LncRNA MALAT1 affects high glucose-induced endothelial cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) on the high glucose-induced proliferation, apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis of endothelial cells and its potential mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were divided into 3 groups, including control group (medium with 5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (HG group, medium with 33.5 mmol/L glucose) and lncRNA MALAT1 knockdown group [HG + MALAT1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) group, medium with 33.5 mmol/L glucose]. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to observe the proliferation of HUVECs in each group at different time points. Meanwhile, the wound-healing assay was applied to detect the migratory ability of HUVECs in each group at 0 h and 24 h. The apoptosis rate of each group of cells was measured by means of flow cytometry, and the expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) was detected via immunofluorescence at the same time. In addition, the amount of neovascularization in each group of cells was observed through the tube formation assay. Finally, Western blotting was utilized to determine the expression level of proteins in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway in each group of cells. RESULTS: Compared with that in the control group, the expression level of lncRNA MALAT1 in the HG group was elevated markedly (p<0.05). The proliferative capacity of HUVECs in the HG group was increased notably after knocking down lncRNA MALAT1 with siRNA (p<0.05). According to wound-healing assay, the knockdown of lncRNA MALAT1 could prominently reverse the declined HUVECs migratory ability induced by high glucose (p<0.05). Flow cytometry results manifested that the apoptosis level of HUVECs in the HG group was increased markedly, but inhibition on lncRNA MALAT1 could lower the apoptosis level evidently (p<0.05). The results of immunofluorescence showed that the expression of Bax in the HG + MALAT1 siRNA group was remarkably lower than that in the HG group (p<0.05). It was revealed in Western blotting that the knockdown of lncRNA MALAT1 could reverse the inhibition of high glucose on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HUVECs (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inhibiting lncRNA MALAT1 can promote endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis and repress endothelial cell apoptosis simultaneously, whose mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Clinical features, outcomes and risk factors for posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to investigate the clinical features, outcomes, and risk factors for posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: From 2011 to October 2017, SLE patients with PRES were identified from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China. Patients presenting with neuropsychiatric lupus hospitalized in the same period were included as controls. Additionally, survival status was acquired via telephone follow-up in March 2018. RESULTS: Thirty episodes of PRES were identified in 29 SLE patients from a total of 7059 SLE patients (prevalence 0.43%). Patients with PRES had a younger age at onset than controls, with seizures more commonly the initial clinical manifestation (80.00% vs 42.37%, p = 0.001). Multiple logistic regression yet again confirmed several known risk factors, including younger age (odds ratio (OR) 1.15 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-1.16)), nephritis (OR 20.74 (18.10-23.75)), history of hypertension (OR 1.17 (1.05-1.31)), SLE Disease Activity Index without neurologic symptoms (SLEDAI-N) score >12 (OR 1.14 (1.11-1.18)) and eclampsia (OR 9.38 (7.84-11.23)). Furthermore, we identified two novel independent risk factors for PRES in SLE: white blood cells >9 × 109/l (OR 2.33 (2.05-2.64)) and heart failure (OR 2.10 (1.18-2.42)). At follow-up, SLE patients with PRES had higher mortality than controls (30.77% vs 8.33%, respectively, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: PRES may be a reversible neurological deficit in patients with SLE other than neuropsychiatric lupus. Our results indicate two new risk factors for PRES and that PRES is associated with a higher mortality rate.

[Effect of esmolol in septic shock patients with tachycardia: a randomized clinical trial].

