[Research progress on detection methods for human respiratory syncytial virus].

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) can infect individuals of all ages, with children under five years old, the elderly, and immunocompromised persons as the main high-risk groups. Although older children and adults often exhibit mild or no symptoms, they may still be potential carriers of the virus. Therefore, employing efficient, accurate, and rapid detection methods to timely identify infection sources and quickly halt transmission is an important means to curb the potential spread of the epidemic. However, the clinical manifestations of HRSV infection are difficult to distinguish from acute respiratory infections caused by other respiratory viruses, and the identification relies on the results of pathogen testing. This article summarizes four commonly used detection methods for HRSV based on detection principles: antigen detection, nucleic acid testing, antibody detection, and virus isolation. The advantages, disadvantages, principles, and applicable scenarios of these four methods are summarized and compared. Furthermore, the research progress and prospects of HRSV detection methods are reviewed.

Serum vitamin D level correlates with disease activity and health-related quality of life in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The association between vitamin D levels and disease activity has been established in patients with several autoimmune rheumatic diseases. We aimed to examine the association between vitamin D and disease activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). METHODS: Fifty-four AAV patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls without vitamin D supplements were included. Clinical and laboratory data were evaluated during the assessment of vitamin D levels. Two different forms of vitamin D in the sera-25(OH)D, which is the sum of 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3, and 25(OH)D3, which only includes 25(OH)D in its D3 form-were measured, and the relationship between vitamin D and the obtained data was assessed. Variations in vitamin D levels relative to the season were also evaluated. RESULTS: Patients with AAV demonstrated considerably lower 25(OH)D serum levels than healthy controls (16.0 vs. 20.4 ng/mL, p = 0.016), and the proportion of individuals with vitamin D deficiency was higher in patients with AAV than in healthy controls (68.5% vs. 48.0%, p = 0.035). Both serum 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D3 were positively associated with the 36-item Short-form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary and SF-36 mental component summary (MCS) scores. A negative correlation was observed between 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D3 serum levels and Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS), C­reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell count. Linear regression analysis indicated haemoglobin and 25(OH)D levels to be independently associated with BVAS and CRP and 25(OH)D levels with SF-36 MCS score. No seasonal variations were observed in vitamin D levels. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that vitamin D levels could provide clinically useful information in AAV.

[Differential population screening and efficacy analysis of (125)I implantation after radiofrequency ablation of primary liver cancer].

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with (125)I radioactive seed implantation in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma HCC with the tumor diameter 3-5 cm. Methods: One hundred patients with HCC diagnosed clinically or pathologically with Barcelona staging of B or C in Lishui Central Hospital from February 2012 to September 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Of the included 100 cases, 89 were males and 11 were females with the mean age of 18-80 (57±11) years old.According to the treatment modality, the subjects were divided into control group (RFA, n=67) and combined group (RFA+(125)I, n=33). Patients in control group were only received RFA and cases in combined group received RFA plus sequenced with (125)I implantation therapy. The prognosis of progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between the two groups were compared through the Kaplan-Meier curve and Log-rank test. Results: The median follow-up time period was 6-55 months in the last follow-up time point of Dec 30, 2017. The median PFS were 4-55 (23.0±4.7) and 1-53 (12.0±1.6) months for combined and control groups respectively with significant statistical difference (P=0.015). The median OS were 6-55 (42.0±7.9) and 2-55 (38.0±2.8) months for combined and control groups with the trend of improvement in combined group, but without statistical difference (P=0.444). Subgroup analysis further indicated that the PFS was significant improved in patients with residual tumor lesions who received the combined treatment (PFS: 18 vs 9 months, P=0.025). However, there was no statistical difference for PFS between the control and combined treatment groups for cases without residual tumor lesions after RAF treatment(P=0.685). Conclusions: PFS was obviously increased in HCC patients(tumor diameter 3-5 cm) who received(125)I implantation after radiofrequency ablation, especially for cases with residual tumor lesions.

