Investigating the nonlinear effect of ego depletion on safety compliance: The moderating role of rumination.

INTRODUCTION: A general view in previous research is that employees are reluctant to follow safe work procedures when confronting the shortage of self-control resources. However, this argument is constrained by the restricted view of ego depletion. To fill this gap, this study constructs the nonlinear relationship between ego depletion and safety compliance drawing from the perspective of dual-process theory. METHOD: Regression analysis and hierarchical linear model are used to test our hypothesis. RESULTS: By investigating 241 medical staffs, we find that the relationship between ego depletion and safety compliance is U-shaped. This U-shaped relationship is replicated through 221 daily data for 50 medical staffs. In addition, the U-shaped relationship between ego depletion and safety compliance can be enhanced by rumination. DISCUSSIONS: Findings of our study contribute to providing a nuanced explanation about the effect of ego depletion on safety compliance. Also, this study has important implications for High Reliability Organizations to motivate depleted employees to engage in safety compliance behaviors.

The prognostic roles of mRNAs of the exosomes derived from bone marrow stromal cells in common malignancies: a bioinformatic study.

BACKGROUND: The inclusion of exosomes enters the recipient cells by means of endocytosis or direct fusion for information exchange between cells and cells. The inclusion of BMSCs-exo helps to guide the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, especially cancer. PURPOSE: This research was to systematically elucidate the prognostic value of mRNAs of the exosomes derived from bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in common malignant neoplasms, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and gastric cancer. METHODS: Gene expression data (GSE78235) for the exosomes derived from BMSCs were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Firstly, the differentially expressed genes were detected by comparing the RNA expression from exosomes derived from BMSCs between four tumor patients and two healthy controls using the limma package. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis, including Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes of differentially expressed genes, was performed using the Functional Enrichment analysis tool (FunRich v3.1.3) software followed by the construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network via STRING v3.6.0. Molecular Complex Detection was used to screen the hub proteins by setting up the following threshold score ≥4 and nodes ≥10. Cytoscape v3.6.1 was used to for visualizing PPI network. Finally, Kaplan-Meier analysis for hub proteins was performed by Kaplan-Meier plotter online platform. RESULTS: A total of 386 genes originating from the exosomes derived from BMSCs were identifed as statistically signifcant (P < 0.05, FDR <0.05), which consisted of 150 upregulated genes and 236 downregulated genes. Also, 32 pathways were identifed as signifcant (P < 0.05, FDR < 0.05). The PPI network of exosomes derived from BMSC proteins included 100 protein nodes with 579 interaction edges. The hub proteins, including PODN, ZNF521, and CFI, which interacted with ten or more other proteins, were indicated as the hub proteins of PPN of exosomes derived from BMSCs. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our findings revealed the prognostic roles of mRNAs of exosomes derived from BMSCs and provided implications for targeted therapy for common malignant neoplasms. However, further studies require large samples and experimental verification.

High-risk behaviour and HIV infection risk among non-local men who have sex with men with less than a single year's residence in urban centres: a multicentre cross-sectional study from China.

OBJECTIVES: Traditionally, subjects' migration status has usually been defined on the basis of their registered residency status. We attempted to redefine migration based on the duration of residency in their cities of migration and to explore more precisely the impact of migration on HIV infection risk in men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: A multisite cross-sectional study was conducted during 2012-2013 in seven Chinese cities. Questionnaire surveys were conducted and blood was drawn to test for antibodies to HIV, syphilis and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). MSM who were unregistered local residents and had resided in their cities of migration for ≤1 or >1 year were defined as migrant MSM, or transitional MSM, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with transitional MSM and local MSM, migrant MSM had poorer HIV knowledge and higher rates of high-risk behaviour, including earlier sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, participation in commercial sex and recreational drug use. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HIV prevalence among migrant MSM was higher than local MSM (p<0.05). This relationship, however, did not hold for transitional MSM and local MSM (p>0.05). Male sex work, recreational drug use, syphilis infection and HSV-2 infection were independently associated with HIV infection among migrant MSM. CONCLUSIONS: Non-local MSM with shorter residence were at greater risk of HIV acquisition. More focus should be placed on HIV behavioural interventions targeting non-local MSM with temporary residence.

