A taxonomic study of the Platydracus brachycerus group with descriptions of three new species from China (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Staphylininae).

We here propose a species group within the genus Platydracus, the brachycerus group, that is very likely associated with termites and includes three known species: Platydracus brachycerus Smetana & Davies, 2000; Platydracus juang Smetana, 2005; and Platydracus donnyi Rougemont, 2015. We also describe three new species belonging to this group, all from China: P. smetanai sp. n. (Zhejiang, Anhui, Hunan, Guangxi), P. gracilis sp. n. (Guangxi) and P. paragracilis sp. n. (Yunnan). Platydracus juang is newly recorded from Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong and Hainan provinces. A key to species of the Platydracus brachycerus group is provided.

Fecal gene detection based on next generation sequencing for colorectal cancer diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Given its insidious onset, the condition often already progresses to advanced stage when symptoms occur. Thus, early diagnosis is of great significance for timely clinical intervention, efficacy enhancement, and prognostic improvement. Featuring high throughput, fastness, and rich information, next generation sequencing (NGS) can greatly shorten the detection time, which is a widely used detection technique at present. AIM: To screen specific genes or gene combinations in fecal DNA that are suitable for diagnosis and prognostic prediction of CRC, and to establish a technological platform for CRC screening, diagnosis, and efficacy monitoring through fecal DNA detection. METHODS: NGS was used to sequence the stool DNA of patients with CRC, which were then compared with the genetic testing results of the stool samples of normal controls and patients with benign intestinal disease, as well as the tumor tissues of CRC patients. Specific genes or gene combinations in fecal DNA suitable for diagnosis and prognostic prediction of CRC were screened, and their significances in diagnosing CRC and predicting patients' prognosis were comprehensively evaluated. RESULTS: High mutation frequencies of TP53, APC, and KRAS were detected in the stools and tumor tissues of CRC patients prior to surgery. Contrastively, no pathogenic mutations of the above three genes were noted in the postoperative stools, the normal controls, or the benign intestinal disease group. This indicates that tumor-specific DNA was detectable in the preoperative stools of CRC patients. The preoperative fecal expression of tumor-associated genes can reflect the gene mutations in tumor tissues to some extent. Compared to the postoperative stools and the stools in the two control groups, the pathogenic mutation frequencies of TP53 and KRAS were significantly higher for the preoperative stools (χ 2 = 7.328, P < 0.05; χ 2 = 4.219, P < 0.05), suggesting that fecal TP53 and KRAS genes can be used for CRC screening, diagnosis, and prognostic prediction. No significant difference in the pathogenic mutation frequency of the APC gene was found from the postoperative stools or the two control groups (χ 2 = 0.878, P > 0.05), so further analysis with larger sample size is required. Among CRC patients, the pathogenic mutation sites of TP53 occurred in 16 of 27 preoperative stools, with a true positive rate of 59.26%, while the pathogenic mutation sites of KRAS occurred in 10 stools, with a true positive rate of 37.04%. The sensitivity and negative predictive values of the combined genetic testing of TP53 and KRAS were 66.67% (18/27) and 68.97%, respectively, both of which were higher than those of TP53 or KRAS mutation detection alone, suggesting that the combined genetic testing can improve the CRC detection rate. The mutation sites TP53 exon 4 A84G and EGFR exon 20 I821T (mutation start and stop positions were both 7579436 for the former, while 55249164 for the latter) were found in the preoperative stools and tumor tissues. These "undetected" mutation sites may be new types of mutations occurring during the CRC carcinogenesis and progression, which needs to be confirmed through further research. Some mutations of "unknown clinical significance" were found in such genes as TP53, PTEN, KRAS, BRAF, AKT1, and PIK3CA, whose clinical values is worthy of further exploration. CONCLUSION: NGS-based fecal genetic testing can be used as a complementary technique for the CRC diagnosis. Fecal TP53 and KRAS can be used as specific genes for the screening, diagnosis, prognostic prediction, and recurrence monitoring of CRC. Moreover, the combined testing of TP53 and KRAS genes can improve the CRC detection rate.

C16, a novel sinomenine derivatives, promoted macrophage reprogramming toward M2-like phenotype and protected mice from endotoxemia.

