JLab measurement of the 4He charge form factor at large momentum transfers

The charge form factor of 4He has been extracted in the range 29  fm(-2) ≤ Q2 ≤ 77  fm(-2) from elastic electron scattering, detecting 4He recoil nuclei and electrons in coincidence with the high resolution spectrometers of the Hall A Facility of Jefferson Lab. The measurements have uncovered a second diffraction minimum for the form factor, which was predicted in the Q2 range of this experiment. The data are in qualitative agreement with theoretical calculations based on realistic interactions and accurate methods to solve the few-body problem.

Smooth muscle enfoldment internal sphincter construction after intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer

Objective

To assess smooth muscle enfoldment and internal sphincter construction (SMESC) for improvement of continence after intersphincteric resection (ISR) for rectal cancer.

Methods

Twenty-four Bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into a conventional ISR group and experimental SMESC group, with 12 pigs in each group. The proximal sigmoid colon was anastomosed directly to the anus in the ISR group. In the SMESC group, internal sphincter construction was performed. At 12 weeks before and after surgery, rectal resting pressure and anal canal length were assessed. Three-dimensional ultrasound was used to determine the thickness of the internal sphincter. After the animals were sacrificed, the rectum and anus were resected and pathological examinations were performed to evaluate the differences in sphincter thickness and muscle fibers.

Results

All 24 animals in the SMESC group and the ISR group survived the surgery. Twelve weeks post-surgery, the rectal resting pressure, length of the anal high-pressure zone and the postoperative internal sphincter thickness for the ISR group were significantly lower than for the SMESC group. There was a thickened area (about 2 cm) above the anastomotic stoma among animals from the SMESC group; in addition, the smooth muscles were significantly enlarged and enfolded when compared to the ISR group.

Conclusion

This animal model study shows that the SMESC procedure achieved acceptable reconstruction of the internal anal neo-sphincter (IAN/S), without increasing surgical risk. However, the findings in this experimental animal model must be confirmed by clinical trials to determine the safety and efficacy of this procedure in clinical practice.

Investigation and analysis of contraceptive measures towards different reproductive-aged women in Yangzhou

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to retrospectively investigate the contraceptive methods of different reproductive-aged women in two different regions of Yangzhou, China, to understand the changes of the contraceptive methods, and to analyze the targeted improvements of future informed choices of contraception and birth control, and reduce the occurrence of the unintended pregnancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 13,407 and 20,876 married reproductive-aged women (MCW) that were chosen from a city downtown and a county-level city, respectively, for the group-organized random sampling questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

There was a significant urban-rural difference in the choice of contraceptive methods in different MCW. The female choices of contraception were single; the accessibility of contraceptive supplies, and personalized services could improve the implementation rate of long-term contraceptive measures. The cooperation of male contraceptive responsibility was related to the education levels and enhanced male-female communication.

CONCLUSIONS

It was very important for urban and rural women with different ages to choose different contraceptive measures, suggesting that these choices require the development of different educational models towards women of different ages and regions. The accessibility to various aspects of counseling and contraceptive measures should be strengthened, meanwhile male participation should also be promoted to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to reduce the health hazards related to sexual activities.

Involvement of miR-9/MCPIP1 axis in PDGF-BB-mediated neurogenesis in neuronal progenitor cells

Highly conserved microRNA-9 (miR-9) has a critical role in various cellular processes including neurogenesis. However, its regulation by neurotropins that are known to mediate neurogenesis remains poorly defined. In this study, we identify platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-mediated upregulation of miR-9, which in turn downregulates its target gene monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1), as a key player in modulating proliferation, neuronal differentiation as well as migration of neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs). Results indicate that miR-9-mediated NPC proliferation and neuronal differentiation involves signaling via the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathways, and that NPC migration involves CREB but not the NF-κB signaling. These findings thus suggest that miR-9-mediated downregulation of MCPIP1 acts as a molecular switch regulation of neurogenesis.

