Physiological and biochemical changes induced by Qiangdi nano-863 biological assistant growth apparatus during rice seed priming under temperature stress / Alterações fisiológicas e bioquímicas induzidas pelo aparelho de crescimento assistente biológico Qiangdi nano-863 durante o priming de sementes de arroz sob estresse de temperatura

A huge amount of rice cultivation and consumption occur in Asia particularly in Pakistan and China. However, multiple abiotic stresses especially high and low-temperature proved to be a substantial threat for rice production ultimately risks for food security. To overcome various types of abiotic stress; seed priming is among the effective approaches to improve the rice seed germination and growth vigor. Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate physiological and biochemical modifications in Chinese and Pakistani rice varieties by Qiangdi 863 biological assistant growth apparatus nano treated water (NTW), Osmo priming Calcium chloride (CaCl2), redoxpriming hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hormonal priming by Salicylic acid (SA) under temperature stress conditions. The experiment was performed with completely randomize design conditions. Five rice varieties, nomenclature as Zhongzoa 39, (Chinese rice variety) KSK 133, KS 282, Super basmati and PK 1121 aromatic (Pakistani rice variety) were sown under low temperature (LT) (17ºC), optimal temperature (OT) 27ºC and high temperature (HT) 37ºC conditions. The present study indicated that nanopriming were the most effective treatments increased Germination Energy Percentage (GEP) (96.1, 100, 100%), Speed of Germination (SG) (27.2, 35.45, 37.1), Final Germination Percentage (FGP) (98.2, 99.1, 99.4%), Seedling Dry Weight Biomass (DWB) (0.1, 0.137, 0.14g), Total Chlorophyll Content (0.502, 13.74, 15.21), antioxidant enzymes Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)(3145, 2559, 3345 µg-1FWh-1), Catalase (CAT) (300, 366, 3243 µg-1FWh-1) and decreased Malondialdehyde (MDA) (6.5, 12.2, 6.5 µmol g-1 FW) for Zhongzao 39 and KSK 133 rice varieties under low (LT+NTW), optimal temperature (OP+NTW) and high temperature (HT+NTW) stress., Therefore, nano-priming is recommended to cope with the high and low-temperature stress conditions along with improved productivity of rice.

Cultivo e consumo de arroz ocorrem em grandes quantidades na Ásia, particularmente no Paquistão e na China. No entanto, vários estresses abióticos, especialmente de alta e baixa temperatura, provaram ser uma ameaça considerável para a produção de arroz, em última análise, riscos para a segurança alimentar. Para superar vários tipos de estresse abiótico, o priming de sementes está entre as abordagens eficazes que melhoram a germinação e o vigor de crescimento das sementes de arroz. Portanto, o presente estudo foi planejado para avaliar as modificações fisiológicas e bioquímicas em variedades de arroz chinês e paquistanês por Qiangdi 863, aparelho assistente biológico de crescimento com água nanotratada (NTW), Osmopriming cloreto de cálcio (CaCl2), peróxido de hidrogênio redox (H2O2) e priming hormonal por ácido salicílico (SA) em condições de estresse de temperatura. O experimento foi realizado em condições de delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. Cinco variedades de arroz, nomenclaturas como Zhongzoa 39 (variedade de arroz chinês), KSK 133, KS 282, Super basmati e PK 1121 aromático (variedade de arroz do Paquistão) foram semeadas sob baixa temperatura (LT) (17 ºC), temperatura ótima (OT) 27 ºC e condições de alta temperatura (HT) 37 ºC. O presente estudo indicou que nanocondicionamento foi o tratamento mais eficaz: aumento da porcentagem de energia de germinação (GEP) (96,1%, 100%, 100%), velocidade de germinação (SG) (27,2, 35,45, 37,1), porcentagem de germinação final (FGP) (98,2%, 99,1%, 99,4%), biomassa de peso seco de mudas (DWB) (0,1 g, 0,137 g, 0,14 g), conteúdo total de clorofila (0,502, 13,74, 15,21), enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase (SOD) (3145, 2559, 3345 µg-1FWh- 1), catalase (CAT) (300, 366, 3243 µg-1FWh-1) e malondialdeído diminuído (MDA) (6,5, 12,2, 6,5 µmol g-1 FW) para as variedades de arroz Zhongzao 39 e KSK 133 sob baixo (LT + NTW), temperatura ótima (OP + NTW) e estresse de alta temperatura [...].

