Comparison of Characteristics and Differences in Early Immune Organ Development in Different Strains of Tianfu Broiler

To effectively develop and utilize high-quality Tianfu broilers, this study evaluated the morphological and structural characteristics of the immune organs of such broilers with different strains (HS1 and HS2) at different developmental stages and analyzed the distribution of mast cells by toluidine blue staining. Moreover, the localization and expression of immunoglobulin, complement C3, C4 and CD3 in immune organs were also detected. The results showed that although there was no significant difference in the development of immune organs in the HS1 and HS2, the number of lymphatic follicles and capsule thickness in the spleen and bursa of Fabricius in HS1 were greater than those in HS2. Additionally, the number of mast cells in the spleen of HS1 was greater at Day 1 and Day 21 and was significantly higher than that of HS2 (p<0.05); the number of mast cells in the bursa of Fabricius reached 9.17 on Day 7, which was significantly higher than that of HS2 (p<0.05). Moreover, the serum IgA and IgM levels in HS1 were higher than those in HS2 on Day 14 and 21 (p<0.05). In addition, the complement C3 content in HS1 was significantly or extremely significantly higher than that in HS2 on Days 1, 14 and 21 (p<0.01, p<0.05), respectively, but significantly lower than in HS2 on Day 7 (p<0.05). These results indicated that the disease resistance of the HS1 line was stronger than that of the HS2 line, which lays a foundation for future disease- resistance breeding of Tianfu broilers.(AU)

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet / Três primeiros registros de insetos-pau atacando plantas (Inseect: Phasmida) no Tibet

Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.(AU)

Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.(AU)

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet / Três primeiros registros de insetos-pau atacando plantas (Inseect: Phasmida) no Tibet

Abstract Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Resumo Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet / Três primeiros registros de insetos-pau atacando plantas (Inseect: Phasmida) no Tibet

Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet

Abstract Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Resumo Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet.

Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

THBS1 facilitates colorectal liver metastasis through enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

OBJECTIVE: Liver metastasis is one of the major causes of cancer-related death in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of this study was to identify specific molecules which are involved in colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we employed TMT (tandem mass tags)-labeling combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technology to do comparative analyses of proteomics between the primary tumor specimens derived from colorectal cancer patients with or without liver metastasis. Pathway enrichment analyses were performed using DAVID database. The crucial molecules were identified through protein-protein interaction network. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to analyze the expression of THBS1 (thrombospondin-1) in CRC tissues. Finally, transwell cell migration and invasion assays were performed to explore the roles of THBS1 in CRC cell migration and invasion. RESULTS: We found that the expression of 311 proteins was dysregulated in CRLM using quantitative proteomics. Among these proteins, we identified FN1, TIMP1, THBS1, POSTN and VCAN as five crucial proteins in CRLM by analysis in silico. IHC assay revealed that increased THBS1 expression was significantly correlated with liver metastasis as well as poor prognosis of CRC patients. GEO data analysis also suggests that upregulated mRNA level of THBS1 is also associated with shorter overall survival of CRC patients. Moreover, THBS1 depletion inhibited migration and invasion of CRC cells through attenuating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Co-expression analyses with TCGA data indicated that THBS1 is co-expressed with mesenchymal markers, including Vimentin, N-cadherin, Snail1 and Twist1 in CRC tissues. CONCLUSIONS: By collecting the omics data with functional studies, the present results reveal that THBS1 facilitates colorectal liver metastasis through promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition. This understanding of molecular roles of THBS1 in CRLM may be promising to develop targeted therapies to prolong survival in CRC patients.

