Long-term clinical outcomes of statin use for chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis of 15 prospective studies

BACKGROUND

The effect of statin treatment on the long-term prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) remains uncertain. This study aimed to answer the question by a meta-analysis.

METHODS

The Cochrane databases, MEDLINE and EMBASE, were systematically searched. The eligibility of prospective studies that assigned CHF patients to receive statin treatment and a control (no statin treatment), had defined prognostic outcomes as primary endpoint, and had a minimal follow-up of 12 months was determined.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies involving 45,110 patients were included in the analysis. Additional statin treatment was associated with reduced all-cause mortality (risk ratios [RR] = 0.71, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.61-0.83) and reduced rehospitalisation rate for heart failure (RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.96). Statin treatment, however, had little impact on pump failure mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and sudden cardiac death. Atorvastatin treatment appeared to facilitate to reduce all-cause mortality (lnRR = 0.61, p = 0.05) and rehospitalisation for heart failure (lnRR = 0.44, p = 0.04) compared with non-atorvastatin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available data, statins persistently decreased all-cause mortality and the incidence of rehospitalisation for heart failure in CHF patients, and the benefits might be partially associated with use of specific statin.

Role of the JAK-STAT signal pathway in the development and progression of liver cancer

Primary liver cancer is a kind of malignant tumor that occurs in liver cells and bile duct epithelial cells. There is a great difference in the incidence of liver cancer among different countries and regions. In China, liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors and has the third highest mortality rate. About 110 thousand people die of liver cancer in China each year, accounting for 45% of worldwide deaths caused by liver cancer. The research on the biological behavior of liver cancer has been widely carried out, and the relationship between the janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signal pathway, which is activated in many types of human malignant tumors and involved in the occurrence and development of tumors, and liver cancer has attracted wide attention. In this paper we will discuss the relationship between the JAK-STAT signal pathway and biological behavior of liver cancer.

Differential regulation of locomotor activity to acute and chronic cocaine administration by acid-sensing ion channel 1a and 2 in adult mice

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are densely expressed in the brain with ASIC1a and ASIC2 channels being the predominant subtypes. These channels are enriched at synaptic sites and are central for the regulation of normal synaptic transmission. Moreover, increasing evidence links ASICs to the pathogenesis of various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we explore the putative role of ASIC1a and ASIC2 in the regulation of behavioral sensitivity to the psychostimulant cocaine by utilizing ASIC1a or ASIC2 knockout mice. Acute cocaine injection induced a typical dose-dependent increase in locomotor activities in wild-type (WT) mice. However, in ASIC1a and ASIC2 mutant mice, different motor responses to cocaine were observed. In ASIC1a(-/-) mice, cocaine induced a significantly less motor response at all doses (5, 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg), while in ASIC2(-/-) mice, cocaine (5-20 mg/kg) stimulated locomotor activity to an extent comparable to WT mice. Only at 30 mg/kg, the cocaine-stimulated motor activity was reduced in ASIC2(-/-) mice. In a chronic cocaine administration model (20mg/kg, once daily for 5 days), a challenge injection of cocaine (10mg/kg, after 2-week withdrawal) caused an evident behavioral sensitization in the cocaine-pretreated WT mice. This behavioral sensitization to challenge cocaine was also displayed in ASIC1a(-/-) and ASIC2(-/-) mice. However, ASIC2(-/-) mice showed less sensitization to challenge cocaine when compared to WT and ASIC1a(-/-) mice. Our results demonstrate the important role of ASIC1a and ASIC2 channels in the modulation of behavioral sensitivity to cocaine. The two synapse-enriched ASIC subtypes are believed to play distinguishable roles in the regulation of behavioral responses to acute and chronic cocaine administration.

Effects of different sources and levels of dietary gossypol on gossypol residues in plasma and milk of lactating cows

Free gossypol residues in tissues or milk from feeding whole cottonseed and cottonseed meal were measured for their effect on health of dairy cows and humans. Forty lactating cows were randomly assigned to 5 treatments in a 60-d experiment to investigate the effects of sources and dietary level of gossypol on plasma and milk gossypol concentrations in lactating cows. Five experimental diets had identical net energy for lactation and crude protein content on a dry matter (DM) basis. Soybean meal was the main protein ingredient used in the control diet. Cottonseed meal (CSM) or whole cottonseed (WCS) substituted for part of the soybean meal in the other 4 diets. Gossypol levels in the 5 diets were 0 (control), 91.15 mg/kg of DM in CSM1, 117.31mg/kg of DM in CSM2, 385.43 mg/kg of DM in WCS1, and 611.13 mg/kg in WCS2. Yields of 3.5% fat-corrected milk were significantly higher for cows in the WCS2 group; cows in the CSM1 and WCS1 groups showed no differences but both were numerically higher than the control and CSM2 groups. Milk protein concentration was lower for cows consuming WCS1 compared with the control group. Lactose concentration was lower for cows in the CSM2 group compared with the WCS2 group, but no differences were observed among other diets. Aspartate aminotransferase in serum was significantly higher for the WCS2 group compared with the control and WCS1 groups, but no difference was observed with the CSM1 and CSM2 groups. Concentrations of gossypol in plasma and milk of cows in the WCS1 and WCS2 groups were both higher than those of the other groups. No adverse effects were observed on cows fed diets containing 12.0% CSM, and no gossypol was found in plasma and milk. When WCS comprised 15% of the diet DM, yields of 3.5% fat-corrected milk were increased in cows and gossypol was detected in plasma and milk but not at harmful levels.

Parallel manipulator robot assisted femoral fracture reduction on traction table

The principle of femoral shaft fracture reduction is to restore its pre-fractured limb length and mechanical axis. The current documented treatment method with traction table reduction does not conform to the quantitative alignment and reduction. There is also a great amount of X-Ray radiation exposure to both surgeon and patient during the procedure. For this reason, we introduced an innovated Parallel Manipulator Robot (PMR) application: A Femoral Shaft Fracture Reduction with Parallel Manipulator Robot on Traction Table. With this application, the quantitative control on fracture reduction and alignment can be achieved and the radiation exposure to both surgeons and patients can be greatly reduced.

Expression of STAT3, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in gastric cancer and correlation with pathological features

The aim of this study was to investigate the mRNA and protein expression of STAT3, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in gastric cancer (GC), and to explore the correlations between these proteins and the biological behaviors of GC. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect the mRNA expression of STAT3, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in GC tissues (n=30), adjacent normal tissues (n=30) and superficial gastritis (SG) tissues (n=30). Immunohistochemistry was performed using the SP method to measure the protein expression of STAT3 (unphosphorylated), MMP-1 and TIMP-1. The correlation between the pathological features of GC and STAT3, MMP-1 as well as TIMP-1, were evaluated. The mRNA expression of STAT3 in GC tissues (0.821±0.128) was significantly higher compared to that in adjacent normal tissues (0.355±0.100) and SG tissues (0.398±0.096) (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of MMP-1 in GC tissues (0.749±0.133) was significantly increased compared to adjacent normal tissues (0.335±0.106) and SG tissues (0.345±0.063) (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of TIMP-1 in GC tissues (0.386±0.125) was comparable to that in adjacent normal tissues (0.343±0.078) and SG tissues (0.345±0.061), but the mRNA expression of TIMP-1 in GC tissues was significantly correlated with the differentiation of GC cells and lymph node metastasis. STAT3, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were significantly associated with the differentiation of GC cells and lymph node metastasis, but not related to age, gender and tumor size. The positive rate of unphosphorylated STAT3 expression was dramatically higher in GC tissues (86.7%) compared to that in adjacent normal tissues (16.7%) and SG tissues (10.0%) (P<0.05). The positive rate of MMP-1 protein expression in GC tissues (63.3%) was significantly higher compared to that in adjacent normal tissues (13.3%) and SG tissues (16.7%) (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the TIMP-1-positive rate among the three groups (23.3, 16.7 and 10.0%, respectively; P>0.05). STAT3 and MMP-1 may be involved in the development and metastasis of GC, and treatment targeting TIMP-1 may be a promising strategy.

Pathway for the elimination of melamine in lactating dairy cows

Melamine might be degraded into cyanuric acid and some other analogs by the rumen microorganism. Thus, the metabolism of melamine in ruminants may be different from that in monogastric animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the pathway for the elimination of melamine in lactating dairy cows. Four late-lactation dairy cows (body weight=524±17 kg, days in milk=265±14 d) fitted with ruminal cannulas were dosed with melamine (purity ≥99.5%) at 800 mg/d per cow that divided into 2 equal daily doses. The trial lasted for 20 d (13-d preliminary period, followed by a 7-d sample-collecting period). The method of liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine melamine and cyanuric acid contents simultaneously. Before the trial started, no melamine or cyanuric acid was detected in samples of total mixed ration, milk, plasma, urine, and feces. The melamine concentration in rumen fluid (Y, mg/L) decreased exponentially after the morning feeding (X, h) (Y=3.85591e(-X/9.25674)+1.35924, R(2)=0.99), but no cyanuric acid was detected. Plasma melamine concentration (0.296±0.014 mg/L) was relatively stable in the 3 different sampling times. The percentages of melamine excreted through milk, urine, and feces were 0.48±0.06, 44.07±10.79 and 10.98±3.88%, respectively. It could be inferred that 44.47±7.98% of ingested melamine was degraded in the rumen, because cyanuric acid was detected in plasma, urine, and feces on the condition that no melamine was contained in the total mixed ration fed to the dairy cows. The results of the present study implied that the elimination pathway of melamine in lactating dairy cows was different from that in monogastric animals. A high percentage of melamine was degraded into cyanuric acid gradually by rumen microorganisms. Most ingested melamine was excreted in urine and feces, which are the main elimination pathways for melamine in lactating dairy cows.

Bonding characters of Al-containing bulk metallic glasses studied by 27Al NMR

We report very small (27)Al metallic shifts in a series of Cu-Zr-Al bulk metallic glasses. This observation and the Korringa type of spin-lattice relaxation behavior suggest that s-character wavefunctions weakly participate in bonding and opens the possibility of enhanced covalency (pd hybridization) with increasing Al concentration, in good agreement with elastic constants and hardness measurements. Moreover, ab initio calculations show that this bonding character originates from the strong Al 3p band and Zr 4d band hybridization since their atomic energy levels are closer to each other while the Al 3s band is localized far below the Fermi level. This study might provide a chemical view for understanding flow and fracture mechanisms of these bulk glass-forming alloys.

Novel mutation in TGA stop-codon of bovine SIX6 gene

As a transcriptional regulatory gene of the SIX family, SIX6 (also known as OPTX2, SIX9), probably affects pituitary development and secretion of hormones, suggesting that this gene is a potential candidate gene for studying association with growth trait in animals. Therefore, this study is first of all focused on detecting sequence variations in a bovine SIX6 gene and on its effects on growth traits in 1087 cattle from five Chinese cattle breeds using DNA sequencing and HhaI-ACRS-PCR methods. Herein, a novel mutation (NC_007308: g 2015T > C) in the TGA stop-codon of a bovine SIX6 gene was found, which leads to an ORF shift and extension of the encoded protein for four amino acids (Arg223-Gln224-Arg225-Val226). The frequency of allele "C" varied from 0.255 (Chinese Holsteins) to 0.614 (Hasake). They all were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium except Jiaxian Red and Hasake cattle. Using amino acid sequence alignment and online prediction software, a new helix in the C-terminal domain of the mutated bovine SIX6 protein was revealed, which possibly affects pituitary development and hormone secretion. So, relationship analysis between this polymorphism and growth traits in the Nanyang breed was carried out based on a proper linear model. Although no statistically significant associations were observed (P > 0.05), the presented work preliminarily demonstrated a novel mutation in the TGA stop-codon which extends the spectrum of genetic variations of the bovine SIX6 gene and might be of interest in terms of its association with other biophysical and biochemical indexes.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis natto on performance and immune function of preweaning calves

The effects of Bacillus subtilis natto on performance and immune function of dairy calves during the preweaning phase were investigated in this study. Twelve Holstein male calves 7 ± 1 d of age were randomly allotted to 2 treatments of 6 calves. The Bacillus subtilis natto was mixed with milk and fed directly to the calves. The calves were weaned when their starter intake reached 2% of their weight. Blood was collected and IgA, IgE, IgG, IgM, and cytokine levels in the serum of all the calves were determined. The results showed that Bacillus subtilis natto increased general performance by improving the average daily gain and feed efficiency and advanced the weaning age of the calves. No difference was observed in serum IgE, IgA, and IgM, whereas serum IgG was higher in the Bacillus subtilis natto-supplemented calves than in the control calves. Furthermore, calves fed with Bacillus subtilis natto were found to secrete more IFN-γ, but tended to produce less IL-4 than did the control calves, although serum IL-6 and IL-10 were not affected. This study demonstrated that Bacillus subtilis natto did not stimulate IgE-mediated allergic reactions, but increased serum IgG and IFN-γ levels in the probiotic-fed calves. We propose that the viable probiotic characteristics of Bacillus subtilis natto benefit calf immune function.

