Design, synthesis, and evaluation of indolebutylamines as a novel class of selective dopamine D3 receptor ligands.

A series of indolebutylamine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as a novel class of selective ligands for the dopamine 3 receptor. The most potent compound 11q binds to dopamine 3 receptor with a Ki value of 124 nm and displays excellent selectivity over the dopamine 1 receptor and dopamine 2 receptor. Investigation based on structural information indicates that site S182 located in extracellular loop 2 may account for high selectivity of compounds.

Aberrant expression of sonic hedgehog pathway in colon cancer and melanosis coli.

Objective: To determine the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway correlated with the development of colon cancer and melanosis coli.

Methods: Protein and mRNA levels of Hh signaling pathway components (sonic hedgehog [Shh], protein patched homolog 1 [Ptch 1], GLI family zinc finger 1 [Gli 1] and suppressor of fused homolog [Drosophila] [Sufu]) in 127 patients with colon cancer, 36 with melanosis coli and 20 adjacent normal mucosal tissues taken from surgical specimens were evaluated using antibody staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: In adjacent normal tissue Shh and Ptch1, but not Gli1 or Sufu, were weakly expressed and mainly in the lining epithelium of the colonic mucosa.

[Development of medical image database aiming at subject service of clinic research].

In order to optimize the data flow of subject datasets and to establish the service platform of medical image data, we developed a medical image database aiming at subject service of clinic research. Firstly, a novel integrated infrastructure was designed, which was based on the requirements of database system and the survey of data resource. Then, several standards and technologies had been used in the construction of this novel system, including "Subject dataset-Sample data-Image files" three-ties image information framework, DICOM-based data processing, Index & file hybrid structure of file management strategy, etc.

Toward the virtual stomach: progress in multiscale modeling of gastric electrophysiology and motility.

Experimental progress in investigating normal and disordered gastric motility is increasingly being complimented by sophisticated multiscale modeling studies. Mathematical modeling has become a valuable tool in this effort, as there is an ever-increasing need to gain an integrative and quantitative understanding of how physiological mechanisms achieve coordinated functions across multiple biophysical scales. These interdisciplinary efforts have been particularly notable in the area of gastric electrophysiology, where they are beginning to yield a comprehensive and integrated in silico organ modeling framework, or 'virtual stomach'.

Compatibility of lithium salts with solvent of the non-aqueous electrolyte in Li-O2 batteries.

The stability of lithium salts, especially in the presence of reduced oxygen species, O2 and H2O (even in a small amount), plays an important role in the cyclability and capacity of Li-O2 cells. This combined experimental and computational study provides evidence that the stability of the electrolyte used in Li-O2 cells strongly depends on the compatibility of lithium salts with solvent. In the case of the LiPF6-1NM3 electrolyte, the decomposition of LiPF6 occurs in the cell as evidenced by in situ XRD, FT-IR and XPS analysis, which triggers the decomposition of 1NM3 solvent due to formation of HF from the decomposition of LiPF6.

Candidate of metastasis 1 regulates in vitro growth and invasion of bladder cancer cells.

COM1 (candidate of metastasis 1) has been recently shown to influence the metastatic ability of cancer cells and disease progression of certain solid tumours. The role of COM1 in bladder cancer remains unknown. In the present study, we examined the expression of the COM1 protein in human bladder tissues, and also its effect on growth, adhesion, migration and invasion of human bladder cancer cells, in vitro.

Effectiveness of strengthened stimulation during acupuncture for the treatment of Bell palsy: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The traditional Chinese theory of acupuncture emphasizes that the intensity of acupuncture must reach a threshold to generate de qi, which is necessary to achieve the best therapeutic effect. De qi is an internal compound sensation of soreness, tingling, fullness, aching, cool, warmth and heaviness, and a radiating sensation at and around the acupoints. However, the notion that de qi must be achieved for maximum benefit has not been confirmed by modern scientific evidence.

Evidence for lithium superoxide-like species in the discharge product of a Li-O2 battery.