Effects of estradiol on naphthalene-induced telomerase activity and apoptosis of LEC in ovariectomized female rats / 眼科新进展

Objective To explore the effects of estradiol on the telomerase activity and apoptosis of lens epithelial cells and its mechanisms.Methods Fifty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n =10):ovariectomized group,estradiol group 1,estradiol group 2,estradiol group 3 and sham group.All rats were prepared for ovariectomized models except that of the sham group.After 2 weeks of the operation,rats in the 5 groups were given naphthalene solution through a stomach tube,and meanwhile,estradiol group 1,estradiol group 2,estradiol group 3 received estradiol valerate with the dose of 0.21 mg · kg-1 · d-1,0.42 mg · kg-1 · d-1 and 0.84 mg · kg-1 · d-1,accordingly,while rats in the ovariectomized group and sham group were given 9 g · L-1 Nacl by stomach perfusion with a dose of 0.42 mg · kg-1 ·d-1.Then,the opacity of the lens in each group was examined by a slit lamp microscope every week.After 12 weeks of naphthalene solution administration,all rats were sacririced and the serum estradiol concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay.Next,the lenses were taken out,and TERT mRNA expression of lens epithelial cells (LEC) was measured by RT-qPCR,and finally,the apoptotic rate was detected by TUNEL method.Results The opacity of lens in the ovariectomized group was different from that in the estradiol group 1,estradiol group 2,estradiol group 3 and sham group,with statistical significances (all P ＜ 0.05),and the opacity of lens in the estradiol group 1,2,3 and sham group were mild and occurred later.The serum estradiol concentration in the ovariectomized group (8.19 ± 1.45)ng · L-1 was significantly lower than that of estradiol groupl,2,3 and sham group,and there were significant differences (all P ＜ 0.05).Thc relative expression of TERT mRNA in LEC in the ovariectomized group (0.371 2-±0.056 4) was significantly lower than that in estradiol group 1,2,3,but the apoptotic rate of LEC (0.602 1 ±0.010 8) was obviously higher than that of estradiol group 1,2,3 in a dose-dependent manner,and there were significant differences (all P ＜ 0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed the relative expression of LEC TERT mRNA in rats was negatively correlated with the apoptosis rate(r =-0.859,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Estradiol can up-regulate TERT mRNA expression and enhance telomerase activity of LEC in naphthalene-induced ovariectomized female rats in a dose-dependent manner.Estradiol can inhibit the LEC apoptosis in naphthalene-induced ovariectomized female rats,and the mechanism may be related to the increase of telomerase activity in the LEC.

Treatment-seeking behaviour and barriers to service access for sexually transmitted diseases among men who have sex with men in China: a multicentre cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Delayed or inappropriate treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) increases the risk of HIV acquisition and may cause other harmful outcomes. However, studies on STD treatment-seeking behaviour and correlated factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) are scarce. This information is crucial for the promotion of STD treatment-seeking behaviour and reduction of HIV transmission among Chinese MSM. METHODS: During 2012-2013, a multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in 7 Chinese cities. Participants completed an interview-questionnaire and gave venous blood samples, which were then tested for antibodies to HIV, syphilis, and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). MSM who tested positive for syphilis/HSV-2 or had obvious STD-related symptoms within the last 12 months were defined as suspected STD-infected MSM. RESULTS: Of the 4 496 eligible MSM who completed this survey, 24.4% (1 096/4 496) were categorized as suspected STD-infected MSM. 35.7% (391/1 096) of these MSM with suspected STD infections sought STD treatment in clinics within the last 12 months. Among MSM who did not attend STD clinics for treatment, the prevalence of syphilis and HSV-2 was significantly higher; the HIV prevalence and incidence within this subpopulation reached as high as 14.5% and 12.2/100 person-years, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that having 7-12 years of education (vs. ≤6 years; aOR, 2.5; 95%CI, 1.0-6.1), ≥13 years of education (vs. ≤6 years: aOR, 2.8; 95%CI, 1.2-7.0), monthly income >500 USD (vs. ≤500 USD: aOR, 1.5; 95%CI, 1.1-2.1), obvious STD-related symptoms within last 12 months (aOR, 5.3; 95%CI, 3.7-7.5), being HIV infected (aOR, 1.7; 95%CI, 1.1-2.6), currently syphilis infected (aOR, 0.6; 95%CI, 0.4-0.9) and HSV-2 infected (aOR, 0.6; 95%CI, 0.5-0.9) were independent correlates with seeking STD treatment in clinics among Chinese MSM. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of STD infection coupled with a low proportion of individuals who exhibit appropriate treatment-seeking behaviour create a high risk of a growing HIV epidemic among Chinese MSM. Models that prioritize better screening for and education about STDs should be urgently implemented, especially among low-income MSM.