Effect of incremental levels of fish oil supplementation on specific bacterial populations in bovine ruminal fluid

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of incremental replacement of dietary linoleic acid by >20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on changes in population of ruminal micro-organisms associated with fibre digestion and biohydrogenation using real-time PCR of bacterial 16S rRNA sequences. Four beef steers with ruminal cannulas were randomly assigned to control (CK, 65:35 forage to concentrate), CK with 3% sunflower oil plus 1% fish oil (S3F1), 2.5% sunflower oil plus 1.5% fish oil (S2.5F1.5) or 2% sunflower oil plus 2% fish oil (S2F2) in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-day periods. Ruminal fluid was collected on day 15 of each period. Compared with CK, oil addition led to lower ruminal acetate and butyrate but greater propionate concentration. DNA copy number of Anaerovibrio lipolytica in ruminal fluid was greater with oil (average 5.38 vs. 3.62 × 10(5) DNA copy number), particularly with S2F2 relative to CK. Fibrobacter succinogenes and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens DNA copy number decreased by 74% (1.06 vs. 4.01 × 10(5)) and 39% (5.16 vs. 8.42 × 10(7)) in response to S2F2 compared with CK. DNA copy numbers of Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Ruminococcus albus were not affected by incremental fish oil. Results suggest that greater availability of PUFA with >20 carbons (i.e. eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) promoted changes in bacterial populations that are relevant for fibre digestion and biohydrogenation.

2-Amino-4-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-6-(naphthalen-1-yl)pyridine-3-carbonitrile

The title compound, C₂₂H₁₄FN₃, was prepared by a one-pot condensation using malononitrile, an aromatic aldehyde, a methyl ketone and ammonium acetate as reacta­nts under microwave irradiation. The pyridine ring is twisted with respect to the benzene ring and the naphthalene ring system, making dihedral angles of 41.9 (1) and 45.2 (1)°, respectively. In the crystal, mol­ecules are connected via inter­molecular N—H⋯N and C—H⋯F hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.

Effect of saturated fatty acid supplementation on production and metabolism indices in heat-stressed mid-lactation dairy cows

Experimental objectives were to determine the effects of supplemental saturated fatty acids on production, body temperature indices, and some aspects of metabolism in mid-lactation dairy cows experiencing heat stress. Forty-eight heat-stressed Holstein cows were allocated into 3 groups (n=16/group) according to a completely randomized block design. Three treatment diets consisted of supplemental saturated fatty acids (SFA) at 0 (SFA0), 1.5 (SFA1.5), or 3.0% (SFA3) of dry matter (DM) for 10 wk. Diets were isonitrogenous (crude protein=16.8%) and contained 1.42, 1.46, and 1.49 Mcal of net energy for lactation/kg of DM for the SFA0, SFA1.5 and SFA3 diets, respectively. The average temperature-humidity index at 0700, 1400 and 2200 h was 72.2, 84.3, and 76.6, respectively. Rectal temperatures at 1400 h were decreased with fat supplementation. Treatment did not affect dry matter intake (20.1+/-0.02 kg/d), body condition score (2.72+/-0.04), body weight (627+/-16.1 kg), or calculated energy balance (1.32+/-0.83 Mcal/d). Saturated fatty acid supplementation increased milk yield, milk fat content, and total milk solids. Increasing fat supplementation decreased plasma nonesterified fatty acids (8%) but had no effect on other energetic metabolites or hormones. In summary, supplemental SFA improved milk yield and milk fat content and yield and reduced peak rectal temperatures in mid-lactation heat-stressed dairy cows. This demonstrates the remarkable amount of metabolic heat that is "saved" by energetically replacing fermentable carbohydrates with supplemental SFA.

