Applying DNA barcodes for identification of economically important species in Brassicaceae

Brassicaceae is a large plant family of special interest; it includes many economically important crops, herbs, and ornamentals, as well as model organisms. The taxonomy of the Brassicaceae has long been controversial because of the poorly delimited generic boundaries and artificially circumscribed tribes. Despite great effort to delimitate species and reconstruct the phylogeny of Brassicaceae, little research has been carried out to investigate the applicability and effectiveness of different DNA regions as barcodes - a recent aid for taxonomic identification - to identify economically important species in Brassicaceae. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of five intensively recommended regions [rbcL, matK, trnH-psbA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS), ITS2] as candidate DNA barcodes to discriminate economic species of Brassicaceae in China and try to establish a new digital identification method for economic plants of Brassicaceae. All sequences of 58 samples from 27 economic species (Brassicaceae) in China were assessed in the success rates of PCR amplifications, intra- and inter-specific divergence, DNA barcoding gaps, and efficiency of identification. Compared with other markers, ITS showed superiority in species discrimination with an accurate identification of 67.2% at the species level. Consequently, as one of the most popular phylogenetic markers, our study indicated that ITS was a powerful but not perfect barcode for Brassicaceae identification. We further discuss the discrimination power of different loci due to inheritance pattern, polyploidization and hybridization in species-specific evolution. Further screening of other nuclear genes related to species isolation as plant barcode candidates is also proposed.

Serology, virulence, antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular characteristics of clinical Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains circulating in southeastern China from 2009 to 2013

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a leading cause of food-borne diarrhoea in coastal countries. Although V. parahaemolyticus cases have been reported since 1950, they have been poorly documented. From July 2009 to June 2013, we collected 6951 faecal specimens for pathogen detection; V. parahaemolyticus strains were isolated from 563 specimens (8.1%). We then analysed the characteristics of the 501 V. parahaemolyticus strains that were isolated as the sole pathogen. Twenty-one serotypes were identified among these strains; O3:K6 was the most common serotype (65.1%), followed by O4:K8, O4:K68 and O1:K36. One strain of the O4:K18 serotype was isolated from clinical patients for the first time. Pandemic O3:K6 clones were predominant and accounted for 69.1% of all of the pandemic strains. This is the first report of one strain expressing the O3:K8 serotype with a pandemic genotype. The presence of the haemolysin gene tdh (93.0%) was the key characteristic of the virulent strains; however, a few strains carried the trh gene. We also confirmed the presence of the type III secretion system 2 (T3SS2) genes in all of the pathogenic strains. Subsequent multilocus sequence typing split the isolates into 16 sequence types (STs), with ST3 and ST88 as the most prevalent in southeastern China. Most isolates were sensitive to common antimicrobial agents, apart from ampicillin. However, the resistance rate to ampicillin has apparently increased in this area. In conclusion, our results indicate that pandemic O3:K6 V. parahaemolyticus isolates are predominant in southeastern China, and additional surveillance should be conducted to facilitate control of the transmission of this pathogen.

Biological significance of miR-126 expression in atrial fibrillation and heart failure

We investigated the biological significance of microRNA-126 (miR-126) expression in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or heart failure (HF) to examine the possible mechanism of miR-126-dependent AF and development of HF. A total of 103 patients were divided into three groups: AF group (18 men and 17 women, mean age: 65.62±12.72 years), HF group (17 men and 15 women, mean age: 63.95±19.71 years), and HF-AF group (20 men and 16 women, mean age: 66.56±14.37 years). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure relative miR-126 expression as calculated by the 2-ΔΔCt method. miR-126 was frequently downregulated in the 3 patient groups compared with controls. This reduction was significantly lower in permanent and persistent AF patients than in those with paroxysmal AF (P<0.05, t-test). Moreover, miR-126 expression was markedly lower in the HF-AF group compared with the AF and HF groups. The 3 patient groups had higher N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), larger left atrial diameter, and higher cardiothoracic ratio compared with controls. There were significant differences in NT-proBNP levels and LVEF among the AF, HF, and HF-AF groups. Pearson correlation analysis showed that relative miR-126 expression was positively associated with LVEF, logarithm of NT-proBNP, left atrial diameter, cardiothoracic ratio, and age in HF-AF patients. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that miR-126 expression was positively correlated with LVEF, but negatively correlated with the logarithm of NT-pro BNP and the cardiothoracic ratio (all P<0.05). Serum miR-126 levels could serve as a potential candidate biomarker for evaluating the severity of AF and HF. However, to confirm these results, future studies with a larger and diverse patient population are necessary.

Inhibitory effect of group II mGluR agonist 2R, 4R-APDC on cell proliferation in dentate gyrus in rats with epileptic seizure

OBJECTIVE

Epileptic seizure can increase the cell proliferation in dentate gyrus in brain, but the mechanism remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, using systemic bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to label the dividing cells, the inhibitory effect of group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist 2R, 4R-4-aminopyrrolidine-2, 4-dicarboxylate (2R, 4R-APDC) on cell proliferation in dentate gyrus in rats after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) was investigated.

