Growth arrest-specific 6 protein in HIV-infected patients: Determination of plasma level and different antiretroviral regimens.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) protein is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration in response to inflammatory processes. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection induces a chronic inflammatory condition and combination of antiretroviral therapy improves immune function and decreases the inflammatory state. The aim of this study was to assess the implications of Gas6 in chronic inflammation status of HIV-infected patients undergoing different third regimens of antiretroviral therapy. The Gas6 may be a marker of chronic inflammation of HIV-infected patients. METHODS: A total of 356 adult males, including 258 HIV-infected patients and 98 healthy controls, were recruited. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were collected. Laboratory assessment included hemogram, CD4 count, plasma HIV RNA load (PVL), hepatitis B and C viruses, and serum biochemistry. Plasma Gas6 concentrations were determined. RESULTS: The values of Gas6 were lower in HIV patients compared to healthy subjects (14.3 ± 6.4 vs 21.5 ± 15.2, p = 0.01). HIV patients that received antiviral regimen with abacavir had similar Gas6 level than those who received antiviral regimens with tenofovir (14.3 ± 6.5 vs 13.8 ± 5.9, p = 0.99). HIV patients that received antiviral regimen with protease inhibitors (PIs) had lower Gas6 level (13.1 ± 3.5 vs 14.2 ± 6.6 vs 14.6 ± 6.5, p = 0.03) than those who received antiviral regimens with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nNRTIs) and integrase inhibitors (INSTIs), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased plasma Gas6 concentrations were observed in HIV patients. Gas6 levels are associated with different third regimen of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Gas6 may represent a unique marker for assessing the chronic inflammation state difference among cART regimens in HIV patients.

Monitoring early developed low bone mineral density in HIV-infected patients by intact parathyroid hormone and circulating fibroblast growth factor 23.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: HIV-infected patients have a high prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD), but BMD changes remain unclear. This cross-sectional retrospective observational study aimed to characterize the prevalence and associated factors of low BMD in HIV patients. METHODS: Between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016, all patients aged 20 years or greater who sought for HIV care were included. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multivariable analyses of the association with HIV disease status, treatment and anthropometric parameters were performed. Circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 and intact parathyroid hormone were measured. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients was included; their median age was 39 years old; 97.8% were treated with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART); Body mass index (BMI) was 21.97 kg/m2. Sixty-one patients (44.5%) showed low BMD (osteopenia and osteoporosis) based on the WHO criteria. The median BMD was -0.80 g/cm2 (IQR, -1.5 to -0.2). The prevalence rate of low BMD was 37% in those who were aged 20-29 years, 45.2% in those who were aged 30-39 years, 45.2% in those who were aged 40-49 years, 45.8% in those who were aged 50-59 years, and 53.8% in those who were aged ≧60 years. More than half of patients (50.4%, 69/137) were younger than 40 years. Compared with normal BMD group, the low BMD group has a higher proportion of secondary hyperparathyroidism (18.0% vs 5.3%, p: 0.026) and a lower median C-terminal FGF23 level (48.92 vs 62.61 pg/ml, p: 0.008). Univariate and multivariate analyses of the factors associated with low BMD. We found that only serum intact-parathyroid hormone (iPTH) > 69 pg/ml (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.14-13.09) was statistically significant associated with low BMD in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort-based survey showed a high prevalence of low BMD among HIV-infected adults which included young-age patient in an university hospital. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was significantly associated with low BMD. There was no association between FGF23 and low BMD.

Syntheses, structural characterisation and electronic structures of ferrocenyl-osmafuran heterobinuclear organometallic complexes.

The heterobinuclear complex OsCl2(PPh3)2[CHC(PPh3)CFcO] (Fc = (C5H4)Fe(C5H5)) (1) in which the two metal centers were connected by the skeleton of the osmafuran and cyclopentadienyl was synthesized via a one-pot reaction of OsCl2(PPh3)3 and FcCOC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CH in high yield. Three derivatives (Os(η2-OCOO)(PPh3)2[CHC(PPh3)CFcO] (2), Os(NCS)2(PPh3)2[CHC(PPh3)CFcO] (3), and OsCl2(dppb)[CHC(PPh3)CFcO] (dppb = Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2) (4)) were obtained by the ligand substitution reactions of complex 1 with different reagents (Cs2CO3 (2), NaSCN (3) and dppb (4)), respectively. All of these complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis and the structures of complexes 1, 3 and 4 were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Their electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. The first redox wave was ascribed to the couple Os(ii)/Os(iii). All of these complexes exhibit two redox processes with a large peak separation. However, UV-Vis-NIR combined with theoretical calculation clearly indicated that (1) the Os center plays a major role in the one-electron oxidation process of heterobinuclear complexes 1-4 and the osmafuran could be better described as a carbene ligand; (2) the electronic communication between the Os and Fe center is absent, and the osmafuran with the electron-withdrawing phosphonium substituent actually functioned as an insulating bridge.

