Controlled synthesis of heterotrimetallic single-chain magnets from anisotropic high-spin 3 d-4 f nodes and paramagnetic spacers.

By using the node-and-spacer approach in suitable solvents, four new heterotrimetallic 1D chain-like compounds (that is, containing 3d-3d'-4f metal ions), {[Ni(L)Ln(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)Fe(Tp*)(CN)(3)]⋅2 CH(3)CN⋅CH(3)OH}(n) (H(2)L = N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane, Tp* = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate; Ln = Gd (1), Dy (2), Tb (3), Nd (4)), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. All of these compounds are made up of a neutral cyanide- and phenolate-bridged heterotrimetallic chain, with a {-Fe-C≡N-Ni(-O-Ln)-N≡C-}(n) repeat unit. Within these chains, each [(Tp*)Fe(CN)(3)](-) entity binds to the Ni(II) ion of the [Ni(L)Ln(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)](+) motif through two of its three cyanide groups in a cis mode, whereas each [Ni(L)Ln(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)](+) unit is linked to two [(Tp*)Fe(CN)(3)](-) ions through the Ni(II) ion in a trans mode.

Effects of Zuogui Pill () and Yougui Pill () on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling transduction pathways of axonal regeneration in model rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Objective: To study the effects of Zuogui Pill (, ZGP) and Yougui Pill (, YGP) on the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling of axonal regeneration in the Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), in order to explore the possible mechanism of ZGP and YGP on promoting axonal regeneration.

Methods: The rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC), model (MO), prednisone acetate (PA), ZGP and YGP groups. The EAE model of rat was established by injecting antigen containing myelin basic protein (MBP)68-86.

[Relation between HBsAg levels during the immune clearance phase of hepatitis B virus infection and liver pathological stages of chronic hepatitis B].

Objective: To investigate whether the level of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) represents the status of inflammation and stages of fibrosis in livers of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during the immune clearance phase (IC).

Methods: Liver biopsy samples and sera were collected from 165 consecutive patients (136 males; 29 females) with CHB in IC who were treated in our hospital between March 2009 and June 2011. Routine biochemical tests were carried out to measure indicators of liver function.

[Prolonged duration of the routine pegylated-interferon alfa-2a therapy produces superior virological response in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients: a single-center cohort study].

Objective: Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion and/or hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance are considered as good prognostic indicators of treatment outcome in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. While a sustained virological response (SVR) can be achieved by a finite 48-week course of pegylated-interferon alfa-2a (Peg-IFNalpha-2a), it has been suggested that longer-term treatment can improve the rate of SVR. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of prolonged and routine Peg-IFNa-2a therapy in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB.

[Relationship between the changes in immune cells and HBeAg loss following antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients].

Objective: To observe the changes in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific and non-specific cellular immunity that accompany viral load decline during adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) treatment in patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B, and to explore the antiviral immunity mechanism underlying the treatment response.

Methods: Serial analysis of cellular immunological parameters was performed in HBeAg-positive patients (n = 20) throughout the 48-week course of ADV therapy (10 mg/d). HBV-specific T cell reactivity to HBV core antigen (HBcAg) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay and cell proliferation assay at pre-treatment (baseline) and post-treatment weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48.

Genotyping of rubella virus RNA in sera and dried blood spots collected during routine surveillance and in archival sera.

Information on the molecular epidemiology of rubella has been valuable in supporting efforts to control and eliminate rubella in several countries. The preferred samples for virus isolation or RNA detection, such as throat swabs, are often not available making it difficult to obtain a robust database of rubella virus sequences. A method for obtaining rubella virus genotypes from more commonly collected samples such as sera or dried blood spots using real-time RT-PCR to screen samples followed by nested set amplification is described.

A case of multiple primary malignancies and investigation of family history.

The occurrence of multiple primary malignancies (MPM) in one patient is a rare but increasingly frequent event, partly due to medical advances in diagnosis and therapy. A number of theories have been proposed to explain MPM, but none have been proven. A key risk factor appears to be family history.

Regulatory impact of RNA secondary structure across the Arabidopsis transcriptome.

