A biological age model based on physical examination data to predict mortality in a Chinese population

Biological age could be reflective of an individual's health status and aging degree. Limited estimations of biological aging based on physical examination data in the Chinese population have been developed to quantify the rate of aging. We developed and validated a novel aging measure (Balanced-AGE) based on readily available physical health examination data. In this study, a repeated sub-sampling approach was applied to address the data imbalance issue, and this approach significantly improved the performance of biological age (Balanced-AGE) in predicting all-cause mortality with a 10-year time-dependent AUC of 0.908 for all-cause mortality. This mortality prediction tool was found to be effective across different subgroups by age, sex, smoking, and alcohol consumption status. Additionally, this study revealed that individuals who were underweight, smokers, or drinkers had a higher extent of age acceleration. The Balanced-AGE may serve as an effective and generally applicable tool for health assessment and management among the elderly population.

Hydrogenation of Alkynes and Olefins Catalyzed by Quaternary Ammonium Salts

Catalytic hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons to alkenes and alkanes using molecular hydrogen is one of the most fundamental transformations in organic synthesis. While methodologies involving transition metals as catalysts in homogeneous and heterogeneous processes have been well developed, metal-free catalytic hydrogenation offers an ideal approach for future chemistry. Herein, the common and inexpensive quaternary ammonium salts are first introduced as catalysts in the catalytic hydrogenation system for the transformations from alkynes or olefins into the corresponding olefins or alkanes. Interestingly, the hydrogenation process of alkynes can be controlled to selectively produce alkenes or alkanes under different conditions. Moreover, the possible mechanism is discussed in new insights into the catalytic behavior of quaternary ammonium salts.

[Clinical analysis of 4 acute ischemic stroke children treated with endovascular thrombectomy]

Objective: To assess the feasibility of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in children. Methods: Clinical data and follow-up information of 4 AIS children who received EVT in the Department of Intervention & Hemangioma at the Children's Hospital of the Capital Institute of Pediatrics from December 2020 to June 2021 were collected retrospectively. The vascular recanalization after EVT was assessed by the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score. Efficacy outcomes were assessed with initial and postprocedural Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS) score, and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Safety assessments included perioperative complications and intracranial hemorrhage post-treatment. Results: A total of 5 EVT treatment were performed on 4 children with AIS, of whom 3 were male. The age of onset was 4.6, 13.8, 7.8, 8.0, 8.9 years, respectively. The time from symptom onset to initiation of EVT was 19.0, 25.0, 22.0, 4.0, 16.5 hours, respectively and all patients achieved successful recanalization of the vessel after EVT (mTICI≥2b). The PedNIHSS score was 39, 14, 25, 39, 24 before treatment and decreased to 8, 1, 12, 39, 5 at discharge. All the procedures were performed with no perioperative complications. Only 1 patient with congenital heart disease had a recurrent AIS with malignant brain oedema and brain hernia. Although the occluded vessels were successfully recanalized,the symptoms were not improved and this patient died after treatment abandonment. The other 3 patients achieved good recovery at 6 months postoperatively. The mRS score of 3 patients was 3, 1, 2 at 3 months after EVT and decreased to 2, 1, 1 at 6 months. Conclusion: EVT treatment may be feasible and safe for pediatric AIS due to large vessel occlusion even when the treatment was initiated 6 hours post stroke, but children with heart disease may have a dismal prognosis.

Tetrabutylammonium Bromide-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation of Quinoxaline with HBpin as a Hydrogen Source

A metal-free environmentally benign, simple, and efficient transfer hydrogenation process of quinoxaline has been developed using the HBpin reagent as a hydrogen source. This reaction is compatible with a variety of quinoxalines offering the desired tetrahydroquinoxalines in moderate-to-excellent yields with Bu₄NBr as a noncorrosive and low-cost catalyst.

Zinc salt-catalyzed reduction of α-aryl imino esters, diketones and phenylacetylenes with water as hydrogen source

The zinc salt-catalyzed reduction of α-aryl imino esters, diketones and phenylacetylenes with water as hydrogen source and zinc as reductant was successfully conducted. The presented method provides a low-cost, environmentally friendly and practical preparation of α-aryl amino esters, α-hydroxyketones and phenylethylenes. By using D2O as deuterium source, the corresponding products were obtained in high efficiency with excellent deuterium incorporation rate, which gives a cheap and safe tool for access to valuable deuterium-labelled compounds.

