Centrality Dependence of the Charged-Particle Multiplicity Density at Midrapidity in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The pseudorapidity density of charged particles, dN_{ch}/dη, at midrapidity in Pb-Pb collisions has been measured at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. For the 5% most central collisions, we measure a value of 1943±54. The rise in dN_{ch}/dη as a function of sqrt[s_{NN}] is steeper than that observed in proton-proton collisions and follows the trend established by measurements at lower energy. The increase of dN_{ch}/dη as a function of the average number of participant nucleons, ⟨N_{part}⟩, calculated in a Glauber model, is compared with the previous measurement at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV. A constant factor of about 1.2 describes the increase in dN_{ch}/dη from sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76 to 5.02 TeV for all centrality classes, within the measured range of 0%-80% centrality. The results are also compared to models based on different mechanisms for particle production in nuclear collisions.

Measurement of an Excess in the Yield of J/ψ at Very Low p_{T} in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s]_{NN}=2.76 TeV

We report on the first measurement of an excess in the yield of J/ψ at very low transverse momentum (p_{T}<0.3  GeV/c) in peripheral hadronic Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV, performed by ALICE at the CERN LHC. Remarkably, the measured nuclear modification factor of J/ψ in the rapidity range 2.5<y<4 reaches about 7 (2) in the p_{T} range 0-0.3  GeV/c in the 70%-90% (50%-70%) centrality class. The J/ψ production cross section associated with the observed excess is obtained under the hypothesis that coherent photoproduction of J/ψ is the underlying physics mechanism. If confirmed, the observation of J/ψ coherent photoproduction in Pb-Pb collisions at impact parameters smaller than twice the nuclear radius opens new theoretical and experimental challenges and opportunities. In particular, coherent photoproduction accompanying hadronic collisions may provide insight into the dynamics of photoproduction and nuclear reactions, as well as become a novel probe of the quark-gluon plasma.

TLR3 and TLR4 But not TLR2 are Involved in Vogt-Koyanagi- Harada Disease by Triggering Proinflammatory Cytokines Production Through Promoting the Production of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is considered to be an autoimmune disease possibly triggered by an abnormal response to infection. Activation of TLRs signaling pathways by microbial products can drive inflammatory responses and adaptive immunity. In the present study, we investigated the role of TLRs in the pathogenesis of VKH disease. We showed that the expression of TLR3 and TLR4, but not TLR2, was significantly increased in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from VKH patients with active uveitis compared to controls. VKH patients with active uveitis showed an elevated level of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MDMs. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α production could be significantly upregulated and downregulated by a ROS activator or inhibitor, respectively. Downregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome significantly inhibited the production of IL-1β but not IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. The phosphorylation levels of p38 and ERK1/2 were significantly higher in MDMs from active VKH patients compared to controls. Inhibition of p38 or ERK1/2 significantly decreased IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α expression. These results suggest that the increased expression of TLR3/4 in MDMs may be involved in the pathogenesis of VKH disease by the induction of inflammatory cytokines which is mediated by enhanced production of ROS.

Centrality dependence of charged jet production in p-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] = 5.02 TeV

Measurements of charged jet production as a function of centrality are presented for  p-Pb  collisions recorded at [Formula: see text] TeV with the ALICE detector. Centrality classes are determined via the energy deposit in neutron calorimeters at zero degree, close to the beam direction, to minimise dynamical biases of the selection. The corresponding number of participants or binary nucleon-nucleon collisions is determined based on the particle production in the Pb-going rapidity region. Jets have been reconstructed in the central rapidity region from charged particles with the anti-[Formula: see text] algorithm for resolution parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the transverse momentum range 20 to 120 GeV/c. The reconstructed jet momentum and yields have been corrected for detector effects and underlying-event background. In the five centrality bins considered, the charged jet production in  p-Pb   collisions is consistent with the production expected from binary scaling from pp collisions. The ratio of jet yields reconstructed with the two different resolution parameters is also independent of the centrality selection, demonstrating the absence of major modifications of the radial jet structure in the reported centrality classes.

Characterization of the ultrastructure in the uterovaginal junction of the hen

In poultry, the infundibulum is the place of fertilization, eggshell production, and sperm storage, while its uterovaginal junction (UVJ) is regarded as the most important site, which has abundant sperm storage tubules (SST). We examined the ultrastructure of the epithelium with relation to its unique secretory cytology in the UVJ of hens using transmission electron microscopy. The epithelium of the UVJ is lined with ciliated and secretory cells. Ciliated cells are characterized with light and dense secretory granules in supernuclear cytoplasm. Dense secretory granules in ciliated cells are larger in diameter (one μm), surrounded with a transparent rim and concentric layers, whereas the dense granules in the ciliated cells of SST are smaller (0.52 μm) in size and not surrounded by any transparent rim or layer. Ciliated cells also are involved in the shedding of exosomes and secretory vesicles in the lumen. Secretory exosomes are in close contact with cilia and directly release from the apical border into the lumen. Cell junctions are widely distributed between these cells. The secretory cells are associated with the release of secretions via apocrine blebs from microvilli and secretory vesicles, which protrude out from the surface of the epithelium. The dense secretory granules in these cells are smaller in size (0.6 μm), absent of a transparent rim or layers, and are released into the lumen through secretory vesicles. The intracellular multivesicular body (MVB) also is observed in the supernuclear cytoplasm of secretory cells, which are related to the production of exosomes. In general, the apical protrusion of the epithelium in the form of apocrine secretions, the releasing of exosomes, the identification of intracellular MVB, and the release of dense granules give the epithelium a distinct morphology in the UVJ of the hen oviduct.

