A unique and conserved neutralization epitope in H5N1 influenza viruses identified by an antibody against the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/96 hemagglutinin.

Despite substantial efforts to control and contain H5N1 influenza viruses, bird flu viruses continue to spread and evolve. Neutralizing antibodies against conserved epitopes on the viral hemagglutinin (HA) could confer immunity to the diverse H5N1 virus strains and provide information for effective vaccine design. Here, we report the characterization of a broadly neutralizing murine monoclonal antibody, H5M9, to most H5N1 clades and subclades that was elicited by immunization with viral HA of A/Goose/Guangdong/1/96 (H5N1), the immediate precursor of the current dominant strains of H5N1 viruses.

Chondrocyte-specific inhibition of β-catenin signaling leads to dysplasia of the caudal vertebrae in mice.

Study Design: To inhibit β-catenin specifically signaling in chondrocytes Col2-ICAT transgenic mice were generated. Anomalies in caudal vertebrae were detected during embryonic and postnatal stages of Col2-ICAT transgenic mice.

Objective: To determine the role of canonical β-catenin signaling in caudal vertebral development.

[Effects of Yiqi Huayu prescription on knee cartilage degeneration in HIF-1alpha gene knockout mice].

Objective: To study the role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1alpha) on knee cartilage degeneration,and to explore the effects and mechanisms of Chinese herbal compound Yiqi Huayu prescription on HIF-1alpha gene knockout mice on knee cartilage degeneration.

Methods: The 4-month and 6-month HIF-1alpha gene knock out mice were obtained by interbreeding, and divided into HIF-1alpha +/+ 4-month mice group,HIF-1alpha -/- 4-month mice group,HIF-1alpha +/+ 6-month mice group and HIF-1alpha -/- 6-month mice group, 3 mice in each group. And then the 2-month-old HIF-1alpha gene knock out mice were randomly divided into Yiqi Huayu prescription group and physiological saline group.

Bromodichloromethane induces cell proliferation in different tissues of male F344 rats by suppression of E-cadherin expression via hypermethylation or transcriptional activation of c-myc and cyclin D1.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of bromodichloromethane (BDCM) - induced cell proliferation in different tissues of male F344 rats. Rats were administered at doses of 0 and 100mg/kg/day BDCM dissolved in corn oil by gavage for 5 days/week for 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Then the colon, kidney and liver were collected.

Relaxin attenuates silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by regulating collagen type I and MMP-2.

Silicosis is one of the most prevalent occupational lung diseases, but the pathogenic mechanisms of silicosis are largely unknown and an effective treatment is not yet available. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of relaxin (RLX) on fibrosis by an in vitro model involving silica-induced and macrophage-mediated pulmonary fibroblasts. Following pre-treatment with DQ12 quartz, the culture supernatant of human monocytic THP-1 cells was added to human fetal lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells with or without RLX.

Progression of aortic regurgitation in Asian patients with congenital sinus of valsalva aneurysm.

Background: We reviewed the experience of An Zhen and Fu Wai Hospital for congenital sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) to determine risk factors for aortic valve replacement (AVR) and postoperative progression of aortic regurgitation (AR).

Methods: Over a 7-year period, 255 patients underwent surgical repair of an SVA. Aneurysms originated from the right sinus and the noncoronary sinus in 212 patients (83.

Rational design of a live attenuated dengue vaccine: 2'-o-methyltransferase mutants are highly attenuated and immunogenic in mice and macaques.

Dengue virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and infects at least 100 million people every year. Progressive urbanization in Asia and South-Central America and the geographic expansion of Aedes mosquito habitats have accelerated the global spread of dengue, resulting in a continuously increasing number of cases. A cost-effective, safe vaccine conferring protection with ideally a single injection could stop dengue transmission.

Immobilization of pectinase on oxidized pulp fiber and its application in whitewater treatment.

Modified pulp fiber was originally used as a new type of carrier for pectinase immobilization. Pulp fiber was oxidized by sodium periodate to produce aldehyde groups for covalently binding with amino groups of pectinase. Results showed that the enzymatic activity of immobilized pectinase on pulp fiber reached 65 μgg(-1)min(-1) when immobilization pH value, temperature and time were of 7.

The normal variant (18)F FDG uptake in the lower thoracic spinal cord segments in cancer patients without CNS malignancy.

Focal increased lower thoracic spinal cord (18)F FDG uptake is not infrequently observed as a normal physiological finding and may be confused for spinal cord metastases. This study was conducted to evaluate a possible correlation between the lower thoracic (T11-T12) spinal uptake and lower limb movements/ambulatory status of the patients as a surrogate. The primary endpoint was to identify the possible cause(s) of the normal variant focal increased thoracic spinal cord (T11-T12) (18)F FDG activity and correlate it with the lower limb movements/ambulatory status of the patients.

Genetic polymorphisms in Matrix Metalloproteinases -1 and -7 and susceptibility to gastric cancer: an association study and meta-analysis.

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in gastric cancer (GC). Accumulated evidence suggests that functional MMP-1 and MMP-7 gene polymorphisms are associated with several tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate two single nucleotide polymorphisms, MMP-1 -1607 1G/2G and MMP-7 -181 A/G, and their potential relationship with GC.

Global transcriptomic analysis of human neuroblastoma cells in response to enterovirus type 71 infection.

