Cofactor engineering, a vital part of metabolism engineering, changes the redox cofactor regeneration approach. Its main goal is to rebuild the components of metabolic products. The bioconversion of xylose for the production of ethanol is being studied intensively because ethanol is an alternative energy source and a potential liquid fuel. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been traditionally used in producing ethanol from fermentable sugars but it cannot utilize xylose, only its isomer xylulose. Introduction of the xylose fermentation pathway from Pichia stipitis into S. cerevisiae enables xylose utilization in recombinant S. cerevisiae, but the ethanol yields of xylose fermentation with recombinant S. cerevisiae has been low and large amounts of the byproduct xylitol are produced. The major reason is that the catabolism of xylose with the fungal pathway leads an imbalance of redox cofactor. The process of the catabolism of xylose requires NADPH and NAD~+, both of which have to be regenerated in separated processes. More and more attention has therefore focused on the redox cofactor balance in S. cerevisia. The research progress of cofactor engineering to solve the imbalance of redox cofactor in xylose metabolism recombinant S. cerevisiae was introduced. This included expression of transhydrogenase, increasing the utilization of NADPH, and achieving the anaerobic reoxidation of NADH. Reversing the cofactor specificity of enzymes is another effective way.

Mycena subpiligera, a new taxon in sect. Fragilipedes that can strongly enhance the germination efficiency of Gastrodia elata seeds, was discovered in subtropical areas of China. As revealed by a morphological comparison with related Mycena species as well as maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU) regions of nuclear ribosomal RNA, the new taxon can be distinguished from phenotypically similar and phylogenetically related species. Optimal cultural conditions for M. subpiligera basidiomata are reported, and the germination rate of the new species is compared with that of M. citrinomarginata.

This paper analyses the data structure of DICOM standard by the applications in the Non-DICOM format fluoroscopic images converted into the DICOM format images. It puts forward a solution to integrate the Multi-Channel Electrophysiology Recorder System with the X -ray system in the cardio-catheter room.
Computer Communication Networks ; Diagnostic Imaging ; instrumentation ; methods ; Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac ; instrumentation ; Fluoroscopy ; instrumentation ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation ; methods ; standards ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; Radiology Information Systems ; standards ; Software Design ; Video Recording ; instrumentation ; methods ; standards

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Shuizhongcao Granule (SZCG) on cellular immune function in animal model of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).

METHODSExperimental animal model of RAS were established by immunological method. The modeled animals were randomized into 4 groups, Group A was the model control group, Group B was treated by Levamisole (2.5 mg/mL), Group C and D was treated with high-dose (0.5 g/mL) and low-dose (0.24 g/mL) SZCG respectively. The medication was administered via gastric perfusion, starting from the 7th week of the experiment, and continued for 28 days. Meanwhile, a normal control group was set up. Percentage of T-lymphocyte subsets, CD3, CD4 and CD8, and serum levels of interleukin 10 and 12 (IL-10 and IL-12) in peripheral blood were detected before and after treatment.

RESULTSPercentages of CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio in the model control group were 40.50 +/- 7.46%, 30.80 +/- 5.33% and 79.56 +/- 8.32 respectively, all lower than those in the normal control group (P<0.05); level of serum IL-10 was higher (8.02 +/- 0.53 ng/L) and that of IL-12 was lower (15.51 +/- 1.35 ng/L) in the model animal than those in normal control (P<0.05). After treatment, levels of CD3, CD4, CD4/CD8 and IL-12 in Group B were 55.30 +/- 6.33%, 43.50 +/- 5.33%, 99.29 +/- 13.84 and 17.72 +/- 1.70 ng/L, those in Group C were 61.50 +/- 4.32%, 47.20 +/- 4.37%, 103.30 +/- 7.42 and 18.18 +/- 1.54 ng/L, and in Group D were 58.50 +/- 6.03%, 42.80 +/- 3.17%, 110.27 +/- 12.85 and 17.74 +/- 1.96 ng/L, respectively, all were higher than those in Group A, but levels of IL-10 in the three treatment groups were lower than that in Goup A (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe immune function of RAS model animals is in the suppressed condition; SZCG can improve the immune suppression to achieve its therapeutic effect on the disease.