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Lactobacillus bulgaricus and assessment of their antibacterial potential / Síntese de nanopartículas de prata usando Lactobacillus bulgaricus e avaliação de seu potencial antibacteriano

Many pathogenic strains have acquired multidrug-resistant patterns in recent a year, which poses a major public health concern. The growing need for effective antimicrobial agents as novel therapies against multidrug-resistant pathogens has drawn scientist attention toward nanotechnology. Silver nanoparticles are considered capable of killing multidrug-resistant isolates due to their oligo-dynamic effect on microorganisms. In this research study NPs were synthesized using the gram-positive bacteria Lactobacillus bulgaricus and its activity against selected pathogenic strains. Lactobacillus bulgaricus pure cultures were isolated from raw milk and grown in "De Man, Rogasa, and Sharp" broth for synthesis of nanoparticles. Lactobacillus bulgaricus culture was centrifuged and Cell free supernatant of it was employed with aqueous silvery ions and evaluated their antibacterial activities against bacterial strains i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Salmonella typhi using agar well diffusion assay. Antibiotic profiling against selected pathogenic strains were also conducted using disc diffusion method. The synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles were monitored primarily by the conversion of the pale-yellow color of the mixture into a dark-brown color and via ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy respectively. The result showed that that AgNPs with size (30.65-100 nm) obtained from Lactobacillus bulgaricus were found to exhibit antibacterial activities against selected bacterial strains. Taken together, these findings suggest that Lactobacillus bulgaricus has great potential for the production of AgNPs with antibacterial activities and highly effective in comparison to tested antibiotics.

Muitas cepas patogênicas adquiriram padrões multirresistentes nos últimos anos, o que representa um grande problema de saúde pública. A crescente necessidade de agentes antimicrobianos eficazes como novas terapias contra patógenos multirresistentes atraiu a atenção dos cientistas para a nanotecnologia. As nanopartículas de prata são consideradas capazes de matar isolados multirresistentes por causa de seu efeito oligodinâmico em microrganismos. Neste estudo de pesquisa, as NPs foram sintetizadas usando a bactéria Gram-positiva Lactobacillus bulgaricus e sua atividade contra cepas patogênicas selecionadas. Culturas puras de Lactobacillus bulgaricus foram isoladas do leite cru e cultivadas em caldo "De Man, Rogasa e Sharp" para síntese de nanopartículas. A cultura de Lactobacillus bulgaricus foi centrifugada, e o sobrenadante livre de células foi empregado com íons prateados aquosos, avaliando-se suas atividades antibacterianas contra cepas bacterianas, isto é, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis e Salmonella typhi usando ensaio de difusão em poço de ágar. O perfil de antibióticos contra cepas patogênicas selecionadas também foi conduzido usando o método de difusão em disco. A síntese e a caracterização das nanopartículas de prata foram monitoradas principalmente pela conversão da cor amarelo-pálida da mistura em uma cor marrom-escura e por espectroscopia de absorção visível e ultravioleta e por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, respectivamente. O resultado mostrou que AgNPs com tamanho de 30,65-100 nm, obtidas de Lactobacillus bulgaricus, exibiram atividades antibacterianas contra cepas bacterianas selecionadas. Tomados em conjunto, esses achados sugerem que o Lactobacillus bulgaricus tem um grande potencial para a produção de AgNPs com atividades antibacterianas e altamente eficazes em comparação aos antibióticos testados.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Lactobacillus bulgaricus and assessment of their antibacterial potential

