Suppression of the biological activity of neuroglioma cells by down-regulation of miR-1

Neuroglioma is associated with high rates of malignancy, metastasis, and recurrence. Recently, research on the roles of microRNAs (miR) in cancer prognosis has formed an important area of research as differential expression of miRNAs has been observed in different cancers. However, the detailed mechanism by which miRNAs regulate glioma remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the effect of miR-1 on human glioma by inhibiting the expression of miR-1. Anti-miR-1, an anti-sense oligonucleotide against miR-1, significantly reduced the level of miR-1 in the human glioma cell line U87 (P < 0.05). Further, cell proliferation and colony formation assays were used to determine the effect of miR-1 on cell growth. The scratch assay and cell migration assay were performed to evaluate cell invasion. Our data demonstrated that the growth of glioma cells was impeded due to the decrease in miR-1 levels, compared to the untransfected control cells (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the invasion and mobility of the cells were also retarded after transfection with anti-miR-1 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicate that the down-regulation of miR-1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and reduced cell motility, suggesting that anti-miR-1 could be used as a therapeutic intervention tool to counter the activity of neuroglioma cells.

Determination of the Spin and Parity of the Z_{c}(3900)

The spin and parity of the Z_{c}(3900)^{±} state are determined to be J^{P}=1^{+} with a statistical significance larger than 7σ over other quantum numbers in a partial wave analysis of the process e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ. We use a data sample of 1.92  fb^{-1} accumulated at sqrt[s]=4.23 and 4.26 GeV with the BESIII experiment. When parametrizing the Z_{c}(3900)^{±} with a Flatté-like formula, we determine its pole mass M_{pole}=(3881.2±4.2_{stat}±52.7_{syst})  MeV/c^{2} and pole width Γ_{pole}=(51.8±4.6_{stat}±36.0_{syst})  MeV. We also measure cross sections for the process e^{+}e^{-}→Z_{c}(3900)^{+}π^{-}+c.c.→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-} and determine an upper limit at the 90% confidence level for the process e^{+}e^{-}→Z_{c}(4020)^{+}π^{-}+c.c.→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}.

[Clinical characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders associated with syringomyelia]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) associated with syringomyelia (SML). Methods: The clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters and imaging findings of 7 patients with NMOSD associated with SML during June 2008 to August 2016 from The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Six patients were female and 1 was male, with ages ranging from 27-67 years, the course of the disease was 3-12 years, recurrence was 2-7 times, all the patients were cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands (CSF OCB) negative, 5 patients were positive for aquaporin-4-antibody/NMO-IgG. Sensory and motor dysfunction, bowel or bladder dysfunction were the common clinical manifestation, and pain was a significant symptom. Syringomyelia was predominantly located in C4-T10, cavity length 2-6 mm, diameter 0.8-3.6 mm; 5 had lobes involvement and 6 had long segmental spinal cord involvement. Conclusions: NMOSD associated with SML had a high frequency of occurrence in female, with the clinical characteristics of limb pain, easy progression, high recurrence rate and disability rate. The anti AQP4 antibody were commonly seen in these patients. Syringomyelia was predominantly located in the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord, the lobar and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis were frequently found in patients with NMOSD associated with SML.

Intrinsically patterned two-dimensional materials for selective adsorption of molecules and nanoclusters

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have been studied extensively as monolayers, vertical or lateral heterostructures. To achieve functionalization, monolayers are often patterned using soft lithography and selectively decorated with molecules. Here we demonstrate the growth of a family of 2D materials that are intrinsically patterned. We demonstrate that a monolayer of PtSe₂ can be grown on a Pt substrate in the form of a triangular pattern of alternating 1T and 1H phases. Moreover, we show that, in a monolayer of CuSe grown on a Cu substrate, strain relaxation leads to periodic patterns of triangular nanopores with uniform size. Adsorption of different species at preferred pattern sites is also achieved, demonstrating that these materials can serve as templates for selective self-assembly of molecules or nanoclusters, as well as for the functionalization of the same substrate with two different species.

