Antipsychotic drugs increase Neuregulin1ß1 serum levels in first-episode drug-naïve patients and chronic schizophrenia with suggestions for improving the treatment of psychotic symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Neuregulin1 (NRG1) plays a role in neuronal migration, regulation of synaptic plasticity, and neural survival, and has been considered to be among the candidate genes for schizophrenia. This study focused on the variations in serum NRG1ß1 levels following antipsychotic treatment and the relationship between NRG1ß1 levels and improvements in psychotic symptoms among first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) patients and patients with chronic schizophrenia. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with schizophrenia were recruited and compared with 79 matched healthy controls. All patients had been drug-naïve for at least four weeks. Serum NRG1ß1 levels and positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) scores were measured at baseline and after four weeks. Serum NRG1ß1 levels were measured using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). RESULTS: Baseline NRG1ß1 levels were significantly lower in patients with schizophrenia than in healthy controls. NRG1ß1 levels increased significantly following antipsychotic treatment. NRG1ß1 levels gradually increased with declining PANSS scores and its three subscales during antipsychotic therapy. The levels of NRG1ß1 increased significantly in responders after four weeks of treatment, although nonresponders showed no such effect. Correlation analyses showed that the levels of NRG1ß1 were negatively correlated with the duration of illness and positively correlated with improvement in symptoms. CONCLUSION: The levels of serum NRG1ß1 and the therapeutic effects gradually increased following treatment, indicating that NRG1ß1 may be an indicator of therapy, and that it may also be associated with the pathophysiological mechanism causing schizophrenia, although this possible pathway requires further investigation.

Broadband complementary ring-resonator based terahertz antenna.

A broadband terahertz antenna based on complementary ring-resonator is designed. The complementary ring-resonator is etched in the ground plane to stimulate the generation of a new resonant frequency. After loading the resonator, the bandwidth of the antenna can increase by 111% compared with the one without complementary ring. The cavity resonance theory is used to explain the performance and mechanism of the complementary ring resonator. The radius of the complementary ring is the major impact parameter that can significantly determine the new resonant frequency. This work provides a way to design the broadband terahertz antenna.

Identifying and managing risk factors for salt-affected soils: a case study in a semi-arid region in China.

Soil salinization and desalinization are complex processes caused by natural conditions and human-induced risk factors. Conventional salinity risk identification and management methods have limitations in spatial data analysis and often provide an inadequate description of the problem. The objectives of this study were to identify controllable risk factors, to provide response measures, and to design management strategies for salt-affected soils. We proposed to integrate spatial autoregressive (SAR) model, multi-attribute decision making (MADM), and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for these purposes. Our proposed method was demonstrated through a case study of managing soil salinization in a semi-arid region in China. The results clearly indicated that the SAR model is superior to the OLS model in terms of risk factor identification. These factors include groundwater salinity, paddy area, corn area, aquaculture (i.e., ponds and lakes) area, distance to drainage ditches and irrigation channels, organic fertilizer input, and cropping index, among which the factors related to human land use activities are dominant risk factors that drive the soil salinization processes. We also showed that ecological irrigation and sustainable land use are acceptable strategies for soil salinity management.

BRG1 enhances porcine iPSC pluripotency through WNT/ß-catenin and autophagy pathways.

Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) enhances the pluripotency of embryonic and adult stem cells, however, its effect on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) pluripotency has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BRG1 on porcine iPSC pluripotency and its mechanisms. The effect of BRG1 on porcine iPSC pluripotency was explored by positive and negative control it. The mechanism was investigated by regulating the WNT/ß-catenin signaling pathway and autophagy flux. The results showed that inhibition of BRG1 decreased pluripotency-related gene expression in porcine iPSCs; while its overexpression had the opposite effect, the expression of WNT/ß-catenin signaling pathway- and autophagy-related genes was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) in the BRG1 overexpressed group when compared to the control group. Inhibited pluripotency-related gene or protein expression, decreased autophagy flux, and increased mitochondrial length and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were observed when porcine iPSCs were treated with the WNT/ß-catenin signaling pathway inhibitor IWR-1. Forced BRG1 expression restored porcine iPSC pluripotency, increased autophagy flux, shortened mitochondria, and reduced MMP. Lastly, Compound C was used to activate porcine iPSC autophagy, and it was found that the expression of BRG1 and ß-catenin increased, and pluripotency-related gene and protein expression was up-regulated; these effects were reversed when the BRG1 inhibitor PFI-3 and IWR-1 were added. These results suggested that BRG1 enhanced the pluripotency of porcine iPSCs through WNT/ß-catenin and autophagy pathways.