Prognostic nutritional index is correlated with disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), which is calculated using serum albumin level and total lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood, is regarded as an index that reflects the immunonutritional status of patients. PNI was calculated in 217 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients according to the following formula: 10 × serum albumin value (g/dL) + 0.005 × peripheral lymphocyte count (/mm3). Pearson's correlation analysis was used to elucidate the correlation between continuous variables. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the correlation between laboratory variables and SLE Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2 K) and to differentiate between active and inactive SLE. Ninety-three patients were classified as active SLE (SLEDAI-2 K ≥ 5) and 124 as inactive SLE. Patients with active SLE exhibited lower median PNI than those with inactive SLE (39.0 vs. 49.1, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed PNI as an independent predictor of active SLE. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that PNI was significantly correlated with laboratory variables of SLEDAI-2 K, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and SLEDAI-2 K. Furthermore, in patients who switched from active to inactive SLE after treatment ( n = 55), PNI increased as disease activity improved ( p < 0.001), which suggests that PNI may be useful for estimating SLE activity.

Renal outcome after kidney-transplantation in Korean patients with lupus nephritis.

We investigated renal outcome of kidney-transplantation in 19 Korean recipients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis and compared it with 18 Korean age- and gender-matched recipients without lupus nephritis who were diagnosed with end-stage renal disease caused by renal diseases other than lupus nephritis in a single centre. We reviewed histological findings of kidneys and calculated cumulative dose of immunosuppressive agents. We assessed renal flare of systemic lupus erythematosus, recurrence of lupus nephritis and graft failure as prognosis. The mean age of recipients with lupus nephritis was 43.5 years and all patients were female. Six patients had class III, 10 had class IV and three had class V. There were no meaningful differences in demographic data, renal replacement modality, cumulative doses of immunosuppressants and prognosis between recipients with and without lupus nephritis. Eight patients experienced renal flare of systemic lupus erythematosus, but there were no cases of recurrence of lupus nephritis or graft failure in recipients with lupus nephritis. Kidney-recipients with class IV lupus nephritis exhibited a lower cumulative renal flare of systemic lupus erythematosus free survival rate than those with class III lupus nephritis. In conclusion, renal outcome of kidney-transplantation in patients with lupus nephritis is similar to that in those without lupus nephritis, and class IV was associated with renal flare of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2-binding protein can reflect systemic lupus erythematosus activity.

Serum Mac-2-binding protein (M2BP) is elevated in various chronic inflammatory diseases, and evidence suggests that glycosylation of M2BP induces discrete biological effects. However, the role of serum M2BP in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still unclear. Recently, a Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive-M2BP (WFA+-M2BP) immunoassay has shown promise in detecting highly glycosylated M2BP. In this study, by using WFA+-M2BP immunoassay, we measured serum M2BP in 203 SLE patients and evaluated its clinical significance. Eighty patients were classified as having active SLE and 123 patients as having inactive SLE. The median serum M2BP was higher in patients with active SLE than in those with inactive SLE (2.1 vs. 0.9, p < 0.001). In multivariate linear regression analysis, serum M2BP, anti-dsDNA, C3 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were associated with SLEDAI-2K. Serum M2BP also strongly correlated with laboratory variables related to SLEDAI-2K, ESR and C-reactive protein. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum M2BP was useful in predicting active SLE. Finally, following immunosuppressive treatment, elevated serum M2BP significantly decreased along with improvement in disease activity. These findings suggest that serum M2BP might contribute to the inflammatory process in SLE, and measuring serum M2BP might be a useful marker to assess SLE disease activity.

Adhesive internal hernia: multidetector CT findings and clinical relevance.

AIM: To review the clinical and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) features of adhesive internal hernias (IHs) and to ascertain specific MDCT criteria to assist in the diagnosis of adhesive IHs and the early detection of intestinal strangulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and preoperative abdominal MDCT findings of 34 patients with surgically confirmed abdominal adhesive IHs were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The specific MDCT features of adhesive IHs included the following: dislocating and clustering of intestinal segments (100%); stretching and crowding of the mesenteric vessels (100%); presence of hernial orifice (88.2%), peritoneal adhesive bands (76.5%); and the fat notch sign (85.3%). In addition, the significant MDCT features indicative of intestinal strangulation compared with those without intestinal strangulation were bowel wall thickening (p=0.009), intramural haemorrhage (p=0.007), and abnormal bowel wall enhancement (p=0.023). Furthermore, bowel obstruction occurred in 17 (50%) patients, and mesenteric whirl was apparent in 8 (23.5%) patients. CONCLUSION: This article illustrates the specific MDCT criteria of adhesive IHs. Knowledge of MDCT findings in adhesive IHs and their complications is essential for making the correct diagnosis and may help guide early clinical management.

[Clinical value of (125)I radioactive seed implantation plus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with radiofrequency ablation in treating patient with sub-capsular hepatocellular carcinoma].

