[Analysis of factors related to the online social interaction and causal sexual behaviors among foreigners in Guangzhou].

Objective: To understand the social support, social network, and sexual behavior characteristics of foreigners living in Guangzhou, analyze factors relating to aspects of online social interactions and sexual behaviors of foreigners in Guangzhou, and provide references for targeted HIV intervention services for foreigners. Methods: A cross-sectional survey (both online and offline), among those who met the inclusion criteria was conducted between November 2019 and January 2020. Data were collected on demographics, social support, online social interactions, sexual behaviors, and so on. Statistics were compiled to analyze the factors that may influence casual sexual behaviors. Results: A total of 434 participants were included in the study (241 offline and 193 online). The majority of the participants were male 68.4% (297/434), age (31.0±8.8) years old, African 79.0% (343/434), business people 46.5% (202/434), students 48.2% (209/434), who have business partners and family members in China were 59.4% (258/434) and 28.1% (122/434) separately. They also had the following features: less than 10 close friends 57.1% (248/434); spend 1-3 hours on social applications per day 43.3% (188/434), had casual sexual behaviors in the last 3 months 15.2% (55/363). Multiple logistic regression model analysis showed that compared with those who used social applications for less than 1 hour per day, participants who used social applications for more than 6 hours per day were more likely to have casual sexual behaviors in the last 3 months (OR=3.63, 95%CI: 1.31-10.08). Conclusions: Participants who used social applications for a longer period every day were more likely to have casual sexual behaviors among foreigners in Guangzhou. Good use of social applications for health promotion and education of HIV can increase the health awareness of foreigners in China.

[Development of Risk Assessment Index System on HIV infection among young students based on Delphi method].

Objective: To develop a Risk Assessment Index System (RAIS) on HIV infection among young students based on Delphi method and to provide individual HIV infection risk assessment, targeted prevention and control measures. Methods: Delphi method was applied to determine the index system and weight of the assessment tool through three rounds of expert consultation and overall consideration of opinions and suggestions from 19 experts. Results: The positivity coefficients of three rounds of expert consultation were 100%. The authority coefficient of experts was between 0.887 and 0.945. The Kendall's W coefficients through first, second and third round specialist consultation was 0.379, 0.329 and 0.248, respectively (all P<0.001). The coefficients of variation in the third round were all less than 0.25, indicating that experts' opinion tend to be consistent and the results are highly reliable. The HIV infection risk assessment index system among young students consisted of 7 first grade indices and 54 second grade indices, of which weight was calculated. Conclusions: The RAIS on HIV infection for young students was initially established based on Delphi method, and could be used in the development of HIV infection risk assessment tools for personalized prevention and intervention among young students. However, the reliability, validity and effect of this assessment index system need to be further evaluated.

[Cluster analysis on survey of sexual health characteristics and health education demands in young students].

Objective: To explore the difference of sexual health characteristics and demands in students in different groups, and provide the basis for targeted sexual health eduction for AIDS prevention in young students. Methods: A survey was conducted based on the requirement of health education about sexual health and AIDS prevention in young students by the education department of Guangdong province. A two-step cluster analysis was performed on the survey data obtained by convenient sampling, the variables and number of clusters included were determined by combination of analysis results and professional knowledge. The demographic characteristics, the content and form of sexual health education needed were compared among different groups. Results: Survey data of 3 884 students were collected, and six variables were used for classification: cognition or occurrence masturbation, sexual behavior, frequency of sexual information acquisition, number of acceptable sex partners and AIDS knowledge awareness rate. By these variables, the students were classified into three levels of risk groups: high risk group (46.6%), medium risk group (39.9%) and low risk group (13.5%). As for demographic characteristics, high risk group, with a median age of 19 years, had the highest proportions of boys (65.9%), students with non-heterosexuality orientation (15.2%), urban residents (58.2%), only children (30.8%) and undergraduates (54.7%). Medium risk group, with a median age of 19 years, had the highest proportions of girls (82.7%) and vocational college students (34.0%). Low risk group, with a median age of 18 years, had the highest proportions of rural residents (52.4%), non-only child (80.6%), senior high school students (41.3%), non-boarding students (17.5%) and students without internship and part-time job experience (43.2%). In terms of health education demands, high risk group had a higher demand of information about self-identity, sexual safety, sexual decision making, contraception, abortion, and sexually transmitted disease or AIDS prevention. Medium risk group paid more attention to value on love and marriage, sexual assault. Low risk group showed a higher demand of adolescent physiology knowledge. Compared with low risk group, high risk group had a higher demand of peer education, Internet/multimedia, anonymous counseling and other forms of sexual health education. The differences were significant. Conclusion: The characteristics, sexual knowledge awareness, attitude and behavior, and health education demands of young students in different groups are different, so health education materials and methods should be developed according to the characteristics of different groups to enhance the acceptance and enthusiasm of students and improve the quality of sexual health education.