Poly[di-μ(2)-chlorido-μ(2)-(1,4-dioxane-κO:O')-cadmium(II)]

In the title complex, [CdCl(2)(C(4)H(8)O(2))](n), two different Cd(II) ions are present, one in a general position and one with site symmetry 2. The Cd(II) ions are coordinated by two O atoms from two 1,4-dioxane ligands and four chloride anions in a slightly distorted octa-hedral geometry and is connected to neighboring Cd(II) ions by two bridging chloride anions, generating infinite linear chains along the a axis. These chains are further inter-connected by bridging 1,4-dioxane ligands, affording a three-dimensional network.

Short communication: responses to increasing amounts of free alpha-linolenic acid infused into the duodenum of lactating dairy cows

Increasing the alpha-linolenic acid (LNA; 18:3 cis-9,cis-12,cis-15) content of milk fat might help promote consumers' health. The objective of this study was to determine the potential to alter the content of LNA in milk by duodenal infusion of a free fatty acid mixture rich in LNA. Four multiparous lactating Chinese Holstein cows fitted with duodenal cannulas were administered 2 treatments in a crossover design: an LNA-rich fatty acid infusion at varying concentrations (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 g/d) versus a basal infusate control. Dry matter intake was not affected by LNA infusions. Milk production tended to decrease and was quadratically affected as LNA infusion increased, but 4% fat-corrected milk yield was not changed. Milk fat content tended to increase linearly with LNA infusion. Milk protein content was not changed by LNA infusion, whereas milk lactose content and yield were decreased quadratically as LNA infusion increased. Increasing the amount of LNA infused into the duodenum linearly increased concentrations of 18:3 cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 (0.61 to 25.4 g/100g of total fatty acids) and 18:2 cis-9,cis-12 in milk fat. Increasing LNA decreased the percentages of 4:0, 14:0, and 16:0 fatty acids linearly. Increasing LNA also linearly decreased the percentages of 18:1 cis-9 and 18:2 cis-9,trans-11 in milk fat. Milk fat content of 20:5 cis-5,cis-8,cis-11,cis-14,cis-17 was quadratically affected, whereas concentrations of 18:0, 18:1 trans-9, 18:1 trans-11, and 18:2 trans-10,cis-12 were not affected. Increasing the supply of 18:3 cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 to the small intestine linearly increased 18:3 cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 in milk fat and markedly altered milk fat composition.

Superelongation and atomic chain formation in nanosized metallic glass

Bulk metallic glasses are brittle and fail with no plastic strain at room temperature once shear bands propagate. How do metallic glasses deform when the size is less than that of shear bands? Here we show that Al90Fe5Ce5 metallic glass with a size <20  nm can be extremely elongated to ∼200%. Remarkably, even an atomic chain was formed after sample necking, which was never observed in metallic glasses. The unexpected ductility may originate from the fast surface diffusion and the absence of shear band formation, and may guide the development of ductile metallic glasses for engineering applications.

Inhibitory regulation of acid-sensing ion channel 3 by zinc

Acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) is a proton-gated, voltage-insensitive Na(+) channel that is expressed primarily in peripheral sensory neurons and plays an important role in pain perception, particularly as a pH sensor following cardiac ischemia. We previously reported that ASIC3 currents are not affected by zinc at nanomolar concentrations. In this study, we examined the potential role of micromolar zinc in the regulation of ASIC3. In CHO cells expressing ASIC3, we found that ASIC3 currents triggered by dropping the pH from 7.4 to 6.0 were inhibited by pretreatment with zinc in a concentration-dependent manner; the half-maximum inhibitory concentration of zinc was 61 muM. ASIC currents activated by a relatively small drop in pH from 7.4 to 7.2 or 7.0 were also subject to inhibition by zinc. The inhibition was fast and pH independent, and occurred within a relatively narrow range of zinc concentrations between 30 and 300 muM. Further, increasing extracellular Ca(2+) concentrations from 2 to 10 mM failed to affect inhibition of ASIC3 currents by zinc. Experimentally elevating intracellular zinc levels did not affect the inhibition of ASIC3 currents by equal concentrations of extracellular zinc, and modification of cysteine or histidine residues had no effect on the inhibition of ASIC3 currents by zinc. These collective results suggest that zinc is an important regulator of ASIC3 at physiological concentrations, that zinc inhibits ASIC3 in a pH- and Ca(2+)-independent manner, and that inhibition of ASIC3 currents is dependent upon the interaction of zinc with extracellular domain(s) of ASIC3.

