Denis RD, Stabile A, Staerz S, Stahlman J, Stamen R, Stamm S, Stanecka E, Stanescu C, Stanescu-Bellu M, Stanitzki MM, Stapnes S, Starchenko EA, Stark J, Staroba P, Starovoitov P, Staszewski R, Steinberg P, Stelzer B, Stelzer HJ, Stelzer-Chilton O, Stenzel H, Stewart GA, Stillings JA, Stockton MC, Stoebe M, Stoicea G, Stolte P, Stonjek S, Stradling AR, Straessner A, Stramaglia ME, Strandberg J, Strandberg S, Strandlie A, Strauss E, Strauss M, Strizenec P, Ströhmer R, Strom DM, Stroynowski R, Strubig A, Stucci SA, Stugu B, Styles NA, Su D, Su J, Subramaniam R, Succurro A, Sugaya Y, Suk M, Sulin VV, Sultansoy S, Sumida T, Sun S, Sun X, Sundermann JE, Suruliz K, Susinno G, Sutton MR, Suzuki S, Svatos M, Swiatlowski M, Sykora I, Sykora T, Ta D, Taccini C, Tackmann K, Taenzer J, Taffard A, Tafirout R, Taiblum N, Takai H, Takashima R, Takeda H, Takeshita T, Takubo Y, Talby M, Talyshev AA, Tam JYC, Tan KG, Tanaka J, Tanaka R, Tanaka S, Tannenwald BB, Tannoury N, Tapprogge S, Tarem S, Tarrade F, Tartarelli GF, Tas P, Tasevsky M, Tashiro T, Tassi E, Tavares Delgado A, Tayalati Y, Taylor FE, Taylor GN, Taylor PTE, Taylor W, Teischinger FA, Teixeira Dias Castanheira M, Teixeira-Dias P, Temming KK, Temple D, Ten Kate H, Teng PK, Teoh JJ, Tepel F, Terada S, Terashi K, Terron J, Terzo S, Testa M, Teuscher RJ, Theveneaux-Pelzer T, Thomas JP, Thomas-Wilsker J, Thompson EN, Thompson PD, Thompson RJ, Thompson AS, Thomsen LA, Thomson E, Thomson M, Thun RP, Tibbetts MJ, Ticse Torres RE, Tikhomirov VO, Tikhonov YA, Timoshenko S, Tiouchichine E, Tipton P, Tisserant S, Todome K, Todorov T, Todorova-Nova S, Tojo J, Tokár S, Tokushuku K, Tollefson K, Tolley E, Tomlinson L, Tomoto M, Tompkins L, Toms K, Torrence E, Torres H, Torró Pastor E, Toth J, Touchard F, Tovey DR, Trefzger T, Tremblet L, Tricoli A, Trigger IM, Trincaz-Duvoid S, Tripiana MF, Trischuk W, Trocmé B, Troncon C, Trottier-McDonald M, Trovatelli M, True P, Truong L, Trzebinski M, Trzupek A, Tsarouchas C, Tseng JCL, Tsiareshka PV, Tsionou D, Tsipolitis G, Tsirintanis N, Tsiskaridze S, Tsiskaridze V, Tskhadadze EG, Tsukerman II, Tsulaia V, Tsuno S, Tsybychev D, Tudorache A, Tudorache V, Tuna AN, Tupputi SA, Turchikhin S, Turecek D, Turra R, Turvey AJ, Tuts PM, Tykhonov A, Tylmad M, Tyndel M, Ueda I, Ueno R, Ughetto M, Ugland M, Ukegawa F, Unal G, Undrus A, Unel G, Ungaro FC, Unno Y, Unverdorben C, Urban J, Urquijo P, Urrejola P, Usai G, Usanova A, Vacavant L, Vacek V, Vachon B, Valderanis C, Valencic N, Valentinetti S, Valero A, Valery L, Valkar S, Valladolid Gallego E, Vallecorsa S, Valls Ferrer JA, Van Den Wollenberg W, Van Der Deijl PC, van der Geer R, van der Graaf H, van Eldik N, van Gemmeren P, Van Nieuwkoop J, van Vulpen I, van Woerden MC, Vanadia M, Vandelli W, Vanguri R, Vaniachine A, Vannucci F, Vardanyan G, Vari R, Varnes EW, Varol T, Varouchas D, Vartapetian A, Varvell KE, Vazeille F, Vazquez Schroeder T, Veatch J, Veloce LM, Veloso F, Velz T, Veneziano S, Ventura A, Ventura D, Venturi M, Venturi N, Venturini A, Vercesi V, Verducci M, Verkerke W, Vermeulen JC, Vest A, Vetterli MC, Viazlo O, Vichou I, Vickey T, Vickey Boeriu OE, Viehhauser GHA, Viel S, Vigne R, Villa M, Villaplana Perez M, Vilucchi E, Vincter MG, Vinogradov VB, Vivarelli I, Vives Vaque F, Vlachos S, Vladoiu D, Vlasak M, Vogel M, Vokac P, Volpi G, Volpi M, von der Schmitt H, von Radziewski H, von Toerne E, Vorobel V, Vorobev K, Vos M, Voss R, Vossebeld JH, Vranjes N, Vranjes Milosavljevic M, Vrba V, Vreeswijk M, Vuillermet R, Vukotic I, Vykydal Z, Wagner P, Wagner W, Wahlberg H, Wahrmund S, Wakabayashi J, Walder J, Walker R, Walkowiak W, Wang C, Wang F, Wang H, Wang H, Wang J, Wang J, Wang K, Wang R, Wang SM, Wang T, Wang T, Wang X, Wanotayaroj C, Warburton A, Ward CP, Wardrope DR, Washbrook A, Wasicki C, Watkins PM, Watson AT, Watson IJ, Watson MF, Watts G, Watts S, Waugh BM, Webb S, Weber MS, Weber SW, Webster JS, Weidberg AR, Weinert B, Weingarten J, Weiser C, Weits H, Wells PS, Wenaus T, Wengler T, Wenig S, Wermes N, Werner M, Werner P, Wessels M, Wetter J, Whalen K, Wharton AM, White A, White MJ, White R, White S, Whiteson D, Wickens FJ, Wiedenmann W, Wielers M, Wienemann P, Wiglesworth C, Wiik-Fuchs LAM, Wildauer A, Wilkens HG, Williams HH, Williams S, Willis C, Willocq S, Wilson A, Wilson JA, Wingerter-Seez I, Winklmeier F, Winter BT, Wittgen M, Wittkowski J, Wollstadt SJ, Wolter MW, Wolters H, Wosiek BK, Wotschack J, Woudstra MJ, Wozniak KW, Wu M, Wu M, Wu SL, Wu X, Wu Y, Wyatt TR, Wynne BM, Xella S, Xu D, Xu L, Yabsley B, Yacoob S, Yakabe R, Yamada M, Yamaguchi D, Yamaguchi Y, Yamamoto A, Yamamoto S, Yamanaka T, Yamauchi K, Yamazaki Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Yang H, Yang Y, Yao WM, Yasu Y, Yatsenko E, Yau Wong KH, Ye J, Ye S, Yeletskikh I, Yen AL, Yildirim E, Yorita K, Yoshida R, Yoshihara K, Young C, Young CJS, Youssef S, Yu DR, Yu J, Yu JM, Yu J, Yuan L, Yuen SPY, Yurkewicz A, Yusuff I, Zabinski B, Zaidan R, Zaitsev AM, Zalieckas J, Zaman A, Zambito S, Zanello L, Zanzi D, Zeitnitz C, Zeman M, Zemla A, Zeng Q, Zengel K, Zenin O, Ženiš T, Zerwas D, Zhang D, Zhang F, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhang L, Zhang R, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhao X, Zhao Y, Zhao Z, Zhemchugov A, Zhong J, Zhou B, Zhou C, Zhou L, Zhou L, Zhou M, Zhou N, Zhu CG, Zhu H, Zhu J, Zhu Y, Zhuang X, Zhukov K, Zibell A, Zieminska D, Zimine NI, Zimmermann C, Zimmermann S, Zinonos Z, Zinser M, Ziolkowski M, Živković L, Zobernig G, Zoccoli A, zur Nedden M, Zurzolo G, Zwalinski L. A new method to distinguish hadronically decaying boosted Z bosons from W bosons using the ATLAS detector

