[Effects of small GTP-binding protein GDP dissociation stimulator on adipocyte hypertrophy and glucose metabolism disorder in mice].

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of small GTP-binding protein GDP dissociation stimulator (SmgGDS) on the development of obesity. Methods: (1) 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to normal diet and high fat diet group, with 6 mice in each group. They were fed regular feed and a high fat diet containing 60% fat for 4 months, respectively. The expression of SmgGDS in epididymal adipose tissue (eWAT), liver, and skeletal muscle were measured using Western-blot. (2) 6-week-old wild-type (WT) and SmgGDS knockdown (KD) mice were divided into four groups, each receiving high fat diet for 4 months (7 in each group) and 7 months (9 in each group). Glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were conducted; The weight, adipose tissue, and liver weight of mice were recorded; HE staining examined adipose tissue structural changes; Western-blot determined extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation levels in eWAT; Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect mRNA levels of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), C/EBPß and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in eWAT. (3) Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) extracted from WT and KD mice were induced for differentiation. Oil red O staining and Western-blot were used to detect lipid droplet and expression of SmgGDS and phospho-ERK; C/EBPα, C/EBPß and PPARγ mRNA levels were measured using RT-qPCR. (4) 10-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into two groups, with 7 mice in each group. Mice were infected with SmgGDS overexpressing adeno-associated virus (AAV-SmgGDS) or empty vector intraperitoneally, then fed with high fat diet. After 4 weeks, performed GTT and ITT; Recorded the weight and adipose tissue weight of mice; HE staining was used to analyze structural changes of eWAT; Western-blot was used to detect the phosphorylation level of ERK in eWAT. Results: (1) The expression of SmgGDS was significantly upregulated in eWAT of high fat diet fed mice (normal diet group: 0.218±0.037, high fat diet group:0.439±0.072, t=2.74, P=0.034). (2) At 4 months of high fat diet intervention, the glucose tolerance (60 minutes after glucose injection, WT group: 528 mg/dl±21 mg/dl, KD group: 435 mg/dl±17 mg/dl, t=3.47, P=0.030; 90 minutes, WT group: 463 mg/dl±24 mg/dl, KD group: 366 mg/dl±18 mg/dl, t=3.23, P=0.047;120 minutes, WT group: 416 mg/dl±21 mg/dl, KD group: 297 mg/dl±16 mg/dl, t=4.49, P=0.005) and insulin sensitivity (15 minutes after insulin injection, WT group: 77.79%±3.45%, KD group: 54.30%±2.92%, t=3.49, P=0.005; 30 minutes, WT group: 62.27%±5.31%, KD group: 42.25%±1.85%, t=2.978, P=0.024; 90 minutes, WT group: 85.69%±6.63%, KD group: 64.71%±5.41%, t=3.120, P=0.016) of KD mice were significantly improved compared to the WT group, with an increase in eWAT weight ratio (WT: 4.19%±0.18%, KD: 5.12%±0.37%, t=2.28, P=0.042), but a decrease in average adipocyte area (WT group: 5221 µm²±241 µm², KD group: 4410 µm²±196 µm², t=2.61, P=0.026). After 7 months of high fat diet, the eWAT weight ratio of KD mice decreased (WT: 5.02%±0.20%, KD: 3.88%±0.21%, t=3.92, P=0.001) and adipocyte size decreased (WT group: 6 783 µm²±390 µm², KD group: 4785 µm²±303 µm², t=4.05, P=0.002). The phospho-ERK1 in eWAT increased (WT group: 0.174±0.056, KD group: 0.588±0.147, t=2.64, P=0.025), and mRNA level of PPARγ significantly decreased (WT group: 1.018±0.128, KD group: 0.029±0.015, t=7.70, P=0.015). (3) The expression of SmgGDS was significantly increased in differentiated MEF (undifferentiated: 6.789±0.511, differentiated: 10.170±0.523, t=4.63, P=0.010); SmgGDS knock-down inhibited lipid droplet formation in MEF (WT group: 1.00±0.02, KD group: 0.88±0.02, t=5.05, P=0.007) and increased ERK1 (WT group: 0.600±0.179, KD group: 1.325±0.102, t=3.52, P=0.025) and ERK2 (WT group: 2.179±0.687, KD group: 5.200±0.814, t=2.84, P=0.047) activity, which can be reversed by ERK1/2 inhibitor. (4) SmgGDS over expression resulted in weight gain, increased eWAT weight (control group: 3.29%±0.36%, AAV-SmgGDS group: 4.27%±0.26%, t=2.20, P=0.048) and adipocyte size (control group: 3525 µm²±454 µm², AAV-SmgGDS group: 5326 µm²±655 µm², t=2.26, P=0.047), impaired insulin sensitivity(30 minutes after insulin injection, control group: 44.03%±4.29%, AAV-SmgGDS group: 62.70%±2.81%, t=3.06, P=0.019), and decreased ERK1 (control group: 0.829±0.077, AAV-SmgGDS group: 0.326±0.036, t=5.96, P=0.001)and ERK2 (control group: 5.748±0.287, AAV-SmgGDS group: 2.999±0.845, t=3.08, P=0.022) activity in eWAT. Conclusion: SmgGDS knockdown improves obesity related glucose metabolism disorder by inhibiting adipogenesis and adipose tissue hypertrophy, which is associated with ERK activation.