Step-by-step synthesis of the endohedral stannaspherene [Ir@Sn12]3- via the capped cluster anion [Sn9Ir(cod)]3-

The endohedral stannaspherene cluster anion [Ir@Sn(12)](3-) was synthesized in two steps. The reaction of K(4)Sn(9) with [IrCl(cod)](2) (cod: 1,5-cyclooctadienyl) in ethylenediamine (en) solution first yielded the [K(2,2,2-crypt)](+) salt (2,2,2-crypt: 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane) of the capped cluster anion [Sn(9)Ir(cod)](3-). Subsequently, crystals of this compound were dissolved in en, followed by the addition of triphenylphosphine or 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane and treatment at elevated temperatures. [Ir@Sn(12)](3-) was obtained and characterized as the [K(2,2,2-crypt)](+) salt. The isolation of [Sn(9)Ir(cod)](3-) as an intermediate product establishes that the formation of the stannaspherene [Ir@Sn(12)](3-) occurs through the oxidation of [Sn(9)Ir(cod)](3-). Among the structurally characterized tetrel cluster anions, [Ir@Sn(12)](3-) is a unique example of a stannaspherene, and one of the rare spherical clusters encapsulating a metal atom that is not a member of Group 10. Single-crystal structure determination shows that the novel Zintl ion cluster has nearly perfect icosahedral I(h) point symmetry.

Novel SNPs of the bovine GAD1/gad67 gene and their association with growth traits in three native Chinese cattle breeds

In this study, polymorphism in the exon 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of bovine GAD1 gene was detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods in 726 individuals from three Chinese cattle breeds. Two haplotypes (T and C) and three observed genotypes (TT, TC, and CC) were detected. The result of DNA sequence showed one mutations (T12345C) by comparisons with NC_007300: g.12345T>C. The mutation was at the exon 3, and was identified a missense mutation Phe (TTT)>Leu (CTT) at position 51 (p.F51L). Polymorphism of the GAD1 gene was shown to be associated with growth traits in the Nanyang breed. The SNP in the bovine GAD1 gene had significant effects on body length, body weight, heart girth, and average daily gain at 24 months (P < 0.05). Therefore, these results suggest that the GAD1 gene is a strong candidate gene that affects growth traits in cattle.

Novel SNPs of the bovine NUCB2 gene and their association with growth traits in three native Chinese cattle breeds

In this study, polymorphism in the exon 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of bovine NUCB2 gene was detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods in 686 individuals from three Chinese cattle breeds. Two haplotypes (M and N), three observed genotypes (MM, MN and NN) and two SNPs (NC_007313: g. 27451G>A, NC_007313: g. 27472T>C) were detected. The frequencies of haplotypes M and N in inland Chinese three breeds were 0.531-0.721 and 0.279-0.469 respectively. The studied showed that Nanyang, Jiaxian Red and Qinchuan cattle populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at SNPs locus of NUCB2 gene (P > 0.05). Polymorphism of the NUCB2 gene was shown to be associated with growth traits in Qingchuan and Nanyang cattle breed. The linkage of two mutant sites in the bovine NUCB2 gene had significant effects on body length, body weight, heart girth, and average daily gain at 24 months (P < 0.05). Results of this study suggested that the NUCB2-gene-specific SNP may be a useful marker for growth traits in future marker-assisted selection programmes in inland Chinese cattle.

Two novel SNPs in the coding region of the bovine PRDM16 gene and its associations with growth traits