Augmented Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution by d-p Orbital Electron Coupling.

While high-entropy alloys, high-entropy oxides, and high-entropy hydroxides, are advanced as a novel frontier in electrocatalytic oxygen evolution, their inherent activity deficiency poses a major challenge. To achieve the unlimited goal to tailor the structure-activity relationship in multicomponent systems, entropy-driven composition engineering presents substantial potential, by fabricating high-entropy anion-regulated transition metal compounds as sophisticated oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts. Herein, a versatile 2D high-entropy metal phosphorus trisulfide is developed as a promising and adjustable platform. Leveraging the multiple electron couplings and d-p orbital hybridizations induced by the cocktail effect, the exceptional oxygen evolution catalytic activity is disclosed upon van der Waals material (MnFeCoNiZn)PS3, exhibiting an impressively low overpotential of 240 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2, a minimal Tafel slope of 32 mV dec-1, and negligible degradation under varying current densities for over 96 h. Density functional theory calculations further offer insights into the correlation between orbital hybridization and catalytic performance within high-entropy systems, underscoring the contribution of active phosphorus centers on the substrate to performance enhancements. Moreover, by achieving electron redistribution to optimize the electron coordination environment, this work presents an effective strategy for advanced catalysts in energy-related applications.

Analysis of the application of a gene chip method for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance in clinical specimens: a retrospective study.

Most Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) resistant to rifampicin (RIF) has mutations in the rpoB gene, while most Mtb resistant to isoniazid (INH) has mutations in the katG gene or inhA promoter. We used gene chip technology to detect mutations in these genes to determine the resistance of Mtb to RIF and INH. A total of 4148 clinical specimens with sputum smear positivity for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) were detected. Then, taking the results of the drug sensitivity test (DST) as the reference standard, the detection efficiency of sputum samples from different grades of positive smears was compared in detail. We found that the sensitivity of the gene chip method for detecting sputum samples with a grade ≥ AFB 2 + was higher than that of sputum samples with a grade ≤ AFB 1 + (P < 0.05). When the grade of the sample was ≤ AFB 1 +, the sensitivity of the gene chip method was 72.6% for RIF, 67.3% for INH, and 60.0% for MDR-TB. When the grade of the sample was ≥ AFB 2 +, the sensitivity of the gene chip method was 84.5% for RIF, 78.2% for INH, and 73.9% for MDR-TB. The results show that gene chip technology can be directly used to diagnose drug-resistant tuberculosis in clinical specimens, and the diagnostic efficiency for the detection of sputum specimens with a grade ≥ AFB 2 + is better than that of other sputum specimens.

Characterization of key odorants in Langyatai Baijiu with Jian flavour by sensory-directed analysis.

A study was carried out to determine systematically the key aroma-active compounds of Langyatai Baijiu with Jian flavour (LBJF) using sensory omics analysis (SOA). A total of 56 odorants were screened out using gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS)/Osme analysis. Among them, 15 aroma-active components were first identified. After quantitation, 30 odorants had odour activity values (OAVs) > 1.0 in LBJF. Recombinant and omission experiments proved that the esters, alcohols, acids, especially ethyl hexanoate, γ-nonalactone, and dimethyl trisulfide, were critical to the flavour of LBJF. The basic and commercial liquors had obvious differences in the skeleton compositions of esters and acids. This study uncovers the characteristics of Jian flavour Baijiu (JFB) and provides a scientific basis for the quality control of JFB, which is helpful for the development of Chinese Baijiu flavour styles.

Differential expression of the alpha2 chain of the interleukin-13 receptor in metastatic human prostate cancer ARCaPM cells.

BACKGROUND: The alpha2 chain of the interleukin-13 receptor (IL13Ralpha2) is a high-affinity receptor and a candidate target for cytotoxic killing of cancer cells. Availability of a human prostate cancer cell line with high level of IL13Ralpha2 expression will facilitate the development of therapeutic modalities. METHODS: ARCaP(E) and ARCaP(M) human prostate cancer cell lines were subjected to comparative analyses of gene expression. Expression of the IL13Ralpha2 protein was confirmed by Western blotting and immunostaining. IL13Ralpha2 proteins in xenograft tumors and clinical human prostate cancer specimens were detected by specific antibodies. LNCaP prostate cancer cells stably transfected with IL13Ralpha2 were examined for accelerated growth in athymic mice. RESULTS: We found that IL13Ralpha2 proteins could be detected in both the ARCaP(E) and ARCaP(M) cells, but the expression level in ARCaP(M) was more than 17-fold higher than in ARCaP(E) cells. Importantly, the ARCaP lineage represented the only human prostate cancer cell line that expresses IL13Ralpha2 proteins at the level detectable by Western blotting. Expression of IL13Ralpha2 was accompanied by resistance to the anti-tumor activity of interleukin-13 (IL-13). ARCaP cells were found to be insensitive to growth inhibition upon IL-13 treatment, while overexpression of IL13Ralpha2 in LNCaP cells promoted intratibial tumor growth in athymic mice. CONCLUSIONS: Differential IL13Ralpha2 expression may account for the high tumorigenic and metastatic potential of ARCaP(M) cells. The unique expression of IL13Ralpha2 makes ARCaP lineage an attractive model for evaluating the targeting efficacy of therapeutic agents based on IL13Ralpha2 protein expression.