[Serum immunoglobulin concentration and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults in Tianjin City: a prospective cohort study].

Objective: To evaluate the association between immunoglobulin concentration and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adults in Tianjin City. Methods: Based on the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIHealth) cohort from January 2010 to December 2018, subjects who had completed the measurement of baseline immunoglobulin concentration and blood glucose concentration and not been diagnosed with any type of diabetes at baseline were selected in this study. The collected data included the concentration of serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE), fasting blood glucose and other potential confounders. The subjects were divided into four groups from Q1 to Q4 according to the quartiles of baseline immunoglobulin concentration. The multivariable Cox regression model was used to assess the association between the baseline immunoglobulin concentration and T2DM. Results: A total of 6 315 subjects aged (50.1±10.0) years were included. About 390 subjects were newly diagnosed with T2DM during the follow-up period. The incidence rate was 16.8/1 000 person-years. After adjusting for age, sex, waist circumference, smoking status, drinking status, eosinophil ratio, metabolic syndrome, first-or second-degree family history, and reciprocal adjusting for other immunoglobulin concentrations, compared to the lowest quartile concentration group Q1, subjects in group Q4 with the highest quartile of IgG concentration showed a lower risk of T2DM (HR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.52-0.97), and subjects in group Q4 with the highest quartile of IgM concentration also had a decreased risk of T2DM (HR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.47-0.91). Subjects in group Q4 with the highest quartile of IgA concentration had an increased risk of T2DM (HR=1.56, 95%CI: 1.18-2.07). The risk of T2DM decreased with the increase of serum IgG and IgM concentrations (Ptrend=0.018, Ptrend=0.010) and increased with the increase of serum IgA concentrations (Ptrend<0.001). No association was found between the concentration of IgE and T2DM risk (HR=0.99, 95%CI: 0.74-1.31, Ptrend=0.891). Conclusion: The concentration of IgG and IgM is negatively associated with the risk of T2DM, and the concentration of IgA is positively associated with the risk of T2DM in Tianjin City. The concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA could be a predictor of hyperglycemia and T2DM.

[Application and progress of photodynamic therapy in combination therapy of lung cancer].