[The expression of programmed death receptor 1 in non-small cell lung cancer and its clinicopathological features and prognosis showed a connection with epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutations]

Objective: To investigate the relationships between the expression of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study also attempted to investigate the clinicopathological features and prognosis in NSCLC patients. Methods: The expression of PD-1 protein in 88 cases of NSCLC tumor tissues and adjacent tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The mutations of EGFR in NSCLC were detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Amplification Refractory Mutation System(PCR-ARMS) method. The expression of PD-1 and patients' clinical characteristics and prognosis were analyzed. Results: PD-1 was positive in 63.6%(56/88) NSCLC tumor tissues, which was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues (21.6%, 19/88) (P<0.05). EGFR gene mutations were found in 43 cases (48.9%), in which 30 cases (69.8%)were PD-1 positive expression. 45 cases had the wild types of EGFR gene, in which 26 cases (57.8%) were PD-1 positive. There were 24 cases of 19Del EGFR mutations, including 20 cases (83.3%) of PD-1 positive expression. 19 patients had 21L858 EGFR mutations, including 10 cases (52.6%) of PD-1 positive expression. The expression of PD-1 in NSCLC was related to patients' smoking status, lymph node metastasis and EGFR gene mutations (P<0.05). The median progression-free survival time of patients with PD-1 positive and negative expression was 7.03 and 18.66 months, respectively (P=0.007). In patients with wild-type EGFR gene, the median progression-free survival time of PD-1 positive and negative expression was 25.21 and 38.24 months, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P=0.024). The median progression-free survival time in 43 cases of EGFR mutant patients with PD-1 positive and negative expression was 21.23 and 31.44 months. The difference was not statistically significant (P=0.128). Conclusions: PD-1 expresses in both EGFR mutant and wild-type NSCLC, and its expression levelis different with various EGFR mutations. The expression of PD-1 in NSCLC is related to the prognosis of patients, and the prognosis of patients with positive PD-1 expression was poor.

Disruption of the Accidental Dirac Semimetal State in ZrTe_{5} under Hydrostatic Pressure

We study the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the magnetotransport properties of zirconium pentatelluride. The magnitude of resistivity anomaly gets enhanced with increasing pressure, but the transition temperature T^{*} is insensitive to it up to 2.5 GPa. In the case of H∥b, the quasilinear magnetoresistance decreases drastically from 3300% (9 T) at ambient pressure to 230% (9 T) at 2.5 GPa. Besides, the change of the quantum oscillation phase from topological nontrivial to trivial is revealed around 2 GPa. Both demonstrate that the pressure breaks the accidental Dirac node in ZrTe_{5}. For H∥c, in contrast, subtle changes can be seen in the magnetoresistance and quantum oscillations. In the presence of pressure, ZrTe_{5} evolves from a highly anisotropic to a nearly isotropic electronic system, which accompanies the disruption of the accidental Dirac semimetal state. It supports the assumption that ZrTe_{5} is a semi-3D Dirac system with linear dispersion along two directions and a quadratic one along the third.

Observation of Λ_{c}^{+}→nK_{S}^{0}π^{+}

We report the first direct measurement of decays of the Λ_{c}^{+} baryon involving the neutron. The analysis is performed using 567  pb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data collected at sqrt[s]=4.599  GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. We observe the decay Λ_{c}^{+}→nK_{S}^{0}π^{+} and measure the absolute branching fraction to be B(Λ_{c}^{+}→nK_{S}^{0}π^{+})=[1.82±0.23(stat)±0.11(syst)]%. A comparison to B[Λ_{c}^{+}→p(K[over ¯]π)^{0}] provides an important test of isospin symmetry and final state interactions.

