Observation of a Resonant Structure in e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0}

A partial-wave analysis is performed for the process e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0} at the center-of-mass energies ranging from 2.000 to 2.644 GeV. The data samples of e^{+}e^{-} collisions, collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider with a total integrated luminosity of 300  pb^{-1}, are analyzed. The total Born cross sections for the process e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0}, as well as the Born cross sections for the subprocesses e^{+}e^{-}→ϕπ^{0}π^{0}, K^{+}(1460)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1400)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-}, and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892), are measured versus the center-of-mass energy. The corresponding results for e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0} and ϕπ^{0}π^{0} are consistent with those of BABAR with better precision. By analyzing the cross sections for the four subprocesses, K^{+}(1460)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1400)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-}, and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892), a structure with mass M=(2126.5±16.8±12.4)  MeV/c^{2} and width Γ=(106.9±32.1±28.1)  MeV is observed with an overall statistical significance of 6.3σ, although with very limited significance in the subprocesses e^{+}e^{-}→K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-} and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892). The resonant parameters of the observed structure suggest it can be identified with the ϕ(2170), thus the results provide valuable input to the internal nature of the ϕ(2170).

Mapping co-benefits for carbon storage and biodiversity to inform conservation policy and action

Integrated high-resolution maps of carbon stocks and biodiversity that identify areas of potential co-benefits for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation can help facilitate the implementation of global climate and biodiversity commitments at local levels. However, the multi-dimensional nature of biodiversity presents a major challenge for understanding, mapping and communicating where and how biodiversity benefits coincide with climate benefits. A new integrated approach to biodiversity is therefore needed. Here, we (a) present a new high-resolution map of global above- and below-ground carbon stored in biomass and soil, (b) quantify biodiversity values using two complementary indices (BIp and BIr) representing proactive and reactive approaches to conservation, and (c) examine patterns of carbon-biodiversity overlap by identifying 'hotspots' (20% highest values for both aspects). Our indices integrate local diversity and ecosystem intactness, as well as regional ecosystem intactness across the broader area supporting a similar natural assemblage of species to the location of interest. The western Amazon Basin, Central Africa and Southeast Asia capture the last strongholds of highest local biodiversity and ecosystem intactness worldwide, while the last refuges for unique biological communities whose habitats have been greatly reduced are mostly found in the tropical Andes and central Sundaland. There is 38 and 5% overlap in carbon and biodiversity hotspots, for proactive and reactive conservation, respectively. Alarmingly, only around 12 and 21% of these proactive and reactive hotspot areas, respectively, are formally protected. This highlights that a coupled approach is urgently needed to help achieve both climate and biodiversity global targets. This would involve (1) restoring and conserving unprotected, degraded ecosystems, particularly in the Neotropics and Indomalaya, and (2) retaining the remaining strongholds of intactness. This article is part of the theme issue 'Climate change and ecosystems: threats, opportunities and solutions'.

P6013Evidence for ANTXR2 as a therapeutic target on systemic-to-pulmonary shunt induced pulmonary arterial hypertension

Introduction

Pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease (CHD-PAH) with systemic-to-pulmonary shunt is characterized by proliferative vascular remodeling. Excessive proliferation and resistance to apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are the primary cellular bases of vascular remodeling. Anthrax toxin receptor 2 (ANTXR2) exhibits anti-proliferative properties. The effects of ANTXR2 on vascular remodeling and systemic-to-pulmonary shunt induced PAH remain unexplored.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the possible roles of ANTXR2 in the pathogenesis of systemic-to-pulmonary shunt induced PAH and explore its possible mechanisms.

Methods

Lung tissue sections from CHD-PAH patients, systemic-to-pulmonary shunt induced PAH rat model, ANTXR2−/− rats, and PASMCs were used. Immunohistochemistry, real time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, proliferation, apoptosis, and next generation sequencing (NGS) were performed in this study.