Abstract Many pathogenic strains have acquired multidrug-resistant patterns in recent a year, which poses a major public health concern. The growing need for effective antimicrobial agents as novel therapies against multidrug-resistant pathogens has drawn scientist attention toward nanotechnology. Silver nanoparticles are considered capable of killing multidrug-resistant isolates due to their oligo-dynamic effect on microorganisms. In this research study NPs were synthesized using the gram-positive bacteria Lactobacillus bulgaricus and its activity against selected pathogenic strains. Lactobacillus bulgaricus pure cultures were isolated from raw milk and grown in De Man, Rogasa, and Sharp broth for synthesis of nanoparticles. Lactobacillus bulgaricus culture was centrifuged and Cell- free supernatant of it was employed with aqueous silvery ions and evaluated their antibacterial activities against bacterial strains i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Salmonella typhi using agar well diffusion assay. Antibiotic profiling against selected pathogenic strains were also conducted using disc diffusion method. The synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles were monitored primarily by the conversion of the pale-yellow color of the mixture into a dark-brown color and via ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy respectively. The result showed that that AgNPs with size (30.65-100 nm) obtained from Lactobacillus bulgaricus were found to exhibit antibacterial activities against selected bacterial strains. Taken together, these findings suggest that Lactobacillus bulgaricus has great potential for the production of AgNPs with antibacterial activities and highly effective in comparison to tested antibiotics.

Resumo Muitas cepas patogênicas adquiriram padrões multirresistentes nos últimos anos, o que representa um grande problema de saúde pública. A crescente necessidade de agentes antimicrobianos eficazes como novas terapias contra patógenos multirresistentes atraiu a atenção dos cientistas para a nanotecnologia. As nanopartículas de prata são consideradas capazes de matar isolados multirresistentes por causa de seu efeito oligodinâmico em microrganismos. Neste estudo de pesquisa, as NPs foram sintetizadas usando a bactéria Gram-positiva Lactobacillus bulgaricus e sua atividade contra cepas patogênicas selecionadas. Culturas puras de Lactobacillus bulgaricus foram isoladas do leite cru e cultivadas em caldo De Man, Rogasa e Sharp para síntese de nanopartículas. A cultura de Lactobacillus bulgaricus foi centrifugada, e o sobrenadante livre de células foi empregado com íons prateados aquosos, avaliando-se suas atividades antibacterianas contra cepas bacterianas, isto é, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis e Salmonella typhi usando ensaio de difusão em poço de ágar. O perfil de antibióticos contra cepas patogênicas selecionadas também foi conduzido usando o método de difusão em disco. A síntese e a caracterização das nanopartículas de prata foram monitoradas principalmente pela conversão da cor amarelo-pálida da mistura em uma cor marrom-escura e por espectroscopia de absorção visível e ultravioleta e por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, respectivamente. O resultado mostrou que AgNPs com tamanho de 30,65-100 nm, obtidas de Lactobacillus bulgaricus, exibiram atividades antibacterianas contra cepas bacterianas selecionadas. Tomados em conjunto, esses achados sugerem que o Lactobacillus bulgaricus tem um grande potencial para a produção de AgNPs com atividades antibacterianas e altamente eficazes em comparação aos antibióticos testados.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Lactobacillus bulgaricus and assessment of their antibacterial potential / Síntese de nanopartículas de prata usando Lactobacillus bulgaricus e avaliação de seu potencial antibacteriano

Many pathogenic strains have acquired multidrug-resistant patterns in recent a year, which poses a major public health concern. The growing need for effective antimicrobial agents as novel therapies against multidrug-resistant pathogens has drawn scientist attention toward nanotechnology. Silver nanoparticles are considered capable of killing multidrug-resistant isolates due to their oligo-dynamic effect on microorganisms. In this research study NPs were synthesized using the gram-positive bacteria Lactobacillus bulgaricus and its activity against selected pathogenic strains. Lactobacillus bulgaricus pure cultures were isolated from raw milk and grown in "De Man, Rogasa, and Sharp" broth for synthesis of nanoparticles. Lactobacillus bulgaricus culture was centrifuged and Cellfree supernatant of it was employed with aqueous silvery ions and evaluated their antibacterial activities against bacterial strains i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Salmonella typhi using agar well diffusion assay. Antibiotic profiling against selected pathogenic strains were also conducted using disc diffusion method. The synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles were monitored primarily by the conversion of the pale-yellow color of the mixture into a dark-brown color and via ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy respectively. The result showed that that AgNPs with size (30.65-100 nm) obtained from Lactobacillus bulgaricus were found to exhibit antibacterial activities against selected bacterial strains. Taken together, these findings suggest that Lactobacillus bulgaricus has great potential for the production of AgNPs with antibacterial activities and highly effective in comparison to tested antibiotics.