IGF-1R/β-catenin signaling axis is implicated in streptozotocin exacerbating bone impairment in ovariectomized rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)/β-catenin signaling axis in bone impairment induced by hyperglycemia in ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

Rats were divided into four groups. The sham group received sham operation and a single intraperitoneal administration of vehicle. The ovariectomy (OVX) group was subjected to bilateral OVX and vehicle injection. The streptozotocin (STZ) group received sham operation and a single STZ injection to induce hyperglycemia. The OVX + STZ group received bilateral OVX and a single STZ injection. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurement, bone biomechanics test, micro-computed tomography scan, and hematoxylin-eosin staining were performed to evaluate bone alteration in this model. The expression of relevant signals including IGF-1R, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and β-catenin were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot.

RESULTS

The OVX, STZ, and OVX + STZ groups induced bone loss, attenuated bone strength, and impaired microarchitecture compared with the sham group, respectively. Compared with OVX, more serious bone damage was found in the OVX + STZ group, which showed enhanced phosphorylation of IGF-1R, GSK-3β, and β-catenin.

CONCLUSION

OVX plus STZ induced more serious bone impairment than OVX alone, which involves the IGF-1R/β-catenin signaling axis in the pathogenesis. This may provide a potential target for treatment of postmenopausal diabetic osteoporosis.

Verification of expressions of lncRNA FOXCUT in gastric adenocarcinoma patients and its effects on cell biological function based on TCGA database

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate expressions of lncRNA FOXCUT in gastric adenocarcinoma patients and its effects on the cell biological function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expressions and survival of lncRNA FOXCUT in gastric adenocarcinoma patients (GA) in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were collected. Fifty patients with GA treated in our hospital (patient group) and another 50 contemporaneous normal people (normal group) were collected. Expressions of lncRNA FOXCUT in GES1, SNU-5, HGC-27, SGC-7901, and AGS cells were detected. Also, si-lncRNA FOXCUT and si-NC sequences were transfected to SGC-7901. Si-RNA and si-NC groups were constructed in AGS cells. QRT-PCR was used to detect expressions of lncRNA FOXCUT in samples. MTT, transwell, and flow cytometry were used to detect the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of transfected cells. Patients were followed up for 5 years to observe their survival.

RESULTS

Expressions of lncRNA FOXCUT in cancer tissues of GA patients in TCGA database were significantly increased (p<0.001). The survival rate of patients with low expressions of lncRNA FOXCUT was significantly increased (p=0.017, p=0.047). LncRNA FOXCUT is closely related to patients' tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, TNM staging, and differentiation degree (p<0.05). LncRNA FOXCUT has high clinical value in disease diagnosis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis found that tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, and lncRNA FOXCUT were independent prognostic factors. Compared with GES1, expressions of lncRNA FOXCUT in GA cells increased significantly (p<0.05), the proliferation and invasion ability of si-RNA group decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared with si-NC group, and the apoptosis rate of si-RNA group was significantly lower than that of si-NC group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that the inhibition of the expressions of lncRNA FOXCUT can reduce the proliferation and invasion of GA cells and increase apoptosis, which can be used as a potential therapeutic target for GA.

Estrogen-related receptor participates in regulating glycolysis and influences embryonic development in silkworm Bombyx mori

Estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) play indispensable roles in development, energy metabolism, and cancers and are metabolic switches in Drosophila. However, the mechanism underlying their metabolic role is unknown in insects. This study analysed the expression profiles of Bombyx mori ERR (BmERR), hexokinase (BmHK), pyruvate kinase (BmPK) and phosphofructokinase (BmPFK) during embryonic development. The expression of BmERR tended to be similar to that of the other genes. We observed a regulatory association between BmERR and glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes by BmERR overexpression, RNA interference (RNAi), and ERR inhibitors in B. mori embryo cells. Subsequently, ERR cis-regulation elements (ERREs) were predicted and identified in the BmPFK promoter. Transfection assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that BmERR can bind to one of these elements to regulate the expression of BmPFK. ERREs were also predicted in the BmHK and BmPK promoters. In the eggs, the expression of glycolytic rate-limiting enzyme genes was suppressed when the expression of BmERR was interference by double-stranded BmERR, the glucose levels also was increased. Meanwhile, the development of silkworm embryos was delayed by about 1 day. These results indicate that BmERR can bind to the ERREs of glycolytic gene promoters and regulate the expression of glycolytic genes, ultimately affecting embryonic development in silkworms.

The Relationship between Telomere Length and Cancer Mortality: Data from the 1999-2002 National Healthy and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

OBJECTIVES

The association between telomeres length (TL) and cancer mortality is uncertain. We tested the hypotheses that long TL are associated with reduced cancer mortality.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES, 1999-2002).