The distribution of particles inside hadronic jets produced in the decay of boosted W and Z bosons can be used to discriminate such jets from the continuum background. Given that a jet has been identified as likely resulting from the hadronic decay of a boosted W or Z boson, this paper presents a technique for further differentiating Z bosons from W bosons. The variables used are jet mass, jet charge, and a b-tagging discriminant. A likelihood tagger is constructed from these variables and tested in the simulation of [Formula: see text] for bosons in the transverse momentum range 200 GeV [Formula: see text] 400 GeV in [Formula: see text] TeV pp collisions with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. For Z-boson tagging efficiencies of [Formula: see text], 50, and [Formula: see text], one can achieve [Formula: see text]-boson tagging rejection factors ([Formula: see text]) of 1.7, 8.3 and 1000, respectively. It is not possible to measure these efficiencies in the data due to the lack of a pure sample of high [Formula: see text], hadronically decaying Z bosons. However, the modelling of the tagger inputs for boosted W bosons is studied in data using a [Formula: see text]-enriched sample of events in 20.3 fb[Formula: see text] of data at [Formula: see text] TeV. The inputs are well modelled within uncertainties, which builds confidence in the expected tagger performance.

Effect of Danhong Injection Combined with Naoxintong Tablets on Prognosis and Inflammatory Factor Expression in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Danhong is a Chinese medical component that has been broadly used to treat various cerebrovascular diseases. This work aimed to investigate the effect of Danhong injection combined with Naoxintong tablets on the short-term prognosis and expression of inflammatory factor-soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

A total of 100 ACS patients with PCI were randomly divided equally into treatment and control groups. The control group was treated with conventional secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Based on secondary prevention, Danhong injection combined with Naoxintong tablets was administered in the treatment group. The incidences of major adverse cardiovascular events and cardiac functions, including ejection fraction (EF) and six-minute walk test distance, during hospital discharge and at the third postoperative month were observed. The serum sCD40 levels at different times were also noted.

RESULTS

There were 2 patients in the treatment group and 7 in the control group that were lost during follow-up, so the collected data were from only 48 patients in the treatment and 43 in the control group. During hospital discharge and at the third postoperative month, no significant difference in death, myocardial infarction, stroke, angina pectoris and readmission were observed between the two groups (p > 0.05). Upon hospital discharge, EF, six-minute walk test distance and serum sCD40L level in the two groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). At the third postoperative month, EF and six-minute walk test distance in treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05), and the serum sCD40L level in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.01). In addition, serum sCD40L levels in the two groups at the third postoperative month were significantly lower than those during hospital discharge (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Danhong injection combined with Naoxintong tablets decreased serum sCD40L level and improved cardiac functions in ACS patients undergoing PCI at 3 months following discharge, but not at discharge.