Objective: To investigate the effect of esmolol in septic shock patients with tachycardia. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Screening septic shock patients that admitted to Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2016 to August 2017. After 24 h resuscitation therapy, 100 cases of septic shock patients with tachycardia (heart rate>100 bpm) were divided into esmolol group (n=50) and control group (n=50) with random number table. Patients in esmolol group accepted standard treatment plus esmolol injection with an initial dose of 25 mg/h. Heart rate target is 80 to 100 bpm. Patients in esmolol group continued to use esmolol for 7 days or to the day the patient left the ICU when the heart rate didn't achieve the target. Patients in control group were given standard treatment. Primary outcome was 28 d mortality. Secondary outcomes included heart rate, norepinephrine dosages, lactate level, inflammatory markers in per day during the trial; acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE Ⅱ) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) on day 1, 3, 5, 7; length of hospital stay, length of mechanical ventilation, medication time of vasoactive agent. The data were compared with t test or rank sum test between the two groups. Results: The 28 d mortality of esmolol group and control group was 62%, 68%, respectively(χ(2)=0.529, P=0.529). Logistic regression analysis showed that primary heart rate (increase of 10 bpm, OR=1.568, 95%CI: 1.039-1.238, P=0.027), primary APACHEⅡ (OR=1.134, 95%CI: 1.026-1.239, P=0.005), integral heart rate (per 10 bpm, OR=2.207, 95%CI: 1.400-3.479, P=0.001) were independent risk factors for 28 d mortality. Compared with control group, the esmolol group had a lower heart rate on day 1-7; but over all, there was no statistically significant difference in heart rate between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in total does of norepinephrine, lactate level, inflammatory markers, APACHE Ⅱ, SOFA, length of hospital stay between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Tachycardia significantly increases the risk of death in patients with septic shock, esmolol may decrease the mortality by controlling heart rate.

[Treatment and analysis of prognostic factors of stage â ¡ and â ¢ undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma in extremities and trunk].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and prognostic factors of comprehensive treatment of undifferentiated high grade pleomorphic sarcoma (UHGPS) in extremities and trunk, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Methods: A retrospective analysis and follow-up of 131 UHGPS cases with clinical stage Ⅱ or Ⅲ in extremities and trunk soft tissue was performed to analyze the prognostic factors. Survival data were collected through follow-up. The survival rate was calculated with life table method and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were drawn. Survival rate between the two groups was compared using Log rank test. The multivariate analysis was performed using Cox regression model. Results: The median survival time of 131 patients was 41.6 months. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 95.0%, 82.0%, and 77.0%, respectively. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 81.0%, and the 5-year metastasis-free survival rate was 72.0%. Univariate analysis showed that the tumor size, initial or recurrence, surgical margin, AJCC stage, and with/without standard treatment were associated with overall survival (all P<0.05). Stratification analysis according to the American Joint Committee of Cancer (AJCC) stage showed that 5-year survival rate of stage Ⅱ patients with radiotherapy was 100.0%, which was higher than that of patients without radiotherapy (79.6%) and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.010); but no statistical significance of radiotherapy for stage Ⅲ and chemotherapy for stage Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients (all P>0.05). The multivariate analysis showed surgical margin (HR=4.220, P=0.002), with/without standard treatment (HR=4.040, P=0.030) were independent risk factors associated with prognosis of UHGPS patients. Conclusions: For UHGPS with stage Ⅱ or stage Ⅲ in extremities and trunk soft tissue, patients with complete resection and standard treatment have improved prognosis. Therefore, standard treatment, including extensive resection for the first surgery, should be performed according to expert consensus in order to increase the long-term survival rate. Adjuvant radiotherapy should be performed for stage Ⅱ patients.

GAS5 promotes podocyte injury in sepsis by inhibiting PTEN expression.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) growth arrest specific transcript 5 (GAS5) in sepsis-induced podocyte injury and its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sepsis model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction in podocytes. The expression levels of Nephrin and GAS5 were detected by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) after LPS induction in podocytes for 12 h, 24 h and 36 h, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression level of Nephrin in sepsis-induced podocytes. The mRNA expressions of GAS5 and Nephrin in podocytes were detected after transfection of GAS5 siRNA. Albumin influx in podocytes after GAS5 knockdown was detected by Transwell assay. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Snail in sepsis after GAS5 knockdown. The target gene of GAS5 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis. QRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten). Nephrin expression and the albumin inflow after PTEN knockdown were then measured. The expression of PI3K/AKT/GSK3ß was also detected after GAS5 was downregulated while PTEN was upregulated. RESULTS: LPS stimulation downregulated the mRNA expression of Nephrin in podocytes and achieved the lowest level at 24 h. The protein expression change of Nephrin was consistent with its mRNA expression. In the septic state, the albumin influx of podocytes remarkably increased, but the function of podocyte barrier was weakened. Besides, GAS5 expression decreased in a time-dependent manner in LPS-induced podocytes. After GAS5 knockdown by siRNA, Nephrin expression and the function of podocyte barrier were significantly reduced. Snail expression was also upregulated in septic state, and GAS5 knockdown increased the expressions of phosphorylated Snail and PI3K/AKT/GSK3ß. After knockdown of GAS5, the mRNA and protein levels of PTEN significantly decreased, which was contract to the expression of Snail. However, overexpression of PTEN could reverse the promotive effect of GAS5 on PI3K/AKT activation. CONCLUSIONS: GAS5 expression decreased in sepsis-induced podocyte injury, and GAS5 was involved in regulating sepsis-induced podocyte injury by reducing PTEN expression.

