First Identification and Investigation of piRNAs in the Larval Gut of the Asian Honeybee, Apis cerana.

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), play pivotal roles in maintaining the genomic stability and modulating biological processes such as growth and development via the regulation of gene expression. However, the piRNAs in the Asian honeybee (Apis cerana) are still largely unknown at present. In this current work, on the basis of previously gained high-quality small RNA-seq datasets, piRNAs in the larval gut of Apis cerana cerana, the nominated species of A. cerana, were identified for the first time, followed by an in-depth investigation of the regulatory roles of differentially expressed piRNAs (DEpiRNAs) in the developmental process of the A. c. cerana. Here, a total of 621 piRNAs were identified in A. c. cerana larval guts, among which 499 piRNAs were shared by 4-(Ac4 group), 5-(Ac5 group), and 6-day-old (Ac6 group) larval guts, while the numbers of unique ones equaled 79, 37, and 11, respectively. The piRNAs in each group ranged from 24 nucleotides (nt) to 33 nt in length, and the first base of the piRNAs had a cytosine (C) bias. Additionally, five up-regulated and five down-regulated piRNAs were identified in the Ac4 vs. Ac5 comparison group, nine of which could target 9011 mRNAs; these targets were involved in 41 GO terms and 137 pathways. Comparatively, 22 up-regulated piRNAs were detected in the Ac5 vs. Ac6 comparison group, 21 of which could target 28,969 mRNAs; these targets were engaged in 46 functional terms and 164 pathways. The results suggested an overall alteration of the expression pattern of piRNAs during the developmental process of A. c. cerana larvae. The regulatory network analysis showed that piR-ace-748815 and piR-ace-512574 in the Ac4 vs. Ac5 comparison group as well as piR-ace-716466 and piR-ace-828146 in the Ac5 vs. Ac6 comparison group were linked to the highest number of targets. Further investigation indicated that targets of DEpiRNAs in the abovementioned two comparison groups could be annotated to several growth and development-associated pathways, such as the Jak/STAT, TGF-ß, and Wnt signaling pathways, indicating the involvement of DEpiRNAs in modulating larval gut development via these crucial pathways. Moreover, the expression trends of six randomly selected DEpiRNAs were verified using a combination of stem-loop RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. These results not only provide a novel insight into the development of the A. c. cerana larval gut, but also lay a foundation for uncovering the epigenetic mechanism underlying larval gut development.

The development of a magnetic iron/nitrogen-doped graphitized carbon composite with boosted microwave attenuation ability as the wideband microwave absorber.

Magnetic carbon-based composites have been attractive candidates for electromagnetic (EM) absorption due to their dual magnetic and dielectric loss ability. In this study, a novel magnetic carbon consisting of N-doped graphitized carbon and magnetic Fe nanoparticles was produced. First, the graphitized carbon doped with N has been demonstrated to be an efficient way to strengthen the conductivity loss ability. Based on the N-doped graphitized carbon (NGC), the magnetic Fe nanoparticles were further decorated on the NGC, which was not only favored the dielectric loss ability but also introduced the magnetic loss ability. The electromagnetic absorbing properties of the NGC-Fe nanoparticles were evaluated in the frequency range of 2-18 GHz, and as expected, the sample exhibited the excellent wideband EM absorbing ability, with an effective absorption region of 5.2 GHz under a thickness of 1.2 mm. Ulilization of element doping method consisted to modify magnetic carbon material can be a candidate for producing wideband EM absorbers but showing thin thickness.