Muitas cepas patogênicas adquiriram padrões multirresistentes nos últimos anos, o que representa um grande problema de saúde pública. A crescente necessidade de agentes antimicrobianos eficazes como novas terapias contra patógenos multirresistentes atraiu a atenção dos cientistas para a nanotecnologia. As nanopartículas de prata são consideradas capazes de matar isolados multirresistentes por causa de seu efeito oligodinâmico em microrganismos. Neste estudo de pesquisa, as NPs foram sintetizadas usando a bactéria Gram-positiva Lactobacillus bulgaricus e sua atividade contra cepas patogênicas selecionadas. Culturas puras de Lactobacillus bulgaricus foram isoladas do leite cru e cultivadas em caldo "De Man, Rogasa e Sharp" para síntese de nanopartículas. A cultura de Lactobacillus bulgaricus foi centrifugada, e o sobrenadante livre de células foi empregado com íons prateados aquosos, avaliando-se suas atividades antibacterianas contra cepas bacterianas, isto é, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis e Salmonella typhi usando ensaio de difusão em poço de ágar. O perfil de antibióticos contra cepas patogênicas selecionadas também foi conduzido usando o método de difusão em disco. A síntese e a caracterização das nanopartículas de prata foram monitoradas principalmente pela conversão da cor amarelo-pálida da mistura em uma cor marrom-escura e por espectroscopia de absorção visível e ultravioleta e por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, respectivamente. O resultado mostrou que AgNPs com tamanho de 30,65-100 nm, obtidas de Lactobacillus bulgaricus, exibiram atividades antibacterianas contra cepas bacterianas selecionadas. Tomados em conjunto, esses achados sugerem que o Lactobacillus bulgaricus tem um grande potencial para a produção de AgNPs com atividades antibacterianas e altamente eficazes em comparação aos antibióticos testados.

Expression and clinical significance of B and T lymphocyte attenuator on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Background: As an immune checkpoint, upregulation of B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) contributes to T-cell exhaustion in chronic infection. However, the characteristics of BTLA on T cells of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) are still uncovered. Aims: The aim of the study was to elucidate the dynamics and clinical significance of BTLA expression on circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of PTB patients. Materials and Methods: BTLA expression on T cells from PTB patients with smear positivity (n = 86) and healthy controls (HCs) (n = 40) were determined using flow cytometry. Results: The levels of BTLA expression on circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of PTB patients with smear positivity were both upregulated, compared with HC. At the same time, the levels of BTLA expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of patients with retreatment were both higher than that of those with initial treatment and gradually upregulated along with the increase of the bacillary load in sputum. In addition, the patients with lung cavity were discovered to present higher levels of BTLA expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells than those without lung cavity. Whereas we noted that there was no correlation between the levels of BTLA expression and the positivity or negativity of anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibody. Conclusions: The levels of BTLA expression were upregulated on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of PTB patients and associated with disease progression. Thereby, BTLA expression on T cells may be considered as a potential clinical indicator and utilized as a therapeutic target for PTB.