Production of K[Formula: see text](892)[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text](1020) in p-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] = 5.02 TeV

The production of K[Formula: see text](892)[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text](1020) mesons has been measured in p-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 5.02 TeV. K[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are reconstructed via their decay into charged hadrons with the ALICE detector in the rapidity range [Formula: see text]. The transverse momentum spectra, measured as a function of the multiplicity, have a p[Formula: see text] range from 0 to 15 GeV/c for K[Formula: see text] and from 0.3 to 21 GeV/c for [Formula: see text]. Integrated yields, mean transverse momenta and particle ratios are reported and compared with results in pp collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 7 TeV and Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 2.76 TeV. In Pb-Pb and p-Pb collisions, K[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] probe the hadronic phase of the system and contribute to the study of particle formation mechanisms by comparison with other identified hadrons. For this purpose, the mean transverse momenta and the differential proton-to-[Formula: see text] ratio are discussed as a function of the multiplicity of the event. The short-lived K[Formula: see text] is measured to investigate re-scattering effects, believed to be related to the size of the system and to the lifetime of the hadronic phase.

PER1 prevents excessive innate immune response during endotoxin-induced liver injury through regulation of macrophage recruitment in mice

The severity of acute liver failure (ALF) induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is associated with the hepatic innate immune response. The core circadian molecular clock modulates the innate immune response by controlling rhythmic pathogen recognition by the innate immune system and daily variations in cytokine gene expression. However, the molecular link between circadian genes and the innate immune system has remained unclear. Here, we showed that mice lacking the clock gene Per1 (Period1) are more susceptible to LPS/d-galactosamine (LPS/GalN)-induced macrophage-dependent ALF compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Per1 deletion caused a remarkable increase in the number of Kupffer cells (KCs) in the liver, resulting in an elevation of the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines after LPS treatment. Loss of Per1 had no effect on the proliferation or apoptosis of macrophages; however, it enhanced the recruitment of macrophages, which was associated with an increase in CC chemokine receptor 2 (Ccr2) expression levels in monocytes/macrophages. Deletion of Ccr2 rescued d-GalN/LPS-induced liver injury in Per1^−/− mice. We demonstrated that the upregulation of Ccr2 expression by Per1 deletion could be reversed by the synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) antagonist GW9662. Further analysis indicated that PER1 binds to PPAR-γ on the Ccr2 promoter and enhanced the inhibitory effect of PPAR-γ on Ccr2 expression. These results reveal that Per1 reduces hepatic macrophage recruitment through interaction with PPAR-γ and prevents an excessive innate immune response in endotoxin-induced liver injury.

Inclusive quarkonium production at forward rapidity in pp collisions at [Formula: see text]TeV

We report on the inclusive production cross sections of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text](1S), [Formula: see text](2S) and [Formula: see text](3S), measured at forward rapidity with the ALICE detector in [Formula: see text] collisions at a center-of-mass energy [Formula: see text] TeV. The analysis is based on data collected at the LHC and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.23 pb[Formula: see text]. Quarkonia are reconstructed in the dimuon-decay channel. The differential production cross sections are measured as a function of the transverse momentum [Formula: see text] and rapidity y, over the [Formula: see text] ranges [Formula: see text] GeV/c for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] GeV/c for all other resonances, and for [Formula: see text]. The cross sections, integrated over [Formula: see text] and y, and assuming unpolarized quarkonia, are [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] nb, [Formula: see text] nb and [Formula: see text] nb, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second one is systematic. These values agree, within at most [Formula: see text], with measurements performed by the LHCb collaboration in the same rapidity range.

Anisotropic Flow of Charged Particles in Pb-Pb Collisions at √[s{NN}]=5.02 TeV

We report the first results of elliptic (v_{2}), triangular (v_{3}), and quadrangular (v_{4}) flow of charged particles in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The measurements are performed in the central pseudorapidity region |η|<0.8 and for the transverse momentum range 0.2<p_{T}<5  GeV/c. The anisotropic flow is measured using two-particle correlations with a pseudorapidity gap greater than one unit and with the multiparticle cumulant method. Compared to results from Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV, the anisotropic flow coefficients v_{2}, v_{3}, and v_{4} are found to increase by (3.0±0.6)%, (4.3±1.4)%, and (10.2±3.8)%, respectively, in the centrality range 0%-50%. This increase can be attributed mostly to an increase of the average transverse momentum between the two energies. The measurements are found to be compatible with hydrodynamic model calculations. This comparison provides a unique opportunity to test the validity of the hydrodynamic picture and the power to further discriminate between various possibilities for the temperature dependence of shear viscosity to entropy density ratio of the produced matter in heavy-ion collisions at the highest energies.