[The clinical application of retractorless surgery in patients with hypertensive basal ganglia hemorrhage]

Objective: To discuss the clinical feasibility and practical application of retractorless surgical for patients with hypertensive basal ganglia hemorrhage. Methods: A total of 84 patients underwentretractorless surgery in The First People's Hospital of Huzhou from Jun 2014 to Jun 2016 were retrospectively reviewed.There were 53 male and 31 female of the 84 patients. Their mean age were 58.7 years with range: 29-74 years.Glasgow coma scale score(GCS) at admissionwereas follow: GCS 4-5 points 10 cases(including 3 cases companied dilated pupils), GCS 6-8 points 25 cases, GCS 9-12 points 32 cases, and GCS 13-14 points 17 cases.The average volume of hematoma was 50.2 (30-100) mL.Complications related tosurgery and postoperative activities of daily living (ADL) scorewere analyzed. Results: 0f the 84 cases, there were 76 (90.5%) patientswhose intracranial hematoma were removed more than 90%. Postoperative bleeding was occurred in 6 cases (7.1%), all without secondary surgery. Cerebral infarctionwas occurred in 2 cases (2.4%), subcutaneous effusion associated with infectionwas occurred in 7 cases (8.3%). Postoperative follow-up of 58 cases, 85.3% recovered well. Conclusions: With the proficiency in microneurosurgery methods, retractorless surgery couldreduce the related postoperative complications, such as postoperative cerebral infarction.

Precise Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ Cross Section at Center-of-Mass Energies from 3.77 to 4.60 GeV

The cross section for the process e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ is measured precisely at center-of-mass energies from 3.77 to 4.60 GeV using 9  fb^{-1} of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Two resonant structures are observed in a fit to the cross section. The first resonance has a mass of (4222.0±3.1±1.4)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (44.1±4.3±2.0)  MeV, while the second one has a mass of (4320.0±10.4±7.0)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (101.4_{-19.7}^{+25.3}±10.2)  MeV, where the first errors are statistical and second ones are systematic. The first resonance agrees with the Y(4260) resonance reported by previous experiments. The precision of its resonant parameters is improved significantly. The second resonance is observed in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ for the first time. The statistical significance of this resonance is estimated to be larger than 7.6σ. The mass and width of the second resonance agree with the Y(4360) resonance reported by the BABAR and Belle experiments within errors. Finally, the Y(4008) resonance previously observed by the Belle experiment is not confirmed in the description of the BESIII data.

Evidence of Two Resonant Structures in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}h_{c}

The cross sections of e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}h_{c} at center-of-mass energies from 3.896 to 4.600 GeV are measured using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The cross sections are found to be of the same order of magnitude as those of e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ and e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ(2S), but the line shape is inconsistent with the Y states observed in the latter two modes. Two structures are observed in the e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}h_{c} cross sections around 4.22 and 4.39  GeV/c^{2}, which we call Y(4220) and Y(4390), respectively. A fit with a coherent sum of two Breit-Wigner functions results in a mass of (4218.4_{-4.5}^{+5.5}±0.9)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (66.0_{-8.3}^{+12.3}±0.4)  MeV for the Y(4220), and a mass of (4391.5_{-6.8}^{+6.3}±1.0)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (139.5_{-20.6}^{+16.2}±0.6)  MeV for the Y(4390), where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones systematic. The statistical significance of Y(4220) and Y(4390) is 10σ over one structure assumption.

Comparison of cellular responses to Xanthomonas perforans infection between resistant and susceptible tomato accessions

Bacterial spot of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) caused by several Xanthomonas species is one of the most destructive diseases. Genes regulating the hypersensitive resistance and field resistance to X. perforans race T3 have been intensively investigated over the last decade. However, a comparative analysis of cellular responses to the pathogen in susceptible and resistant hosts has not been completed, which prevents the detailed understanding of the interactions between the pathogen and tomato plants. In this study, the characteristics of lesions, stomata, and pathogen colonization in hypersensitive response (HR) PI 128216, field-resistant PI 114490, and susceptible OH 88119 tomato plants after inoculation with green fluorescent protein-labeled X. perforans race T3 bacteria were investigated. Significant differences in developmental processes and the micromorphology of spot lesions among three tomato lines were observed. Our results suggested that the faster lesion development in OH 88119 plants compared with that of the other two lines was associated with a greater increase in the stomatal apertures over a longer period following bacterial inoculation. The depth of bacterial colonization and pathogen density inside infected leaves in OH 88119 were also significantly different from that of resistant tomato plants. Determination of the ultrastructural responses to X. perforans among three tomato lines revealed that cell wall defense response was the main difference between resistant and susceptible tomato lines. These results may provide fundamental information for understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating tomato responses to X. perforans race T3.