Microbiological and chest X-ray studies on influenza B virus-associated pneumonia

Introduction: The signs and symptoms of influenza B are commonly ignored. Therefore, very few clinical reports are available. This study is an attempt to evaluate the clinical features and characteristics of influenza B virus-associated pneumonia patients. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the microbiological and characteristics of influenza B virus-associated pneumonia patients. Methodology: Patients with <16 years old with a clinical diagnosis of influenza B virus infection and who had chest radiography within 2 days were enrolled. A total of 49 patients were categorised as the pneumonia group by clinical symptoms and chest X-ray (CXR) findings, whereas 107 patients were categorised as the non-pneumonia group based on the laboratory data and normal CXR findings. Results: The study observed that the age of the patients in the pneumonia group was significantly younger than the non-pneumonia group. The white blood cell (WBC) count of the pneumonia group was also higher. However, the haemoglobin (Hgb) level was lower in the pneumonia group. The C-reactive protein (CRP) level of the pneumonia group was also significantly high. The CXR findings revealed that 28.57% of patients had alveolar consolidation, 32.65% had interstitial infiltration and 40.82% had ground glass opacity. Conclusions: High clinical suspicion is required to detect pneumonia in influenza B virus patients. Based on the CXR findings, the study also suggests that patients with pleural effusion and positive bacterial culture need more attention for the severity of clinical outcome. Moreover, critical care should be given to paediatric patients having higher WBC count, higher CRP level and lower Hgb. These parameters would be helpful to differentiate primary pneumonia from non-pneumonic influenza.

Sclerosing pneumocytoma with metastasis to the mediastinal and regional lymph nodes

Sclerosing pneumocytoma (SP) is an uncommon benign tumor, and metastasis of SP has been rarely reported. Here, we report the case of a 26-year-old woman with surgically confirmed SP. The tumor diameter was 40 mm, and metastasis to mediastinal and regional lymph nodes was observed. Immunohistochemically, both surface and round cells were positive for epithelial membrane antigen, thyroid transcription factor 1, and vimentin. Only surface cells expressed creatine kinase, carcinoembryonic antigen, napsin A, and cytokeratin 7, and only round cells expressed progesterone receptor. Ki-67 was detected in ~3% of cells, and the rate of weak positive p53 staining was 3%. Both cell types were negative for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CD3, and CK20. Multiple metastases in a young SP patient are very rare, and potential mechanisms of metastasis may be related to epithelial–mesenchymal transformation.

Sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis with multiple atypical features: A case report and literature review

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, genetically determined, progressive interstitial lung disease, which almost exclusively affects women, especially at the childbearing age. The initial symptoms and radiographic changes in a patient with LAM are always associated with the respiratory system. Here, we present a case of mediastinal and abdominal LAM of a 22-year-old male, where LAM cells are negative for human melanoma black-45 ( HMB-45). The report of this uncharacterized LAM case will make a significant contribution to the realization of LAM associated clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and its afterward treatments.

Bevacizumab and gefitinib enhanced whole-brain radiation therapy for brain metastases due to non-small-cell lung cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who experience brain metastases are usually associated with poor prognostic outcomes. This retrospective study proposed to assess whether bevacizumab or gefitinib can be used to improve the effectiveness of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in managing patients with brain metastases. A total of 218 NSCLC patients with multiple brain metastases were retrospectively included in this study and were randomly allocated to bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT group (n=76), gefitinib-WBRT group (n=77) and WBRT group (n=75). Then, tumor responses were evaluated every 2 months based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.0. Karnofsky performance status and neurologic examination were documented every 6 months after the treatment. Compared to the standard WBRT, bevacizumab and gefitinib could significantly enhance response rate (RR) and disease control rate (DCR) of WBRT (P<0.001). At the same time, RR and DCR of patients who received bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT were higher than those who received gefitinib-WBRT. The overall survival (OS) rates and progression-free survival (PFS) rates also differed significantly among the bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT (48.6 and 29.8%), gefitinib-WBRT (36.7 and 29.6%) and WBRT (9.8 and 14.6%) groups (P<0.05). Although bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT was slightly more toxic than gefitinib-WBRT, the toxicity was tolerable. As suggested by prolonged PFS and OS status, bevacizumab substantially improved the overall efficacy of WBRT in the management of patients with NSCLC.