Animals ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Interleukin-12 ; blood ; Male ; Mouth Mucosa ; Phytotherapy ; Rabbits ; Stomatitis, Aphthous ; drug therapy ; immunology ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; immunology

Pathway engineering was the third generation of gene engineering. Its main goals were to change metabolic flux and open a new metabolic pathway in organism. Application of recombinant DNA methods to restructure metabolic networks can improve production of metabolite and protein products by altering pathway distributions and rates. Ethanol is the most advanced liquid fuel because it is environmentally friendly. Enhancing fuel ethanol production will require developing lower-cost feedstock, and only lignocellulosic feedstock is available in sufficient quantities to substitute for corn starch. Xylose is the major pentose found in lignocellulosic materials and after glucose the most abundant sugar available in nature. Recently a lot of attentions have been focused on designing metabolic pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in order to expand the substrate of ethanol fermentation, because it is a traditional ethanol producing strain and has wonderful properties for ethanol industry. However, it can not utilize xylose but convert the isomer, xylulose. Many attempts are based on introducing the genes in the pathway of xylose metabolism. The further research includes overexpressing the key enzyme or decreasing the unimportant flux. The sugars in lignocellulose hydrolyzates, therefore, could be efficiently utilized. Here, we describe the ethanol pathway engineering progress in ethanol fermentation from xylose with recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Biotechnology ; methods ; Ethanol ; metabolism ; Fermentation ; genetics ; physiology ; Recombination, Genetic ; genetics ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Xylose ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDThe solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is one of the most common findings on chest radiographs. The objectives of clinical practice are to differentiate malignant nodules from benign nodules in the least invasive way and to make a specific diagnosis. This study was aimed to evaluate the correlation between perfusion imaging features and microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) in SPNs using multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT); and to provide the theoretical basis for SPN blood flow pattern and blood flow quantitative features. Also, the study called for the discussion of the method's clinical application value in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant SPNs.

METHODSSixty-eight patients with SPN underwent multi-location dynamic contrast enhanced (nonionic contrast material was administrated via the antecubital vein at a rate of 4 ml/s) MSCT. Precontrast and postcontrast attenuations on every scan was studied. Perfusion, peak height, and the ratio of the peak height of the SPN to that of the aorta were analyzed. Perfusion was calculated using the maximum gradient of the time-density curves (TDC) and the peak height of the aorta. The quantitative parameters (perfusion, peak height, ratio of peak height of the SPN to that of the aorta) of the blood flow pattern were compared with MVD and the VEGF expression of immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe perfusion peak heights of malignant ((96.15 +/- 11.55) HU) and inflammatory ((101.15 +/- 8.41) HU) SPNs were significantly higher than those of benign ((47.24 +/- 9.15) HU) SPNs (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). Ratios of SPN-to-aorta of malignant and inflammatory SPNs were significantly higher than those of benign SPNs (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the peak height and SPN-to-aorta ratio of malignant SPNs and inflammatory SPNs (P > 0.05, P > 0.05). The precontrast densities of inflammatory SPNs were lower than those of malignant SPNs (P < 0.05). Perfusion values of malignant and inflammatory SPNs were significantly higher than those of the benign SPNs (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). The VEGF positive expressions appeared in 32 patients with malignant SPNs and 2 patients with benign SPNs, and the average value of the MVD was higher in patients with malignant SPNs (36.88 +/- 6.76) than in patients with either benign (4.51 +/- 0.60) or inflammatory (26.11 +/- 5.43) SPNs (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). There were statistically significant correlations between the CT perfusion feature and the MVD. The highest correlation was between the peak height of SPN and the MVD (r = 0.657, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTumor microvessel density and VEGF expression facilitate the exploration of the pathophysiological basis of CT perfusion in SPNs. Multi-slice CT perfusion has shown strong positive correlations with angiogenesis in SPNs.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Vitro Techniques ; Lung ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Microvessels ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Perfusion Imaging ; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; analysis

BACKGROUNDHyperparathyroidism (HPT) occurs at an early age and has a high disability rate. Unfortunately, confirmed diagnosis in most patients is done at a very late stage, when the patients have shown typical symptoms and signs, and when treatment does not produce any desirable effect. It has become urgent to find a method that would detect early bone diseases in HPT to obtain time for the ideal treatment. This study evaluated the accuracy of high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with spiral computed tomography (SCT) scan in detecting early bone diseases in HPT, through imaging techniques and histopathological examinations on an animal model of HPT.

METHODSEighty adult rabbits were randomly divided into two groups with forty in each. The control group was fed normal diet (Ca:P = 1:0.7); the experimental group was fed high phosphate diet (Ca:P = 1:7) for 3, 4, 5, or 6-month intervals to establish the animal model of HPT. The staging and imaging findings of the early bone diseases in HPT were determined by high field MRI and SCT scan at the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th month. Each rabbit was sacrificed after high field MRI and SCT scan, and the parathyroid and bones were removed for pathological examination to evaluate the accuracy of imaging diagnosis.

