Overexpression of miR-195-5p reduces osteoporosis through activating BMP-2/SMAD/Akt/RUNX2 pathway via targeting SMURF1.

Osteoporosis (OP) is among the most common frequent chronic metabolic bone diseases in postmenopausal women. Here, the effect and underlying mechanisms of miR-195-5p in OP were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, the microgravity (MG) environment was simulated in MC3T3-E1 cells, and miR-195-5p overexpression or SMURF1 knockdown model was constructed to test their effects on the proliferation, apoptosis and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, an OVX mouse model was constructed in vivo, and adenovirus-loaded miR-195-5p mimics were administered to the mice to overexpress miR-195-5p. HE staining and µCT were adopted to observe pathological changes of femur. The targeted relationship between miR-195-5p and SMURF1 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) experiment. The results indicated that miR-195-5p was down-regulated in the head of femur of OP mouse model and MC3T3-E1 cells subjected to MG microenvironment. In addition, overexpression of miR-195-5p promoted MC3T3-E1 cell osteogenic differentiation and inhibited apoptosis. Mechanistically, SMURF1 is identified as a target of miR-195-5p, and overexpressing miR-195-5p activates the BMP-2/SMAD/Akt/RUNX2 signal by inhibiting the SMURF1 expression. Moreover, SMURF1 downregulation accelerated the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and attenuated MG-mediated apoptosis. In addition, upregulating miR-195-5p reduced osteoporosis in the OVX mouse model, accompanied with SMURF1 downregulation and BMP-2/SMAD/Akt/RUNX2 pathway activation. Collectively, miR-195-5p enhances osteogenic differentiation of osteoclast and relieve OP progression in the mouse model through activation of the BMP-2/SMAD/Akt/RUNX2 axis by targeting SMURF1.

The impact of TRAIL on proliferation of secretory prostate cancer PC-3 cell and LMO2 gene expression.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expressions of TRAIL protein and LMO2 gene in prostate cancer tissues with different differentiation degree and identify the influence of TRAIL on prostate cancer PC-3 cell proliferation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Surgical specimens from a total of 30 prostate cancer patients with radical prostatectomy were collected. The subjects were divided into three groups according to the different degrees of differentiation. TRAIL positive rate was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). LMO2 expression was assessed by Real-time PCR and Western-blot. PC-3 cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8 assay. RESULTS: The positive rate of TRAIL protein was significantly higher in moderately differentiated group (80%) and well differentiated group (100%) compared with that in poorly differentiated group (54.55%), respectively (χ2 = 27.33, p < 0.05; χ2 = 40.12, p < 0.01). Streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) assay showed that TRAIL protein expression in well-differentiated group was significantly higher than that in moderately differentiated group and poorly differentiated group. qRT-PCR result demonstrated that LMO2 mRNA levels in moderately and well-differentiated group were significantly increased compared to that in poorly differentiated group (p < 0.001). Also, the proliferation rate of PC-3 cells in well-differentiated group was significantly higher than that in well-differentiated and moderately differentiated groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that the positive rate of TRAIL protein increased in a prostate cancer differentiation dependent manner.

Dynamics and universal scaling law in geometrically-controlled sessile drop evaporation.

The evaporation of a liquid drop on a solid substrate is a remarkably common phenomenon. Yet, the complexity of the underlying mechanisms has constrained previous studies to spherically symmetric configurations. Here we investigate well-defined, non-spherical evaporating drops of pure liquids and binary mixtures. We deduce a universal scaling law for the evaporation rate valid for any shape and demonstrate that more curved regions lead to preferential localized depositions in particle-laden drops. Furthermore, geometry induces well-defined flow structures within the drop that change according to the driving mechanism. In the case of binary mixtures, geometry dictates the spatial segregation of the more volatile component as it is depleted. Our results suggest that the drop geometry can be exploited to prescribe the particle deposition and evaporative dynamics of pure drops and the mixing characteristics of multicomponent drops, which may be of interest to a wide range of industrial and scientific applications.

Diversity of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genes in Drung Chinese.