[Influence of self-categorized deviation in knowledge, attitude and practice for sexual health on the willingness to seek help for corresponding problems among young students].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of "self-categorization" on decision of health preference and the influence of self-categorized deviation in knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on the willingness of seeking help for sexual health among young students. Methods: From March to April 2019, young students who used a WeChat applet for sexual health and HIV infection risk assessment, which is called "Detective Bear" were recruited and investigated. According to the consistency between the self-categorization of KAP for sexual health and the systematic categorization from their honest answers, the participants were allocated into three groups: consistent, low or high status, according to their judgment on sexual information acquisition, sexual attitude, and the actual number of sexual experiences. Logistic regression was used to analyze the differences in the willingness to seek help for sexual health problems between the three groups. Results: 2 009 students with an average age of (19.2±1.1) were included. 54.7% (1 099/2 009) were female, and 98.4% (1 976/2 009) were college, undergraduate or postgraduate students. 49.0% (984/2 009) were in the consistent group, 10.9% (219/2 009) had a lower self-categorization, 40.1% (806/2 009) had a higher self-categorization. Compared with the consistent group, students with lower self-categorization of KAP for sexual health were less likely to assess HIV voluntary counseling and testing (aOR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.43-0.99). However, students with higher self-categorization seemed to dislike seeking help for sexually transmitted diseases (aOR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.59-0.98). Conclusions: Deviation in self-categorization of KAP for sexual health will reduce the young students' willingness to seek help for related problems. Especially those with lower self-categorization, lack of risk consciousness, and refuse to assess counseling and testing may increase the HIV/AIDS epidemic among this population. It is necessary to strengthen the capacity of self-assessment for young students while promoting sex education.

[Design and analysis of testing results of a WeChat applet for sexual health and HIV infection risk assessment in young students].

Objective: To summarize the design and analysis of testing results of a WeChat applet, which is called "Detective Bear", for sexual health and HIV infection risk assessment in young students, and evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness. Methods: Based on self-categorization theory, by using cluster analysis and Delphi expert consulting method, the framework of WeChat applet, risk assessment index system and preventive intervention content were determined. Young students were recruited by student associations for the application test, the results of the repeated tests and the satisfaction survey were collected and analyzed. Results: The study included 393 participants who repeated the test twice and 750 participants who volunteered to participate in the satisfaction questionnaire survey. The applet contains five modules: self-role judgment, self-test, risk assessment, assessment report generation and background management. The risk assessment module contains 6 first-level indicators and 55 second-level indicators. Assessment report generation module includes role diagnosis type, radar chart of HIV sexual health KAP and intervention prescription. In 393 students who repeated the test, the awareness of AIDS to be a serious sexually transmitted disease, the epidemic trend in young students in China, with active seeking HIV testing services and caring the infected improved. The satisfaction survey showed that 75.7% of students (568/750) accepted the applet, 86.5% (649/750) agreed the evaluation report, 83.1%(623/750) thought that there were some problems, but it was easy to use, 93.3% (700/750) said they can learn something from the applet and 84.1% (631/750) satisfied with the page design. Some students thought the questionnaire was too long and somewhat difficult to complete (P<0.05), and some reported that more can be learned (P<0.05). Conclusions: The applet integrates AIDS prevention related knowledge and practice into a challenging, interesting, interactive game and provide individualized, concrete risk assessment and self-intervention for young students, which can effectively help students to improve the awareness of AIDS related knowledge and get links for access to condoms, testing and other intervention services. However, its large-scale application and long-term effect need to be further tested.

[Analysis on influencing factors on HIV testing behaviors in some foreigners in Guangzhou].

