Correlations of changes in inflammatory factors, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators and adiponectin with alterations in intestinal flora in rats with coronary heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the correlations of changes in inflammatory factors, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators and adiponectin with alterations in intestinal flora in rats with coronary heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 male specific pathogen-free rats were randomly assigned into two groups, including: blank group (n=15) and coronary heart disease group (n=15). The rats in the coronary heart disease group were given high-fat diets and pituitrin to establish the model of coronary heart disease. Meanwhile, rats in the blank group were administered with an equal volume of double-distilled water. The alterations in the intestinal flora of rats were detected in the two groups, respectively. In addition, the changes in the levels of inflammatory factors, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators, adiponectin, creatine kinase (CK) and its isoenzyme, as well as troponin, were also examined. RESULTS: Statistically, significant differences in the levels of glucose and lipid metabolism indicators low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p=0.040), total cholesterol (TC) (p=0.039), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p=0.044), triglyceride (TG) (p=0.000) and blood glucose (p=0.046) were observed between the rats in the coronary heart disease group and blank group. The content of all the glucose and lipid metabolism indicators (except HDL) in coronary heart disease group was significantly higher than the blank group (p<0.05). The rats in the coronary heart disease group had evidently higher levels of CK (p=0.000) and its isoenzyme (p=0.019), as well as troponin (p=0.021), than those in the blank group. The level of serum adiponectin in rats in coronary heart disease group was distinctly lower than that in the blank group, showing statistically significant differences (p<0.05). Besides, the levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-2 (p=0.011), transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß (p=0.048), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p=0.025) and IL-6 (p=0.038) in rats in the coronary heart disease group were dramatically higher than those in blank group. Rats in coronary heart disease group had remarkably more Actinobacteria, Desulfovibrio, Aristipus and Escherichia coli in the intestine. Meanwhile, the abundance of Flavobacterium, Burkhofer and some probiotics increased significantly in the intestine of rats in blank group (p<0.05). The changes in the abundance of Actinobacteria, Desulfovibrio, Aristipus and Escherichia coli in the intestine of rats were probably correlated with increased levels of glucose and lipid metabolism indicators, inflammatory factors and adiponectin in coronary heart disease group. Moreover, the abundance of intestinal probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in rats in coronary heart disease group was notably lower than that in blank group (p<0.05). The decline in the abundance of such intestinal probiotics as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus was correlated with the changes in the levels of glucose and lipid metabolism indicators, inflammatory factors and adiponectin. In addition, decreased levels of probiotics weakened normal physiological functions of the intestine and promoted disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory factors, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators and adiponectin have evident changes in rats with coronary heart disease, which may be correlated with the alterations in the intestinal flora.

MiR-299-5p targets cell cycle to promote cell proliferation and progression of osteosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: Osteosarcoma is a common primary bone tumor with high mortality. MicroRNA (miRNA, miR) is a small RNA with 20-25 nucleotides, which could regulate diverse biological processes by targeting 3'-UTR of gene to degrade it. MiR-299-5p has been reported to participate in the progression of many diseases, but the role in osteosarcoma is still uncertain. The aim of this work was to investigate the expression of miR-299-5p in osteosarcoma and its clinical significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The datasets of osteosarcoma miRNA was searched in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, including GSE65071, GSE39040, and GSE39055. Osteosarcoma U2 and MG-63 cells were cultured in our study. Cell proliferation level after transfection was detected by using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and colon formation assay. Cell cycles were explored using flow cytometer and cell protein expression levels after that the transfection was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: We found that ROC curve analysis showed that miR-299-5p was a sensitivity diagnostic criteria and GSEA indicated that miRNA-299-5p may regulate cell cycle. Gain of function assay showed that miR-299-5p promotes cell cycle transition and proliferation. Reversely, the opposite results were observed with loss of function assay. At last, Western blotting assay showed that miR-299-5p may promote cell cycle transition by regulating CDK family.