We report on the use of a petroleum coke-based activated carbon (AC) with very high surface area for a Li-O(2) battery cathode without the use of any additional metal catalysts. Electrochemical measurement in a tetra(ethylene) glycol dimethyl ether-lithium triflate (TEGDME-LiCF(3)SO(3)) electrolyte results in two voltage plateaus during charging at 3.2-3.

The tumour suppressive role of metastasis suppressor-1, MTSS1, in human kidney cancer, a possible connection with the SHH pathway.

Background: Metastasis suppressor 1 (MTSS1), a cytoskeletal associated protein, has been indicated in certain types of human cancers, but its role in kidney cancer remains unknown. We have investigated the expression of MTSS1 in normal and malignant human kidney tissues and its molecular interaction within kidney cancer cells.

Materials And Methods: The expression of MTSS1 in human kidney tissues and kidney cancer cell lines was assessed at both the mRNA and protein levels using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Phase fluctuation compensation for long-term transfer of stable radio frequency over fiber link.

We developed a new radio frequency dissemination system based on an optical fiber link. A 1.55 μm mode-locked fiber laser was used as optical transmitter in the system.

The effect of oxygen crossover on the anode of a Li-O(2) battery using an ether-based solvent: insights from experimental and computational studies.

Crosstown traffic: Further development of Li-O(2) batteries may eventually lead to their use in transportation applications. One problem that needs to be addressed is electrolyte decomposition, which has been partially mitigated by using ether- rather than carbonate-based solvents. The influence of oxygen crossover from the cathode to the anode on electrolyte, and lithium anode, decomposition in ether-based Li-O(2) batteries is investigated.

[Device implanted complications of Coflex interspinous dynamic stabilization].

Objective: To investigate device implanted complications and corresponding therapeutic strategies of Coflex interspinous dynamic stabilization system for lumbar spine intraoperatively and postoperatively.

Methods: From September 2008 to August 2010, 133 cases of degenerative disease of lumbar spine including 62 males and 71 females, ranging from 35 to 81 years of age (mean 60.8 years), underwent or planed to be underwent decompression with Coflex interspinous dynamic stabilization system were reviewed retrospectively, and 13 cases including 6 males and 7 females, ranging from 41 to 71 years of age (mean 58.

Syntheses, structures, photoluminescence, photocatalysis, and photoelectronic effects of 3D mixed high-connected metal-organic frameworks based on octanuclear and dodecanuclear secondary building units.

Four novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on high-nuclear metal carboxylate clusters, namely, [Zn(4)(L)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(H(2)O)(1.5)]·2H(2)O (1), [Zn(5)Na(L)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)(CH(3)CH(2)O)(H(2)O)(2)] (2), [Cd(4)(L)(2)(BIME)(0.5)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(H(2)O)(1.

Developmental expression patterns of kainate receptors in the mouse spinal cord.

Kainate receptors, a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors, perform important functions in the spinal cord. This study aimed to examine the expression pattern of various kainate receptor subunits in the spinal cord over different stages of development. The regional distribution and levels of Grik1-5 mRNAs, which encode kainate receptor subunits, were examined in the spinal cord of embryonic, perinatal, and adult mice using in-situ hybridization and real-time PCR.

Loss of expression of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) in human kidney cancer and regulation of growth and migration of kidney cancer cells by GDF9.

Background: Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily, has recently been implicated in the biological control of cancer cell behaviour. It has also been implicated in the development and spread of solid cancer. However, the role of GDF9 in kidney cancer remains to be investigated.

Gene duplicability-connectivity-complexity across organisms and a neutral evolutionary explanation.

Gene duplication has long been acknowledged by biologists as a major evolutionary force shaping genomic architectures and characteristics across the Tree of Life. Major research has been conducting on elucidating the fate of duplicated genes in a variety of organisms, as well as factors that affect a gene's duplicability--that is, the tendency of certain genes to retain more duplicates than others. In particular, two studies have looked at the correlation between gene duplicability and its degree in a protein-protein interaction network in yeast, mouse, and human, and another has looked at the correlation between gene duplicability and its complexity (length, number of domains, etc.

Comparison of filtering methods for extracellular gastric slow wave recordings.