Prevalence and Determinants of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2)/Syphilis Co-Infection and HSV-2 Mono-Infection among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men: a Cross-Sectional Study in Northeast China.

This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)/syphilis co-infection and HSV-2 mono-infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 545 HIV-positive MSM in Shenyang between February 2009 and October 2014. Participants underwent physical examinations and serological tests for HSV-2 and syphilis. A multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors associated with HSV-2/syphilis co-infection and HSV-2 mono-infection. The prevalence of HSV-2 mono-infection, syphilis mono-infection, and HSV-2/syphilis co-infection (95% confidence interval) was 48.6% (44.4-52.8%), 34.3% (30.3-38.3%), and 22.9% (19.4-26.5%), respectively. After controlling within HSV-2/syphilis-seropositive cases, regression analysis revealed that the related factors for HSV-2/syphilis co-infection included age (25-50 vs. ≤ 24 years: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.55; > 50 vs. ≤ 24 years: aOR, 43.02), having regular female sexual partner(s) in the past 6 months (aOR, 0.43), and age at first MSM experience (≤ 18 vs. > 18 years: aOR, 2.59) (all P < 0.05). The high prevalence of HSV-2 mono infection and HSV-2/syphilis co-infection in HIV-positive MSM indicates a high secondary HIV transmission risk. A campaign for detection and treatment of HSV-2 and syphilis is urgently required for HIV-positive MSM in China.

Commercial sex and risk of HIV, syphilis, and herpes simplex virus-2 among men who have sex with men in six Chinese cities.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in China and globally. Engaging in commercial sex put them at even greater risk. This study estimated the prevalence of HIV/STIs among three subgroups of MSM: MSM who sold sex (MSM-selling), MSM who bought sex (MSM-buying), and non-commercial MSM (NC-MSM) and evaluated the relationship between commercial sex and HIV/STIs. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among MSM in six Chinese cities (Shenyang, Ji'nan, Changsha, Zhengzhou, Nanjing, and Kunming) from 2012 to 2013. Data on socio-demographics and sexual behaviors were collected. Serological tests were conducted to detect HIV, syphilis, and human simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). RESULTS: Of 3717 MSM, 6.8% were engaged in commercial sex. The overall prevalence of HIV, syphilis and HSV-2 infections was 11.1, 8.8 and 12.1%, respectively. MSM-selling had higher prevalence of HIV (13.4%), syphilis (12.1%) and HSV-2 (17.9%) than NC-MSM (10.9, 8.7 and 11.9% for HIV, syphilis and HSV-2, respectively), though the differences are not statistically significant. Among MSM-selling, HIV prevalence was significantly higher for those who found sex partners via Internet than those did not (19.4% vs. 8.1%, P = 0.04). Compared to NC-MSM, MSM-selling were more likely to use recreation drugs (59.3% vs. 26.3%), have unprotected anal intercourse (77.9% vs. 61.7%), and have ≥10 male sex partners (46.2% vs. 6.2%) in the past 6 months (each P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All three subgroups of MSM in six large Chinese cities have high prevalence of HIV/STIs. Those who sell sex only have a particularly high risk of acquiring and transmitting disease, and therefore, they should be considered as a priority group in HIV/STIs surveillance and intervention programs.