Phylogenetic and recombination analysis of rice black-streaked dwarf virus segment 9 in China.

Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) is an economically important virus that causes maize rough dwarf disease and rice black-streaked dwarf disease in East Asia. To study RBSDV variation and recombination, we examined the segment 9 (S9) sequences of 49 RBSDV isolates from maize and rice in China. Three S9 recombinants were detected in Baoding, Jinan, and Jining, China. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Chinese RBSDV isolates could be classified into two groups based on their S9 sequences, regardless of host or geographical origin. Further analysis suggested that S9 has undergone negative and purifying selection.

The co-existence of two growth hormone receptors and their differential expression profiles between female and male tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis).

Growth hormone receptor (Ghr) is a single-transmembrane pass protein which is important in initiating the ability of growth hormone (Gh) to regulate development and somatic growth in vertebrates. In this study, molecular cloning, expression analysis of two different ghr genes (ghr1 and ghr2) in the tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) was conducted. As a result, the ghr1 and ghr2 cDNA sequences are 2364 bp and 3125 bp, each of which encodes a transmembrane protein of 633 and 561 amino acids (aa), respectively. Besides, the ghr1 gene includes nine exons and eight introns. The sex-specific tissue expression was analyzed by using 14 tissues from females, normal males and extra-large male adults. Both the ghr1 and ghr2 were predominantly expressed in the liver, and the ghr1 expression level in normal males was 1.6 and 1.4 times as much as those in females and extra-large males, while the ghr2 mRNA expression level in normal males was 1.1 and 1.2 times as much as those in females and extra-large males, respectively. Ontogenetic expression analysis at early life stages indicated that the ghr1 and ghr2 mRNAs were detected at all of the 35 sampling points (from oosphere to 410days-old). Furthermore, the sex differences in ghr mRNA expressions were also examined by using a full-sib family of C. semilaevis. Significantly higher levels of ghr1 mRNA were observed in males than in females at most stages of the sampling period (P<0.01). The ghr2 mRNA expression at most stages exhibited a significant sexual difference at each sampling point (P<0.01) without any variation trend related with the sexes during the whole sampling period.

[Cu2+ and Zn2+-induced aggregation of amyloid-beta peptide].

To study the effect of Cu2+ and Zn2+ on amyloid-beta peptides (Abeta) aggregation, the morphology, size and cell toxicity of Abeta40 aggregates formed with the metal ions have been observed by the methods including ultraviolet spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that Cu2+ and Zn2+ can accelerate Abeta40 aggregation, and both changed the morphology and size of Abeta40 aggregates. Zn2+ induced Abeta40 to form fibrous Abeta40 aggregates, while the amorphous and fibrous aggregates were produced by the interaction between Cu2+ and Abeta40. In addition, H2O2 was produced when Abeta40 reduced Cu2+. The relationship between metal ions and Abeta40 aggregates was analyzed, and the function of metal ions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) was illustrated in the research.

Molecular cloning, expression analysis of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) gene and IGF-I serum concentration in female and male Tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis).

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a polypeptide hormone that regulates growth during all stages of development in vertebrates. To examine the mechanisms of the sexual growth dimorphism in the Tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis), molecular cloning, expression analysis of IGF-I gene and IGF-I serum concentration analysis were performed. As a result, the IGF-I cDNA sequence is 911 bp, which contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 564 bp encoding a protein of 187 amino acids. The sex-specific tissue expression was analyzed by using 14 tissues from females, normal males and extra-large male adults. The IGF-I mRNA was predominantly expressed in liver, and the IGF-I expression levels in females and extra-large males were 1.9 and 10.2 times as much as those in normal males, respectively. Sex differences in IGF-I mRNA expressions at early life stages were also examined by using a full-sib family of C. semilaevis, and the IGF-I mRNA was detected at all of the 27 sampling points from 10 to 410 days old. An increase in IGF-I mRNA was detected after 190 day old fish. The significantly higher levels of IGF-I mRNA in females were observed after 190 days old in comparison with males (P<0.01). The IGF-I concentrations in serum of mature individuals were detected by ELISA. The IGF-I level in the serum of females was approximately two times as much as that of males. Consequently, IGF-I may play an important role in the endocrine regulation of the sexually dimorphic growth of C. semilaevis.

The chelation targeting metal-Aß40 aggregates may lead to formation of Aß40 oligomers.