The comparison of dexmedetomidine and midazolam premedication on postoperative anxiety in children for hernia repair surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative anxiety is common in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine whether an infusion of dexmedetomidine prior to hernia repair in children provides better postoperative anxiety outcomes that a preoperative infusion of midazolam. METHODS: Ninety 6-11-year-old children, who were scheduled to undergo elective hernia repair, were enrolled for this double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Group D (n = 45) received an intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg) and Group M (n = 45) received an intravenous infusion of midazolam (0.08 mg/kg) in 20 mL of normal saline for 10 minutes before the induction of anesthesia. Pre- and postoperative scores on the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale were the main outcomes. Secondary outcomes included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and postoperative pain measured on a visual analogue scale and patient satisfaction using a numerical rating scale. RESULTS: Postoperative anxiety in Group D was significantly lower than preoperative anxiety (2 hours postoperatively mean difference [95% CI]: 2.83 [0.87-4.79], P = 0.036, 4 hours postoperatively mean difference [95% CI]: 3.29 [1.39-5.20], P = 0.005). Preoperative and postoperative anxiety in Group M was similar. Anxiety scores in Group D were also significantly lower than anxiety in Group M 2 hours (mean difference [95% CI]: 1.89 [0.52-3.26], P = 0.01) and 4 hours (mean difference [95% CI]: 3.32 [1.98-4.66], P < 0.001) postoperatively. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were lower in Group D than in Group M after administration of sedative drugs until children left PACU (SBP mean difference [95% CI]: 13.87 [10.30-17.43], P < 0.001, DBP mean difference [95% CI]: 5.96[3.80-8.11], P < 0.001, HR mean difference [95% CI]: 10.36 [7.58-13.13], P < 0.001). Pain was also significantly lower in Group D than in Group M at 2 hours (median difference [95% CI]: 1 [0.26-1.34], P = 0.004), 4 hours (median difference [95% CI]: 1 [0.31-1.02], P = 0.003), and 1 day (median difference [95% CI]: 0 [0.22-0.76], P = 0.003) postoperatively. Patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in Group D than in Group M 1 day (median difference [95% CI]: 0 [-0.83 to -0.24], P = 0.006) and somewhat higher 1 week (median difference [95% CI]: 0 [-0.67 to -0.04], P = 0.06) postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Compared with midazolam, a single preoperative intravenous dose of dexmedetomidine appears to provide better postoperative anxiolytic effects for children undergoing same-day surgery.

Pharmacological activation of REV-ERBα represses LPS-induced microglial activation through the NF-κB pathway.

REV-ERBα, the NR1D1 (nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group D, member 1) gene product, is a dominant transcriptional silencer that represses the expression of genes involved in numerous physiological functions, including circadian rhythm, inflammation, and metabolism, and plays a crucial role in maintaining immune functions. Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is tightly associated with various neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. However, the role of REV-ERBα in neuroinflammation is largely unclear. In this study, we investigated whether and how pharmacological activation of REV-ERBα affected lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation in mouse microglia in vitro and in vivo. In BV2 cells or primary mouse cultured microglia, application of REV-ERBα agonist GSK4112 or SR9011 dose-dependently suppressed LPS-induced microglial activation through the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In BV2 cells, pretreatment with GSK4112 inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of the inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκBα) kinase (IκK), thus restraining the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, and blocked the nuclear translocation of p65, a NF-κB subunit, thereby suppressing the expression and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Moreover, REV-ERBα agonist-induced inhibition on neuroinflammation protected neurons from microglial activation-induced damage, which were also demonstrated in mice with their ventral midbrain microinjected with GSK4112, and then stimulated with LPS. Our results reveal that enhanced REV-ERBα activity suppresses microglial activation through the NF-κB pathway in the central nervous system.

[Role of HPA and HPT Axis in Anxiety Disorder Complicated with Diabetes Mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the mediating role of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPT) axis in anxiety disorder in patients with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A total of 562 hospitalized patients with anxiety disorder participate in the study. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH),total triiodothyronine (TT3),free triiodothyronine (FT3),total tetraiodothyronine (TT4),free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) ,adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (PTC) were measured. Glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed,estimating insulin resistance index (HOMA IR) and insulin sensitivity index (WBISI). RESULTS: Of the participants,83 (14.8%) had diabetes. In those who were younger than 40 yr.,the diabetic patients were more likely to have abnormal FT4 and HPT ( P<0.05). The patients with diabetes were more likely to be older (OR=1.067, 95%CI:1.041-1.094, P=0.000) and have higher FT4 (OR=1.104, 95%CI:1.022-1.193, P=0.012) and PTC (OR=1.001, 95%CI:1.000-1.003, P=0.025) . Insulin resistance index increased while insulin sensitivity index decreased ( P<0.05) with abnormal PTC and HPA axis. Insulin sensitivity index decreased ( P<0.05) when ACTH,HPT axis,FT4 and TT3 were abnormal. CONCLUSION: Abnormal HPA or HPT axis mediates diabetic complications in patients with anxiety disorder. Early interventions on neuroendocrine hormone abnormality may help prevent diabetes in patients with anxiety disorder.

A multicomponent microemulsion using rational combination strategy improves lung cancer treatment through synergistic effects and deep tumor penetration.