High HIV incidence epidemic among men who have sex with men in china: results from a multi-site cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Recent upsurge of new HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) is a major concern in China. Paucity of national-level information regarding the burden and predictors of this progressive epidemic of new infections called for a multi-centric, timely and comprehensive investigation. METHODS: Mixed methods were used to recruit MSM from seven cities in China between 2012 and 2013. Recent and established HIV infections were estimated by Western Blot and BED HIV-1 capture enzyme immunoassay. Syphilis and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) were also tested. RESULTS: A total of 4496 eligible MSM were recruited. The majority was aged ≤35 years (77.5 %), migrants (60.3 %), never married (69.8 %), and played receptive role in anal sex (70.5 %). The HIV prevalence was 9.9 %, and 41.9 % were recently infected, with sensitivity/specificity adjusted HIV incidence of 8.9 (95 % CI: 7.6-10.2)/100 Person-Years. The prevalence of history HSV-2 and syphilis were 12.5 % and 8.5 %, respectively. Recent HIV infection was associated with having multiple male partners (aOR = 1.4, 95 % CI 1.1-1.9), recreational drug use (aOR = 2.2, 95 % CI 1.6-3.0), anal bleeding (aOR = 2.1, 95 % CI 1.4-3.0), syphilis infection (aOR = 2.8, 95 % CI 1.9-4.3) and history HSV-2 infection (aOR = 2.3, 95 % CI 1.5-3.3). CONCLUSION: High rate of recent HIV infection is potentially resulting in progressive deterioration of the overall HIV epidemic among MSM in China. Targeted interventions to address high-risk MSM including those having multiple partners, history of recreational drug use and syphilis or HSV-2 infection seemed to be the need of the hour.

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii supernatant ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis by regulating Th17 cell differentiation.

AIM: To explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) supernatant on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis in mice. METHODS: Forty C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, model group, treatment group, and prevention group. Mice were weighed daily. On day 10, the colon length was measured, the colorectal histopathologic damage score (HDS) was assessed, and plasma interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-6, and IL-4 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of transcription factor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt) and IL-17A in colon inflammatory mucosa tissue were determined by immunohistochemical assay, and the expression levels of RORγt mRNA, IL-17A mRNA, and IL-6 mRNA were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The proportion of Th17 in mononuclear cells in spleen was assayed by fluorescence activated cell sorter. RESULTS: When compared with the model group, the colon length (P < 0.05) and body weight (P < 0.01) in the treatment and prevention groups were significantly increased, and the colon HDS was decreased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the treatment group and prevention group. After treatment with F. prausnitzii supernatant, the plasma levels of IL-17A and IL-6 (P < 0.05), the protein and mRNA expression of IL-17A and RORγt, and the Th17 cell ratio of spleen cells (P < 0.01) were significantly decreased compared to the model group. Plasma IL-4 level in the prevention group was significantly higher than that in the model group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between these two groups in the expression of IL-6 in both the plasma and colon mucosa tissues. CONCLUSION: F. prausnitzii supernatant exerts protective and therapeutic effects on DSS-induced colitis in mice, probably via inhibition of Th17 differentiation and IL-17A secretion in the plasma and colon mucosa tissues. It can also improve colitis in mice by downregulating IL-6 and prevent colitis by upregulating IL-4.

Internet-Based Sex-Seeking Behavior Promotes HIV Infection Risk: A 6-Year Serial Cross-Sectional Survey to MSM in Shenyang, China.