RESULTS

Results found that, 2R, 4R-APDC could significantly inhibit the behavioral seizure and block the seizure-induced increase of BrdU-positive cells in dentate gyrus, especially in hilus. Double-label immunofluorescence staining showed that, 2R, 4R-APDC did not affect the ability of newborn cells to differentiate into neurons or astrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

2R, 4R-APDC not only has anticonvulsant effect on adult rats with pilocarpine-induced SE, but also has neuroprotective effect by reducing the abnormal regeneration of nerves.

Multiple optical stimulation to neuron using Si opto-neural probe with multiple optical waveguides and metal-cover for optogenetics

We have developed a Si opt-neural probe with multiple waveguides and metal cover for highly accurate optical stimulation. This neural probe had 16 recording sites, three optical waveguides, and metal cover for suppressing light leakage. We evaluated electrochemical properties of the recording sites, and confirmed that the neural probe had suitable characteristics for neural recording. We also demonstrated the optical stimulation to the neurons expressing ChR2 using our probe. As a result, we succeeded multisite optical stimulation, and observed that no light leakage from the optical waveguides because of the metal cover. From in vivo experiments, we successfully recorded optically modulated local field potential using the fabricated Si neural probe with optical waveguides. Moreover, we applied current source density analysis to the recorded LFPs. As a result, we confirmed that light induced membrane current sink in locally stimulated area. Our Si opto-neural probe with multiple optical waveguides and metal-cover is one of the most versatile tools for optogenetics.

[Self-medication among black African hypertensive patients: Factors and consequences]

INTRODUCTION

Self-medication practice is under-evaluated among black African hypertensive patients.

AIM

To assess the level of self-medication among black African hypertensive patients and to determine the factors favoring this practice and their consequences.

METHODS

Prospective study during a 3-month period including 612 hypertensive patients followed in Abidjan cardiology institute.

RESULTS

Mean age was 55.1. The patients had a self-medication use in 60.1% of cases. Medicinal plants and derived products were commonly involved. Self-medication use reasons were: influence of relatives (89.8%) and the fear of antihypertensive drugs adverses effects (54.9%). Multivariate analysis shows that factors of self-medication were age (56.6 years vs. 50.3 years, P<0.001), income less than 762 euros/month (88% vs. 75.4%; OR=2.73; 95% CI: 1.62-4.6; P<0,0001), obesity (70.4% vs. 35.6%; OR=1.24; 95% CI: 0.75-1.15; P=0.037), dyslipidemia (40.8% vs. 27.9%; OR=6.72; 95% CI: 0.57-2.13; P=0.043), antihypertensive association therapy (61.7% vs. 51.4%; OR=2.27; 95% CI: 0.25-0.97; P=0.037). Poor control of high blood pressure (HBP) was a consequence of self-medication (6.5% vs. 47.1%; OR=10.27; 95% CI: 4.65-56.4; P=0.034), repercussions of HBP on major organ (75% vs. 17.2%; OR=12.9; 95% CI: 8.5-19.6; P=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Self-medication is a common practice in African hypertensive patients. It has many consequences.

Serum high mobility group box protein 1 as a clinical marker for ovarian cancer

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical value of serum high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) in ovarian cancer and analyze the correlation between HMGB1 and ovarian cancer clinicopathologic outcomes.A total of 105 patients with diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer, 46 patients with ovarian benign disease and 33 healthy volunteers were enrolled from January 2011 through January 2013. Serum HMGB1 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The mean value of serum HMGB1 levels in ovarian cancer patients (78.18±54.87ng/ml) was significantly higher than those in benign patients (33.98±9.97ng/ml) and healthy control (26.71±7.99ng/ml, p < 0.0001), respectively. The serum HMGB1 levels were 40.33±6.50ng/ml, 61.16±20.15ng/ml, 81.81±51.15ng/ml and 119.48±84.28ng/ml in patients with TNM stage I, II, III, and IV, respectively (p < 0.0001). There were 81 of the 105 ovarian cancer patients obtained complete remission, the serum HMGB1 levels before treatment(71.99±42.49ng/ml) were much higher than that at remission stage(42.10±15.48ng/ml) (p < 0.0001). During our investigating period, 28 ovarian cancer patients underwent recurrence, the serum HMGB1 levels were 75.54±39.50ng/ml in these recurrent ovarian cancer patients compared to 42.04±10.68ng/ml in non-recurrent ovarian cancer (p < 0.0001). None of the remission or recurrent patients came from benign ovarian tumor group.Our study suggests that HMGB1 may be a useful clinical marker for evaluating progression and predicting prognosis of ovarian carcinoma. Targeting HMGB1 production or release might have potential approaches for ovarian carcinoma treatment.