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors with high morbidity and mortality. At present, the traditional treatments of lung cancer include surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunological therapy. The modern model of diagnosis and treatment tends to be multidisciplinary, individual, focusing on systemic therapy combined with local therapy. Recently, PDT(photodynamic therapy) becomes an emerging cancer treatment due to its advantages of low trauma, high selectivity, hypotoxicity, good reutilization. PDT has a good effect in the radical treatment of early airway cancer and palliative treatment of advanced airway tumor by using its photochemical reactions. Nevertheless, more attention is focused on combination therapy of PDT Combination with surgery can reduce tumor burden and eliminate potential lesions; Combination with radiotherapy can reduce the amount of radiation and improve therapeutic effect; Combination with chemotherapy achieves the combination of local and systemic therapy; Combination with targeted therapy can enhance anti-cancer targeting; combination with immunotherapy can improve anti-cancer immunity, etc. This article focused on PDT as a part of a combination therapy in the treatment of lung cancer, to provide a new treatment method for patients with poor therapeutic effect with traditional treatment.

[Selection of cochlear electrode array implantation lengths and outcomes in patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss].

Objective: To perform a comprehensive comparison on the therapeutic effects of unilateral 31.5 mm and 28 mm cochlear implantation (CI) on the post-operative hearing rehabilitation outcomes, including hearing threshold, speech recognition and quality of life, in patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: A total of 26 patients [12 males, 14 females, aged 19-71 (43±16) years] diagnosed with bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from April 2018 to August 2019 were included. Patients underwent temporal bone high resolution CT (HRCT), based on which the electrode lengths were calculated using OTOPLAN. Eleven and fifteen ears were implanted with MED-EL Flex 31.5 mm and Flex 28 mm electrode arrays respectively, via round window approach under minimally invasive surgery. The patients were followed up regularly for up to 2 years. At each follow-up, aided hearing threshold, speech recognition in quiet and noise, and Nijmegen Cochlear Implantation Questionnaire (NICQ) scores were evaluated and compared. Results: Post-operative hearing thresholds were (46.5±3.4) dB and (48.5±2.2) dB in patients implanted with MED-EL Flex 31.5 mm and Flex 28 mm electrode arrays, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P=0.074). Both hearing thresholds and speech recognition demonstrated significant post-operative improvement compared with pre-operative results. Hearing thresholds after 1-year post-operation were (32.1±1.2) dB and (32.5±0.9) dB, respectively (P=0.355). Patients implanted with Flex 31.5 mm electrode scored significantly higher at speech recognition under 65 dB sound pressure level (SPL) at most of the follow-ups (All P<0.05). Speech recognition in noise (S/N=10 dB) was also improved in patients implanted with Flex 31.5 mm electrode. All sub-divisions of the NICQ demonstrated significant post-operative improvement, and no significant difference between the 2 groups was observed apart from the"self-confidence"sub-division. Conclusions: Selection of MED-EL Flex 31.5 mm and 28 mm implantation based on pre-operative OTOPLAN evaluation can both bring significant improvements to patients' hearing and quality of life. Flex 31.5 mm electrode can potentially provide better speech recognition within a certain period after surgery.

Blood-derived amyloid-ß protein induces Alzheimer's disease pathologies.

The amyloid-ß protein (Aß) protein plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is believed that Aß deposited in the brain originates from the brain tissue itself. However, Aß is generated in both brain and peripheral tissues. Whether circulating Aß contributes to brain AD-type pathologies remains largely unknown. In this study, using a model of parabiosis between APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic AD mice and their wild-type littermates, we observed that the human Aß originated from transgenic AD model mice entered the circulation and accumulated in the brains of wild-type mice, and formed cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Aß plaques after a 12-month period of parabiosis. AD-type pathologies related to the Aß accumulation including tau hyperphosphorylation, neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation and microhemorrhage were found in the brains of the parabiotic wild-type mice. More importantly, hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation was markedly impaired in parabiotic wild-type mice. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to reveal that blood-derived Aß can enter the brain, form the Aß-related pathologies and induce functional deficits of neurons. Our study provides novel insight into AD pathogenesis and provides evidence that supports the development of therapies for AD by targeting Aß metabolism in both the brain and the periphery.