The fluorescent chelator (FC-1) was designed by combining a metal-chelating unit and a ThT-based Aß aggregate-binding fluorescent unit. FC-1 is a cell membrane-penetrable chelator with a moderate chelation ability to Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) and can target metal-Aß40 aggregates. Treatment with FC-1 led to enhanced cytotoxicity of the aggregates, because the aggregates were converted into a pool of oligomers.

9-{4-[(E)-2-(4,6-Dimethyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)ethen-yl]phen-yl}-9H-carbazole.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(25)H(20)N(4), the triazinyl ring is nearly coplanar with the planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.028 Å) phenyl-ethenyl unit, the twist being only 5.8 (2)°; however, the planar carbazolyl unit (r.m.s. deviation = 0.008 Å) is twisted by 47.8 (1)° with respect to the phenyl-ethenyl unit. The nonplanar nature of the mol-ecule explains the phenomenon of light emission at short wavelengths in the solid state but at long wavelengths in solution.

[Percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of acute burst thoracolumbar fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of acute burst thoracolumbar fracture. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients (male 38 and female 20, ranging in age from 38 to 70 years, with an average of 56.8 years) with acute burst thoracolumbar fracture were treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty. The injuried vertebrae were T11 in 3 cases, T12 18 cases, L1 29 cases, L2 5 cases and L3 3 cases. All suited cases were classified into 3 types according to injuried vertebral shapes,type I (safe type 26 cases), type II (risk type 21 cases), and type III (marginal type 11 cases). RESULTS: All the patients were followed up ranging from 1 to 2.5 years (mean 1.6 years). Fifty-three patients could walk in 1 to 3 days after operation. Among 55 patients who obtained complete recovery (CR), 39 patients could do daily works and 16 patients could do houseworks. The CR rate was 95%. Three patients who obtained partial recovery (PR), could live by themselves and felt slight lumbago after movements. The PR rate was 5%. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of acute burst thoracolumbar fracture is a feasible and effective method even for particular risks.

Three-dimensional networks in 5-methylimidazolium 3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate and bis(5-methylimidazolium) 3-carboxylato-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate.

The two title proton-transfer compounds, 5-methylimidazolium 3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate, C(4)H(7)N(2)(+).C(7)H(5)O(6)S(-), (I), and bis(5-methylimidazolium) 3-carboxylato-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate, 2C(4)H(7)N(2)(+).C(7)H(5)O(6)S(2-), (II), are each organized into a three-dimensional network by a combination of X-H...O (X = O, N or C) hydrogen bonds, and pi-pi and C-H...pi interactions.

Two salts of 5-sulfosalicylic acid and 3-aminopyridine.

5-Sulfosalicylic acid (5-SSA) and 3-aminopyridine (3-APy) crystallize in the same solvent system, resulting in two kinds of 1:1 proton-transfer organic adduct, namely 3-aminopyridinium 3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate monohydrate, C(5)H(7)N(2)(+).C(7)H(5)O(6)S(-).H(2)O or 3-APy.5-SSA.H(2)O, (I), and the anhydrous adduct, C(5)H(7)N(2)(+).C(7)H(5)O(6)S(-) or 3-APy.5-SSA, (II). Both compounds have extensively hydrogen-bonded three-dimensional layered polymer structures, with interlayer homo- and heterogeneous pi-pi interactions in (I) and (II), respectively.

[Evaluation of antibacterial activity of amoxycillin sodium and clavulanate potassium and the pharmacoeconomics in the therapy of acute respiratory infection].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the antibacterial activity of amoxycillin sodium and clavulanate potassium (trade name: Anqi) in vitro and the pharmacoeconomics in the therapy of acute respiratory infection. METHODS: Minimal inhibition concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and bactericidal curve of amoxycillin sodium and clavulanate potassium against common pathogens were determined and compared with some other same kind of antibiotics without beta-Lactamase inhibitor. Eighty cases diagnosed as respiratory infection were randomly divided into 4 groups: group 1 was treated with i.v. Anqi; group 2 was treated with i.v. Anqi and oral consecutive strategy; group 3 was treated with iv ampicillin and sulbactam; group 4 was treated with i.v. cefuroxime. The clinical therapeutic effects were observed and cost-effectiveness analyzed. RESULTS: In terms of MIC, MBC and bactericidal curve of 135 bacterial strains, Anqi was superior to the other same-kind antibiotics without beta-lactamase inhibitor, this effect was especially obvious on Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli which can produce extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). The cost-effectiveness of the consecutive therapy group was the best. CONCLUSION: Anqi has a wide antimicrobial spectrum and strong effect on the bacteria producing ESBLs, the consecutive therapy strategy should be clinically recommended.