[Tissue heterogeneity analysis of CGG-repeat mutation in two fragile X affected male fetuses]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the CGG-repeat-length and its methylation status in fetal tissues and to explicate the heterogeneity of CGG repeats.

METHOD

Multiple tissues from a full mutation(August 2013) and a mosaic aborted fetus of 23-week gestation(May 2012) were collected and genomic DNA from these tissues was extracted. The CGG-repeat-length and methylation status in fetal tissues were determined by a combined strategy of Southern blotting and GC-Rich PCR. FMR1 expression was measured by real time PCR and Western blotting.

RESULT

CGG-repeat-length in different tissues of each fetus was similar.A major methylated band in the full mutation range (540 CGG repeats) was detected in the brain, skin, testis and kidney tissues of Case 1. An unmethylated premutation band with 160 CGG repeats, and another two bands with 470 and 1 100 CGG repeats in the full mutation range were shown in the brain, skin, testis, lung, stomach, gut, liver, kidney, heart and blood of Case 2. However, the methylation status of CGG repeats in the mosaic fetus was heterogeneous among different tissues. The lowest premutation ratio was in the brain of the mosaic fetus compared with other tissues, and correspondingly FMR1 expression in its brain was minimum.

CONCLUSION

This study clarify the tissue heterogeneity of CGG repeats and provides information for the genetic counseling and clinical diagnosis in fragile X syndrome. Based on the fact that the mosaic fetus' mother is a carrier of full mutation, it is speculated that the maternal CGG repeat has contracted before the differentiation of trilaminar germ disc.

Low-Dose Volume-of-Interest C-Arm CT Imaging of Intracranial Stents and Flow Diverters

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Volume-of-interest C-arm CT is a novel technique for imaging of intracranial high-contrast objects. We performed this study to evaluate the potential diagnostic value and radiation dose reduction of this technique for imaging of intracranial stents and flow diverters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients were imaged with a VOI C-arm CT scan following treatment with a flow diverter or stent-assisted coiling. The radiation dose-area product was recorded for VOI scans. For comparison, the dose-area product from 30 previously acquired consecutive full-view DynaCTs was used. Thermoluminescence dosimetry by using 35 evenly distributed thermoluminescence dosimeters in an anthropomorphic head phantom was also performed by using both conventional full field and VOI acquisitions. Three observers were presented with VOI images for assessment of the potential diagnostic value.

RESULTS

The dose-area product measurements showed an exposure reduction of 85% compared with the full field acquisitions used for comparison. The thermoluminescence dosimetry evaluations also showed a considerable dose reduction of 79.8% throughout the volume. For most of the evaluated cases, the observers thought that diagnostically useful information was provided by the VOI images (α = .810). Visualization of device details, such as the extent of opening, positioning, wall apposition, and aneurysm coverage, was judged of good diagnostic quality for most cases (88.9%-92.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, VOI C-arm CT provided high-quality diagnostic images of intracranial stents and flow diverters at a dramatic reduction of radiation exposure. Image content was thought to add useful information. It is a promising method to assess device status during procedures and at follow-up.

Depressive symptoms predict non-completion of a structured exercise intervention for people with Type 2 diabetes

AIM

To quantify the impact of depressive symptoms on completion of exercise-based rehabilitation for Type 2 diabetes management.

METHODS

Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale in a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with Type 2 diabetes entering a 6-month hybrid (home- and clinic-based) exercise rehabilitation programme. Attendance at exercise sessions was monitored and programme completion/non-completion was ascertained.

RESULTS

Of the programme participants (n=624, mean age 55.6±10.5 years, 47% male), 26.8% endorsed significant depressive symptoms (depression score ≥16) and 68.1% completed the intervention, attending 54.6±30.0% of supervised exercise sessions. Baseline depressive symptoms (depression scale score ≥16) increased the risk of non-completion [hazard ratio 1.49 (95% CI 1.10-2.03); P = 0.010], and predicted fewer sessions attended (β=-2.1, P= 0.002) in adjusted models. A depression score threshold of ≥10 (48.4% of participants) predicted non-completion [hazard ratio 1.60 (95% CI 1.19-2.17); P= 0.002) with optimum accuracy. Non-completions resulting from lack of interest (18.9 vs. 11.0%; P= 0.026) and medical complications (14.6 vs. 6.6%; P= 0.006) were more common among participants with depression scores ≥10. Greater hazard ratios for depression scores ≥10 were observed in subgroups not currently using insulin [hazard ratio 1.70 (95% CI 1.24-2.33); P= 0.001), or an antidepressant [hazard ratio 1.83 (95% CI 1.32-2.54); P<0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms were highly prevalent among participants with Type 2 diabetes entering exercise-based rehabilitation, and even mild depressive symptoms posed a significant barrier to completion. Depression screening may help target additional supports to facilitate completion of exercise interventions for people with Type 2 diabetes.