Objective: To analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of (125)I radioactive seed implantation in the treatment of sub-capsular hepatocellular carcinoma (sub-HCC) with sequential radiofrequency ablation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: The clinical data of 76 cases with advanced HCC with sub-capsular nodules including 68 males and 8 females, with an average age of (58±9) years, ranging from 33 to 78 years, enrolled in Lishui Central Hospital from January 2010 to December 2016 were collected.The average maximum diameter of tumor is (5.7±2.3) cm, ranging from 3.1 cm to 12.0 cm.The patients were divided into TACE+ RFA group and (125)I + TACE+ RFA group with 38 cases in each group.The overall survival (OS) and progression free survival(PFS) were calculated.The clinical efficiency and adverse events were evaluated. Results: The disease control rate were 84.2%(32/38) in (125)I + TACE+ RFA group and 63.2% (24/38) in TACE+ RFA group, χ(2)=4.34, P= 0.04.The median PFS were 18 months in (125)I + TACE+ RFA group and 11 months in TACE+ RFA group, χ(2)=4.84, P=0.03.The FPS cumulative rate in (125)I + TACE+ RFA group were higher than that in TACE+ RFA group at 6 months (94.7%±3.6% vs 81.3%±6.4%, Z=24.1>2.58, P=0.00), 1 year (89.2%±5.1% vs 40.7%±8.3%, Z=13.3>2.58, P=0.00) and 2 year (55.9%±8.6% vs 29.6%±8.2%, Z=7.2>2.58, P=0.00). The median OS were 42 months in (125)I + TACE+ RFA group and 30 months in TACE+ RFA group, χ(2)=4.76, P=0.029.The survival cumulative rate in (125)I+ TACE+ RFA group were higher than that in TACE+ RFA group at 1 year (92.1%±4.4% vs 83.8%±6.1%, Z=23.5>2.58, P=0.00), 2 year (75.8%±7.0% vs 59.8%±8.4%, Z=12.43>2.58, P=0.00), 3 year (59.0%±8.2% vs 41.7%±8.9%, Z=8.3>2.58, P=0.00), 5 year (34.2%±8.2% vs 18.2%±8.1%, Z=5.5>2.58, P=0.00). In addition, there was no statistical difference in liver function and complications between TACE+ RFA group and (125)I+ TACE+ RFA group. Conclusion: (125)I radioactive seed implantation plus TACE combined with RFA treatment is an effective and safe treatment for sub-capsular hepatocellular carcinoma.

Identification of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitory peptides from mare whey protein hydrolysates.

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) activity is a promising strategy for treatment of type 2 diabetes. In the current study, DPP-IV inhibitory peptides were identified from mare whey protein hydrolysates obtained by papain. The results showed that all the mare whey protein hydrolysates obtained at various hydrolysis durations possessed more potent DPP-IV inhibitory activity compared with intact whey protein. The 4-h hydrolysates showed the greatest DPP-IV inhibitory activity with half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.18 mg/mL. The 2 novel peptides from 4-h hydrolysate fractions separated by successive chromatographic steps were characterized by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The novel peptides Asn-Leu-Glu-Ile-Ile-Leu-Arg and Thr-Gln-Met-Val-Asp-Glu-Glu-Ile-Met-Glu-Lys-Phe-Arg, which corresponded to ß-lactoglobulin 1 f(71-77) and ß-lactoglobulin 1 f(143-155), demonstrated DPP-IV inhibitory activity with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 86.34 and 69.84 µM, respectively. The DPP-IV inhibitory activity of the 2 peptides was retained or even improved after simulated gastrointestinal digestion in vitro. Our findings indicate that mare whey protein-derived peptides may possess potential as functional food ingredients in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Gestational weight gain and preterm birth in obese women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prepregnant obesity is a global concern and gestational weight gain has been found to influence the risks of preterm birth. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between gestational weight gain and risk for preterm birth in obese women. SEARCH STRATEGY: Four electronic databases were searched from 18 February through to 28 April 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: Primary research reporting preterm birth as an outcome in obese women and gestational weight gain as a variable that could be compared to the 2009 Institute of Medicine's recommendations. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trials for inclusion. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess study bias. MAIN RESULTS: Our search identified six studies meeting the inclusion criteria; five were conducted in the USA and one in Peru. Four studies with a total of 10 171 obese women were meta-analysed. Significant heterogeneity was found between studies in the pooled analysis. Results for indicated preterm birth in obese women with gestational weight gain above the Institute of Medicine's recommendations showed increased risk (adjusted odds ratio 1.54; 95% CI 1.09-2.16). CONCLUSIONS: Available science on this topic is limited to special populations of obese pregnant women. Generalisable research is needed to assess the variation in risk for preterm birth in obese women by differences in gestational weight gain and class of obesity controlling for significant variables in the pathway to preterm birth. This research has the potential to illuminate new science impacting preterm birth and interventions for prevention.