PARTICIPANTS

The analytic sample included adults (n = 7183) who had TL measurements.

MEASUREMENTS

DNA was obtained via blood samples. Telomere length was assessed using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTS

During follow-up (0.08-12.7 person-years, median = 9.5 years), we observed 195 participants had cancer as causes of death. TL was negatively corelated with age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), C-reactive protein (CRP), race, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer mortality, conversely, positively corelated with alcohol use, but not related to diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and smoking. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that TL was significantly associated with cancer mortality (log-rank, P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study expands upon previous evidence of a relationship between TL and cancer mortality. TL may be a useful tool for evaluating risk of cancer mortality in American adults.

Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody combined with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radical radiotherapy: a multicentre, open-label, phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND

We conducted a single-arm phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects (AEs) of an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody, nimotuzumab, combined with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (PF) as first-line treatment in recurrent metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radical radiotherapy.

METHODS

Patients who met the eligibility criteria were recruited from ten institutions (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01616849). A Simon optimal two-stage design was used to calculate the sample size. All patients received weekly nimotuzumab (200 mg) added to cisplatin (100 mg/m2 D1) and 5-fluorouracil (4 g/m2 continuous infusion D1-4) every 3-weekly for a maximum of six cycles. Primary end point was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary end points included disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and AEs.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients were enrolled (13 in stage 1 and 22 in stage 2). Overall ORR and DCR were 71.4% (25/35) and 85.7% (30/35), respectively. Median PFS and OS were 7.0 (95% CI 5.8-8.2) months and 16.3 (95% CI 11.4-21.3) months, respectively. Unplanned exploratory analyses suggest that patients who received ≥2400 mg nimotuzumab and ≥4 cycles of PF had superior ORR, PFS and OS than those who did not (88.9% versus 12.5%, P < 0.001; 7.4 versus 2.7 months, P = 0.081; 17.0 versus 8.0 months, P = 0.202). Favourable subgroups included patients with lung metastasis [HROS 0.324 (95% CI 0.146-0.717), P = 0.008] and disease-free interval of >12 months [HROS 0.307 (95% CI 0.131-0.724), P = 0.004], but no difference was observed for metastatic burden. The only major grade 3/4 AE was leukopenia (62.9%).

CONCLUSION

Combination nimotuzumab-PF chemotherapy demonstrates potential efficacy, and is well tolerated as first-line chemotherapy regimen in recurrent metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

[Experimental Study on Migration Parameters of DEHP in PVC Infusion]

The work explored the DEHP migration parameters in PVC infusion in clinic,based on the previous research on the test model of DEHP migrated from PVC infusion,to assess the safety of PVC infusion.The leaching solution samples in different conditions were evaluated by analysis of the DEHP in leaching solution using GC-MS under simulated clinical transfusion way.The release behavior of DEHP was significantly affected by the storage time,storage temperature,surrounding temperature,dripping speed,sterilization process,volume of the leaching solution,and the property of the leaching solution.

Association of VDR and OPG gene polymorphism with osteoporosis risk in Chinese postmenopausal women

AIMS

The underlying mechanisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) genetic variation associated with bone mineral density and osteoporosis remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the association of VDR and OPG gene polymorphism as well as gene-gene interaction and their haplotype combination with the risk of osteoporosis.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism was carried out for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection. Generalized multifactor dimension reduction (GMDR) is used to identify the interaction. SHEsis software evaluated the haplotype and logistic regression was performed to assess the association between the SNPs within the VDR and OPG genes and osteoporosis.

RESULTS

The risk of osteoporosis in the VDR-rs2228570 polymorphism T-allele carriers was significantly higher than that in CC (CT/TT versus CC) individuals (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.76 [1.33-2.22]). The risk of osteoporosis was also higher in the G-allele carrier of the OPG-rs3102735 polymorphism than in individuals with the AA genotype (AG/GG vs. AA) (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.65 [1.27-2.14]). However, after adjusting for sex, age, and waist circumference covariates, no significant association of VDR-rs17879735 and OPG-rs2073618 with the osteoporosis risk was revealed. The GMDR method identified that gene-gene interactions were significant, but not for gene/AO interaction. Haplotypes were analyzed with SHEsis software. We did not detect a high-risk haplotype combination associated with osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Both VDR-rs2228570-T and OPG-rs3102735-G and their interactions are related to the increased risk of osteoporosis.