Previously, we have developed a multicomponent-based microemulsion composed of etoposide, coix seed oil, and ginsenoside Rh2 (ECG-MEs). In this study, our goal was to validate the feasibility of ECG-MEs in lung cancer treatment and explore the mechanism underling the enhanced antitumor efficacy. The optimal weight ratio of ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) in ECG-MEs was determined as 3% (wt%), that was capable of forming the microemulsion readily with small particle size and high drug encapsulation efficiency. In cellular studies, the intracellular fluorescence of human non-small cell lung cancer (A549) cells treated with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled ECG-MEs (FITC/ECG-MEs) was significantly higher than that of various controls, leading to the obviously synergistic anticancer activities in cytotoxicity and in vitro cell apoptosis induction. The anticancer efficacy in vivo results showed that ECG-MEs markedly inhibited the growth of A549 tumor xenografts, potently induced tumor cells apoptosis, and obviously prolonged the survival time of mice. Of note, the mechanisms of enhanced anticancer efficiency were connected with the small size-mediated deep tumor penetration and increase in serum concentration of T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines. In summary, ECG-MEs exerting the rational drug combination strategy offers a solid evidence for lung cancer treatment, and has a promising potential for clinical application.

Serum Endothelial Cell-Specific Molecule 1 (Endocan) Levels in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Its Clinical Significance.

Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the process of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), that is, the endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM-1; endocan) is a novel endothelial dysfunction marker. However, the relationship between patients with AMI and serum ESM-1 levels is not very clear. Patients with AMI (n = 216) and a control group (n = 60) without AMI were included in the study. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was measured, and the severity of AMI was assessed by a modified Gensini stenosis scoring system. Serum ESM-1 levels were significantly higher in the AMI group ( P < .05). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were also significantly higher in the AMI group ( P < .05). In patients with AMI, serum ESM-1 levels were not significantly correlated with hsCRP levels. There was no significant correlation between serum ESM-1 level and Gensini score. Our findings suggest that serum ESM-1 levels may be a novel biomarker of endothelial dysfunction in patients with AMI.

Prognostic Value of EZH2,Ki-67 and CD34 Expression in Patients with Surgically Treated Colorectal Cancer / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objective]To evaluate the expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2(EZH2),Ki-67 and intratumoral microvaseu?lar density(iMVD)in human colorectal cancer(CRC),and discuss their relationship with the biological behavior and prognosis.[Methods]The expression of EZH2,Ki-67 and iMVD(labeled by CD34 protein)was measured with immunohistochemical MaxVision method in CRC patients followed up over 5 years.[Results]Positive expression rates of EZH2,Ki-67 and iMVD were 40.91%(45/110),57.27%(63/110)and 46.36%(51/110),respectively. EZH2 expression was positively correlated with distant metastasis(P=0.024). Ki-67 expression was positively correlated with tumor size,infiltration depth,AJCC stage and differentiation(P=0.033~0.015). The iMVD expression was positively correlated with infiltration depth ,AJCC stage and differentiation (P=0.016~0.034). Spearman correlation analysis showed that EZH2 expression was positively correlated with Ki-67 expression(r=0.195,P=0.041), whereas negatively correlated with iMVD expression. Ki-67 expression had a positive correlation with iMVD(r=0.213,P=0.025). Multivariate analysis suggested that the EZH2 expression was an adverse independent factor for survivals of CRC patients(HR 1.965, 95%CI:1.019-3.789,P=0.044 for OS).[Conclusion]EZH2 expression was significantly correlate with the proliferation of tumor cells and may plays an important role in the metastasis and prognosis of CRC.

p300 exerts an epigenetic role in chronic neuropathic pain through its acetyltransferase activity in rats following chronic constriction injury (CCI).

