Facile synthesis of RGD peptide-modified iron oxide nanoparticles with ultrahigh relaxivity for targeted MR imaging of tumors.

We report the facile synthesis of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide-targeted iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) with ultrahigh relaxivity for in vivo tumor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. In this study, stable polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated Fe3O4 NPs were first prepared by a mild reduction route. The formed aminated Fe3O4 NPs with PEI coating were sequentially conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-RGD segment, followed by acetylation of the remaining PEI surface amines.

Facile synthesis of folic acid-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles with ultrahigh relaxivity for targeted tumor MR imaging.

We present the polyethyleneimine (PEI)-assisted synthesis of folic acid (FA)-functionalized iron oxide (FeO) nanoparticles (NPs) with ultrahigh relaxivity for in vivo targeted tumor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. In this work, water-dispersible and stable FeO NPs were synthesized in the presence of PEI via a facile mild reduction approach. The surface PEI coating afforded the formed FeO NPs with the ability to be functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-linked FA and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI).

Toll-Like Receptors and Dectin-1, a C-Type Lectin Receptor, Trigger Divergent Functions in CNS Macrophages.

Unlabelled: Spinal cord injury (SCI) activates macrophages, endowing them with both reparative and pathological functions. The mechanisms responsible for these divergent functions are unknown but are likely controlled through stochastic activation of different macrophage receptor subtypes. Various danger-associated molecular patterns released from dying cells in the injured spinal cord likely activate distinct subtypes of macrophage pattern recognition receptors, including bacterial toll-like receptors (TLRs) and fungal C-type lectin receptors (e.

Cloning, expression and identification of an isoform of human stromal cell derived factor-1α.

Human stromal cell derived factor-1α (hSDF-1α), a chemotactic factor of stem cells, regulates inflammation, promotes the mobilization of stem cells and induces angiogenesis following ischemia. Six SDF-1 isoforms, SDF-1α, SDF-1β, SDF-1γ, SDF-1δ, SDF-1ε and SDF-1ϕ, which all contain a signal peptide at the N-terminus, have been reported. In the present study a special isoform of hSDF-1α is described that does not contain the N-terminal signal peptide sequence.

Catalytic Dual 1,1-H-Abstraction/Insertion for Domino Spirocyclizations.

A catalytic domino spirocyclization of 1,7-enynes with simple cycloalkanes and cyclo-1,3-dicarbonyls has been established via multiple C-C bond formations from alkynyl/alkenyl functions and dual α,α-C(sp(3))-H abstraction/insertion. The reaction involves addition, 6-exo-dig cyclization and radical coupling sequences under convenient catalytic conditions and provides a concise access to spiro cyclopenta[c]quinolines in good to excellent yields.

MYBL2 is an independent prognostic marker that has tumor-promoting functions in colorectal cancer.

The MYBL2 gene plays an important role in the genesis and progression of tumors; however, few studies to date have defined the role of this gene in colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between MYBL2 and the prognosis of patients with CRC and to determine the possible effect of MYBL2 on colorectal carcinogenesis. Solid CRC tissues (n=180) preserved with RNAlater were collected to examine the mRNA levels of MYBL2 by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).

[Changes in plasma pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion characteristics before and after combined administration of Ephedrae Herba-Gypsum Fibrosum].

In this study, UPLC-MS/MS was adopted to determine the contents of five ephedrine alkaloids (Norephedrine, Norpseudoephedrine, Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, Methylephedrine) in plasma and urine in rats after the combined administration of Ephedrae Herba-Gypsum Fibrosum and calculate relevant pharmacokinetic parameters, in order to discuss the effect of the combined administration of Ephedrae Herba-Gypsum Fibrosum on plasma pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion characteristics. According to the results, after being combined with Gypsum, the five ephedrine alkaloids showed similar pharmacokinetic changes, such as shortened t(max), accelerated absorption rate, but reduced AUC(0-t) and V(z)/F, which may be related to the increase in urine excretion. Besides, Gypsum was added to enhance C(max) of Pseudoephedrine and prolong MRT(0-t) of Methylephedrine, so as to enhance the anti-asthmatic effect of Ephedrae Herba and resist the toxic effect of Norephedrine and Ephedrine.