[Role of kallikrein kinin system activation in kidney injury induced by trichloroethylene sensitized mice]

OBJECTIVE

Through testing the expression of complement C3 fragment C3b and iC3b, C5b-9 as well as indexes of KKS before and after using kallikrein-kinin system inhibitor PKSI-527, observing the relevant between KKS and complement system, we preliminary study on the mechanism how KKS works on the renal injury of sensitized mice model induced by trichloroethylene.

METHODS

Female BALB/c mice (6~8 weeks) were randomly divided into blank control group (5), TCE treated group (15), PKSI-527+TCE treated group (15). Mice were sensitized with TCE in the 1,3,7,10 days, the first and the last challenge were on day 17 and 19. 24h before every challenge, mice in PKSI-527+TCE group were treated with intraperitoneal injection of KKS inhibitor PKSI-527 inhibitor (50mg/kg). Mice were killed 72h after the last challenge. The function of kidney in mice were detected and kidney B1R, B2R expression were detected using real-time quantitative PCR, mice kidney complement C3 fragments C3b, iC3b and C5b-9 deposition were also detected by chemoimmunology.

RESULTS

Compared with blank control group, all indexes expressions in the solvent control group have no significant change. Compared with the solvent control group, BUN、Cr level and B1R、B2R level have an significant increase (P< 0.05) in TCE sensitized group and PKSI-527+TCE sensitized group; There is a sharp decrease in PKSI-527+TCE sensitized group compared to TCE sensitized group(P< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The renal damage in the TCE sensitization mouse model may aggravated by upregulate complement system followed by the activation of kallikrein-kinin system.

Identification of a novel HLA-C*16 variant, HLA-C*16:90, in a Chinese individual

The novel HLA-C*16:90 allele differs from HLA-C*16:02:01 by one nucleotide transition, G>A 736.

Multiplicity and transverse momentum evolution of charge-dependent correlations in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC

We report on two-particle charge-dependent correlations in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions as a function of the pseudorapidity and azimuthal angle difference, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively. These correlations are studied using the balance function that probes the charge creation time and the development of collectivity in the produced system. The dependence of the balance function on the event multiplicity as well as on the trigger and associated particle transverse momentum ([Formula: see text]) in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] 7, 5.02, and 2.76 TeV, respectively, are presented. In the low transverse momentum region, for [Formula: see text] GeV/c, the balance function becomes narrower in both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] directions in all three systems for events with higher multiplicity. The experimental findings favor models that either incorporate some collective behavior (e.g. AMPT) or different mechanisms that lead to effects that resemble collective behavior (e.g. PYTHIA8 with color reconnection). For higher values of transverse momenta the balance function becomes even narrower but exhibits no multiplicity dependence, indicating that the observed narrowing with increasing multiplicity at low [Formula: see text] is a feature of bulk particle production.

C-Arm Conebeam CT Perfusion Imaging in the Angiographic Suite: A Comparison with Multidetector CT Perfusion Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Perfusion imaging in the angiography suite may provide a way to reduce time from stroke onset to endovascular revascularization of patients with large-vessel occlusion. Our purpose was to compare conebeam CT perfusion with multidetector CT perfusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 7 subjects with both multidetector CT perfusion and conebeam CT perfusion were retrospectively processed and analyzed. Two algorithms were used to enhance temporal resolution and temporal sampling density and reduce the noise of conebeam CT data before generating perfusion maps. Two readers performed qualitative image-quality evaluation on maps by using a 5-point scale. ROIs indicating CBF/CBV abnormalities were drawn. Quantitative analyses were performed by using the Sørensen-Dice coefficients to quantify the similarity of abnormalities. A noninferiority hypothesis was tested to compare conebeam CT perfusion against multidetector CT perfusion.

RESULTS

Average image-quality scores for multidetector CT perfusion and conebeam CT perfusion images were 2.4 and 2.3, respectively. The average confidence score in diagnosis was 1.4 for both multidetector CT and conebeam CT; the average confidence scores for the presence of a CBV/CBF mismatch were 1.7 (κ = 0.50) and 1.5 (κ = 0.64). For multidetector CT perfusion and conebeam CT perfusion maps, the average scores of confidence in making treatment decisions were 1.4 (κ = 0.79) and 1.3 (κ = 0.90). The area under the visual grading characteristic for the above 4 qualitative quality scores showed an average area under visual grading characteristic of 0.50, with 95% confidence level cover centered at the mean for both readers. The Sørensen-Dice coefficient for CBF maps was 0.81, and for CBV maps, 0.55.

CONCLUSIONS

After postprocessing methods were applied to enhance image quality for conebeam CT perfusion maps, the conebeam CT perfusion maps were not inferior to those generated from multidetector CT perfusion.