The secondary structure of an RNA molecule plays an integral role in its maturation, regulation, and function. However, the global influence of this feature on plant gene expression is still largely unclear. Here, we use a high-throughput, sequencing-based, structure-mapping approach in conjunction with transcriptome-wide sequencing of rRNA-depleted (RNA sequencing), small RNA, and ribosome-bound RNA populations to investigate the impact of RNA secondary structure on gene expression regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Gastric motility in ghrelin receptor knockout mice.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) deficiency on gastric motility in GHS-R deficient (Ghsr-/-) mice. Ghsr-/- and control (Ghsr+/+) mice were genotyped by PCR. The percentage of gastric emptying (GE%) was calculated following the intraperitoneal adminis-tration of ghrelin.

The application of ultrasound B-flow imaging in detection of carotid atherosclerotic micro-vessel with ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Objective: To investigate the detection and characterization of micro-vessels within the carotid atherosclerotic plaque using B-flow imaging (BFI) ultrasound with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU) as the reference standard.

Methods: Between August 2008 and July 2011, 78 patients with carotid atherosclerosis that were admitted at the Department of Ultrasonography in ZhongNan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China underwent standard and BFI examination. Fifty-one patients received both BFI and CEU.

RNA polymerase V targets transcriptional silencing components to promoters of protein-coding genes.

Transcriptional gene silencing controls transposons and other repetitive elements through RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) and heterochromatin formation. A key component of the Arabidopsis RdDM pathway is ARGONAUTE4 (AGO4), which associates with siRNAs to mediate DNA methylation. Here, we show that AGO4 preferentially targets transposable elements embedded within promoters of protein-coding genes.

Identification of combining ability loci for five yield-related traits in maize using a set of testcrosses with introgression lines.

Combining ability is essential for hybrid breeding in crops. However, the genetic basis of combining ability remains unclear and has been seldom investigated. Identifying molecular markers associated with this complex trait would help to understand its genetic basis and provide useful information for hybrid breeding in maize.

Single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a meta-analysis.

Background: Conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) is now accepted as the gold standard surgical treatment for gallbladder stone disease. Single-incision laparoscopic technology has recently been introduced into laparoscopic clinical practice in order to reduce the invasiveness of this procedure. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed to compare single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SICL) and CLC.

Inactivation of resistant Mycobacteria mucogenicum in water: chlorine resistance and mechanism analysis.

Objective: To better understand the mechanism of chlorine resistance of mycobacteria and evaluate the efficiency of various disinfection processes.

Methods: Inactivation experiments of one strain Mycobacteria mucogenicum, isolated from a drinking water distribution system in South China were conducted with various chlorine disinfectants. Inactivation efficiency and disinfectant residual, as well as the formation of organic chloramines, were measured during the experiments.

Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in chiral seven-coordinated mononuclear lanthanide complexes.

Four couples of enantiomerically pure chiral seven-coordinated mononuclear lanthanide complexes, [(L(OEt))Dy((R,R)-Salphen)](2)·3H(2)O (1, L(OEt) = [(Cp)Co(P(O)(OEt)(2))(3)], Cp = cyclopentadiene, Salphen = N,N'-1,2-diphenylethylenebis(salicylideneiminato) dianion), [(L(OEt))Dy((S,S)-Salphen)](2)·3H(2)O (2), [(L(OEt))Dy((R,R)-5-Cl-Salcy)]·CH(3)OH·1/8H(2)O (3, Salcy = N,N'-(1,2-cyclohexanediylethylene)bis(salicylideneiminato) dianion), [(L(OEt))Dy((S,S)-5-Cl-Salcy)]·CH(3)OH·1/8H(2)O (4), [(L(OEt))Tb((R,R)-5-Cl-Salcy)]·CH(3)OH·1/8H(2)O (5), [(L(OEt))Tb((S,S)-5-Cl-Salcy)]·CH(3)OH·1/8H(2)O (6), [(L(OEt))Ho((R,R)-5-Cl-Salcy)]·CH(3)OH·1/8H(2)O (7) and [(L(OEt))Ho((S,S)-5-Cl-Salcy)]·CH(3)OH·1/8H(2)O (8), have been successfully synthesized by using tetradentate chiral salen-type ligands and the Kläui's tripodal ligand of L(OEt). Structural analyses reveal that all compounds have a typical double-decker sandwich structure, and the Ln(iii) ions exhibit a rare seven-coordinated mode, situating in a distorted monocapped triangular prism polyhedron. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra confirm the enantiomeric nature of the optically active complexes and demonstrate that the chirality is successfully transferred from the ligand to the coordination environment of the Ln(iii) ions.