[Updated treatments for neonatal phimosis and redundant prepuce].

Phimosis and redundant prepuce, as common problems in andrology, are found in the majority of male neonates. Early treatment of neonatal phimosis and redundant prepuce has the advantages of better cost--effectiveness and higher safety, and contributes much to the prevention of childhood urinary tract infection and adult sexually transmitted diseases, as well as to the improvement of genital hygiene. Neonatal circumcision is commonly performed in some countries, but remains at a low rate in China. This article updates surgical and non-surgical treatments of neonatal phimosis and redundant prepuce, introduces the benefits of neonatal circumcision, and appeals for more attention to the management of neonatal phimosis and redundant prepuce.

[Qianlie Jiedu capsule combined with rufloxacin for chronic prostatitis: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial].

OBJECTIVE: Few double-blind controlled trials have been reported on Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of chronic prostatitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Qianlie Jiedu Capsule for chronic prostatitis (CP) by the randomized double-blind controlled method. METHODS: Eighty CP patients were equally randomized into an experimental and a control group, the former treated with Qianlie Jiedu Capsule + Rufloxacin, and the latter given placebo + Rufloxacin, both for 4 weeks. All the patients were evaluated by NIH-CPSI and EPS examination before and after the medication. RESULTS: After 4-week treatment, the total score of NIH-CPSI and the scores of pain, voiding symptoms and quality of life were significantly decreased in both groups compared with the baseline (P < 0.05), so did the leukocyte count in EPS (P < 0.05). And the experimental group showed significant drops in the above scores as compared with the control (P < 0.05), except in the leukocyte count in EPS (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Qianlie Jiedu Capsule combined with Rufloxacin is highly effective for CP by relieving pain and voiding symptoms,decreasing the leukocyte count in EPS and improving the life quality of the patients.

Granulosa cell-conditioned medium enhances steroidogenic competence of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) theca cells.

Granulosa cells (GCs) and theca cells (TCs) are the main components of follicles, and the interactions between GCs and TCs play a significant role in steroidogenesis, follicular growth, and atresia. However, the effects of GCs in the form of conditioned medium on steroidogenesis in buffalo TCs remain unclear. In the present study, the impacts of GC-conditioned medium (GCCM) on androgen synthesis in buffalo TCs were examined. The results showed that GCCM collected at 48 h promoted both the expression levels of androgen synthesis-related genes (CYP11A1, CYP17A1, 3ß-HSD, and Star) and the secretion levels of testosterone in TCs. The treatment time of 48 h in GCCM improved both the expression levels of androgen synthesis-related genes (CYP11A1, CYP17A1, 3ß-HSD, and Star) and the secretion levels of testosterone in TCs. Furthermore, GCCM that was collected at 48 h and applied to TCs for 48 h (48 h and 48 h) promoted the sensitivity of buffalo TCs to LH. This study indicated that GCCM (48 h and 48 h) enhanced the steroidogenic competence of TCs mainly through facilitating the responsiveness of TCs to LH in buffalo. This study provides a basis for further exploration of interactions between GCs and TCs for steroidogenesis in the ovary.

Transcription variants of the prostate-specific PrLZ gene and their interaction with 14-3-3 proteins.

We have reported isolation and characterization of the prostate-specific and androgen-regulated PrLZ gene abnormally expressed in prostate cancer. PrLZ is a potential biomarker for prostate cancer and a candidate oncogene promoting cell proliferation and survival in prostate cancer cells. A full delineation of the PrLZ gene and its gene products may provide clues to the mechanisms regulating its expression and function. In this report, we identified three additional exons in the PrLZ gene and recognized five transcript variants from alternative splicing that could be detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Structural comparison demonstrated that the PrLZ proteins are highly conserved among species. PrLZ contains multiple potential sites for interaction with other proteins. We used mammalian two-hybrid assays to demonstrate that PrLZ isoforms interact with 14-3-3 proteins, and multiple sites in the PrLZ may be involved in the interaction. Alternative splicing may contribute to abnormally enhanced PrLZ levels in prostate cancer, and interaction with 14-3-3 proteins may be a mechanism by which PrLZ promotes cell proliferation and survival during prostate cancer development and progression. This information is a valuable addition to the investigation of the oncogenic properties of the PrLZ gene.