Improved anchoring nails: design and analysis of resistance ability : Tensile test and finite element analysis (FEA) of improved anchoring nails used in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc anchor.

BACKGROUND: Anchorage is one of the most important treatments for severe temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Anchoring nails have shown great success in clinical trials; however, they can break under pressure and are difficult to remove. In this study, we aimed to evaluate an improved anchoring nail and its mechanical stability. METHODS: The experiment consisted of two parts: a tensile test and finite element analysis (FEA). First, traditional and improved anchoring nails were implanted into the condylar cortical bone and their tensile strength was measured using a tension meter. Second, a three-dimensional finite element model of the condyles with implants was established and FEA was performed with forces from three different directions. RESULTS: The FEA results showed that the total force of the traditional and improved anchoring nails is 48.2 N and 200 N, respectively. The mean (±s.d.) maximum tensile strength of the traditional anchoring nail with a 3-0 suture was 27.53 ± 5.47 N. For the improved anchoring nail with a 3-0 suture it was 25.89 ± 2.64 N and with a 2-0 suture it was above 50 N. The tensile strengths of the traditional and improved anchoring nails with a 3-0 suture was significantly different (P = 0.033-< 0.05). Furthermore, the difference between the traditional anchoring nail with a 3-0 suture and the improved anchoring nail with a 2-0 suture was also significantly different (P = 0.000-< 0.01). CONCLUSION: The improved anchoring nail, especially when combined with a 2-0 suture, showed better resistance ability compared with the traditional anchoring nail.

[The effect of berberine on ameliorating chronic inflammatory pain and depression].

Objective: To explore the effect of berberine on chronic inflammatory pain and the comorbid depression and the associated mechanisms. Methods: Forty healthy male ICR mice (2 months, 25-30 g) were used in the present study. The chronic inflammatory pain was induced by intraplantar injection of complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) to the hind paws. All animals were divided into 4 groups (n=10 for each group) according to random number table: the saline group (group A), the chronic pain group (group B), the saline+ berberine group (group C) and the chronic pain+ berberine group (group D). The baseline data of pain and depressive performance were measured on the day before any drug treatment.On d1, mice of B and D groups received intraplantar injections of 50 µl CFA emulsion (1∶1 diluted with saline); mice of A and C groups received intraplantar injections of the same volume of saline. During d15-d21, mice of C and D groups received intraperitoneal injections of berberine (50 mg/kg, daily for 7 days); mice of A and B groups received the equal volume of saline. The Hargreaves tests and the Von Frey tests were conducted before the injection of CFA and on d7, d14, d17 and d21 to measure the thermal and mechanical pain thresholds. The forced swimming tests and novelty-suppressed feeding tests were performed before the injection of CFA and on d21 to measure the depressive performance. After the behavioral tests, the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) at the lumbar (L4-L5) spinal cord were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The mRNA level of chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) in the lumbar spinal cord was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). Results: Compared with group A, the thermal withdrawal latency of group B mice on d7, d14, d17, d21 was declined[(3.40±0.67)s vs (10.55±1.58)s, (7.49±1.04)s vs (11.47±1.92)s, (6.46±0.56)s vs (11.60±1.86)s, (6.04±0.54)s vs (10.33±1.59)s, all P<0.01], and the mechanical threshold was also decreased[(0.15±0.03)g vs (0.78±0.24)g, (0.23±0.12)g vs (0.60±0.16)g, (0.30±0.12)g vs (0.72±0.25)g, (0.40±0.00)g vs (0.72±0.19)g, all P<0.01], on d21 the immobility time was increased[(161.60±35.79)s vs (88.92±53.24)s , P<0.05]and the time of feeding latency was decreased[(227.40±57.5)s vs (77.25±26.45)s, P<0.01], suggesting that CFA could induce hyperalgesia and depression. After berberine treatment (daily for 7 days), compared with group B, the thermal withdrawal latency of group D mice was increased[(9.99±2.68)s vs (6.04±0.54)s, P<0.01], the mechanical threshold was elevated[(0.80±0.21)g vs (0.40±0.00)g, P<0.01], the immobility time was decreased[(92.97±44.31)s vs (161.60±35.79)s, P<0.05], and the feeding latency was declined[(105.00±50.00)s vs (227.40±57.5)s, P<0.01]. Compared with group A, the concentrations of spinal IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α in group B were increased[(29.90±4.87)pg/ml vs (21.00±5.46)pg/ml, (131.10±26.12)pg/ml vs (60.68±23.47)pg/ml, (21.54±4.93)pg/ml vs (11.39±3.66) pg/ml , all P<0.01], the mRNA level of CCL2 was upregulated[(2.21±0.60) vs (1.00±0.37), P<0.01]. After berberine treatment (daily for 7 days), compared with group B, the concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α in group D were decreased[(19.44±4.83)pg/ml vs (29.90±4.87) pg/ml , (57.82±32.28)pg/ml vs (131.10±26.12)pg/ml , (9.29±2.46)pg/ml vs (21.54±4.93) pg/ml, all P<0.01], the mRNA level of CCL2 was downregulated[(1.33±0.40)vs (2.21±0.60), P<0.05]. Conclusion: Berberine can reverse chronic inflammatory pain induced by CFA and alleviated the comorbid depression. Its anti-nociceptive and anti-depressive effects may associate with downregulation of the spinal levels of the inflammatory cytokines and mRNA transcription of CCL2.

