Circ-DONSON promotes malignant progression of glioma through modulating FOXO3

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression level of circ-DONSON in glioma and to explore its effect on glioma metastasis and the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to examine circ-DONSON expression in 40 paired glioma tumor tissues and adjacent tissues. Meanwhile, the relation between circ-DONSON level and clinical parameters of glioma and the prognosis of patients was analyzed. The expression of circ-DONSON in glioma cell lines was analyzed by qRT-PCR as well. In addition, circs-DONSON silencing model was constructed in glioma cell lines. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), cell scratch, and transwell migration assays were performed to investigate the effect of circ-DONSON on biological functions of glioma cells. Finally, the interplay between FOXO3 and circ-DONSON was explored.

RESULTS

QRT-PCR results revealed that the expression level of circ-DONSON in glioma tumor tissues was remarkably higher than that of adjacent tissues, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Compared with patients with low expression of circ-DONSON, significantly higher prevalence of lymph node or distant metastasis and worse prognosis were observed in patients with high expression of circ-DONSON (p<0.05). The proliferation and migration abilities of glioma cells in circ-DONSON silenced group were remarkably suppressed when compared with NC group (p<0.05). Additionally, FOXO3 expression was remarkably down-regulated in glioma cell lines and tissues. FOXO3 expression was negatively correlated with circ-DONSON expression. In addition, cell reverse experiment demonstrated that circ-DONSON and FOXO3 can regulate each other, thereby together affecting the malignant progression of glioma.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ-DONSON was remarkably associated with lymph node or distant metastasis, as well as poor prognosis of patients with glioma. Furthermore, it promoted the metastasis of glioma cells via regulating FOXO3.

Estrogen enhances the expression of a growth-associated long noncoding RNA in chicken liver via ERα

1. The long noncoding RNA lncGLM is significantly differentially expressed in the livers of peak-laying hens compared with that in the livers of pre-laying hens, but its potential biological role and expression regulation are unclear.2. To explore the potential biological function of lncGLM, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection and association analysis were carried out in the Gushi×Anka F₂ resource population.3. The tissues and spatiotemporal expression characteristics of lncGLM were analysed by real-time quantitative PCR. The effects of 17β-oestradiol on the expression of lncGLM expression were analysed through in vitro and in vivo experiments.4. The results showed that a g.19069338 T > C SNP was present in lncGLM. Association analysis revealed that lncGLM was significantly associated with body slanting length at 12 weeks, body weight at 12 weeks, shank length at four weeks, chest depth at eight weeks, pelvic width at 12 weeks, eviscerated weight, head weight, pancreas weight, pectoralis weight, leg muscle weight, muscular stomach weight rate, pancreas weight rate, carcase weight, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine and pectoral muscle water loss rate.5. The expression of lncGLM in the liver was higher than that in other sampled tissues. In addition, the expression of lncGLM in the liver was significantly higher in the peak-laying period than at the pre-laying period. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that lncGLM expression was regulated by 17β-oestradiol via oestrogen receptor alpha (ER-α). These results demonstrated that the chicken lncGLM gene is highly expressed in liver tissue and regulated by oestrogen through ER-α.

[DNA double-strand breaks repair capacity and risk of differentiated thyroid cancer: a case-control study]

Objective: To study the influencing factors of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) repair capacity and relationship with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Methods: A total of 140 patients with thyroid diseases admitted to the Henan Cancer Hospital from January 2020 to March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 26 males and 114 females, aged from 18 to 78 years old. According to the pathological results, the patients were divided into DTC group (90 cases) and control group or benign thyroid nodules (BTN) group (50 cases). The DSB repair ability of peripheral blood T lymphocytes was measured by flow cytometry. The data of two groups were compared by Wilcoxon rank sum test to evaluate the relationship between DSB repair ability and the risk of DTC. According to the median repair ability of DSB in BTN group, the repair ability of DSB was divided into high and low categories, and the factors influencing the repair ability of DSB were analyzed by Logistic regression method. SPSS 22.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The DSB repair capacity was 27.87% in DTC group and 36.75% in BTN group, with significant difference (Z=-3.999,P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis suggested that patients with thyroid cancer had lower DSB repair capacity than patients without cancer (OR=2.245; 95%CI: 1.067-4.725; P=0.033), and patients with a history of radiation exposure had a reduced DSB repair capacity (OR=2.698; 95%CI: 1.271-5.725, P=0.010). Conclusion: The risk of DTC increases in patients with low DSB repair capacity. Radiation exposure is a risk factor for the reduction of DSB repair capacity.