Precision Measurement of the p(e,e^{'}p)π^{0} Reaction at Threshold

New results are reported from a measurement of π^{0} electroproduction near threshold using the p(e,e^{'}p)π^{0} reaction. The experiment was designed to determine precisely the energy dependence of s- and p-wave electromagnetic multipoles as a stringent test of the predictions of chiral perturbation theory (ChPT). The data were taken with an electron beam energy of 1192 MeV using a two-spectrometer setup in Hall A at Jefferson Lab. For the first time, complete coverage of the ϕ_{π}^{*} and θ_{π}^{*} angles in the pπ^{0} center of mass was obtained for invariant energies above threshold from 0.5 up to 15 MeV. The 4-momentum transfer Q^{2} coverage ranges from 0.05 to 0.155 (GeV/c)^{2} in fine steps. A simple phenomenological analysis of our data shows strong disagreement with p-wave predictions from ChPT for Q^{2}>0.07 (GeV/c)^{2}, while the s-wave predictions are in reasonable agreement.

[Presumption of sleep apnea in a black African hypertensive population: Importance of the Epworth sleepiness scale in the diagnostic approach]

INTRODUCTION

Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is very little described in the hypertensive black African.

PURPOSE

To screen sleep apnea syndrome using the rating scale of Epworth daytime sleepiness, and to investigate the determinant factors and to infer therapeutic consequences.

METHOD

This is a retrospective and prospective study with descriptive and analytical purpose that focused on 200 hypertensive outpatients of the Cardiology Institute of Abidjan. The primary endpoint studied was the SAS. The diagnostic approach of SAS was performed using the rating scale of Epworth daytime sleepiness.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sleep apnea was 45%. The average age of sleep apnea carriers was 56.1 years, with a male predominance (60%). The determinant factors of sleep apnea syndrome were male gender (60% versus 40%, P=0.021), obesity (77.8% versus 62.7%, P<0.0001), diabetes (26.7% versus 15.5%, P=0.5) and dyslipidemia (54.4% versus 27.3%, P=0.0009). Life in urban areas, occupation and smoking were not correlated with SAS in our series. The control of hypertension was better in non-apneic patients compared to apneic patients (63.6% versus 38.9%, P=0.04). The visceral impact of hypertension in apneic patients was highly significant (77.8% versus 41.7%, P=0.014). Therapeutically, it was noted the preferential prescription of combination therapy in apneic patients compared to non-apneic patients (82.3% versus 74.4%).

Developments in detection and determination of aflatoxins

Since the discovery of aflatoxins in the 1960s, much research has focused on detecting the toxins in contaminated food and feedstuffs in the interest of public safety. Most traditional detection methods involved lengthy culturing and/or separation techniques or analytical instrumentation and complex, multistep procedures that required destruction of samples for accurate toxin determination. With more regulations for acceptable levels of aflatoxins in place, modern analytical methods have become quite sophisticated, capable of achieving results with very high precision and accuracy, suitable for regulatory laboratories and for post-harvest sample testing in developed countries. Unfortunately, many countries around the world that are affected by the aflatoxin problem do not have ready access to high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation and require alternate, readily available and simple detection methods that may be used by small holdings farmers in developing countries. This paper presents an overview of the existing detection and/or determination methods for aflatoxins. The traditional, quantitative, chemically-based analytical strategies for detecting aflatoxins in maize and their evolution to the modern instrumentation routinely used in developed countries are reviewed. Additionally, novel, more streamlined, user-friendly and in some instances, non-destructive, methods that may be useful for semi-quantitative or qualitative, quick-screening of contaminated maize samples appropriate also for use in developing countries, are discussed.

[Peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs in African diabetic patients: ultrasonography and determining factors]

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower limbs is underdiagnosed.

METHODOLOGY

This was a prospective study conducted over a six-month period from November 2012 to April 2013. A total of 308 diabetic patients were included from three diabetes centers in Abidjan (Ivory Coast).

AIM

To screen for PAD of the lower limbs in a diabetic population and to identify the determining factors.

RESULTS

Among the 308 patients, the ankle-brachial index (ABI) was<0.9 in 68 (22.07%) patients considered to have PAD; the ABI was>1.3 in 56 (18.2%) patients who had suspected mediacalcosis. The average age of the PAD patients was 60.2 years. Female gender predominated (55.9%). The mean duration of diabetes was 9.6 years: 97.1% type 2 diabetes. The other cardiovascular risk factors in this population were hypertension (58.8%) and dyslipidemia (40.9%). Smoking was present in 29.4% of patients and obesity in 23.9%. PAD of the lower limbs was mild in 46 patients (67.6%), moderate in 16 (23.5%) and severe in 6 (8.8%). Duplex Doppler commonly showed lesions of the tibial arteries. Determining factors of diabetic PAD of the lower limbs were hypertension (58.8% vs 36.6%; OR=2.46; 95% CI: 1.13-5.36; P=0.034) and dyslipidemia (40.9% vs 8.3%; OR=7.6; 95% CI: 2.31-25.08; P=0.0009). For mediacalcosis, male gender (71.5% vs 39.7; OR=0.26 95% CI/0.10-0.64. P=0.004) was the only factor identified.

CONCLUSION

Hypertension and dyslipidemia were predictive factors for diabetic PAD of the lower limbs in our African population.

