Association between small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth and deep vein thrombosis in patients with spinal cord injuries

Essentials Gastrointestinal dysfunction and vein thrombosis are complications after spinal cord injuries (SCI). We assess the deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in SCI. 76 of the 377 SCI patients were DVT positive (20.2%) and 145 were defined as SIBO positive (38.5%). This study defines an association between SIBO and DVT in patient with SCI.

SUMMARY

Background Gastrointestinal dysfunction and vein thrombosis are well-known acute complications after spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Objective To determine the frequency and risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients with SCI. Methods A total of 377 consecutive eligible SCI patients tested for SIBO with the glucose hydrogen/methane breath test from January 2011 to December 2015 and who had also undergone venous ultrasound study for suspected DVT were evaluated within 3 months after admission. Results Seventy-six of the 377 SCI patients were DVT-positive (20.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 16.1-24.2%), and 145 were SIBO-positive (38.5%; 95% CI 29.9-59.0%). Among the 76 DVT-positive patients, 60 were SIBO-positive and 16 were SIBO-negative. The difference was statistically significant (41.4% versus 6.9%; odds ratio [OR] 5.99; 95% CI 3.15-9.33). Among the 145 SIBO-positive patients, 60 were DVT-positive and 85 were DVT-negative. The difference was statistically significant (78.9% versus 28.2%; OR 2.88; 95% CI 2.12-4.47). In the stepwise multivariate logistic regression, a family history of venous thrombosis (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.60-3.79), chronic kidney disease (OR 2.99; 95% CI 1.73-5.08) and the presence of SIBO (OR 3.72; 95% CI 1.97-6.62) remained associated with DVT. Conclusions These data support an association between SIBO and DVT in SCI patients. Further studies should be carried out with respect to the relationship between SIBO and DVT.

Tumour-derived alkaline phosphatase regulates tumour growth, epithelial plasticity and disease-free survival in metastatic prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence suggests that bone-related parameters are the main prognostic factors for overall survival in advanced prostate cancer (PCa), with elevated circulating levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) thought to reflect the dysregulated bone formation accompanying distant metastases. We have identified that PCa cells express ALPL, the gene that encodes for tissue nonspecific ALP, and hypothesised that tumour-derived ALPL may contribute to disease progression.

METHODS

Functional effects of ALPL inhibition were investigated in metastatic PCa cell lines. ALPL gene expression was analysed from published PCa data sets, and correlated with disease-free survival and metastasis.

RESULTS

ALPL expression was increased in PCa cells from metastatic sites. A reduction in tumour-derived ALPL expression or ALP activity increased cell death, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and reduced migration. Alkaline phosphatase activity was decreased by the EMT repressor Snail. In men with PCa, tumour-derived ALPL correlated with EMT markers, and high ALPL expression was associated with a significant reduction in disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies reveal the function of tumour-derived ALPL in regulating cell death and epithelial plasticity, and demonstrate a strong association between ALPL expression in PCa cells and metastasis or disease-free survival, thus identifying tumour-derived ALPL as a major contributor to the pathogenesis of PCa progression.

Allergic rhinitis and allergy are risk factors for otitis media with effusion: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

We systematically reviewed the associations between allergic rhinitis or allergy and otitis media with effusion, by reference to published data.

STUDY DESIGN

A meta-analysis of case-controlled studies.

DATA SOURCE

Five databases (Pubmed, Highwire, Medline, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched for relevant studies in the English language published prior to November 12, 2015.

STUDIES CHOSEN

Studies with clearly defined experimental and control groups, in which the experimental groups had otitis media with effusion together with allergic rhinitis or allergy, were selected.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis on data from the identified cross-sectional and case-controlled studies using fixed- or random-effects models (depending on heterogeneity). We used Reviewer Manager 5.3 software to this end.

RESULTS

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in patients with otitis media with effusion and the control groups differed significantly in three studies (P<0.00001), as did the prevalence of allergy (in six studies; P=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Allergic rhinitis and allergy appear to be risk factors for otitis media with effusion.