Macrophage plays a critical part in host defense, tissue repair, and anti-inflammation; Macrophage reprogramming is responsible for disease development or regression. We aimed to clarify the effect of sinomenine-4-hydroxy-palmitate (C16), on macrophage reprogramming and anti-inflammatory in endotoxemia model. According to a structure modification of SIN (Sinomenine), C16 was found. Then, based on the endotoxin model, the mice liver and kidney toxicity was evaluated and serum cytokines level of IL-6 (Interleukin-6), TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-α), and IL-1ß (Interleukin-1ß) were measured by ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). Then, we confirmed the effect of C16 on macrophages reprogramming, we used the flow cytometry to test the effect of C16 on macrophages apoptosis in vitro. Then, iNOS (Inducible nitric oxide synthase), M1-type related cytokines, such as IL-1ß, TNF-α, and M2-type related cytokines, such as Arg-1 (Arginase-1), CD206, Fizz1, and Ym1 was detected, which expressed in ANA-1 and primary peritoneal macrophages. To further explore the molecular mechanism of C16 in reprogramming of macrophages from M1 toward M2 phenotype, the expression of STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of Transcription 1), STAT3, ERK1/2 (extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2), AKT, p38, and its corresponding phosphorylation were determined by western blot. Our results demonstrated that C16 improved the survival rate of LPS- (lipopolysaccharide) challenged mice and decreased the inflammatory cytokines expression; After C16 treatment, the expression of M1 phenotype correlation factors decreased significantly, while the expression of M2 phenotype correlation factors increased significantly at different levels compared with normal group. It indicated that C16 reprogram macrophages phenotype from M1 toward M2 following LPS stimulus. Furthermore, the results also showed that C16 showed anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting LPS-induced p38, AKT and STAT1 phosphorylation and contributing ERK1/2 activation. C16 promoted macrophage reprogramming toward M2-like phenotype via p-p38/p-AKT or STAT1 signals pathway and C16 might be a valid candidate for inflammatory disease.

Wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) for precompetition nervous syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Precompetition nervous syndrome comprises an excessive nervous and anxiety response to the high-pressure environment preceding a sporting competition. The use of acupuncture as a treatment option for anxiety, and wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) specifically in this instance, has been identified as a growing trend within the Western world. In our previous study, we have confirmed the efficacy of WAA for pre-examination anxiety. In this paper, we present a randomized controlled single-blind trial evaluating the use of WAA for precompetition nervous syndrome, comparing it with the intervention of sham acupuncture. METHODS/DESIGN: The study was designed as a randomized controlled single-blind trial to evaluate the effects of WAA for precompetition anxiety. The trial will be conducted in annual track and field events of Shanghai University of Sport. A total of 100 participants who meet inclusion criteria are randomly assigned by computerized randomization to receive WAA therapy or sham acupuncture. The group allocations and interventions are concealed to participants and statisticians. The Competition State Anxiety Scale (CSAI-2) is used as the primary outcome measure, while heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory frequency, tension syndrome curative effect evaluation and participants' feeling of acupuncture questionnaire are applied as secondary outcome measures. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will confirm whether WAA is effective to treat precompetition anxiety in annual track and field events. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-13003931; registration date: 22 October 2013).

[The pathogenesis of CD4(+)T cells infiltrated into the spinal cord in rat SNL model].

AIM: To explore the infiltration pathogenesis of CD4(+);T cells following the spinal nerve ligation. METHODS: Healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into the spinal nerve ligation group (Tx), sham operation group (S), control group (C). the 50& mechanical paw withdrawal threshold ( 50&MWT ) was determined by up-down method; CD4(+);T cells infiltration was assessed by FACS; the mRNA levels of CCL2, CCL5 and CXCL10 were quantitated by RT-qPCR; serum cytokines were tested by ELISA kits. RESULTS: After 3 days since operation, 50&MWT of Tx group was significantly reduced (P<0.01) comparing with S group, C group; on day 14, 50&MWT was up to the minimum value; whereas S group and C group were no difference (P>0.05). After 7 days since operation, CD4(+);T cells infiltration into lumbar segments of the spinal cord in the Tx group increased significantly (P<0.01), and the CCL2, CCL5mRNA expression increased (P<0.05); on day 14, the CD4(+);T cells infiltration in Tx group was higher than S group, C group; but there was no statistical significance. On day 7 and 14 days, serum levels of cytokines were no difference in the three groups. CONCLUSION: Following spinal nerve ligation, high expression of chemokine promoted peripheral CD4(+);T cells to infiltrate into spinal cord; and the infiltrated CD4(+);T cells maintained the neuropathic pain.

[Functional study of transcription factor Hlx modified dendritic cell line DC2.4].