HIV prevalence is still rapidly increasing among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). The Internet also makes it easier for MSM to have casual partners. This study aims to evaluate the trend of Internet-based sex-seeking behavior of MSM and its impact on HIV prevalence, the distribution of HIV subtype strains, and transmitted drug resistance rates. A serial cross-sectional study was conducted from 2009 to 2014. Of the 1,981 MSM, 50.5% (1,000/1,981) mainly sought homosexual partners through the Internet (Internet-based MSM, IBM). The proportion of IBM among total MSM subjects increased from 43.3% to 61.5% (p < 0.001). HIV prevalence of IBM increased from 5.7% to 20.7%, while that of non-Internet-based MSM (NIBM) increased from 7.0% to 14.7%. A relative higher proportion of NIBM were infected with HIV CRF01_AE subtype than IBM (79.5% versus 72.2%, p = 0.52). Multivariable analysis found IBM had a significantly higher HIV prevalence than NIBM (13.2% versus 10.5%, aOR = 1.4, 95% CI [1.0-1.9]). Being a migrant non-Shenyang resident MSM (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.3-2.9]) and occasionally/never using condoms with casual homosexual partners (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.1-2.6]) were two distinct risk factors for HIV infection in IBM. More efforts should be targeted towards developing interventions aimed at IBM, particularly migrant MSM and who engage in UAI with casual homosexual partners.

Lumican overexpression exacerbates lipopolysaccharide-induced renal injury in mice.

The present study aimed to investigate the role of lumican in mice with endotoxin-induced acute renal failure (ARF). Lumican transgenic mice and wild­type mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 mg/kg) to establish a model of ARF. The mice were sacrificed at 24 h and the blood and renal tissue samples were collected. The value of serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured to determine renal function. An ELISA was used to determined the concentrations of renal cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin (IL)­6, IL­4 and IL­10. The protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor (TLR4) and nuclear factor (NF)κB in renal tissues were assessed using western blot analysis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase­mediated dUTP nick end labeling was performed to monitor apoptosis of renal tissue. Light microscopy and electron microscopy were used to observe structural changes in the renal tissues. Following the administration of LPS, the SCr and BUN values of mice in the lumican transgenic group were higher compared with those in the control group. The expression levels of renal TLR4, NFκB, TNFα, IL­6, IL­4 and IL­10 were upregulated in the lumican transgenic mice compared with those in the wild­type control group. Apoptosis was detected predominantly on the renal tubule. There was a significant difference in the optical density of apoptotic bodies between the control mice and the lumican transgenic mice. Light and electron microscopy demonstrated more severe renal tissue injury in the lumican transgenic mice compared with that in the control mice. In conclusion, LPS may cause excessive apoptosis in the renal tubular cells via the TLR4 signal transduction pathway, a decrease in the number of renal tubular cells and ARF. Lumican may be important in mice with LPS-induced ARF.

MicroRNA expression profiles in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: identification of a four-microRNA signature associated with patient survival.

Bladder cancer ranks the second most common genitourinary tract cancer, and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) accounts for approximately 25 % of all bladder cancer cases with high mortality. In the current study, with a total of 202 treatment-naïve primary MIBC patients identified from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, we comprehensively analyzed the genome-wide microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in MIBC, with the aim to investigate the relationship of miRNA expression with the progression and prognosis of MIBC, and generate a miRNA signature of prognostic capabilities. In the progression-related miRNA profiles, a total of 47, 16, 3, and 84 miRNAs were selected for pathologic T, N, M, and histologic grade, respectively. Of the eight most important progression-related miRNAs, four (let-7c, mir-125b-1, mir-193a, and mir-99a) were significantly associated with survival of patients with MIBC. Finally, a four-miRNA signature was generated and proven as a promising prognostic parameter. In summary, this study identified the specific miRNAs associated with the progression and aggressiveness of MIBC and a four-miRNA signature as a promising prognostic parameter of MIBC.

Flow Cytometry Method Analysis of Apoptosis: No Significant Difference Between EDTA and EDTA-free Trypsin Treatment Procedure.

Flow cytometry method (FCM) is a generally accepted tool to analyze apoptosis. Although apoptosis assay kit was applied by many companies, the manufacturers were not consistent with whether using Trypsin with EDTA to collect the adherent cells. In another words, the influence of EDTA on apoptotic ratio is not clear. In this work, we compared the proportion of apoptotic cells with EDTA or EDTA-free Trypsin treatment by FCM. We concluded that Trypsin with or without EDTA has little influence on the proportion of apoptotic cells. In addition, we found that the ratio of necrosis and apoptosis was different in cells collected by scraping. WAVE2 protein was analyzed as a typical example for movement related protein. WAVE2 expression is elevated in the EDTA Trypsin treated group, compared with EDTA-free Trypsin treatment and scrapping group.