Predictive factors for central lymph node and lateral cervical lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Central lymph node metastasis (LNM) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is common. But the association between primary tumor characteristics and specific features of metastatic lymph nodes in PTC has not been fully identified. Determining risk factors for LNM may help surgeons determine rational extent of lymph node dissection. METHODS: Data from 432 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with cervical lymph node dissection for PTC were retrospectively analyzed. The relationships between LNM to central compartment or lateral compartment and clinicopathologic factors were analyzed. Cox regression model was used to determine the risk factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: Central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) were found in 216 (50.0%) and 65 (15.0%) patients, respectively. In the multivariate analysis for CLNM, patients < 45 years of age (OR 2.037, 95% CI 1.388-2.988, P < 0.001), extrathyroidal invasion (OR: 2.144, 95% CI 0.824-5.457, P = 0.011), vascular invasion (OR 13.817, 95% CI 1.694-112.693, P = 0.014), LLNM (OR 2.851, 95% CI 1.196-6.797, P = 0.014) and TNM Stage III-IV (OR 465.307, 95% CI 113.903-1900.826, P < 0.001) were independent predictors for high prevalence of CLNM. In the multivariate analysis for LLNM, tumor size more than 1cm (OR 3.474, 95% CI 1.728-6.985, P < 0.001) and CLNM (OR 5.532, 95% CI 2.679-11.425, P < 0.001) were independent predictors for high prevalence of LLNM. Moreover, tumor with T3-T4 stage, extrathyroidal invasion and CLNM were the significant factors related to the RFS. CONCLUSION: For patients with pre-operative risk factors of LNM, an accurate preoperative evaluation of central compartment or lateral compartment is needed to find suspicious lymph nodes. And prophylactic lymph node dissection should be performed in patients with high risk of CLNM. Moreover, we suggest performing close follow-up for patients with high risk of RFS.

The glycosyltransferase ST6Gal-I is enriched in cancer stem-like cells in colorectal carcinoma and contributes to their chemo-resistance.

PURPOSE: Presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) contributes to tumor outgrowth, chemo-resistance and relapse in some cancers including colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The current characterization methods of CSCs in CRC only allows enrichment of CSCs but not their purification. Recent reports showed that ST6 beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6Gal-I) plays an essential role in protecting tumor cells against harsh environment like oxidative stress and nutrient deprivation. Therefore, whether ST6Gal-I may be highly expressed in CSCs or whether it may enhance resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapy deserves exploration. METHOD: ST6Gal-I levels were determined in CRC specimens, compared to paired normal colorectal tissue, and examined in CD133+ vs CD133- CRC cells, and CD44+ vs CD44- CRC cells. ST6Gal-I levels and their association with patient survival were examined. In vivo, 2 CRC cell lines Caco-2 and SW48 were transduced with two lentiviruses, one lentivirus carrying a green fluorescent protein reporter and a luciferase reporter under a cytomegalovirus promoter to allow tracing tumor cells by both fluorescence and luciferase activity, and one lentivirus carrying a nuclear red fluorescent protein under the control of ST6Gal-I promoter to allow separation of ST6Gal-I+ vs ST6Gal-I- CRC cells. Tumor sphere formation, resistance to fluorouracil-induced apoptosis, and frequency of tumor formation after serial adoptive transplantation were done on ST6Gal-I+ vs ST6Gal-I- CRC cells. RESULT: ST6Gal-I levels were significantly upregulated in clinically obtained CRC specimens, compared to paired normal colorectal tissue. Poorer patient survival was detected in ST6Gal-I-high CRC, compared to ST6Gal-I-low subjects. Higher levels of ST6Gal-I were detected in CD133+ CRC cells than CD133- CRC cells, and in CD44+ CRC cells than in CD44- CRC cells. Compared to ST6Gal-I- CRC cells, ST6Gal-I+ CRC cells generated significantly more tumor spheres in culture, were more resistant to fluorouracil-induced apoptosis likely through upregulating cell autophagy, and generated tumor more frequently after serial adoptive transplantation. CONCLUSION: ST6Gal-I may be highly expressed in the cancer stem-like cells in CRC and enhances cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy.

Continuous blood purification treatment for endotoxin-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome.

This study aimed to explore the effects of continuous blood purification (CBP) treatment in pigs affected with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A total of 12 healthy male pigs, weighing 12±1.8 kg, were randomly and equally assigned to the control and experimental groups. The ARDS pig model was prepared by intravenous injections of endotoxin (20 µg/kg). The control group was given conventional supportive therapy, while the experimental group was given continuous veno-venous hemofiltration therapy. During the treatment process, the variations in dynamic lung compliance, oxygenation index, hemodynamics, and urine volume per hour at different times (Baseline, 0, 2, 4, and 6 h) were recorded. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-10 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The histomorphological changes of the lung, heart, and kidney were visualized using a light microscope. The nuclear factor κB p65 protein content of the heart, lung, and kidney tissues was also detected using western blot. The experimental group outperformed the control group in both respiratory and hemodynamic events. CBP treatment cleared TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 partially from serum and BALF. The pathological examination of the heart, lung, and kidney tissues revealed that the injury was less severe in the experimental group. CBP treatment can improve the organ functions of pigs affected with endotoxin-induced ARDS and protect these organs to some extent.