Results

ANTXR2 expression was reduced in severe CHD-PAH patient lung tissue and pulmonary arterioles, as well as in lung tissues from rats with systemic-to-pulmonary shunt induced PAH. Over-expression of ANTXR2 in cultured PASMCs inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis, while knockdown of ANTXR2 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. Male ANTXR2−/− rats showed more severe percent medial thickness and muscularization of pulmonary arterioles than wild type (WT) rats in basal conditions, and exhibited heavier PAH following exposure to systemic-to-pulmonary shunt. To further determine the underling mechanism, NGS was performed in ANTXR2−/− rat lungs and that of WT littermates. A total of 1319 genes were found to be dysregulated, and biological processes influenced by these differentially expressed genes include negative regulation of blood vessel diameter,vasoconstriction, regulation of blood vessel diameter, regulation of blood vessel size, vascular process in circulatory system, etc.

Conclusion

Our work identifies a novel role for ANTXR2 in systemic-to-pulmonary shunt induced PAH based on the findings that ANTXR2 deficiency could exacerbate systemic-to- pulmonary shunt induced vascular remodeling in the development of PAH. ANTXR2 may be a potential target for CHD-PAH treatment.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Beijing Natural Science Foundation (7172078 and 7172182), the National Major Research Plan Training Program of China (91849111)

Clinical evaluation of total and high-avidity anti-dsDNA antibody assays for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus

Background

This study evaluated the diagnostic performances of total and high-avidity (HA) anti-dsDNA enzyme immunoassays (EIA) in Chinese systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods

A total of 410 serum samples from 217 SLE patients, 54 patients with other systemic autoimmune diseases, and 139 healthy subjects were tested on total and HA anti-dsDNA EIA, as well as three commercial in vitro diagnostic kits: BioPlex 2200 ANA Screen, Kallestad anti-dsDNA EIA, and Crithidia Lucilae IFA. The disease activities of SLE patients were assessed using the modified SLE Disease Activity Index. The diagnostic performances of each assay were analyzed using Analyse-it software.

Results

The diagnostic performances of the total and HA anti-dsDNA EIA kits were comparable to other commercially available in vitro diagnostic assays. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated an area under the curve ranging from 0.85 to 0.89, with the total anti-dsDNA kit demonstrating the highest sensitivity and the HA kit showing higher specificity. An overall agreement of >90% was observed between the total and HA anti-dsDNA EIA kits and commercially available quantitative anti-dsDNA kits. The ratio of HA to total anti-dsDNA antibody was significantly higher among SLE patients with active disease status and/or kidney damage. All assays exhibited a significant correlation with disease activity and multiple clinical manifestations.

Conclusions

While the clinical performances of various anti-dsDNA assays showed adequate agreements, the BioPlex 2200 anti-dsDNA assay demonstrated the highest positive likelihood ratio and odds ratio. The HA anti-dsDNA EIA kit in association with the total anti-dsDNA kit provided superior performance in SLE diagnosis and monitoring disease activity.

ZNF424 Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Proliferation in Lung Carcinoma Cells

Background:

Previously, we showed that the Zinc finger-containing transcription factor ZNF424 inhibits p21 transcription, which has been widely associated with various cancers. However, because the roles of ZNF424 in tumorigenesis have not been characterized, we correlated ZNF424 expression with tumorigenesis in lung cancer.

Results:

The present immunohistochemical analyses show significantly lower ZNF424 expression levels in 43 of 60 lung cancer tissues compared with adjacent tissues. Moreover, flow cytometry assays indicated that overexpression of ZNF424 induces apoptosis in A549 human lung carcinoma cells, and overexpression of ZNF424 significantly increases numbers of G1 phase cells and decreases numbers of S phase cells, suggesting that ZNF424 inhibits proliferation. Western Blot analyses show that overexpression of ZNF424 decreases protein expression levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling proteins P-P38 and P-ERK in A549 cells.

Conclusion:

These are the first data to associate ZNF424 with tumorigenesis and demonstrate an inhibitory role in lung cancer, indicating the potential of ZNF424 expression as a diagnostic marker of lung tumorigenesis.