[Analysis of genetic characteristics in two Chinese children of type Ⅱ Waardenburg syndrome]

Objective: To screen and analyze the mutations of MITF gene in two children of type Ⅱ Waardenburg syndrome (WS2) from different families in Yunnan,China,and to explore the possible molecular pathogenesis. Methods: With informed consent, medical history collection, physical examinations, audiological evaluation, and high resolution computer tomography (HRCT) scan of temporal bone were performed on the two WS2 probands and their family members. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of all individuals. The coding regions including all exons, part of introns and promoters of MITF, PAX3, SOX10, SNAI2, END3, ENDRB, and KITLG genes were sequenced by high-throughput sequencing. According to the results of high-throughput sequencing, pathogenic mutations detected in the probands and their parents were verified by Sanger sequencing. Results: The proband 1 carried c.641_643delGAA mutation in the 7th exon of MITF gene, which was a frame-shift mutation resulting in an amino acid change of p.214delR. It was a de novo mutation as the parents of proband 1 showed no variation on this site. The proband 2 carried heterozygous loss of the large fragment ranging from exon 1 to exon 9 of MITF gene, which defected the function of MITF protein. Conclusion: Genetic examinations provide important evidence for diagnosis of Waardenburg syndrome. Heterozygous mutation c.641_643delGAA and heterozygous loss of the large fragment ranging from exon 1 to exon 9 of MITF gene might be the molecular pathogenesis of the two WS2 probands in this study.

[Clinical features and interventional bronchoscopic treatment of primary airway tumor in 8 children]

Objective: To summarize the clinical manifestations and to evaluate the feasibility of therapeutic bronchoscopy in pediatric primary airway tumors. Methods: The clinical data of 8 children presented with airway tumors in Beijing Children's Hospital from November 2016 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the outcome and prognosis of these children after interventional bronchoscopy. Results: Among the 8 children, 5 were male and 3 were female, aged from 4 years and 8 months to 9 years and 2 months. The main clinical manifestations were cough and wheezing in 6 cases, hemoptysis in 3 cases and recurrent pulmonary infection in 2 cases, and none of them had lymph node metastasis and extra-pulmonary metastasis. All 8 children underwent bronchoscopic resection of the tumors, and the 4 children with blood-rich tumors had bronchial artery embolization at the blood supply site before the resection. No major bleeding or pneumothorax occurred during or after the operation. Four cases had low grade malignant bronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 2 had inflammatory myofibroblastoma, and the rest two had pleomorphic adenoma and bronchial smooth muscle spindle cell tumor. Postoperative follow-up lasted 2 to 4 years, and 3 had tumor recured. Among the 3 cases, 2 had inflammatory myofibroblastoma who underwent surgical resection of the lesion and combined chemotherapy, respectively; and one had mucoepidermoid carcinoma who was under follow-up after interventional cryotherapy. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of primary airway tumors in children are atypical. The main clinical manifestations are dry cough, wheezing, recurrent pulmonary infection and hemoptysis. Interventional bronchoscopy is a feasible choice for the treatment of pediatric airway tumors.

Validation of superior reference genes for qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses in marine Emiliania huxleyi-virus model system

AIMS

To search for a set of reference genes for reliable gene expression analysis in the globally important marine coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi-virus model system.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fifteen housekeeping genes (CDKA, CYP15, EFG3, POLAI, RPL30, RPL13, SAMS, COX1, GPB1-2, HSP90, TUA, TUB, UBA1, CAM3 and GAPDH) were evaluated for their stability as potential reference genes for qRT-PCR using ΔCt, geNorm, NormFinder, Bestkeeper and RefFinder software. CDKA, TUA and TUB genes were tested as loading controls for Western blot in the same sample panel. Additionally, target genes associated with cell apoptosis, that is metacaspase genes, were applied to validate the selection of reference genes. The analysis results demonstrated that putative housekeeping genes exhibited significant variations in both mRNA and protein content during virus infection. After a comprehensive analysis with all the algorithms, CDKA and GAPDH were recommended as the most stable reference genes for E huxleyi virus (EhV) infection treatments. For Western blot, significant variation was seen for TUA and TUB, whereas CDKA was stably expressed, consistent with the results of qRT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