Critical role of miR-125b in lipogenesis by targeting stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1)

Alteration of gene expression tightly regulates lipogenesis. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), a key enzyme in lipogenesis, catalyzes the conversion of SFA to MUFA, and inhibition of its activity impairs lipid synthesis. As posttranscriptional regulators, microRNAs are involved in many pathways of lipid metabolism; however, their effect on SCD-1 has not been reported. In this study, miR-125b was identified as a potential regulator of SCD-1 using bioinformatics analysis. Here, we validated SCD-1 as the target of miR-125b using a dual luciferase assay. During adipogenesis, a synthetic mimic or inhibitor was used to overexpress or reduce the expression of miR-125b in porcine adipocytes. Overexpression of miR-125b reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets and triglycerides concentration and repressed SCD-1 protein expression and MUFA composition. The inhibitor had the reverse effect. Small interfering RNA against tested in adipocytes further proved the direct correlation between miR-125b and SCD-1. Moreover, in vivo experiments in mice showed that injection of miR-125b expression vector decreased the hepatic triglycerides concentration relative to saline. This study indicated that miR-125b regulates lipogenesis by targeting SCD-1; therefore, miR-125b might be applied in therapy of lipid metabolism disorders.

Effects and safety of combination therapy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue and growth hormone in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects and safety of the combination therapy for girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP).

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) that adopted gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) therapy and GnRHa plus growth hormone (GH) combination therapy to treat ICPP girls.

RESULTS

A total of six RCTs (162 patients) and six CCTs (247 patients) were included. Compared to the GnRHa therapy group, the combination therapy group achieved taller final height (mean difference, MD = 2.81 cm, 95 % CI 1.76-3.87, four CCTs; MD = 4.30 cm, 95 % CI 0.59-8.01, one RCT); greater progression of final height compared with target height (MD = 3.92 cm, 95 % CI 3.12-4.73, four CCTs; MD = 4.00 cm, 95 % CI 1.93-6.07, One RCT) and larger height gains (MD = 3.49 cm, 95 % CI 0.97-6.01, four CCTs; MD = 3.88 cm, 95 % CI 0.15-7.61, one RCT). No severe adverse effects of treatment were reported.

CONCLUSION

For ICPP girls, the GnRHa and GH combination therapy had advantages over GnRHa alone on final height and no severe adverse effects were reported. We recommend comprehensive assessment of the individual growth rate, patient compliance, the clinical effects, the height expectations of individual patients and the treatment cost to the family in order to identify the best therapy for individual patients.

Platelet sequestration and activation during GalTKO.hCD46 pig lung perfusion by human blood is primarily mediated by GPIb, GPIIb/IIIa, and von Willebrand Factor

BACKGROUND

Here, we ask whether platelet GPIb and GPIIb/IIIa receptors modulate platelet sequestration and activation during GalTKO.hCD46 pig lung xenograft perfusion.

METHODS

GalTKO.hCD46 transgenic pig lungs were perfused with heparinized fresh human blood. Results from perfusions in which αGPIb Fab (6B4, 10 mg/l blood, n = 6), αGPIIb/IIIa Fab (ReoPro, 3.5 mg/l blood, n = 6), or both drugs (n = 4) were administered to the perfusate were compared to two additional groups in which the donor pig received 1-desamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), 3 μg/kg (to pre-deplete von Willebrand Factor (pVWF), the main GPIb ligand), with or without αGPIb (n = 6 each).

RESULTS

Platelet sequestration was significantly delayed in αGPIb, αGPIb+DDAVP, and αGPIb+αGPIIb/IIIa groups. Median lung "survival" was significantly longer (>240 vs. 162 min reference, p = 0.016), and platelet activation (as CD62P and βTG) were significantly inhibited, when pigs were pre-treated with DDAVP, with or without αGPIb Fab treatment. Pulmonary vascular resistance rise was not significantly attenuated in any group, and was associated with residual thromboxane and histamine elaboration.

CONCLUSIONS

The GPIb-VWF and GPIIb/IIIa axes play important roles in platelet sequestration and coagulation cascade activation during GalTKO.hCD46 lung xenograft injury. GPIb blockade significantly reduces platelet activation and delays platelet sequestration in this xenolung rejection model, an effect amplified by adding αGPIIb/IIIa blockade or depletion of VWF from pig lung.