KEY WORDS

Acute coronary syndrome; Danhong injection; Naoxintong tablets; sCD40.

Denis RD, Stabile A, Staerz S, Stahlman J, Stamen R, Stamm S, Stanecka E, Stanek RW, Stanescu C, Stanescu-Bellu M, Stanitzki MM, Stapnes S, Starchenko EA, Stark J, Staroba P, Starovoitov P, Staszewski R, Steinberg P, Stelzer B, Stelzer HJ, Stelzer-Chilton O, Stenzel H, Stewart GA, Stillings JA, Stockton MC, Stoebe M, Stoicea G, Stolte P, Stonjek S, Stradling AR, Straessner A, Stramaglia ME, Strandberg J, Strandberg S, Strandlie A, Strauss E, Strauss M, Strizenec P, Ströhmer R, Strom DM, Stroynowski R, Strubig A, Stucci SA, Stugu B, Styles NA, Su D, Su J, Subramaniam R, Succurro A, Suchek S, Sugaya Y, Suk M, Sulin VV, Sultansoy S, Sumida T, Sun S, Sun X, Sundermann JE, Suruliz K, Susinno G, Sutton MR, Suzuki S, Svatos M, Swiatlowski M, Sykora I, Sykora T, Ta D, Taccini C, Tackmann K, Taenzer J, Taffard A, Tafirout R, Taiblum N, Takai H, Takashima R, Takeda H, Takeshita T, Takubo Y, Talby M, Talyshev AA, Tam JYC, Tan KG, Tanaka J, Tanaka R, Tanaka S, Tannenwald BB, Tannoury N, Tapia Araya S, Tapprogge S, Tarem S, Tarrade F, Tartarelli GF, Tas P, Tasevsky M, Tashiro T, Tassi E, Tavares Delgado A, Tayalati Y, Taylor FE, Taylor GN, Taylor PTE, Taylor W, Teischinger FA, Teixeira-Dias P, Temming KK, Temple D, Ten Kate H, Teng PK, Teoh JJ, Tepel F, Terada S, Terashi K, Terron J, Terzo S, Testa M, Teuscher RJ, Theveneaux-Pelzer T, Thomas JP, Thomas-Wilsker J, Thompson EN, Thompson PD, Thompson RJ, Thompson AS, Thomsen LA, Thomson E, Thomson M, Thun RP, Tibbetts MJ, Ticse Torres RE, Tikhomirov VO, Tikhonov YA, Timoshenko S, Tiouchichine E, Tipton P, Tisserant S, Todome K, Todorov T, Todorova-Nova S, Tojo J, Tokár S, Tokushuku K, Tollefson K, Tolley E, Tomlinson L, Tomoto M, Tompkins L, Toms K, Torrence E, Torres H, Torró Pastor E, Toth J, Touchard F, Tovey DR, Trefzger T, Tremblet L, Tricoli A, Trigger IM, Trincaz-Duvoid S, Tripiana MF, Trischuk W, Trocmé B, Troncon C, Trottier-McDonald M, Trovatelli M, Truong L, Trzebinski M, Trzupek A, Tsarouchas C, Tseng JCL, Tsiareshka PV, Tsionou D, Tsipolitis G, Tsirintanis N, Tsiskaridze S, Tsiskaridze V, Tskhadadze EG, Tsui KM, Tsukerman II, Tsulaia V, Tsuno S, Tsybychev D, Tudorache A, Tudorache V, Tuna AN, Tupputi SA, Turchikhin S, Turecek D, Turra R, Turvey AJ, Tuts PM, Tykhonov A, Tylmad M, Tyndel M, Ueda I, Ueno R, Ughetto M, Ugland M, Ukegawa F, Unal G, Undrus A, Unel G, Ungaro FC, Unno Y, Unverdorben C, Urban J, Urquijo P, Urrejola P, Usai G, Usanova A, Vacavant L, Vacek V, Vachon B, Valderanis C, Valencic N, Valentinetti S, Valero A, Valery L, Valkar S, Vallecorsa S, Valls Ferrer JA, Van Den Wollenberg W, Van Der Deijl PC, van der Geer R, van der Graaf H, van Eldik N, van Gemmeren P, Van Nieuwkoop J, van Vulpen I, van Woerden MC, Vanadia M, Vandelli W, Vanguri R, Vaniachine A, Vannucci F, Vardanyan G, Vari R, Varnes EW, Varol T, Varouchas D, Vartapetian A, Varvell KE, Vazeille F, Vazquez Schroeder T, Veatch J, Veloce LM, Veloso F, Velz T, Veneziano S, Ventura A, Ventura D, Venturi M, Venturi N, Venturini A, Vercesi V, Verducci M, Verkerke W, Vermeulen JC, Vest A, Vetterli MC, Viazlo O, Vichou I, Vickey T, Vickey Boeriu OE, Viehhauser GHA, Viel S, Vigne R, Villa M, Villaplana Perez M, Vilucchi E, Vincter MG, Vinogradov VB, Vivarelli I, Vives Vaque F, Vlachos S, Vladoiu D, Vlasak M, Vogel M, Vokac P, Volpi G, Volpi M, von der Schmitt H, von Radziewski H, von Toerne E, Vorobel V, Vorobev K, Vos M, Voss R, Vossebeld JH, Vranjes N, Vranjes Milosavljevic M, Vrba V, Vreeswijk M, Vuillermet R, Vukotic I, Vykydal Z, Wagner P, Wagner W, Wahlberg H, Wahrmund S, Wakabayashi J, Walder J, Walker R, Walkowiak W, Wang C, Wang F, Wang H, Wang H, Wang J, Wang J, Wang K, Wang R, Wang SM, Wang T, Wang T, Wang X, Wanotayaroj C, Warburton A, Ward CP, Wardrope DR, Washbrook A, Wasicki C, Watkins PM, Watson AT, Watson IJ, Watson MF, Watts G, Watts S, Waugh BM, Webb S, Weber MS, Weber SW, Webster JS, Weidberg AR, Weinert B, Weingarten J, Weiser C, Weits H, Wells PS, Wenaus T, Wengler T, Wenig S, Wermes N, Werner M, Werner P, Wessels M, Wetter J, Whalen K, Wharton AM, White A, White MJ, White R, White S, Whiteson D, Wickens FJ, Wiedenmann W, Wielers M, Wienemann P, Wiglesworth C, Wiik-Fuchs LAM, Wildauer A, Wilkens HG, Williams HH, Williams S, Willis C, Willocq S, Wilson A, Wilson JA, Wingerter-Seez I, Winklmeier F, Winter BT, Wittgen M, Wittkowski J, Wollstadt SJ, Wolter MW, Wolters H, Wosiek BK, Wotschack J, Woudstra MJ, Wozniak KW, Wu M, Wu M, Wu SL, Wu X, Wu Y, Wyatt TR, Wynne BM, Xella S, Xu D, Xu L, Yabsley B, Yacoob S, Yakabe R, Yamada M, Yamaguchi D, Yamaguchi Y, Yamamoto A, Yamamoto S, Yamanaka T, Yamauchi K, Yamazaki Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Yang H, Yang Y, Yao WM, Yap YC, Yasu Y, Yatsenko E, Yau Wong KH, Ye J, Ye S, Yeletskikh I, Yen AL, Yildirim E, Yorita K, Yoshida R, Yoshihara K, Young C, Young CJS, Youssef S, Yu DR, Yu J, Yu JM, Yu J, Yuan L, Yuen SPY, Yurkewicz A, Yusuff I, Zabinski B, Zaidan R, Zaitsev AM, Zalieckas J, Zaman A, Zambito S, Zanello L, Zanzi D, Zeitnitz C, Zeman M, Zemla A, Zeng Q, Zengel K, Zenin O, Ženiš T, Zerwas D, Zhang D, Zhang F, Zhang G, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhang L, Zhang R, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhao X, Zhao Y, Zhao Z, Zhemchugov A, Zhong J, Zhou B, Zhou C, Zhou L, Zhou L, Zhou M, Zhou N, Zhu CG, Zhu H, Zhu J, Zhu Y, Zhuang X, Zhukov K, Zibell A, Zieminska D, Zimine NI, Zimmermann C, Zimmermann S, Zinonos Z, Zinser M, Ziolkowski M, Živković L, Zobernig G, Zoccoli A, zur Nedden M, Zurzolo G, Zwalinski L. Probing lepton flavour violation via neutrinoless [Formula: see text] decays with the ATLAS detector