Antiviral activity of shikonin ester derivative PMM-034 against enterovirus 71 in vitro

Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), particularly in infants and children below 4 years of age. Shikonin is a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial activities derived from the roots of the Chinese medicinal herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon. This study aimed to examine the antiviral activity of PMM-034, a shikonin ester derivative, against EV71 in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. Cytotoxicity of PMM-034 on RD cells was determined using WST-1 assay. Dose- and time-dependent effects of PMM-034 on EV71 replication in RD cells were determined using plaque reduction assay. mRNA expression levels of EV71/VP1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were determined by real-time RT-PCR, and EV71/VP1 and phospho-p65 protein expressions were determined by western blot analysis. PMM-034 exhibited only weak cytotoxicity against RD cells. However, PMM-034 exhibited significant antiviral activity against EV71 in RD cells with 50% inhibitory concentration of 2.31 μg/mL. The VP1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in cells treated with PMM-034. Furthermore, relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α significantly decreased in the cells treated with PMM-034, while the phospho-p65 protein expression was also significantly lower in the treated cells. These results indicated that PMM-034 suppressed the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RD cells, exhibiting antiviral activity against EV71, as evidenced by the reduced VP1 mRNA and protein levels in PMM-034-treated cells. Thus, PMM-034 is a promising candidate for further development as an EV71 inhibitor.

Application of data mining techniques to explore predictors of upper urinary tract damage in patients with neurogenic bladder

This study proposed a decision tree model to screen upper urinary tract damage (UUTD) for patients with neurogenic bladder (NGB). Thirty-four NGB patients with UUTD were recruited in the case group, while 78 without UUTD were included in the control group. A decision tree method, classification and regression tree (CART), was then applied to develop the model in which UUTD was used as a dependent variable and history of urinary tract infections, bladder management, conservative treatment, and urodynamic findings were used as independent variables. The urethra function factor was found to be the primary screening information of patients and treated as the root node of the tree; Pabd max (maximum abdominal pressure, >14 cmH2O), Pves max (maximum intravesical pressure, ≤89 cmH2O), and gender (female) were also variables associated with UUTD. The accuracy of the proposed model was 84.8%, and the area under curve was 0.901 (95%CI=0.844-0.958), suggesting that the decision tree model might provide a new and convenient way to screen UUTD for NGB patients in both undeveloped and developing areas.

Molecular characterization of ascaris from Tibetan pigs by three mitochondrial markers of nad1, cox1 and cox2

Ascaris is a helminthic parasite, which infects a wide range of host species causing ascariasis, a predominant disease worldwide. This parasite causes significant economic losses to the pig industry. The current study was designed to determine the Ascaris nematode by the genetic characterization of three mitochondrial (mt) genes namely NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1), cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and cytochrome oxidase subunit 2 (cox2). A high infection rate of Ascaris nematode has been found in Tibetan pigs at the slaughter houses in Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The nad1, cox1 and cox2 genes sequences collected from adult Ascaris individuals were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The cloned-amplicons and the positive products were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed. The results indicated that the Ascaris infecting the Tibetan pigs were Ascaris suum (A. suum). This is the first report on the isolation, identification and genetic characterization of three mitochondrial genomes (nad1, cox1, and cox2) of A. suum originated from Tibetan pigs at high altitudes in Tibet.

Analyzing gene expression profiles in dilated cardiomyopathy via bioinformatics methods

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by ventricular dilatation, and it is a common cause of heart failure and cardiac transplantation. This study aimed to explore potential DCM-related genes and their underlying regulatory mechanism using methods of bioinformatics. The gene expression profiles of GSE3586 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 15 normal samples and 13 DCM samples. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between normal and DCM samples using Limma package in R language. Pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs was then performed. Meanwhile, the potential transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) of these DEGs were predicted based on their binding sequences. In addition, DEGs were mapped to the cMap database to find the potential small molecule drugs. A total of 4777 genes were identified as DEGs by comparing gene expression profiles between DCM and control samples. DEGs were significantly enriched in 26 pathways, such as lymphocyte TarBase pathway and androgen receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, potential TFs (SP1, LEF1, and NFAT) were identified, as well as potential miRNAs (miR-9, miR-200 family, and miR-30 family). Additionally, small molecules like isoflupredone and trihexyphenidyl were found to be potential therapeutic drugs for DCM. The identified DEGs (PRSS12 and FOXG1), potential TFs, as well as potential miRNAs, might be involved in DCM.