Transcriptome characterization of HPG axis from Chinese sea perch Lateolabrax maculatus.

Here the transcriptome and differential gene expression in the adult brain and gonads of the Chinese sea perch Lateolabrax maculatus were reported. A total of 78 256 909 clean reads were generated from the adult brain, ovary and testis by using the Illumina HiSeq2000 platform and assembled into 274 909 contigs. A total of 31 683 unigenes were annotated based on sequence similarity and 20 702 unigenes were found to exhibit 8237 gene ontology terms and 3888 signal pathways. Transcripts of 26 623 unigenes were present in all of the tissues, whereas pairwise comparisons revealed that 671/367, 496/315 and 1668/580 unigenes were up-down regulated by at least two-fold between the brain and ovary, ovary and testis and brain and testis, respectively. Homology search led to the identification of reproduction-associated genes of the brain-gonad axis, including those involved in sex differentiation and maintenance. The data provided an integrated and comprehensive transcriptome resource for L. maculatus, which could be used for further research on hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis gene function, reproduction regulation and sex-biased gene expression.

[Value of heart rate as an optimum index in evaluating physical labor intensity].

Objective: To investigate the possibility of heart rate as an optimum index for evaluating physical labor intensity. Methods: From September to October, 2015, a total of 111 male young adults were selected as study subjects. A cycle ergometer was used for exercise at different intensities (20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, and 180 W) , and the exercise at each intensity lasted for 6 minutes. The subjects wore the K4b2 portable cardiopulmonary function testing instrument for the real-time monitoring of heart rate (HR) , pulmonary ventilation volume (Ve) , oxygen consumption (VO(2)) , and energy metabolic rate (E) . The origin software was used for correlation and regression analyses of HR, Ve, VO(2), and E collected at different intensities to establish Ve-HR, VO(2)-HR, and E-HR regression equations. Results: At different intensities, HR was positively correlated with Ve, VO(2), and E (r=0.8985, 0.8733, and 0.8973, all P<0.01) . There was a significant difference in the R(2) value of Ve-HR, VO(2)-HR, and E-HR regression equations (R(2)=0.8070, 0.7625, and 0.8049, all P <0.01) . The validation results showed that there was no significant difference between the calculated values and the measured ones (P>0.05) . Conclusion: HR can replace Ve, VO(2), and E and be used as an optimum index for evaluating physical labor intensity.