Functional and Numerical Responses of Three Species of Predatory Phytoseiid Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to Thrips flavidulus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Phytoseiid mites are considered the most effective natural enemies of pest mites. They also have been shown to attack pest thrips. It is unknown, however, whether phytoseiid mites can reduce high densities of Thrips flavidulus (Bagnall). We addressed this question by the study of functional and numerical responses. The aim of this research was to evaluate the potential predation success of the adults of three predatory mites, Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans), Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes), and Euseius nicholsi (Ehara & Lee), against the first-instar of T. flavidulus in a climatic chamber at five different temperatures. The results showed that the functional responses of those predators reflected the Holling type II functional response and were density dependent and positively related to temperature. For the three predatory mites, predation and successful attack rates increased with increasing temperature up to 26°C, reducing afterward. Handling time had the opposite trend. Reproductive ability also increased with an increase in temperature and prey consumption.

Transpalatal screw traction: a simple technique for the management of sagittal fractures of the maxilla and palate

Sagittal fractures of the maxilla and palate are uncommon in clinical practice. Current methods for the management of such fractures have advantages and limitations. The authors present the simple and practical technique of bilateral transpalatal screw traction to manage this fracture type.

Precision measurement of the neutron twist-3 matrix element d(2)(n): probing color forces

Double-spin asymmetries and absolute cross sections were measured at large Bjorken x  (0.25≤x≤0.90), in both the deep-inelastic and resonance regions, by scattering longitudinally polarized electrons at beam energies of 4.7 and 5.9 GeV from a transversely and longitudinally polarized (3)He target. In this dedicated experiment, the spin structure function g(2)((3)He) was determined with precision at large x, and the neutron twist-3 matrix element d(2)(n) was measured at ⟨Q(2)⟩ of 3.21 and 4.32  GeV(2)/c(2), with an absolute precision of about 10(-5). Our results are found to be in agreement with lattice QCD calculations and resolve the disagreement found with previous data at ⟨Q(2)⟩=5  GeV(2)/c(2). Combining d(2)(n) and a newly extracted twist-4 matrix element f(2)(n), the average neutron color electric and magnetic forces were extracted and found to be of opposite sign and about 30  MeV/fm in magnitude.

Measurement of the target-normal single-spin asymmetry in deep-inelastic scattering from the reaction (3)He(↑)(e,e')X

We report the first measurement of the target-normal single-spin asymmetry in deep-inelastic scattering from the inclusive reaction 3)He(↑)(e,e')X on a polarized (3)He gas target. Assuming time-reversal invariance, this asymmetry is strictly zero in the Born approximation but can be nonzero if two-photon-exchange contributions are included. The experiment, conducted at Jefferson Lab using a 5.89 GeV electron beam, covers a range of 1.7<W<2.9  GeV, 1.0<Q(2)<4.0  GeV(2) and 0.16<x<0.65. Neutron asymmetries were extracted using the effective nucleon polarization and measured proton-to-(3)He cross-section ratios. The measured neutron asymmetries are negative with an average value of (-1.09±0.38)×10(-2) for invariant mass W>2  GeV, which is nonzero at the 2.89σ level. Our measured asymmetry agrees both in sign and magnitude with a two-photon-exchange model prediction that uses input from the Sivers transverse momentum distribution obtained from semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering.

Detection of fetal sex chromosome aneuploidy by massively parallel sequencing of maternal plasma DNA: initial experience in a Chinese hospital

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the performance of a massively parallel sequencing (MPS)-based test in detecting fetal sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) and to present a comprehensive clinical counseling protocol for SCA-positive patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study in a large patient cohort of 5950 singleton pregnancies which underwent MPS-based testing as a prenatal screening test for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, with X and Y chromosomes as secondary findings, in Southwest Hospital in China. MPS-based SCA-positive women were offered the choice of knowing whether their SCA results were positive and those who did commenced a two-stage post-test clinical counseling protocol. In Stage 1, general information about SCA was given, and women were given the option of invasive testing for confirmation of findings; in Stage 2, those who had chosen to undergo invasive testing were informed about the specific SCA affecting their fetus and their management options.

RESULTS

Thirty-three cases were classified as SCA-positive by MPS-based testing. After Stage 1 of the two-stage post-test clinical counseling session, 33 (100%) of these pregnant women chose to know the screening test results, and 25 (75.76%) underwent an invasive diagnostic procedure and karyotype analysis, in one of whom karyotyping failed. In thirteen cases, karyotyping confirmed the MPS-based test results (two X0 cases, seven XXX cases, three XXY cases and one XYY case), giving a positive predictive value of 54.17% (13/24 cases confirmed by karyotyping). After post-test clinical counseling session Stage 2, seven women chose to terminate the pregnancy: one X0 case, two XXX cases, the three XXY cases and the single XYY case. Six women decided to continue with pregnancy: one X0 case and five XXX cases.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed the feasibility of clinical application of the MPS-based test in the non-invasive detection of fetal SCA. Together with a two-stage post-test clinical counseling protocol, it leads to a well-informed decision-making procedure.