Promoting inflammatory lymphangiogenesis by vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) aggravated intestinal inflammation in mice with experimental acute colitis

Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, it is not understood if inflammatory lymphangiogenesis is a pathological consequence or a productive attempt to resolve the inflammation. This study investigated the effect of lymphangiogenesis on intestinal inflammation by overexpressing a lymphangiogenesis factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), in a mouse model of acute colitis. Forty eight-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were treated with recombinant adenovirus overexpressing VEGF-C or with recombinant VEGF-C156S protein. Acute colitis was then established by exposing the mice to 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 7 days. Mice were evaluated for disease activity index (DAI), colonic inflammatory changes, colon edema, microvessel density, lymphatic vessel density (LVD), and VEGFR-3mRNA expression in colon tissue. When acute colitis was induced in mice overexpressing VEGF-C, there was a significant increase in colonic epithelial damage, inflammatory edema, microvessel density, and neutrophil infiltration compared to control mice. These mice also exhibited increased lymphatic vessel density (73.0±3.9 vs 38.2±1.9, P<0.001) and lymphatic vessel size (1974.6±104.3 vs 1639.0±91.5, P<0.001) compared to control mice. Additionally, the expression of VEGFR-3 mRNA was significantly upregulated in VEGF-C156S mice compared to DSS-treated mice after induction of colitis (42.0±1.4 vs 3.5±0.4, P<0.001). Stimulation of lymphangiogenesis by VEGF-C during acute colitis promoted inflammatory lymphangiogenesis in the colon and aggravated intestinal inflammation. Inflammatory lymphangiogenesis may have pleiotropic effects at different stages of IBD.

Quality of life and survival after II stage nonsmall cell carcinoma surgery: Video‑assisted thoracic surgery versus thoracotomy lobectomy.

PURPOSE: Due to the improvement of thoracoscopic thchnology and surgeon’s ability, plenty of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was treated by video‑assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). This study was designed to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) and survival in II stage NSCLC patients following lobectomy, comparing VATS with thoracotomy. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2012, 217 II stage NSCLC patients (VATS: 114 patients, OPEN: 103 patients) were enrolled in a long‑standing, prospective observational lung cancer surgery outcomes study. Short‑form 36 health survey (SF‑36) and time to progression (TTP) were measured to evaluate the QOL and postoperative survival. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups in the preoperative radiation therapy and differentiation, and the VATS group had less postoperative complication, blood loss, intraoperative fluid administration, and shorter length of stay. Statistical analysis of SF‑36 questionnaire revealed that VATS group score was higher on seven health dimensions: Bodily pain (BP), energy (EG), general health, physical functioning, mental health, SF, and role‑physical (RP), but only BP, EG, and RP have statistical significance. Using survival analysis, there was no significant difference between VATS and OPEN group, in which the mean TTP of VATS group is 18.5 months, while OPEN group is 20 months. CONCLUSIONS: VATS lobectomy tends to score higher on the QOL and functioning scales and has equivalent postsurgical survival compared with OPEN lobectomy for II stage nonsmall cell carcinoma patients.

Transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy increases expression level of miR‑142‑5p in stage III colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression level of miR-142-5p and its potential target gene endothelial PAS domain protein 1(EPAS1) in Stage III colorectal cancer during Transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy (TAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Illumina high-throughput sequencing was used to obtain miRNA expression profiles of paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues from one patient received TAI 1 week before the operation and another patient directly underwent an operation. The expression levels of miR-142-5p was measured with both high-throughput sequencing and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The expression levels of miR-142-5p, were significantly reduced in tumor tissues of stage III CRC, then significantly increased in tumor tissues receiving TAI and higher than tumor tissues without TAI. The apoptosis rate of HT-29 colon cancer cells was mildly increased after transfection with pre-miR-142. miR-142-5p could bind directly to the 3´untranslated region of endothelial PAS domain protein 1 and reduce its expression. CONCLUSIONS: miR-142-5p is a potential tumor suppressor in CRC and is upregulated in tumor tissues after TAI, suggesting its potential clinical values for testing the functionality of TAI and predicting the progress of CRC.

Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductasel reductase C677T polymorphisms and esophageal cancer susceptibility: A meta‑analysis based on Chinese Han population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this meta‑analysis was to assess the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphisms and esophageal cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Wanfang, and CNIK was electronic searched to find the case–control or cohort study about the relationship between MTHFR gene C677T polymorphisms and esophageal cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han population. The odds ratio (OR) was used to assess the relationship between CC, CT, and TT genotype and esophageal cancer risk. The data were pooled using Stata 11.0 software. RESULTS: Eight articles included 1752 esophageal cancer and 2363 controls were found and included in this meta‑analysis. The pooled OR was 1.86 with its 95% confidence interval of 1.21–2.86 and 1.62 with its 95% confidence interval of 1.15–2.27 for TT versus CC and CT versus CC model which indicated that people with TT OR CT genotype significant increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. CONCLUSION: Esophageal cancer risk was significantly increased in people with TT/CT genotype of MTHFR gene.

Puerarin protects against damage to spatial learning and memory ability in mice with chronic alcohol poisoning

We evaluated the effect of puerarin on spatial learning and memory ability of mice with chronic alcohol poisoning. A total of 30 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into model, puerarin, and control groups (n=10 each). The model group received 60% (v/v) ethanol by intragastric administration followed by intraperitoneal injection of normal saline 30 min later. The puerarin group received intragastric 60% ethanol followed by intraperitoneal puerarin 30 min later, and the control group received intragastric saline followed by intraperitoneal saline. Six weeks after treatment, the Morris water maze and Tru Scan behavioral tests and immunofluorescence staining of cerebral cortex and hippocampal neurons (by Neu-N) and microglia (by Ib1) were conducted. Glutamic acid (Glu) and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) in the cortex and hippocampus were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β were determined by ELISA. Compared with mice in the control group, escape latency and distance were prolonged, and spontaneous movement distance was shortened (P<0.05) by puerarin. The number of microglia was increased in both the cortex and hippocampal dentate gyrus (P<0.01), and neurons were reduced only in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (P<0.01) in puerarin-treated mice. In the model group, Glu and GABA levels decreased (P<0.05), and Glu/GABA, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased (P<0.01) with puerarin treatment, returning to near normal levels. In conclusion, puerarin protected against the effects of chronic alcohol poisoning on spatial learning and memory ability primarily because of anti-inflammatory activity and regulation of the balance of Glu and GABA.

Caffeic acid improves cell viability and protects against DNA damage: involvement of reactive oxygen species and extracellular signal-regulated kinase

Hormesis is an adaptive response to a variety of oxidative stresses that renders cells resistant to harmful doses of stressing agents. Caffeic acid (CaA) is an important antioxidant that has protective effects against DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, whether CaA-induced protection is a hormetic effect remains unknown, as is the molecular mechanism that is involved. We found that a low concentration (10 μM) of CaA increased human liver L-02 cell viability, attenuated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-mediated decreases in cell viability, and decreased the extent of H2O2-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). In L-02 cells exposed to H2O2, CaA treatment reduced ROS levels, which might have played a protective role. CaA also activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signal pathway in a time-dependent manner. Inhibition of ERK by its inhibitor U0126 or by its specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) blocked the CaA-induced improvement in cell viability and the protective effects against H2O2-mediated DNA damage. This study adds to the understanding of the antioxidant effects of CaA by identifying a novel molecular mechanism of enhanced cell viability and protection against DNA damage.