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain is detrimental to human health; however, its pathogenesis still remains largely unknown. Overexpression of pain-associated genes and increased nociceptive somato-sensitivity are well observed in neuropathic pain. The importance of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating the expression of pro- or anti-nociceptive genes has been revealed by studies recently, and we hypothesize that the transcriptional coactivator and the histone acetyltransferase E1A binding protein p300 (p300), as a part of the epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation, may be involved in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI). To test this hypothesis, two different approaches were used in this study: (I) down-regulating p300 with specific small hairpin RNA (shRNA) and (II) chemical inhibition of p300 acetyltransferase activity by a small molecule inhibitor, C646. RESULTS: Using the CCI rat model, we found that the p300 expression was increased in the lumbar spinal cord on day 14 after CCI. The treatment with intrathecal p300 shRNA reversed CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, and suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a neuropathic pain-associated factor. Furthermore, C646, an inhibitor of p300 acetyltransferase, also attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, accompanied by a suppressed COX-2 expression, in the spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that, through its acetyltransferase activity in the spinal cord after CCI, p300 epigenetically plays an important role in neuropathic pain. Inhibiting p300, using interfering RNA or C646, may be a promising approach to the development of new neuropathic pain therapies.

Syndecan-4 over-expression preserves cardiac function in a rat model of myocardial infarction.

Syndecan-4 (synd4) is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, involved in repair following tissue damage, through modulating neovascularization and inflammation. In acute myocardial infarction its myocardial expression is up-regulated in a time-dependent manner, and in synd4-deficient mice severe cardiac dysfunction and abnormal remodeling are observed following induction of myocardial infarction. Here we explored the therapeutic potential of sustained synd4 over-expression in the context of myocardial infarction. Adenovirus containing the synd4 gene (Ad-synd4), or corresponding control adenovirus (Ad-null), was administered intramyocardially in rats immediately after induction of myocardial infarction. Cardiac function was ascertained by echocardiography, hemodynamic assessment and brain natriuretic peptide level 28 days post-intervention. Hearts were excised for molecular and histological analyses at predetermined time points. We observed reduced mortality and improved cardiac function post-myocardial infarction in the Ad-synd4 as compared to the Ad-null group, with associated attenuation of cardiac remodeling, less myocyte loss and reduced fibrosis. Additionally, the Ad-synd4 group exhibited endothelial cell activation and increased angiogenesis and arteriogenesis in the myocardium. The Ad-synd4 group also showed evidence of reduced myocardial inflammation as compared with the Ad-null group, with reduced inflammatory cell (CD45+) and myofibroblast (α-SMA+) infiltration as well as suppressed collagen III deposition and iNOS expression. Our results suggest that sustained synd4 over-expression in the myocardium is of therapeutic benefit following experimental myocardial infarction, through inducing neovascularization, suppressing tissue inflammation and fibrosis, with resultant improvements in cardiac function and remodeling.

[Influence of glucagon-like peptide-2 on intestinal lymphocyte homing in mice with acute pancreatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) on intestinal lymphocyte homing receptor-integrin alpha 4 beta 7 and homing ligand-intestinal mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) in mice with acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: A total of 96 mice were divided into three groups randomly (n=32 in each group): AP group, GLP-2 group and control group. Murine AP model was reproduced by intraperitoneal injection of caerulein and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). GLP-2 (250 microg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at 15 minutes after the establishment of model, then it was injected twice a day for 3 days in GLP-2 group, while the mice in control group received normal saline instead. Mice were sacrificed at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after reproduction of AP, and tissue specimens were harvested. Integrin alpha 4 beta 7 positive peripheral blood lymphocytes were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of MAdCAM-1 in the terminal ileum mucosa and Peyer patch was measured by immunohistochemistry. Same observations were also done in the control and GLP-2 groups. RESULTS: Compared with control group, integrin alpha 4 beta 7 positive lymphocyte in peripheral blood and the expression of MAdCAM-1 in the terminal ileum mucosa and Peyer patch were significantly reduced at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours in AP mice (all P<0.05). Integrin alpha 4 beta 7 positive lymphocyte and the expression of MAdCAM-1 were markedly higher in GLP-2 group than those in AP group (all P<0.05), but were lower in GLP-2 group than those in control group (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Administration of GLP-2 may restore expression of integrin alpha 4 beta 7 and MAdCAM-1, promote lymphocyte homing to intestine, thus improve the immunological function of intestine.

PCR and in situ hybridization for the detection and localization of a new pathogen Francisella-like bacterium (FLB) in ornamental cichlids.

Archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 28 diseased ornamental cichlid fish associated with visceral granulomas were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) for detection of Francisella-like bacteria (FLB). The 16S rDNA FLB-specific primer pair 180f/465r was used on naturally infected ornamental cichlids, resulting in 11 positive cases (39%). Using DNA probes, all 28 cases (100%) showed a positive reaction, and most labeled cells were observed in the visceral granulomas of infected individuals. FLB was detected in cells morphologically resembling epithelioid and endothelioid macrophages. ISH was more sensitive than PCR or routine histopathological examination, based on the examination of archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues in this study. Furthermore, this technique located a new fish pathogen, FLB, in ornamental cichlids. The causative agent was similar to the pathogen inducing systemic granulomas in tilapia.

Pathological and molecular studies on mycobacteriosis of milkfish Chanos chanos in Taiwan.

investigated in milkfish Chanos chanos, which had a cumulative mortality of up to 66.7% over the course of 1 yr. Gross reddish- or greyish-white nodules appeared on the peritoneal surface, spleen, kidney, liver and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Epithelioid granulomas with the formation of Langhan's type giant cells were the prominent histopathological changes. Despite large numbers of acid-fast bacilli in the granulomas, neither caseous necrosis nor dystrophic calcification were observed. Using degenerate primers that targeted the heat shock protein 65 kDa gene of Mycobacterium spp., a 441 bp product was amplified. When compared with published sequences, our products were identical to those of Mycobacterium abscessus Type II (GenBank accession number AY603554). This is the first report of M. abscessus infection in milkfish.

[Feasibility of lymphadenectomy with skeletonization in extended right hemicolectomy by hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of lymphadenectomy with skeletonization in extended right hemicolectomy by hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS). METHODS: From November 2001 to September 2004, 30 cases with right hemicolonic cancer were divided into two groups, and received laparoscopic or open extended right hemicolectomy plus lymphadenectomy with skeletonization. Clinical data of two groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean operative time were (214.0 +/- 16.5) min and (245.0 +/- 24.6) min (t=2.248, P< 0.05), the mean volumes of intraoperative bleeding (78.4 +/- 24.3) ml and (203.3 +/- 48.5) ml (t=4.927, P< 0.05), the mean time of anal aerofluxus (53.4 +/- 6.7) h and (67.3 +/- 9.7) h (t=2.530, P< 0.05), the mean postoperative hospital stay (11.5 +/- 1.11) d and (17.9 +/- 3.98) d (t=3.413, P< 0.05) respectively in laparoscopic and open operation groups. The mean numbers of N1, N2 and N3 lymph nodes cleared in laparoscopic group were (15.3 +/- 2.6), (5.6 +/- 1.6) and (4.3 +/- 2.2) respectively,while (16.2 +/- 3.3), (5.9 +/- 2.2) and (6.1 +/- 1.5) respectively in open operation group (all P > 0.05). The complication rates were 20.0% (3/15) and 33.3% (5/15) respectively in laparoscopic and open operation groups (chi(2)=0.0227, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Extended right hemicolectomy plus lymphadenectomy with skeletonization can be perfectly performed by HALS.

Feasibility of lymphadenectomy with skeletonization in extended right hemicolectomy by hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility of lymphadenectomy with skeletonization in extended right hemicolectomy by hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From November 2001 to September 2004, 30 cases with right hemicolonic cancer were divided into two groups, and received laparoscopic or open extended right hemicolectomy plus lymphadenectomy with skeletonization. Clinical data of two groups were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean operative time were (214.0 +/- 16.5) min and (245.0 +/- 24.6) min (t=2.248, P< 0.05), the mean volumes of intraoperative bleeding (78.4 +/- 24.3) ml and (203.3 +/- 48.5) ml (t=4.927, P< 0.05), the mean time of anal aerofluxus (53.4 +/- 6.7) h and (67.3 +/- 9.7) h (t=2.530, P< 0.05), the mean postoperative hospital stay (11.5 +/- 1.11) d and (17.9 +/- 3.98) d (t=3.413, P< 0.05) respectively in laparoscopic and open operation groups. The mean numbers of N1, N2 and N3 lymph nodes cleared in laparoscopic group were (15.3 +/- 2.6), (5.6 +/- 1.6) and (4.3 +/- 2.2) respectively,while (16.2 +/- 3.3), (5.9 +/- 2.2) and (6.1 +/- 1.5) respectively in open operation group (all P > 0.05). The complication rates were 20.0% (3/15) and 33.3% (5/15) respectively in laparoscopic and open operation groups (chi(2)=0.0227, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Extended right hemicolectomy plus lymphadenectomy with skeletonization can be perfectly performed by HALS.</p>