Continuous blood purification treatment for endotoxin-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome

This study aimed to explore the effects of continuous blood purification (CBP) treatment in pigs affected with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A total of 12 healthy male pigs, weighing 12±1.8 kg, were randomly and equally assigned to the control and experimental groups. The ARDS pig model was prepared by intravenous injections of endotoxin (20 µg/kg). The control group was given conventional supportive therapy, while the experimental group was given continuous veno-venous hemofiltration therapy. During the treatment process, the variations in dynamic lung compliance, oxygenation index, hemodynamics, and urine volume per hour at different times (Baseline, 0, 2, 4, and 6 h) were recorded. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-10 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The histomorphological changes of the lung, heart, and kidney were visualized using a light microscope. The nuclear factor κB p65 protein content of the heart, lung, and kidney tissues was also detected using western blot. The experimental group outperformed the control group in both respiratory and hemodynamic events. CBP treatment cleared TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 partially from serum and BALF. The pathological examination of the heart, lung, and kidney tissues revealed that the injury was less severe in the experimental group. CBP treatment can improve the organ functions of pigs affected with endotoxin-induced ARDS and protect these organs to some extent.

Overexpression of a glycine-rich protein gene in Lablab purpureus improves abiotic stress tolerance.

Glycine-rich protein (GRP) is involved in the response to abiotic and biotic stresses in plants. A novel GRP gene in Lablab purpureus has been identified. The cDNA of LpGRP was obtained from an SSH library constructed with root tissues of L. purpureus MEIDOU 2012 by waterholding for 10 days. The function of LpGRP was also evaluated in Arabidopsis. The cDNA of LpGRP has 555 bp and encodes a 184-amino acid protein. LpGRP was induced by drought and improved tolerance to abiotic stress. In LpGRP overexpressing Arabidopsis, the tolerance of transgenic seedlings to drought and salt was improved, and transgenic seeds showed insensitivity to both ABA and NaCl. The insensitivity to ABA indicated that there was crosstalk between LpGRP and ABA-responsive genes. These results indicated that LpGRP is a drought-responsive gene that can increase the drought and salt tolerance of Arabidopsis seedlings overexpressing LpGRP.

Defective eyelid leading edge cell migration in C57BL/6-corneal opacity mice with an "eye open at birth" phenotype.

Development of the eyelid requires coordination of the cellular processes involved in proliferation, cell size alteration, migration, and cell death. C57BL/6J-corneal opacity (B6-Co) mice are mutant mice generated by the administration of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (100 mg/kg). They exhibit the eyelids open at birth phenotype, abnormal round cell shape from tightened F-actin bundles in leading edge keratinocytes at E16.5, and gradual corneal opacity with neovessels. The tip of the leading edge in B6-Co mice did not move forward, and demonstrated a sharp peak shape without obvious directionality. Analysis of the biological characteristics of B6-Co mice demonstrated that abnormal migration of keratinocytes could affect eyelid development, but proliferation and apoptosis in B6-Co mice had no effect. Mutant gene mapping and sequence analysis demonstrated that in B6-Co mice, adenosine was inserted into the untranslated regions, between 3030 and 3031, in the mRNA 3'-terminal of Fgf10. In addition, guanine 7112 was substituted by adenine in the Mtap1B mRNA, and an A2333T mutation was identified in Mtap1B. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that expression of the Hbegf gene was significantly down-regulated in the eyelids of B6- Co mice at E16.5, compared to B6 mice. However, the expression of Rock1, Map3k1, and Jnk1 genes did not show any significant changes. Abnormal keratinocyte migration and down-regulated expression of the Hbegf gene might be associated with impaired eyelid development in B6-Co mice.

Reversal of cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer stem cells by Taxus chinensis var.