Objective: To analyze the influencing factors of HIV testing behavior among foreigners in Guangzhou, and provide a reference for promoting HIV testing and intervention services in foreigners. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2019 to January 2020 among 230 eligible foreigners selected in Guangzhou through convenient sampling method in the form of one-to-one questionnaire interview, HIV testing behaviors and related influencing factors were described and analyzed with χ(2) test and multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 230 foreigners were included in the study, in whom 156 were males (67.8%), 217 were from Africa (94.3%), 138 (60.0%) were with education level of university and above, 169 (73.5%) were in business, 47 (20.4%) were students, 132 (57.4%) had cumulative residence >12 months in Guangzhou and 113 (49.1%) had health examination in China in the past 6 months. In these foreigners, the rate of AIDS-related knowledge awareness was 76.0%, the proportion of condom use in the last sex was 39.6%(89/225) and 47.8%(110/230) received HIV tests in the past 3 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed, the influencing factors of HIV testing behavior in the past 3 months included cumulative residence ≤12 months (compared with cumulative residence >12 months, OR=3.12, 95%CI: 1.49-6.56), health examination in China in the past 6 months (compared to those who had not, OR=2.53, 95%CI: 1.17-5.48), awareness of HIV testing and consulting service in Guangzhou (compared with those who had no awareness, OR=3.65, 95%CI: 1.71-7.78). Conclusions: Some foreigners in Guangzhou had relatively low rates of HIV testing and condom use. Those who pay attention to their own health status and know well about HIV testing and consulting services are more likely to receive HIV testing, foreigners in Guangzhou should be encouraged to receive HIV testing. Their self-testing awareness should be improved.

Long noncoding RNA SNHG14 promotes malignancy of prostate cancer by regulating with miR-5590-3p/YY1 axis.

OBJECTIVE: Studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important in the development and prognosis of prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the functions and mechanism of lnc-SNHG14 in prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blot (WB) were performed to detect mRNA expressions of SNHG14 and miR-5590-3p, and the protein levels of Yin Yang-1 (YY1) in prostate cancer tissues, adjacent tissues, and cancer cell lines. The correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlations between SNHG14, miR-5590-3p, and YY1. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to analyze the overall survival for prostate cancer patients. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to measure cell proliferation ability and flow cytometry assay was used to detect cell apoptotic rate. Besides, transwell assay was used to measure cell invasion ability. In addition, WB was performed to measure protein expressions in prostate cancer cell lines. Finally, Luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the binding sites between SNHG14 and miR-5590-3p, miR-5590-3p, and YY1. RESULTS: The results showed that SNHG14 was significantly increased in prostate cancer tissues and prostate cancer cell lines, which were related with advanced stage and poor diagnosis for prostate cancer patients. MiR-5590-3p was reduced in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines, which were negatively correlated with SNHG14. YY1 was found to be increased in prostate cancer tissues, which was negatively correlated with miR-5590-3p and positively correlated with SNHG14. Furthermore, SNHG14 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis in DU145 cells. In addition, protein expressions of Cyclin D1, Bcl-2, and N-cadherin were repressed, and the levels of Bax, Cleaved Caspase-3, and E-cadherin were increased. Besides, miR-5590-3p inhibition promoted cell proliferation and invasion, and inhibited apoptosis in DU145 cells. Importantly, Luciferase reporter assay proved that SNHG14 could directly sponge with miR-5590-3p, which could bind with YY1 and regulate the functions of cancer cell. Finally, we proved that SNHG14 regulated cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, and invasion via miR-5590-3p/ YY1 axis in prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Above all, we found that SNHG14 was increased in prostate cancer patients, which was related with future diagnosis for prostate cancer patients. Of note, we discovered that SNHG14 could promote cell proliferation, invasion, and repress cell apoptosis via miR-5590-3p/YY1 axis in prostate cancer, which might provide a new target for treating prostate cancer.