[The therapeutic effects of interleukin 10 gene-modified bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in a murine model of liver fibrosis].

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene-modified dendritic cells (DC-IL-10) in mice with liver fibrosis. Methods: DC-IL-10 was constructed in vitro, the phenotype and function of which were evaluated by flow cytometry. BALB/c mice were treated with intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to establish liver fibrotic model. DC-IL-10 was administrated via tail vein. Animals were divided into 4 groups including normal dendritic cell(DC) control, liver fibrosis only, negative lentiviral transfection DC (DC-mock) and DC-IL-10. Liver function, cytokine secretion, T lymphocyte differentiation and liver histomorphology were tested. Real-time PCR and western blot were used to analyze the effect of DC-IL-10 on Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and its role in liver fibrosis. Results: When compared with DC control and DC-mock, the expression of DC-IL-10 surface stimulating molecules (major histocompatibity complex-Ⅱ, CD(80), CD(86)) were significantly decreased (F=14.708, 22.503, 12.595, respectively, all P<0.05), and DC-IL-10 significantly inhibited T lymphocyte proliferation (F=50.295, P<0.05). When compared with liver fibrosis group, serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase were decreased in DC-IL-10 treated group (all P<0.05), other parameters including inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, IL-1ß) reduced (all P <0.05), the proportion of regulatory T cells (Treg) increased (F=6.742, P<0.05), pathological damage improved, the expression of Wnt3a, α-SMA and ß-catenin mRNA and protein significantly reduced in DC-IL-10 treatment group (all P<0.001) . Conclusions: DC-IL-10 induces elevation of Treg for immune tolerance, as well as inhibition of inflammatory response, block of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, which translates into improvement of liver fibrosis.

[Analysis of clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of foot and ankle soft tissue and bone tumors].

Objective: To evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of foot and ankle soft tissue and bone tumor, and to analyze the prognosis and the related factors of malignant tumors in this site. Methods: 74 patients with soft tissue and bone tumors of foot and ankle from January 2006 to February 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinicopathological characteristics, the treatment and survival status of malignant tumors were followed up, and the clinical and therapeutic factors related to prognosis were analyzed. Results: Of the 74 patients, 34 were males and 40 were females. The male to female ratio was 1∶1.18; the age ranged from 12 to 64 years and the median age was 42 years. Tumors located in forefoot of 22 cases, 22 in midfoot, 10 in hind foot, 14 in ankle joint and 6 in multiple sites. 14 cases were bone tumors, including 7 benign and 7 malignant, and 60 cases were soft tissue tumors, including 14 benign and 46 malignant. The most common malignant soft tissue tumors were synovial sarcomas (13 cases), and the most common benign soft tissue tumors were hemangiomas (4 cases). 44 cases of malignant tumors underwent surgery were followed up, of which were 7 bone and 37 soft tissue malignant tumors. Limb salvage surgeries were performed in 33 cases and amputation in 11 cases. The median follow-up time was 69.8 months, and the median survival time was 40.7 months. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rate of soft tissue malignant tumors was 88.0%, 73.0%, and 63.0%, respectively. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rate of bone malignant tumors was 86.0%, 57.0% and 57.0%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the prognostic factors affecting 5-year survival rate were tumor size and adjuvant therapy (P<0.05). Patient's gender, age, tumor location, histological type and surgical procedure had no effect on overall survival(P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size was an independent prognostic factor (RR=7.262, P=0.005). Conclusions: Forefoot and midfoot are more common in foot and ankle soft tissue and bone tumors. Synovial sarcoma is the most common diagnosis in malignant soft tissue tumors, and hemangioma is the most common diagnosis in benign soft tissue tumors. The prognostic factor of malignant soft tissue and bone tumors in foot and ankle is tumor size. Patients with the tumor size of 5 cm or more have a worse prognosis.