This article presents the sensitivity of the ATLAS experiment to the lepton-flavour-violating decays of [Formula: see text]. A method utilising the production of [Formula: see text] leptons via [Formula: see text] decays is used. This method is applied to the sample of 20.3 fb[Formula: see text] of pp collision data at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC in 2012. No event is observed passing the selection criteria, and the observed (expected) upper limit on the [Formula: see text] lepton branching fraction into three muons, [Formula: see text], is [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) at 90 % confidence level.

Reduced expression of serum miR-204 predicts poor prognosis of gastric cancer

Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is implicated in the initiation and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-204 was downregulated in GC tissues. However, its expression profile in serum samples and its potential for clinical value remain unknown. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the expression level of serum miR-204 in patients with GC. The association between serum miR-204 expression level and the clinical outcome of GC was then investigated. Our results showed that the expression of miR-204 in serum samples from GC patients was significantly lower than that in the healthy controls (P < 0.01). Serum miR-204 expression level of GC patients was significantly upregulated after receiving surgical resection (P < 0.01). In addition, serum miR-204 was associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.016), tumor differentiation (P = 0.001), and TNM stage (P = 0.005). GC patients with low serum miR-204 expression had shorter overall survival than those with high serum miR-204 expression (P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that serum miR-204 expression level was an independent risk factor for this malignant disease (HR = 3.629, 95%CI = 2.828-8.146, P = 0.015). In conclusion, our findings indicate that serum miR-204 may be employed as a novel biomarker for monitoring the treatment response and predicting the prognosis of GC.

Statin intake is associated with MMP-1 level in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontitis

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to assess whether statin intake is associated with clinical parameters of periodontitis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of non-diabetic and diabetic patients.

METHODS

We first determined the effect of simvastatin on MMP expression in mononuclear cells. We then recruited 117 non-diabetic and diabetic patients, who all had periodontitis and took or did not take statin, and measured periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), and collected gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) to quantify MMPs.