FBXO17 promotes malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to investigate the expression of FBXO17 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its relationship with clinical HCC features and patient prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of FBXO17 at mRNA level and protein level in tumor tissues and paracancerous tissues of 45 patients with HCC was respectively detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Besides, FBXO17 expression and its pathological characteristics of HCC, as well as the prognosis of patients, were also analyzed. Then, the expression level of FBXO17 in HCC cell lines was further verified using qRT-PCR assay. In addition, FBXO17 overexpression and knockdown models were constructed using lentivirus in HCC cell lines including Bel-7402 and HepG2. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU), cell clone experiment, flow cytometry, and transwell assay were used to explore the effect of FBXO17 on the biological function of HCC cells. Finally, whether FBXO17 could exert its biological characteristics through wnt/ß-catenin pathway was determined. RESULTS: Results showed that FBXO17 expression in tumor tissues of HCC patients was markedly higher than that in adjacent tissues. Meanwhile, compared with patients with low FBXO17 expression, the pathological grade was higher and the overall survival rate was lower in patients with high expressed FBXO17. In vitro experiments showed that the cell proliferation and metastasis ability in the Anti-FBXO17 group was markedly decreased, and the apoptosis was significantly enhanced compared with the NC group. In contrast, overexpression of FBXO17 markedly increased cell proliferation and metastasis ability while decreased cell apoptosis. Finally, Western blot results indicated that silencing FBXO17 might function through downregulating the expression of proteins in wnt/ß-catenin pathway such as c-Myc, MMP-9, and MMP-2 while upregulating GSK-3ß level, thereby promoting the malignant progression of HCC. CONCLUSIONS: FBXO17 was significantly increased in tumor tissues of HCC patients, which was significantly associated with pathological stage and poor prognosis of these patients. In addition, FBXO17 might promote the malignant progression of HCC by inhibiting wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

The identification and expression analysis of candidate chemosensory genes in the bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.).

The bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) is one of the most important wheat pests with polyphagia and autumn migrants. And, chemosensory genes were thought to play a key role in insect searching their hosts, food and mate. However, a systematic identification of the chemosensory genes in this pest has not been reported. Thus, in this study, we identified 14 odorant-binding proteins, nine chemosensory proteins, one sensory neuron membrane protein, 15 odorant receptors, 19 gustatory receptors and 16 ionotropic receptors from R. padi transcriptomes with a significantly similarity (E-value < 10-5) to known chemosensory genes in Acyrthosiphon pisum and Aphis gossypii. In addition, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to determine the expression profiles of obtained genes. Among these obtained genes, we selected 23 chemosensory genes to analyze their expression patterns in different tissues, wing morphs and host plants. We found that except RpOBP1, RpOBP3, RpOBP4 and RpOBP5, the rest of the selected genes were highly expressed in the head with antennae compared with body without head and antennae. Besides that, the stimulation and depression of chemosensory genes by plant switch indicated that chemosensory genes might be involved in the plant suitability assessment. These results not only provide insights for the potential roles of chemosensory genes in plant search and perception of R. padi but also provide initial background information for the further research on the molecular mechanism of the polyphagia and autumn migrants of it. Furthermore, these chemosensory genes are also the candidate targets for pest management control in future.

[Association between polymorphism of rs10185316 in insulin-induced gene 2 and blood pressure among children and adolescents].

Objective: To examine the association between polymorphism of rs10185316 in insulin-induced gene 2 (INSIG2) and blood pressure among children and adolescents. Methods: 9 junior middle schools in Dongcheng District of Beijing and 5 schools (3 primary junior middle schools, 2 primary schools) in Haidian District of Beijing were chosen in 2005 and 2007, respectively. According to the Chinese BMI percentile criteria for screening overweight and obesity in school children, we recruited 1 425 overweight or obese children and 605 normal weight children. A total of 2 018 students with complete data of blood pressure and genotype data were included in this study. According to the blood pressure criterion of children and adolescents, 702 participants were categorized into high blood pressure group and 1 316 into normal blood pressure group. Participants' information of gender, age, height, weight and blood pressure were collected by questionnaire and physical examination. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood sample for genotyping of INSIG2 rs10185316 polymorphism. Multiple linear regression was conducted to analyze the associations between rs10185316 polymorphism in INSIG2 and SBP, DBP, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure. Results: The age, BMI, SBP and DBP of the high blood pressure group were separately (14.3±1.4) years old, (27.3±4.2) kg/m(2), (130.5±10.9) and (76.7±13.3) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), all higher than that of the normal blood pressure group, which were (12.2±2.9) years old, (22.0±4.0) kg/m(2), (104.4±10.9) and(54.6±15.2) mmHg, respectively (all P values<0.001). After age, sex, district and BMI adjusted, compared with the participants carrying INSIG2 rs10185316 CC genotype, CG/GG genotype carriers had lower DBP (ß(95%CI):-1.67(-2.84--0.50), P=0.005), higher PP(ß(95%CI): 1.91(0.61-3.20), P=0.004), and lower MAP(ß(95%CI):=-1.03(-2.01--0.05), P=0.039). Conclusion: INSIG2 rs10185316 polymorphism was associated with DBP, PP and MAP among children and adolescents in an independent way from BMI.

