

Observation of the Decays Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-} and Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-}

The first observation of the decays Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-} and Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-} is reported using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1}, collected by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The following ratios of branching fractions are measured: B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-})=0.242±0.014±0.013±0.009,B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-})=0.248±0.020±0.014±0.009,B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-})=1.02±0.10±0.02±0.05,where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic, and the third due to the uncertainty on the branching fractions of the χ_{c1}→J/ψγ and χ_{c2}→J/ψγ decays. Using both decay modes, the mass of the Λ_{b}^{0} baryon is also measured to be m_{Λ_{b}^{0}}=5619.44±0.28±0.26  MeV/c^{2}, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.

First Observation of a Baryonic B_{s}^{0} Decay

We report the first observation of a baryonic B_{s}^{0} decay, B_{s}^{0}→pΛ[over ¯]K^{-}, using proton-proton collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1}. The branching fraction is measured to be B(B_{s}^{0}→pΛ[over ¯]K^{-})+B(B_{s}^{0}→p[over ¯]ΛK^{+})=[5.46±0.61±0.57±0.50(B)±0.32(f_{s}/f_{d})]×10^{-6}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, the third uncertainty accounts for the experimental uncertainty on the branching fraction of the B^{0}→pΛ[over ¯]π^{-} decay used for normalization, and the fourth uncertainty relates to the knowledge of the ratio of b-quark hadronization probabilities f_{s}/f_{d}.

Search for the Decays B_{s}^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-} and B^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-}

A search for the rare decays B_{s}^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-} and B^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-} is performed using proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1} collected in 2011 and 2012. The τ leptons are reconstructed through the decay τ^{-}→π^{-}π^{+}π^{-}ν_{τ}. Assuming no contribution from B^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-} decays, an upper limit is set on the branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-})<6.8×10^{-3} at the 95% confidence level. If instead no contribution from B_{s}^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-} decays is assumed, the limit is B(B^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-})<2.1×10^{-3} at the 95% confidence level. These results correspond to the first direct limit on B(B_{s}^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-}) and the world's best limit on B(B^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-}).

Measurement of the B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} Branching Fraction and Effective Lifetime and Search for B^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} Decays

A search for the rare decays B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} and B^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} is performed at the LHCb experiment using data collected in pp collisions corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 4.4  fb^{-1}. An excess of B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decays is observed with a significance of 7.8 standard deviations, representing the first observation of this decay in a single experiment. The branching fraction is measured to be B(B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})=(3.0±0.6_{-0.2}^{+0.3})×10^{-9}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The first measurement of the B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} effective lifetime, τ(B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})=2.04±0.44±0.05  ps, is reported. No significant excess of B^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decays is found, and a 95% confidence level upper limit, B(B^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})<3.4×10^{-10}, is determined. All results are in agreement with the standard model expectations.

Observation of Five New Narrow Ω_{c}^{0} States Decaying to Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-}

The Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-} mass spectrum is studied with a sample of pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.3  fb^{-1}, collected by the LHCb experiment. The Ξ_{c}^{+} is reconstructed in the decay mode pK^{-}π^{+}. Five new, narrow excited Ω_{c}^{0} states are observed: the Ω_{c}(3000)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3050)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3066)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3090)^{0}, and Ω_{c}(3119)^{0}. Measurements of their masses and widths are reported.

[Pre- and post-orthotopic heart transplantation electrocardiogram characteristics of 998 patients]