Molecular mechanism of the susceptibility difference between HLA-B*27:02/04/05 and HLA-B*27:06/09 to ankylosing spondylitis: substitution analysis, MD simulation, QSAR modelling, and in vitro assay

The human leukocyte antigen HLA-B27 is directly involved in the disease pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). HLA-B27 has a high degree of genetic polymorphism, with 105 currently known subtypes; the presence of aspartic acid at residue 116 (Asp116) has been found to play an essential role in AS susceptibility. Here, we systematically investigated the molecular mechanism of the susceptibility difference between the AS-associated subtypes HLA-B*27:02/04/05 and AS-unassociated subtypes HLA-B*27:06/09 to AS at sequence, structure, energetic and dynamic levels. In total seven variable residues were identified among the five studied HLA-B27 subtypes, in which Asp116 can be largely stabilized by a spatially vicinal, positively charged His114 through a salt bridge, while five other variable residues seem to have only a marginal effect on AS susceptibility. We also employed a quantitative structure-activity relationship approach to model the statistical correlation between peptide structure and affinity to HLA-B*27:05, a genetic ancestor of all other HLA-B27 subtypes and associated strongly with AS. The built regression predictor was verified rigorously through both internal cross-validation and external blind validation, and was then employed to identify potential HLA-B*27:05 binders from >20,000 cartilage-derived self-peptides. Subsequently, the binding potency of the top five antigenic peptides to HLA-B*27:05 was assayed in vitro using a FACS-based MHC stabilization experiment. Consequently, two (QRVGSDEFK and LRGAGTNEK) out of the five peptides were determined to have high affinity (BL50 = 5.5 and 15.8 nM, respectively) and, as expected, both of them possess positively charged Lys at the C-terminus.

Numerical simulation of multi-phase phenomena in IVR related processes

IVR (in-vessel retention) is one of the severe accident mitigation measures, which is widely applied in the advanced light water reactors (LWRs) such as KERENA of AREVA, AP1000 of Westinghouse and CAP1400 of SNPTC, and attracts extensive interests of the German and Chinese nuclear scientists. The ultimate target of IVR is to keep the core melt inside the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) and to provide cooling capability via water flowing outside the RPV, the so called external reactor vessel cooling (ERVC). This paper summarizes some activities ongoing in both KIT and SJTU (Shanghai Jiao Tong University) with a few results examples.

Validation of the ATHLET-SC code by trans-critical transient data

For the safety analysis of Supercritical Water-Cooled Reactor (SCWR), one of the challenge tasks is to predict the trans-critical behavior of the reactor system during some accidents. The current safety codes have some shortcomings when the pressure decreases from the supercritical condition to the subcritical state due to the void fraction discontinuity across the critical point. Another challenge is the validation of the system code, which needs the transient experimental data. To overcome the above-mentioned challenges, this paper validates the modified code ATHLET-SC, which is developed based on the pseudo two-phase method. The trans-critical transient data from SWAMUP test facility in Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) are adopted to compare with the simulation results. The results obtained so far shows that the ATHLET-SC code has good feasibility to the trans-critical simulation of SCWR, and it can be used for transient analysis of SCWR in the future.

Association Between Interleukin-2 -330 T/G Polymorphism and Acute Renal Graft Rejection: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) -330 T/G promoter polymorphism is involved in the acute rejection (AR) risk of kidney transplantation. However, results from published studies on the association between recipient IL-2-330 T/G polymorphism and AR risk are conflicting and inconclusive.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register from their inceptions through January 2015 for relevant studies. Data concerning publication information, population characteristics, and transplant information were extracted. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the association between IL-2-330 T/G polymorphism and AR risk.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 8 case-control studies with 1,405 cases of renal transplant recipients. The pooled estimate showed that IL-2-330 T/G polymorphism was not associated with AR risk: TT vs TG+GG: OR(fixed,) 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-1.21; P = .60; GG vs TG+TT: OR(fixed), 1.15; 95% CI, 0.76-1.72; P = .51; TG vs TT+GG: OR(fixed), 1.01; 95% CI, 0.78-1.31; P = .91; T vs G: OR(fixed), 0.93; 95% CI, 0.77-1.13; P = .48. None of subgroup analyses yielded significant results in the association between IL-2-330 T/G polymorphism and AR risk. Meta-regression confirmed that there was no significant correlation between the preselected trial characteristics and our study results.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that IL-2-330 T/G polymorphism may not be associated with AR risk in renal transplant recipients.

New insulin glargine 300 U/ml versus glargine 100 U/ml in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin and oral antihyperglycaemic drugs: glucose control and hypoglycaemia in a randomized controlled trial (EDITION JP 2)

AIMS

To compare the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Gla-300) with glargine 100 U/ml (Gla-100) in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin plus oral antihyperglycaemic drug(s) [OAD(s)].

METHODS

The EDITION JP 2 study (NCT01689142) was a 6-month, multicentre, open-label, phase III study. Participants (n = 241, male 61%, mean diabetes duration 14 years, mean weight 67 kg, mean body mass index 25 kg/m(2), mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.02 %, mean basal insulin dose 0.24 U/kg/day) were randomized to Gla-300 or Gla-100, while continuing OAD(s). Basal insulin was titrated to target fasting self-monitored plasma glucose 4.4-5.6 mmol/l. The primary efficacy endpoint was HbA1c change over 6 months. Safety endpoints included hypoglycaemia and weight change.

RESULTS

Gla-300 was non-inferior to Gla-100 for HbA1c reduction [least squares (LS) mean difference 0.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.08, 0.27) %]. The mean HbA1c at month 6 was 7.56 and 7.52 % with Gla-300 and Gla-100, respectively. Nocturnal confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/l) or severe hypoglycaemia risk was 38% lower with Gla-300 versus Gla-100 [relative risk 0.62 (95% CI 0.44, 0.88)]; annualized rates were 55% lower at night [rate ratio 0.45 (95% CI 0.21, 0.96)] and 36% lower at any time [24 h; rate ratio 0.64 (95% CI 0.43, 0.96)]. Severe hypoglycaemia was infrequent. A significant between-treatment difference in weight change favoured Gla-300 [LS mean difference -1.0 (95% CI -1.5, -0.5) kg; p = 0.0003]. Adverse event rates were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Japanese people with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin plus OAD(s) experienced less hypoglycaemia with Gla-300 than with Gla-100, while glycaemic control did not differ.

New insulin glargine 300 U/ml versus glargine 100 U/ml in Japanese adults with type 1 diabetes using basal and mealtime insulin: glucose control and hypoglycaemia in a randomized controlled trial (EDITION JP 1)

AIM

To compare efficacy and safety of new insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Gla-300) with that of insulin glargine 100 U/ml (Gla-100) in Japanese adults with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

The EDITION JP 1 study (NCT01689129) was a 6-month, multicentre, open-label, phase III study. Participants (n = 243) were randomized to Gla-300 or Gla-100 while continuing mealtime insulin. Basal insulin was titrated with the aim of achieving a fasting self-monitored plasma glucose target of 4.4-7.2 mmol/l. The primary endpoint was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) over 6 months. Safety measures included hypoglycaemia and change in body weight.

RESULTS

Gla-300 was non-inferior to Gla-100 for the primary endpoint of HbA1c change over the 6-month period {least squares [LS] mean difference 0.13 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) -0.03 to 0.29]}. The annualized rate of confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/l) or severe hypoglycaemic events was 34 % lower with Gla-300 than with Gla-100 at night [rate ratio 0.66 (95 % CI 0.48-0.92)] and 20 % lower at any time of day [24 h; rate ratio 0.80 (95 % CI 0.65-0.98)]; this difference was most pronounced during the first 8 weeks of treatment. Severe hypoglycaemia was infrequent. The basal insulin dose increased in both groups (month 6 dose: Gla-300 0.35 U/kg/day, Gla-100 0.29 U/kg/day). A between-treatment difference in body weight change over 6 months favouring Gla-300 was observed [LS mean difference -0.6 kg (95 % CI -1.1 to -0.0); p = 0.035]. Adverse event rates were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In Japanese adults with type 1 diabetes using basal plus mealtime insulin, less hypoglycaemia was observed with Gla-300 than with Gla-100, particularly during the night, while glycaemic control did not differ.

Reactivity of patients with maintenance hemodialysis to erythropoietin in the treatment of renal anemia

To explore the reactivity of patients with renal anemia (MHD) to erythropoietin (EPO) in maintenance hemodialysis (HD), 31 patients were enrolled in this study. According to the level of serum ferritin (SF), they were divided into two groups; one group received treatment using recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and the other group was given iron sucrose. Taking terminal EPO dosage, terminal erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) and rate of change of ERI (ΔERII) as target indexes, the influence of SF level on dosage of EPO was evaluated after usage conditions of relevant substances in a 3-month period. The results revealed that differences of dialysis age, albumin (ALB), blood calcium, initial and terminal SF, variable quantity of hemoglobin (Hb), terminal EPO and ERI between two groups had statistical significance. Furthermore, SF level and terminal EPO (r = -0.37, P < 0. 05) as well as SF level and terminal ERI (r = - 0.39, P <0.05) were negatively correlated. Difference of terminal ERI between the two groups had statistical significance. It can therefore be summarized that supplementing an iron agent intravenously to maintain SF level between 500 ng/ml and 1200 ng/ml may improve reactivity of patients with MHD to EPO. In addition, rHuEPO therapy in treating anemia of patients with MHD has the same effect with intravenous drug delivery, less side effects and is easy to administer.

Effects of tail docking on the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep

To evaluate stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) expression in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep (with and without docked tails), 18 rams were randomly divided into two equal groups (docked group, LT; control group, LC). These data were also used to increase the understanding of sheep fat deposition and metabolism. All animals were harvested at the age of 18 months, and expression was determined for 10 tissues. The results indicated that the fat weight of each tissue in LT was higher than in LC (P < 0.05). SCD expression in semitendinosus, omentum majus fat (OF), subcutaneous fat, kidney fat (KF), and subcutaneous rump fat was higher in LT than in LC rams (P < 0.05). Trends (P < 0.10) associated with higher HSL expression of LC in comparison to that of LT rams in intestinal fat, OF, and KF tissues were detected. Numerically, LPL expression was the highest in KF, OF, and kidney tissues, but there were few differences (P > 0.10). PPARγexpression was greater in LT than in LC rams in liver tissues (P < 0.05), but there were few differences in other tissues. No significant differences were found with regard to the regression analysis of expression and adipose tissue weights, but the two indices exhibited the same trend. The results indicated that changes in fatty deposits may be due to the common control of docking management and the minor effects associated with the regulation of SCD, HSL, LPL, and PPARγexpression.

Hepcidin and ferroportin expression in breast cancer tissue and serum and their relationship with anemia

OBJECTIVE

Our correlation study investigated the relationships of the expression of hepcidin and ferroportin (fpn) in tissues and serum from breast cancer (bca) patients and the relationships of hepcidin and fpn with anemia.

METHODS

We used elisa and immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of hepcidin and fpn in tissue and serum from 62 individuals with bca, and we analyzed correlations between hepcidin and fpn expression in tissue and in serum. At the same time, we evaluated the relationships between hepcidin, fpn, and anemia.

RESULTS

Mean serum hepcidin was 8.18 ± 3.75 μg/L in bca patients with anemia and 4.53 ± 2.07μg/L in those without anemia, a statistically significant difference (t = 3.7090, p < 0.01). Mean serum fpn was obviously lower in the anemia group than in the non-anemia group (1.77 ± 0.51 μg/L vs. 2.46 ± 0.52 μg/L, t = 3.5115, p < 0.01). Serum hepcidin and hemoglobin were negatively correlated (r = -0.502, p < 0.01); however, serum fpn was positively correlated with hemoglobin, and serum hepcidin was negatively correlated with fpn. The rates of hepcidin and fpn expression in bca tissues were 50.0% and 61.2% respectively, but no association with anemia was observed. We also observed no relationship between expression of hepcidin and fpn in serum and in tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

In bca patients, expression of hepcidin in serum was high, but expression of fpn was low, suggesting that serum hepcidin plays a major role in anemia in those patients. Expression of hepcidin and fpn in bca tissue showed no correlation with their expression in serum and no clear relationship with anemia.

Characterization of How DNA Modifications Affect DNA Binding by C2H2 Zinc Finger Proteins

Much is known about vertebrate DNA methylation and oxidation; however, much less is known about how modified cytosine residues within particular sequences are recognized. Among the known methylated DNA-binding domains, the Cys2-His2 zinc finger (ZnF) protein superfamily is the largest with hundreds of members, each containing tandem ZnFs ranging from 3 to >30 fingers. We have begun to biochemically and structurally characterize these ZnFs not only on their sequence specificity but also on their sensitivity to various DNA modifications. Rather than following published methods of refolding insoluble ZnF arrays, we have expressed and purified soluble forms of ZnFs, ranging in size from a tandem array of two to six ZnFs, from seven different proteins. We also describe a fluorescence polarization assay to measure ZnFs affinity with oligonucleotides containing various modifications and our approaches for cocrystallization of ZnFs with oligonucleotides.

Effects of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles on Nucleation and Crystal Growth in the Vitrified VS55 During Warming

　　BACKGROUND：Magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs), once excited by radiofrequency (RF) energy, could heat uniformly and rapidly the vitrified biospecimens. However, there are few studies about the impact of mNPs on crystallization kinetics of vitrified samples.

OBJECTIVES

The present work aims to investigate the nucleation and crystal growth in the vitrification solution VS55 with mNPs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ferrotec EMG308 superparamagnetic nanoparticles (10 ± 2.5 nm in diameter) coated with an anionic surfactant was used in this study with Fe2+ concentration around 10 mg/ml. The thermal range and the kinetics of nucleation and crystal growth are conducted by DSC and cryomicroscope through different thermal treatments.

RESULTS

The fusion heat of VS55+ mNPs is lower than that of VS55 around the rubbery region (-110 to -82 degree C), which suggests the suppression of ice nuclei formation at this temperature range by mNPs. Upon slow cooling especially, much more nuclei in vitrified VS55 forms than that in vitrified VS55+mNPs. The activation energy E_a of VS55 is lower than that of VS55+mNPs (41.6 kJ/mol vs 46.2 kJ/mol) during devitrification. The presence of mNPs helps to form more stable glass. And these results are consistent with the observations by cryomicroscope.

CONCLUSION

The presence of mNPs suppresses ice nuclei formation, especially at slow cooling conditions, and stabilize the cryoprotective solution. The findings can assist the design of magnetic nanoparticles with functional surface coating.

Effects of sodium ferrous chlorophyll treatment on anemia of hemodialysis patients and relevant biochemical parameters

This study explores the effects of sodium ferrous chlorophyll treatment on the anemia of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, as well as the relevant biochemical parameters. We selected 72 patients who had received regular MHD treatment two or three times a week for more than 3 months in the Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Zhengzhou City of Henan Province from March 2014 to March 2016. They were equally divided into a treatment group and a control group. Haemoglobin (HB) and hematocrit (HCT) of the treatment group increased significantly after treatment (p < 0.01), but less in the control group (p < 0.05); Also serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TAST) of the treatment group increased significantly after treatment (p < 0.01); SF of the control group also increased significantly (p < 0.01) and TAST of the control group increased (p < 0.05) but less than in the treatment group. No obvious changes of serum creatinine (SCR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), C-reactive protein (CRP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were found in either groups after treatment (p>0.05). Albumin (ALB) dosage of the treatment group increased after treatment (p < 0.05) while hemopoietin (EPO) decreased significantly (p < 0.01). ALB and EPO of the control group had no obvious changes after treatment (p>0.05). ALB level of the treatment group increased more significantly than in the control group (p < 0.05), while EPO dosage decreased more significantly than in the control group (p <0.05). Therefore, the combination of conventional western medicine and sodium ferrous chlorophyll can effectively improve anemia conditions of MHD patients and their quality of life.

Deformation of a concrete matrix subject to a cyclic freeze–thaw process

With cyclic freeze–thaw process, the strain hysteretic loop of concrete matrix is raised upwards indicating that residual strain occurs, which proves that the damage is continuously accumulated and an irreversible deterioration process is generated.

Socs1 and Socs3 degrades Traf6 via polyubiquitination in LPS-induced acute necrotizing pancreatitis

Mechanisms involved in inflammatory development during acute pancreatitis (AP) are largely vague, especially in the transformation of acute edematous pancreatitis (AEP) into acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). This current study aims to investigate the functions of Traf6 in different AP models in vitro and in vivo, and to identify the possible regulatory mechanism in the progression of inflammation from mild to severe. Our data revealed that the level of Traf6 expression was significantly increased in the mild AP induced by caerulein, and the upregulation of Traf6 played a protective role in acinar cells against caerulein-induced apoptosis. In contrast, only Traf6 protein but not mRNA was downregulated in the severe ANP induced by combination treatment of caerulein and LPS. Mechanistic studies showed that LPS upregulated the levels of Socs1 and Socs3 expressions in acinar cells, Socs1 and Socs3 interacted Traf6 directly and degraded Traf6 protein via polyubiquitination, thereby counteracted the protective function of Traf6. In vivo study further showed that combination treatment of caerulein and LPS failed to induce an ANP model in the TLR4 knockout mice, and the level of Traf6 expression in the pancreatic tissues remained the same as that from the acute edematous pancreatitis (AEP) mouse. Taken together, our study reveals that Traf6 functioned as a protective factor in the progression of AP, and LPS-induced Socs1 and Socs3 exacerbate mild AP to severe AP, which provides evidence for developing a new therapeutic target to combat AP.