[Male circumcision is an effective "surgical vaccine" for HIV prevention and reproductive health].

Recent randomized controlled clinical trials in Africa have demonstrated that adult male circumcision (MC) efficiently decreases the rate of HIV, HPV and HSV-2 infections. Many studies have clearly shown that MC is a simple, safe, and cost-effective method for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infection, and for improving genital hygiene. While a 30% MC prevalence exists worldwide, only 5% or less of the Chinese males have undergone circumcision. In this review, we report recent trends in international MC and HIV prevention efforts, as well as the potential benefits and importance of promoting MC in China. We appeal to medical and public health authorities to pay close attention to the international experience in MC and HIV prevention.

A Small-Divergence-Angle Orbital Angular Momentum Metasurface Antenna.

Electromagnetic waves carrying an orbital angular momentum (OAM) are of great interest. However, most OAM antennas present disadvantages such as a complicated structure, low efficiency, and large divergence angle, which prevents their practical applications. So far, there are few papers and research focuses on the problem of the divergence angle. Herein, a metasurface antenna is proposed to obtain the OAM beams with a small divergence angle. The circular arrangement and phase gradient were used to simplify the structure of the metasurface and obtain the small divergence angle, respectively. The proposed metasurface antenna presents a high transmission coefficient and effectively decreases the divergence angle of the OAM beam. All the theoretical analyses and derivation calculations were validated by both simulations and experiments. This compact structure paves the way to generate OAM beams with a small divergence angle.

PrLZ is expressed in normal prostate development and in human prostate cancer progression.

PURPOSE: We previously reported the isolation and characterization of PrLZ, a novel prostate-specific and androgen-responsive gene of the tumor protein D52 family at chromosome 8q21.1. PrLZ is the only known gene in this locus with prostate specificity. Expression level of PrLZ was elevated specifically in cancer cells, suggesting its association with malignancy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: To define its biological function in the morphogenesis, development, and functional maturation of the prostate gland and to gain further insight into its role in prostate cancer, we examined PrLZ expression in prostate specimens during early embryonic development and in adult tissue. RESULTS: PrLZ first appears in the nuclei of the prostate epithelia at 16 weeks of gestation before its distribution in the cytoplasm at later ages. Its expression peaks at 24 years of age, declines at 31 years of age, and maintains a minimal level in later age. On prostate cancer development, PrLZ expression is reactivated, and its expression increases from primary localized tumor to bone metastasis. Overexpression of PrLZ in prostate cancer cells accelerates their growth in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. CONCLUSION: This work identifies PrLZ as a marker for prostate cancer progression and metastasis, and its pattern of expression is suggestive of a proto-oncogene.

[Promoting male circumcision in China for preventing HIV infection and improving reproductive health].

The incidence of heterosexually transmitted HIV infection is rapidly increasing in China, which reached 44.7% among the HIV-positive patients in 2007. With a view to the reduction of HIV transmission and improvement of reproductive health in the Chinese population, this paper introduces the latest evidence obtained from the international epidemiological studies and randomized controlled clinical trials on the preventive effect of male circumcision (MC) on HIV transmission, and elucidates the cellular and molecular mechanisms of HIV transmission through the foreskin. Four studies published during 1997-2007 demonstrated that the mean prevalences of redundant prepuce and phimosis in 15,109 Chinese males aged 3-23 years in 4 areas of China were 43.90 and 11.55% , respectively, while the rate of MC was only 2.66%. As MC is a simple, inexpensive and highly effective technique in HIV prevention, we appeal to the policy-makers in China to conduct a practical program for promoting MC and enhancing male productive health in combination with other approaches to the prevention of HIV infection. MC for neonates, children, adolescents and adults should be included in the health insurance program, and free and timely MC should be performed for the male adults with the high risk of HIV infection and the normal ones whose wives are HIV-positive. Further investigations should be carried out on the epidemiology of redundant prepuce and phimosis, the acceptance and socio-cultural context of MC and the development of simpler and safer methods for MC.

Conflict or coordination? Assessing land use multi-functionalization using production-living-ecology analysis.

Land use multi-functionalization (LUMF) promotes efficient and sustainable land use, reduces land pressures from limited land resources, and elevates urbanization quality in the midst of the increasingly tense relationship between humans and nature. In this study, we propose a new conceptual index system using system science, entropy weight method, triangle model, and coupling coordination degree model for LUMF assessment as well as an analysis of the relationship among land use sub-functions. This framework was applied to six cities in the urban agglomeration around Hangzhou Bay (UAHB) in eastern China's Zhejiang Province using twenty-two indicators in terms of production-living-ecology analysis during 2004-2013. The UAHB LUMF level increased over the past ten years, being affected by the designated functions and the "planning effect" for the six cities in the UAHB. The relationships among land use sub-functions in the six cities displayed strong variabilities at the spatial and temporal scales. The overall patterns of the relative importance of these sub-functions also differed from each other. Our research also shows that urban development in the UAHB had focused more on economic growth than on ecological protection and the regional development in the UAHB's six cities was unbalanced. Therefore, we suggest urban and land use management need to embrace more integrated planning and design in order to maintain efficient and sustainable land use.

PrLZ, a novel prostate-specific and androgen-responsive gene of the TPD52 family, amplified in chromosome 8q21.1 and overexpressed in human prostate cancer.

We report a previously unrecognized prostate-specific protein, PrLZ (prostate leucine zipper), a new member of the Tumor Protein D52 (TPD52) family. The gene for PrLZ was localized at chromosome 8q21.1, a locus most frequently amplified in human prostate cancer. Multiple tissue analyses demonstrated PrLZ predominantly in the prostate gland. Although its expression was enhanced by androgens in androgen receptor-expressing cells, PrLZ was detected in all of the human prostate cancer cell lines, regardless of androgen receptor status. Monoclonal anti-PrLZ antibodies were produced and intense immunohistochemical staining of PrLZ was observed in prostate epithelial cells in intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer, whereas lower-level staining was detected in normal and benign epithelial components of the prostate gland. As the only prostate-specific gene identified in the most frequently amplified genomic region in prostate cancer, PrLZ may be the link between chromosome 8q amplification and malignant transformation of the prostate epithelia.

A model supported by GIS for locating and quantifying PM2.5 emission originated from residential wood burning.

A research method was presented for spatially quantifying and allocating the potential activity of a fine particle matter emission (PM2.5), which originated from residential wood burning (RWB) in this study. Demographic, hypsographic, climatic and topographic data were compiled and processed within a geographic information system (GIS), and as independent variables put into a linear regression model for describing spatial distribution of the potential activity of residential wood burning as primary heating source. In order to improve the estimation, the classifications of urban, suburban and rural were redefined to meet the specifications of this application. Also, several definitions of forest accessibility were tested for estimation. The results suggested that the potential activity of RWB was mostly determined by elevation of a location, forest accessibility, urban/non-urban position, climatic conditions and several demographic variables. The linear regression model could explain approximately 86% of the variation of surveyed potential activity of RWB. The analysis results were validated by employing survey data collected mainly from a WebGIS based phone interview over the study area in central California. Based on lots free public GIS data, the model provided an easy and ideal tool for geographic researchers, environmental planners and administrators to understand where and how much PM2.5 emission from RWB was contributed to air quality. With this knowledge they could identify regions of concern, and better plan mitigation strategies to improve air quality. Furthermore, it allows for future adjustment on some parameters as the spatial analysis method is implemented in the different regions or various eco-social models.

[Effect of qianggu drink ([Chinese characters: see text]) on bone histomorphometry of lumbar vertebrae in ovariectomized rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Chinese herbal medicine Qianggu drink ([Chinese characters: see text]) on bone histomorphometry of lumbar vertebrae in ovariectomized rats and to explore its mechanism. METHODS: Sixty female SD rats (weight 230 to 280 gram) were randomized into three groups: Qianggu drink ([Chinese characters: see text]) group (treatment group), Miacalcic group (control group) and blank group. The osteoporosis model was established successfully after all rats were ovariectomized for 10 weeks. The treatment group was used intragastric infusion with Qianggu drink ([Chinese characters: see text]) 0.001 ml/kg once a day. The control group was used hypodermic injection once a day with Miacalcic 0.72 U/kg. Five rats were killed respectively and the lumbar specimens were taken and cut for bone histomorphometric analysis at 45, 90, 135 and 180 days after the treatment. RESULTS: The thickness of trabecular bone in treatment group had the statistical significance with control group at 135 days after ovariectomized rats were given the medicine. The data of BV/TV and the thickness and space of trabecular bone had statistical significance compared with control group and blank group 180 days later. CONCLUSION: Qianggu drink ([Chinese characters: see text]) could effectively improve the histomorphometry indexes. The mechanism probably plays by stimulating osteogenesis and inhibiting the cytoactive of osteoclast and the trend of bone transform.