Down-regulated MAC30 expression inhibits proliferation and mobility of human gastric cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. MAC30/Transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97) is aberrantly up-regulated in many human carcinoma cells. However, the function of MAC30 in gastric carcinoma cells is not studied. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To investigate the function of MAC30 in gastric carcinoma, we used RNA silencing technology to knock down the expression of MAC30 in gastric cancer cells BGC-823 and AGS. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to analyze the mRNA level and the related protein expression. The localization of MAC30 and lamellipodia was observed by immunofluorescence. The biological phenotypes of gastric cells were examined by cell proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assay, cell migration and invasion assay. RESULTS: We found that down-regulation of MAC30 expression efficiently inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, the mobility of gastric cancer cells was also inhibited by down-regulation of MAC30. Moreover, we found that MAC30 knockdown inhibited AKT phosphorylation and reduced the expression of cyclinB1 and WAVE2. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report investigating the effect of MAC30 on growth, cell cycle, migration, and invasion in gastric carcinoma cells via suppressing AKT signaling pathway. MAC30 may be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of gastric carcinoma.

Apoptosis and G2/M arrest induced by Allium ursinum (ramson) watery extract in an AGS gastric cancer cell line.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to determine whether Allium ursinum L (ramson) could inhibit the proliferation of human AGS gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, we attempted to determine whether this inhibition could occur by targeting regulatory elements of the cell cycle. METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to observe apoptosis and the cell cycle in AGS cell lines treated or not treated with ramson watery extract. Proteins related to the cell cycle were detected by Western blotting. Caspase activity was measured using a colorimetric assay kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: Ramson watery extract induced apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest in AGS cells. Western blotting showed that cyclin B was inhibited by ramson watery extract. However, G1 phase-related proteins remain unchanged after treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that ramson effectively sup pressed proliferation and induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest in AGS cells by regulating elements of the cell cycle.

An effective and safe supplement for stem cells expansion ex vivo: cord blood serum.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potential and optimal stem cells in clinical cell therapy, and fetal bovine serum (FBS) is widely used for expansion of MSCs, despite the risks of infectious disease transmission and immunological reaction of the xenogenic origin. This study was designed to compare human four blood group cord blood serum (CBS) with FBS in culturing human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPDMSCs), which were derived from four blood group donors. The expansion medium included: 10% FBS, 10% A-CBS, 10% B-CBS, 10% O-CBS, and 10% AB-CBS. Cumulative population doubling, generation time, fold expansion rates and differentiation capacity, cell cycle, and immunophenotype were also assessed. The results showed that fold expansion rate and cumulative population doubling of hPDMSCs significantly increased during long-term MSC expansion in CBS medium, but the generation time decreased compared with FBS. CBS might be an effective supplement for stem cells expand rapidly ex vivo. Cell cycle and differentiation assays showed that most of the hPDMSCs expanding in the presence of CBS were in stationary phase, which was the characteristic of stem cells, and they retained their ability to differentiate into chondrogenic and endothelial cells. By comparing these four blood groups of CBS, we found that there was no significant difference among different blood groups in culturing hPDMSCs, which were isolated from different blood group donors. So CBS may be an optimal replacement to avoid the risks of FBS application in expansion of stem cell for clinical cell therapy and tissue engineering.

Characterization of p70 S6 kinase 1 in early development of mouse embryos.

The mTOR kinase controls cell growth, proliferation, and survival through two distinct multiprotein complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2. p70 S6 Kinase 1 (S6K1) is characterized as downstream effector of mTOR. Until recently, the connection between S6K1 and mTORC1 /mTORC2 during the early development of mouse embryos has not been well elucidated. Here, the expression level of total S6K1 and its phosphorylation at Thr389 was determined in four phases of one-cell embryos. S6K1 was active throughout the cell cycle especially with higher activity in G2 and M phases. Rapamycin decreased the activity of M-phase promoting factor (MPF) and delayed the first mitotic cleavage. Down-regulating mTOR and raptor reduced S6K1 phosphorylation at Thr389 in one-cell embryos. Furthermore, rapamycin and microinjection of raptor shRNA decreased the immunofluorescent staining of Thr389 phospho-S6K1. It is proposed that mTORC1 may be involved in the control of MPF by regulating S6K1 during the early development of mouse embryos.