Objective: To analyze pre- and post-operation electrocardiograms (ECGs) features of patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT), and provide evidences for identifying and analyzing post OHT ECGs. Methods: Nine hundreds and ninty-eight pre- and post- OHT standard 12-leads ECGs from 110 consecutive patients, who underwent OHT in our hospital from May 2008 to May 2014, were analyzed. Results: The mean heart rate(HR)was (86.9±16.4) beats per minute before OHT, and (100.0±0.4) beats per minute after OHT. P wave's amplitude, duration, amplitude multiplied by duration of donor heart in lead Ⅱ were (0.124±0.069)mV, (111.1±17.2)ms, (14.34±9.51)mV·ms before OHT; (0.054±0.037)mV, (86.9±27.0)ms, (5.02±4.03)mV·ms at 1 month after OHT; (0.073±0.049)mV, (93.9±17.5) ms, (7.00±4.81)mV·ms at 6 years after OHT. ECGs rotation occurred in 83.64%(92/110) patients after OHT, and prevalence of clockwise rotation was 76.36%(84/110). Sinus tachycardia was evidenced in 99.09%(109/110) patients after OHT, and incomplete right bundle branch block was present in 60.91%(67/110) patients after OHT. Pseudo complete atrioventricular block mostly occurred at 2 days after OHT. Prevalence of double sinus rhythm was 27.95%(263/941) post OHT, 40% of them occurred between the 1st and the 2nd month post OHT; the atrial rate of recipient hearts was (104.0±10.2) beats per minucte between the 3rd and the 6th month post OHT, and was (95.3±4.2) beats per minucte between the 4th year and the 5th year. P wave's amplitude, duration, amplitude multiplied by duration of recipient heart in lead Ⅱ were (0.066±0.055) mV, (52.8±34.7) ms, (4.67±4.95) mV·ms at 1 month after OHT, (0.043±0.040)mV, (44.4±40.5) ms , (3.11±3.61) mV·ms between the 1st year and 2nd year after OHT. The absolute value of P-wave(originating from the donor heart) terminal force in chest leads increased in 48.99%(461/941) patients post OHT, the P-wave terminal force of V(1) , V(2) and V(3) were -0.044(-0.066, -0.028), -0.060(-0.087, -0.038), -0.035(-0.056, 0) mm·s. Notched P wave in chest leads was presented in 10.31%(97/941) patients post OHT. PR segment depression in chest leads occurred in 60.24%(100/166) patients between the 3rd month and the 6th month, the incidence of PR segment depression in V(1) , V(2) and V(3) was 21.04%(198/941), 37.41%(352/941) and 28.69%(270/941), respectively. Conclusions: OHT is related to significantly changed ECGs. The mean HR increased significantly after OHT, then decreased gradually after half a year to one year, but it was still higher than preoperative mean HR after five or six years; the P waves of donor heart were usually inconspicuous or small in first month after OHT, and they became bigger after 2 months, and their duration and amplitude then became relatively steady afterwards. ECGs rotation, especially the clockwise rotation, was common post OHT. A variety of arrhythmias originating from the donor heart including sinus tachycardia and incomplete right bundle branch block could be found. Pseudo complete atrioventricular block could also be found in the early phase after OHT. With the extension of time, the incidence of double sinus rhythm reduced gradually. The atrial rate and P wave of recipient heart presented with a tendency to become lower. The absolute value of P-waves(originating from the donor heart) terminal force in chest leads (mainly V(1), V(2) and V(3)) increased, notched P waves in chest leads (mainly V(1), V(2)) and PR segments depression in chest leads (mainly V(2), V(3) and V(4)) also belong to typical post OHT ECGs features.

Extrusion Blow Molding of Polymeric Blends Based on Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Polymer and High Density Polyethylene

This work is concerned with the extrusion blow molding of polymeric blends containing thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE), using a single screw extruder. The TLCP is synthesized from terephthalic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroquinone and hydroquinone derivatives, the melting point of which is 280 °C. Because the TLCP is usually processed at much higher temperatures than HDPE, the thermal stability of HDPE at elevated temperature is evaluated. It is shown that HDPE is relatively stable in the processing temperature range of the TLCP used in this work (260 to 300 °C). Bottles are successfully produced from the blends containing 10, 20 and 50 wt% TLCP. The TLCP/HDPE blend bottles exhibit enhanced modulus relative to pure HDPE. However, the improvement in tensile strength is marginal. At 10 and 20 wt% TLCP contents, the TLCP phase exists as platelets aligning along the machine direction, while a co-continuous morphology is observed for the blend containing 50 wt% TLCP. To further enhance the mechanical properties of the blends, the preliminary effectiveness of maleic anhydride grafted HDPE (MA-g-HDPE) as a compatibilizer is studied. The injection molded ternary blends of TLCP/HDPE/MA-g-HDPE have demonstrated superior mechanical properties over the binary TLCP/HDPE blends, which suggests MA-g-HDPE as a potential compatibilizer for developing high performance TLCP/HDPE containers with enhanced mechanical properties.

