Genetic polymorphisms of 44 Y chromosomal genetic markers in the Inner Mongolia Han population and its genetic relationship analysis with other reference populations.

Y chromosomal genetic markers in the non-recombining region are commonly used for human evolution research, familial searching, and forensic male differentiation since they strictly follow paternal inheritance. Y chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) possess extraordinarily advantages in forensic applications because of their high polymorphisms and special genetic pattern. Here, we assessed the genetic diversities of 41 Y-STRs and three Y chromosomal insertion/deletion (Y-InDels) loci in the Chinese Inner Mongolia Han population; besides, genetic differentiation analyses among the studied Han population and other previously reported populations were conducted based on 27 same Y-STRs. Totally, 425 alleles were observed in 324 Inner Mongolia Han individuals for these Y-markers. Gene diversities of these Y-markers distributed from 0.0306 to 0.9634. The haplotype diversity and discriminatory capacity of these Y-markers in the Inner Mongolia Han population were 0.9999 and 0.98457, respectively. Haplotype resolution comparisons of different Y-marker groups in the studied Han population revealed that higher haplotype resolution could be achieved for these 44 Y-markers. Population genetic analyses of the Inner Mongolia Han population and other reference populations demonstrated that the studied Han population had relatively closer genetic affinities with Northern Han Chinese populations than Southern Han and other minority groups. To sum up, these 44 Y-markers can be utilized as a valuable tool for male differentiation in the Inner Mongolia Han population.

Controlling the photophysical properties of ionic transition-metal complexes through various counterions.

Ionic transition-metal complexes (iTMCs) with rich excited-state properties and excellent optical properties have attracted considerable attention from both the scientific and industrial community in recent decades. Controlling their photophysical properties is very important for realizing a diverse range of optoelectronic applications. Generally, the optical property modulation of iTMCs is achieved by covalent structural modification of their ligand skeleton. In this feature article, we highlight the full potential of the regulation of the optical properties of iTMCs through changing various counterions, which is demonstrated to be a facile and convenient method. This paper lists different counterions that can be used to tune the emission wavelengths, emission lifetimes, and response behaviors of iTMCs. This paper also summarizes the advances towards multi-level information encryption and high-level anti-counterfeiting applications. Moreover, the recent challenges relating to this topic are examined alongside various future directions. We anticipate that the research provided in this paper will assist in directing future analyses based on the regulation of the photophysical properties of iTMCs in a facile, reproducible, and convenient way.

Developing and population analysis of a new multiplex panel of 18 microhaplotypes and compound markers using next generation sequencing and its application in the Shaanxi Han population.

Compound marker consists of two different types of genetic markers, like deletion/insertion polymorphism and single nucleotide polymorphism in the genomic region of 200 bp, and microhaplotype consists of a series of closely linked single nucleotide polymorphisms in a small DNA segment (<300 bp), which show great potential for human identifications and mixture analyses. In this study, we initially selected 23 novel genetic markers comprising 10 microhaplotypes and 13 compound markers according to previously reported single nucleotide polymorphism or deletion/insertion polymorphism loci. Genetic distributions of these 23 loci in different continental populations showed that they could be used as valuable loci for forensic human identification purpose. Besides, high informativeness values (>0.1) were observed in six loci which could be further employed for forensic ancestry analyses. Finally, 18 loci were successfully developed into a multiplex panel and detected by the next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Further analyses of these 18 loci in the studied Shaanxi Han population showed that 15 loci exhibited relatively high expected heterozygosities (>0.5). Cumulative power of discrimination (0.999 999 999 99 4835) of these 18 loci revealed that the multiplex panel could also be utilized for human identifications in the studied Shaanxi Han population.

Decreased Serum Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) Expression in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and its correlation with the blood lipid level in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 118 patients with UGIB were enrolled in this study. The relevant indicators for blood lipid levels were detected using a biochemical analyzer. MCP-1 levels in the serum of patients was determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 17.0 software was used for the statistical analysis. Two-sample t-test was used for the intergroup comparison. The significant indicators were included in a multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the prognostic factors of UGIB. Pearson analysis was applied to the correlation analysis. P<0.05 suggested that the difference was statistically significant. RESULTS MCP-1 expression levels in patients with UGIB were significantly lower than that in the control group and were even further reduced in patients with massive hemorrhage. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the serum of patients with UGIB were decreased compared with those in the control group and these indicators of the blood lipid level were decreased much more in patients with massive hemorrhage. The MCP-1 expression was positively correlated with the levels of TC, TG, and LDL in serum. MCP-1 and TC were the prognostic influencing factors of UGIB. CONCLUSIONS Serum MCP-1 expression was significantly decreased in patients with UGIB and correlated with blood lipid level, suggesting it might be a prognostic factor for UGB.