Effect of tea saponins on milk performance, milk fatty acids, and immune function in dairy cow.

This study investigated the effects of tea saponins (TSP) on milk performance, milk fatty acids, and blood immune function in dairy cows. A total of 20 early-lactation Holstein cows (days in milk = 66.4 ± 16.8 d; parity = 1.75 ± 0.91; and milk yield = 36.3 ± 7.32 kg/d; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly divided into 4 homogeneous treatment groups, with TSP added at 0, 20, 30, and 40 g/d per head, respectively. All cows had 2 wk of adaptation and 6 wk of treatments. Feed, milk, and blood were sampled and analyzed weekly. At the end of the experimental period (wk 6), the dry matter intake and yields of energy-corrected milk, milk, and milk protein, fat, and lactose in the cows fed TSP showed a quadratic response, with the lowest values in cows fed TSP at 40 g/d. The milk fat content of cows fed TSP increased linearly. Significant interactions for treatment by week were found in milk C16:1 cis-9 and C18:1 cis-9, with the highest values at wk 2, 3, and 4 in the cows fed TSP at 40 g/d. The levels declined quickly after 4 wk of feeding to values similar to those for other TSP treatments and the control at wk 5 and 6. Plasma malondialdehyde concentration decreased as the supplement level of TSP increased. The concentration of superoxide dismutase increased as the supplement level of TSP increased. The plasma concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α increased as the supplement level of TSP increased. In summary, this study showed that an intermediate dose of TSP (20 and 30 g/d) had no significant effect on feed intake, but the supplementation of 40 g/d TSP decreased feed intake, resulting in a lower milk yield. The energy-corrected milk of cows fed 40 g/d TSP declined at first but increased after 3 wk of feeding, indicating the potential adaptation to high doses of TSP supplements in dairy cows. The supplementation of TSP could reduce oxidative stress in cows and improve the immunity of dairy cows during 6 wk of feeding.

[Glucose excursion in senior patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease].

Objectives: To explore glucose excursion and incidence of hypoglycemia in senior patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) with different hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values. Methods: Eighty-nine outpatients [58 male, 31 female, aged 69.0 (66.0, 73.0) years] diagnosed with T2DM and CAD in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between June 2013 and March 2016 were divided into group A (HbA1c<6.5%, n=25) and group B (HbA1c≥6.5%, n=64). Every patient wore continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) for 72 h. Glucose excursion parameters and incidence of hypoglycemia from CGMS readings were calculated. Results: Compared with group B, patients in group A experienced shorter diabetes duration [8.0 (3.5, 15.0) vs 15.0 (8.0, 20.0) years, Z=-2.222, P=0.026], lower standard deviation (SD) of blood glucose from CGMS, mean amplitude of glycemic excursions(MAGE) and mean of the daily differences(MODD) (P=0.001, 0.003, 0.001). However, incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly increased [56.0% (14/25) vs 32.8% (21/64), χ(2)=4.051, P=0.044] in group A. Compared to those who had not experienced hypoglycemia, patients with hypoglycemia had higher SD [1.8(1.4, 2.4) mmol/L vs 1.4(1.1, 1.8) mmol/L, Z=-3.198, P=0.001] and MAGE [6.0(3.2, 7.4) mmol/L vs 3.9(2.7, 4.8 )mmol/L, Z=-2.768, P=0.006] which were appropriate tools for assessing intraday glycemic variability. No statistical difference were found in MODD which was the index for estimating interday glycemic variability. Conclusions: Intensive glycemic control in senior patients with T2DM and CAD had higher incidence of hypoglycemia. Those with hypoglycemia experienced greater intraday glucose excursion.

Protective role of curcumin on renal ischemia reperfusion injury via attenuating the inflammatory mediators and Caspase-3.

Renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage may arise due to nephron sparing surgery in patient with a solitary kidney of restricted renal parenchymas. Apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress play a significant role in the expansion of renal dysfunction following renal I/R. The aim of the current investigation was to particularize the potential effect of curcumin against hypoxia induced renal injury. The albino Wistar rats divided into groups and each group contains six rats. They groups are normal control; disease control; curcumin (5 mg/kg per day) and another group orally treated with curcumin (10 mg/kg per day) for two weeks before induction of renal I/R. The renal and serum samples were collected and used for the biochemical estimation. The renal tissue was further used for the histopathological estimation. The result of the current investigation demonstrated that the curcumin significantly (P<0.01) attenuated I/R induced renal injury in a dose-dependent way. It also causes significant (P<0.01) reduction in the serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen level and also suppressed the kidney injury molecules-1. Additionally, it also causes significant inhibition of the malonaldehyde, caspase-3, myeloperoxide, lactose dehydrogenase and interferon-gamma together with enhanced interlukin-10 content.

Synthesis and Characterization of SiO2@Y2MoO6:Eu3+ Core-Shell Structured Spherical Phosphors by Sol-Gel Process.

SiO2@Y2MoO6:Eu3+ core-shell phosphors were prepared by the sol-gel process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra as well as kinetic decays were used to characterize the resulting SiO2@Y2MoO6:Eu3+ core-shell phosphors. The XRD results demonstrated that the Y2MoO6:Eu3+ layers on the SiO2 spheres crystallized after being annealed at 700 °C and the crystallinity increased with raising the annealing temperature. The obtained core-shell phosphors have spherical shape with narrow size distribution (average size ca. 640 nm), non-agglomeration, and smooth surface. The thickness of the Y2MoO6:Eu3+ shells on the SiO2 cores could be easily tailored by varying the number of deposition cycles (70 nm for four deposition cycles). The Eul+ shows a strong PL emission (dominated by 5D0-7F2 red emission at 614 nm) under the excitation of 347 nm UV light. The PL intensity of Eu3+ increases with increasing the annealing temperature and the number of coating cycles.

[Hydrogen peroxide induces oxidative stress and the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis in RAT intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6)].

UNLABELLED: In order to investigate the mechanism of apoptosis in rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) induced by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), IEC-6 cells were subjected to 20 µmol/L H(2)O(2) and cell proliferation activity was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide. Cell morphology was observed by microscopy and cell apoptosis was detected by acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining and the portion of apoptotic cells was measured by flow cytometry. Genes and proteins related to cell apoptosis were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, and the mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated by fluorescence probes. RESULTS: Significant morphology damage was caused by exposure to H(2)O(2), and results showed that ROS generation significantly increased (P < 0.01). The activity of superoxide dismutase decreased significantly (P < 0.05), malondialdehyde content increased (P < 0.05), and expression of both catalase and glutathione peroxidase decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the H(2)O(2) treatment group. Mitochondrion membrane potential was reduced, cytochrome released into the cytoplasm and caspase-9 and caspase-3 were significantly increased (P < 0.01) after treatment with H(2)O(2). Moreover, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and apoptosis were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in the H(2)O(2) group. In conclusion, the present study indicated that the mitochondrial pathway plays a vital role in H(2)O(2) induced IEC-6 cell apoptosis.

Probing weak localization in chemical vapor deposition graphene wide constriction using scanning gate microscopy.

Low-temperature scanning gate microscopy (LT-SGM) studies of graphene allow one to obtain important spatial information regarding coherent transport such as weak localization (WL) and universal conductance fluctuations. Although fascinating LT-SGM results on pristine graphene prepared by mechanical exfoliation have been reported in the literature, there appears to be a dearth of LT-SGM results on chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene whose large scale and flexible substrate transferability make it an ideal candidate for coherent electronic applications. To this end, we have performed LT-SGM studies on CVD-grown graphene wide constriction (0.8 µm), which can be readily prepared by cost-effective optical lithography fully compatible with those in wafer foundry, in the WL regime. We find that the movable local gate can sensitively modulate the total conductance of the CVD graphene constriction possibly due to the intrinsic grain boundaries and merged domains, a great advantage for applications in coherent electronics. Moreover, such a conductance modulation by LT-SGM provides an additional, approximately magnetic-field-independent probe for studying coherent transport such as WL in graphene and spatial conductance variation.

Life and death of human vascular endothelial cells by stimulation with free fatty acids through death receptors.