Correlation between Cystatin C and retinopathy of type-two diabetes mellitus patients

Diabetic retinopathy is one of most common diabetic microvascular complications. In recent years the incidence of the disease has increased, hence early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance. In order to find reliable biological indexes to diagnose and treat type-two diabetes mellitus promptly, this study focused on the correlation between Cystatin C (Cys C) and retinopathy of type-two diabetes mellitus patients. One hundred and eighty type-two diabetes mellitus patients and one hundred healthy controls (the control group) were chosen in this study. Of the patients ninety-eight patients had typetwo diabetes mellitus without retinopathy (non-diabetic retinopathy group) and eighty-two had typetwo diabetes mellitus with retinopathy (diabetic retinopathy group). Correlation of Cys C and typetwo diabetic retinopathy was analyzed by examining the waist-hip ratio, fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and Cys C of both groups. The results showed that FBG, TC, TG, LDL-C, HbA1c, Cys C in the type-two diabetes mellitus patients group were higher than those of the control group (P less than 0.05). Age, course of diabetes, FBG, HbA1c, and Cys C levels were statistically significant in both the DR group and NDR group (P less than 0.05). The result of logistic regression analysis indicates that there was a positive correlation between type-two diabetic retinopathy development and age, course of diabetes, and Cys C level (P less than 0.05). Thus, it can be seen that changes of Cys C levels can assist early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy to some extent. The patients with high Cys C level, long course of diabetes, and old age are more likely to have diabetic retinopathy.

MiR-21 functions oppositely in proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/precursor cells via regulating AKT and GSK-3β

MicroRNA involves in regulating behavior of neural stem/precursor cells (NSPCs), thus it offers the potential to treat central nervous system disease. However, the effect of miR-21 on NSPCs remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-21 reduced proliferation and promoted neural differentiation in NSPCs via regulating the activation of AKT and GSK-3β signaling pathways in vitro. During differentiation of NSPCs, the expression of miR-21 was increased in a time-dependent manner by qRT-PCR. Synthesized pre-miR-21 or anti-miR-21 was transfected into NSPCs, thereby efficiently overexpressing or knocking down miR-21. Overexpression of miR-21 promoted the neural differentiation of NSPCs, as indicated by Tuj1 and PSA-NCAM staining. Interestingly, knocking down miR-21 had the opposite effect of neural differentiation in NSPCs. However, in proliferation area, overexpression of miR-21 decreased the cell viability by 3-((2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MTT) assay, and inhibited the proliferation of NSPCs, as indicated by 5-Bromo-2-deoxyUridine (BrdU) staining. And likewise, knocking down miR-21 had the opposite effect of cell viability and proliferation. Western blot showed that overexpression of miR-21 enhanced the expression of Cyclin D1, however, knocking down miR-21 prevented its expression. Furthermore, we revealed that protein kinase B (AKT) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) signaling pathways were involved in the proliferation and neural differentiation of NSPCs. Overexpression of miR-21 activated AKT, and the p-GSK-3β was increased. Conversely, knocking down miR-21 blocked the activation of AKT, and decreased the phosphorylation level of GSK-3β. These results demonstrated that miR-21 promotes neural differentiation and reduces proliferation in NSPCs via regulating AKT and GSK-3β pathways. These findings may help to develop strategies for treatment of central nervous system diseases.

Expression and characterization of a lipase-related protein in the malpighian tubules of the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi

Lipases are ubiquitous enzymes in nature, which play a crucial role in fat metabolism by catalyzing the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol to free fatty acids and glycerol. However, reports concerning insect lipase are rare. In this study, we studied the expression and activity of a lipase-related protein from Antheraea pernyi (ApLRP). Recombinant ApLRP was expressed in Escherichia coli cells and used to raise rabbit anti-ApLRP polyclonal antibodies. ApLRP mRNA and protein expression were abundant in the midgut and malpighian tubules, respectively. After challenge with four different microorganisms (E. coli, Beauveria bassiana, Micrococcus luteus and nuclear polyhedrosis virus), the expression levels of ApLRP mRNA in midgut were inducted significantly compared with the control. The different pathogens induced different ApLRP gene expression patterns. The optimum temperature and pH for the enzyme's activity were 35°C and 7.0, respectively. ApLRP activity was stimulated in the presence of Mg2+, Na+, Ca2+ and b-mercaptoethanol; while Zn2+, Cu2+ and Fe3+ inhibited its activity. Detergents such as SDS, glycerol and Tween-20 increased the lipase activity by 20-30%. Our results indicated that ApLRP might play an important role in the innate immunity of insects.