Rhodium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of quinoxalines with water as a hydrogen source

Rhodium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of quinoxalines with water as a hydrogen source was reported.

Palladium/silver co-catalyzed syn-stereoselective asymmetric ring-opening reactions of azabenzonorbornadienes with amides

The first syn-stereoselective generation of 1,2-diamino dihydronaphthalene derivatives by asymmetric ring-opening reaction of azabenzonorbornadienes is reported.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Generation of Anhydrous Hydrogen Iodide: An Effective Method for the Preparation of Iodoalkanes

The preparation of anhydrous hydrogen iodide directly from molecular hydrogen and iodine using a rhodium catalyst is reported for the first time. The anhydrous hydrogen iodide generated was proven to be highly active in the transformations of alkenes, phenyl aldehydes, alcohols, and cyclic ethers to the corresponding iodoalkanes. Therefore, the present methodology not only has provided convenient access to anhydrous hydrogen iodide but also offers a practical preparation method for various iodoalkanes in excellent atom economy.

A novel logic gate based on liquid-crystals responding to the DNA conformational transition

Described herein is a novel liquid crystal (LC)-based DNA logic gate constructed via employing the reorientation of LCs triggered by metal-ion-mediated DNA probe conformational changes.

Etiology and Pathogenesis of Hemifacial Microsomia

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a common congenital malformation of the craniofacial region. There are 3 possible pathogenic models of HFM—vascular abnormality and hemorrhage in the craniofacial region, damage to Meckel’s cartilage, and the abnormal development of cranial neural crest cells—and the most plausible hypothesis is the vascular abnormality and hemorrhage model. These 3 models are interrelated, and none of them is completely concordant with all the variable manifestations of HFM. External environmental factors (e.g., thalidomide, triazene, retinoic acid, and vasoactive medications), maternal intrinsic factors (e.g., maternal diabetes), and genetic factors (e.g., the recently reported mutations in OTX2, PLCD3, and MYT1) may lead to HFM through ≥1 of these pathogenic processes. Whole genome sequencing to identify additional pathogenic variants, biological functional studies to understand the exact molecular mechanisms, and additional animal model and clinical studies with large stratified samples to elucidate the pathogenesis of HFM will be necessary. Small-molecule drugs, as well as CRISPR/CAS9-based genetic interventions, for the prevention and treatment of HFM may also be a future research hotspot.

HYBRID SILANE TECHNOLOGY IN SILICA-REINFORCED TREAD COMPOUND

The use of a silane coupling agent in silica-reinforced tread can effectively improve silica dispersion in the rubber matrix and strengthen the interfacial interaction between the rubber and filler; this is beneficial to the enhancement of tire grip under wet conditions and reduces tire rolling resistance. The monofunctional silane n-octyltriethoxysilane (OTES) can react with the silanol group of the silica surface and hence improve silica dispersion. It can also suppress silica reaggregation during tire processing. Two hybrid silanes, OTES and 3-mercaptopropylethoxy-bis(tridecyl-pentaethoxy-siloxane) (Si747) or OTES and bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide (TESPT), were filled in silica-reinforced tread compounds. The effect of the two hybrid silanes on the silica was investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The processing ability of the silica-filled compounds and the performance of the vulcanizates were also investigated. Our experimental results show that OTES is able to further react with the silica following reaction between the TESPT and silica and that it should be added when the molar amount of TESPT or Si747 is constant, to prevent reduction of the cross-link density. Furthermore, the addition of OTES can extend the scorch time, especially in Si747 and OTES compounds. In addition, OTES can improve silica dispersion and only has a slightly negative effect on the physical properties of vulcanizates.

Oestrogen-related receptor reduces vitellogenin expression by crosstalk with the ecdysone receptor pathway in female silkworm, Bombyx mori

Oestrogen-related receptor (ERR) is involved in oestrogen receptor (ER) signalling pathways owing to its similarity to ER in terms of domain structure and co-activator and response elements. Although insects lack ER, they harbour an ERR gene that is thought to modulate metabolism and energy conversion via an unknown mechanism. The present study investigated the function of ERR in insects using female silkworm (Bombyx mori, Bm). We found that the expression of B. mori vitellogenin (BmVg) and B. mori ERR (BmERR) in the fat bodies of female silkworms at different stages of development exhibited alternating patterns, and RNA interference of BmERR in females induced BmVg transcription, resulting in an increase in egg weight relative to the control. Furthermore, BmERR was found to be involved in regulating the transcription of BmVg through an oestrogen-related receptor response element (ERRE) in the promoter of the BmVg gene, as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, cell transfection assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. In summary, our results indicate that BmERR bound to the ERRE motif in the BmVg promoter reducing the expression of BmVg in the fat body of the female silkworm. To our surprise, the ERRE also showed the ability to bind the ecdysone receptor (BmEcR) and ultraspiracle complex. Thus, we surmise that ERR participates in steroid hormone signalling by engaging in crosstalk with the ER pathway in vertebrates and with the EcR pathway in insects.

