Transgelin-2 as a therapeutic target for asthmatic pulmonary resistance.

There is a clinical need for new bronchodilator drugs in asthma, because more than half of asthmatic patients do not receive adequate control with current available treatments. We report that inhibition of metallothionein-2 protein expression in lung tissues causes the increase of pulmonary resistance. Conversely, metallothionein-2 protein is more effective than β-agonists in reducing pulmonary resistance in rodent asthma models, alleviating tension in tracheal spirals, and relaxing airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs).

S100A8 inhibits PDGF-induced proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells dependent on the receptor for advanced glycation end-products.

Background: Airway remodeling is a key feature of asthma, characterized by increased proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). S100A8 is a calcium-binding protein with a potential to regulate cell proliferation. Here, the effect of exogenous S100A8 protein on the proliferation of ASMCs induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and the underlying molecular mechanism was investigated.

Associations of MDR1, TBXA2R, PLA2G7, and PEAR1 genetic polymorphisms with the platelet activity in Chinese ischemic stroke patients receiving aspirin therapy.

Aim: Aspirin resistance has an incidence of 5%-65% in patients with ischemic stroke, who receive the standard dose of aspirin, but the platelet function is inadequately inhibited, thereby leading to thrombotic events. Numerous evidence shows that thromboxane A receptor (TXA receptor, encoded by TBXA2R), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A (Lp-PLA, encoded by PLA2G7) and platelet endothelial aggregation receptor-1 (PEAR1, encoded by PEAR1) are crucial in regulating platelet activation, and P-glycoprotein (P-gp, encoded by MDR1) influences the absorption of aspirin in the intestine. In this study we examined the correlation between MDR1, TBXA2R, PLA2G7, PEAR1 genetic polymorphisms and platelet activity in Chinese ischemic stroke patients receiving aspirin therapy.

A BINOL-based ratiometric fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ and in situ generated ensemble for selective recognition of histidine in aqueous solution.

A novel BINOL-based ratiometric fluorescent sensor (R2) is presented, which can selectively respond to Zn(2+) over Cd(2+) and other metal ions with fluorescence enhancement in aqueous solution. The R2 was successfully applied in the imaging of Zn(2+) in living cells. Additionally, the in situ generated R2-Zn(II) ensemble could further serve as a probe to distinguish histidine from other amino acids via a displacement mode.

Synthesis of Guanidinium Functionalized Polycarbodiimides and Their Antibacterial Activities.

A family of guanidinium-side-chain functionalized polycarbodiimides has been synthesized by allowing an azido guanidinium salt to react with alkyne polycarbodiimides via the copper catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition (Click) reaction. (-) are cationic/amphiphilic polymers in which the global hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance has been tailored by local alteration of the length of alkyl side chain in the repeat unit of polymers prior to polymerization. The shorter alkyl chains yield water-soluble polymers, -, -, and -.

Ultraviolet-blue photoluminescence of ZnSe quantum dots.

Zinc blende, sphericity, monodisperse, high luminescence ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by a one-step mild hydrothermal route with Zn and Se dissolved in aqueous NaOH as the source material. The structure and the morphology of the sample were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicated that the products were cubic blende ZnSe ranging from 3.

[Prevalence of tooth erosion of 5-year-old and 12-year-old children in Xuzhou city].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of tooth erosion of Xuzhou city's children.

Methods: The stratified, cluster and random sampling methods were performed. The prevalence of tooth erosion of 1,219 5-year-old children and 786 12-year-old children in Xuzhou city were examined by one qualified dentist.

[Skeletal desmoplastic fibroma in right mandible: a case report].

Skeletal desmoplastic fibroma is an intraosseous neoplasm that is recognized as a very scare benign tumor. It has a propensity for locally aggressive behavior and local recurrence. The aim of this article is to report a case of skeletal desmoplastic fibroma in right mandible of a 4-year-old boy.