Single-port insufflation endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy in early breast cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in female patients. In recent years, more and more studies have focused on how to improve the appearance and the quality of life for patients. This study aimed to compare the oncologic safety, aesthetic results, and upper extremity function between single-port insufflation endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy (SIE-NSM) and conventional open mastectomy (C-OM) in early-stage breast cancer treatment. Methods: In our retrospective cohort, 285 patients with stage I and II breast cancer were categorized into the SIE-NSM group (n=71) and the C-OM group (n=214). We assessed local recurrence, distant metastasis, and upper extremity function across the two groups. The BREAST-Q scale was employed to analyze differences in aesthetic results, psychosocial well-being, and sexual health. The risk of local recurrence was evaluated using multivariable binary logistic regression, while a multivariable linear regression model gauged upper extremity function and aesthetic outcomes. Results: Local recurrence rates between the two groups were statistically similar (1/71, 1.4% for SIE-NSM vs. 2/214, 0.9% for C-OM, P=0.735), as confirmed by the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Neither group exhibited distant metastases. The SIE-NSM group demonstrated higher scores in satisfaction with breasts, chest wellness, psychosocial health, and sexual well-being (P<0.001). The SIE-NSM group also exhibited superior outcomes regarding chest wall/breast pain, shoulder mobility, and daily arm usage (P<0.001). No subcutaneous effusion was reported in the SIE-NSM group, whereas the C-OM group had a 10.7% incidence rate (P=0.004). Conclusions: SIE-NSM offers comparable oncologic safety to C-OM but provides enhanced satisfaction regarding breast appearance, physical comfort, psychosocial health, sexual health, and improved upper extremity functionality. Consequently, this innovative approach is a suitable surgical alternative for treating early-stage breast cancer.

Complications after radiofrequency ablation of hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: To study the complications of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing renal replacement therapy with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the clinical data, including general information, examination results, treatment times, time interval, and postoperative complications, of 103 SHPT patients who received ultrasound-guided RFA treatment from July 2017 to January 2021. RESULTS: Of 103 patients, 52 required two sessions of RFA within a month. The incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury at the second treatment was significantly higher than that at the first treatment (first session vs. second session, 5.77% vs. 21.15%; p = .021). Of all the enrolled 103 patients, 27 suffered complications after the first session of RFA. When we separated patients into complications group and non-complication group, we detected more ablated nodules in the complications group (Z = -2.222; p = .0026). Subgroup analysis further showed that the patients in the severe hypocalcemia group were younger (p = .005), had more ablated nodules (p = .003) and higher blood phosphorus (p = .012) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (p = .002). Univariate analysis showed that age, serum phosphorus, ALP, and number of ablated nodules were associated with a higher risk of severe hypocalcemia after the first session of RFA. CONCLUSIONS: An interval of more than 1 month between two treatments may help to avoid recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Age, serum phosphorus, ALP, and number of ablated nodules were associated with a higher risk of severe hypocalcemia after the first session of RFA.

GDF11 Improves Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Acute Kidney Injury via Regulating Macrophage M1/M2 Polarization.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical emergency caused by the rapid decline of renal function caused by various etiologies. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) can promote renal tubular regeneration and improve kidney function in AKI, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the effect and mechanisms of GDF11 in ameliorating AKI induced by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). METHODS: An animal model of AKI was established by I/R method, and the changes of serum urea nitrogen and creatinine were measured to evaluate the AKI. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure cytokines, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide synthase, and arginase 1 levels. Flow cytometry was used to count the M1/M2 macrophages. IHC, WB, and q-PCR experiments were used to evaluate the expression of GDF11. RESULTS: The changes in serum levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine after I/R suggest that an animal model of AKI induced by I/R was successfully established. AKI caused by I/R significantly changed the M1/M2 macrophage polarization balance, with an increase in M2 being significantly higher than M1 as well as increased oxidative stress. Treatment with GDF11 after I/R significantly increased the differentiation of M2 cells and inhibited the differentiation of M1 macrophages, as well as decreased oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: GDF11 can promote the repair of AKI caused by I/R by regulating the balance of M1/M2 polarization in macrophages and oxidative stress.