[Clinicopathological features and prognosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: a retrospective study of 140 cases].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of MPNST patients who were treated at Cancer Institute & Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science from January 1999 to January 2016. A total of 140 patients with 66 male and 74 female with MPNST were enrolled in the study. The median age was 40 at the time of diagnosis. Survival analysis were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test. Multivariate analysis were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results: The median follow-up time was 43.0 months. The 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 56.4% and 48.6%, respectively. The 3-year local recurrence (LR) rate and distant metastasis (DM) rates were 42.9% and 49.3%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the tumor location, AJCC stage, S-100, radiotherapy and margin status affected 5-year OS rate (all P<0.05). The tumor location, AJCC stage, S-100, Ki-67 staining, margin status, radiotherapy and chemotherapy affected 3-year LR rate (all P<0.05). The tumor location, AJCC stage, S-100, Ki-67 staining and margin status affected 3-year DM rate (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the tumor location, AJCC stage, S-100 were independent factors for 5-year OS rate (all P<0.05). The tumor location, Ki-67 staining and chemotherapy were independent factors for LR (all P<0.05) while the AJCC stage, margin status and Ki-67 staining were independent factors for DM (all P<0.05). Conclusions: MPSNT is an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. Multiple factors were identified in this study. Patients with the tumor located at head and neck, advanced AJCC stage and negative S-100 usually have a low 5-year overall survival rate. Patients with the tumor located at head and neck, Ki-67 staining ≥ 20% and without chemotherapy had a higher tendency of local recurrence. Poor prognosis factors for DM were advanced AJCC stage, positive margin and Ki-67 staining ≥ 20%.

Down-regulation of miR-342-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and its prognostic significance.

OBJECTIVE: The involvement of microRNAs in cancer and their potential as biomarkers of prognosis are becoming increasingly appreciated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical importance and prognostic value of miR-342-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-342-3p. The association with clinicopathologic features was analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards analysis were used to compare the overall survival between HCC patients with high miR-342-3p expression and those with low miR-342-3p expression. RESULTS: We found that miR-342-3p expression was significantly decreased in HCC tissues compared with paired adjacent non-tumor tissues (p < 0.001). MiR-342-3p expression was correlated with histologic grade (p = 0.008) and tumor TNM stage (p = 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients in the high miR-342-3p expression group had better overall survival than those in the low miR-342-3p expression group (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that miR-342-3p (p = 0.001), TNM stage (p = 0.002) and histologic grade (p = 0.006) were associated with poor survival rates. Multivariate analysis confirmed that miR-342-3p expression can be used as an independent predictor for HCC prognosis (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: miR-342-3p may serve as a tumor suppressor during HCC progression, and its low expression may be a potential biomarker for poor prognosis of HCC.

The near-IR spectrum of NO(X̃2Π)-He detected through excitation into the Ã-state continuum: A joint experimental and theoretical study.

We present the first measurement of a bound-state spectrum of the NO-He complex. The recorded spectrum is associated with the first overtone transition of the NO moiety. The IR absorption is detected by exciting the vibrationally excited complex to the Ã-state dissociation continuum. The resulting NO(A) fragment is subsequently ionized in the same laser pulse. We recorded two bands centered around the NO monomer rotational lines, Q11(0.5) and R11(0.5), consistent with an almost free rotation of the NO fragment within the complex. The origin of the spectrum is found at 3724.06 cm-1 blue shifted by 0.21 cm-1 from the corresponding NO monomer origin. The rotational structures of the spectrum are found to be in very good agreement with calculated spectra based on bound states derived from a set of high level ab initio potential energy surfaces [Klos et al. J. Chem. Phys. 112, 2195 (2000)].

The near-IR spectrum of NO(X̃(2)Π)-Ne detected through excitation into the Ã-state continuum: A joint experimental and theoretical study.

We present new measurements of the near IR spectrum of NO-Ne in the region of the first NO overtone transition. The IR absorption is detected by exciting the vibrationally excited complex to the Ã-state dissociation continuum. The resulting NO(A) fragment is subsequently ionized in the same laser pulse. Spectra of the two lowest bands, A and B, are recorded. The spectra are compared with calculated spectra based on bound states derived from a new set of high level ab initio potential energy surfaces (PESs). For the calculation, the PESs are used with either fixed NO intermolecular distance or averaged for the vibrational states of NO (X̃, v = 0 or 2). Spectra based on the new PESs reproduce the experimental spectra better than theoretical spectra based on the older PESs of M. H. Alexander et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 114, 5588 (2001)]. Especially, spectra based on the two different vibrationally averaged PESs show a marked improvement in comparison to the one based on the fixed internuclear NO-distance. A fitted set of spectroscopic constants allows to reproduce most of the finer details of the measured spectra. Monitoring simultaneously the NO fragment ion and the parent ion channels while scanning the UV wavelength through the NO A-X hot-band region enabled us to confirm the NO-Ne Ã-state dissociation limit of 44233 ± 5 cm(-1). These measurements also confirm the absence of a structured NO-Ne spectrum involving the Ã-state.