Validation of a revised Mandarin Chinese language version of the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale

The aim of the study was to validate a revised Mandarin version of the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale (PostopQRS) and to apply the revised version in a Chinese population. In a prospective design, bilingual volunteers completed the scale at baseline, day one, day seven, and day 14 in both languages, with the order of language and parallel forms randomised. In addition, lung cancer patients undergoing open or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) completed the Mandarin version prior to surgery, day one, day three, day seven, day 14, one month, and three months postoperatively. Sixty-eight volunteers participated in the validation part of the study and in the clinical application, 93 lung cancer patients were included. The scores in the Mandarin version were equal to the English version in all domains at all timepoints including the word generation task, when the Mandarin morpheme was included in any part of the Mandarin word. However, Mandarin scores were lower in the word generation task if the morpheme was only included in the first part of the word. In addition, the Mandarin version was able to identify lower rates of overall recovery (<i>P</i> <0.01), nociceptive (<i>P</i> <0.01), emotive (<i>P</i> <0.01), and activities of daily living recovery (<i>P</i>=0.02) after open surgery compared to after VATS. The revised Mandarin version is equivalent to the English version for the cognitive domain, if morpheme substitution for the word generation task is allowed as any part of the word, and it is able to discriminate quality of recovery in Chinese patients.

Stabilization of warfarin-binding pocket of VKORC1 and VKORL1 by a peripheral region determines their different sensitivity to warfarin inhibition

Essentials VKORL1 and VKORC1 have a similar overall structure and warfarin-binding pocket. A peripheral region stabilizing this pocket controls warfarin sensitivity of the VKOR paralogs. A human single nucleotide polymorphism in this region renders VKORL1 sensitive to warfarin. A group of warfarin-resistant mutations in VKORC1 acts by disrupting peripheral interactions.

SUMMARY

Background The human genome encodes two paralogs of vitamin-K-epoxide reductase, VKORC1 and VKORL1, that support blood coagulation and other vitamin-K-dependent processes. Warfarin inhibits both enzymes, but VKORL1 is relatively resistant to warfarin. Objectives To understand the difference between VKORL1 and VKORC1, and the cause of warfarin-resistant (WR) mutations in VKORC1. Methods We performed systematic mutagenesis and analyzed warfarin responses with a cell-based activity assay. Mass spectrometry analyses were used to detect cellular redox state. Results VKORC1 and VKORL1 adopt a similar intracellular redox state with four-transmembrane-helix topology. Most WR mutations identified in VKORC1 also confer resistance in VKORL1, indicating that warfarin inhibits these paralogs at a common binding site. A group of WR mutations, distant from the warfarin-binding site, show significantly less resistance in VKORL1 than in VKORC1, implying that their different warfarin responses are determined by peripheral interactions. Remarkably, we identify a critical peripheral region in which single mutations, Glu37Lys or His46Tyr, drastically increase the warfarin sensitivity of VKORL1. In the background of these warfarin-sensitive VKORL1 mutants, WR mutations showing relative less resistance in wild-type VKORL1 become much more resistant, suggesting a structural conversion to resemble VKORC1. At this peripheral region, we also identified a human single nucleotide polymorphism that confers warfarin sensitivity of VKORL1. Conclusions Peripheral regions of VKORC1 and VKORL1 primarily maintain the stability of their common warfarin-binding pocket, and differences of such interactions determine their relative sensitivity to warfarin inhibition. This new model also explains most WR mutations located at the peripheral regions of VKORC1.