Ras-association domain family 10 acts as a novel tumor suppressor through modulating MMP2 in hepatocarcinoma

Ras-Association Domain Family 10 (RASSF10) is the last identified member of the RASSF family. The functional characteristics of this new gene in human cancers remain largely unclear. Here, we examined RASSF10 for the biological functions and related molecular mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that RASSF10 is expressed in normal human liver tissue, but is silenced or down-regulated in 62.5% (5/8) of HCC cell lines. The mean expression level of RASSF10 was significantly lower in primary HCCs compared with their adjacent normal tissues (P<0.005, n=52). The promoter methylation contributes to the inactivation of RASSF10 as demonstrated by bisulfite genomic sequencing and demethylation treatment analyses. Transgenic expression of RASSF10 in silenced HCC cell lines suppressed cell viability, colony formation and inhibited tumor growth in nude mice (QGY7703, P<0.01; HepG2, P<0.05). Furthermore, RASSF10 was shown to induce the cell accumulation in G1 phase with the increase of p27, as well as the decrease of cyclinD1 and CDK2/CDK4. Over-expression of RASSF10 also inhibited HCC cells migration (P<0.01) or invasion (P<0.05). Adhesion genes array revealed that Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) was a downstream effector of RASSF10. RASSF10 acting as a tumor suppressor to inhibit HCC invasion partially mediated by Focal Adhesion Kinase or p38 MAPK to decrease the accumulation of MMP2. Our study suggests that RASSF10 acts as a tumor suppressor for HCC.

Advancement of highly charged ion beam production by superconducting ECR ion source SECRAL (invited)

At Institute of Modern Physics (IMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the superconducting Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) ion source SECRAL (Superconducting ECR ion source with Advanced design in Lanzhou) has been put into operation for about 10 years now. It has been the main working horse to deliver intense highly charged heavy ion beams for the accelerators. Since its first plasma at 18 GHz, R&D work towards more intense highly charged ion beam production as well as the beam quality investigation has never been stopped. When SECRAL was upgraded to its typical operation frequency 24 GHz, it had already showed its promising capacity of very intense highly charged ion beam production. And it has also provided the strong experimental support for the so called scaling laws of microwave frequency effect. However, compared to the microwave power heating efficiency at 18 GHz, 24 GHz microwave heating does not show the ω(2) scale at the same power level, which indicates that microwave power coupling at gyrotron frequency needs better understanding. In this paper, after a review of the operation status of SECRAL with regard to the beam availability and stability, the recent study of the extracted ion beam transverse coupling issues will be discussed, and the test results of the both TE01 and HE11 modes will be presented. A general comparison of the performance working with the two injection modes will be given, and a preliminary analysis will be introduced. The latest results of the production of very intense highly charged ion beams, such as 1.42 emA Ar(12+), 0.92 emA Xe(27+), and so on, will be presented.

High intensity high charge state ion beam production with an evaporative cooling magnet ECRIS

LECR4 (Lanzhou ECR ion source No. 4) is a room temperature electron cyclotron resonance ion source, designed to produce high current, high charge state ion beams for the SSC-LINAC injector (a new injector for sector separated cyclotron) at the Institute of Modern Physics. LECR4 also serves as a PoP machine for the application of evaporative cooling technology in accelerator field. To achieve those goals, LECR4 ECR ion source has been optimized for the operation at 18 GHz. During 2014, LECR4 ion source was commissioned at 18 GHz microwave of 1.6 kW. To further study the influence of injection stage to the production of medium and high charge state ion beams, in March 2015, the injection stage with pumping system was installed, and some optimum results were produced, such as 560 eμA of O(7+), 620 eμA of Ar(11+), 430 eμA of Ar(12+), 430 eμA of Xe(20+), and so on. The comparison will be discussed in the paper.