As a zinc-finger protein, PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16) controls brown fat determination by stimulating brown fat-selective genes expression while suppressing the expression of genes selective for white fat cells, whose mutations were associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and leukemogenesis in human and murine model of leukemia. To date, no polymorphisms of PRDM16 gene in bovine had been reported. Herein, PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods were employed to screen the genetic variation within PRDM16 gene in 1031 Chinese indigenous bovine. The results revealed two novel silent mutations: XM_001788152: m.1641T>C (547aa), 1881G>A (627aa). Hence, we described the PvuII and HaeIII forced PCR-RFLP methods for detecting these mutations, respectively. In the forced PCR-RFLP analysis with PvuII, the frequencies of bovine PRDM16-C allele varied from 0.044 to 0.506 in four Chinese native breeds. In the forced PCR-RFLP analysis with HaeIII, the frequencies of bovine PRDM16-G allele were 0.474, 0.494, 0.576 and 0.906 for Jiaxian (JX), Nanyang (NY), Qinchuan (QC) and Chinese Holstein (CH) population. Significant statistical differences between genotypic frequencies implied that both of the polymorphic loci were significantly associated with cattle breeds by the chi square test (chi2 = 190.058, P < 0.001 and chi2 = 118.239, P < 0.001 for PvuII; chi2 = 209.842, P < 0.001 and chi2 = 108.711, P < 0.001 for HaeIII). The associations of the PvuII and HaeIII forced PCR-RFLPs of bovine PRDM16 loci with growth traits were analyzed in Nanyang breed. The two SNPs were associated with body weight and average daily gain in Nanyang aged 12 months, individuals with genotype TT and AA showed significantly better body weight (P < 0.05) and average daily gain (P < 0.01) at 12 months, respectively.

Novel borate glass/chitosan composite as a delivery vehicle for teicoplanin in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis

Composite materials composed of borate bioactive glass and chitosan (designated BGC) were investigated in vitro and in vivo as a new delivery system for teicoplanin in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In vitro, the release of teicoplanin from BGC pellets into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), as well as its antibacterial activity, were determined. The compressive strength of the pellets was measured after specific immersion times, and the structure of the pellets was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. In vivo, the tibial cavity of New Zealand White rabbits was injected with MRSA strain to induce chronic osteomyelitis, treated by debridement after 4weeks, implanted with teicoplanin-loaded BGC pellets (designated TBGC) or BGC pellets, or injected intravenously with teicoplanin. After 12weeks' implantation, the efficacy of the TBGC pellets for treating osteomyelitis was evaluated using hematological, radiological, microbiological and histological techniques. When immersed in PBS, the TBGC pellets provided a sustained release of teicoplanin, while the surface of the pellets was converted to hydroxyapatite (HA). In vivo, the best therapeutic effect was observed in animals implanted with TBGC pellets, resulting in significantly lower radiological and histological scores, a lower positive rate of MRSA culture, and an excellent bone defect repair, without local or systemic side effects. The results indicate that TBGC pellets are effective in treating chronic osteomyelitis by providing a sustained release of teicoplanin, in addition to participating in bone regeneration.

2-Methylsulfanyl-4-(3-pyridyl)pyrimidine

In the title compound, C₁₀H₉N₃S, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 8.09 (14)°. In the crystal, a C—H⋯N interaction links the molecules, forming chains.

4-Bromo-2-(4-fluoro-benzyl-idene)indan-1-one

In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(16)H(10)BrFO, the indane ring system is planar with a maximum deviation of 0.020 (3) Å. An intra-molecular C-H⋯O inter-action results in the formation of a planar ring, which is oriented at dihedral angles of 2.24 (3) and 2.34 (3)° with respect to the adjacent rings. π-π contacts between the benzene and indane rings [centroid-centroid distances = 3.699 (1) and 3.786 (1)Å] may stabilize the crystal structure.

tert-Butyl N-{4-methyl-3-[4-(3-pyrid-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl-oxy]phen-yl}carbamate

In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(21)H(22)N(4)O(3), the pyrimidine ring is oriented at dihedral angles of 0.51 (3) and 50.76 (3)° to the pyridine and benzene rings, respectively. In the crystal structure, inter-molecular N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into centrosymmetric dimers, forming R(2) (2)(24) ring motifs; the dimers are linked by inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into a two-dimensional network. π-π contacts between the benzene rings and between the pyrimidine and pyridine rings [centroid-centroid distances = 3.891 (1) and 3.646 (1) Å, respectively] may further stabilize the structure. Two weak C-H⋯π inter-actions are also present.