AIM: To transfect Hlx into mouse dendritic cell line DC2.4 and observe the effect of hlx on function of dendritic cells. METHODS: The eukaryotic expression vector PIRES2-EGFP/Hlx was transfected into DC2.4 by liposomes. The transfection efficiency was identified through FACS. RT-PCR and Real-time PCR were used to test the transcription level of Hlx in DC2.4. Forty-eight hours after transfection, DC2.4 cells were studied for cytokine production, cell phenotype, phagocytosis, unilateral mixed lymphocyte reaction. RESULTS: The pIRES2-EGFP/Hlx vector was transfected into DC2.4 with the transfection efficiency of up to 60%. Highly expressed Hlx in DC2.4 increased the expression of maturation makers including CD80 and CD86, and major histocompatibility complex-II. Functional assay showed that over-expression of Hlx in DC2.4 increased the interleukin-12 transcription and decreased DC endocytosis. The Hlx modified DC2.4 highly expressed IL-10 and TGF-ß at the same time. Furthermore, it was shown that in a unilateral mixed lymphocyte reaction model, Hlx modified DC2.4 inhibited proliferation of lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: Transient over-expression of Hlx in DC2.4 promotes DC2.4 maturation and up-regulates IL-12, IL-10 and TGF-ß expression. However, the Hlx modified DC2.4 cells functionally appear as regulatory dendritic cells.

[The expression, identification of human HMGB1 B box and preparation of monoclonal antibodies against HMGB1 B box].

AIM: To express human HMGB1 B box protein and obtain monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against HMGB1 B box for further study of the function of human HMGB1 protein. METHODS: pET28-HMGB1 B box plasmid transfected the DH5α, then expressed. And the extracted protein was purified by protein purification system. BALB/c mice were immunized with recombinant human HMGB1 B box protein. Hybridoma cell lines secreting mAb against human HMGB1 B box protein were screened by ELISA and subcloning approach. The characteristics of these mAbs were identified by ELISA and Western blot. RESULTS: Two hybridoma cell lines (1D2F4E3 and 2D4E3A2) stable secreting specific mAbs were successfully obtained.Western blot exhitited the two mAbs binded specifically to human HMGB1 B box protein. The immunoglobulin (Ig) class of two mAbs belonged to IgG, their titers were 1×10(6);, and the A(450); of mAb1D2F4E3, 2D4E3A2 were 0.324±0.093, 0.296±0.085, respectively. CONCLUSION: Two of high specificity mAbs against human HMGB1 B box protein have been successfully prepared, which laid the foundation for further study of biological function of human HMGB1 protein.

Diacetonitrile-(3-{2-[8-(2-bromo-eth-oxy)-9,10-dioxoanthracen-1-yl-oxy]eth-yl}-1-(2-pyridyl-meth-yl)imidazolium)silver(I) bis-(hexa-fluorido-phosphate).

The title compound, [Ag(C(27)H(23)BrN(3)O(4))(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2), is a mononuclear salt species in which the silver(I) atom is coordinated by one ligand and two acetonitrile mol-ecules and exhibits a distorted T-shaped coordination. The asymmetric unit contains one independent cation and two independent hexa-fluorido-phosphate anions, one of which is disordered over two positions in a 0.756 (11):0.244 (11) ratio. Weak π-π inter-actions between the anthraquinone ring systems [centroid-centroid distance = 3.676 (3) Å], inter-molecular Ag-π inter-actions [Cg⋯Ag = 3.405 Å] and C-H⋯π inter-actions between pairs of adjacent mol-ecules are observed.

[Effect of total saponins of Rubus parviflolius (TSRP) on change of hydrated amount and blood-brain barrier in rats during focal cerebral ischemic/reperfusion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of total saponins of Rubus parviflolius (TSRP) on brain edema and blood brain barrier in rats. METHOD: The model of local cerebral ischemia was established in rats by reversible inserting a nylon thread into the anterior cerebral artery through the internal carotid artery brain hydrated amount and content change of Evan' s blue (EB) in cortex subjected to 2h middle cererbral artery occlusion (MACO) followed by 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h reperfusion and effect of TSRP. penetrability of blood brain-barrier (BBB) the index includes brain hydrated amount and penetrability of blood brain-barrier BBB. RESULT: Com- pared with I/R group. Both brain hydrated amount and the EB content decreased significantly in TSRP groups on the 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h of reperfusion after 2 hour of cerebral ischemia induced by MACO model. CONCLUSION: TSRP could decrease brain hydrated amount and markedly lower permeability of blood-brain barrier subjected to 2 h MACO followed by 24 h reperfusion, and this may be a mechanism of TSRP alleviating brain edema during I/R.