RESULTS

The in vitro studies showed that simvastatin potently inhibited the expression of MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-9 upregulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and high glucose in mononuclear cells. The patient study showed that, after adjusting for age and smoking status, PPD in diabetic patients on statin was significantly less than that in diabetic patients not on statin. MMP-1 level in GCF of non-diabetic and diabetic patients on statin was lower than that of non-diabetic and diabetic patients not on statin, respectively. No difference was found for MMP-8 and -9 levels in GCF.

CONCLUSION

Statin intake is associated with reduced PPD in diabetic patients and MMP-1 level in GCF in either non-diabetic or diabetic patients.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Eucommia ulmoides (Eucommiaceae), an endangered tree, using next-generation sequencing

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, a single extant species of Eucommiaceae, is an endemic dioecious tree in China. The natural resources of E. ulmoides have rapidly declined in recent years because of the over-collection of its cortex. To design a suitable protection strategy, it is necessary to develop a set of molecular markers to investigate genetic diversity and population structure of E. ulmoides. Pyrosequencing of an enriched microsatellite library by Roche 454 FLX+ platform was used to isolate simple sequence repeats (SSRs) for E. ulmoides. A total of 1568 SSRs that contained enough flanking sequences for primer pair design were identified from 45,236 raw sequence reads. One hundred SSRs were randomly selected to design primer pairs and polymerase chain reaction was performed. Among these 100 tested primer pairs, 16 were polymorphic across 18 individuals from three E. ulmoides populations. The number of alleles ranged from 3 to 8, with an average of 5.1. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.110 to 0.830, with an average of 0.648, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.111 to 0.833, with an average of 0.524. The inbreeding coefficient ranged from -0.349 to 0.547. This set of microsatellite markers could be valuable for landscape genetic structure assessment and molecular marker-assisted breeding in E. ulmoides.

Algicidal Effects of Prodigiosin on the Harmful Algae Phaeocystis globosa

Phaeocystis globosa blooms can have negative effects on higher trophic levels in the marine ecosystem and consequently influence human activities. Strain KA22, identified as the bacterium Hahella, was isolated from coastal surface water and used to control P. globosa growth. A methanol extract from the bacterial cells showed strong algicidal activity. After purification, the compound showed a similar structure to prodigiosin when identified with Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The compound showed algicidal activity against P. globosa with a 50% Lethal Dose (LD50) of 2.24 μg/mL. The prodigiosin was stable under heat and acid environment, and it could be degraded under alkaline environment and natural light condition. The growth rates of strain KA22 was fast in 2216E medium and the content of prodigiosin in this medium was more than 70 μg/mL after 16 h incubation. The compound showed particularly strong algicidal activity against Prorocentrum donghaiense, P. Globosa, and Heterosigma akashiwo, but having little effect on three other phytoplankton species tested. The results of our research could increase our knowledge on harmful algal bloom control compound and lead to further study on the mechanisms of the lysis effect on harmful algae.

[Gene cloning and expression characteristics of vacuolar-type ATPase subunit B in Bombyx mori]

Vacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase), located in the membrane and organelle membrane, is one of important H⁺-transporting proteins. It keeps the proton balance by transporting H⁺ into vacuole, vesicle, or extracellular using the energy from ATP hydrolysis. The subunit B of the vacuolar-type ATPase (BmV-ATPase B) contains the ATP catalytic site, and plays an important role in this process. To study the function of V-ATPase B in Bombyx mori (BmV-ATPase B), we cloned its coding gene from the midgut of the 5th instar silkworm larvae. Then we constructed prokaryotic expression vector and produced the recombinant protein in E. coli. The recombinant protein was identified as BmV-ATPase B by mass spectrometry and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. This purified protein was used to immunize rabbit to generate polyclonal antibodies of BmV-ATPase B. Finally, the expression patterns of BmV-ATPase B in the silk gland were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence. The full length CDS sequence of BmV-ATPase B was 1 473 bp. BmV-ATPase B was 55 kDa with a PI of 5.3. We analyzed the expression patterns of BmV-ATPase B in different sections of silk gland from the silkworm on the 3rd day of 5th instar and 1st day of wander stage by western blotting. BmV-ATPase B was expressed in all sections of the silk gland and it was abundant in the anterior silk gland (ASG) both in these two developmental stages. Furthermore, immunofluorescence indicated that BmV-ATPase B was located in the silk gland cells. Laser confocal scanning microscopy analysis revealed that BmV-ATPase B was mainly expressed in the cytomembrane of silk gland cells. These data elucidated the expression patterns of BmV-ATPase B in the silk gland of silkworm, which provides a good basis for further studies on the function of V-ATPase B in silk fiber formation.

DEPDC1 is a novel cell cycle related gene that regulates mitotic progression

DEPDC1 is a recently identified novel tumor-related gene that is upregulated in several types of cancer and contributes to tumorigenesis. In this study, we have investigated the expression pattern and functional implications of DEPDC1 during cell cycle progression. Expression studies using synchronized cells demonstrated that DEPDC1 is highly expressed in the mitotic phase of the cell cycle. Immunofluorescence assays showed that DEPDC1 is predominantly localized in the nucleus during interphase and is redistributed into the whole cell upon nuclear membrane breakdown in metaphase. Subsequently, siRNA-mediated knockdown of DEPDC1 caused a significant mitotic arrest. Moreover, knockdown of DEPDC1 resulted in remarkable mitotic defects such as abnormal multiple nuclei and multipolar spindle structures accompanied by the upregulation of the A20 gene as well as several cell cycle-related genes such as CCNB1 and CCNB2. Taken together, our current observations strongly suggest that this novel cancerous gene, DEPDC1, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of proper mitotic progression.