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes are variably distributed among populations from distinct geographic areas and ethnic origins. We describe, for the first time, KIR gene diversity in 152 unrelated and healthy Drung individuals, as measured by sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction. All 16 known KIR genes were detected. Of these, the framework genes KIR2DL4, 3DL2, 3DL3, and 3DP1 were present in all individuals as expected, along with the non-framework genes KIR2DL1, 2DL3, and 2DP1. In contrast, KIR2DL2, 2DS2, and 2DS5 were unusually rare, suggesting that KIR gene distribution was relatively concentrated. Ten different KIR genotypes were found, of which the most common consisted of nine genes (KIR2DL1, 2DL3, 2DL4, 2DS4, 3DL1, 3DL2, 3DL3, 2DP1, and 3DP1) and accounted for 66.4% of participants. There were eight different haplotypes present, of which the A haplotype was the most common (81.9%). Principal components and dendrogram analysis confirmed that the Drung Chinese are most closely related to the Japanese, the Zhejiang Han, and the Yunnan Han. In conclusion, distinctive frequencies of KIR genes, haplotypes, and genotypes are observed in Chinese Drung.

Hybrid algorithms for fuzzy reverse supply chain network design.

In consideration of capacity constraints, fuzzy defect ratio, and fuzzy transport loss ratio, this paper attempted to establish an optimized decision model for production planning and distribution of a multiphase, multiproduct reverse supply chain, which addresses defects returned to original manufacturers, and in addition, develops hybrid algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization-Genetic Algorithm (PSO-GA), Genetic Algorithm-Simulated Annealing (GA-SA), and Particle Swarm Optimization-Simulated Annealing (PSO-SA) for solving the optimized model. During a case study of a multi-phase, multi-product reverse supply chain network, this paper explained the suitability of the optimized decision model and the applicability of the algorithms. Finally, the hybrid algorithms showed excellent solving capability when compared with original GA and PSO methods.

Designing a multistage supply chain in cross-stage reverse logistics environments: application of particle swarm optimization algorithms.

This study designed a cross-stage reverse logistics course for defective products so that damaged products generated in downstream partners can be directly returned to upstream partners throughout the stages of a supply chain for rework and maintenance. To solve this reverse supply chain design problem, an optimal cross-stage reverse logistics mathematical model was developed. In addition, we developed a genetic algorithm (GA) and three particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms: the inertia weight method (PSOA_IWM), V(Max) method (PSOA_VMM), and constriction factor method (PSOA_CFM), which we employed to find solutions to support this mathematical model. Finally, a real case and five simulative cases with different scopes were used to compare the execution times, convergence times, and objective function values of the four algorithms used to validate the model proposed in this study. Regarding system execution time, the GA consumed more time than the other three PSOs did. Regarding objective function value, the GA, PSOA_IWM, and PSOA_CFM could obtain a lower convergence value than PSOA_VMM could. Finally, PSOA_IWM demonstrated a faster convergence speed than PSOA_VMM, PSOA_CFM, and the GA did.

Plasma resistin, associated with single nucleotide polymorphism -420, is correlated with C-reactive protein in Chinese Han patients with spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage.

We examined a possible relationship -420C>G SNP of the resistin gene with plasma resistin and C-reactive protein concentrations in intracerebral hemorrhage. Three hundred and forty-four Chinese Han patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and 344 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in our study. Plasma resistin and C-reactive concentrations were measured and SNP -420C>G was genotyped. The genotype frequencies in controls and patients were not significantly different (P = 0.672). Plasma resistin and C-reactive protein levels were significantly different between the SNP -420C>G genotypes, even after adjustment for age, gender and body mass index. The common homozygote (C-C) had the lowest resistin and C-reactive protein plasma concentrations; the plasma resistin and C-reactive protein concentrations in the heterozygote (C-G) and the rare allele homozygote (G-G) did not differ significantly. Plasma resistin levels were significantly associated with plasma C-reactive protein level. We conclude that SNP -420C>G of the resistin gene could be involved in the inflammatory component of intracerebral hemorrhage through enhanced production of resistin.

Dietary L-arginine supplementation alleviates immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide in weaned pigs.

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of L-arginine (Arg) on performance and immune function in cyclophosphamide (CY) immunosuppressed weaned pigs. The weaned pigs were allotted randomly into one of three treatments, including: (1) non-challenged control; (2) CY-challenged group; and (3) CY + 0.5% Arg. On days 14 and 21 of the trial, pigs were injected with CY or sterile saline. Blood samples were obtained on days 21 and 28 of the trial for further analysis. On day 28, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction was evaluated. Arg alleviated the decrease of average daily gain (P < 0.05) induced by CY challenge from days 21 to 28. Arg mitigated the CY-induced decrease of total white blood cell numbers (P < 0.05) on day 28 and improved the lymphocyte percentage on day 21 (P < 0.05). Arg increased the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (P < 0.05), and attenuated the decrease of bovine serum albumin antibody level caused by CY treatment (P < 0.05) on day 28. In addition, Arg elevated the levels of serum interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma (P < 0.05) on day 28, and mitigated the decrease of serum interferon-gamma level on day 21 (P < 0.05). These results indicate that Arg supplementation has beneficial effects in attenuating the immunosuppressive effects of CY challenge, therefore improving growth performance of young pigs.