Single-port nipple-sparing subcutaneous mastectomy with immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction for breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: This study compares the perioperative results, aesthetic outcome and oncologic safety of single-port insufflation endoscopic nipple-sparing subcutaneous mastectomy combined with immediate reconstruction using prosthesis implantation (SIE-NSM-IRPI) with those of conventional open-nipple and areola-sparing subcutaneous mastectomy combined with immediate reconstruction using prosthesis implantation (C-NSM-IRPI). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 64 early-stage breast cancer patients were divided into SIE-NSM-IRPI (n = 38) and C-NSM-IRPI (n = 26) groups. Perioperative results (operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, drainage duration, and recent complications) were then compared between the two groups. Differences in satisfaction with the breasts, psychosocial well-being, physical well-being (chest) and sexual well-being were analyzed according to the BREAST-Q scale, and survival outcomes were also compared. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 51.5 months. The incision length of SIE-NSM-IRPI was shorter than that of C-NSM-IRPI (P < 0.001). SIE-NSM-IRPI achieved the same detection rate and median number of sentinel lymph nodes as C-NSM-IRPI (3.00vs. 4.00, P = 0.780). The incidence of prosthesis removal due to infection or prosthesis exposure in the SIE-NSM-IRPI group was lower than that in the C-NSM-IRPI group (P = 0.015). Satisfaction with breasts (82.00vs.59.00, P < 0.001), psychosocial well-being (93.00vs.77.00, P = 0.001) and physical well-being (chest) (89.00vs.82.00, P < 0.001) scores were higher in the SIE-NSM-IRPI group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in disease-free survival (hazard ratio = 0.829, 95% confidence interval = 0.182-3.779) and overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.919, 95% confidence interval = 0.169-21.842). CONCLUSION: In this selected cohort of patients with early breast cancer, SIE-NSM-IRPI was comparable to C-NSM-IRPI, considering oncologic safety and detection of sentinel lymph nodes. It had a lower incidence of prosthesis removal, shorter incision length, and was associated with better patient satisfaction with the breasts. More random clinical trials of this novel approach in a larger cohort of Chinese patients with an extended follow-up period are needed in the future.

Effect of cardiac output - guided hemodynamic management on acute lung injury in pediatric living donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) after liver transplantation (LT) may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, such as prolonged hospital stay, high morbidity, and mortality. Therefore, it is vital to maintain hemodynamic stability and optimize fluid management. However, few studies have reported cardiac output-guided (CO-G) management in pediatric LT. AIM: To investigate the effect of CO-G hemodynamic management on early postoperative ALI and hemodynamic stability during pediatric living donor LT. METHODS: A total of 130 pediatric patients scheduled for elective living donor LT were enrolled as study participants and were assigned to the control group (65 cases) and CO-G group (65 cases). In the CO-G group, CO was considered the target for hemodynamic management. In the control group, hemodynamic management was based on usual perioperative care guided by central venous pressure, continuous invasive arterial pressure, urinary volume, etc. The primary outcome was early postoperative ALI. Secondary outcomes included other early postoperative pulmonary complications, readmission to the intense care unit (ICU) for pulmonary complications, ICU stay, hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The incidence of early postoperative ALI was 27.7% in the CO-G group, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (44.6%) (P < 0.05). During the surgery, the incidence of postreperfusion syndrome was lower in the CO-G group (P < 0.05). The level of intraoperative positive fluid transfusions was lower and the rate of dobutamine use before portal vein opening was higher, while the usage and dosage of epinephrine during portal vein opening and vasoactive inotropic score after portal vein opening were lower in the CO-G group (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, serum inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α), cardiac troponin I, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were lower in the CO-G group after the operation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CO-G hemodynamic management in pediatric living-donor LT decreases the incidence of early postoperative ALI due to hemodynamic stability through optimized fluid management and appropriate administration of vasopressors and inotropes.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of Chalcone Analogs Containing 4-Phenylquinolin and Benzohydrazide.