Independent effects of reward expectation and spatial orientation on the processing of emotional facial expressions.

The present study investigated the effect of reward expectation and spatial orientation on the processing of emotional facial expressions, using a spatial cue-target paradigm. A colored cue was presented at the left or right side of the central fixation point, with its color indicating the monetary reward stakes of a given trial (incentive vs. non-incentive), followed by the presentation of an emotional facial target (angry vs.

Detection prevalence of H5N1 avian influenza virus among stray cats in eastern China.

Since 1997, more and more cases of the infectious H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) in humans have been reported all over the world but the transmission of H5N1 avian influenza virus to stray cats has been little demonstrated. The objective of this pilot investigation was to determine the prevalence of H5N1 AIV antibodies in stray cats in eastern China where is the dominant enzootic H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HP AIV). A total of 1,020 nasal swab and 1,020 serum samples were collected and tested.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for diagnosing mediastinal lymphadenectasis: a cohort study from a single center.

Objective: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is commonly used for clinical diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenectasis. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic significance of EBUS-TBNA for mediastinal lymphadenectasis in a large single center.

Methods: A total of 846 patients who were not definitively diagnosed with mediastinal lymphadenectasis underwent EBUS-TBNA were retrospectively analyzed in this study.

Effects of long-term use of macrolides in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical benefits and safety of the long-term use of macrolides in patients with non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis.

Methods: Embase, Pubmed, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched from inception up to March 2014. The primary outcome was the improvement of exacerbations of bronchiectasis.

Differential genetic interactions of yeast stress response MAPK pathways.

Genetic interaction screens have been applied with great success in several organisms to study gene function and the genetic architecture of the cell. However, most studies have been performed under optimal growth conditions even though many functional interactions are known to occur under specific cellular conditions. In this study, we have performed a large-scale genetic interaction analysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae involving approximately 49 × 1,200 double mutants in the presence of five different stress conditions, including osmotic, oxidative and cell wall-altering stresses.

CYP2J2 and EETs protect against lung ischemia/reperfusion injury via anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro.

Background: Injurious inflammatory response is critical to the development of lung ischemia/reperfusion injury (LIRI). The cytochrome P450 epoxygenase 2J2 (CYP2J2) metabolizes arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which exert an anti-inflammatory effect on the cardiovascular system. We therefore cytochrome hypothesized that CYP2J2 overexpression and pretreatment with exogenous EETs may have the potential to reduce LIRI.

[Detection of chromosomal aneuploidies in spontaneous abortion samples by fluorescence in situ hybridization].

Objective: To analyze 81 spontaneous abortion samples with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Methods: Chromosome 13, 21, 16, 22, 18, X and Y probes were used to detect the samples.

Results: FISH was successful in 80 cases (98.

Multiple transitions in rotating turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection.

Sometimes it is thought that sharp transitions between potentially different turbulent states should be washed out by the prevailing intense fluctuations and short coherence lengths and times. Contrary to this expectation, we found a sequence of such transitions in turbulent rotating Rayleigh-Bénard convection as the rotation rate was increased. This phenomenon was observed in cylindrical samples with aspect ratios (diameter/height) Γ=1.

FoxM1 Drives a Feed-Forward STAT3-Activation Signaling Loop That Promotes the Self-Renewal and Tumorigenicity of Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells.

The growth factor PDGF controls the development of glioblastoma (GBM), but its contribution to the function of GBM stem-like cells (GSC) has been little studied. Here, we report that the transcription factor FoxM1 promotes PDGFA-STAT3 signaling to drive GSC self-renewal and tumorigenicity. In GBM, we found a positive correlation between expression of FoxM1 and PDGF-A.

Liquid Chromatographic Separation and Thermodynamic Investigation of Mirabegron Enantiomers on a Chiralpak AY-H Column.