RESULTSParathyroid histopathological studies revealed hyperplasia, osteoporosis and early cortical bone resorption. The bone diseases in HPT displayed different levels of low signal intensity on T(1)WI and low to intermediate signal intensity on T(2)WI in bone of stage 0, I, II or III, but showed correspondingly absent, probable, osteoporotic and subperiosteal cortical resorption on SCT scan.

CONCLUSIONHigh field MRI combined with SCT scan not only detects early bone diseases in HPT, but also indicates staging, and might be a reliable method of studying early bone diseases in HPT.

Animals ; Bone Diseases ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Calcium ; blood ; Female ; Hyperparathyroidism ; complications ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Osteoporosis ; diagnosis ; Phosphorus ; blood ; Rabbits ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have indicated the possibility that genistein may improve depression via regulating the expression of miR-221/222. This study is to explore whether genistein could improve depression by altering miR-221/222 levels and investigate the possible mechanisms involved in the improvement effect of genistein. METHODS: The animal model of depression was established through unpredictable chronic mild stress. Nest building test and splash test were adapted to evaluate the effects of genistein on depressive symptoms in mice. qRT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of miR-221/222 and connexin 43 (Cx43) in the prefrontal cortex of the mice. In vitro, U87-MG astrocytes were treated with genistein and the expression of miR-221/222 and Cx43 was measured. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify whether Cx43 was a direct target of miR-221/222. RESULTS: The behavioral tests showed that genistein could significantly reduce depression symptoms of mice, and this remission was not affected by gender. Genistein in vivo and in vitro could reduce increased levels of miR-221 and miR-222 in the prefrontal cortex of depressed mice, while upregulate Cx43 expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay suggested Cx43 was directly regulated by miR-221/222 in astrocytes. CONCLUSION: Genistein can play its antidepressant effect through down-regulating miR-221/222 by targeting Cx43.
Animals ; Astrocytes ; Behavior Rating Scale ; Blotting, Western ; Connexin 43* ; Depression* ; Genistein* ; In Vitro Techniques ; Mice ; Models, Animal ; Prefrontal Cortex

Objective To observe the efficacy of pinaverium bromide alone or in combination with amitriptyline in the treatment of diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS-D).Methods One hundred and twenty-five patients with IBS -D,aged 18 -65 years,in our hospital from June 2013 to June 2016 were randomly divided into control group (63 cases,treated with pinaverium bromide 50 mg,tid) and treatment group (62 cases, on the basis of control group ,treated with amitriptyline 25 mg,qd).The total effective rate,the stool property and state,and the quality of life were assessed by IBS -bowel symptom severity scale (IBS-BSS),IBS-defecation state questionnaire ( IBS-DSQ) and the IBS-quality of life questionnaire (IBS-QOL) before and 4 weeks after the treatment respectively.Results After treatment,the IBS-BSS efficacy of the control group and the treatment group were 61.90%(39 cases/63 cases) and 85.48%(53 cases/62 cases), respectively, and the di-fference were statistically significant ( P<0.01 ).Total IBS-BSS scores of the control group and the treatment group were (166.32 ±72.75 ), (112.98 ±81.84 )point,respectively;which was significantly decreased in the treatment group (P<0.01).The IBS-DSQ effective rates of the control group and the treatment group were 71.43%(45 cases/63 cases) and 91.94%(57 cases/62 cases),respectively;which was significantly increased in the treatment group than that in the control group (P<0.01).Moreover,the total IBS-QOL integrals were statistically increased in the two groups , with the treatment group more pronounced.Conclusion Pinaverium bromide in combination with amitriptyline could effectively relieve bowel symptoms,improve the stool property and the defecation frequency and thus improve their quality of life ,which has a certain clinical application value .

To establish a fingerprint for Cimicifugae Rhizoma from different producing areas. Column kromasil (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) was employed with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1), the detection wavelength was 254 nm. Twenty chromatographic peaks were extracted as the common peaks of fingerprint, and 21 batches of samples were compared and classified with such methods as similarity evaluation, cluster analysis and principle component analysis. The results showed 12 common peaks and three categories of samples. The method was so highly reproducible, simple and reliable that it could provide basis for quality control and evaluation of Cimicifugae Rhizoma from different producing areas.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Cimicifuga ; chemistry ; Drug Stability ; Quality Control