A series of chalcone derivatives (3a-3m) containing 4-phenylquinoline and benzohydrazide were designed and synthesized, and their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidepressant activities were evaluated. Using the classic antidepressant model, except for compounds 3a and 3d, 11 compounds all showed certain antidepressant activity at a dose of 100 mg/kg, among which compounds 3f, 3h, and 3m showed good antidepressant activity (inhibition rate, respectively 63.0 %, 73.2 %, and 76.4 %), which was equivalent to the positive control fluoxetine (inhibition rate of 70.0 %). Secondly, the inhibitory activity of these compounds on mouse MAOA was evaluated. At 10 mM, compounds 3f and 3j showed a certain selective inhibitory effect on mouse MAOA , while compounds 3b, 3d, 3g, 3i, and 3m had a good inhibitory effect on mouse MAOA (inhibition rate is 42.3-71.4 %). The mouse ear edema model was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 3a-3m. At 30 mg/kg, compounds 3b, 3c, 3e, 3f, 3g, and 3m showed certain anti-inflammatory effects (inhibition rate of 51.5-99.9 %), which was equivalent to the positive control indomethacin (inhibition rate of 69.7 %). Results of the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test showed that, at 30 mg/kg, excepted for compounds 3a, 3b and 3d, all the other 10 compounds can show certain analgesic activity (inhibition rate 67-99.9 %). The use of Auto dock Vina (simina) to simulate molecular target docking shows that the development of quinoline and benzohydrazide groups is of great significance to MAOA inhibitors.

Combined CT score, blood mononuclear cell count, LDH, and plasma D-dimer for viral pneumonia diagnosis: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Due to a continued increase in viral pneumonia incidence and resulting high mortality, fast and accurate diagnosis is important for effective management. This investigation examined the significance of blood biomarkers and the CT score in the early diagnosis of viral pneumonia. METHODS: Patients who were hospitalized due to radiologically-confirmed pneumonia and underwent virus antigen rapid test were enrolled. Their clinical information was compared. Blood mononuclear cell count, LDH, and plasma D-dimer were obtained. To evaluate the utility of biomarker levels in differentiating viral pneumonia from other pneumonia, ROC curves were developed to analyze the AUC. The optimal cut-off thresholds, specificity, sensitivity, and predictive values were assessed using the Youden index. The added value of the multi-marker approach was delineated using IDI and Reclassification analyses using NRI; IDI and NRI values were examined with 95% CI. RESULTS: Overall, 1163 inpatients were recruited between January 2017 and January 2021. They were sub-divided into the viral pneumonia (n = 563) and non-viral pneumonia (n = 600) categories. We found that the CT score, blood mononuclear cell count, LDH, and plasma D-dimer were markedly elevated in viral pneumonia patients. At an LDH threshold of 693.595 U/L, an AUC of ROC was 0.805 in differentiating viral pneumonia. The combination of CT score and blood biomarkers had an ROC AUC value of 0.908. CONCLUSIONS: Combining elevated biomarkers with CT assessments outperformed the CT score alone in identifying viral pneumonia. It is crucial to better characterize the significance of biomarkers in combination with CT assessments in the diagnosis of viral pneumonia.

Application of weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify the hub genes in H1N1.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying the disease-associated interactions between different genes helps us to find novel therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers. METHODS: Gene expression data GSE82050 from H1N1 and control human samples were acquired from the NCBI GEO database. Highly co-expressed genes were grouped into modules. Through Person's correlation coefficient calculation between the module and clinical phenotype, notable modules were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted, and the hub genes within the module of interest were identified. Also, gene expression data GSE27131 were acquired from the GEO database to verify differential key gene expression analysis. The CIBERSORT was used to evaluate the immune cells infiltration and the GSVA was performed to identify the differentially regulated pathways in H1N1. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic values of the hub genes. RESULT: The black module was shown to have the highest correlation with the clinical phenotype, mainly functioning in the signaling pathways such as the mitochondrial inner membrane, DNA conformation change, DNA repair, and cell cycle phase transition. Through analysis of the black module, we found 5 genes that were highly correlated with the H1N1 phenotype. The H1N1 project from GSE27131 confirmed an increased expression of these genes. CONCLUSION: By using the WGCNA we analyzed and predicted the key genes in H1N1. BRCA1, CDC20, MAD2L1, MCM2, and UBE2C were found to be the most relevant genes, which may be therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers for H1N1 therapy.