Cardiac shock wave therapy shows better outcomes in the coronary artery disease patients in a long term

OBJECTIVE

Almost all the past CSWT studies show the beneficial effects on CAD patients in a maximum duration of 1-year follow-up. The aim of this study was to evaluate the actual CSWT effects in 6 years follow-up period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The subjects were selected exclusively on the basis of inclusion criteria. The total number of patients was 52, out of which control group (n = 11) and the shock wave group (SW group, n = 41) was selected.

RESULTS

The wall motion, MPI, nitrate dosage, NYHA classification, SAQ scores, CCS grading, 6 MWT were markedly improved in the long-term (6 years) follow-up for SW group than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Following 6 years of follow-up, the CSWT provided agreeable results that improved myocardial function and quality of life in comparing to the month 0 and the control group. These outcomes advise that on a long-term (72 months) CSWT shows better parameters than the control group. These findings highlight that CSWT can improve clinical symptoms, morphology, functions of the heart and quality of life in patients with CHD than the patients just on drug therapy for a long-term.

Characterization of Normal and Freeze-Thawed Tissues in vitro Through The Ultrasonic Integrated Backscatter

BACKGROUND

The ultrasound guidance of cryotherapy could be improved if changes of tissue characterization parameters during freezing could be used to monitor freezing patterns and estimate the postoperative effects after surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The ultrasonic integrated backscatter analysis holds promise as an effective method for signal analysis and characterization of thawed tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ultrasonic integrated backscatter has been found to be an important parameter for describing the ultrasonic scattering and characterization of biological tissues. However, its potential values in the evaluation of cryosurgical effects of tissues reserved unclear so far. Here, we investigated the power spectrum of acoustic signal to estimate the ultrasound integrated backscatter in normal and freeze-thawed tissues on porcine livers in vitro.

RESULTS

The experimental results carried out at 10 MHz using weakly focused pulse-echo signal element transducer indicated that the ultrasonic integrated backscatter in normal liver tissues is 31.3±4.6 whereas it is 44.2±6.5 in several pre-frozen and then thawed tissues.

CONCLUSION

These results disclosed the good correlation between the ultrasonic integrated backscatter and microstructures of the normal or thawed tissues, and hence demonstrated that the power spectrum holds promise to be used as an effective method for the characterization of thawed tissues ultrasonic integrated backscatter, which might offer a potential pragmatic prospect for the practice of monitoring transition zone between frozen and unfrozen tissues during the surgical therapy, and evaluating postoperative effects.

MicroRNA-92a Regulates Expression of Kruppel-like Factor2 in Rabbit Model of Intracranial Aneurysm

To explore role of miRNA-92a in regulation of KLF2 expression in intracranial aneurysm model, real time PCR, IHC, ISH and luciferase activity were used to test relationship of miR-92a and KLF2. The results demonstrated that KLF2 showed a time-dependent increase following development of IA model, but the miR-92a showed a time-dependent decrease, co-expression of miR-92a was found to effectively down-regulate luciferase expression in constructs with 3'UTRs of KLF2, to determine the functions of miR-92a in rabbit ECs, we transfected the pre-miR-92a into rabbit ECs for over-expression, the results showed that the protein level of KLF2 was significantly down-regulated when over-expression of miR-92a. In conclusion, our research demonstrated that miR-92a and KLF2 were negative correlation in intracranial aneurysm model, and miR-92a could directly target KLF2 in endothelial cells through complementary sequence of 3'UTR region.

Modulating of ocular inflammation with macrophage migration inhibitory factor is associated with notch signalling in experimental autoimmune uveitis

The aim of this study was to examine whether macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) could exaggerate inflammatory response in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) and to explore the underlying mechanism. Mutant serotype 8 adeno-associated virus (AAV8) (Y733F)-chicken β-actin (CBA)-MIF or AAV8 (Y733F)-CBA-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) vector was delivered subretinally into B10.RIII mice, respectively. Three weeks after vector delivery, EAU was induced with a subcutaneous injection of a mixture of interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) peptide with CFA. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Retinal function was evaluated with electroretinography (ERG). We found that the expression of MIF and its two receptors CD74 and CD44 was increased in the EAU mouse retina. Compared to AAV8.CBA.eGFP-injected and untreated EAU mice, the level of proinflammatory cytokines, the expression of Notch1, Notch4, delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4), Notch receptor intracellular domain (NICD) and hairy enhancer of split-1 (Hes-1) increased, but the ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes decreased in AAV8.CBA.MIF-injected EAU mice. The Notch inhibitor N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) reduced the expression of NICD, Hes-1 and proinflammatory cytokines. Further, a MIF antagonist ISO-1 attenuated intraocular inflammation, and inhibited the differentiation of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 in EAU mice. We demonstrated that over-expression of MIF exaggerated ocular inflammation, which was associated with the activation of the Notch signalling. The expression of both MIF and its receptors are elevated in EAU mice. Over-expression of MIF exaggerates ocular inflammation, and this exaggerated inflammation is associated with the activation of the Notch signalling and Notch pathway. Our data suggest that the MIF-Notch axis may play an important role in the pathogenesis of EAU. Both the MIF signalling pathways may be promising targets for developing novel therapeutic interventions for uveitis.