Non-viral FoxM1 gene delivery to hepatocytes enhances liver repopulation

Hepatocyte transplantation as a substitute strategy of orthotopic liver transplantation is being studied for treating end-stage liver diseases. Several technical hurdles must be overcome in order to achieve the therapeutic liver repopulation, such as the problem of insufficient expansion of the transplanted hepatocytes in recipient livers. In this study, we analyzed the application of FoxM1, a cell-cycle regulator, to enhance the proliferation capacity of hepatocytes. The non-viral sleeping beauty (SB) transposon vector carrying FoxM1 gene was constructed for delivering FoxM1 into the hepatocytes. The proliferation capacities of hepatocytes with FoxM1 expression were examined both in vivo and in vitro. Results indicated that the hepatocytes with FoxM1 expression had a higher proliferation rate than wild-type (WT) hepatocytes in vitro. In comparison with WT hepatocytes, the hepatocytes with FoxM1 expression had an enhanced level of liver repopulation in the recipient livers at both sub-acute injury (fumaryl acetoacetate hydrolase (Fah)^–/– mice model) and acute injury (2/3 partial hepatectomy mice model). Importantly, there was no increased risk of tumorigenicity with FoxM1 expression in recipients even after serial transplantation. In conclusion, expression of FoxM1 in hepatocytes enhanced the capacity of liver repopulation without inducing tumorigenesis. FoxM1 gene delivered by non-viral SB vector into hepatocytes may be a viable approach to promote therapeutic repopulation after hepatocyte transplantation.

JLab measurement of the 4He charge form factor at large momentum transfers

The charge form factor of 4He has been extracted in the range 29  fm(-2) ≤ Q2 ≤ 77  fm(-2) from elastic electron scattering, detecting 4He recoil nuclei and electrons in coincidence with the high resolution spectrometers of the Hall A Facility of Jefferson Lab. The measurements have uncovered a second diffraction minimum for the form factor, which was predicted in the Q2 range of this experiment. The data are in qualitative agreement with theoretical calculations based on realistic interactions and accurate methods to solve the few-body problem.

Investigation and analysis of contraceptive measures towards different reproductive-aged women in Yangzhou

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to retrospectively investigate the contraceptive methods of different reproductive-aged women in two different regions of Yangzhou, China, to understand the changes of the contraceptive methods, and to analyze the targeted improvements of future informed choices of contraception and birth control, and reduce the occurrence of the unintended pregnancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 13,407 and 20,876 married reproductive-aged women (MCW) that were chosen from a city downtown and a county-level city, respectively, for the group-organized random sampling questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

There was a significant urban-rural difference in the choice of contraceptive methods in different MCW. The female choices of contraception were single; the accessibility of contraceptive supplies, and personalized services could improve the implementation rate of long-term contraceptive measures. The cooperation of male contraceptive responsibility was related to the education levels and enhanced male-female communication.

CONCLUSIONS

It was very important for urban and rural women with different ages to choose different contraceptive measures, suggesting that these choices require the development of different educational models towards women of different ages and regions. The accessibility to various aspects of counseling and contraceptive measures should be strengthened, meanwhile male participation should also be promoted to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to reduce the health hazards related to sexual activities.

Involvement of miR-9/MCPIP1 axis in PDGF-BB-mediated neurogenesis in neuronal progenitor cells

Highly conserved microRNA-9 (miR-9) has a critical role in various cellular processes including neurogenesis. However, its regulation by neurotropins that are known to mediate neurogenesis remains poorly defined. In this study, we identify platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-mediated upregulation of miR-9, which in turn downregulates its target gene monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1), as a key player in modulating proliferation, neuronal differentiation as well as migration of neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs). Results indicate that miR-9-mediated NPC proliferation and neuronal differentiation involves signaling via the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathways, and that NPC migration involves CREB but not the NF-κB signaling. These findings thus suggest that miR-9-mediated downregulation of MCPIP1 acts as a molecular switch regulation of neurogenesis.

The influence of food on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine and losartan after single-dose of its compound tablets in healthy chinese subjects

We aim to identify the effects of food on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of amlodipine, losartan and losartan's active metabolite (EXP3174) after oral administration of the Compound Amlodipine Tablets with single dose in healthy Chinese subjects. 12 subjects took the compounds (10 mg/100 mg, amlodipine/losartan) at the conditions of a high-fat breakfast and an overnight fast with a washout period of 14 days. Plasma samples were obtained at scheduled time, and determined by HPLC-MS/MS for the concentrations of amlodipine and HPLC-MS for the concentrations of losartan and EXP3174, respectively. PK parameters were calculated using Software Drug and Statistics (Version 2.0). When tablets were co-administered with food, there was no significant difference of AUC for amlodipine and losartan, but the AUC of EXP3174 was reduced by 19.1%. Meanwhile, the Cmax of amlodipine, losartan and EXP3174 were reduced by 11.4%, 20.0% and 41.4%, and the Tmax of losartan and EXP3174 were 1.3 and 1.8 h longer, respectively. No significant difference was found at t1/2 following food intake. In conclusion, the Compound Amlodipine Tablets, are affected by food administration by reducing the AUC of EXP3174. It is thus suggested that the Compound Amlodipine Tablets should be administered 1 h before or 2 h after meal.