[SIVA1 Regulates the Stability of Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein 3 Isoforms]

The assembly of LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcriptional complex plays important roles in early neuronal development. The stability of LIM-HD is controlled by single-strand binding protein 3 (SSBP3) via a cascade mechanism protecting it from proteasomal degradation. The expression level of SSBP3 has to be precisely regulated. Although a decrease of SSBP3 level is associated with several diseases, the mechanism of SSBP3 downregulation and whether SSBP3 itself is subject to proteasomal degradation remain largely unknown. Two strongly conserved transcripts of the SSBP3 gene, SSBP3a and SSBP3c, were cloned from a human brain cDNA library. By RT-PCR, we show that Ssbp3c is continuously expressed in both embryonic and adult mouse brain, whereas Ssbp3a is restricted to embryonic brain tissue. By co-IP and GST pulldown assays, we identified SIVA1 as a novel SSBP3-binding factor. In a ubiquitination assay, we show that SIVA1 enhances the ubiquitination of SSBP3 and regulates its abundance. Our findings reveal the proteasomal degradation of SSBP3 for the first time and provide a rationale for an SIVAl-SSBP3-dependent mechanism for the disassembly of LIM-HD multiprotein complexes.

The bHLH Protein Nulp1 is Essential for Femur Development Via Acting as a Cofactor in Wnt Signaling in Drosophila

Background:

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein families are a large class of transcription factors, which are associated with cell proliferation, tissue differentiation, and other important development processes. We reported that the Nuclear localized protein-1 (Nulp1) might act as a novel bHLH transcriptional factor to mediate cellular functions. However, its role in development in vivo remains unknown.

Methods:

Nulp1 (dNulp1) mutants are generated by CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the Domain of Unknown Function (DUF654) in its C terminal. Expression of Wg target genes are analyzed by qRT-PCR. We use the Top-Flash luciferase reporter assay to response to Wg signaling.

Results:

Here we show that Drosophila Nulp1 (dNulp1) mutants, generated by CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the Domain of Unknown Function (DUF654) in its C terminal, are partially homozygous lethal and the rare escapers have bent femurs, which are similar to the major manifestation of congenital bent-bone dysplasia in human Stuve-Weidemann syndrome. The fly phenotype can be rescued by dNulp1 over-expression, indicating that dNulp1 is essential for fly femur development and survival. Moreover, dNulp1 overexpression suppresses the notch wing phenotype caused by the overexpression of sgg/GSK3β, an inhibitor of the canonical Wnt cascade. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analyses show that seven target genes positively regulated by Wg signaling pathway are down-regulated in response to dNulp1 knockout, while two negatively regulated Wg targets are up-regulated in dNulp1 mutants. Finally, dNulp1 overexpression significantly activates the Top-Flash Wnt signaling reporter.

Conclusion:

We conclude that bHLH protein dNulp1 is essential for femur development and survival in Drosophila by acting as a positive cofactor in Wnt/Wingless signaling.

Role of Zebrafish fhl1A in Satellite Cell and Skeletal Muscle Development

Background:

Four-and-a-half LIM domains protein 1 (FHL1) mutations are associated with human myopathies. However, the function of this protein in skeletal development remains unclear.

Methods:

Whole-mount in situ hybridization and embryo immunostaining were performed.

Results:

Zebrafish Fhl1A is the homologue of human FHL1. We showed that fhl1A knockdown causes defective skeletal muscle development, while injection with fhl1A mRNA largely recovered the muscle development in these fhl1A morphants. We also demonstrated that fhl1A knockdown decreases the number of satellite cells. This decrease in satellite cells and the emergence of skeletal muscle abnormalities were associated with alterations in the gene expression of myoD, pax7, mef2ca and skMLCK. We also demonstrated that fhl1A expression and retinoic acid (RA) signalling caused similar skeletal muscle development phenotypes. Moreover, when treated with exogenous RA, endogenous fhl1A expression in skeletal muscles was robust. When treated with DEAB, an RA signalling inhibitor which inhibits the activity of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase, fhl1A was downregulated.

Conclusion:

fhl1A functions as an activator in regulating the number of satellite cells and in skeletal muscle development. The role of fhl1A in skeletal myogenesis is regulated by RA signaling.