Ion irradiation induced structural modifications and increase in elastic modulus of silica based thin films

Ion irradiation is an alternative to heat treatment for transforming organic-inorganic thin films to a ceramic state. One major shortcoming in previous studies of ion-irradiated films is the assumption that constituent phases in ion-irradiated and heat-treated films are identical and that the ion irradiation effect is limited to changes in composition. In this study, we investigate the effects of ion irradiation on both the composition and structure of constituent phases and use the results to explain the measured elastic modulus of the films. The results indicated that the microstructure of the irradiated films consisted of carbon clusters within a silica matrix. It was found that carbon was present in a non-graphitic sp²-bonded configuration. It was also observed that ion irradiation caused a decrease in the Si-O-Si bond angle of silica, similar to the effects of applied pressure. A phase transformation from tetrahedrally bonded to octahedrally bonded silica was also observed. The results indicated the incorporation of carbon within the silica network. A combination of the decrease in Si-O-Si bond angle and an increase in the carbon incorporation within the silica network was found to be responsible for the increase in the elastic modulus of the films.

Amplitude Analysis of the Decays η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} and η^{'}→π^{0}π^{0}π^{0}

Based on a sample of 1.31×10^{9}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, an amplitude analysis of the isospin-violating decays η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} and η^{'}→π^{0}π^{0}π^{0} is performed. A significant P-wave contribution from η^{'}→ρ^{±}π^{∓} is observed for the first time in η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0}. The branching fraction is determined to be B(η^{'}→ρ^{±}π^{∓})=(7.44±0.60±1.26±1.84)×10^{-4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic, and the third model dependent. In addition to the nonresonant S-wave component, there is a significant σ meson component. The branching fractions of the combined S-wave components are determined to be B(η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0})_{S}=(37.63±0.77±2.22±4.48)×10^{-4} and B(η^{'}→π^{0}π^{0}π^{0})=(35.22±0.82±2.54)×10^{-4}, respectively. The latter one is consistent with previous BESIII measurements.

Safety and pharmacodynamic mechanism of ropivacaine lumbar anesthesia in Cesarean section

Lumbar anesthesia is the preferred anesthetic approach for puerperae undergoing cesarean section in China. To observe the safety of administering different doses of ropivacaine for cesarean section and its pharmacodynamic mechanism, we randomly divided 180 pregnant women undergoing cesarean section into three groups: group A, 10 mg ropivacaine (0.50%); group B, 12 mg ropivacaine (0.50%); and group C, 14 mg ropivacaine (0.50%). Pharmacodynamic index, anesthesia quality and incidence of untoward reactions of each group were observed. Group A performed the poorest and group C the best in evaluation of sensory and motory block (P less than 0.05). With regard to evaluation of hemodynamic index, hemodynamic parameters of the three groups had significant differences after medication; mean arterial pressure (MAP) of patients in group B decreased at time points T1, T2 and T3 and heart rate (HR) became much higher at T1 (P less than 0.05); MAP of the patients in group C decreased at T1, T2, T3 and T4, but HR became higher at T1 and T2 (P less than 0.05); HR of group B was higher than that of group A at T1 (P less than 0.05); MAP of the patients in group C had a significant decrease at T1, T2, T3 and T4, but HR became higher at T2 (P less than 0.05); MAP of patients in group C significantly decreased compared to group B at T1 and T2, but HR became higher at T2 (P less than 0.05). Fluctuation of oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) of all patients was between 95% and 99%. There was no occurrence of myocardial ischemia or arrhythmia. 1-min Apgar score of neonates of the three groups had no significant difference (P0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions of the patients in group C was much higher than that of the patients in the other groups (P less than 0.05). Twelve mg ropivacaine (5%) is the most suitable dose for pregnant women undergoing cesarean section as it can achieve a sound anesthetic effect and high safety and, moreover, has little influence on respiratory and circulatory functions.