A microRNA-1 gene, tci-miR-1-3p, is involved in cyflumetofen resistance by targeting a glutathione S-transferase gene, TCGSTM4, in Tetranychus cinnabarinus

microRNA-1 (miR-1) is a well-studied conservative microRNA (miRNA) involved in immune responses in mammals and insects. However, little is known about its role in pesticide resistance in arthropods. In this study, we found that a microRNA belong to miR-1 family (tci-miR-1-3p) was significantly down-regulated in a cyflumetofen-resistant strain (CYR) of Tetranychus cinnabarinus compared with its homologous susceptible strain (SS), indicating an involvement of miR-1 in cyflumetofen resistance in mites. One glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene (TCGSTM4, a mu class GST gene), a candidate target gene of tci-miR-1-3p, was found to be significantly down-regulated when tci-miR-1-3p was over-expressed. The specific interaction between tci-miR-1-3p and the target sequence in the 3' untranslated region of TCGSTM4 was confirmed. A decrease or increase in tci-miR-1-3p abundance through feeding miRNA inhibitors or mimics significantly increased or decreased TCGSTM4 expressions at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. In addition, an over-expression of tci-miR-1-3p resulted in a decrease in the tolerance of T. cinnabarinus to cyflumetofen in both SS and CYR strains, and vice versa. After decreasing TCGSTM4 transcription via RNA interference, T. cinnabarinus became more sensitive to cyflumetofen in both resistant and susceptible mites, and the change in mortality was greater in CYR than that in SS. Moreover, the recombinant TCGSTM4 could significantly decompose cyflumetofen, indicating that TCGSTM4 is a functional gene responsible for cyflumetofen resistance in mites.

[Research on Experimental Model of Security Assessment of DEHP Migration from PVC-Tubes Medical Devices]

As we all know, DEHP is seriously harmful to human health and consequently has been acquired critical attention. DEHP is able to migrate from PVC medical devices for the non-chemically bound to PVC, thus contact with user and patient. The DEHP migration is influenced by various parameters. In order to assess the security of PVC-tubes medical devices scientifically of DEHP migration, we develop an experimental model by analyzing the parameters comprehensively and systematically, taking into account the clinical practices. For example, assessing the security of DEHP migration from infusion sets by utilizing this model.

Appropriate cyclic tensile strain promotes biological changes of cranial base synchondrosis chondrocytes

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to clarify biological changes of cranial base synchondrosis chondrocytes (CBSCs) upon cyclic tensile strain (CTS) loading which simulated orthopaedic mechanical protraction on cranial base synchondroses (CBS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A two-step digestion method was used to isolate CBSCs obtained from 1-week-old Sprague Dawley rats. Immunohistochemical staining of type II collagen and Sox9 was conducted to identify chondrocytes. A CTS of 1 Hz and 10% elongation was applied to the second passage of CBSCs by FX-5000™ Tension System for 24 hours. The control group kept static at the same time. The expression levels of extracellular matrix (Acan, Col1a1, Col2a1 and Col10a1) and key regulatory factors (Sox9, Ihh and PTHrP) were detected by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Positive staining of type II collagen and Sox9 was detected in the isolated CBSCs. The relative expression level of Acan, Col2a1, Col10a1, Sox9 and Ihh in the CTS-loading group was 1.85-fold, 2.19-fold, 1.53-fold, 6.62-fold, and 1.39-fold, respectively, as much as that in the control group, which had statistical significance (P<.05). There was no statistical difference (P>.05) in the expression of Col1a1 and PTHrP.

CONCLUSIONS

A CTS of 1 Hz and 10% elongation for 24 hours had positive effects on chondrocyte proliferation, phenotype maintenance and cartilage matrix synthesis.

[Effect of treatment of infant parotid hemangioma with no response to oral propranolol]

Hemangioma is the most common vascular tumor in infantile period, and propranolol is the first choice, but there are still a few patients with poor curative effect. Seven cases of infant parotid hemangioma with no response to oral propranolol were treated with transcatheter arterial sclerosing embolization combined with cortisol and satisfactory results achievod. The treatment and efficacy are disccused in this paper.

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions of N-sulfonylimines by using alcohols as hydrogen sources

A palladium/zinc co-catalytic system was established and successfully utilized in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions of N-sulfonylimines with alcohols as hydrogen sources.

Asymmetric ring-opening reactions of azabenzonorbornadienes through transfer hydrogenation using secondary amines as hydrogen sources: tuning of absolute configuration by acids

Switching of absolute configuration by acids during palladium and silver co-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of heterobicycles by secondary amines.

Identification of a novel HLA-A allele, HLA-A*02:505, by sequence-based typing in a patient with tuberculosis

The novel allele HLA-A*02:505 was identified in a tuberculosis patient by human leukocyte antigen sequence-based typing.

Description of the novel HLA-A allele, HLA-A*11:229, identified by sequence-based typing in a Chinese individual

HLA-A*11:229 differs from HLA-A*11:01:01:01 by 1 nucleotide exchange at position 556 (G > A) with an amino exchange.