Observation of B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0} and Evidence for B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*}^{0}K_{S}^{0} Decays

The first observation of the B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0} decay mode and evidence for the B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*0}K_{S}^{0} decay mode are reported. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1} collected in pp collisions by LHCb at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The branching fractions are measured to be B(B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[4.3±0.5(stat)±0.3(syst)±0.3(frag)±0.6(norm)]×10^{-4},B(B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[2.8±1.0(stat)±0.3(syst)±0.2(frag)±0.4(norm)]×10^{-4},where the uncertainties are due to contributions coming from statistical precision, systematic effects, and the precision of two external inputs, the ratio f_{s}/f_{d} and the branching fraction of B^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0}, which is used as a calibration channel.

Genipin crosslinking reduced the immunogenicity of xenogeneic decellularized porcine whole-liver matrices through regulation of immune cell proliferation and polarization

Decellularized xenogeneic whole-liver matrices are plausible biomedical materials for the bioengineering of liver transplantation. A common method to reduce the inflammatory potential of xenogeneic matrices is crosslinking. Nevertheless, a comprehensive analysis of the immunogenic features of cross-linked decellularized tissue is still lacking. We aimed to reduce the immunogenicity of decellularized porcine whole-liver matrix through crosslinking with glutaraldehyde or genipin, a new natural agent, and investigated the mechanism of the immune-mediated responses. The histologic assessment of the host's immune reaction activated in response to these scaffolds, as well as the M1/M2 phenotypic polarization profile of macrophages, was studied in vivo. The genipin-fixed scaffold elicited a predominantly M2 phenotype response, while the glutaraldehyde-fixed scaffold resulted in disrupted host tissue remodeling and a mixed macrophage polarization profile. The specific subsets of immune cells involved in the responses to the scaffolds were identified in vitro. Crosslinking alleviated the host response by reducing the proliferation of lymphocytes and their subsets, accompanied by a decreased release of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Therefore, we conclude that the natural genipin crosslinking could lower the immunogenic potential of xenogeneic decellularized whole-liver scaffolds.

[One-stage tympanic cavity ventilation tube placement in canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy]

Objective:To research the clinical application of tympanic cavity ventilation tube placement in canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy. Method:There were 52 patients with otitis media received canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy. We placed ventilation tube in posterior hypotympanum during the surgery. After surgery, all patients were followed up in 12 days, 1 month, 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The ventilation tubes were withdrew 6 months later, and then the hearing level and tympanic cavity status was evaluated after another half year. Result:All cases were followed up at least 1 year after surgery. Forty-four patients' tubes were removed 6 months later, but other 8 tubes had been extruded within 1 to 3 months. After 1 year, all 52 cases of ears were dry; 39 patients' tympanic membranes were stable, the postoperative complications included tympanic membrane retraction in 7 cases, middle ear effusion in 4 cases, and tympanic membrane perforation at anterior-inferior quadrant in 2 cases; CT examination indicated that 39 patients' aeration between tympanic cavity and Eustachian tube bony portion was normal, 9 patients' tympanic cavity aeration was smaller, and 4 patients' cavity was obstructed; 52 patients' average air conduction thresholds were 12.5 dB lower than that of preoperation. Conclusion:One-stage tympanic cavity ventilation tube placement is a simple, safe and effective method in canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy for middle ear diseases with Eustachian tube severe stenosis or obstruction in bony portion.

Effects of vascular risk factors, statins, and antihypertensive drugs on PiB deposition in cognitively normal subjects

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity increase the risk of dementia. Although their detection is commonly followed by an introduction of treatment, little is known about how medications frequently used to treat vascular risk affect amyloid deposition.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 156 subjects who underwent positron emission tomography with PiB. Using linear regression, we tested whether blood pressure, cholesterol, overweight/obese status, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and statins predicted amyloid deposition.

RESULTS

The use of ARBs (β = -.15, P = .044) and diuretics (β = -.20, P = .006) predicted less amyloid accumulation; older age (β = .29, P < .001) and statins (β = .23, P = .004) were related to greater amyloid deposition. Overweight and/or obese women had more cortical amyloid than their peers.

DISCUSSION

Prospective studies should confirm effects of drugs and increased body weight on amyloid accumulation and establish whether they translate into measurable clinical outcomes. Women may be more susceptible to harmful effects of obesity.

Reduced cytosolic carboxypeptidase 6 (CCP6) level leads to accumulation of serum polyglutamylated DNAJC7 protein: A potential biomarker for renal cell carcinoma early detection

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages of disease, although early diagnosis has much favorable prognosis. This study assessed aberrant expression of cytosolic carboxypeptidase 6 (CCP6) leading to accumulation of serum polyglutamylated DNAJC7 as a biomarker for early RCC detection. A total of 835 RCCs, 143 chronic nephritis, 170 kidney stones and 415 health controls were collected for qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis of CCP6 expression and mass spectrometry of DNAJC7 and polyglutamylated DNAJC7. The data showed that CCP6 expression was significantly decreased in 30 RCC tissues and that mass spectrometric and pull-down analysis identified DNAJC7 as a substrate of CCP6 and showed upregulated polyglutamylated-DNAJC7 (polyE-DNAJC7) in sera of RCC patients. The electrochemiluminescence immunoassay of large-scale serum samples from multi-institutes further confirmed the remarkable increase of polyE-DNAJC7 in 805 RCCs compared to that of 385 healthy controls (p < 0.001), 128 patients with chronic nephritis (p < 0.001), and 153 with kidney stone (p < 0.001). Serum level of DNAJC7-polyE protein was also associated with advanced RCC stage and grade in 805 patients. The data from the current study for the first time demonstrated increased serum polyglutamylated DNAJC7 as a potential biomarker for RCC early detection and association with advanced tumor stages and grade, which provides support of further polyglutamylation research in RCC.