CDKA and GAPDH are the best choice for gene and protein expression analysis than the other candidate reference genes under EhV infection conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The stable internal control genes identified in this work will help to improve the accuracy and reliability of gene expression analysis and gain insight into complex E. huxleyi-EhV interaction regulatory networks.

Knockdown of long noncoding RNA DLX6-AS1 inhibits migration and invasion of thyroid cancer cells by upregulating UPF1

OBJECTIVE

Recently, long non- coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted much attention for their roles in tumor progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the exact role of lncRNA DLX6 antisense RNA 1 (DLX6-AS1) in the development of thyroid cancer (TC), and to explore the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

DLX6-AS1 expression in both TC cells and tissue samples was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, transwell assay and wound healing assay were conducted. QRT-PCR and Western blot assay were used to explore the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, the function of DLX6-AS1 was identified in vivo.

RESULTS

DLX6-AS1 expression level in TC tissues was significantly higher than that of the corresponding normal tissues. Moreover, TC cell migration and invasion were markedly inhibited after DLX6-AS1 was knocked down in vitro. The mRNA and protein expressions of UPF1 were both remarkably up-regulated after knockdown of DLX6-AS1. Meanwhile, the expression level of UPF1 was negatively correlated with the expression of DLX6-AS1 in TC tissues. Furthermore, knockdown of DLX6-AS1 significantly inhibited tumor metastasis in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Knockdown of DLX6-AS1 could inhibit TC cell migration and invasion via upregulating UPF1, which might be a potential therapeutic target in TC.

Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis MN-Gup on constipation and the composition of gut microbiota

Probiotics have been reported to be associated with the alleviation of constipation. The aim of this study was to detect and determine the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis MN-Gup (MN-Gup) on the alleviation of constipation in BALB/c mice and humans, and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its effect by measuring changes in the concentration of short-chain fatty acids and the composition of microbes in human faeces. BALB/c mice were given MN-Gup by gavage for 14 days. On the 8^th day of this treatment, constipation was induced by the application of diphenoxylate via gavage. The results showed that MN-Gup significantly decreased the first black stool defecation time, and significantly increased black faecal wet weight, black faecal number and the gastric-intestinal transit rate (P<0.05), thereby relieving constipation. In humans, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed to investigate the effect of MN-Gup in adults with functional constipation. After 4 weeks of intervention with placebo or MN-Gup yogurt, constipation-related symptoms (including defecation frequency, stool consistency, straining and incomplete feeling during defecation) in the constipated subjects were significantly improved in the two groups, but not different between the groups at the end of the intervention. The concentration of acetate increased significantly in the MN-Gup group compared to the placebo group and before ingestion. Significant changes in the composition of gut microbiota were found after intake of MN-Gup yogurt when compared to placebo. The relative abundances of acetate-producing Bifidobacterium, Ruminoccaceae_UCG-002 and Ruminoccaceae_UCG-005 were significantly increased after intake of MN-Gup yogurt. These results showed that MN-Gup could relieve constipation related to increased acetate-producing Bifidobacterium, Ruminoccaceae_UCG-002 and Ruminoccaceae_UCG-005.