Multilevel resistive random access memory achieved by MoO3/Hf/MoO3stack and its application in tunable high-pass filter.

In this work, the multilevel resistive random access memories (RRAMs) have been achieved by using the structure of Pt/MoO3/Hf/MoO3/Pt with four stable resistance states. The devices show good retention property of each state (>104s) and large memory window (>104). The simulation and experimental study reveal that the resistive switching mechanism is ascribed to combination of the conductive filament in the stack of MoO3/Hf next to the top electrode and redox reaction at the interface of Hf/MoO3next to bottom electrode. The fitting results of current-voltage characteristics under low sweep voltage indicate that the conduction of HRSs is dominated by the Poole-Frenkel emission and that of LRS is governed by the Ohmic conduction. Based on the RRAM, the tunable high-pass filter (HPF) with configurable filtering characteristics has been realized. The gain-frequency characteristics of the programmable HPF show that the filter has high resolution and wide programming range, demonstrating the viability of the multilevel RRAMs for future spiking neural network and shrinking the programmable filters with low power consumption.

Gas Sensor Based on Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering.

In order to address problems of safety and identification in gas detection, an optical detection method based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was studied to detect ethanol vapor. A SERS device of silver nanoparticles modified polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was realized by freeze-drying method. This SERS device was placed in a micro transparent cavity in order to inject ethanol vapor of 4% and obtain Raman signals by confocal Raman spectrometer. We compared different types of SERS devices and found that the modification of polyvinylpyrrolidone improves adsorption of ethanol molecules on surfaces of silver nanoparticle, and finally we provide the mechanism by theory and experiment. Finite Difference Time Domain(FDTD) simulation shows that single layer close-packed Ag nanoparticles have strong local electric field in a wide spectral range. In this study, we provide a case for safety and fingerprint recognition of ethanol vapor at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Qualitative analysis of a class of SISM epidemic model influenced by media publicity.

Considering the influence of media lagging publicity on the awareness rate of epidemic situation, this paper introduces the accumulation of epidemic awareness variables, establishes the SISM infectious disease model influenced by media publicity, and gives the sufficient conditions for the global asymptotic stability of the model disease-free equilibrium, the stability of the endemic disease equilibrium and the existence of the Hopf bifurcation. The variation trend of different effects of delayed media publicity on the outbreak is simulated. Based on the data of A (H1N1), the interference degree of the parameters in the model is analyzed. The results show that shortening the lag time of the media report and increasing the implementation rate and the transfer rate of media propaganda can effectively control the epidemic and gradually end the epidemic.

Liver damage at admission is an independent prognostic factor for COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormal liver function is a common form of extra-pulmonary organ damage in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients with severe COVID-19 have a higher probability and progression of liver injury than those without severe disease. We aimed to evaluate the prognosis of liver injury in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We retrospectively included 502 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinical features and survival of patients with and without liver injury were compared. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the variables that might have an effect on survival. RESULTS: Among the 502 patients enrolled, 301 patients had abnormal liver function with increased neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, creatinine, troponin I (TnI), D-dimer, lactose dehydrogenase and creatine kinase. Patients with abnormal liver functions had a higher mortality rate (28.9% vs 9.0%, P < 0.001), a higher ratio of male sex (65.1% vs 40.8%, P < 0.001) and a higher chance of developing systemic inflammatory response syndrome (53.5% vs 41.3%, P = 0.007). Among patients with abnormal liver functions, patients with grade 2 liver damage (with both abnormal alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase levels and abnormal alkaline phosphatase or gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels) had a higher ratio of male patients, elevated neutrophil count, procalcitonin, D-dimer levels and mortality rate. Multivariate Cox regression analyses suggested that the grade of liver damage (hazard ratio: 1.377, 95% confidence interval: 1.000-1.896, P = 0.049) was an independent predictor of death. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COVID-19 and abnormal liver functions have a higher mortality than those with normal liver functions. Liver damage is an independent prognostic factor of COVID-19.

LINC00473 contributes to the radioresistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating microRNA­497­5p and cell division cycle 25A.