The opposite roles of nNOS in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury and in ischemia preconditioning-induced cardioprotection in mice.

The role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (IR) and ischemia preconditioning (IP) is still controversial. Here, we focused on the possible roles of nNOS in cardiac IR and IP. Wild type C57BL/6 (WT) mice were subjected to coronary artery occlusion for 30 min followed by 24-h reperfusion (IR). Cardiac injury (infarct size and apoptotic cell number) was increased, associated with elevation of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation) and nitrative stress (nitrotyrosine formation). A potent nNOS inhibitor, L-VNIO, and a superoxide dismutase mimetic and peroxynitrite scavenger, MnTBAP, significantly reduced IR-induced increases of oxidative/nitrative stress and cardiac injury. IR-induced cardiac injury in nNOS(-/-) (KO) mice was significantly lower than that in WT mice. MnTBAP markedly reduced IR-induced cardiac injury by suppression of oxidative/nitrative stress in KO mice. Cardiac IP was performed by three cycles of 5-min IR before 30-min ischemia followed by 24-h reperfusion. IP attenuated IR-induced cardiac injury in WT mice associated with reductions of oxidative/nitrative stress. IP-induced reduction of cardiac injury and oxidative/nitrative stress were eliminated by pretreatment with L-VNIO. In contrast with WT mice, IP had no protective effects in nNOS KO mice. In conclusion, nNOS played a dual role during cardiac IR and IP; nNOS exacerbated IR-induced injury by increasing oxidative/nitrative stress and contributed to IP-induced protection by inhibition of oxidative/nitrative stress.

Stem cells based transplantation for cardiovascular diseases in China.

Stem cells based therapy has been a realistic option for cardiovascular diseases. Since 1990s, Chinese researchers and doctors have been starting to seek for optimal stem cells sources, effective methods of stem cells proliferation and differentiation with traditional Chinese medicine and clinical application of stem cells based transplantation for cardiovascular diseases. This review will summarize the investigation of stem cells in the field of cardiovascular diseases in China.

[Effect of glucosidorum tripterygii tororum on acute graft-versus-host disease in mice].

To prevent acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), glucosidorum tripterygii tororum (GTT) was used in the murine model. The lethally irradiated C57BL/6 recipients were injected with bone marrow and lymphocyte grafts from BALB/c donors and were treated intraperitoneally with GTT, cyclosporine A (CsA), or methotrexate (MTX). T lymphocytes, adhesion molecules and cytokines were detected by immunohistochemical method, flow cytometry, ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. The results showed that all the control recipient mice (21/21) died of aGVHD within 30 days, but many recipient mice treated with GTT (19/21), CsA + MTX (13/21) and GTT + CsA (17/21) survived beyond 30 days without obvious signs of aGVHD. The numbers of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD11a(+), CD18(+) lymphocytes in skin and lung decreased markedly by GTT, GTT + CsA and CsA + MTX treatments. The numbers of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD4(+)CD11a(+), CD4(+)CD18(+), CD8(+)CD11a(+), CD8(+)CD18(+) lymphocytes in spleen decreased markedly by GTT, GTT + CsA and CsA + MTX treatments. and the changes of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+) cells in small intestine were not remarkable (P > 0.05) by above mentioned GTT, GTT + CsA and CsA + MTX treatments. The serum concentrations and mRNA expressions of IL-2 and TNFalpha in spleens decreased significantly (P < 0.05); the concentration of IL-10 increased significantly (P < 0.05), the change of IL-4 was not remarkable (P > 0.05) by GTT treatment. It is concluded that the GTT may retain the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect of transplant without aGVHD. The role of GTT in prevention of murine aGVHD is mediated by reduction of T lymphocytes and their subgroups, expression of adhesion molecule, and regulation of cytokine secretion.