[Serum levels of periostin and their influencing factors in the beta-lactam antibiotic enterprise workers].

Objective: To observe serum levels of periostin, ECP, IgE in the antibiotic enterprise workers, and study the role of periostin, ECP, IgE in the development of allergic inflammation. Methods: 90 cases with asthma or rhinitis were enrolled as disease group, another 117 workers exposed to 7-ACA、6-APA dust without suffering from allergic illness, are chosen as group of dust exposed, and 192 healthy workers who didn't contact dust were chosen as control group. Questionnaires were used to learn their basic information.Lung function was determined with a portable spirometer.The expression levels of periostin、ECP and IgE in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay. Results: The exposure group and disease group had significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC) , forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(l.0)) , and FEV(l.0)/FVC ratio than the control group (P<0.05) . The disease group had significantly higher eosinophil than the control group (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the exposure group, the disease group, asthma subgroup, rhinitis subgroup of serum periostin and IgE increased, the differences are statistically significant (P<0.05) . Serum levels of ECP in the workers of asthma subgroup were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05) . Serum expression levels of periostin were positively correlated with IgE, ECP in workers (P<0.001) , serum levels of periostin were negatively correlated with FEV(1.0) in workers (P<0.05) . Multiple logistics regression analysis found that exposure to 7-ACA or 6-APA (OR=3.09, 95%CI: 1.83-5.21) , age>47years (OR=2.53, 95%CI: 1.22-5.26) , higher ECP (OR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.06) were risk factors for increased serum periostin level. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to 7-ACA or 6-APA can result in higher serum periostin level, exposure to 7-ACA or 6-APA, age>47 years, higher ECP are risk factors for increased serum periostin level.

Association between a point mutation at the -743-bp region of the transthyretin (TTR) gene and familial vitreous amyloidosis.

The aim of this study was to identify changes in the base sequence of the upstream regulatory region of the transthyretin (TTR) gene. Whole-blood DNA was extracted from ten subjects belonging to a family with familial amyloidosis vitreoretinopathy; the upstream regulatory sequence was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, detected by gel electrophoresis, and sequenced. The DNA sequence of the upstream regulatory region of the TTR gene was successfully sequenced, and a point mutation (-743A→T) was identified in six of the ten blood samples: four patients and two family members without disease incidence. Therefore, a point mutation was identified in the upstream regulatory region of the TTR gene in a Han Chinese family with familial vitreous amyloidosis.

Changes in growth factor levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of autism patients after transplantation of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the levels of growth factors in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with autism, after transplantation of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMNCs) and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs). Twenty patients received two CBMNC intravenous and intrathecal infusions, each followed by two UCMSC intrathecal injections. A 2-mL sample of CSF was taken before each intrathecal injection. CSF levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All data are reported as means ± SD and were analyzed using the SPSS 10.0 software. One-way analysis of variance with post-hoc F- and Q-tests was performed for comparison. HGF, BDNF and NGF levels in the CSF were significantly increased after transplantation (P < 0.05), while bFGF levels did not change significantly. Therefore, transplantation of CBMNCs and UCMSCs could increase HGF, BDNF and NGF levels in the CSF of patients with autism.