[Study on accuracy of endoscopic polyp size measurement by disposable graduated biopsy forceps]

OBJECTIVE

To study the accuracy of endoscopic polyp size measurement by disposable graduated biopsy forceps (DGBF).

METHODS

Accurate gradation of 1 mm was made in the wire of disposable graduated biopsy forceps, which was used to measure the size of tumors under endoscopy. Fifty-eight polyps from 43 patients underwent endoscopy in our department from May to June 2013 were enrolled. Size of polyp was measured and compared among DGBF, routine estimation and direct measurement after resection. The accuracy of polyp size measurement was investigated by four colonoscopists who had finished at least 2000 procedures of colonoscopy.

RESULTS

The mean diameter of post-polypectomy measurement was (1.02±0.84) cm. Diameter was less than 1 cm in 36 polyps, 1 to 2 cm in 15, and over 2 cm in 7. The mean diameter of visual estimation was (1.29±1.07) cm, and the difference was significant as compared with actual size (P=0.000). The mean diameter measured by DGBF was (1.02±0.82) cm, and the difference was not significant as compared with actual size (P=0.775). The ratio of visual estimation to actual size was 1.29±0.31, and DGBF estimation to actual size was 1.02±0.11 with significant difference (P=0.000). The accurate rate of DGBF in estimating polyp size was 77.6% (45/58), which was obviously higher as compared to visual estimation [19.0% (11/58), P=0.000].

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of DGBF as a scale in the estimation of poly size increases as compared to visual estimation.

The influence of food on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine and losartan after single-dose of its compound tablets in healthy chinese subjects

We aim to identify the effects of food on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of amlodipine, losartan and losartan's active metabolite (EXP3174) after oral administration of the Compound Amlodipine Tablets with single dose in healthy Chinese subjects. 12 subjects took the compounds (10 mg/100 mg, amlodipine/losartan) at the conditions of a high-fat breakfast and an overnight fast with a washout period of 14 days. Plasma samples were obtained at scheduled time, and determined by HPLC-MS/MS for the concentrations of amlodipine and HPLC-MS for the concentrations of losartan and EXP3174, respectively. PK parameters were calculated using Software Drug and Statistics (Version 2.0). When tablets were co-administered with food, there was no significant difference of AUC for amlodipine and losartan, but the AUC of EXP3174 was reduced by 19.1%. Meanwhile, the Cmax of amlodipine, losartan and EXP3174 were reduced by 11.4%, 20.0% and 41.4%, and the Tmax of losartan and EXP3174 were 1.3 and 1.8 h longer, respectively. No significant difference was found at t1/2 following food intake. In conclusion, the Compound Amlodipine Tablets, are affected by food administration by reducing the AUC of EXP3174. It is thus suggested that the Compound Amlodipine Tablets should be administered 1 h before or 2 h after meal.

[Manufacture and application of laparoscopic extraperitoneal sigmoid colostomy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic extraperitoneal sigmoid colostomy.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with low rectal cancer undergoing laproscopic abdominoperineal resection from July 2011 to July 2012 were prospectively enrolled in the study and randomly divided into extraperitoneal colostomy group(EPC, n=18) and internal peritoneal colostomy group(IPC, n=18). Follow-up period was 4-16 (median, 7) months and postoperative complications were compared between two groups.

RESULTS

One case in EPC group was converted to IPC because of poor blood supply of the proximal sigmoid, who was eliminated from the subsequent analysis. Compared with the IPC group, the surgery time was longer in EPC group [(25.3±8.5) min vs. (14.7±6.4) min], while the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). Each group had 1 case of stoma ischemia, who both received the colostomy reconstructive surgery. The incidence of stoma edema was significantly higher in EPC group[35.3%(6/17) vs. 0, P<0.05). The early postoperative complications rate did not significantly different between the two groups[58.8%(10/17) vs. 27.8%(5/18), P>0.05]. The late postoperative complications rate was 22.2%(4/18) in IPC group, including 1 case of stoma prolapse, 1 case of stoma stenosis and 2 cases of parastomal hernia. No later postoperative complication occurred in EPC group.