Liquid chromatographic separation of mirabegron enantiomers on Chiralpak AY-H, a column coated with amylose tris-(5-chloro-2-methylphenylcarbamate) as a chiral stationary phase, was studied under normal phase conditions. The influence of ethanol content (30-45%) and column temperature (20-40°C) on retention, resolution and separation were evaluated. Apparent thermodynamic parameters deduced from Van't Hoff plots were used to understand chiral separation mechanisms, and the chiral separation was enthalpy driven.

The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on work capacity in Chinese patients: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of RA on work capacity and identify factors related to work capacity impairment in patients with RA.

Methods: A cross-sectional multicentre study was performed in 21 tertiary care hospitals across China. A consecutive sample of 846 patients with RA was recruited, of which 589 patients of working age at disease onset constituted the study population.

Evaluation of prognostic factors for secondary cytoreductive surgery in Chinese patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

Objective: Secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) is reported to be beneficial for patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). The current study is to evaluate risk factors that would affect the surgical optimal resection rate and prognosis of recurrent EOC after SCS in Chinese patients.

Methods: In our study, 44 patients with recurrent EOC treated with SCS at Shandong Cancer Hospital were retrospectively reviewed.

BATF2 Deficiency Promotes Progression in Human Colorectal Cancer via Activation of HGF/MET Signaling: A Potential Rationale for Combining MET Inhibitors with IFNs.

Purpose: BATF2, a novel IFN-stimulated gene, inhibits tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. The objectives of this study were to determine how BATF2 expression is associated with colorectal cancer progression and patient outcome, to investigate how BATF2 overexpression inhibits hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET signaling, and to elucidate the rationale for combining MET inhibitors with IFN.

Experimental Design: BATF2 expression in colorectal cancer tissues was determined and correlated with colorectal cancer patient prognosis.

Romiplostim promotes platelet recovery in a mouse model of multicycle chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia.

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia can lead to chemotherapy treatment delays or dose reductions. The ability of romiplostim, a thrombopoietin (TPO) mimetic, to promote platelet recovery in a mouse model of multicycle chemotherapy/radiation therapy (CRT)-induced thrombocytopenia was examined. In humans, an inverse relationship between platelet counts and endogenous TPO (eTPO) concentration exists.

Neuroprotective effect of gui zhi (ramulus cinnamomi) on ma huang- (herb ephedra-) induced toxicity in rats treated with a ma huang-gui zhi herb pair.

Herb Ephedra (Ma Huang in Chinese) and Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi in Chinese) are traditional Chinese herbs, often used together to treat asthma, nose and lung congestion, and fever with anhidrosis. Due to the adverse effects of ephedrine, clinical use of Ma Huang is restricted. However, Gui Zhi extract has been reported to decrease spontaneous activity in rats and exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

The first lack of evidence of H7N9 avian influenza virus infections among pigs in Eastern China.

In this study, we sought to examine whether evidence existed suggesting that pigs were being infected with the novel H7N9 avian influenza virus. From November 2012 to November 2013, blood was drawn from 1560 pigs from 100 large farms in 4 provinces of eastern China. Many of these pigs were in close proximity to wild birds or poultry.

Memory dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus correlates with reduced hippocampal CA1 and subiculum volumes.

Background: Little attention has been paid to the role of subcortical deep gray matter (SDGM) structures in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced cognitive impairment, especially hippocampal subfields. Our aims were to assess the in vivo volumes of SDGM structures and hippocampal subfields using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to test their associations with cognitive performance in T2DM.

Methods: A total of 80 T2DM patients and 80 neurologically unimpaired healthy controls matched by age, sex and education level was enrolled in this study.

Laryngeal schwannoma treated with a CO laser: A case report.

Laryngeal schwannoma is a rare benign tumor of the larynx, with a high recurrence rate. The present study reports the case of a 36-year-old male patient with a two-week history of hoarseness. Electronic laryngoscopy revealed that there was a submucosal mass at the level of the right supraglottic area.