[Immunomodulatory effect of oyster peptide on immunosuppressed mice].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immunomodulating effect of oyster peptide on immunosuppressed mice. METHODS: ICR mice injected with cyclophosphamide (CTX) were adopted as the module group, with mice without treatment as the control group, and different dosages of oyster peptide (0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, and 2.0 g/kg) were given to the low, middle, and high groups for 15 days. The body weight, spleen, and thymus weight of the mice, structures under the microscope of the immune organs, numbers of white blood cells, ratios of T lymphocyte subsets, immune cytokines and numbers of nuclear cells, and DNA content in bone marrow were all assessed. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the structures of thymus and spleen of the mice in the CTX group appeared obscure and shrunk when observed under microscope, the number of their white blood cells declined (P=0.04), the proportion of their CD3(+) T cells in peripheral blood declined (P=0.003), the proportion of their CD8(+) T cells in peripheral blood declined (P=0.002), the concentration of their IL-5 in peripheral blood significantly increased (P<0.01), the concentration of their nucleated cells and DNA density in bone marrow decreased (P=0.04, P<0.01). Oyster could improve the structures of thymus and spleen of the immunosuppressed mice. Compared with the CTX group, the number of white blood cells in 2.0 g/kg group increased (P=0.003), the proportion of CD3(+) T cells in peripheral blood in 1.0 g/kg group (P=0.04) and 2.0 g/kg group (P=0.02) increased, the proportion of CD8(+) T cells in peripheral blood in 2.0 g/kg group increased (P=0.002), the concentration of IL-5 in peripheral blood in all the oyster treated groups increased (P<0.01 in 0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, and 2.0 g/kg groups), the concentration of IL-17 in peripheral blood in 2.0 g/kg group decreased (P=0.03), the concentration of nucleated cells in bone marrow of all the oyster treated groups increased (0.5 g/kg vs. CTX, P=0.04; 1.0 g/kg vs. CTX, P=0.02; 2.0 g/kg vs. CTX P=0.01), the DNA content in bone marrow of all the oyster treated groups increased (P<0.01 in the 0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, and 2.0 g/kg groups). CONCLUSION: Oyster peptide could improve the structures of immune organs of the CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice, recover the imbalances of T lymphocyte subsets, improve the immune cytokines and increase numbers of nucleated cells and DNA content in bone marrow, thus improving the immunologic function.

Enhancing the radiative emission rate of single molecules by a plasmonic nanoantenna weakly coupled with a dielectric substrate.

Enhancing the spontaneous emission of single emitters has been an important subject in nano optics in the past decades. For this purpose, plasmonic nanoantennas have been proposed with enhancement factors typically larger than those achievable with optical cavities. However, the intrinsic ohmic losses of plasmonic structures also introduce an additional nonradiative decay channel, reducing the quantum yield. Here we report on experimental studies of a weakly coupled dielectric substrate and a plasmonic nanoantenna for enhancing the radiative decay rate of single terrylene molecules embedded in an ultrathin organic film. We systematically investigate how the refractive index of the dielectric substrate affects the lifetime and the quantum efficiency and show that the coupled structure could moderately enhance the radiative decay rate while maintaining a high quantum efficiency.

B-type natriuretic peptide and cirrhosis progression.

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is used as a marker of cardiac dysfunction to predict heart failure mortality. The significance of the prognostic ability of BNP for liver cirrhosis remains unknown, although the levels of BNP seen in cirrhosis are high. We aimed to determine whether the BNP level is related to the stage of cirrhosis and could serve as a prognostic marker of cirrhosis (predict the 1-year all-cause mortality). We recruited 92 patients at different stages of cirrhosis and 81 controls matched by age and gender for this study. At admission, cardiac physical examination and BNP measurements were performed. Upon discharge, the 89 patients were followed up for 12 months. The median BNP levels of patients with cirrhosis were 167.0 pg/mL, which were significantly higher than those of the control group (167.0 vs 34.8 pg/mL, P = 0.001). Serum BNP levels were positively correlated with the Child score, the grade of esophageal varices, a history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and the presence of ascites and collateral circulation. BNP levels above the median were associated with an increased occurrence of death within 12 months of discharge (log rank P = 0.025), as determined by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Esophageal varices, large/medium volume ascites, and BNP levels were related to the clinical outcome (P = 0.034, 0.030, and 0.025, respectively). Together, these results suggested that serum BNP levels are significantly correlated with the stage of cirrhosis, suggesting that BNP levels might serve as a significant predictor for 1-year all-cause mortality.

Transplantation of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells increases levels of nerve growth factor in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with autism.