Background: Extracellular recordings are used to define gastric slow wave propagation. Signal filtering is a key step in the analysis and interpretation of extracellular slow wave data; however, there is controversy and uncertainty regarding the appropriate filtering settings. This study investigated the effect of various standard filters on the morphology and measurement of extracellular gastric slow waves.

Anticonvulsive and antioxidant effects of curcumin on pilocarpine-induced seizures in rats.

Background: Curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties has recently been reported to have anticonvulsant effects in several animal models of epilepsy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin on the pilocarpine rat model of status epilepticus.

Methods: The effect of intraperitoneal administration of curcumin (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) on pilocarpine-induced seizures in rats was tested.

Identification of in vivo and in vitro metabolites of triptolide by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Triptolide, a major active constituent of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has multiple pharmacological activities. In this work, a rapid, sensitive and specific liquid chromatography coupled to an ion trap mass spectrometer (MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI) interface has been developed for identification of triptolide and some of its metabolites in rat urine after oral administration of a single dose (0.6 mg/kg) of triptolide to healthy rats, as well as some metabolites in vitro after incubation with rat liver microsome (RLM) and rat intestinal flora, respectively.

Identifying microRNA-mRNA regulatory network in colorectal cancer by a combination of expression profile and bioinformatics analysis.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression by regulating post-transcriptional gene expression. However, the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network is far from being fully understood. The objective of this study is to identify the colorectal cancer (CRC) specific miRNAs and their target mRNAs using a multi-step approach.

Molecular insights into the D1R agonist and D2R/D3R antagonist effects of the natural product (-)-stepholidine: molecular modeling and dynamics simulations.

(-)-Stepholidine (l-SPD), an active ingredient of the Chinese herb Stephania, is the first compound found to have a dual function as a dopamine receptor D1 agonist and D2 antagonist. The preliminary dynamical behaviors of D1R and D2R and their interaction modes with l-SPD were investigated in our previous study. Recently, the pharmacological effect of l-SPD on D3R was elucidated as an antagonist.

The gastrointestinal electrical mapping suite (GEMS): software for analyzing and visualizing high-resolution (multi-electrode) recordings in spatiotemporal detail.

Background: Gastrointestinal contractions are controlled by an underlying bioelectrical activity. High-resolution spatiotemporal electrical mapping has become an important advance for investigating gastrointestinal electrical behaviors in health and motility disorders. However, research progress has been constrained by the low efficiency of the data analysis tasks.

Abnormal initiation and conduction of slow-wave activity in gastroparesis, defined by high-resolution electrical mapping.

Background & Aims: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) generate slow waves. Disrupted ICC networks and gastric dysrhythmias are each associated with gastroparesis. However, there are no data on the initiation and propagation of slow waves in gastroparesis because research tools have lacked spatial resolution.

Proanthocyanidins: oligomeric structures with unique biochemical properties and great therapeutic promise.

Proanthocyanidins represent a unique class of oligomeric and polymeric secondary metabolites found ubiquitously and in considerable amounts in plants and some algae. These substances exhibit a range of rather surprising physical and chemical properties which, once applied to living organisms, are translated into a multitude of biological activities. The latter include antioxidant properties, cancer chemoprevention, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects as well as some exceptional, yet highly interesting activities, such as anti-nutritional and antimicrobial activity.

Facile morphology-controlled synthesis and luminescence properties of BaMoO4:Eu3+ microparticles and micro-rods obtained by a molten-salt reaction route.

This work focuses on the synthesis of morphology-controlled BaMoO4:Eu3+ micro-crystals such as microparticles and micro-rods using a facile molten salt method, and their morphology, structural characterization, and luminescent properties were comparatively investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence spectra. The molten salt method synthesized products from a reaction of BaMoO4 precursor obtained by a co-precipitation method of BaCl2 and Na2MoO4 with an eutectic salt mixture of NaCl-KCl at 700 degrees C. Detailed studies revealed that the formation of the different morphologies of the micro-crystals was strongly dependent on the weight ratio of the salt (NaCl-KCl) to the BaMoO4 precursor, and the formation mechanism of the products in the present molten salt system was also investigated.