[Treatment and outcome of polypropylene mesh or tape related pain after reconstructive pelvic surgery]

Objective: To investigate clinical treatment and outcome of mesh-related pain after pelvic floor reconstruction. Methods: Twelve patients were referred to Peking University People's Hospital for post-operation pain related to polypropylene mesh or tape used in pelvic floor reconstruction and received reoperation from January 2007 to December 2014. The demographic characteristics, clinical manifestation, operation method and follow-up outcome were retrospectively analyzed, and current literature was also reviewed. Results: (1) General information: the median age was 54 years old (range 43-74 years old). The median vaginal delivery times was 2 (range 1-5). Initial pelvic floor operation procedures included 4 cases vaginal mesh, 5 cases vaginal mesh plus tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), 1 case rectal surface mesh implantation, and 2 cases sacrocolpopexy. (2) Related complications: all 12 patients had pain-related post-operation symptoms including dyspareunia, perineal pain, urination and defecation difficulty. Seven patients also complicated with other symptoms including discharge and bleeding. Mean time from first operation to medical consultation was 30 months (range 1-72 months). (3) Reoperation results: all 12 patients received reoperation on mesh revision or tape, 10 cases of them reoperated by vaginal approach, while the other 2 cases by laparoscopy. The range of the mesh or tape depended on tender or firm tissue and scar by palpation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was significantly improved, which was 7.1 ± 2.2 pre-operation, and 0.9 ± 1.9 post-operation (95% CI: 4.48-7.86, P<0.01). Conclusions: Pain is one of the reason why patients was removal of the mesh or tape after pelvic floor reconstruction operation. The surgery procedure may be considered as partial or entire mesh or tape excision by vaginal or abdominal way. Mesh or tape removal surgery could relieve related pain and other complications, and the VAS score was significantly improved after surgical management.

Measurement of Singly Cabibbo Suppressed Decays Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K^{-}

Using 567  pb^{-1} of data collected with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=4.599  GeV, near the Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} threshold, we study the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decays Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K^{-}. By normalizing with respect to the Cabibbo-favored decay Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+}, we obtain ratios of branching fractions: [B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-})/B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+})]=(6.70±0.48±0.25)%, [B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pϕ)/B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+})]=(1.81±0.33±0.13)%, and [B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K_{non-ϕ}^{-})/B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+})]=(9.36±2.22±0.71)×10^{-3}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The absolute branching fractions are also presented. Among these measurements, the decay Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-} is observed for the first time, and the precision of the branching fraction for Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K_{non-ϕ}^{-} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pϕ is significantly improved.

The progress in development of edge tangential Thomson scattering system on HL-2A tokamak

The edge tangential Thomson scattering system (ETTSS) was developed for the first time on a HL-2A tokamak. A Nd:YAG laser with a 1064 nm wavelength, 4 J energy, and 30 Hz repetition rate is employed on the ETTSS. The laser beam injects the plasma in the tangential direction on the mid-plane of the machine, and the angles between the laser injection direction and the scattered light collection direction are in the range from 157.5° to 162.8°. The scattered light collection optics with 0.21-0.47 magnification is utilized to collect the scattered light of measurement range from R = 1900 mm to 2100 mm (the normalized radius is from r/a = 0.625 to 1.125). Spatial resolution of the preliminary design could be up to Δr/a = 0.016. The measurement requirements could be achieved: 10 eV < Te < 1.5 keV, and 0.5 × 10¹⁹ m^-3 < n_e < 3 × 10¹⁹ m^-3 with errors less than 15% and 10%, respectively.

What determines the interfacial configuration of Nb/Al2O3 and Nb/MgO interface

Nb films are deposited on single crystal Al₂O₃ (110) and MgO(111) substrates by e-beam evaporation technique. Structure of Nb films and orientation relationships (ORs) of Nb/Al₂O₃ and Nb/MgO interface are studied and compared by the combination of experiments and simulations. The experiments show that the Nb films obtain strong (110) texture, and the Nb film on Al₂O₃(110) substrate shows a higher crystalline quality than that on MgO(111) substrate. First principle calculations show that both the lattice mismatch and the strength of interface bonding play major roles in determining the crystalline perfection of Nb films and ORs between Nb films and single crystal ceramic substrates. The fundamental mechanisms for forming the interfacial configuration in terms of the lattice mismatch and the strength of interface bonding are discussed.