Diabetic individuals may have elevated levels of serum free fatty acids and may exhibit injury to the vascular endothelial cells. This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between various free fatty acids (FFAs) and vascular endothelial cell injury and the molecular mechanisms linking FFA-induced vascular endothelial cells injury or protection. We observed the survival of HUVECs exposed to different FFAs, and our results revealed that the effects of various FFAs on the cell survival of HUVECs were significantly different. Palmitic acid (PA) markedly decreased the HUVEC survival rate in a time- and dose-dependent manner, but arachidonic acid (AA) significantly increased the cell survival rate and could partially prevent cellular apoptosis induced by PA. Interestingly, PA and AA could activate the same target receptor, TNF-R1. PA induced the apoptosis of HUVECs by initiating the death pathway (TNF-R1/TRADD/caspases 8 pathway), whereas AA enhanced cell survival to protect vascular endothelial cells by activating the survival pathway (TNF-R1/RIP/NF-κB 50/NF-κB 65).

Response characteristics of Scirpus trioueter and its rhizosphere to pyrene contaminated soils at different growth stages.

Scirpus triqueter (Triangular club-rush), a typical wetland species, is used to study the response characteristics to pyrene. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the growth parameters (height, diameter, shoot number, total volume, underground biomass, above-ground biomass and total biomass), and enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) of S. triqueter. The characteristics of soil enzymes (catalase and polyphenol oxidase) and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) were also assessed after pyrene treatment. Elevated pyrene concentration (80 mgkg(-1)) in the soil reduced the shoot number and biomass significantly, especially at the early growth stage. In root tissue, the enzyme catalase was activated at 80 mgkg(-1) of pyrene. Compared to roots, shoots had higher enzyme activities. Catalase activities in the rhizosphere increased throughout the growth period of S. triqueter. Polyphenol oxidase activities in the rhizosphere were higher than those in the bulk soil and unplanted soil. The populations of bacteria (total bacteria, pyrene-tolerant bacteria, and actinomyces) and fungi decreased under the stress of high pyrene concentration, while that of pyrene-tolerant bacteria increased with the increasing pyrene concentration. The presence of pyrene did not benefit the growth of S. triqueter. S. triqueter and soil enzymes varied within the growth stages. The presence of S. triqueter could improve the activity of soil enzymes and facilitate the propagation of microorganisms which could help eliminate pyrene contamination.

Active components of common traditional Chinese medicine decoctions have antioxidant functions.

Many traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoctions are proven to have multiple functions in animal production. These decoctions are seldom recognized by the international scientific community because the mechanisms of action are not clearly elucidated. According to TCM theory, Cortex Phellodendri (COP), Rhizoma Atractylodes (RA), Agastache Rugosa (AR), and Gypsum Fibrosum (GF) can be used to formulate a medicinal compound that prevents or cures animal disease caused by heat stress. The aim of this research was to study the regulatory functions of the active components of TCM and to elucidate the effects of different TCM decoctions on antioxidant activity and lipid peroxide content, using in vitro and in vivo models of heat stress. For in vitro experiments, intestinal crypt-like epithelial cell line-6 (IEC-6) cells were employed to evaluate the effects of the active components of COP, RA, AR, and GF. For in vivo experiments, forty-eight 2-mo-old Chinese experimental mini-pigs (7.20 ± 0.02 kg) were randomly assigned to 4 groups: a normal-temperature group (NTG); a high-temperature group (HTG); HTG treated with COP, RA, AR, and GF (1:1:1:1, TCM1); and HTG treated with COP, RA, AR, and GF (1:1:1:0.5, TCM2). Results showed that the active components of the COP, RA, AR, and GF increased (P < 0.05) the proliferation and viability of heat-stressed IEC-6 cells and that the most effective treatment doses of COP alkaloid, RA Aetherolea, Herba Agastachis Aetherolea, and GF water extract were 200, 100, 100, and 200 µg/mL, respectively. All 4 active components increased (P < 0.05) superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and glutathione content, and decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde content with respect to the heat-stressed group to concentrations similar to those seen in NTG. In vivo experiments demonstrated that TCM1 and TCM2 improved (P < 0.05) the poor growth performance seen in HTG pigs. The superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and malondialdehyde content in porcine jejunum treated with TCM1 and TCM2 were not different (P > 0.05) from those seen in the NTG and were better (P < 0.05) than results seen in the HTG. Overall, it appeared that TCM2 was more effective than TCM1 in ameliorating the effects of heat stress in pigs. In conclusion, this study revealed that the active components of common TCM decoctions have antioxidant functions.