[Factors influencing the curative effect in patients with HBeAgpositive chronic hepatitis B treated with peg-interferon α-2a].

Objective: To investigate the factors that influence the curative effect in patients with HBeAgpositive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated with peg-interferon α-2a, and to explore whether such factors might predict the therapeutic effect.

Methods: HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with peg-interferon α-2a (180 μg once a week) were divided into a standard therapy group (48 weeks) and an extended therapy group (>48 weeks). The rates of HBsAg loss, HBeAg loss, HBeAg seroconversion, HBV DNA clearance, and ALT normalization were all evaluated in the two groups at the end of treatment and after 24 weeks follow up.

Recombinant HCMV UL128 expression and functional identification of PBMC-attracting activity in vitro.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has evolved several immune evasion strategies. One strategy is controlling the movement of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by encoding homologues of chemokines. Our aim was to determine whether HCMV open reading frame (ORF) UL128 could encode a protein that attracts PBMCs like a β-chemokine.

Mili and Miwi target RNA repertoire reveals piRNA biogenesis and function of Miwi in spermiogenesis.

Germ cells implement elaborate mechanisms to protect their genetic material and to regulate gene expression during differentiation. Piwi proteins bind Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), small germline RNAs whose biogenesis and functions are still largely elusive. We used high-throughput sequencing after cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (HITS-CLIP) coupled with RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to characterize the genome-wide target RNA repertoire of Mili (Piwil2) and Miwi (Piwil1), two Piwi proteins expressed in mouse postnatal testis.

Global analysis of RNA secondary structure in two metazoans.

The secondary structure of RNA is necessary for its maturation, regulation, processing, and function. However, the global influence of RNA folding in eukaryotes is still unclear. Here, we use a high-throughput, sequencing-based, structure-mapping approach to identify the paired (double-stranded RNA [dsRNA]) and unpaired (single-stranded RNA [ssRNA]) components of the Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans transcriptomes, which allows us to identify conserved features of RNA secondary structure in metazoans.

Expression of CD133 in SW620 colorectal cancer cells is modulated by the microenvironment.

The use of CD133 as a marker for identifying and isolating colon cancer stem cells (CSCs) is controversial. In particular, it is not clear whether the pattern of expression is influenced by the tumor microenvironment. We analysed the expression of CD133 in the SW620 colon cancer cell line, which produces subpopulations with different levels of CD133.

Amyloid precursor protein as a potential marker of malignancy and prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common carcinoma of the thyroid gland and has a relatively favorable prognosis. However, it is important to identify PTC characteristics that indicate a high risk for recurrence and metastasis. Recent data indicate that the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is involved in cell adhesion, motility and proliferation.

[Clinicalpathological characteristics of Lynch syndrome related epithelial ovarian cancer].

Objective: To explore the clinical pathological characteristics of Lynch syndrome associated ovarian cancer.

Methods: Totally 260 cases ovarian cancer patients were admitted to Tianjin Medical University General Hospital during Jan. 2004 and Jan.

MiR-145 regulates PAK4 via the MAPK pathway and exhibits an antitumor effect in human colon cells.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulators of numerous cellular events; accumulating evidence indicates that miRNAs play a key role in a wide range of biological functions, such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in cancer. Down-regulated expression of miR-145 has been reported in colon cancer tissues and cell lines. The molecular mechanisms underlying miR-145 and the regulation of colon carcinogenesis remain unclear.

Reduced inflammation and CD4 loss in acute SHIV infection during oral pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Background: The impact of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with antiretrovirals on breakthrough HIV or SHIV infection is not fully documented. We addressed the hypothesis that SHIV(SF162P3) infection despite active PrEP results in altered early immune parameters, compared with untreated infection.

Methods: Eleven rhesus macaques were infected during repeated, rectal, low-dose SHIV(SF162P3) exposures while receiving concurrent oral PrEP (Truvada [n = 2] or GS7340 [n = 4]) or as untreated controls (n = 5).

[Comparative study on thin films of cadmium sulfide prepared by chemical bath deposition and radio frequency magnetron sputtering].

Thin films of cadmium sulfide (CdS) were prepared with ammonium chloride, cadmium chloride, potassium hydroxide and thiourea by chemical bath deposition (CBD). For comparison, CdS films were also deposited by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering, using CdS and argon as a target and reactive gas, respectively. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy.