Resumo A doença coronariana (DCC) tem sido associada a significativa morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo. Embora ainda sejam controversos, vários estudos têm demonstrado a associação de infecções por M. pneumoniae com aterosclerose. Avaliamos a possível associação de infecções por micoplasma em pacientes com diagnóstico de aterosclerose pelos métodos ELISA e PCR. Amostras de tecido aterosclerótico e amostras de sangue foram coletadas para a detecção de anticorpos contra micoplasma (IgA) por ELISA de 97 pacientes com doença arterial coronariana (DAC). IgA, IgG e IgM específicos para M. pneumoniae foram medidos usando o Anti-M. pneumoniae IgA / IgG / IgM ELISA. A detecção de M. pneumoniae visando o gene de adesão P1 foi realizada por PCR. A infecção aguda por M. pneumoniae foi diagnosticada em 43,3% (42) dos pacientes pela PCR. Os anticorpos específicos para M. pneumoniae foram detectados em 36,1% (35) dos pacientes. Vinte e cinco (25,8%) casos tinham anticorpos IgG, 15 (15,5%) casos tinham anticorpos IgM, 3 (3,1%) casos tinham anticorpos IgA, 10 (10,3%) casos tinham anticorpos IgM + IgG e 1 (1%) caso de cada um tinha anticorpos IgM + IgA e IgG + IgA. Nenhum dos casos foi positivo para os três anticorpos. A análise do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson revelou uma excelente correlação entre o PCR e os resultados sorológicos (r = 0,921, p < 0,001). A maioria (17, 40,5%) dos pacientes positivos para M. pneumoniae está na faixa etária de 41-50 anos, seguida por 10 (23,8%) pacientes na faixa etária de 61-70 anos e 2 (4,8%) pacientes tinham > 70 anos de idade. Nosso estudo relatou uma prevalência incomumente maior de M. pneumoniae por testes sorológicos (36,1%) e PCR (43,3%). Embora a hipótese da associação de M. pneumoniae e DAC ainda não tenha sido comprovada, a prevalência incomumente alta de M. pneumoniae em pacientes com DAC indica uma associação, se não, no desenvolvimento de aterosclerose.

Abstract Coronary heart disease (CHD) has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although remain controversial, several studies have demonstrated the association of M. pneumoniae infections with atherosclerosis. We evaluated the possible association of mycoplasma infections in patients diagnosed with atherosclerosis by ELISA and PCR methods. Atherosclerotic tissue samples and blood samples were collected for the detection of mycoplasma antibodies (IgA) by ELISA from the 97 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). M. pneumoniae specific IgA, IgG and IgM were measured by using the Anti-M. pneumoniae IgA/IgG/IgM ELISA. Detection of M. pneumoniae targeting the P1 adhesion gene was performed by PCR Acute infection of M. pneumoniae was diagnosed in 43.3% (42) of patients by PCR. The M. pneumoniae specific antibodies were detected in 36.1% (35) of patients. Twenty-five (25.8%) cases had IgG antibodies, 15 (15.5%) cases had IgM antibodies, 3 (3.1%) cases had IgA antibodies, 10 (10.3%) cases had both IgM + IgG antibodies and 1 (1%) case of each had IgM + IgA and IgG + IgA antibodies. None of the cases was positive for all three antibodies. A Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed an excellent correlation between the PCR and the serological results (r=0.921, p<0.001). A majority (17, 40.5%) of the M. pneumoniae positive patients are within the 41-50 years of age group, followed by 10 (23.8%) patients in the age group of 61-70 years and 2 (4.8%) patients were >70 years of age. Our study reported an unusually higher prevalence of M. pneumoniae by serological tests (36.1%) and PCR (43.3%). Although the hypothesis of the association of M. pneumoniae and CAD is yet to be proven, the unusually high prevalence of M. pneumoniae in CAD patients indicates an association, if not, in the development of atherosclerosis.

Gob-side entry retaining technology (GERT) is a popular layout of the roadway in many modern coal mines due to its outstanding advantages in high production yield ratio and enabling the 'Y' shape ventilation configuration. During the past two decades, various standing supports, as the critical component of GERT, have been proposed and implemented. However, few systematic investigations have been conducted. This paper starts with a concise introduction of the movement of the strata overlying the standing support when the whole service period of retained gob-side entry is considered. A recently proposed new classification of standing supports based on the cross-section is then described. To obtain an in-depth comparison of each standing support, the advantages and drawbacks are investigated based on the installment procedure, economic benefits, and mechanical behaviour. Furthermore, recommendations for further research topics have been identified, such as the development of novel hybrid composite structures either in terms of the backfilling materials or the confining material. These backfill materials include coal rejects concrete, geopolymer concrete, high water-content slurry, and other environmentally friendly materials made of industry by-products. Emerging materials, including fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, high-strength steel, geosynthetic material, and combinations of these materials, should be considered. The key purpose of this review is to offer solutions for the development of easy-to-construct, cost-effective, and environmental friendly standing support for GERT.

Two new Mg(II)-based and Zn(II)-based coordination polymers, {[Mg3(BTB)(DMA)4](DMA)2}n (1, H3BTB=1,3,5-benzenetrisbenzoic acid, DMA=N,N-dimethylacetamide) and {(H2NMe2)2[Zn3(BTB)2(OH)(Im)](DMF)9(MeOH)7}n (2, Im=imidazole, DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide), have been successfully synthesized and structurally characterized under solvothermal conditions. 1 contains a linear [Mg3(COO)6] cluster that connected by the fully deprotonated BTB3- ligands to give a kgd-type 2D bilayer structure; 2 represents a microporous 3D pillar-layered system based on the binuclear Zn units and pillared Im ligands, which shows a (3,5)-connected hms topological net. In addition, in vitro anticancer activities of compounds 1 and 2 on 4 human liver cancer cells (HB611, HHCC, BEL-7405 and SMMC-7721) were determined.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the diagnosis of thoracic sarcoidosis. Methods: A retrospective dataset of 35 patients who receive d EBUS-TBNA was analysed. These patients underwent EBUS-TBNA due to suspected sarcoidosis (radiographic stages I and II) with enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes (≥ 1.0 cm) revealed by computed tomography. When EBUS-TBNA was considered to be nondiagnostic, surgical biopsy and clinical and radiological follow-up was performed. Results: Twenty-eight of 35 (80%) patients had a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Among them, 25 (89.3%) were diagnosed by EBUS-TBNA. Conclusion: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration is a safe and effective procedure for the diagnosis of stages I and II of thoracic sarcoidosis.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de la aspiración con aguja transbronquial guiada por ultrasonido endo-bronquial (EBUS-TBNA, por sus siglas en inglés) en el diagnóstico de la sarcoidosis torácica. Métodos: Se analizó un conjunto de datos retrospectivos de 35 pacientes que recibieron EBUS-TBNA. Estos pacientes experimentaron EBUS-TBNA debido a sospecha de sarcoidosis (etapas radiográficas I y II) con agrandamiento de los ganglios linfáticos o hiliares (≥ 1,0 cm) revelados por tomografía com-putarizada. Cuando se consideraba que el EBUS-TBNA no conducía a un diagnóstico, se realizaba una biopsia quirúrgica y un seguimiento clínico y radiológico. Resultados: Veintiocho de 35 (80%) pacientes tuvieron un diagnóstico final de sarcoidosis. De ellos, 25 (89.3%) fueron diagnosticados mediante EBUS-TBNA. Conclusión: La aspiración mediante aguja transbronquial guiada por ecografía endobronquial es un procedimiento seguro y eficaz para el diagnóstico de la sarcoidosis torácica en las etapas I y II.