DNA barcoding of populations of Fallopia multiflora, an indigenous herb in China

Fallopia multiflora, locally known as Heshouwu, is one of the most important and widely used Chinese medicinal herbs. However, there is still considerable confusion concerning its different provenances. DNA barcoding is a recent aid to taxonomic identification and uses a short standardized DNA region to discriminate plant species. We assessed the applicability of 4 candidate DNA barcodes (matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, and ITS2) to identify populations of F. multiflora. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt involving the plant kingdom to apply DNA barcoding at a level lower than species. Four DNA loci (matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, and ITS2) of 105 samples, including the wild F. multiflora distributed in 17 provinces of China and 4 cultivated F. multiflora lines, were amplified by PCR and sequenced. The 4 loci were evaluated by PCR amplification for sequence quality, extent of genetic divergence, DNA barcoding gap, and the ability to discriminate between populations by BLAST1 and Nearest Distance. We found that psbA-trnH was the best barcode, with significant inter-population variability and best potential for identifying F. multiflora. The combination of loci gave better performance for distinguishing populations than a single locus. We recommend using matK + rbcL + psbA-trnH + ITS2 or psbA-trnH alone for this species. This research demonstrates the utility of DNA barcoding for geoherbalism identifications.

Hard two-body photodisintegration of 3He

We have measured cross sections for the γ(3)He → pd reaction at photon energies of 0.4-1.4 GeV and a center-of-mass angle of 90°. We observe dimensional scaling above 0.7 GeV at this center-of-mass angle. This is the first observation of dimensional scaling in the photodisintegration of a nucleus heavier than the deuteron.

miR-27a regulates endothelial differentiation of breast cancer stem like cells

Recent studies suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are capable of differentiating into endothelial cells and tumor endothelium may be derived from CSCs. But the mechanism remains unclear. We showed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced the expression of endothelial markers in breast cancer stem like cells (BCSLCs). In addition, the VEGF-treated BCSLCs formed capillary structure in matrigel and released vWF upon histamine treatment. The miR-27a expression was significantly increased in VEGF-treated BCSLCs. Antagonizing miR-27a by miR-27a anti-sense oligos (ASOs) in VEGF-treated BCSLCs led to decreased endothelial markers and function, while increasing miR-27a in BCSLCs resulted in enhanced endothelial properties. VEGF enhanced the transcription of miR-27a by increasing RUNX1 binding to miR-27a promoter. Increased miR-27a paralleled the reduced expression of ZBTB10, a known miR-27a target. Both expression of miR-27a and knockdown of ZBTB10 in BCSLCs promoted in vivo angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. Further, we demonstrated that VEGF-treated BCSLCs secreted more endogenous VEGF compared with undifferentiated BCSLCs. Thus, miR-27a promotes angiogenesis by mediating endothelial differentiation of BCSLCs and it may be a new target for anti-angiogenesis cancer therapy.

Determining the depth of insertion of dynamically invisible membrane peptides by gel-phase ¹H spin diffusion heteronuclear correlation NMR

Solid-state NMR determination of the depth of insertion of membrane peptides and proteins has so far utilized (1)H spin diffusion and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement experiments, which are typically conducted in the liquid-crystalline phase of the lipid bilayer. For membrane proteins or peptide assemblies that undergo intermediate-timescale motion in the liquid-crystalline membrane, these approaches are no longer applicable because the protein signals are broadened beyond detection. Here we show that the rigid-solid HETCOR experiment, with an additional spin diffusion period, can be used to determine the depth of proteins in gel-phase lipid membranes, where the proteins are immobilized to give high-intensity solid-state NMR spectra. Demonstration on two membrane peptides with known insertion depths shows that well-inserted peptides give rise to high lipid cross peak intensities and low water cross peaks within a modest spin diffusion mixing time, while surface-bound peptides have higher water than lipid cross peaks. Furthermore, well-inserted membrane peptides have nearly identical (1)H cross sections as the lipid chains, indicating equilibration of the peptide and lipid magnetization. Using this approach, we measured the membrane topology of the α-helical fusion peptide of the paramyxovirus, PIV5, in the anionic POPC/POPG membrane, in which the peptide undergoes intermediate-timescale motion at physiological temperature. The gel-phase HETCOR spectra indicate that the α-helical fusion peptide is well inserted into the POPC/POPG bilayer, spanning both leaflets. This insertion motif gives insight into the functional role of the α-helical PIV5 fusion peptide in virus-cell membrane fusion.