Role of Kruppel-like Factor 2 in Intracranial Aneurysm of the Rabbit Model

We investigated expression of Kruppel&mdash;like factor 2 (KLF2) and its correlation with basilar artery blood flow rate in the hemodynamically induced aneurysm model built by different methods. New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into sham&mdash;operated group, unilateral ligation of common carotid artery (CCA) group (UL group) and bilateral ligation of CCA group (BL group). Rabbits were cervix&mdash;cut to expose the arteries without ligation (sham group), with right&mdash;side ligation (UL group) and bilateral ligation (BL group), respectively. Skull Doppler ultrasound was used to measure basilar artery blood flow rate in each group at week 1, 2, 3, or 4 separately (n=6 for each time point). The animals were killed after the measurements. At each time point, 6 basilar artery bifurcates from each group were collected and sent for staining (HE, EVG, Masson and KLF2 immunohistochemistry staining), while another 6 basilar artery bifurcates were processed with KLF2 Western blotting. Results showed that the average blood flow rate did not change significantly among the 4 time points in the Sham group, but it was insignificantly smaller compared to the UL group. The average blood flow rate in the BL group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups. Pathological tests showed that according to the aneurysm evaluation criteria, the basilar arteries in the Sham group had smooth tip lumina, complete endothelial cells, complete internal elastic membranes, but no fracture, thinning or aneurysm formation. Only 1 of 24 rabbits in the UL group had slight bulges in the tip of basilar artery, though not very severe. Twelve rabbits in the BL group had aneurysmal bulges, significantly different from the other two groups. KLF2 protein expression was not changed significantly with time in the Sham group, but increased slightly with time in the UL group. KLF2 protein expression in the BL group increased significantly only after 1 week and then maintained a high level, significantly different from the other two groups. KLF2 protein expression was positively correlated with blood flow rate. In conclusion, the hemodynamic change was most significant after bilateral ligation, which was most suitable for building animal models for aneurysm research. aaaAnd KLF2 expression change was consistent with blood flow rate variation, which showed positive correlation, indicating KLF2 expression was regulated by hemodynamic changes.

A Comparison of 4D DSA with 2D and 3D DSA in the Analysis of Normal Vascular Structures in a Canine Model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

4D DSA allows viewing of 3D DSA as a series of time-resolved volumes of a contrast bolus. There is no comparison of the accuracy of the anatomic information provided by 4D DSA with that available from conventional 2D and 3D DSA. Our purpose was to make this comparison by using a canine model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

2D, 3D, and 4D DSA acquisitions were performed in 5 canines from 3 catheter positions in the common carotid artery yielding 15 2D, 15 3D, and 15 4D datasets. For each territory, 3 vascular segments were chosen for comparison. Images were reviewed by 2 experienced neuroradiologists and were graded by the ability to visualize a segment, its filling direction, and preferred technique. Two visualization modes for 4D DSA were compared (volume-rendering technique and MIP).

RESULTS

4D DSA was preferred in 73.9% of the image sets; 2D, in 22.7%; and 3D, in 3.4%. 4D DSA MIP rendering yielded superior visualization of very small vessel details; the 4D DSA volume-rendering technique offered superior depth and overlap information and better visualization of the surface details of the vasculature.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, 4D DSA was preferred over 2D and 3D DSA for analysis of normal vasculature. The ability to provide any view of a vascular territory at any time during passage of a contrast bolus seems likely to reduce the need for many 2D acquisitions during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This then potentially translates into a reduction in radiation and contrast dose.

YAP induces high-grade serous carcinoma in fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells

Accumulating evidence indicates that ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) originates from fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells (FTSECs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of HGSC derived from FTSECs remains unclear. In this study, we found that the Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway has a critical role in the initiation and progression of fallopian tube and ovarian HGSC. Importantly, YAP was overexpressed in inflammatory and cancerous fallopian tube tissues. Further, overexpression of wild-type YAP, or constitutively active YAP in immortalized FTSECs, induced cell proliferation, migration, colony formation and tumorigenesis. Moreover, the Hippo/YAP and the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways formed an autocrine/paracrine-positive feedback loop to drive the progression of the FTSEC-derived HGSC. Evidence in this study strongly suggests that combined therapy with inhibitors of YAP (such as verteporfin) and FGF receptors (such as BGJ398) can provide a novel therapeutic strategy to treat fallopian tube and ovarian HGSC.

Expression of dopamine transporter in the different cerebral regions of methamphetamine-dependent rats

Objectives:

To observe the expression of the dopamine transporter (DAT) in six cerebral regions of a methamphetamine (MA)-dependent rat, which were frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens septi, striatum, hippocampus, substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area.