Ageing effects on the diameter, nanomechanical properties and tactile perception of human hair.

BACKGROUND: The typical changes to hair associated with ageing are greying, thinning, dryness and brittleness. Research on the influence of ageing on hair properties will enable a detailed understanding of the natural ageing process. METHODS: The studies were carried out using an SEM (scanning electron microscope), a TriboIndenter and an artificial finger. Three characteristic features of tactile perception that could reflect the perceptual dimensions of the fineness, roughness and slipperiness of hair were extracted. The influences of ageing on the diameter, surface topography, nanomechanical properties and tactile perception of hair were determined. RESULTS: In the three age group hair samples, the children's group hair samples have the smallest diameter. The hair cuticles in the children and young adult groups were relatively complete and less damaged than in the elderly group. The hardness and elastic modulus of the young adult group's hair samples were higher than those in the elderly and children's groups. For all groups, loss modulus E" was smaller than storage modulus E'. Vertical deviations (R) and coefficient of friction (µ) increased, and spectral centroid (SC) decreased, with the increase in age. Ageing decreased the tactile perception of hair. CONCLUSION: Ageing influences the diameter, surface topography, hardness, loss modulus, storage modulus and tactile perception of human hair.

Correlation between expression and significance of δ-catenin, CD31, and VEGF of non-small cell lung cancer.

We analyzed the expression and clinical significance of δ-catenin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and investigated prognosis using human lung cancer samples. Eighty-nine NSCLC patients underwent operation between January and March 2009. There were 53 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 31 adenocarcinoma, and 5 large cell carcinoma. δ-Catenin in NSCLC patients was detected by immunohistochemistry and analyzed in combination with the clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer. The relationship between δ-catenin and CD31, D2-40, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was compared by immunohistochemistry and the χ(2) test. δ-Catenin appeared in the cytoplasm of adjacent bronchial epithelial cells, indicating negative expression. Positive δ-catenin expression in the cytoplasm of lung cancer tissues was 66.67% (52/78), which was significantly higher than in normal lung tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that the mean survival time of patients with δ-catenin-positive expression was significantly shorter than in those with negative expression, indicating that positive expression was closely related to poor prognosis of NSCLC. δ-Catenin was highly expressed in NSCLC mainly in the cytoplasm of lung cancer tissues. δ-Catenin-positive expression may be related to poor prognosis of NSCLC. High δ-catenin expression in NSCLC was positively correlated with high CD31 and VEGF expression, but not correlated with D2-40, suggesting that δ-catenin may be related to angiogenesis and not lymphangiogenesis.

Comparison of longissimus dorsi Fatty Acids Profiles in Gansu Black Yak and Chinese Yellow Cattle Steers and Heifers.

Fatty acid (FA) composition of longissimus dorsi intramuscular fat in Black Yak and Chinese Yellow Cattle were evaluated in 44 Black Yak and 41 Chinese Yellow Cattle of both genders. Interactions of species with gender were observed for total saturated fatty acid (SFA), unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, EPA, and DHA concentrations, as well as PUFA/SFA ratio in the longissimus dorsi (p<0.05). The SFA percentage was greater in yellow cattle than yak in both genders but the species difference in heifers was greater than in steers (p<0.05). Yak had greater UFA, MUFA and PUFA percentages than yellow cattle in both steers and heifers (p<0.05) but the difference between yak and yellow cattle heifers was greater than yak and yellow cattle steers. The percentages of inolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid; and PUFA/SFA were greater in yak than yellow cattle in both steers and heifers (p<0.05). In addition, the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA in yak was lesser than in yellow cattle (p<0.05). These results indicated that FA composition generally differed between yak and yellow cattle but the differences were not the same in heifers as compared to steers. Results also suggested that species differences in FA composition tended to favor Black Yak over Chinese Yellow Cattle, indicating that the longissimus dorsi of Black Yak may have a higher nutritive value than that of Chinese Yellow Cattle and potential for development as a desirable natural product.