Long non­coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00473 plays a carcinogenic role in a variety of different tumor types. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which LINC00473 regulates the radiosensitivity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells remains elusive. In the present study, reverse transcription­quantitative PCR was used to quantify the expression of LINC00473, microRNA (miRNA/miR)­497­5p and cell division cycle 25A (CDC25A) in ESCC tissues. The association between LINC00473 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with ESCC was also assessed. Furthermore, Cell Counting kit­8 and colony formation assays were carried out to monitor the proliferation of ESCC cells exposed to X­ray radiation. A dual­luciferase reporter assay was also conducted to analyze the interaction between LINC00473 and miR­497­5p, as well as the interaction between CDC25A and miR­497­5p. The findings of the present study demonstrated that in ESCC tissues and cells, the expression levels of LINC00473 and CDC25A were significantly upregulated, while the expression of miR­497­5p was downregulated. The high expression level of LINC00473 was associated with a higher T stage, lymph node metastasis stage and a lower tumor differentiation grade in patients with ESCC. Following irradiation, transfection with miR­497­5p mimics reduced the promoting effect of LINC00473 overexpression on ESCC cell proliferation, and partially impeded the resistance of ESCC cells to X­ray radiation induced by LINC00473 overexpression. Moreover, transfection with miR­497­5p inhibitors partially alleviated the inhibitory effects of LINC00473 knockdown on cellular proliferation, and partly reversed the sensitivity of cells to X­ray irradiation induced by LINC00473 knockdown. Furthermore, it was confirmed that miR­497­5p was able to bind LINC00473 and the 3'­untranslated region of CDC25A. On the whole, the findings of the present study demonstrate that LINC00473 reduces the radiosensitivity of ESCC cells by modulating the miR­497­5p/CDC25A axis.

Autophagy inhibition via Becn1 downregulation improves the mesenchymal stem cells antifibrotic potential in experimental liver fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis (LF) is the result of a vicious cycle between inflammation-induced chronic hepatocyte injury and persistent activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy may represent a potential remedy for treatment of LF. However, the fate of transplanted MSCs in LF remains largely unknown. In the present study, the fate and antifibrotic effect of MSCs were explored in a LF model induced by CCl4 in mouse. Additionally, MSCs were stimulated in vitro with LF-associated factors, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), to mimic the LF microenvironment. We unveiled that MSCs exhibited autophagy in response to the LF microenvironment through Becn1 upregulation both in vivo and in vitro. However, autophagy suppression induced by Becn1 knockdown in MSCs resulted in enhanced antifibrotic effects on LF. The improved antifibrotic potential of MSCs may be attributable to their inhibitory effects on T lymphocyte infiltration, HSCs proliferation, as well as production of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and TGF-ß1, which may be partially mediated by elevated paracrine secretion of PTGS2/PGE2 . Thus, autophagy manipulation in MSCs may be a novel strategy to promote their antifibrotic efficacy.

Damaged male germ cells induce epididymitis in mice.

Epididymitis can be caused by infectious and noninfectious etiological factors. While microbial infections are responsible for infectious epididymitis, the etiological factors contributing to noninfectious epididymitis remain to be defined. The present study demonstrated that damaged male germ cells (DMGCs) induce epididymitis in mice. Intraperitoneal injection of the alkylating agent busulfan damaged murine male germ cells. Epididymitis was observed in mice 4 weeks after the injection of busulfan and was characterized by massive macrophage infiltration. Epididymitis was coincident with an accumulation of DMGCs in the epididymis. In contrast, busulfan injection into mice lacking male germ cells did not induce epididymitis. DMGCs induced innate immune responses in epididymal epithelial cells (EECs), thereby upregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), as well as the chemokines such as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-5 (MCP-5), and chemokine ligand-10 (CXCL10). These results suggest that male germ cell damage may induce noninfectious epididymitis through the induction of innate immune responses in EECs. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying noninfectious epididymitis, which might aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Correction: PID1 alters the antilipolytic action of insulin and increases lipolysis via inhibition of AKT/PKA pathway activation.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214606.].