Dual targeting of retinoid X receptor and histone deacetylase with DW22 as a novel antitumor approach

Retinoid X receptor (RXR) and Histone deacetylase (HDAC) are considered important targets for cancer therapy due to their crucial roles in genetic or epigenetic regulations of cancer development and progression. Here, we evaluated the potential of dual targeting of RXR and HDAC using DW22 as a novel therapeutic approach to cancer treatment. We found that the co-expression of RXR-α and HDAC1 was frequently appeared in lung cancer and breast cancer tissues and cell lines. RXR was activated by DW22 in RXRα and HDAC1 overexpressed A549 and MDA-MB-435 cell lines. Meanwhile, DW22 inhibited the activity of HDAC by decreasing its expression in A549 and MDA-MB-435 cell lines, but not in RXRα and HDAC1 deficient cell lines. Moreover, DW22 suppressed cell growth, induced cell differentiation, prompted cell apoptosis and arrested cell cycle in A549, MDA-MB-435 or HL60 cell lines. Treatment human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) with DW22 suppressed migration, invasion and tube formation through decreasing VEGF expression. The up-regulation of Ac-H3 and p21, and down-regulation of VEGF caused by DW22 was markedly attenuated by silencing of HDAC1. Furthermore, knockdown of RXRα by siRNA completely blocked DW22-induced cell differentiation, but partially attenuated DW22-caused inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of cell apoptosis, and suppression of cell migration, invasion and tube formation. Moreover, intravenous administration of DW22 significantly retarded tumor growth of A549 and MDA-MB-435 xenograft mice models, and induced no substantial weight loss and gross toxicity. In addition, DW22 also reduced cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and induced cell apoptosis in vivo. Collectively, our data demonstrates that dual targeting of RXR and HDAC using DW22 possesses pleiotropic antitumor activities both in vitro and in vivo, providing a novel therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.

[Value of R2(*) in evaluating the biological behavior of primary hepatocellular carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between R2(*) value of enhanced T2 star-weighted angiography (ESWAN) sequence and primary hepatocellular carcinoma infiltration and tumor thrombus, and investigate the biological behavior of HCC.

METHODS

A total of 221 cases of patients' imaging data with MRI examination(including ESWAN sequence) diagnosed as primary HCC were retrospectively analyzed.All the patients were collected from January 2014 to September 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University.The differences of R2(*) values in different MR types of HCC were analyzed.All patients were divided into infiltration group and non-infiltration group, tumor thrombus group and non-tumor thrombus group, the R2(*) values of the paired groups were compared.The diagnostic efficiency of R2(*) in HCC infiltration and tumor thrombus were evaluated by ROC curve, and to find out the threshold values.

RESULTS

The MR types of 221 patients included 90 cases of nodular type, 62 cases of massive type, 69 cases of diffuse type.70 patients had tumor thrombus.The R2(*) values of different MR types were (21.82±8.52), (24.17±8.84)and (34.45±11.73) Hz, respectively.There was no statistically significant difference between the nodular and the massive types (P=0.144), while the difference between the nodular and diffuse type, the massive and diffuse types were statistically significant(P=0.000). The R2(*) values of infiltration group and non-infiltration group were (34.45±11.73) and (22.78±8.70) Hz , the R2(*) values of tumor thrombus group and non-tumor thrombus group were (31.20±12.17) and (24.21±9.90) Hz, the difference also had statistically significant(t=7.397 and 4.534, P=0.000 and 0.000). The AUC of R2(*) values for infiltration and tumor thrombus were 0.804, 0.681. R2(*) ≥24.68 Hz was the threshold value to diagnose the infiltration and tumor thrombus.

CONCLUSION

R2(*) value can be used as a MR non-enhancement quantitative index to evaluate the biological behavior of HCC.

Search for new phenomena in events with at least three photons collected in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] = 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Results of a search for new phenomena in events with at least three photons are reported. Data from proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3 fb[Formula: see text], were collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The observed data are well described by the Standard Model. Limits at the 95 % confidence level on new phenomena are presented based on the rate of events in an inclusive signal region and a restricted signal region targeting the rare decay [Formula: see text], as well as di-photon and tri-photon resonance searches. For a Standard Model Higgs boson decaying to four photons via a pair of intermediate pseudoscalar particles (a), limits are found to be [Formula: see text] for 10 GeV [Formula: see text] 62 GeV. Limits are also presented for Higgs boson-like scalars (H) for [Formula: see text] 125 GeV, and for a [Formula: see text] decaying to three photons via [Formula: see text]. Additionally, the observed limit on the branching ratio of the Z boson decay to three photons is found to be BR[Formula: see text], a result five times stronger than the previous result from LEP.