CONCLUSION

Extraperitoneal sigmoid colostomy is an easy and safe procedure with lower late complications as compared to internal peritoneal sigmoid colostomy.

DNA barcoding of populations of Fallopia multiflora, an indigenous herb in China

Fallopia multiflora, locally known as Heshouwu, is one of the most important and widely used Chinese medicinal herbs. However, there is still considerable confusion concerning its different provenances. DNA barcoding is a recent aid to taxonomic identification and uses a short standardized DNA region to discriminate plant species. We assessed the applicability of 4 candidate DNA barcodes (matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, and ITS2) to identify populations of F. multiflora. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt involving the plant kingdom to apply DNA barcoding at a level lower than species. Four DNA loci (matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, and ITS2) of 105 samples, including the wild F. multiflora distributed in 17 provinces of China and 4 cultivated F. multiflora lines, were amplified by PCR and sequenced. The 4 loci were evaluated by PCR amplification for sequence quality, extent of genetic divergence, DNA barcoding gap, and the ability to discriminate between populations by BLAST1 and Nearest Distance. We found that psbA-trnH was the best barcode, with significant inter-population variability and best potential for identifying F. multiflora. The combination of loci gave better performance for distinguishing populations than a single locus. We recommend using matK + rbcL + psbA-trnH + ITS2 or psbA-trnH alone for this species. This research demonstrates the utility of DNA barcoding for geoherbalism identifications.

Hard two-body photodisintegration of 3He

We have measured cross sections for the γ(3)He → pd reaction at photon energies of 0.4-1.4 GeV and a center-of-mass angle of 90°. We observe dimensional scaling above 0.7 GeV at this center-of-mass angle. This is the first observation of dimensional scaling in the photodisintegration of a nucleus heavier than the deuteron.

miR-27a regulates endothelial differentiation of breast cancer stem like cells

Recent studies suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are capable of differentiating into endothelial cells and tumor endothelium may be derived from CSCs. But the mechanism remains unclear. We showed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced the expression of endothelial markers in breast cancer stem like cells (BCSLCs). In addition, the VEGF-treated BCSLCs formed capillary structure in matrigel and released vWF upon histamine treatment. The miR-27a expression was significantly increased in VEGF-treated BCSLCs. Antagonizing miR-27a by miR-27a anti-sense oligos (ASOs) in VEGF-treated BCSLCs led to decreased endothelial markers and function, while increasing miR-27a in BCSLCs resulted in enhanced endothelial properties. VEGF enhanced the transcription of miR-27a by increasing RUNX1 binding to miR-27a promoter. Increased miR-27a paralleled the reduced expression of ZBTB10, a known miR-27a target. Both expression of miR-27a and knockdown of ZBTB10 in BCSLCs promoted in vivo angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. Further, we demonstrated that VEGF-treated BCSLCs secreted more endogenous VEGF compared with undifferentiated BCSLCs. Thus, miR-27a promotes angiogenesis by mediating endothelial differentiation of BCSLCs and it may be a new target for anti-angiogenesis cancer therapy.

Determining the depth of insertion of dynamically invisible membrane peptides by gel-phase ¹H spin diffusion heteronuclear correlation NMR