Methods:

The rats were administrated intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg/day of MA for 10 days consecutively; the behaviour changes were measured via the conditioned place preference (CPP), and the scores of stereotyped behaviour (SB) were used to confirm animal addiction. Then, the animals were further injected with MA respectively for 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks to establish different periods of MA-dependent models. The expressions of DAT and DAT messenger RNA in six cerebral regions were detected.

Results:

The results of CPP and SB scores were significant different when comparing all four experimental groups with the control group ( p < 0.05). Comparing between different experimental groups, the expression of DAT mainly decreased and had dynamic changes in the same regions ( p < 0.05). Comparing the different regions with each other in the same experimental group, the expression of DAT also had significant difference in several regions p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The expression of DAT mainly decreased and had different in the six cerebral regions at the same MA-dependent time period as well as at different time periods in the same cerebral region. It was speculated that DAT might play a crucial role in the mechanism of MA dependence.

Surgery combined with chemotherapy for recurrent gastric cancer achieves better long-term prognosis

BACKGROUNDS

Recurrence is the most important factor associated with death of gastric cancer patients after surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the prognosis factors and the effective therapy for recurrent gastric cancer (RGC) patients after radical resection.

METHODS

The clinical data of 144 RGC patients who underwent radical resection from January 1999 to March 2004 were reviewed. The 15 clinicopathological factors and treatment modalities on the survival were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the prognostic significance of these factors for RGC.

RESULTS

The early recurrence (<2 years) was found in 90 patients, while late recurrence (≥2 years) occurred in 54 patients. The 2-year cumulative survival rates were 23.8 % for recurrent patients receiving chemotherapy plus surgery vs. 1.2 % in patients having chemotherapy only (p < 0.001), while the median survival time was 11.0 months vs. 6.0 months (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated TNM stage after the first operation (p = 0.048), iASPP overexpression (p = 0.013), time to recurrence (p < 0.001) and treatment of recurrence (p < 0.001) as independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery combined with chemotherapy for recurrent gastric cancer patients achieves ideal long-term prognosis, which should perform actively.

Measurement of pion, kaon and proton production in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] TeV

The measurement of primary [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] production at mid-rapidity ([Formula: see text] 0.5) in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 7 TeV performed with a large ion collider experiment at the large hadron collider (LHC) is reported. Particle identification is performed using the specific ionisation energy-loss and time-of-flight information, the ring-imaging Cherenkov technique and the kink-topology identification of weak decays of charged kaons. Transverse momentum spectra are measured from 0.1 up to 3 GeV/[Formula: see text] for pions, from 0.2 up to 6 GeV/[Formula: see text] for kaons and from 0.3 up to 6 GeV/[Formula: see text] for protons. The measured spectra and particle ratios are compared with quantum chromodynamics-inspired models, tuned to reproduce also the earlier measurements performed at the LHC. Furthermore, the integrated particle yields and ratios as well as the average transverse momenta are compared with results at lower collision energies.

Expression of cytokeratins in enamel organ, junctional epithelium and epithelial cell rests of Malassez

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

After tooth formation is complete, it is suggested that continuity exists between the epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM), reduced enamel epithelium (REE) and subsequently the junctional epithelium. However, the junctional epithelium was reported to differ from REE and ERM. The developmental relationships between and among them remain controversial. Therefore, in the present study we examined the expression of cytokeratins in the three types of epithelia to investigate the epithelial phenotypes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The maxillae of Wistar rats, 1, 2, 3 and 7 wk of age, were used, and the expression of CK14, CK17, CK19, CK10/CK13 and AE1/AE3 was detected using immunoperoxidase techniques.

RESULTS

There was negative staining for CK10/CK13 in all the epithelia. ERM stained strongly for AE1/AE3, CK14, CK17 and CK19. During the transformation of inner enamel epithelial (IEE) cells into reduced ameloblasts and subsequently into junctional epithelium, strong staining for CK14 was evident in IEE, REE and junctional epithelium, whereas the expression of AE1/AE3 and of CK19 were initially negative in IEE and then strong in REE and junctional epithelium, respectively. In particular, the expression of CK17 was strongly positive in ERM and REE, but was negative in IEE and junctional epithelium.

CONCLUSION

ERM are of odontogenic origin and junctional epithelium has an epithelial phenotype different from REE and ERM. This is the first report to demonstrate that CK17 can be used as a marker to distinguish junctional epithelium from ERM.

