Insight into the effect of hydrogenation on efficiency of hydrothermal liquefaction and physico-chemical properties of biocrude oil.

Hydrothermal liquefaction of Nannochloropsis salina (N. salina) and larvae-vermicompost were conducted under both non-hydrogenating and hydrogenating subcritical conditions using H2 and Ni-Mo/Al2O3. Hydrogenation raised biocrude yields from 33.

miR-375 and miR-30d in the effect of chromium-containing Chinese medicine moderating glucose metabolism.

In China, TianMai Xiaoke tablet (TM) is used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, the exact mechanism of TM is not clear. This study is to investigate the effect of TM on glucose metabolism in diabetic rats and to identify whether TM takes a direct action through microRNAs on islet.

Chromium-containing traditional Chinese medicine, Tianmai Xiaoke Tablet improves blood glucose through activating insulin-signaling pathway and inhibiting PTP1B and PCK2 in diabetic rats.

Objective: Chromium is an essential mineral that is thought to be necessary for normal glucose homeostasis. Numerous studies give evidence that chromium picolinate can modulate blood glucose and insulin resistance. The main ingredient of Tianmai Xiaoke (TMXK) Tablet is chromium picolinate.

Elevated plasma SPARC levels are associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: Recent studies suggested that secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a novel adipokine, is a key player in the pathology of obesity and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to determine whether concentrations of SPARC were altered in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) controls and to investigate the relationships between SPARC and metabolic parameters in pregnant women.

Design/methods: Cross-sectional study of 120 pregnant women with GDM and 60 controls with NGT, in a university hospital setting.

Enhancement of the p38 MAPK and PKA signaling pathways is associated with the pro-melanogenic activity of Interleukin 33 in primary melanocytes.

Background: Interleukin-33 (IL-33) was recently recognized as a member of the IL-1 cytokine family. The triggers no matter environmental or endogenous that provoke IL-33 cellular release may be associated with inflammation, infection or tissue damage. However, to date, the regulatory role of IL-33 in the control of melanogenesis has not been elucidated.

Interleukin-18 augments growth ability of primary human melanocytes by PTEN inactivation through the AKT/NF-κB pathway.

Normal human skin relies on melanocytes to provide photoprotection and thermoregulation by producing melanin. The growth and behavior of melanocytes are controlled by many factors. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is expressed in both immune and non-immune cells and participates in the adjustment of multitude cellular functions.

Activation of neurokinin-1 receptor by substance P inhibits melanogenesis in B16-F10 melanoma cells.

Skin pigmentation plays a number of valuable roles and its regulation is a complex process that is controlled by different factors. Substance P (SP) regulates many biological functions, including neurogenic inflammation, pain, and stress. However, to date, the regulatory role of SP in the control of melanogenesis has not been elucidated.

Association between vitamin D insufficiency and the risk for gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant Chinese women.

Objective: To investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant Chinese women.

Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted. Clinical and biochemical data were analyzed for 200 subjects with GDM and 200 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

Gingival fibromatosis with multiple unusual findings: report of a rare case.

Gingival fibromatosis is a rare disease, especially its syndromic form. Here, we review the literatures on gingival fibromatosis and briefly summarize some characters on clinical, etiological, genetic and histopathological aspects. We also present a rare case of gingival fibromatosis with multiple unusual findings in a 21-year-old man.

Alcohol extract from Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) willd seed enhances melanin synthesis through activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in B16F10 cells and primary melanocytes.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) willd has been used in folk medicine to treat leukoderma in China for centuries. The promoting activities of its extract (AVE) in melanogenesis and possible signaling pathways were investigated in this article.

Development of quality of life scale in Chinese burn patients: cross-cultural adaptation process of burn-specific health scale - brief.

Purpose: This study was designed to develop and test a Chinese burn patient-specific quality of life (QOL) scale based on the burn-specific health scale - brief (BSHS - B) to provide an effective assessment tool to measure quality of life in Chinese burn patients.

Method: Delphi method was used after the translation, back translation and pre-commissioning tests of BSHS - B, to amend the description of the items for cultural adaptation. The adapted Chinese version (ACV) of the BSHS - B was tested for internal consistency and validity of construct on a group of 271 burn patients from three major burn units in China.

Mandible reconstruction with transport-disc distraction osteogenesis in children of deciduous dentition.

Reconstructing segmental mandibular defects in children of deciduous dentition is a challenge. The authors treated a 23-month-old girl with a segmental mandibular defect secondary to tumour resection. Considering the unpredictable negative impacts of the autogenous bone grafting method on the musculoskeletal system of the donor sites, which was growing rapidly at this age, the authors applied transport disc distraction osteogenesis (TDDO) to reconstruct the mandible discontinuity.

High level expression and characterization of a thermostable lysophospholipase from Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1.

Phospholipases can catalyze the hydrolysis of one or more ester and phosphodiester bonds and have a considerable interest in the food, oil leather and pharmaceutical industries. In this report, a lysophospholipase gene from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1 (LysoPL-tk) was cloned. The gene of 783 bp encodes a 260-amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 29 kDa.

Effects of variation in retinol binding protein 4 gene and adipose specific expression of gestational diabetes in Beijing, China.

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of GDM in China and the effects of RBP4 genetic variants, and also to identify RBP4 expression changes in mRNA and protein levels.

Research Design And Methods: 1595 Chinese pregnant women were included in this study. Four known RBP4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 505 cases and 687 controls.

5-HT(1A) receptor and apoptosis contribute to interferon-α-induced "depressive-like" behavior in mice.

Interferon-α (IFN-α)-induced "depressive-like" behavior is a major limitation for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV), especially for patients with psychiatric disorders. Recently, serotonin 1A (5-HT(1A)) receptor and cellular apoptosis are involved in mechanism(s) contributing to depression. To gain insight into this mechanism(s), we used C57BL/6J mice to examine the impact of IFN-α on the modulation of 5-HT(1A) receptor and cellular apoptosis and their relationship.

Effect of mitofusin 2 overexpression on the proliferation and apoptosis of high-glucose-induced rat glomerular mesangial cells.

Background: Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) regulates mitochondrial morphology and associated signaling pathways. However, the role of Mfn2 in kidney disease is not fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Mfn2 overexpression on high-glucose-induced cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Clinical, biochemical, and immunological characteristics of newly diagnosed nonobese diabetic patients aged 18-45 years in China.

Background: The purpose was to characterize the clinical, biochemical, and immunological features of newly diagnosed adult-onset nonobese diabetic patients in China.

Methods: Newly diagnosed diabetic patients aged 18-45 years with body mass index<23 kg/m(2) were included. Excluding one mitochondrial diabetes patient, there were 102 diabetic patients enrolled in this study.

Double-step transport distraction osteogenesis in the reconstruction of unilateral large mandibular defects after tumour resection using internal distraction devices.

One-step transport disc distraction osteogenesis (TDDO) is an effective method for the restoration of mandibular defects. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of double-step TDDO in the reconstruction of unilateral mandibular segmental defects after tumour resection using internal distraction devices. Six patients with unilateral mandibular segmental defects were reconstructed successfully with this technique.

Effects of acute supplementation of caffeine and Panax ginseng on endurance running performance in a hot and humid environment.

Acute supplementation of Panax ginseng (PG) is known not to impose any significant effect on endurance performance of recreational Malaysian runners, while caffeine augments the ergogenic property of some herbs. The present study was aimed to examine the effects of acute supplementation of caffeine and PG on endurance running performance in a hot and humid condition. Nine heat adapted Malaysian recreational runners (age : 25.

Association of six single nucleotide polymorphisms with gestational diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population.

Background: To investigate whether the candidate genes that confer susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus are also correlated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant Chinese women.

Methodology/principal Findings: In this study, 1764 unrelated pregnant women were recruited, of which 725 women had GDM and 1039 served as controls. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs7754840 in CDKAL1, rs391300 in SRR, rs2383208 in CDKN2A/2B, rs4402960 in IGF2BP2, rs10830963 in MTNR1B, rs4607517 in GCK) were genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays.

[Application of computer aided design-computer aided manufacture technique in mandible defect reconstruction with individual titanium prosthesis].

Objective: To investigate the application of computer aided design-computer aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) technique in the reconstruction of mandible defect with individual titanium prosthesis.

Methods: Six patients with large mandibular ramus and angle tumor were spiral CT scanned preoperatively, and the CAD-CAM was used to design and make individual titanium prosthesis for reconstructing the mandibular defects after resection of the tumor. The prosthesis were assembled during operation.

[Application of three dimensional model in evaluating the effect of artificial bone implantation of hard cleft palate on the development of maxilla].

Objective: To observe the effect of artificial bone implantation of hard cleft palate on the development of maxilla.

Methods: From January 1997 to December 1999, 40 patients with hard cleft palate were randomly divided into two groups: control group and implantation group (n = 20 each). The patients in the implantation group received an implantation of compound artificial bone of HA-Bone cement.

[Clinical application of radiotherapy for the treatment of giant vascular malformations in oral and maxillofacial region].

Objective: To discuss the clinical use of radiotherapy in the treatment of giant vascular malformation.

Methods: Six patients with giant vascular malformation in oral and maxillofacial region were treated by three dimensional radiation therapy in Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicne, Zhejiang University in the last ten years and the cilinical data were reviewed. The treatment results were evaluated by clinical examination and radiology.