Serum Carotenoids and Risks of Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy in a Chinese Population Sample.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are associated with oxidative stress and carotenoids have antioxidant properties. This study aimed to test the relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and the risk for DM and DR. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of the Chinese urban population. A total of 747 subjects, consisting of 272 DR patients, 190 diabetic patients without retinopathy, and 285 non-diabetes mellitus healthy controls, were recruited to this study. Demographic and lifestyle characteristics were ascertained by questionnaire. General physical and ophthalmic examinations were completed for all participants. Serum carotenoids were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The associations of serum carotenoids with DM and DR were assessed by logistic regression with adjustment of known risk factors. The correlation analyses of serum carotenoids with the candidate influence factors were assessed using the single variable linear regression. RESULTS: Both pro-vitamin A (PVA) carotenoids and non-PVA carotenoids in the serum were measured and compared between different groups. Levels of α-carotene were significantly lower in DR patients and ß-carotene were significantly lower in DM patients as compared to non DM healthy control group. In contrast, levels of ß-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin were comparable among different groups. After adjusting for confounding factors, ß-carotene concentration was associated with reduced risk for DM (OR (95%CI): 0.56 (0.34, 0.91), P=0.02) and α-carotene was associated with reduced risk for DR in non-smokers (OR (95%CI): 0.41 (0.17, 0.99), P=0.048). No significant association was found between hemoglobin A1c and any carotenoids (P>0.05). Significantly associations with serum carotenoids were found in age, sex, BMI, smoking, and exercise (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum ß-carotene may have a protective effect on DM and α-carotene may be a protective factor for DR in non-smokers.

[0.5 Gy X-ray radiation promotes osteoblast differentiation by Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling].

Objective: To investigate the important roles of Wnt signaling in the processes of 0.5Gy X-ray promoting osteoblast differentiation, and make clear the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods: Flow cytometry was employed to detect the apoptosis after osteoblast exposure to 0.5 Gy X-ray radiation.The protein level of osteoblast differentiation markers, such as collagen Iα (Col1α), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), were detected by Western-blot and ALP activity staining was performed. Real-time PCR and Western-blot were utilized to evaluate the variations of key factors in Wnt signaling pathways, while specific inhibitor of Wnt/ß-Catenin, XAV939 was used to block the Wnt signaling. Results: Low-dose (0.5 Gy) X-ray induced significant decline in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast apoptosis at three days after radiation.The dynamic variations in the expression of osteoblast differentiation markers, including Col1α, ALP, OCN, were observed after 0.5 Gy X-ray irradiation by Western blot analysis.The protein levels of Col1α have a reduction temporarily at 4 days of radiation (34.5%±5.8%, t=9.912, P<0.001), then a significant increase is detected at 10 day after radiation (162.5%±6.5%, t=2.673, P<0.05). OCN levels dropped by 83% (t=3.968, P<0.01) at 4 day after 0.5 Gy X-ray radiation, and raised at 10 day (39.5%±4.1%, t=3.219, P<0.05) and 14 day (79.4%±7.5%, t=6.708, P<0.001), respectively. ALP levels increased at 7 day (79.7%±22.3%, t=6.257, P<0.001) and 10 day(128.3%±6.1%, t=4.340, P<0.01)after radiation. At the same time, 0.5 Gy X-ray radiation can activate Wnt/GSK-3/ß-Catenin signaling.The mRNA levels of Wnt3a、LPR5 and TCF-4 increased by 1.7 fold (t=6.573, P<0.001), 1.1 fold (t=5.323, P<0.05) and 1.4 fold (t=3.054, P<0.05) at 7 day after radiation.In addition, p-GSK-3ß level reduced by 42.1% (t=4.460, P<0.01), and active ß-Catenin increased by 1.9 fold (t=3.528, P<0.05). However, the specific inhibitor of Wnt/ß-Catenin, XAV939 completely abrogated Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling and the increase in ALP expression and activity induced by 0.5 Gy X-ray radiation. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that low dose X-ray radiation promoted osteoblast survival at early differentiation, and promoted differentiation at middle and late stage, in which Wnt signaling participated the regulation processes.

[Effects of 0.5 Gy X-ray radiation on the profile of gene expression in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts].

Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanism of low-dose X-ray irradiation on osteoblasts by detecting the gene expression profiles of osteoblasts radiated with 0.5 Gy X-ray. Methods: Microarray analyses to value the changes of gene expression of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts after 0.5 Gy X-ray irradiation were conducted.The end points included modulation of key markers, and pathway and gene ontology through transcriptomic profiling and bioinformatics analysis. Several major genes during osteoblasts differentiation were selected for Real-time PCR analysis. Results: 1 412 differentially expressed transcripts were identified between the radiated group and control group. Among the identified genes, 559 transcripts were up-regulated and 853 transcripts were down-regulated after irradiation.Real-time PCR analysis indicated that the mRNA expressions of Bglap-rs1, Col1a2, Tgf-ß1, Lrp5, Dvl1, Map4k5 were apparently higher than that of the controls (P<0.01), whereas the Id2 and Dkk1 expression decreased under the same condition(P<0.01). Western-blot analysis indicated TGF-ß1 and Lrp-5 protein expression increased and Dkk1 expression decreased(P<0.05). Pathway analysis and gene ontology analysis revealed that focal adhesion, extracellular signaling, cytoskeletal protein binding, Wnt signal pathway, IκB /NF-κB signal pathway and growth factor receptors activities. Conclusions: Low-dose X-ray radiation promoted osteoblasts differentiation in which focal adhesion, extracellular signaling, cytoskeletal protein binding, Wnt signal pathway, IκB /NF-κB signal pathway and growth factor activities might be involved.

Long-Term Follow-Up of a Revascularized Immature Necrotic Tooth Evaluated by CBCT.

This case study reports the successful treatment of an immature upper premolar with periapical pathosis and sinus tract using revascularization technique. Clinical and radiographic examination demonstrated the recovery of vitality, continued root development, and periapical healing at the 7-month follow-up. In addition, severe calcification of the canal was noted at the 36-month follow-up. At the 66-month follow-up, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed complete periapical healing, apical closure, increase in root length and thickness of dentin, and severe calcification of the root canal. Even though the nature of tissue within the root canal is unknown, revascularization appears to give good clinical and radiographic success. This case report highlights that severe calcification of the canal is one of the long-term outcomes of revascularized root canals.

[Coblation treatment for larynx leukoplakia].

Objective:To evaluate the effect and feasibility of coblation treatment for larynx leukoplakia. Method:One hundred and thirty-one cases with coblation treatment larynx leukoplakia were retrospectively analyzed from Jan 2009 to Dec 2013. Result:One hundred and thirty one patients were treated with coblation, and follow-ups ranged 1 year to 6 years after surgry .Cure rate was 91.6%（120/131）after single surgry,and the recurrent rate was 8.4%（11/131）.Conclusion:Coblation treatment was an ideal method for larynx leukoplakia with less bleeding and less damage.

[Radiofrequency coblation treatment for the supraglottic larynx neuroendocrine carcinoma: a case report].

In this paper, feasibility of coblation treatment for epiglottis neuroendocrine carcinoma is discussed. The eligible case is operated by plasma, and the recurrence of tumor isn't found during the follow-up period. Hence, neuroendocrine carcinoma which is discovered early and localized can be attempted to resect by this method. However, based on cautions consideration, it also needs to further research for the long-term effect of radiofrequency coblation treatment.

Molecular cytogenetic characterisation and phylogenetic analysis of the seven cultivated Vigna species (Fabaceae).

The genomic organisation of the seven cultivated Vigna species, V. unguiculata, V. subterranea, V. angularis, V. umbellata, V. radiata, V. mungo and V. aconitifolia, was determined using sequential combined PI and DAPI (CPD) staining and dual-colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with 5S and 45S rDNA probes. For phylogenetic analyses, comparative genomic in situ hybridisation (cGISH) onto somatic chromosomes and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of 45S rDNA were used. Quantitative karyotypes were established using chromosome measurements, fluorochrome bands and rDNA FISH signals. All species had symmetrical karyotypes composed of only metacentric or metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Distinct heterochromatin differentiation was revealed by CPD staining and DAPI counterstaining after FISH. The rDNA sites among all species differed in their number, location and size. cGISH of V. umbellata genomic DNA to the chromosomes of all species produced strong signals in all centromeric regions of V. umbellata and V. angularis, weak signals in all pericentromeric regions of V. aconitifolia, and CPD-banded proximal regions of V. mungo var. mungo. Molecular phylogenetic trees showed that V. angularis and V. umbellata were the closest relatives, and V. mungo and V. aconitifolia were relatively closely related; these species formed a group that was separated from another group comprising V. radiata, V. unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis and V. subterranea. This result was consistent with the phylogenetic relationships inferred from the heterochromatin and cGISH patterns; thus, fluorochrome banding and cGISH are efficient tools for the phylogenetic analysis of Vigna species.

Cloning and expression analysis of the Lonicera japonica Thunb. chlorogenic acid synthetase gene (LjCCoAOMT1) in rice.

Complete coding DNA sequences of a closely related chlorogenic acid synthetase gene (LjCCoAOMT1) were isolated from Lonicera japonica Thunb. by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). LjCCoAOMT1 was subsequently overexpressed in Escherichia coli and a 25-kD protein was detected by electrophoresis and western blot analysis. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that recombinant LjCCoAOMT1 methylates the caffeic acid substrate to generate ferulic acid. Further analysis showed that the chlorogenic acid content was significantly correlated with the expression level of LjCCoAOMT1 in various tissues of L. japonica Thunb. at different developmental stages. A plant expression vector containing LjCCoAOMT1 was constructed and Agrobacterium-mediated transgenic rice was successfully obtained. Light treatment analysis showed that LjCCoAOMT1 transgenic rice was more sensitive than wild-type rice in responding to the changes in lighting conditions. Although gibberellic acid (GA3) could promote the growth of both wild-type and LjCCoAOMT1 transgenic rice, LjCCoAOMT1 transgenic rice appeared to be more sensitive to GA3. Furthermore, high concentrations of GA3 significantly facilitated the growth of LjCCoAOMT1 transgenic rice.

Field demonstration of simultaneous wind and temperature measurements from 5 to 50 km with a Na double-edge magneto-optic filter in a multi-frequency Doppler lidar.

We report the first (to our knowledge) field demonstration of simultaneous wind and temperature measurements with a Na double-edge magneto-optic filter implemented in the receiver of a three-frequency Na Doppler lidar. Reliable winds and temperatures were obtained in the altitude range of 10-45 km with 1 km resolution and 60 min integration under the conditions of 0.4 W lidar power and 75 cm telescope aperture. This edge filter with a multi-frequency lidar concept can be applied to other direct-detection Doppler lidars for profiling both wind and temperature simultaneously from the lower to the upper atmosphere.

Continuous-wave sodium D2 resonance radiation generated in single-pass sum-frequency generation with periodically poled lithium niobate.

With two cw single-mode Nd:YAG lasers at 1064 and 1319 nm and a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal, 11 mW of 2 kHz/100 ms bandwidth single-mode tunable 589 nm cw radiation has been detected using single-pass sum-frequency generation. The demonstrated conversion efficiency is approximately 3.2%[W(-1) cm(-1)]. This compact solid-state light source has been used in a solid-state-dye laser hybrid sodium fluorescence lidar transmitter to measure temperatures and winds in the upper atmosphere (80-105 km); it is being implemented into the transmitter of a mobile all-solid-state sodium temperature and wind lidar under construction.

Na double-edge magneto-optic filter for Na lidar profiling of wind and temperature in the lower atmosphere.

A Na double-edge magneto-optic filter is proposed for incorporation into the receiver of a three-frequency Na Doppler lidar to extend its wind and temperature measurements into the lower atmosphere. Two prototypes based on cold- and hot-cell designs were constructed and tested with laser scanning and quantum mechanics modeling. The hot-cell filter exhibits superior performances over the cold-cell filter containing buffer gas. Lidar simulations, metrics, and error analyses show that simultaneous wind and temperature measurements are feasible in the altitude range of 20-50 km using the hot-cell filter and reasonable Na lidar parameters.

CPD staining: an effective technique for detection of NORs and other GC-rich chromosomal regions in plants.

Mitotic chromosome spreads of 16 plant species belonging to six families were analyzed using an improved combined PI and DAPI (CPD) staining procedure. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 45S rDNA probe was conducted sequentially on the same spreads to evaluate the efficiency and sensitivity of the technique. Fluorochrome staining with chromomycin A3 (CMA)-DAPI also was conducted to clarify the properties of the sequences involved in the CPD banded regions. Our results revealed that all of the NORs (rDNA sites) in the species tested were efficiently shown as red bands by CPD staining, and the number and position of the bands corresponded precisely to those of the 45S rDNA FISH signals, indicating that the detection sensitivity of CPD staining is similar to that of FISH. In 10 of the species tested including Aegilops squarrosa, Allium sativum, Oryza sativum ssp. indica, Oryza officinalis, Pisum sativum, Secale cereale, Setaria italica, Sorghum vulgare, Vicia faba and Zea mays, CPD bands were exhibited exclusively in their NORs, while in other six species including Hordeum vulgare, Allium cepa, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus, Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica oleracea var. capitata and Lycopersicon esculentum, CPD bands appeared in chromosomal regions other than their NORs. The CPD bands were in accordance with the CMA bands in all species tested, indicating GC-rich sequences in the CPD bands and that the improved CPD staining procedure is specific for GC-rich regions in plant genomes. Our investigation not only elucidated the banding mechanisms of CPD, but also demonstrated that the CPD staining technique, which may be preferable to CMA staining, is an effective tool for detecting NORs and other GC-rich chromosomal regions in plants.

Mutations in IHH, encoding Indian hedgehog, cause brachydactyly type A-1.

Brachydactyly type A-1 (BDA-1; MIM 112500) is characterized by shortening or missing of the middle phalanges (Fig. 1a). It was first identified by Farabee in 1903 (ref. 2), is the first recorded example of a human anomaly with Mendelian autosomal-dominant inheritance and, as such, is cited in most genetic and biological textbooks. Here we show that mutations in IHH, which encodes Indian hedgehog, cause BDA-1. We have identified three heterozygous missense mutations in the region encoding the amino-terminal signaling domain in all affected members of three large, unrelated families. The three mutant amino acids, which are conserved across all vertebrates and invertebrates studied so far, are predicted to be adjacent on the surface of IHH.

Low incidence of TEL/AML1 fusion and TEL deletion in Korean childhood acute leukemia by extra-signal fluorescence in situ hybridization.

TEL/AML1 fusion in acute leukemia results from cryptic translocation of chromosome 12 and 21, the presence of which suggests a favorable prognosis. The incidence of TEL/AML1 fusion in B-lineage ALL is approximately 25%, but the incidence in Korea has not yet been reported. To investigate the incidence of TEL/AML1 fusion and TEL deletion, bone marrow specimens from 77 Korean children with newly diagnosed acute leukemia were analyzed by FISH. We applied extra-signal FISH to discriminate a true TEL/AML1 fusion from a false-positive fusion signal. To determine the cut-off value of the TEL/AML1 fusion signal, 20 normal bone marrow specimens and 28 normal peripheral blood specimens were also analyzed. The frequency of patients with TEL/AML1 fusion was 13.3% (4 cases) among 30 B-lineage ALL and 9.5% among 42 ALL. One TEL/AML1 fusion-positive patient was also found among 4 acute biphenotypic leukemias. TEL/AML1 fusion was not found in any samples from patients with T-lineage ALL or AML. The incidence of TEL deletion was 6.7% (2 cases) among 30 B-lineage ALL and 4.8% among 42 ALL. The incidences of TEL/AML1 fusion and TEL deletion in Korean children with acute leukemia appear to be lower than those in other countries, suggesting a racial difference.

Spectral structure of laser light scattering revisited: bandwidths of nonresonant scattering lidars.

It is well known that scattering lidars, i.e., Mie, aerosol-wind, Rayleigh, high-spectral-resolution, molecular-wind, rotational Raman, and vibrational Raman lidars, are workhorses for probing atmospheric properties, including the backscatter ratio, aerosol extinction coefficient, temperature, pressure, density, and winds. The spectral structure of molecular scattering (strength and bandwidth) and its constituent spectra associated with Rayleigh and vibrational Raman scattering are reviewed. Revisiting the correct name by distinguishing Cabannes scattering from Rayleigh scattering, and sharpening the definition of each scattering component in the Rayleigh scattering spectrum, the review allows a systematic, logical, and useful comparison in strength and bandwidth between each scattering component and in receiver bandwidths (for both nighttime and daytime operation) between the various scattering lidars for atmospheric sensing.

High-spectral-resolution lidar with iodine-vapor filters: measurement of atmospheric-state and aerosol profiles.

A high-spectral-resolution lidar can measure vertical profiles of atmospheric temperature, pressure, the aerosol backscatter ratio, and the aerosol extinction coefficient simultaneously. We describe a system with these characteristics. The transmitter is a narrow-band (FWHM of the order of 74 MHz), injection-seeded, pulsed, double YAG laser at 532 nm. Iodine-vapor filters in the detection system spectrally separate the molecular and aerosol scattering and greatly reduce the latter (-41 dB). Operating at a selected frequency to take advantage of two neighboring lines in vapor filters, one can obtain a sensitivity of the measured signal-to-air temperature ratio equal to 0.42%/K. Using a relatively modest size transmitter and receiver system (laser power times telescope aperture equals 0.19 Wm(2)), our measured temperature profiles (0.5-15 km) over 11 nights are in agreement with balloon soundings to within 2.0 K over an altitude range of 2-5 km. There is good agreement in the lapse rates, tropopause altitudes, and inversions. In principle, to invert the signal requires a known density at one altitude, but in practice it is convenient to also use a known temperature at that altitude. This is a scalable system for high spatial resolution of vertical temperature profiles in the troposphere and lower stratosphere, even in the presence of aerosols.