Drug resistance in cells is a major impedance to successful treatment of lung cancer. Taxus chinensis var. inhibits the growth of tumor cells and promotes the synthesis of interleukins 1 and 2 and tumor necrosis factor, enhancing immune function. In this study, T. chinensis var.-induced cell death was analyzed in lung cancer cells (H460) enriched for stem cell growth in a defined serum-free medium. Taxus-treated stem cells were also analyzed for Rhodamine 123 (Rh-123) expression by flow cytometry, and used as a standard functional indicator of MDR. The molecular basis of T. chinensis var.-mediated drug resistance was established by real-time PCR analysis of ABCC1, ABCB1, and lung resistance-related protein (LRP) mRNA, and western blot analysis of MRP1, MDR1, and LRP. Our results revealed that stem cells treated with higher doses of T. chinensis var. showed significantly lower growth inhibition rates than did H460 cells (P < 0.05). The growth of stem and H460 cells treated with a combination of T. chinensis var. and cisplatin was also significantly inhibited (P < 0.05). Rh-123 was significantly accumulated in the intracellular region and showed delayed efflux in stem cells treated with T. chinensis var. (P < 0.05), compared to those treated with verapamil. T. chinensis var.-treated stem cells showed significant downregulation of the ABCC1, ABCB1, and LRP mRNA and MRP1, MDR1, and LRP (P < 0.05) compared to H460 cells. Thus, T. chinensis var.-mediated downregulation of MRP1, MDR1, and LRP might contribute to the reversal of drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer stem cells.

Prevalence of and factors associated with frailty and disability in older adults from China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The severe burden imposed by frailty and disability in old age is a major challenge for healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries alike. The current study aimed to provide estimates of the prevalence of frailty and disability in older adult populations and to examine their relationship with socioeconomic factors in six countries. METHODS: Focusing on adults aged 50+ years, a frailty index was constructed as the proportion of deficits in 40 variables, and disability was assessed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), as part of the Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 1 in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa. RESULTS: This study included a total of 34,123 respondents. China had the lowest percentages of older adults with frailty (13.1%) and with disability (69.6%), whereas India had the highest percentages (55.5% and 93.3%, respectively). Both frailty and disability increased with age for all countries, and were more frequent in women, although the sex gap varied across countries. Lower levels of both frailty and disability were observed at higher levels of education and wealth. Both education and income were protective factors for frailty and disability in China, India and Russia, whereas only income was protective in Mexico, and only education in South Africa. CONCLUSIONS: Age-related frailty and disability are increasing concerns for older adult populations in low- and middle-income countries. The results indicate that lower levels of frailty and disability can be achieved for older people, and the study highlights the need for targeted preventive approaches and support programs.

Expression of BAFF and BR3 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the expression of B cell activating factor (BAFF) and BAFF receptor in patients with disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Real-time RT-PCR was used to examine BAFF mRNA expression in peripheral blood monocytes of active and stable SLE patients and healthy controls. The percentage of BAFF receptor 3 (BR3) on B lymphocytes was measured by flow cytometry. Soluble BAFF levels in serum were assayed by ELISA. Microalbumin levels were assayed by an automatic immune analysis machine. BAFF mRNA and soluble BAFF levels were highest in the active SLE group, followed by the stable SLE group, and controls (P<0.01). The percentage of BR3 on B lymphocytes was downregulated in the active SLE group compared with the stable SLE group and controls (P<0.01). BAFF mRNA levels and soluble BAFF levels were higher in patients who were positive for proteinuria than in those who were negative (P<0.01). The percentage of BR3 on B lymphocytes was lower in patients who were positive for proteinuria than in those who were negative (P<0.01). The BAFF/BR3 axis may be over-activated in SLE patients. BAFF and BR3 levels may be useful parameters for evaluating treatment.

Cardioprotection against experimental myocardial ischemic injury using cornin.

Phosphorylated-cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (Phospho-CREB) has an important role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia. We isolated the iridoid glycoside cornin from the fruit of Verbena officinalis L, investigated its effects against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury in vivo, and elucidated its potential mechanism in vitro. Effects of cornin on cell viability, as well as expression of phospho-CREB and phospho-Akt in hypoxic H9c2 cells in vitro, and myocardial I/R injury in vivo, were investigated. Cornin attenuated hypoxia-induced cytotoxicity significantly in H9c2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment of H9c2 cells with cornin (10 µM) blocked the reduction of expression of phospho-CREB and phospho-Akt in a hypoxic condition. Treatment of rats with cornin (30 mg/kg, iv) protected them from myocardial I/R injury as indicated by a decrease in infarct volume, improvement in hemodynamics, and reduction of severity of myocardial damage. Cornin treatment also attenuated the reduction of expression of phospho-CREB and phospho-Akt in ischemic myocardial tissue. These data suggest that cornin exerts protective effects due to an increase in expression of phospho-CREB and phospho-Akt.