PID1 alters the antilipolytic action of insulin and increases lipolysis via inhibition of AKT/PKA pathway activation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phosphotyrosine interaction domain containing 1 (PID1) on the insulin-induced activation of the AKT (protein kinase B)/protein kinase A (PKA)/hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) pathway and lipolysis. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either chow or a high-fat diet (HFD). The levels of insulin, glycerol, free fatty acids (FFAs) and PID1 mRNA expression were measured in the 2 groups. Furthermore, we examined the role of PID1 in the regulation of the AKT/PKA/HSL cascade and lipolysis in the 3T3-L1 cell line. RESULTS: Adipose tissue from HFD rats exhibited elevated PID1 expression, which showed a positive correlation with insulin levels and lipolysis. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, we found that the antilipolytic effect of insulin is mediated by AKT and that phosphorylated AKT results in the promotion of PDE3B expression, the dephosphorylation of PKA and HSL and the suppression of glycerol release. However, overexpression of PID1 and treatment with 1 µM isoproterenol and 100 nM insulin for 24 h resulted in an increased release of glycerol and a noticeable inhibition of AKT phosphorylation, PDE3B expression and the phosphorylation of PKA/HSL in 3T3-L1 cells. In contrast, knockdown of PID1 and treatment with the above reagents inhibited lipolysis and activated the phosphorylation of AKT, which resulted in the dephosphorylation of PKA and HSL. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that PID1 in adipose tissue increases lipolysis by altering the antilipolytic action of insulin. This suggests that PID1 may represent a new therapeutic target to ameliorate adipocyte lipolysis and hence improve insulin sensitivity.

[Establishing Glioma-associated Oncogene Homolog 1 Genetic Lineage-tracing Mice for Studies on Hepatic Fibrosis].

OBJECTIVE: To establish Gli1-CreERt2; tdTomato genetic lineage-tracing mice for studies on hepatic fibrosis. METHODS: Offspring of ROSA26 td Tomato (tdTomato) mice and Gli1-CreERt2 mice (Gli1 mice) were obtained, with Gli1-CreERt2; tdTomato genotype being identified by PCR. The mice model of hepatic fibrosis was induced with CCl4. Their liver samples were taken. The formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples were prepared for HE staining and Masson staining. The expression of tdTomato was observed under immunofluorescent microscope. RESULTS: An ideal number of Gli1-CreERt2; tdTomato genetic lineage-tracing mice were harvested. The differences in fertility between the parental and the offspring mice were not significant (P>0.05). Pseudolobular formation occurred in the CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis model mice. Enhanced red fluoresce was observed in the model mice. CONCLUSION: Gli1-CreERt2; tdTomato genetic lineage-tracing mice can be used to monitor the cell source of fibrous tissues, its transition as well as the underlying mechanism of pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.

[Biodiversity of subalpine meadow in Heyeping of Luya Mountain, China.] / èŠ¦èŠ½å±±è·å¶åªäºšé«˜å±±è‰ç”¸ç”Ÿç‰©å¤šæ ·æ€§.

In this study, investigation on plant community was conducted in Heyeping subalpine meadow of Luya Mountain in Shanxi Province of China. The importance values of 36 herbaceous species, α diversity index, phylogenetic diversity index, as well as their correlations were investigated. The results showed that the species diversity of the subalpine meadow was uniformly distributed. Species richness was higher in marginal areas, indicating an 'edge effect'. The phylogenetic structure of four plots was convergent and that of 12 plots was dispersive. The phylogenetic diversity index (PD) was positively correlated with the Petrick index, Simpson index and Shannon index, while there was no significant correlation of either the net relatedness index (NRI) or the nearest taxon index (NTI) to the α diversity indices.

Research on preparation of phosphate-modified animal glue binder for foundry use.

In this paper, three phosphates were used as modifiers to modify animal glue binder. The structural characteristics and thermal properties of animal glue binder treated with phosphates were studied by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and derivative thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the modified animal glue binder had better sand tensile strength and lower viscosity than untreated animal glue binder. The best modification process was as follows: the optimal amount of sodium carbonate was 4 wt% to animal glue; the optimal weight ratio of the modifiers was sodium pyrophosphate : sodium tripolyphosphate : sodium hexametaphosphate : animal glue = 3 : 3 : 4 : 100, and the optimal reaction should be performed at 80°C for a reaction time of 120 min. A final tensile strength of approximately 3.20 MPa was achieved and the viscosity value was approximately 880 mPa s.