Histone deacetylation modification participates in the repression of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed storage protein gene Ara h 2.02 during germination

Genes encoding seed storage proteins (SSPs) are specifically and highly expressed during seed maturation. In Arabidopsis, chromatin-based mechanisms involved in the repression of SSPs during germination have been proposed. However, epigenetic regulation involved in repressing SSPs in vegetative tissues of peanut is not well understood. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is a chromatin-remodelling factor that contributes to transcriptional repression in eukaryotes. To address whether histone deacetylation modification is involved in the repression of SSP genes during germination in peanut, we generated an Ara h 2.02pro : β-glucuronidase (GUS) construct by fusing the 1972 bp Ara h 2.02 promoter of peanut (from -1972 to -1) to the GUS reporter gene and transformed it into wild-type Arabidopsis plants and HDAC mutants. GUS staining revealed that the mutation in HISTONE DEACETYLASE19 (HDA19) resulted in the ectopic expression of peanut SSP gene Ara h 2.02 in seedlings. In addition, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that the ectopic expression of Ara h 2.02 was accompanied by histone hyperacetylation during germination. These results suggest that histone deacetylation modification may play a vital role in repressing embryonic properties during the peanut vegetative growth.

Acute restraint stress alters sound-evoked neural responses in the rat auditory cortex

Stress is known to elicit various adaptive or maladaptive responses in the nervous system function. Psychophysical studies have revealed that stress exposure induced the changes in auditory response that can be interpreted as a transient, stress-induced hypersensitivity to sounds. However, the underlying neural mechanism remains unresolved. Thus, in this study, we explored the neural activities of the auditory cortex (AC) in response to stress. We elicited stress by physically immobilizing rats and recorded the extracellular single-unit activities through the electrodes chronically implanted in the AC of rats. By comparing the spike activities of the same rat before, during and after immobilization, we found temporal and significant changes in the sound-evoked neural activities. In most cases, acute restraint stress enhanced neural responses evoked by pure-tones and click-trains, but in a minority of neurons, stress suppressed responses. The immobilization-induced enhancement was more frequently found in the neurons that originally had a low responsibility for sound stimuli. The enhancement effects on pure-tone response were reflected by an increase of response magnitude, decrease of response latency, and extension of bandwidth of tuning curve (BW). But the spontaneous firing rate and best frequency (BF) remained unchanged. Stress also increased the ability of neural response to synchronize to click-trains, even in the neurons whose response magnitude was not significantly increased. Taken together, these results provide direct evidence that stress alters the function of auditory system at the level of AC.

Reverse-dipper pattern of blood pressure may predict lacunar infarction in patients with essential hypertension

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The fluctuation of circadian blood pressure (BP) is of great diversity in patients with essential hypertension and may provide significant prognostic value for stroke. However, it remains uncertain whether reverse-dipper pattern of BP influences the incidence of lacunar infarction in hypertensive patients.

METHODS

In the current study, 362 hypertensive patients (195 males, 167 females) were enrolled. BP patterns were evaluated with 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Multinomial logistic regression was applied to analyse the possible relationships between lacunar infarction and various clinical risk factors such as ABPM.

RESULTS

A total of 93 patients (25.7%) had reverse-dipper BP pattern. Non-dipper pattern of BP was observed in 179 hypertensive patients (49.4%) and dipper pattern in 90 patients (24.9%). The percentage of lacunar infarction was the highest in the patients with reverse-dipper pattern compared with pure hypertension or atherothrombotic cerebral infarction (P < 0.05). After multinomial logistic regression analysis, reverse-dipper pattern of BP (odds ratio 2.492; 95% confidence interval 1.133-5.479; P < 0.05) and age (odds ratio 1.084; 95% confidence interval 1.047-1.123; P < 0.01) were found to be directly associated with lacunar infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

Reverse-dipper BP pattern may serve as an independent risk factor for lacunar infarction and more personalized BP management should be offered to the patients who have elevated nocturnal BP.

Production of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] 7 TeV

The production of the strange and double-strange baryon resonances ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) has been measured at mid-rapidity ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]) in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 7 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. Transverse momentum spectra for inelastic collisions are compared to QCD-inspired models, which in general underpredict the data. A search for the [Formula: see text] pentaquark, decaying in the [Formula: see text] channel, has been carried out but no evidence is seen.

Clinical severity of human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, China, 2013/14

Assessing the severity of emerging infections is challenging because of potential biases in case ascertainment. The first human case of infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus was identified in China in March 2013; since then, the virus has caused two epidemic waves in the country. There were 134 laboratory-confirmed cases detected in the first epidemic wave from January to September 2013. In the second epidemic wave of human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China from October 2013 to October 2014, we estimated that the risk of death among hospitalised cases of infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus was 48% (95% credibility interval: 42-54%), slightly higher than the corresponding risk in the first wave. Age-specific risks of death among hospitalised cases were also significantly higher in the second wave. Using data on symptomatic cases identified through national sentinel influenza-like illness surveillance, we estimated that the risk of death among symptomatic cases of infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus was 0.10% (95% credibility interval: 0.029-3.6%), which was similar to previous estimates for the first epidemic wave of human infections with influenza A(H7N9) virus in 2013. An increase in the risk of death among hospitalised cases in the second wave could be real because of changes in the virus, because of seasonal changes in host susceptibility to severe infection, or because of variation in treatment practices between hospitals, while the increase could be artefactual because of changes in ascertainment of cases in different areas at different times.