Clinical effect of intravitreous injection of triamcinolone acetonide in treating cystoid macular edema

Cystoid macular edema (CME), a commonly seen sign for multiple fundus diseases, is able to induce visual deterioration. The incidence rate of CME is constantly increasing; however, the existing clinical treatments cannot achieve satisfactory curative effects. To explore the curative effect of intravitreous injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in treating CME, this study carried out a clinical test on 39 patients (42 eyes) from The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University who developed CME induced by central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). All 42 eyes received intravitreous injection of 40 mg/ml TA (0.1 ml) and then were followed up for 11-23.5 months. Eyes were examined by slit-lamp microscope, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraocular pressure (IOP) of those eyes were detected before and after treatment. Average vision of eyes was 0.1 before treatment, and the vision improved in one month (vision ≥ 0.2: 100%; vision ≥ 0.5: 42.9%) and three months (vision ≥ 0.2: 64.3%; vision ≥ 0.5: 21.4%) after treatment; but as time went on, the vision of some patients declined; at the last follow-up, patients with vision ≥ 0.2 accounted for 28.6% and those with vision ≥0.5 accounted for 7.1%; compared to before treatment, 71.4% patients had improved vision and the remaining 28.6% had declined vision. Some patients were observed with high IOP during treatment, and 7 eyes were found with secondary cataract in posterior capsule of lens at the last follow-up. Intravitreous injection of triamcinolone acetonide proved to have significant short-term curative effect on CEM which is non-sensitive to conventional therapies, but it is likely to induce high IPO and posterior capsular opacification.

Molecular characterization, tissue distribution, and immune reaction expression of karyopherins in the domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori)

Karyopherins, including alpha and beta types, are transport proteins in the eukaryotic cell that carry cargoes across nuclear pore complexes into or out of the nucleus. In this study, full open reading frames of one beta and three alpha types of karyopherin were cloned from cDNA of the domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori). The one beta and three alpha types' open reading frames were 2661, 1563, 1515, and 1551 base pairs long, respectively, and coded 886, 520, 504, and 516 amino acids, respectively. The alphas all had one importin-beta-binding (IBB) domain, and eight, four, or seven armadillo/beta-catenin-like repeats. The beta had 19 HEAT repeat domains, which constructed one importin-beta-N-terminal domain and one IBB domain. The recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The molecular weight of the beta type was approximately 100 kDa, and the alphas weighed approximately 60 kDa. Phylogenic tree construction revealed that the alphas could be classified into three known karyopherin-alpha subfamilies. We detected mRNA of the four karyopherins in normal 3rd day of 5th instar larvae, and in larvae injected with Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, and fungi using real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and found that the four karyopherins were widely distributed, but their expression levels were related to tissues type, the microbe injected, and the time point.

A comparison of propofol vs. dexmedetomidine for sedation, haemodynamic control and satisfaction, during esophagogastroduodenoscopy under conscious sedation

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a common diagnostic procedure which requires sedation for most patients. We undertook a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study to compare the effect of propofol vs. dexmedetomidine on the sedation of outpatients during EGD.

METHODS

Prior to the procedure, outpatients received either propofol at 0·6 mg/kg, with additional doses of 10-20 mg until the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale (OAA/S) score reached 2-4, or dexmedetomidine at a loading dose of 1 μg/kg over a 10-min period followed by a 0·5 μg/kg/h infusion until the OAA/S score reached 2-4. Vital signs, sedation level, adverse events, patients' and endoscopist's satisfaction score, and an evaluation of the recovery time were assessed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Negligible haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) and respiratory rate variations were observed in both groups, although respiratory depression occurred in two cases (5·9%) in the propofol group. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the propofol group decreased during the procedure compared with baseline (P < 0·05) and was also lower in comparison with the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0·05). Heart rate (HR) decreased after the loading dose in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0·05). More patients in the propofol group underwent deeper sedation at the beginning of the procedure (P < 0·05), although the recovery time was comparable between the two groups (P > 0·05). Three cases (9·1%) in the dexmedetomidine group were delayed because of dizziness, bradycardia and nausea. There was a higher satisfaction score among patients in the propofol group (P < 0·05), although the endoscopist's satisfaction score was comparable between the two groups (P > 0·05).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Propofol and dexmedetomidine provide a relatively satisfactory level of sedation without clinically notable adverse effects during EGD. In addition, patients preferred propofol administration for the deeper sedation and rapid recovery, and dexmedetomidine exhibited minimal adverse effects on respiratory function.