[Novel 35-bp insertion in visfatin gene in Chinese cattle]

Visfatin is a protein that is preferentially produced in visceral adipose tissue. Both its tissue expression and secreted plasma levels increase in parallel with obesity. Therefore, the present study is focused on detecting insertion in bovine visfatin gene and analyzing its effect on growth traits in four Chinese cattle breeds (Nangyang, Qinchuan, Jiaxian, and Chinese Holstein) using PCR-SSCP, DNA sequencing and agarose electrophoresis methods. For the first time, a 35-bp insertion was described in the gene and two alleles were revealed: Wand I. The chi2-test analysis demonstrated that all breeds were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). The associations of the novel 35bp-insertion of visfatin gene with growth traits of Nanyang cattle at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months old were analyzed: 6-month-old cows with genotype WW had greater birth weight than cows with genotype II and WI (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). These results suggest that the presence of 35bp-insertion in visfatin gene may influence the birth weight and bodyweight in 6-month-old cows.

Alterations in AMPA receptor phosphorylation in the rat striatum following acute and repeated cocaine administration

Protein phosphorylation is an important mechanism for the posttranslational modulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors and is subject to regulation by changing synaptic inputs. In this study, we investigated the regulation of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor GluR1 subunit phosphorylation by cocaine exposure in the rat dorsal striatum in vivo. We found that acute cocaine challenge followed by 6 days of repeated systemic injections of cocaine (20 mg/kg once daily) enhanced the sensitivity of the GluR1 subunit in its phosphorylation at serine 831 (Ser831) in the dorsal striatum. This enhancement of the sensitivity of Ser831 phosphorylation was reduced, at the receptor and ion channel level, by blocking (1) group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), (2) N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, and (3) L-type voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels. Similar reduction of the enhancement was also induced, at the protein kinase level, by inhibiting (1) protein kinase C, (2) calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, and (3) c-Jun N-terminal kinases. In addition, inhibition of protein phosphatase 1/2A or calcineurin increased GluR1-Ser831 phosphorylation in the dorsal striatum of normal rats, whereas inhibition of these phosphatases did not further enhance the Ser831 phosphorylation in rats pretreated with 7 daily injections of cocaine. These data suggest that the phosphorylation of AMPA receptor GluR1 subunits at Ser831 is subject to upregulation by acute and repeated cocaine administration. Complex signaling integrations among glutamate receptors, Ca(2+) channels, protein kinases, and protein phosphatases participate in this upregulation.

Characterization of acid-sensing ion channels in medium spiny neurons of mouse striatum

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) regulate synaptic activities and play important roles in neurodegenerative diseases. They are highly expressed in the striatum, where medium spiny neurons (MSNs) are a major population. Given that the properties of ASICs in MSNs are unknown, in this study, we characterized ASICs in MSNs of the mouse striatum. A rapid drop in extracellular pH induced transient inward currents in all MSNs. The pH value for half-maximal activation was 6.25, close to that obtained in homomeric ASIC1a channels. Based on psalmotoxin 1 and zinc sensitivity, ASIC1a (70.5% of neurons) and heteromeric ASIC1a-2 channels (29.5% of neurons) appeared responsible for the acid-induced currents in MSNs. ASIC currents were diminished in MSNs from ASIC1, but not ASIC2, null mice. Furthermore, a drop in pH induced calcium influx by activating homomeric ASIC1a channels. Activation of ASICs increased the membrane excitability of MSNs and lowering extracellular Ca2+ potentiated ASIC currents. Our data suggest that the homomeric ASIC1a channel represents a majority of the ASIC isoform in MSNs. The potential function of ASICs in the striatum requires further investigation.

A coding SNP of LHX4 gene is associated with body weight and body length in bovine

Heterozygous mutations in LHX4 are associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency. In this study, the polymorphism of LHX4-HaeIII locus was revealed in 822 individuals from four Chinese cattle breeds. The PCR-RFLP analysis showed that there were three genotypes: GG, GA, AA. The frequencies of genotype GG ranged from 0.6620 to 0.9789 in analyzed populations. The genotypic frequencies of LHX4 locus in the four populations all agreed with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). Distributions of genotypic frequencies of different breeds (QC, NY, JX, CH) at this locus were found to be significantly different based on a chi(2) test (P < 0.001). The genetic diversity analysis revealed the JX cattle possessed intermediate genetic diversity, and the other three Chinese cattle breeds belonged to poor genetic diversity. Correlation analysis with growth traits in the NY breed indicated that: the animals with genotype GA had greater body weight than those with genotype GG (P < 0.05); the animals with GA genotype owned significantly longer body length than the ones with GG genotype (P < 0.05) at 18 and 24 months.