LXR agonist T0901317 upregulates thrombomodulin expression in glomerular endothelial cells by inhibition of nuclear factor‑κB

Dysfunction of glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) induces a variety of symptoms, including proteinuria, inflammation, vascular diseases, fibrosis and thrombosis. Thrombomodulin (TM) acts as a vasoprotective molecule on the surface of the vascular endothelial cells to maintain the homeostasis of the endothelial microenvironment by suppressing cellular proliferation, adhesion and inflammatory responses. Liver X receptor (LXR), a nuclear receptor (NR) and a bile acid‑activated transcription factor, regulates metabolism and cholesterol transport, vascular tension and inflammation. Previous studies indicated that TM expression is upregulated by various NRs; however, it is unclear whether pharmacological modulation of LXR may affect TM expression and GEC function. The current study revealed that LXR activation by its agonist, T0901317, upregulates the expression and activity of TM. This effect was mediated specifically through LXR‑α, and not through LXR‑β. Additionally, T0901317 treatment inhibited nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) signaling and the secretion of high glucose‑induced proinflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor‑α and interleukin‑1β in GECs. Co‑immunoprecipitation experiments determined that treatment with T0901317 enhances the interaction between LXR‑α and the transcriptional coactivator, p300, in GEC extracts. The present findings suggest that NF‑κB may be a negative regulator of TM expression, and its removal may contribute to TM gene expression, particularly when in competition with the T0901317‑enhanced formation of the LXR/p300 complex. Therefore, LXR may be a novel molecular target for manipulating TM in GECs, which may advance the treatment of endothelial cell‑associated diseases.

Leptin changes differentiation fate and induces senescence in chondrogenic progenitor cells

Body weight is a component of the mechanical theory of OA (osteoarthritis) pathogenesis. Obesity was also found to be a risk factor for digital OA involving non-weight-bearing joints, which suggested that metabolism influences the occurrence and progression of OA. The metabolic origin of OA has been partially attributed to the involvement of adipokines, such as leptin, the levels of which are significantly and positively correlated with cartilage degeneration in OA patients. However, the mechanisms by which leptin-induced cartilage degeneration occurs are poorly understood. The discovery of chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) opened up new opportunities for investigation. Investigating the effects of leptin on differentiation and proliferation in CPCs would increase our understanding of the roles played by leptin in the aetiology and development of OA. Here, CPCs were harvested using single-cell sorting from rat cartilage tissues to obtain mesenchymal stem-like cells, which possess clonogenicity, proliferation and stemness. High doses of leptin decreased the ability of the CPCs to migrate, inhibited their chondrogenic potential and increased their osteogenic potential, suggesting that leptin changes differentiation fates in CPCs. High doses of leptin induced cell cycle arrest and senescence in CPCs by activating the p53/p21 pathway and inhibiting the Sirt1 pathway. Inhibiting the Sirt1 pathway accelerated cartilage senescence in knockout (KO) mice. Activating the leptin pathway induced higher Ob-Rb expression and was significantly correlated with cartilage degeneration (lower levels of Coll-2) and tissue senescence (higher levels of p53/p21 and lower levels of Sirt1) in OA patients, suggesting that leptin-induced CPCs senescence contributes to the development of OA. Taken together, our results reveal new links between obesity and cartilage damage that are induced by leptin-mediated effects on cell behaviour and senescence.

Microstructure and mechanical behavior of metallic glass fiber-reinforced Al alloy matrix composites

Metallic glass-reinforced metal matrix composites are an emerging class of composite materials. The metallic nature and the high mechanical strength of the reinforcing phase offers unique possibilities for improving the engineering performance of composites. Understanding the structure at the amorphous/crystalline interfaces and the deformation behavior of these composites is of vital importance for their further development and potential application. In the present work, Zr-based metallic glass fibers have been introduced in Al7075 alloy (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu) matrices using spark plasma sintering (SPS) producing composites with low porosity. The addition of metallic glass reinforcements in the Al-based matrix significantly improves the mechanical behavior of the composites in compression. High-resolution TEM observations at the interface reveal the formation of a thin interdiffusion layer able to provide good bonding between the reinforcing phase and the Al-based matrix. The deformation behavior of the composites was studied, indicating that local plastic deformation occurred in the matrix near the glassy reinforcements followed by the initiation and propagation of cracks mainly through the matrix. The reinforcing phase is seen to inhibit the plastic deformation and retard the crack propagation. The findings offer new insights into the mechanical behavior of metal matrix composites reinforced with metallic glasses.

A Novel Optimal Joint Resource Allocation Method in Cooperative Multicarrier Networks: Theory and Practice

With the increasing demands for better transmission speed and robust quality of service (QoS), the capacity constrained backhaul gradually becomes a bottleneck in cooperative wireless networks, e.g., in the Internet of Things (IoT) scenario in joint processing mode of LTE-Advanced Pro. This paper focuses on resource allocation within capacity constrained backhaul in uplink cooperative wireless networks, where two base stations (BSs) equipped with single antennae serve multiple single-antennae users via multi-carrier transmission mode. In this work, we propose a novel cooperative transmission scheme based on compress-and-forward with user pairing to solve the joint mixed integer programming problem. To maximize the system capacity under the limited backhaul, we formulate the joint optimization problem of user sorting, subcarrier mapping and backhaul resource sharing among different pairs (subcarriers for users). A novel robust and efficient centralized algorithm based on alternating optimization strategy and perfect mapping is proposed. Simulations show that our novel method can improve the system capacity significantly under the constraint of the backhaul resource compared with the blind alternatives.