Protein Regulator of Cytokinesis PRC1 Confers Chemoresistance and Predicts an Unfavorable Postoperative Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients.

Background: PRC1, a microtubules(MTs)-associated protein, is essential in the mitosis and cell cycle regulation. It has been recently linked to chemoresistance and tumorigenesis. The current study sought to explore the role of PRC1 on chemoresistance and postoperative prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Methods: PRC1 was transfected into HCC cells to detect its effects of chemoresistance to 5-fluorouracil in vitro and in vivo. This study also investigated the impact of PRC1 on 5-FU-induced G2/M phase arrest and the potential molecular mechanism. Surgical specimens from HCC patients were examined immunohistochemically for PRC1 expression. Results: Ectopic expression of PRC1 significantly increased the chemoresistance, promoted the tumor growth and abrogated 5-FU-induced G2/M phase arrest via p21/p27-pRBs pathway. In clinical specimens, high expression of PRC1(immunostaining score≥3) in HCC cells predicted an unfavorable postoperative survival of HCC patients(P=0.019), especially for whom received postoperative chemotherapy(P=0.002). In multivariate Cox analyses, high PRC1 expression significantly predicted an unfavorable postoperative prognosis, not dependent of TNM stage. Conclusion: High PRC1 expression in HCC cells increased chemoresistance, attenuated 5-FU-induced apoptosis, abrogated 5-FU-induced G2/M phase arrest, and predicts an unfavorable survival, especially for the patients who received chemotherapy. PRC1 might be a novel prognostic and predictive marker and therapeutic target for HCC patients.

Effects of warming yang and invigorating qi prescription on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction

This study investigated the effects of warming yang and invigorating qi prescription on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction. 126 rats were randomly divided into model group, sham operation, warming yang, invigorating qi, warming yang+invigorating qi, digoxin and captopril group for respective treatment. After intervention for 6, 8 and 10 weeks, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was calculated, and the plasma renin, angiotensin II and aldosterone levels were measured. Results showed that, after 6, 8 and 10 weeks, LVEF in warming yang, invigorating qi, warming yang+invigorating qi and captopril group was significantly higher than model group (P < 0.05), and the plasma renin, angiotensin II and aldosterone levels in warming yang, invigorating qi, warming yang+invigorating qi and captopril groups were significantly lower than model group (P < 0.05). Renin angiotensin II and aldosterone levels in invigorating qi, warming yang+invigorating qi and captopril groups after 10 weeks was significantly lower than after 6 weeks (P < 0.05); aldosterone level in captopril groups after 10 weeks was significantly lower than after 6 weeks (P < 0.05). Warming yang and invigorating qi prescription can improve LVEF in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, which may be related with the inhibition of RAAS activation.(AU)

Medicinals with properties of warming Yang and tonifying Qi in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine: their effects on left ventricular ejection fraction and aldosterone in rats with induced failure heart.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate on Left ventricular ejection fraction value and aldosterone of two medicinals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with the properties of warming Yang and tonifying Qi in terms of TCM theory. METHODS: An animal model of coronary ligation of heart failure after myocardial infarction was employed to study the influence of these two kinds of drugs on three batches of rats. On the basis of the average score of left ventricle ejection fraction during the investigation, there were some different groups, including WenYang (the warming Yang) group, YiQi (tonifying Qi) group, WenYang and YiQi group, captopril group, digoxin group. In additional, an artificial operation group was set for comparison The systemic intervention using these medicinal and drugs was taken effects on the 2nd day after the operation of myocardial infraction (MI) with once a day. At week one, two, and four after the MI treatment, evaluated were EF values, and ferritin, angiotensin-II and aldosterone in the rats' plasma. RESULTS: At week one and week two, the medicinal of WenYang, YiQi, WenYang pluse YiQi, and digoxin could improve left ventricular ejection fraction in rats with heart failure; Compared to the model group, captopril Left ventricular EF value increased, but there was not significant. At week four, heart failure and left ventricular EF values was improved in the intervention group and the other four captopril drug intervention. At week one in the rats with drug intervention, the medicinals of YiQi, WenYang plus YiQi, and captopril could inhibit activation in vivo hormone aldosterone in heart failure rats; aldosterone in WenYang group and digoxin group were not different from that in the model group at week two and four. CONCLUSION: Chinese medicinals with properties of WenYang, YiQi have significant effect on improving left ventricular EF in rats with heart failure; compared to YiQi medicinals, WenYang medicinals that inhibit the effectiveness of the time required for the activation of the role of aldosterone. The medicinals of WenYang and YiQi seems better by inhibiting the activation of the hormone aldosterone after failing to inhibit ventricular remodeling to improve heart failure.