[Value of perineural invasion in prostatectomy specimen in the assessment on tumor progression and prognosis]

OBJECTIVE

To assess perineural invasion in prostatectomy specimen(PNIp)on tumor progression and prognosis after radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis including 502 prostate cancer patients admitted in Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University from December 2002 to May 2014 was studied.Differences of serum prostate specific antigen(PSA), Gleason score of prostate biopsy, Gleason score of prostatectomy specimen, tumor stage, capsular invasion, positive surgical margin, seminal invasion, pelvic lymph node metastasis, nadir PSA were analyzed in patients with PNIp and without PNIp. Logistic regression analysis, Log-rank test and Cox regression analysis was used to analyzed the data, respectively.

RESULTS

There were 91 patients with PNIp(18.1%) and 411 patients without PNIp(81.9%). Differences of serum PSA, Gleason score of prostate biopsy, Gleason score of prostatectomy specimen, tumor stage, capsular invasion, seminal invasion, nadir PSA between the two groups were found(all P<0.05). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, PNIp was independent predictor of Gleason score of prostate biopsy, Gleason score of prostatectomy specimen, tumor stage, capsular invasion(OR=1.515, 1.955, 2.069, 1.859, all P<0.05). One hundred and twenty-one patients with biochemical serum recurrence(26.7%). Serum PSA, Gleason score of prostate biopsy, Gleason score of prostatectomy specimen, tumor stage, PNIp, seminal invasion were related to biochemical serum recurrence(P<0.05). In the multivariable cox regression analysis, serum PSA, Gleason score of prostate biopsy, PNIp, seminal invasion were independent predictors of biochemical serum recurrence(HR=1.021, 1.441, 1.663, 3.257, all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PNIp is the important predictor of the tumor progression and prognosis of prostate cancer.

Effect of compound Maqin decoction on TGF-β1/Smad proteins and IL-10 and IL-17 content in lung tissue of asthmatic rats

In this research, compound Maqin decoction (CMD) has been shown to positively affect in airway inflammation of asthma models. We evaluated the effects of CMD on the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad proteins, interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-10 in lung tissue of asthmatic rats. Asthma was induced in a rat model using ovalbumin. After a 4-week treatment with CMD, rats were killed to evaluate the expression of TGF-β1 and Smad proteins in lung tissue. IL-10 and IL-17 levels in lung tissue homogenates were determined by ELISA. The expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 protein increased, whereas expression of Smad7 protein decreased upon high-dose or low-dose treatment with CMD or by intervention with dexamethasone, compared to the control. There was a significant difference between treatment with a high dose CMD and the control treatment, but no significant difference was found between high-dose CMD treatment and dexamethasone intervention. The expression of TGF-β1 and Smad7 protein increased, whereas the expression of Smad3 protein decreased in the model group compared to other groups. In the CMD high-dose group, low-dose group, and dexamethasone intervention group, the IL-17 concentrations in lung tissue homogenates were decreased, while IL-10 levels were increased. Again, there was a significant difference between CMD high-dose and control treatment, but not between CMD high-dose treatment and dexamethasone intervention. Thus, positive effects of CMD against asthmatic airway remodeling may be due to its regulatory effect on TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad7 protein levels and on cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-17.

[Construction of transgenic RAW264.7 monoclonal cell line by dual-labeling of +8-green fluorescent protein and modified red fluorescent protein phosphatidylserine]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the transgenic RAW264.7 monoclone cell line labelled by green fluorescent protein(GFP) and modified red fluorescent protein(mRFP), for investigating the mechanism of cell membrane fusion and cell biological behavior during osteoclastogenesis.