[Comparison of three different posterior cervical approaches for treating cervical spine trauma with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament]

Objective: To investigate the clinical application value of using laminoplasty combine with short-segment pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of cervical spine trauma patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Methods: Fifty-four cervical spine trauma patients with OPLL from June 2014 to June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed of Department of Spine Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Military Medical University. There were 31 males and 23 females, aging (68.4±4.3) years (rang: 46 to 82 years). All patients had a history of cervical spine trauma, confirmed by imaging examination of OPLL, and there are signs and symptoms related to cervical spinal cord compression. Eighteen patients underwent one-stage laminoplasty combine with short-segment pedicle screw fixation(group A), and 15 patients underwent posterior cervical laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation (group B). Twenty-one patients underwent posterior laminoplasty (C group). According to the range of OPLL and the compression of the spinal cord, the range of laminoplasty was selected. MRI scan was used to evaluated the compression condition of cervical spine and the injury condition of anterior longitudinal ligament injury and other factors that can cause local instability of the cervical spine. Posterior unilateral pedicle screw fixation (two pedicles) were performed in the instability segment. The neurological function of the patients was assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) Score before surgery, the second day after surgery, 3 months, 1 year and the last follow-up. The cervical spine X-ray films were used to evaluate cervical curvature, cervical spine activity and internal fixation-related complications. Results: The average follow-up time was 18 months (6-30 months). Satisfactory neurological improvement was achieved in all three groups, and no internal fixation-related complications occurred during follow-up. The range of laminoplasty was 22 cases in 4 segments (C(3)-C(6), C(4)-C(7)) and 17 cases in 5 segments (C(3)-C(7)). Unilateral pedicle screw fixation was performed in 11 patients with C(3-4) fixation and 7 patients with C(4-5) fixation. Cervical curvature was basically the same in the three groups after operation and at the last follow-up. No significant changes in cervical curvature and kyphosis were observed during the follow-up period. The overall cervical mobility (C(2)-C(7)) in group A and group C had no significant difference compared with preoperative (P=0.077). The overall mobility of cervical vertebrae in group B was significantly lower than that before surgery (P=0.013). Conclusions: For cervical spine trauma patients with OPLL, laminoplasty combined short-segment pedicle screw fixation can increase cervical segmental stability while extensive decompression of cervical spinal cord compression. At the same time, to some extent, the complications of postoperative axial symptoms caused by posterior cervical laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation were avoided.

Complementary Roles of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging and Postcontrast Vessel Wall Imaging in Detecting High-Risk Intracranial Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Individual assessment of the absolute risk of intracranial aneurysm rupture remains challenging. Emerging imaging techniques such as dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging and postcontrast vessel wall MR imaging may improve risk estimation by providing new information on aneurysm wall properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between aneurysm wall permeability on dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging and aneurysm wall enhancement on postcontrast vessel wall MR imaging in unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms were imaged with vessel wall MR imaging before and after gadolinium contrast administration. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging was performed coincident with contrast injection using 3D T1-weighted spoiled gradient-echo imaging. The transfer constant (K ^trans) was measured adjacent to intracranial aneurysm and adjacent to the normal intracranial artery.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine subjects were analyzed (mean age, 53.9 ± 13.5 years; 24% men; PHASES score: median, 8; interquartile range, 4.75-10). K ^trans was higher in intracranial aneurysms compared with the normal intracranial artery (median, 0.0110; interquartile range, 0.0060-0.0390 versus median, 0.0032; interquartile range, 0.0018-0.0048 min^-1; P < .001), which correlated with intracranial aneurysm size (Spearman ρ = 0.54, P = .002) and PHASES score (ρ = 0.40, P = .30). Aneurysm wall enhancement, detected in 19 (66%) aneurysms, was associated with intracranial aneurysm size and the PHASES score but not significantly with K ^trans (P = .30). Aneurysms of 2 of the 9 patients undergoing conservative treatment ruptured during 1-year follow-up. Both ruptured aneurysms had increased K ^trans, whereas only 1 had aneurysm wall enhancement at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging showed increased K ^trans adjacent to intracranial aneurysms, which was independent of aneurysm wall enhancement on postcontrast vessel wall MR imaging. Increased aneurysm wall permeability on dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging provides new information that may be useful in intracranial aneurysm risk assessment.

[Expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion gene in patients with lung sarcomatoid carcinoma and treatment analysis]

Objective: To investigate the expression status of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion gene in lung sarcomatoid carcinoma (LSC) and the role of ALK inhibitors for treatment. Methods: Total of 84 cases of LSC confirmed by histopathology were detected for ALK fusion gene from January 2011 to December 2014 in the Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Science&Peking Union Medical College and Shandong Zibo Wanjie Cancer Hospital. All patients were primarily treated by the multi-disciplinary mode in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapy based on surgery. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was given on platinum based two-drug combination regimen. In ALK fusion gene (+ ) patients with recurrence or metastasis, crizotinib target therapy was prefered. Chi-square test was applied for the comparison of 1, 3, 5-year survival rates between the two groups. Results: Eighty-two cases completed the follow-up. ALK fusion gene was found in 9(10.7%) patients. After application of crizotinib, 1 case was evaluated as complete remission, 6 cases as partial response, 2 cases as stable disease; the 1, 3, 5-year survival rate was 100% (9/9), 100% (9/9) and 88.9% (8/9) for the patients with ALK fusion gene, and it was 65.8% (48/73), 15.1% (11/73) and 6.8% (5/73) respectively for patients without ALK fusion gene. There was significant difference in the survival rate between the two groups (χ(2)=1.56, 1.56, 0.83, all P<0.05). Conclusion: ALK fusion gene maybe expressed in LSC patients. Compared with conventional chemotherapy, crizotinib can significantly prolong the survival time of patients with ALK fusion gene.

Kaempferol inhibited bovine herpesvirus 1 replication and LPS-induced inflammatory response

Plant-derived flavonoids contain large amount of compounds with pharmacological effects. In this study, we showed the compound Kaempferol to have robust antiviral activity against bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) replication in vitro. Kaempferol at a concentration of 100 μmol/l completely inhibited viral replication in MDBK cells. It mainly affects the viral replication at the post-entry stages. The inhibition of Akt signaling is a potential mechanism underlying the antiviral effect of Kaempferol. In addition, at a concentration of 25 and 50 μmol/l Kaempferol could significantly reduce the expression of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1α) in human promonocytic U937 cells-derived macrophages (dU937) in response to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation. Overall, our results indicated that Kaempferol provides a potent protection against BoHV-1 infection and LPS-induced inflammatory response.

Antiviral effect of baicalin phospholipid complex against duck hepatitis A virus type 1

Duck hepatitis A virus type 1 (DHAV-1) is one of the main pathogens of ducklings and causes a high mortality rate. Baicalin (BA) has potent antiviral effect, but the solubility is very poor. In order to increase the absorption, solubility, and pharmacological activity, the phospholipid complex was used to modify BA in present study. Therefore, BA phospholipid complex (BAPC) was prepared. The anti-DHAV-1 abilities of BA and BAPC in vitro was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 and reverse transcription quantitative PCR. The curative effects of BA and BAPC on ducklings which were infected by DHAV-1 in addition to the ALT and AST levels were also detected. The results indicated the anti-DHAV-1 ability of BAPC was stronger than that of BA both in vitro and in vivo. To explore the anti-DHAV-1 mechanism, the influence of BAPC on DHAV-1 adsorption, replication, and release was studied. Furthermore, the anti-oxidative and immuno-enhancing abilities of BAPC in the treatment of infected ducklings were also determined. The results showed BAPC inhibited DHAV-1 adsorption, replication and release. Furthermore, it played anti-oxidative and immno-enhancing roles in the treatment, and the immno-enhancing role was crucial to the treatment.

[MicroRNA and sensorineural hearing loss]

Hearing loss caused by disorders throughout the cochlea or auditory pathway called sensorineural hearing loss. The etiology of sensorineural deafness is complex and diverse, and the sensory epithelial cell damage of the inner ear spiral is the main pathological change. MicroRNAs play a role in the regulation of gene expression by inhibiting or degrading the mRNA of target genes. More and more studies have shown that microRNA plays an important role in the development of sensorineural deafness. This article will review the process of microRNA involvement in the development of sensorineural hearing loss.