Automated measurement of broiler stretching behaviors under four stocking densities via faster region-based convolutional neural network

Stretching behavior is one of the broiler comfort behaviors that could be used for animal welfare assessment. However, there is currently no methodology for automatic monitoring of stretching behavior under representative production practices. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop a faster region-based convolutional neural network (faster R-CNN) stretching behavior detector for broiler stretching behavior detection, (2) evaluate broiler stretching behaviors under stocking densities (SDs) of 27 (27SD), 29 (29SD), 33 (33SD), and 39 kg/m² (39SD) and at weeks 4 and 5 of bird ages, and (3) examine the temporal and spatial distribution of broiler stretching behaviors. The results show that the precision, recall, specificity, and accuracy were over 86% on broiler stretching detection across all SDs and bird ages using the faster R-CNN stretching behavior detector. Broilers spent 230-533 sec stretching every day and showed more stretching behaviors under the 29SD, 33SD, and 39SD in week 4 and under the 29SD and 33SD in week 5, as compared to other SDs. They performed less stretching in a couple of hours after light ON and before light OFF but preferred to stretch in areas with less traffic and disturbance, that is, along the fences and away from the inspection aisle. It is concluded that the stretching behavior detector had acceptable performance in detecting broiler stretching, thus being a useful tool for broiler stretching detection. Broiler stretching behavior is affected by SD and bird age and shows temporal and spatial variations.

Pattern-recognition receptors in duck (Anas platyrhynchos): identification, expression and function analysis of toll-like receptor 3

1. Innate immunity provides the first line of defence against pathogenic organisms through a myriad of germline encoded receptors called pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs). Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, as an important member of PRRs, is indispensable for host defence against viral infection by recognising virus-derived RNAs. However, little is known about the structure and function of TLR3 in ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), a natural host for the avian influenza virus.2. This study cloned the full-length cDNA of duck TLR3 using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The cDNA sequence of duck TLR3 was 4046 bp in length and encoded 895 amino acids. Multiple sequence alignment showed that duck TLR3 shared high similarity with that from other vertebrates.3. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis suggested that TLR3 mRNA was constitutively expressed in all tissues tested, having higher levels in the kidney, liver, breast muscle, ovary and heart. After stimulation with viral- or bacterial-mimics, including LPS, poly(I:C), pam3CSK4, FLS-1, FLA-ST and R848, the TLR3 transcript was significantly upregulated. Meanwhile, overexpression of duck TLR3 significantly promoted the transcription of IFN-β, IRF7, TRIF, Mx, STAT1 and STAT2 mRNA after stimulation with poly(I:C).4. These results suggested that TLR3 play an important role in resistance against viral and bacterial infections in ducks.

Evaluation of an accelerated 3D modulated flip-angle technique in refocused imaging with an extended echo-train sequence with compressed sensing for imaging of the knee: comparison with routine 2D MRI sequences

AIM

To accelerate the acquisition of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by using the three-dimensional (3D) matrix sequence with compressed sensing and to compare it with conventional two-dimensional (2D) proton-density (PD) and fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3D matrix, 2D FSE, and PD sequences were acquired from 68 participants using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two radiologists scored image quality independently on a four-point scale. The structural similarity index (SSIM), and signal- (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of different anatomical structures of the knee were assessed and compared between sequences using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Cohen's kappa.

RESULTS

The median acquisition time reduction was 44.5%. There was a substantial to perfect agreement for the rating between the 3D matrix FSE and 2D FSE or PD sequences when evaluating cartilage, subchondral bone, and ligaments (κ=0.783-872, p>0.05). The mean SSIM values between the 3D matrix FSE and 2D FSE, and between the 3D matrix PD and 2D PD sequences was 0.994 and 0.971, respectively, which are acceptable. No significant differences were found in SNR between the 3D matrix FSE and 2D FSE, and between the 3D matrix PD and 2D PD sequences, even though the SNR appeared to be higher on routine 2D sequences. The CNR of subchondral bone-meniscus, subchondral bone-joint fluid, and meniscus-joint fluid did not differentiate significantly between the 3D matrix sequence and routine 2D sequences.

CONCLUSIONS

3D matrix reduced the acquisition time in routine clinical knee MRI without the loss in image quality, SNR, and CNR.

Retroperitoneal totally endoscopic prosthetic repair of primary lumbar hernia

PURPOSE

A primary lumbar hernia is a rare entity that requires surgical management, but the preferred technique has not been established. We herein describe a standardized and reproducible retroperitoneal totally endoscopic prosthetic (TEP) repair technique for primary lumbar hernias.