Influence of crystal structure, ligand environment and morphology on Co L-edge XAS spectral characteristics in cobalt compounds

The electronic structure of a material plays an important role in its functionality for different applications which can be probed using synchrotron-based spectroscopy techniques. Here, various cobalt-based compounds, differing in crystal structure, ligands surrounding the central metal ion and morphology, have been studied by soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the Co L-edge in order to measure the effect of these parameters on the electronic structure. A careful qualitative analysis of the spectral branching ratio and relative intensities of the L3 and L2 peaks provide useful insight into the electronic properties of compounds such as CoO/Co(OH)2, CoCl2.6H2O/CoF2.4H2O, CoCl2/CoF2, Co3O4 (bulk/nano/micro). For further detailed analysis of the XAS spectra, quantitative analysis has been performed by fitting the spectral profile with simulated spectra for a number of cobalt compounds using crystal field atomic multiplet calculations.

Lentiviral hepatitis B pseudotype entry requires sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide and additional hepatocyte-specific factors

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the world's major unconquered infections, resulting in progressive liver disease, and current treatments rarely cure infection. A limitation to discovering new therapies is our limited knowledge of HBV entry and dissemination pathways that hinders the development of in vitro culture systems. To address this gap in our understanding we optimized the genesis of infectious lentiviral pseudoparticles (HBVpps). The recent discovery that the bile salt transporter sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) acts as a receptor for HBV enabled us to assess the receptor dependency of HBVpp infection. HBVpps preferentially infect hepatoma cells expressing NTCP, whereas other non-liver cells engineered to express NTCP do not support infection, suggesting that additional hepatocyte-specific factors are required for HBVpp internalization. These results highlight the value of the HBVpp system to dissect the pathways of HBV entry and dissemination.

The expression features of serum Cystatin C and homocysteine of Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the expression features of serum cystatin C, and homocysteine in patients of Parkinson's disease (PD) with mild cognitive impairment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with PD from the neurology department of the Central Hospital of Xuzhou from august 2012 to august 2014 were enrolled in this study. The Hoehn-Yahr (H&Y) grading rating scale was used to rate the degree of severity of PD, and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) rating scale was used to rate and group their cognitive impairment, test the level of the serum cystatin C (CysC) and homocysteine (HCY) and their variations after treatment with vitamin B and folic acid.

RESULTS

(1) The CysC and HCY in the PD group was higher than that in the normal control (p<0.05); (2) As the H&Y rating upgraded, the CysC and HCY in the PD group gradually increased with the progression of the disease (p<0.05); (3) The level of CysC and HCY in the PD-mild cognitive impairment (MCI) group increased significantly compared with those in the PD group (p<0.05) The correlation analysis showed that there was significant positive correlation between CysC and HCY. (4) After treatment with vitamin B and folic acid, the CysC, and HCY levels were lower than before, but the grades of the repetition measurement scale, MMSE and MoCA had no significant improvement (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A high level of CysC and HCY might be involved in the development of Parkinson disease. Their expression levels were higher in the PD patients with mild cognitive dysfunction and both showed a remarkably positive correlation.

Extreme ultraviolet imaging of three-dimensional magnetic reconnection in a solar eruption

Magnetic reconnection, a change of magnetic field connectivity, is a fundamental physical process in which magnetic energy is released explosively, and it is responsible for various eruptive phenomena in the universe. However, this process is difficult to observe directly. Here, the magnetic topology associated with a solar reconnection event is studied in three dimensions using the combined perspectives of two spacecraft. The sequence of extreme ultraviolet images clearly shows that two groups of oppositely directed and non-coplanar magnetic loops gradually approach each other, forming a separator or quasi-separator and then reconnecting. The plasma near the reconnection site is subsequently heated from ∼1 to ≥5 MK. Shortly afterwards, warm flare loops (∼3 MK) appear underneath the hot plasma. Other observational signatures of reconnection, including plasma inflows and downflows, are unambiguously revealed and quantitatively measured. These observations provide direct evidence of magnetic reconnection in a three-dimensional configuration and reveal its origin.