We aimed to evaluate the levels of growth factors in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with autism after transplantation of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMNCs). Fourteen subjects diagnosed with autism received transplantation of CBMNCs first through intravenous infusion, and three times subsequently through intrathecal injections. A 2-mL sample of CSF was taken before each intrathecal injection. CSF levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All data are reported as means ± SD and were analyzed using the SPSS 10.0 software. One-way analysis of variance with post-hoc F-and Q-tests were performed for comparisons. NGF levels in the CSF were significantly increased after transplantation (213.54 ± 56.38 after the third versus 28.32 ± 12.22 ng/L after the first transplantation; P < 0.05), while VEGF and bFGF levels did not change significantly. Therefore, transplantation of CBMNCs could increase NGF levels in the CSF of patients with autism.

The urogenital-hypogastric sheath: an anatomical observation on the relationship between the inferomedial extension of renal fascia and the hypogastric nerves.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to perform an anatomical observation on the inferomedial extension of the renal fascia (RF) to the pelvis and explore its relationship with the hypogastric nerves (HGNs). METHODS: Gross anatomy was performed on 12 formalin-fixed and 12 fresh cadavers. Sectional anatomy was performed on four formalin-fixed cadavers. RESULTS: Different from the traditional concept, both the anterior and posterior RF included the outer and inner layer with different inferomedial extensions. The multiple layers of RF extended downward to form a sandwich-like and compound fascia sheath with potential and expandable spaces which was named as "the urogenital-hypogastric sheath." Below the level of the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery, the bilateral urogenital-hypogastric sheath communicated with the counterpart in front of the great vessels in the midline and the superior hypogastric plexus ran into the urogenital-hypogastric sheath which carried the HGNs, ureters, and genital vessels downward to their terminations in the pelvis. In the retrorectal space, the urogenital-hypogastric sheath surrounded the fascia propria of the rectum posterolaterally as a layer of coat containing HGNs. CONCLUSION: The multiple layers of RF with different extensions are the anatomical basis of the formation of the urogenital-hypogastric sheath. As a special fascial structure in the retroperitoneal space and the pelvis, emphasis on its formation and morphology may be helpful for not only unifying the controversies about the relationship between the pelvic fascia and HGNs but also improving the intraoperative preservation of the HGNs by dissecting in the correct surgical plane.

Association between the epithelial cadherin -160C/A gene polymorphism and diffuse gastric cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

Several previous studies have investigated whether the -160C/A epithelial cadherin promoter polymorphism confers an increased risk of diffuse gastric cancer (DGC), but conflicting results have been reported. To explore further the association of this polymorphism with DGC susceptibility, we performed an extensive search of relevant studies and conducted a meta-analysis to obtain a more precise estimate. We conducted a systematic literature search using the databases EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Knowledge for reports published before August 2012 that met certain criteria. Information was carefully and independently extracted from all eligible publications by 2 of the authors. Twelve distinct data sets from 10 case-control studies were analyzed. They included 1115 cases of DGC and 2965 controls. Although none of the genotypes was associated with DGC risk, a slight trend of increased risk was found among A allele carriers [odds ratio (OR) = 1.237, 95% confidence interval (95%CI), 0.940-1.627], CA heterozygotes (OR = 1.229, 95%CI = 0.938-1.610), and AA homozygotes (OR = 1.146, 95%CI = 0.684-1.918). However, when the cases were stratified by ethnicity, a diverging trend occurred in AA homozygotes between the Asian group (OR = 0.710, 95%CI = 0.328-1.536) and its Caucasian counterpart (OR = 1.434, 95%CI = 0.657-3.131). Taken together, the summarized analyses of these case-control studies demonstrated that the -160A of the epithelial cadherin gene exhibited no significant association with susceptibility for DGC; however, the results suggested that it is a potential genetic risk factor in both Asians and Caucasians. Additional large-scale, well-designed studies are necessary to confirm whether AA homozygosity is a protective factor in Asians.