[Determination of jujubaside A in semen ziziphi spinosae by RP-HPLC].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new method for the determination of Jujubaside A in Semen Ziziphi Spinosae. METHOD: A RP-HPLC method was set up, using Hypersil-18 column, acetonitrile: water(30:70) as mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.8 ml.min-1. RESULT: The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.076-0.456 mg. The average recovery was 93.5%. CONCLUSION: The method is appropriate for the determination of Jujubaside A.

Antibody-mediated neutralization of human rhinovirus 14 explored by means of cryoelectron microscopy and X-ray crystallography of virus-Fab complexes.

The structures of three different human rhinovirus 14 (HRV14)-Fab complexes have been explored with X-ray crystallography and cryoelectron microscopy procedures. All three antibodies bind to the NIm-IA site of HRV14, which is the beta-B-beta-C loop of the viral capsid protein VP1. Two antibodies, Fab17-IA (Fab17) and Fab12-IA (Fab12), bind bivalently to the virion surface and strongly neutralize viral infectivity whereas Fab1-IA (Fab1) strongly aggregates and weakly neutralizes virions. The structures of the two classes of virion-Fab complexes clearly differ and correlate with observed binding neutralization differences. Fab17 and Fab12 bind in essentially identical, tangential orientations to the viral surface, which favors bidentate binding over icosahedral twofold axes. Fab1 binds in a more radial orientation that makes bidentate binding unlikely. Although the binding orientations of these two antibody groups differ, nearly identical charge interactions occur at all paratope-epitope interfaces. Nucleotide sequence comparisons suggest that Fab17 and Fab12 are from the same progenitor cell and that some of the differing residues contact the south wall of the receptor binding canyon that encircles each of the icosahedral fivefold vertices. All of the antibodies contact a significant proportion of the canyon region and directly overlap much of the receptor (intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1]) binding site. Fab1, however, does not contact the same residues on the upper south wall (the side facing away from fivefold axes) at the receptor binding region as do Fab12 and Fab17. All three antibodies cause some stabilization of HRV14 against pH-induced inactivation; thus, stabilization may be mediated by invariant contacts with the canyon.

Studies on dammarane-type saponins in the flower-buds of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer.

From the dried flower-buds of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, a new minor dammarane-type triterpene saponin named ginsenoside III together with nine known saponins was isolated. On the basis of spectral and chemical evidence, the structure of the new saponin was elucidated as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-beta- D-glucopyranosyl-3 beta,12 beta,20(S)-trihydroxy-dammar-25-en-24-one.

[Study on the immune state of patients with laryngeal carcinoma].

The authors have carried out the immunoassay on 68 patients with laryngeal carcinoma in order to investigate the relationship between the occurrence and development of the tumour and the body immune state by using the methods of R1D, APAAP and LDH. The results showed that, in comparison with the normal group, CD3+, CD4+ cell and NK cell activity were much lower (P < 0.01), CD8+ cell slightly increased (P > 0.05). IgG, IgA and IgM were also lower (P < 0.05). It indicates that the lower level of cellular immunity, the descent of the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ and the condition which suppresses the body immune system are the interior factors which make the laryngeal carcinoma happening and developing easily. With the development of tumor, the increase of various suppressor factors and the immune system suppressed further the tumor can spread and shift much more easily.

The characterization and crystallization of a virally encoded Ustilago maydis KP4 toxin.

KP4 is a virally encoded and highly specific toxin that kills fungi closely related to the fungus Ustilago maydis. The toxin was purified and crystals were formed using ammonium sulfate as precipitant. The crystals belong to the space group P6(1)(5)22 and diffracted to approximately 2.2 A resolution. Circular dicroism spectroscopy suggests that the protein is predominantly comprised of beta-strands.

[Prognosis decision system for acute myocardial infarction].

Prognosis Decision System (PDS) is a program that analyzes the prognosis of AMI basing on the presented prognostic risk-factors after the onset of symptoms in patients with AMIs. The model is represented by using both pattern recognition and logical judgement. The forecast exact rate of PDS reached 90% by analysis of 100 retrospective cases and 125 prospective cases. It is useful in reduction of early case fatality rate and prevention of sudden death during convalescence.