[Association between ultrasound screening frequency and mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma].

Objective: To discuss the association between ultrasound screening frequency and total mortality in patients with HCC before diagnosing HCC, and explore the optimal ultrasound screening frequency for HCC high-risk groups. Methods: Retrospectively collected clinical data of 615 cases of liver cirrhosis who developed to HCC from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2015. Before diagnosing HCC, all patients were divided into five groups according to ultrasound screening frequency: 0-6, 7-12, 13-24, 25-36 months and not screened within 3 years (never screened). The chance to receive curative therapy, 5-year cumulative mortalities and independent factors of mortality in patients with HCC were analyzed. Results: Chances to receive curative therapy among the 0-6, 7-12, 13-24, 25-36 months and never screened groups were 38.2%, 27.2%, 25.4%, 23.8% and 19.7%, respectively (P<0.05). The 5-year overall mortality rates were 76.4%, 77.7%, 79.3%, 82.5% and 84.6%, respectively. Compared with 0-6 months, the adjusted OR of mortality for the other groups were 1.112, 1.235, 1.305 and 1.451, respectively (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that ultrasound screening frequency, curative treatment and Child-Pugh (class A/B) were the factors to affect long-term survival in patients with HCC (all P<0.05). Conclusion: For HCC high-risk groups, optimal ultrasound screening frequency is within 6 months, and high-frequency ultrasound screening can increase the chance of receiving curative treatment, reduce total mortality, and improve overall survival.

[Efficacy analysis of radiofrequency ablation combined with 125I seed for multiple nodular hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of radiofrequency ablation(RFA)combined with (125)I seed in patients with multiple nodular hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS: The clinical data of 47 patients with multiple nodular HCC confirmed clinically or pathologically in the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 2009 and September 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups depending on treatment: RFA group(n=29); RFA combined with (125)I seed group(n=18). Survival time was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier analysis. The survival curve was compared by Log-rank test. RESULTS: The clinical data and tumor situation of patients between two groups did not show significant differences. The follow-up time ranged from 2 to 55 months. At the end of the study, the median progression-free survival of two groups were 18 months and 11 months, and the differences were statistically significant(P=0.036). The overall survival rates in RFA combined with (125)I seed group at 1, 2, and 3 years (94.4%, 78.0%, 66.8%, respectively) were higher than those in RFA group (88.5%, 68.6%, 57.1%, respectively). However, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant(P=0.554). CONCLUSIONS: For multiple nodular HCC, RFA combined with (125)I seed can prolong progression-free survival, have an advantage in local control rate, and is better than single RFA at short-term curative effect.However, its long-term outcomes should be further explored by a large-sample, multi-center and randomized trial.

Silencing ECHS1 attenuates the proliferation and induces the autophagy of hepatocellular carcinoma via impairing cell metabolism and activating AMPK.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most common cancers in the world with a low survival rate. Our previous study showed Short chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECHS1) could bind to HBsAg (HBs) and that ECHS1's localization in mitochondria induced HepG2 cell apoptosis. However, the role of the ECHS1 in energy metabolism and autophagy during hepatocellular carcinoma development remains undefined. We aimed to determine what ECHS1 does to energy metabolism and its effects on HCC progression. We performed CCK-8, EdU assays in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2 and HuH7) with stable ECHS1 knock-down. ATP and NADP+/NADPH levels were measured using an colorimetric assay. Our data demonstrated that ECHS1 silencing inhibited cell proliferation and induced autophagy. ECHS1 knockdown did not increase fatty acid synthesis, but decreased cellular ATP. This resulted in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and induced HCC cell autophagy. Our results showed that silencing ECHS1 to attenuate proliferation and induce autophagy may make it a novel cancer therapy target.

Bioartificial lung engineering.