[Expression of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor in colitis-associated colonic carcinogenesis]

Objective: To investigate the expression of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor receptor (G-CSFR) in a mouse model of colitis-associated cancer (CAC), and the roles of G-CSFR positive immune cells in the development of CAC. Methods: The C57BL/6 mouse model of CAC was established by azoxymethane and dextran sulphate sodium. Three different stages in the development of CAC, including inflammation (AD1), mild dysplasia (AD2) and adenocarcinoma (AD3) were simulated. Colon tissue was digested into single cell suspension and the expressions of G-CSF and G-CSFR were analyzed by real-time PCR and fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). The expressions of G-CSFR on T cell, macrophage and neutrophil were analyzed by FACS. Results: The establishment of mouse model can effectively simulate the disease progression of CAC. The results of real-time PCR detection showed that the expression level of G-CSF mRNA in AD1, AD2 and AD3 groups were 1.2, 7.3 and 18.0-fold changes of the control group, respectively. The differences between AD2, AD3 and control groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). G-CSFR mRNA levels in AD1, AD2 and AD3 groups were 1.5, 2.2 and 4.5-fold changes of the control group, respectively. The difference between AD3 and control groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). FACS showed that the percentages of CD45(+) G-CSFR(+) cells in colorectal tissues of the control group, AD1, AD2 and AD3 groups were (21.84±1.77)%, (41.48±4.15)%, (44.84±8.54)% and (57.76±1.95)%, respectively.The percentages of CD45(+) G-CSFR(+) cells in AD2 and AD3 groups were significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). The percentages of CD45(+) G-CSFR(+) macrophage in the colorectal tissues of the control group, AD1, AD2 and AD3 groups were (21.54±5.88)%, (47.14±5.25)%, (42.49±7.80)% and (29.25±8.24)%, respectively. The percentages of CD45(+) G-CSFR(+) T cells in these groups were (30.04±6.87)%, (29.65±8.08)%, (33.75±7.37)% and (33.32±9.85)%, respectively. The percentages of CD45(+) G-CSFR(+) granulocyte were (2.39±2.10)%, (4.05±1.56)%, (3.62±2.67)% and (2.26±0.85)%, respectively (P<0.05). The percentages of G-CSFR(+) macrophage and G-CSFR(+) T cells were significantly higher than that of G-CSFR(+) granulocyte (P<0.05). The differences between AD1 and control group, AD2 and control group, AD1 and AD2 group, AD2 and AD3 group were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: The expression of G-CSFR is significantly up-regulated in the development of CAC. The enrichment of G-CSFR(+) macrophages in the colon tissue suggests G-CSFR(+) macrophages participate in the development of CAC.

[A prospective cohort study on the relationship between maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and children's behavioral problems at 2 years old]

Objective: To explore the associations between maternal and prenatal depressive symptoms and children's behavioral problems at 2 years old. Methods: In the present study, a total of 491 mother-child pairs were selected from the Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study (S-MBCS) which was conducted in Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Minhang District in Shanghai between April and December, 2012. Data from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies on Depression was gathered to assess the maternal depressive symptoms in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, as well as at 6 months and 12 months postpartum. Neurodevelopment at 2 years was assessed, using the Child Behavior Checklist. We used generalized linear models with a log-link function and a Binomial distribution to estimate the risk ratios (RRs) and 95%CIs, on children's behavioral problems at 2 years of age. Sensitivity analyses were performed among participants without postpartum depressive symptoms. Results: After adjustment on factors as maternal age, gestation week, average monthly income per person, parental education and children's gender etc., maternal depression in second trimester of pregnancy was found associated with higher risk of both developing emotional (RR=2.61, 95%CI: 1.36-4.99) and internalizing problems (RR=1.94, 95%CI: 1.22-3.08). However, maternal depression in third trimester was found to be associated with higher risks of developing emotional (RR=6.46, 95%CI: 3.09-13.53), withdrawn (RR=2.42, 95%CI: 1.16-5.02), aggressive (RR=2.93, 95%CI: 1.45-5.94), internalizing (RR=1.79, 95%CI: 1.01-3.16) or externalizing problems (RR=2.56, 95%CI:1.49-4.42). In sensitivity analysis, antenatal maternal depression was found positively associated with children's emotional, internalizing and externalizing problems and the differences all statistically significant. Conclusions: Maternal depression during pregnancy might increase the risks of children's behavioral problems. In order to decrease the incidence of children's behavioral problems and promoting both maternal and child health status, monitoring program regarding maternal mental health care should be strengthened.