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental energy release process taking place in various astrophysical environments, but it is difficult to observe it directly. Here, the authors provide evidence of three-dimensional magnetic reconnection in a solar eruption using combined perspectives of two spacecraft.

Nuclear accumulation of CDH1 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Expression of E-cadherin has a central role in maintaining epithelial morphology. In solid tumors, reduction of E-cadherin results in disruption of intercellular contacts. Consequently, cells lose adhesive properties and gain more invasive mesenchymal properties. Nevertheless, the mechanism of E-cadherin regulation is not completely elucidated. Here we analyzed the distribution of E-cadherin expression at the cell level in human hepatocellular carcinoma, in which human liver paraffin blocks from 25 hepatocellular carcinoma patients were prepared from cancerous (CA) and noncancerous areas (NCA). In situ hybridization (ISH) was performed to detect E-cadherin and hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF1α) mRNAs and immunohistochemistry to stain E-cadherin protein. In parallel, RNA was extracted from CA and NCA, and E-cadherin and HIF1α were quantified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. ISH revealed abundant E-cadherin mRNA in nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCCs), whereas immunohistochemistry showed depletion of E-cadherin protein from these areas. In sections of NCA, E-cadherin mRNA was also found in the cytosol, and E-cadherin protein was detected on the membrane of cells. Experiments in cell lines confirmed E-cadherin mRNA in nuclei of cells negative for E-cadherin protein. HIF1α expression is elevated in CAs, which is associated with a clear cytosolic staining for this mRNA. Our results demonstrate that E-caderhin mRNA is selectively retained in nuclei of HCCs, whereas other mRNAs are still exported, suggesting that translocation of E-cadherin mRNA from nuclei to cytoplasm has a role in regulating E-cadherin protein levels during epithelial mesenchymal transition.

The involvement of central beta-endorphin in the cardioprotective effects of remote preconditioning mediated by the intracerebroventricular administration of morphine

BACKGROUND

Opioids can mimic the effects of remote cardiac preconditioning and mediate a subsequent reduction in myocardial infarct size.

AIM

This study investigated the role of beta-endorphin (β-EP) in intracerebroventricular morphine cardioprotection.

METHODS

Anesthetized, open-chest, male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 1 of 9 treatment groups 3 days after intracerebroventricular catheter placement. Remote preconditioning was induced with 3 μg/kg of morphine. The β-EP antagonist was administered via intracerebroventricular or intravenous routes either 10 min before or immediately after morphine or saline administration. Ischemia-reperfusion injury was caused by 30 min of left coronary artery occlusion followed by 120 min of reperfusion. The infarct size, as a percentage of the area at risk, was determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium staining. Radioimmunoassay and immunoreactivity were used to determine the β-EP levels in the serum and brain.

RESULTS

Intracerebroventricular administration of β-EP antiserum (AEP) after morphine administration attenuated the cardioprotective effects of remote preconditioning. The addition of intravenous AEP either before or after morphine did not affect infarct size. After morphine preconditioning, the β-EP level decreased in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and increased significantly in the serum, pituitary gland, ventrolateral periaqueductal gray and rostral ventrolateral medulla.

CONCLUSION

Central but not peripheral β-EP is involved in morphine remote preconditioning and plays a role in the ongoing mediation of cardioprotective effects.

Apigenin induces dermal collagen synthesis via smad2/3 signaling pathway

Decrease in fibroblast-produced collagen has been proven to be the pivotal cause of skin aging, but there is no satisfactory drug which directly increases dermal thickness and collage density. Here we found that a flavonoid natural product, apigenin, could significantly increase collagen synthesis. NIH/3T3 and primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were incubated with various concentrations of apigenin, with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) serving as the negative control. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western Blot, and Toluidine blue staining demonstrated that apigenin stimulated type-I and type-III collagen synthesis of fibroblasts on the mRNA and protein levels. Meanwhile, apigenin did not induce expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in vitro and in vivo, a fibrotic marker in living tissues. Then the production of collagen was confirmed by Masson’s trichrome stain, Picrosirius red stain and immunohistochemistry in mouse models. We also clarified that this compound induced collagen synthesis by activating smad2/3 signaling pathway. Taken together, without obvious influence on fibroblasts’ apoptosis and viability, apigenin could promote the type-I and type-III collagen synthesis of dermal fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo, thus suggesting that apigenin may serve as a potential agent for esthetic and reconstructive skin rejuvenation.