Solid-state NMR determination of the depth of insertion of membrane peptides and proteins has so far utilized (1)H spin diffusion and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement experiments, which are typically conducted in the liquid-crystalline phase of the lipid bilayer. For membrane proteins or peptide assemblies that undergo intermediate-timescale motion in the liquid-crystalline membrane, these approaches are no longer applicable because the protein signals are broadened beyond detection. Here we show that the rigid-solid HETCOR experiment, with an additional spin diffusion period, can be used to determine the depth of proteins in gel-phase lipid membranes, where the proteins are immobilized to give high-intensity solid-state NMR spectra. Demonstration on two membrane peptides with known insertion depths shows that well-inserted peptides give rise to high lipid cross peak intensities and low water cross peaks within a modest spin diffusion mixing time, while surface-bound peptides have higher water than lipid cross peaks. Furthermore, well-inserted membrane peptides have nearly identical (1)H cross sections as the lipid chains, indicating equilibration of the peptide and lipid magnetization. Using this approach, we measured the membrane topology of the α-helical fusion peptide of the paramyxovirus, PIV5, in the anionic POPC/POPG membrane, in which the peptide undergoes intermediate-timescale motion at physiological temperature. The gel-phase HETCOR spectra indicate that the α-helical fusion peptide is well inserted into the POPC/POPG bilayer, spanning both leaflets. This insertion motif gives insight into the functional role of the α-helical PIV5 fusion peptide in virus-cell membrane fusion.

MicroRNA-181b expression in prostate cancer tissues and its influence on the biological behavior of the prostate cancer cell line PC-3

We examined microRNA-181b (miRNA) expression in prostate cancer tissues and its effect on the prostate cancer cell line PC-3. Tissues from 27 cases of prostate cancer and 30 samples of normal human prostate were collected by surgical removal. Total miRNA was extracted, and the relative expression of miR-181b was quantified using RT-PCR. miR-181b ASO was transfected into prostate cancer PC-3 cells. miR-181b expression in transfected and non-transfected cells was measured using RT-PCR. Changes in cell apoptosis were measured using flow cytometry. MTT and cell growth curve methods were used to assess the influence of miR-181b expression on cell proliferation. The changes in cell invasive ability in vitro were detected using the Transwell chamber method. miR-181b was up-regulated in the prostate cancer tissues compared with the normal prostate samples. It was down-regulated after miR-181b ASO transfection into the prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Down-regulation of miR-181b in the PC-3 cell induced apoptosis, inhibited proliferation, and depressed invasion of PC-3 cells in vitro. As miR-181b is over-expressed in prostate cancer, its down-regulation could have potential as gene therapy for prostate cancer by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation and depressing invasion by cancer cells.

Chemokine receptor-like 2 is involved in ischemic brain injury

We examined the role of CCRL2 in ischemic brain injury using both in vitro and in vivo mouse stroke models. The expression of CCRL2 was enhanced at both the RNA and protein levels in cultured brain slices under ischemic conditions. Ischemia-induced cell death was reduced in brain slices derived from CCRL2 knockout (KO) mice in comparison with those from wild type (WT) mice. The infarct volume was smaller and neurological deficits were attenuated in CCRL2 KO mice when compared to WT mice subjected to a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Our data suggest that CCRL2 is involved in ischemia-induced brain injury in mice.

High-resolution calorimetric study of phase transitions in chiral smectic-C liquid crystalline phases

We carried out an improved characterization of phase transitions among chiral smectic-C subphases observed for various antiferroelectric liquid crystals by precise heat capacity measurements. It was found that the phase transitions are intrinsically first order exhibiting a remarkable heat anomaly which involves little pretransitional thermal fluctuation and a finite thermal hysteresis. On the other hand, we also noticed that the critical point of the smectic-C(α)(*)-smectic-C* transition is induced by the destabilization of the smectic-C(α)(*) phase which couples with the fluctuation associated with the smectic-A-smectic-C(α)(*) phase transition.

Exosome-mediated shuttling of microRNA-29 regulates HIV Tat and morphine-mediated neuronal dysfunction

Neuronal damage is a hallmark feature of HIV-associated neurological disorders (HANDs). Opiate drug abuse accelerates the incidence and progression of HAND; however, the mechanisms underlying the potentiation of neuropathogenesis by these drugs remain elusive. Opiates such as morphine have been shown to enhance HIV transactivation protein Tat-mediated toxicity in both human neurons and neuroblastoma cells. In the present study, we demonstrate reduced expression of the tropic factor platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B with a concomitant increase in miR-29b in the basal ganglia region of the brains of morphine-dependent simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques compared with the SIV-infected controls. In vitro relevance of these findings was corroborated in cultures of astrocytes exposed to morphine and HIV Tat that led to increased release of miR-29b in exosomes. Subsequent treatment of neuronal SH-SY5Y cell line with exosomes from treated astrocytes resulted in decreased expression of PDGF-B, with a concomitant decrease in viability of neurons. Furthermore, it was shown that PDGF-B was a target for miR-29b as evidenced by the fact that binding of miR-29 to the 3′-untranslated region of PDGF-B mRNA resulted in its translational repression in SH-SY5Y cells. Understanding the regulation of PDGF-B expression may provide insights into the development of potential therapeutic targets for neuronal loss in HIV-1-infected opiate abusers.

Measurement of the neutron radius of 208Pb through parity violation in electron scattering

We report the first measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry A(PV) in the elastic scattering of polarized electrons from 208Pb. A(PV) is sensitive to the radius of the neutron distribution (R(n)). The result A(PV)=0.656±0.060(stat)±0.014(syst) ppm corresponds to a difference between the radii of the neutron and proton distributions R(n)-R(p)=0.33(-0.18)(+0.16) fm and provides the first electroweak observation of the neutron skin which is expected in a heavy, neutron-rich nucleus.

New precision limit on the strange vector form factors of the proton

The parity-violating cross-section asymmetry in the elastic scattering of polarized electrons from unpolarized protons has been measured at a four-momentum transfer squared Q2 = 0.624  GeV2 and beam energy E(b) = 3.48  GeV to be A(PV) = -23.80 ± 0.78(stat) ± 0.36(syst) parts per million. This result is consistent with zero contribution of strange quarks to the combination of electric and magnetic form factors G(E)(s) + 0.517G(M)(s) = 0.003 ± 0.010(stat) ± 0.004(syst) ± 0.009(ff), where the third error is due to the limits of precision on the electromagnetic form factors and radiative corrections. With this measurement, the world data on strange contributions to nucleon form factors are seen to be consistent with zero and not more than a few percent of the proton form factors.

Beam-target double-spin asymmetry A{LT} in charged pion production from deep inelastic scattering on a transversely polarized {3}He target at 1.4<Q{2}<2.7 GeV{2}

We report the first measurement of the double-spin asymmetry A{LT} for charged pion electroproduction in semi-inclusive deep-inelastic electron scattering on a transversely polarized {3}He target. The kinematics focused on the valence quark region, 0.16<x<0.35 with 1.4<Q{2}<2.7  GeV{2}. The corresponding neutron A{LT} asymmetries were extracted from the measured {3}He asymmetries and proton over {3}He cross section ratios using the effective polarization approximation. These new data probe the transverse momentum dependent parton distribution function g{1T}{q} and therefore provide access to quark spin-orbit correlations. Our results indicate a positive azimuthal asymmetry for π{-} production on {3}He and the neutron, while our π{+} asymmetries are consistent with zero.

Pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Pulmonary pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a rare aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma. Histopathologically, PSCC is characterized by interanastomosing cords and channels, lined by atypical cells, with spaces containing erythrocytes or floating tumour cells. PSCC mimics angiosarcoma, so careful attention should be paid to immunohistochemical differences. Two PSCC cases are described here: in a 79-year-old male, bronchoscopy revealed mucosal swelling and hypertrophy and an adrenal mass was found 1 month later; in a 76-year-old male, computed tomography revealed rib destruction due to a non-calcified soft-tissue tumour and, although the tumour resembled an angiosarcoma, endothelial markers were negative and cytokeratin and p63 markers were positive. Immunohistochemical analyses may be helpful in establishing an accurate diagnosis. PSCC had a progressive course in both patients, who died ≤ 3 months postdiagnosis.