Ameliorating Effects of Leaf Water Extract of Three Aromatic Plant Species on Ozone-Polluted Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. 'Jiangjunyoudou')

Ozone (O₃) is one of the major pollutants in near-surface air. In order to protect sensitive plants from O₃ pollution, many kinds of protectants including synthetic ones, were assessed in previous studies. Although they have certain protective effects, some of them are not environment-friendly. In the present study, leaf water extracts of aromatic plants [Plectranthus hadiensis var. tomentosus (PHT), Pelargonium hortorum (PHB), Tagetes patula (TP)] were compared for mitigating the damages caused by O₃ (150 ppb for 3 days, 8 h day^-1) on snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Jiangjunyoudou'). Our results showed that O₃ fumigation impaired plasma membrane, decreased chlorophyll content, increased contents of malondialdehyde and superoxide anion, inhibited photosynthesis, and caused visible injury. Leaf water extracts of PHT, PHB or TP ameliorated the negative effects of O₃. Among them, extract of PHT showed the greatest potential to alleviate the O₃-caused injury, followed by PHB and TP.

[A novel chemo-resistant gene MSX2 discovered by establishment of two pancreatic cancer drug resistant cell lines JF305/CDDP and PANC-1/GEM]

Objective: To explore new multidrug resistant genes of pancreatic cancer by establishment and characterization of chemo-resistant cell lines. Methods: The cisplatin-resistant cell line JF305/CDDP and the gemcitabine-resistant cell line PANC-1/GEM were induced by high-dose intermittent treatment. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the 50% inhibiting concentration (IC(50)), drug resistance index (R), cross-resistance, and growth difference of different cells. The changes of cell cycle and migration ability of drug-resistant cells were determined by flow cytometry and transwell assay, respectively. And then real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of multidrug resistance-related genes. Results: The drug resistance indexes of JF305/CDDP and PANC-1/GEM were 15.3 and 27.31, respectively, and there was cross-resistance. Compared with the parental cells, the proliferation rate of JF305/CDDP was decreased by 40% on the fourth day (P<0.05); the proportion of S phase was decreased from (45±2)% to (30±2)% (P<0.05), and the migration ability was enhanced from (32 ±1) cells per field to (158±5) cells per field (P<0.01). The expression of multidrug resistance-related genes MRP2, MDR1, LRP and MSX2 was increased in JF305/CDDP cells (P<0.05). Knockdown of MSX2 in JF305 cells reduced the expression of MRP2, whereas overexpression of MSX2 in PANC-1 cells upregulated MRP2 level (P<0.05). Conclusions: Two stable multidrug resistant cell lines of pancreatic cancer, JF305/CDDP and PANC-1/GEM, were successfully established. MSX2 might be a new drug resistance related gene in pancreatic cancer cells by up-regulation of MRP2 expression.

First report of bovine herpesvirus 1 isolation from bull semen samples in China

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) infection causes substantial economic losses to the cattle industry worldwide. So far, the isolation of BoHV-1 field virus has not been reported in China. Here, for the first time we report that two isolates of BoHV-1 designated as NJ16-1 and NJ16-2 were obtained from semen samples from breeding bulls in China. Typical cytopathic effect in MDBK cells, detection of viral protein VP16 in western blot analysis, PCR detection of BoHV-1 gB gene proved BoHV-1 infection and subsequent nucleotide sequence analysis showed a 99% identity with BoHV-1 Cooper strain. These results suggest that these isolated viruses are BoHV-1.