Spectral broadening in femtosecond pulse written filamentary waveguides in periodically poled lithium niobate.

The authors report the filamentary waveguide formation and the significant spectral broadening based on periodically poled lithium niobate substrate. The modified morphology contributes to the combined effects of optical diffraction and self-focusing with the dependence on pulse intensity. Up to 4 times broadening of the FF wave and about 47 nm spanning of the SH wave with the pump power of 19.5 mW are achievable under 1550 nm excitation. Spectral evolution by cubic nonlinearity inside the waveguide has been obtained numerically, and provides a reasonable agreement with the experimental results.

The prevalence of Parkinson's disease continues to rise after 80 years of age: a cross-sectional study of Chinese veterans.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) continues to rise after 80 years of age. METHODS: This is a two-stage, multi-center, cross-sectional study using a stratified cluster sampling approach was employed. Subjects included veterans at ≥ 60 years of age living in veterans' communities for at least one month in 18 major cities across China. In the first step, possible PD was screened using a PD screening scale. Demographic and relevant information were collected. In the second step, PD diagnosis was established using the United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank (UKPDSBB) diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: The study was conducted during the period from December 2009 to December 2012. The study included 277 veterans' communities. Among the approached 11,593 subjects, 9676 subjects, (9096 men, 580 women) responded. The response rate was 83.46%.The age was ≥ 80 years in 6722 (69.47%) subjects. A diagnosis of PD was established in 228 subjects (2.36%) in the entire sample. The rate of PD was 2.65% in those with an age of ≥ 80 years. The rate of PD increased with increasing age (0%, 1.84%, 2.60% and 3.68% in the subjects at < 70, 70-79, 80-89 and ≥ 90 years of age, respectively; χ2 = 10.891, p = 0.001 in chi-square test). The rate of PD was higher in men (2.44%) than in women (1.46%) on the surface. However, no significant difference was detected (p = 0.241). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PD continues to increase beyond the age of 80 years. The prevalence of PD in Chinese veterans is not lower than that in other countries and regions.

Microsurgery for the treatment of primary malignant intracranial melanoma: a surgical series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Primary malignant intracranial melanomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system. These tumors are highly malignant and are associated with poor prognosis. The field of neurosurgery has struggled with the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors. METHODS: In this study, we present a surgical series of eight patients with primary malignant intracranial melanomas and retrospectively analyze the clinical features, imaging findings, pathological features and prognoses of these patients. RESULTS: All patients underwent microsurgery. Total and subtotal resection of the tumor was achieved in six and two patients, respectively. Of the eight patients, seven showed improvement while one remained the same at time of discharge. There was no neurosurgical deterioration. Radiotherapy was conducted in six patients after operation. The average follow-up duration was 13.8 months (range = 9-26 months). During the follow-up period, three patients died from this disease. One patient suffered from recurrence at the 16th month and underwent second surgery. The other patients were still alive with no evidence of tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: Microsurgery and radiotherapy should be the first line managements for patients with primary malignant intracranial melanomas. Improvements in chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies may provide more effective treatments for malignant intracranial melanomas.

Eutectic condensation and nucleation in vapor-liquid-solid grown ZnO nanorod arrays on Si substrate.

It is very important to understand the growth mechanism of ZnO nanostructures for control of the morphologies and further design of optoelectronic devices. In this paper, the eutectic condensation of Zn vapor and catalyst Au, nucleation and epitaxy of ZnO nanorods were intuitionally observed in chemical vapor deposition process by controlling the temperature and atmosphere. The vertically aligned ZnO nanorod arrays were fabricated on Au-coated Si substrate. A Zn-riched buffer layer was found on Si substrate. Under the atmosphere nearly without O2, it was clearly observed that the nano-sized sprouts appeared on the buffer layer and Au-Zn condensed bigger and bigger with increase of temperature. When the O2 was introduced, the as-grown nanorods almost kept the same size and density with those sprouts grown at the same temperature without O2. The morphologies and composition analysis provided direct evidence for a bottom-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid mechanism of ZnO nanorod arrays on the lattice-mismatched substrate.