MicroRNA-181b expression in prostate cancer tissues and its influence on the biological behavior of the prostate cancer cell line PC-3

We examined microRNA-181b (miRNA) expression in prostate cancer tissues and its effect on the prostate cancer cell line PC-3. Tissues from 27 cases of prostate cancer and 30 samples of normal human prostate were collected by surgical removal. Total miRNA was extracted, and the relative expression of miR-181b was quantified using RT-PCR. miR-181b ASO was transfected into prostate cancer PC-3 cells. miR-181b expression in transfected and non-transfected cells was measured using RT-PCR. Changes in cell apoptosis were measured using flow cytometry. MTT and cell growth curve methods were used to assess the influence of miR-181b expression on cell proliferation. The changes in cell invasive ability in vitro were detected using the Transwell chamber method. miR-181b was up-regulated in the prostate cancer tissues compared with the normal prostate samples. It was down-regulated after miR-181b ASO transfection into the prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Down-regulation of miR-181b in the PC-3 cell induced apoptosis, inhibited proliferation, and depressed invasion of PC-3 cells in vitro. As miR-181b is over-expressed in prostate cancer, its down-regulation could have potential as gene therapy for prostate cancer by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation and depressing invasion by cancer cells.

High-resolution calorimetric study of phase transitions in chiral smectic-C liquid crystalline phases

We carried out an improved characterization of phase transitions among chiral smectic-C subphases observed for various antiferroelectric liquid crystals by precise heat capacity measurements. It was found that the phase transitions are intrinsically first order exhibiting a remarkable heat anomaly which involves little pretransitional thermal fluctuation and a finite thermal hysteresis. On the other hand, we also noticed that the critical point of the smectic-C(α)(*)-smectic-C* transition is induced by the destabilization of the smectic-C(α)(*) phase which couples with the fluctuation associated with the smectic-A-smectic-C(α)(*) phase transition.

Exosome-mediated shuttling of microRNA-29 regulates HIV Tat and morphine-mediated neuronal dysfunction

Neuronal damage is a hallmark feature of HIV-associated neurological disorders (HANDs). Opiate drug abuse accelerates the incidence and progression of HAND; however, the mechanisms underlying the potentiation of neuropathogenesis by these drugs remain elusive. Opiates such as morphine have been shown to enhance HIV transactivation protein Tat-mediated toxicity in both human neurons and neuroblastoma cells. In the present study, we demonstrate reduced expression of the tropic factor platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B with a concomitant increase in miR-29b in the basal ganglia region of the brains of morphine-dependent simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques compared with the SIV-infected controls. In vitro relevance of these findings was corroborated in cultures of astrocytes exposed to morphine and HIV Tat that led to increased release of miR-29b in exosomes. Subsequent treatment of neuronal SH-SY5Y cell line with exosomes from treated astrocytes resulted in decreased expression of PDGF-B, with a concomitant decrease in viability of neurons. Furthermore, it was shown that PDGF-B was a target for miR-29b as evidenced by the fact that binding of miR-29 to the 3′-untranslated region of PDGF-B mRNA resulted in its translational repression in SH-SY5Y cells. Understanding the regulation of PDGF-B expression may provide insights into the development of potential therapeutic targets for neuronal loss in HIV-1-infected opiate abusers.

Measurement of the neutron radius of 208Pb through parity violation in electron scattering

We report the first measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry A(PV) in the elastic scattering of polarized electrons from 208Pb. A(PV) is sensitive to the radius of the neutron distribution (R(n)). The result A(PV)=0.656±0.060(stat)±0.014(syst) ppm corresponds to a difference between the radii of the neutron and proton distributions R(n)-R(p)=0.33(-0.18)(+0.16) fm and provides the first electroweak observation of the neutron skin which is expected in a heavy, neutron-rich nucleus.

New precision limit on the strange vector form factors of the proton

The parity-violating cross-section asymmetry in the elastic scattering of polarized electrons from unpolarized protons has been measured at a four-momentum transfer squared Q2 = 0.624  GeV2 and beam energy E(b) = 3.48  GeV to be A(PV) = -23.80 ± 0.78(stat) ± 0.36(syst) parts per million. This result is consistent with zero contribution of strange quarks to the combination of electric and magnetic form factors G(E)(s) + 0.517G(M)(s) = 0.003 ± 0.010(stat) ± 0.004(syst) ± 0.009(ff), where the third error is due to the limits of precision on the electromagnetic form factors and radiative corrections. With this measurement, the world data on strange contributions to nucleon form factors are seen to be consistent with zero and not more than a few percent of the proton form factors.

Beam-target double-spin asymmetry A{LT} in charged pion production from deep inelastic scattering on a transversely polarized {3}He target at 1.4<Q{2}<2.7 GeV{2}

We report the first measurement of the double-spin asymmetry A{LT} for charged pion electroproduction in semi-inclusive deep-inelastic electron scattering on a transversely polarized {3}He target. The kinematics focused on the valence quark region, 0.16<x<0.35 with 1.4<Q{2}<2.7  GeV{2}. The corresponding neutron A{LT} asymmetries were extracted from the measured {3}He asymmetries and proton over {3}He cross section ratios using the effective polarization approximation. These new data probe the transverse momentum dependent parton distribution function g{1T}{q} and therefore provide access to quark spin-orbit correlations. Our results indicate a positive azimuthal asymmetry for π{-} production on {3}He and the neutron, while our π{+} asymmetries are consistent with zero.

Pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Pulmonary pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a rare aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma. Histopathologically, PSCC is characterized by interanastomosing cords and channels, lined by atypical cells, with spaces containing erythrocytes or floating tumour cells. PSCC mimics angiosarcoma, so careful attention should be paid to immunohistochemical differences. Two PSCC cases are described here: in a 79-year-old male, bronchoscopy revealed mucosal swelling and hypertrophy and an adrenal mass was found 1 month later; in a 76-year-old male, computed tomography revealed rib destruction due to a non-calcified soft-tissue tumour and, although the tumour resembled an angiosarcoma, endothelial markers were negative and cytokeratin and p63 markers were positive. Immunohistochemical analyses may be helpful in establishing an accurate diagnosis. PSCC had a progressive course in both patients, who died ≤ 3 months postdiagnosis.

Distinctive thermal behavior and nanoscale phase separation in the heterogeneous liquid-crystal B4 matrix of bent-core molecules

By means of high-resolution calorimetry, we studied thermodynamic properties of the liquid-crystal B(4) phase where bent-core molecules form a helical nanofilament structure. Distinctive thermal behavior characterizing the growth process of the B(4) phase was obtained in undergoing the phase transition with many sharp peaks, indicating a highly heterogeneous structure. It has been demonstrated that such unusual behavior is commonly seen for two types of rodlike molecules as well as for various mixture compositions. We speculate that mixture systems involve a nanoscale phase-separated structure due to the remarkable aggregation effect in the bent-core molecules and that the helical nanofilament structure independently grows in the isotropic state of rodlike molecules. We also propose that the asymmetry in viscoelastic property plays a role in yielding unusual behavior.

AV-65, a novel Wnt/β-catenin signal inhibitor, successfully suppresses progression of multiple myeloma in a mouse model

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm of plasma cells. Although new molecular targeting agents against MM have been developed based on the better understanding of the underlying pathogenesis, MM still remains an incurable disease. We previously demonstrated that β-catenin, a downstream effector in the Wnt pathway, is a potential target in MM using RNA interference in an in vivo experimental mouse model. In this study, we have screened a library of more than 100 000 small-molecule chemical compounds for novel Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitors using a high-throughput transcriptional screening technology. We identified AV-65, which diminished β-catenin protein levels and T-cell factor transcriptional activity. AV-65 then decreased c-myc, cyclin D1 and survivin expression, resulting in the inhibition of MM cell proliferation through the apoptotic pathway. AV-65 treatment prolonged the survival of MM-bearing mice. These findings indicate that this compound represents a novel and attractive therapeutic agent against MM. This study also illustrates the potential of high-throughput transcriptional screening to identify candidates for anticancer drug discovery.

Single spin asymmetries in charged pion production from semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering on a transversely polarized 3He Target at Q2 = 1.4-2.7 GeV2

We report the first measurement of target single spin asymmetries in the semi-inclusive (3)He(e,e'π(±))X reaction on a transversely polarized target. The experiment, conducted at Jefferson Lab using a 5.9 GeV electron beam, covers a range of 0.16 < x < 0.35 with 1.4 < Q(2) < 2.7 GeV(2). The Collins and Sivers moments were extracted from the azimuthal angular dependence of the measured asymmetries. The π(±) Collins moments for (3)He are consistent with zero, except for the π(+) moment at x = 0.35, which deviates from zero by 2.3σ. While the π(-) Sivers moments are consistent with zero, the π(+) Sivers moments favor negative values. The neutron results were extracted using the nucleon effective polarization and measured cross section ratios of proton to (3)He, and are largely consistent with the predictions of phenomenological fits and quark model calculations.

Effect of mechanical loading on electrical conductivity in porcine TMJ discs

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of mechanical loading on solute transport in porcine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs using the electrical conductivity method. The electrical conductivity, as well as ion diffusivity, of TMJ discs was determined under confined compression with 3 strains in 5 disc regions. The average electrical conductivity over the 5 regions (mean ± SD) at 0% strain was 3.10 ± 0.68 mS/cm, decreased to 2.76 ± 0.58 mS/cm (-11.0%) at 10% strain, and 2.38 ± 0.55 mS/cm (-22.2%) at 20% compressive strain. Correspondingly, the average relative ion diffusivity (mean ± SD) at 0% strain was 0.273 ± 0.055, decreased to 0.253 ± 0.048 (-7.3%) at 10% strain, and 0.231 ± 0.048 (-15.4%) at 20% compressive strain. These results indicated that compressive strain impeded solute transport in the TMJ disc. Furthermore, our results showed that the transport properties of TMJ discs were region-dependent. The electrical conductivity and ion diffusivity in the anterior region were significantly higher than in the posterior region. This regional difference is likely due to the significant differences of tissue hydration between these 2 regions. This study provides important insight into the electrical and solute transport behaviors in TMJ discs under mechanical loading and aids in the understanding of TMJ pathophysiology related to tissue nutrition.