[Expression of soluble factor-related apoptosis ligand in peripheral blood and microRNA-147b in monocytes in children with sepsis and their association with prognosis].

Objectives: To investigate the expression of soluble factor-related apoptosis ligand (sFasL) in peripheral blood and microRNA-147b (miR-147b) in monocytes in children with sepsis and their value in assessing prognosis.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 124 children with sepsis (sepsis group), 60 children with common infections (infection group), and 60 healthy children undergoing physical examinations (healthy control group). The independent risk factors for poor prognosis in children with sepsis were analyzed, and the value of serum sFasL and monocyte miR-147b in predicting poor prognosis in children with sepsis was assessed.

[Research-oriented experimental course of plant cell and gene engineering for undergraduates].

Research-oriented comprehensive experimental course for undergraduates is an important part for their training of innovation. We established an optional course of plant cell and gene engineering for undergraduates using our research platform. The course is designed to study the cellular and molecular basis and experimental techniques for plant tissue culture, isolation and culture of protoplast, genetic transformation, and screening and identification of transgenic plants.

α-Lipoic acid protects 3T3-L1 adipocytes from NYGGF4 (PID1) overexpression-induced insulin resistance through increasing phosphorylation of IRS-1 and Akt.

NYGGF4 (also called PID1) was demonstrated that it may be related to the development of obesity-related IR. We aimed in the present study to further elucidate the effects of NYGGF4 on IR and the underlying mechanisms through using α-Lipoic acid (LA) treatment, which could facilitate glucose transport and utilization in fully differentiated adipocytes. Our data showed that the LA pretreatment strikingly enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake through increasing GLUT4 translocation to the PM in NYGGF4 overexpression adipocytes.