Human enterovirus type 71 (EV71) is the major pathogen of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) and has been associated with severe neurological disease and even death in infants and young children. The pathogenesis of EV71 infection in the human central nervous system remains unclear. In this study, human whole genome microarray was employed to perform transcriptome profiling in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells infected with EV71.

[Clinical evaluation on the preparation of cured root canals with Reciproc and Pathfile rotary instruments].

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of cured molar root canal preparation using Reciproc and Pathfile rotary instruments.

Methods: From December 2012 to January 2013, 88 teeth with 273 root canals were randomly divided into three groups. In group A, root canals were prepared with Reciproc and Pathfile.

Effect of oleic acid-induced acute lung injury and conventional mechanical ventilation on renal function in piglets.

Background: Animal models that demonstrate changes of renal function in response to acute lung injury (ALI) and mechanical ventilation (MV) are few. The present study was performed to examine the effect of ALI induced by oleic acid (OA) in combination with conventional MV strategy on renal function in piglets.

Methods: Twelve Chinese mini-piglets were randomly divided into two groups: the OA group (n = 6), animals were ventilated with a conventional MV strategy of 12 ml/kg and suffered an ALI induced by administration of OA, and the control group (n = 6), animals were ventilated with a protective MV strategy of 6 ml/kg and received the same amount of sterile saline.

[Investigation of status of dental caries in children of primary school in Hangzhou city from 2009 to 2011].

Purpose: To investigate the status of dental caries in children of primary school in Hangzhou City from 2009 to 2011.

Methods: The status of dental caries was examined annually from 2009 to 2011, and the caries prevalence, filling rates, mean DMFT/dmft were recorded. SPSS 13.

Human IgG subclasses against enterovirus Type 71: neutralization versus antibody dependent enhancement of infection.

The emerging human enterovirus 71 (EV71) represents a growing threat to public health, and no vaccine or specific antiviral is currently available. Human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is clinical used in treating severe EV71 infections. However, the discovery of antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) of EV71 infection illustrates the complex roles of antibody in controlling EV71 infection.

Curcumin inhibits AP-2γ-induced apoptosis in the human malignant testicular germ cells in vitro.

Aim: To investigate the effects of curcumin on proliferation and apoptosis in testicular cancer cells in vitro and to investigate its molecular mechanisms of action.

Methods: NTera-2 human malignant testicular germ cell line and F9 mouse teratocarcinoma stem cell line were used. The anti-proliferative effect was examined using MTT and colony formation assays.

Cross-linked enzyme aggregates of Mung bean epoxide hydrolases: a highly active, stable and recyclable biocatalyst for asymmetric hydrolysis of epoxides.

A highly active and stable cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) of epoxide hydrolases (EHs) from Mung bean, which plays a crucial role in synthesis of valuable enantiopure diols, were successfully prepared and characterized. Under the optimum preparation conditions, the activity recovery of CLEAs recorded 92%. The CLEAs were more efficient than the free enzyme in catalyzing asymmetric hydrolysis of styrene oxide to (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol in organic solvent-containing biphasic system.

Generation and identification of Brassica alboglabra-Brassica campestris monosomic alien addition lines.

Four monosomic alien addition lines (MAALs) for Brassica alboglabra-Brassica campestris were developed through digenomic triploid (ACC) backcrossing with the recurrent parent B. alboglabra (CC). The objectives of this study were to compare morphological traits, microsatellite markers (simple sequence repeats), chromosomal karyotypes, and meiotic behaviors.

Clinical results of combined palliative procedures for cyanotic congenital heart defects with intractable hypoplasia of pulmonary arteries.

Background: Congenital heart defects with intractable hypoplasia of the pulmonary arteries without intercourse or with intercourse stenosis is unsuitable for surgical correction or regular palliative procedures. We reported our experience with combined palliative procedures for congenital heart defects with intractable hypoplasia pulmonary arteries.

Methods: From 2001 to 2012, a total of 41 patients with cyanotic congenital heart defects and intractable hypoplasia of the pulmonary arteries underwent surgical procedures.

[Study on chemical constituents of Carthamus tinctorius].

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents in water-soluble fraction of Carthamus tinctorius.

Methods: Compounds were isolated and purified by macroporus resin, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and preparative HPLC. The structures were identified by spectral analysis.

Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 promotes cell growth and metastasis in colorectal cancer.

Aim: To evaluate the expression of special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1) gene in colorectal cancer and its role in colorectal cancer cell proliferation and invasion.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of SATB1 in 30 colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue samples and pair-matched adjacent non-tumor samples. Cell growth was investigated after enhancing expression of SATB1.

Effect of ionizing radiation on transcription of colorectal cancer MDR1 gene of HCT-8 cells.

Objective: To discuss effect of ionizing radiation on transcription of colorectal cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) 1 gene of HCT-8 cells.

Methods: Total RNA was extracted by guanidine thiocyanate one-step method. Northern blot was applied to detect transcription level of MDR1 gene.

Wnt signaling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis, with special emphasis on the different roles in synovial inflammation and bone remodeling.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic symmetrical autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that affects primarily the diarthrodial joints. Characteristic features of RA pathogenesis are synovial inflammation and proliferation accompanied by cartilage erosion and bone loss. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) display an important role in the pathogenesis of RA.