Enhancing CO2 adsorption of a Zn-phosphonocarboxylate framework by pore space partitions.

Using structure-directing agents, pore space partitions of a Zn-phosphonocarboxylate framework have been achieved. Selective adsorption of CO(2) over N(2) has been greatly improved from ca. 9 : 1 to 94 : 1.

Molecular cloning and characterization of S-adenosylmethionine synthetase gene from Lycoris radiata.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) synthetase catalyzes the synthesis of SAM, a molecule important for all cellular organisms. It is also considered to play an important role in salt tolerance of plants. Here, we cloned a Lycoris radiata (L.

Tandem mass spectrometric analysis and density functional theory calculations on the fragmentation behavior of two tetradecanoylingenol regioisomers from Euphorbia wallichii.

Rationale: Two structurally similar bioactive regioisomers, 3-O-tetradecanoylingenol and 20-O-tetradecanoylingenol, from Euphorbia wallichii presented quite different fragmentation behaviors. Revealing the related fragmentation pathways may improve the efficiency of characterization and identification of such type of compounds.

Methods: The two regioisomers were subjected to collision-induced dissociation (CID) on Finnigan LCQ(DECA) and LTQ Orbitrap XL instruments.

Efficient inhibition of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus replication by artificial microRNAs targeting the untranslated regions.

A robust artificial microRNA (amiRNA) strategy against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was developed by targeting the untranslated regions (UTRs). Six candidate amiRNAs targeting the 5' or 3' UTR were used for vector construction, and four effective amiRNAs were selected for further study using a vector transfection/virus infection assay. In cell cultures stably transfected with the four amiRNA vectors, expression of the sequence-specific amiRNAs was confirmed using poly(A)-tailed RT-PCR.

The trend in newly diagnosed Crohn's disease and extraintestinal manifestations of Crohn's disease in central China: a retrospective study of a single center.

Background And Aims: The incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) is increasing and has already become a refractory disorder in China. Data on extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in CD are rare, especially in Asians. We aimed to evaluate the trend of newly diagnosed CD and the prevalence and risk factors of EIMs in a clinical center in central China.

Surface modification of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene by the poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted method and its effect on the adsorption of proteins and the adhesion of blood platelets.

With the help of a silane coupling agent, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a well-biocompatable agent, was grafted onto the surface of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by ultraviolet initiation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis proved the success of PEG grafting. Water contact angle measurement showed that the modified UHMWPE was obviously improved in surface hydrophilicity and thermogravimetric analysis result showed that its thermostability did not decline even it was pretreated by strong acids.

Identification and functional studies of a new Nrf2 partner IQGAP1: a critical role in the stability and transactivation of Nrf2.

Aims: Nuclear factor-erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a critical transcriptional factor that is used in regulating cellular defense against oxidative stress. This study is aimed at investigating new interacting protein partners of Nrf2 using One-strep tag pull-down coupled with LTQ Orbitrap LC/MS/MS, and at examining the impact on Nr2 signaling by the newly identified IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1).

Results: Using the One-strep tag pull-down and LTQ Orbitrap LC/MS/MS, we identified IQGAP1 as a new Nrf2 interacting partner.

Interferon-β-induced miR-155 inhibits osteoclast differentiation by targeting SOCS1 and MITF.

IFN-β is induced via a c-fos dependent mechanism that is present downstream of the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-RANK signal transduction cascade during osteoclast differentiation. Increased production of IFN-β in turn inhibits osteoclastogenesis. However, the mechanism by which IFN-β exerts its suppressive function remains unclear.

Tetraspanin CO-029 inhibits colorectal cancer cell movement by deregulating cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesions.

Alterations in tetraspanin CO-029 expression are associated with the progression and metastasis of cancers in the digestive system. However, how CO-029 promotes cancer metastasis is still poorly understood. To determine the mechanism, we silenced CO-029 expression in HT29 colon cancer cells and found that the CO-029 knockdown significantly reduced cell migratory ability.

Use of electrospray ionization ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry and principal component analysis to directly distinguish monosaccharides.

Rationale: Carbohydrates are good source of drugs and play important roles in metabolism processes and cellular interactions in organisms. Distinguishing monosaccharide isomers in saccharide derivates is an important and elementary work in investigating saccharides. It is important to develop a fast, simple and direct method for this purpose, which is described in this study.

Simultaneous extraction of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) from humic acid with new synthesized EDTA derivatives.

Soil washing is one of the few permanent treatment alternatives for removing metal contaminants. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and its salts (EDTA) is very effective at removing cationic metals and has been utilized globally. However it is ineffective for anionic metal contaminants or metals bound to soil organic matter.

CD4⁺T cells: differentiation and functions.

CD4⁺T cells are crucial in achieving a regulated effective immune response to pathogens. Naive CD4⁺T cells are activated after interaction with antigen-MHC complex and differentiate into specific subtypes depending mainly on the cytokine milieu of the microenvironment. Besides the classical T-helper 1 and T-helper 2, other subsets have been identified, including T-helper 17, regulatory T cell, follicular helper T cell, and T-helper 9, each with a characteristic cytokine profile.

Meta-analysis: total parenteral nutrition versus total enteral nutrition in predicted severe acute pancreatitis.

Background: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as a traditional mode of treatment in severe acute pancreatitis was still used widely in clinical work. In addition, enteral nutrition treatment methods have developed; early enteral nutrition has already been highlighted for severe acute pancreatitis, but the therapeutic risks versus benefits need to be studied.

Aims And Objective: To compare total parenteral nutrition with total enteral nutrition (TEN) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis by performing a meta-analysis.

Effect of combination therapy with alginate dressing and mouse epidermal growth factor on epidermal stem cells in patients with refractory wounds.

Background: The aim of this research was to determine the efficacy of combination therapy using an alginate dressing and mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) on proliferation and differentiation of epidermal stem cells (ESCs) in patients with refractory wounds.

Methods: Eighteen patients (12 males and 6 females, aged from 18 to 61 years (mean 36.4 years)) with various skin wounds, were treated by dressing changing for one month.

Akt inhibitors MK-2206 and nelfinavir overcome mTOR inhibitor resistance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Purpose: The mTOR pathway is constitutively activated in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). mTOR inhibitors have activity in DLBCL, although response rates remain low. We evaluated DLBCL cell lines with differential resistance to the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin: (i) to identify gene expression profile(s) (GEP) associated with resistance to rapamycin, (ii) to understand mechanisms of rapamycin resistance, and (iii) to identify compounds likely to synergize with mTOR inhibitor.

Hypermethylation of SHP-1 promoter in patient with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome and it predicts poor prognosis.

To study the role of SHP-1 methylation in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), we detect the methylation status of SHP-1 promoter and STAT3 phosphorylation of MDS patients by the methylation-specific PCR and Western blotting, respectively. It is found that the methylation rate of SHP-1 promoter of high-risk MDS patients (69.2%) was higher than that of the low-risk MDS patients (21.

Treating TNBS-induced colitis in rats with probiotics.

Background/aims: We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Peifeikang, a probiotics compound, on colitis in rats induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and to elucidate its potential mechanism.

Material And Methods: We evaluated the therapeutic effects of Peifeikang by analysis of the disease activity index, colonic mucosa damage index, and histopathological score of the inflamed colons, by measurement of colonic myeloperoxidase activity through spectrophotometric assay, by determination of colonic positivities of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 via immunochemical staining, and by detection of serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Intrarectal administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid caused colonic inflammation similar to human ulcerative colitis with significantly increased disease activity index, colonic mucosa damage index, histopathological score, and colonic myeloperoxidase activities (p<0.

Plasticity of BRCA2 function in homologous recombination: genetic interactions of the PALB2 and DNA binding domains.

The breast cancer suppressor BRCA2 is essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity in mammalian cells through its role in DNA repair by homologous recombination (HR). Human BRCA2 is 3,418 amino acids and is comprised of multiple domains that interact with the RAD51 recombinase and other proteins as well as with DNA. To gain insight into the cellular function of BRCA2 in HR, we created fusions consisting of various BRCA2 domains and also introduced mutations into these domains to disrupt specific protein and DNA interactions.

[Correlation of stromal cell derived factor-1 with angiogenesis and cell apoptosis in myelodysplastic syndromes].

The study was aimed to investigate the expression of stromal cell derived factor (SDF-1) in bone marrow (BM) and its relation with apoptosis of BM CD34(+) cell and angiogenesis in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). 40 patients with MDS were divided into low-risk group and high-risk group according to IPSS score system. BM samples were collected.

Oncogenic RAS regulates BRIP1 expression to induce dissociation of BRCA1 from chromatin, inhibit DNA repair, and promote senescence.

Here, we report a cell-intrinsic mechanism by which oncogenic RAS promotes senescence while predisposing cells to senescence bypass by allowing for secondary hits. We show that oncogenic RAS inactivates the BRCA1 DNA repair complex by dissociating BRCA1 from chromatin. This event precedes senescence-associated cell cycle exit and coincides with the accumulation of DNA damage.

Tetraspanins regulate the protrusive activities of cell membrane.

Tetraspanins have gained increased attention due to their functional versatility. But the universal cellular mechanism that governs such versatility remains unknown. Herein we present the evidence that tetraspanins CD81 and CD82 regulate the formation and/or development of cell membrane protrusions.

Is involved-field radiotherapy based on CT safe for patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer?

Purpose: To examine the pattern of failures in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) treated with involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) and chemotherapy, with the aim of investigating the safety of IFRT.

Methods And Materials: Two consecutive clinical phase II trials in patients with LS-SCLC conducted in our center from 1997 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Both trials had the same inclusion criteria.