METHODS

A dual-labeling technique involving GFP and mRFP was applied to RAW264.7 cell line by pVSVG for in situ monitoring of membrane fusion during osteoclastogenesis. The live-cell imaging technology was adopted to consecutively observe the process of osteoclast formation induced by receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL). Furthermore, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining(TRAP) and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole(DAPI) staining were also used to identify the function and characteristics of RAW264.7 monoclonecell line transfected with phosphatidylserine(PS) and + 8 membrane charge.

RESULTS

The normal morphology of RAW264.7 monoclonecell line transfected with + 8-GFP and PS-mRFP was preserved. The PS and (8+) biosensors co-expressed on the membrane of monocytes. No significant difference of fluorescence density was found. In osteoclasts, (8 + )probes disappeared, while PS expressed in both internal organelles and membrane of osteoclasts. Live-cell imaging observation showed that the multinuclear osteoclasts were generated among monocytes and apocytes. All fusion processes occurred under the condition of cell adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful construction of transgenic RAW264.7 monoclone cell line by GFP and mRFP tags provided a wide field of vision for further investigating the cytoskeleton and organelles of subcellular spatial dimension in osteoclastogenesis.

[Anesthesia management of caesarean section for pregnant women complicated with Takayasu's arteritis]

Takayasu's arteritis is a rare, idiopathic, chronic inflammatory disease. Its course is unpredictable, but slow progression is usual, leading to stenosis, occlusion, or aneurismal degeneration of the aorta or its major branches. We present the anesthesia management of pregnancy in four women admitted to Peking University Third Hospital for caesarean section from year 2006 to 2015 complicated with Takayasu's arteritis and review this disease with special reference to natural history, diagnostic criteria, classification, prognostic factors, and anesthesia considerations. Anesthesiological data were retrospectively analyzed for clinical manifestations, anesthesia process, perioperative complications, and pregnancy outcome. One patient received only epidural anesthesia, while the other three patients received combined spinal and epidural anesthesia (CSEA). Surgeries for all the four patients were successful with stable vital signs. We found comprehensive examinations including whether the disease was in the active phase and the clinical classification of the disease before conception was recommended for patients diagnosed with Takayasu's arteritis. CSEA and continuous epidural block could be both used as anesthesiological method in patients with Takayasu's arteritis. During the surgery, to avoid rapid hemodynamic fluctuations and protect the major organs' function is very essential to allow for a satisfactory outcome.

[Research advances in the impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on cardiac structure and function]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in developed and developing countries. NAFLD is considered to be the manifestation of metabolic syndrome in the liver and an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases as well. Studies have shown that NAFLD patients have significantly increased the prevalence rates of the diseases including ischemic heart disease and heart failure. Therefore, whether the changes in cardiac structure and impaired cardiac function occur before the development of organic heart diseases in NAFLD patients has attracted scholars' attention. With reference to the published literature, this article reviews the research advances in the association between NAFLD and cardiac changes in adults, children, and patients with diabetes and hypertension.

Observation of an Anomalous Line Shape of the η^{'}π^{+}π^{-} Mass Spectrum near the pp[over ¯] Mass Threshold in J/ψ→γη^{'}π^{+}π^{-}

Using 1.09×10^{9} J/ψ events collected by the BESIII experiment in 2012, we study the J/ψ→γη^{'}π^{+}π^{-} process and observe a significant abrupt change in the slope of the η^{'}π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass distribution at the proton-antiproton (pp[over ¯]) mass threshold. We use two models to characterize the η^{'}π^{+}π^{-} line shape around 1.85  GeV/c^{2}: one that explicitly incorporates the opening of a decay threshold in the mass spectrum (Flatté formula), and another that is the coherent sum of two resonant amplitudes. Both fits show almost equally good agreement with data, and suggest the existence of either a broad state around 1.85  GeV/c^{2} with strong couplings to the pp[over ¯] final states or a narrow state just below the pp[over ¯] mass threshold. Although we cannot distinguish between the fits, either one supports the existence of a pp[over ¯] moleculelike state or bound state with greater than 7σ significance.