As an active constituent of the beetle Mylabris used in traditional Chinese medicine, cantharidin is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) that plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and cell fate. The role and possible mechanisms exerted by cantharidin in cell growth and metastasis of breast cancer were investigated in this study. Cantharidin was found to inhibit cell viability and clonogenic potential in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis revealed that cell percentage in G2/M phase decreased, whereas cells in S and G1 phases progressively accumulated with the increasing doses of cantharidin treatment. In a xenograft model of breast cancer, cantharidin inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, high doses of cantharidin treatment inhibited cell migration in wound and healing assay and downregulated protein levels of major matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion were dose-dependently inhibited by cantharidin treatment. Interestingly, the members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling family were less phosphorylated as the cantharidin dose increased. Cantharidin was hypothesized to exert its anticancer effect through the MAPK signaling pathway. The data of this study also highlighted the possibility of using PP2A as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

A 55-year-old male presented with fever, stupor, aphasia, and left hemiparesis. A history of head trauma 3 months before was also reported. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed slight contrast enhancement of lesions under the right frontal skull plate and right frontal lobe. Because of deterioration in nutritional status and intracranial hypertension, the patient was prepared for burr hole surgery. A subdural empyema (SDE) recurred after simple drainage. After detection of Brucella species in SDE, craniotomy combined with antibiotic treatment was undertaken. The patient received antibiotic therapy for 6 months (two doses of 2 g ceftriaxone, two doses of 100 mg doxycycline, and 700 mg rifapentine for 6 months) that resulted in complete cure of the infection. Thus, it was speculated that the preexisting subdural hematoma was formed after head trauma, which was followed by a hematogenous infection caused by Brucella species.

Nitrogen (N) deposition greatly affects the above ground biological composition of grasslands and soil properties. However, its influence on the relationship among soil, plant and bacterial communities remain controversy. We calculated Shannon-wiener index to measure the soil bacterial diversity based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and investigate the roles of vegetation and soil properties on the soil bacterial community under N addition. A three-year simulated N deposition experiment was conducted in a forbs community dominated by Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. and Artemisia scoparia Wald. Et. Kit. N was added at five levels (0, 23, 46, 69, 92 kg ha-1 yr-1). Our results showed that N addition increased the soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and soil bacterial diversity. Moderate N (23, 46, 69 kg ha-1 yr¹) addition increased the soil bacterial diversity, whereas excess N (92 kg ha-1 yr-1) addition inhibited it. The SMBC and soil bacterial diversity were related to richness of plant functional groups. In particular, SMBC had positive correlation with biomass of annuals and biennials, suggesting that the effects of the plant community on the soil bacteria could be explained by a relationship between the soil bacterial community and a subset of plant species rather than all species.

The goal of the present research was to elucidate the roles and mechanisms by which the sensory nervous system, through the actions of potent vasodilator neuropeptides, regulates cardiovascular function in both the normal state and in the pathophysiology of hypertension. The animal models of acquired hypertension studied were deoxycorticosterone-salt (DOC-salt), subtotal nephrectomy-salt (SN-salt), and Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension during pregnancy in rats. The genetic model was the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) are potent vasodilating neuropeptides. In the acquired models of hypertension, CGRP and SP play compensatory roles to buffer the blood pressure (BP) increase. Their synthesis and release are increased in the DOC-salt model but not in the SN-salt model. This suggests that the mechanism by which both models lower BP in SN-salt rats is by increased vascular sensitivity. CGRP functions in a similar manner in the L-NAME model. In the SHR, synthesis of CGRP and SP is decreased. This could contribute to the BP elevation in this model. The CGRP gene knockout mouse has increased baseline mean arterial pressure. The long-term synthesis and release of CGRP is increased by nerve growth factor, bradykinin, and prostaglandins and is decreased by alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonists and glucocorticoids. In several animal models, sensory nervous system vasoactive peptides play a role in chronic BP elevation. In the acquired models, they play a compensatory role. In the genetic model, their decreased levels may contribute to the elevated BP. The roles of CGRP and SP in human hypertension are yet to be clarified.