Expression of BAFF and BR3 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the expression of B cell activating factor (BAFF) and BAFF receptor in patients with disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Real-time RT-PCR was used to examine BAFF mRNA expression in peripheral blood monocytes of active and stable SLE patients and healthy controls. The percentage of BAFF receptor 3 (BR3) on B lymphocytes was measured by flow cytometry. Soluble BAFF levels in serum were assayed by ELISA. Microalbumin levels were assayed by an automatic immune analysis machine. BAFF mRNA and soluble BAFF levels were highest in the active SLE group, followed by the stable SLE group, and controls (P<0.01). The percentage of BR3 on B lymphocytes was downregulated in the active SLE group compared with the stable SLE group and controls (P<0.01). BAFF mRNA levels and soluble BAFF levels were higher in patients who were positive for proteinuria than in those who were negative (P<0.01). The percentage of BR3 on B lymphocytes was lower in patients who were positive for proteinuria than in those who were negative (P<0.01). The BAFF/BR3 axis may be over-activated in SLE patients. BAFF and BR3 levels may be useful parameters for evaluating treatment.

Effect of Heat Stress on the Expression of GABA Receptor mRNA in the HPG Axis of Wenchang Chickens

We investigated the effect of heat stress (HS) on the expression of the GABA receptor in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis of Wenchang chickens. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify the GABA receptor mRNA levels along the HPG axis of chickens under HS (40±0.5 °C) for 1-6 weeks. Our results showed that the expression of GABAA and GABAB receptor at the mRNAs levels in the tissues of HPG axis exhibited fluctuation and variability. After HS, the mRNA level of GABAA receptor was significantly reduced in the hypothalamus of 1-week-old and in the pituitary of 3-week-old chickens, but significantly increased in the pituitary of 1-, 4-, and 5-week-old chickens. The GABAB receptor mRNA level significantly declined in the hypothalamus of 1-week-old and in the pituitary of 3-week-old chickens, but was significantly upregulated in the pituitary and testis of 1- and 2-week-old chickens. At other time points, the expressions of GABAA receptor and GABAB receptor showed no significant differences compared with control group. These results indicated that the levels of GABAA receptor and GABAB receptor mRNAs varied in different tissues of the HPG axis in chickens of different ages, displaying temporal and spatial variations. GABA receptor behaved as a positively-regulated gene by HS, i.e., its mRNA was increased by HS; similarly, it was a negatively-regulated gene by HS, when its expression was reduced by HS.

Effect of Heat Stress on the Expression of GABA Receptor mRNA in the HPG Axis of Wenchang Chickens

We investigated the effect of heat stress (HS) on the expression of the GABA receptor in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis of Wenchang chickens. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify the GABA receptor mRNA levels along the HPG axis of chickens under HS (40±0.5 °C) for 1-6 weeks. Our results showed that the expression of GABAA and GABAB receptor at the mRNAs levels in the tissues of HPG axis exhibited fluctuation and variability. After HS, the mRNA level of GABAA receptor was significantly reduced in the hypothalamus of 1-week-old and in the pituitary of 3-week-old chickens, but significantly increased in the pituitary of 1-, 4-, and 5-week-old chickens. The GABAB receptor mRNA level significantly declined in the hypothalamus of 1-week-old and in the pituitary of 3-week-old chickens, but was significantly upregulated in the pituitary and testis of 1- and 2-week-old chickens. At other time points, the expressions of GABAA receptor and GABAB receptor showed no significant differences compared with control group. These results indicated that the levels of GABAA receptor and GABAB receptor mRNAs varied in different tissues of the HPG axis in chickens of different ages, displaying temporal and spatial variations. GABA receptor behaved as a positively-regulated gene by HS, i.e., its mRNA was increased by HS; similarly, it was a negatively-regulated gene by HS, when its expression was reduced by HS.(AU)