End-stage lung disease is a major health care challenge. Lung transplantation remains the definitive treatment, yet rejection and donor organ shortage limit its broader clinical impact. Engineering bioartificial lung grafts from patient-derived cells could theoretically lead to alternative treatment strategies. Although many challenges on the way to clinical application remain, important early milestones toward translation have been met. Key endodermal progenitors can be derived from patients and expanded in vitro. Advanced culture conditions facilitate the formation of three-dimensional functional tissues from lineage-committed cells. Bioartificial grafts that provide gas exchange have been generated and transplanted into animal models. Looking ahead, current challenges in bioartificial lung engineering include creation of ideal scaffold materials, differentiation and expansion of lung-specific cell populations and full maturation of engineered constructs to provide graft longevity after implantation in vivo. A multidisciplinary collaborative effort will not only bring us closer to the ultimate goal of engineering patient-derived lung grafts, but also generate a series of clinically valuable translational milestones such as airway grafts and disease models. This review summarizes achievements to date, current challenges and ongoing research in bioartificial lung engineering.

Gene expression in breast muscle associated with feed efficiency in a single male broiler line using a chicken 44K microarray. II. Differentially expressed focus genes.

Global RNA expression in breast muscle obtained from a male broiler line phenotyped for high or low feed efficiency (FE) was investigated using microarray analysis. Microarray procedures and validation were reported previously. By using an overlay function of a software program (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, IPA) in which canonical pathways are projected onto a set of genes, a subset of 27 differentially expressed focus genes were identified. Focus genes that were upregulated in the high FE phenotype were associated with important signal transduction pathways (Jnk, G-coupled, and retinoic acid) or in sensing cell energy status and stimulating energy production that would likely enhance growth and development of muscle tissue. In contrast, focus genes that were upregulated in the low FE muscle phenotype were associated with cytoskeletal architecture (e.g., actin-myosin filaments), fatty acid oxidation, growth factors, or ones that would likely be induced in response to oxidative stress. The results of this study provide additional information on gene expression and the cellular basis of feed efficiency in broilers.

The regional and cellular distribution of GABAA receptor subunits in the human amygdala.

GABAergic neurotransmission in the amygdala plays a crucial role in mediating emotional learning, fear, and memory. In this study, expression of five major GABAA receptor subunits (α1, α2, α3, ß2,3, and γ2) was investigated in the normal human amygdala using immunohistochemistry. At the regional level, the amygdala contains a highly heterogeneous distribution of all the subunits investigated. The most intense staining for α1, α2, ß2,3, and γ2 subunits was present in the lateral nucleus (LA), and α3 in the intercalated nuclei (ICM). Six distinct cell populations that express GABAA receptor subunits were identified throughout the amygdala: type 1 aspiny cells in the basolateral nuclear group (BLNG) and superficial cortical-like nuclear region (SCLR) express α1, ß2,3, and γ2; type 2 larger aspiny cells in the paralaminar nucleus (PL) express α1, ß2,3, and γ2; type 3 aspiny cells in the BLNG express α1, ß2,3, and γ2 as well as calcium-binding proteins including parvalbumin (PV), calbindin (CB), and calretinin (CR); type 4 pyramidal cells in the BLNG and SCLR express α2, α3, ß2,3, and γ2 subunits at high levels on proximal specialised spines; type 5 cells in the central nucleus (CE) express α2, α3, and ß2,3; type 6 cells are found closely packed in the intercalated cell masses (ICM) and express α3 and ß2,3. The α1 subunit rarely co-labelled with α2 and α3 in the same cell population, while the α2 and α3 were often expressed within the same type 4 or 5 cell though not at always at the same puncta. The predominant GABAA receptor subunit combinations expressed in the human amygdala are the α1ß2,3γ2 and α2ß2,3γ2. Cells classified as interneuron types (types 1-3) contained GAD and principally expressed α1ß2,3γ2. The major projection neurons of the BLNG (type 4) are non-GABAergic and mainly express α2ß2,3γ2. The α3 subunit was found intracellularly in type 5 cells and decorating the surface of type 6 cells but rarely co-labelled with the subunits investigated. The results reveal a complex and heterogeneous distribution of GABAA receptor subtypes throughout the amygdala as well as on a variety of cell types through which inhibitory processing is carried out to maintain emotional responses, and control anxiety and fear responses in the brain.

Gene expression in breast muscle associated with feed efficiency in a single male broiler line using a chicken 44K oligo microarray. I. Top differentially expressed genes.

Global RNA expression in breast muscle obtained from a male broiler line phenotyped for high or low feed efficiency (FE) was investigated. Pooled RNA samples (n = 6/phenotype) labeled with cyanine 3 or cyanine 5 fluorescent dyes to generate cRNA probes were hybridized on a 4 × 44K chicken oligo microarray. Local polynomial regression normalization was applied to background-corrected red and green intensities with a moderated t-statistic. Corresponding P-values were computed and adjusted for multiple testing by false discovery rate to identify differentially expressed genes. Microarray validation was carried out by comparing findings with quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. A 1.3-fold difference in gene expression was set as a cutoff value, which encompassed 20% (782 of 4,011) of the total number of genes that were differentially expressed between FE phenotypes. Using an online software program (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis), the top 10 upregulated genes identified by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis in the high-FE group were generally associated with anabolic processes. In contrast, 7 of the top 10 downregulated genes in the high-FE phenotype (upregulated in the low-FE phenotype) were associated with muscle fiber development, muscle function, and cytoskeletal organization, with the remaining 3 genes associated with self-recognition or stress-responding genes. The results from this study focusing on only the top differentially expressed genes suggest that the high-FE broiler phenotype is derived from the upregulation of genes associated with anabolic processes as well as a downregulation of genes associated with muscle fiber development, muscle function, cytoskeletal organization, and stress response.

MiR-10b suppresses the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer cell by targeting FGF13.

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNA (miRNA) plays important roles in the progression of different cancers. In this study, we investigated the precise role of miR-10b in the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cell. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The levels of miR-10b in CRC cell lines were detected using quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. A series of functional assays, including cell proliferation, colony formation, wound healing and transwell invasion were conducted using miR-10b transfected cells. The expressions of E-cadherin and N-cadherin were assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Xenograft model and lung metastasis model were constructed to investigate the impact of miR-10b on the growth and metastasis of CRC cell in vivo. RESULTS: We revealed that miR-10b was markedly down-regulated in CRC. The up-regulation of miR-10b suppressed the growth, colony formation, migration and invasion of CRC cell. Furthermore, the xenograft model indicated that miR-10b inhibited CRC cell growth and lung metastasis in vivo by targeting fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13). In addition, we demonstrated that the overexpression of FGF13 rescued the suppressive effects of miR-10b on CRC cells growth, migration and invasion. Finally, the knockdown of FGF13 was able to mimic the inhibitory effects of miR-10b on the progression of CRC cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that miR-10b plays an important role in growth, migration and invasion of CRC by targeting FGF13.

Selective removal of nicotine from the main stream smoke by using a surface-imprinted polymer monolith as adsorbent.

Using molecularly imprinted polymer as a selective adsorbent for gaseous toxicants is a novel attempt. In present work, a nicotine surface-imprinted monolith (MIM) was used for the selective removal of nicotine from smoke. First, the retention capacity and selectivity for this MIM was tested by using it as the stationary phase in gas chromatography and chromatographic conditions optimized. Then, the gas phase adsorption isotherms of MIM were constructed and the adsorption thermodynamics explored. At last, the applicability for MIM in the removal of nicotine in smoke was explored. Results indicated a stronger retention capacity and a higher selectivity of MIM toward the template vapor, with a capacity factor (87.88) and a selectivity factor (10.15) under the optimized conditions. A higher standard adsorption enthalpy change for this MIM toward the template (ΔHa0 = 65.53 kJ mol-1) than that for the non-imprinted monolith (NIM) column (ΔHa0 = 47.46 kJ mol-1) was observed. The adsorption isotherm for MIM appears the BET type II shape, while that for the NIM was approximately linear. When this MIM was used as the adsorbent, it exhibited a high performance in the selective removal of nicotine from the main stream smoke, with an adsorption percentage of 99.43%.

Ectopic induction of tendon and ligament in rats by growth and differentiation factors 5, 6, and 7, members of the TGF-beta gene family.

Little is known about the regulatory signals involved in tendon and ligament formation, and this lack of understanding has hindered attempts to develop biologically based therapies for tendon and ligament repair. Here we report that growth and differentiation factors (GDFs) 5, 6, and 7, members of the TGF-beta gene superfamily that are most related to the bone morphogenetic proteins, induce neotendon/ligament formation when implanted at ectopic sites in vivo. Analysis of tissue induced by GDF-5, 6, or 7, containing implants by currently available morphological and molecular criteria used to characterize tendon and ligament, adds further evidence to the idea that these GDFs act as signaling molecules during embryonic tendon/ligament formation. In addition, comparative in situ localizations of the GDF-5, 6, and 7 mRNAs suggest that these molecules are important regulatory components of synovial joint morphogenesis.