METHODS

Ten adult patients with primary lumbar hernias underwent retroperitoneal TEP repair from February 2019 to July 2020. A sufficient retroperitoneal space was established to accommodate a non-coated polypropylene mesh to reinforce the weakened flank area, and hernia content reduction and defect closure were then performed. The patients' clinical data were prospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Nine patients had a primary superior lumbar hernia and one patient had a primary diffuse lumbar hernia. All operations were successfully performed without serious intraoperative complications. The mean defect area was 6.4 ± 2.8 cm² (range 4-12 cm²), and the mean mesh area was 144.6 cm² (range 130-180 cm²). The average operative time (skin to skin) was 49.0 ± 5.7 min (range 40-60 min), and intraoperative bleeding was minimal. The mean visual analog pain scale score at rest on the first postoperative day was 2.2 (range 2-3). The average length of postoperative stay was 1.5 days (range 1-2 days). No serious postoperative complications occurred. No recurrence, chronic pain, or mesh infection occurred during a mean follow-up period of 7.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The retroperitoneal TEP repair for primary lumbar hernias is safe, efficient, and reproducible. Anti-adhesive coated meshes and fixation tackers are not required, making this a cost-effective procedure that is worthy of recommendation.

[Clinical, myopathological and genetic features of two Chinese families with paramyotonia congenita]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, myopathological and genetic mutation characteristics in two Chinese families with paramyotonia congenita (PMC). Methods: Clinical manifestations, electrophysiology, muscle pathology and gene sequencing of two Chinese families with PMC were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Family 1 involved 12 patients in 4 consecutive generations and family 2 involved only 1 patient in 3 generations. The onset of symptoms in all patients started at early childhood. Both probands presented with myotonia triggered by cold and paroxysmal weakness. However, the other 11 patients in family 1 only manifested cold-induced myotonia. Serum creatine kinase (CK) was slightly elevated between attacks of weakness in the 2 probands, and was even greater than 10 000 U/L during the episodes of weakness in the second proband, whose lower limb MRI revealed edema in bilateral medial gastrocnemius. Electromyography showed diffuse myotonia discharge and myogenic impairment in both probands, and myotonia discharge in the first proband's mother. Muscle pathology of both probands showed mild myopathic changes, and tube aggregation was occasionally observed in the second one. Genetic testing revealed a maternally inherited heterozygous R1448H mutation of SCN4A gene in the first proband and part of his family. A novel heterozygous R1448G mutation of SCN4A gene was reported in the second proband. Conclusions: Cold-triggered myotonia with or without paroxysmal weakness are the common characteristics of PMC. Myotonic potential and myogenic impairment can be tested in electromyography. The p.R1448G mutation is a new missense mutation.

[Treatment of proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients with intramedullary nail and locking plate]

Objective: To compare the effect of intramedullary nail and locking plate in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly. Methods: A total of 37 elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures were selected from April 2016 to June 2018 in Tianjin Hospital, including 13 males and 24 females, aged (66±5) years. The patients were divided into observation group (17 cases) and control group (20 cases) according to the random number table, and were treated with multiloc intramedullary nail and locking plate respectively. The operation time, blood loss, healing time of fractures, visual analogue scale of pain, Neer shoulder function score were recored and compared between the two groups. The data were compared with t test between the two groups. Results: The operation time of the observation group was shorter than that of the control group ((72±7) min vs (89±9) min, t=6.365, P<0.05); the intraoperative bleeding volume was lower than that of the control group ((56±6) ml vs (74±8) ml, t=7.923, P<0.05). The superior rate of shoulder function was 94.1%(16/17) in the observation group and 90.0%(18/20) in the control group (χ(2)=0.209, P>0.05). The VAS score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group on the first day after operation (t=4.706, P<0.05); the Neer shoulder function score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group on the sixth month after operation (81±8 vs 76±8, t=2.156, P<0.05). Six months after the operation, the valgus angle (19.21°±2.88°) of the observation group was larger than that of the control group (16.32°±2.63°, t=3.189, P<0.05), the humeral head varus angle (3.57°±0.47°), the humeral neck stem angle (139°±10°) was smaller than that of the others (5.24°±1.26°), (146°±13°) (t=5.159, 2.258, both P<0.05). There was no significant difference in shoulder function score and complication rate 12 months after operation between the two groups (both P>0.05). Conclusion: Both intramedullary nailing and locking plate can achieve better results in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly, but the operation time of intramedullary nailing is shorter, the pain after operation is lighter and the recovery is faster.

Linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid inhibit conjugative transfer of an IncX4 plasmid carrying mcr-1

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of unsaturated fatty acids on clinical plasmids.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) at final concentration 0, 0·03, 0·3 and 3 mmol l^-1 , respectively, were used to assess the effects on conjugative transfer of a mcr-1-harbouring plasmid pCSZ4 (IncX4) in conjugation experiment. The inhibitory mechanisms were analysed by molecular docking and the gene expression of virB11 was quantitated by qRT-PCR. Target plasmid diversity was carried out by TrwD/VirB11 homology protein sequence prediction analysis. Our results showed that LA and ALA inhibit plasmid pCSZ4 transfer by binding to the amino acid residues (Phe124 and Thr125) of VirB11 with dose-dependent effects. The expression levels of virB11 gene were also significantly inhibited by LA and ALA treatment. Protein homology analysis revealed a wide distribution of TrwD/VirB11-like genes among over 37 classes of plasmids originated from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates representing a diversity of plasmids that may be potentially inhibited by unsaturated fatty acids.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our work reported here provides additional support for application of curbing the spread of multiple plasmids by unsaturated fatty acids.

Enhancement of immune responses by co-administration of bacterial ghosts-mediated Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA vaccines

AIM

Gonorrhoea remains a leading public health burden and the development of vaccine against gonorrhoea becomes more urgent. Here, a novel Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA vaccine delivered by Salmonella enteritidis ghosts was developed and the immune responses of the vaccine candidate were evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Neisseria gonorrhoeae nspA gene was cloned into the pVAX1 vector. The constructed recombinant plasmid pVAX1-nspA was loaded into the lyophilized SE ghosts to produce SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA). Then, the immune responses induced by SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA) alone and co-administrated with SE ghosts (pVAX1-porB) were evaluated in mouse model. Co-administered SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA) and SE ghosts (pVAX1-porB) could elicited significantly higher levels of specific IgG antibody responses and lymphocyte proliferative responses than the control groups. Furthermore, the group co-administered SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA) and SE ghosts (pVAX1-porB) had the highest bactericidal antibody titres.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-administration of SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA) and SE ghosts (pVAX1-porB) elicited significant specific humoral and cellular immune responses.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study demonstrates the potential of co-administration of SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA) and SE ghosts (pVAX1-porB) as an attractive vaccination regimen for gonorrhoea.

Dust mite-derived Enterobacterial fimbriae H protein enforces the allergen specific immunotherapy in asthma mice

BACKGROUND

The mite alimentary canal contains plenty of microbiota. It is accepted that some of the microbial products function as adjuvants to speed up immune responses.

OBJECTIVES

We identified five bacterial proteins from dust mite, and Enterobacterial fimbriae H (FimH) was one of them. This study aims to test a hypothesis that the FimH protein enforces immunotherapy in asthmatic mice.

METHODS

Asthmatic mice were treated by allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT) with rDer f1/f2 or rDer f1/f2 plus FimH. Changes in inflammatory cell infiltration, airway hyperreactivity, frequency of Tregs, splenic CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺ cells, and serum levels of TGF-β, IL-10, IL-13 and IL-17A of asthmatic mice were checked.

RESULTS

ASIT with rDer f1/f2 plus FimH reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, airway hyperreactivity (AHR), and levels of IgE and IgG1 compared to ASIT with rDer f1/f2 alone, but the levels of IgG2a increased. Asthmatic mice that underwent ASIT with rDer f1/f2 plus FimH showed increased frequency of Tregs, splenic CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺ cells, serum levels of TGF-β and IL-10; and deceased splenic CD4⁺IL-4⁺ cells, and serum levels of IL-13 and IL-17A. In vitro study showed FimH triggered IL-10 expression in a concentration dependent manner and facilitated the differentiation of Tregs.

CONCLUSION

Used as an adjuvant, FimH enforces the effect of ASIT in asthmatic mice via augmenting Tregs.

Exogenous 6-benzyladenine application affects root morphology by altering hormone status and gene expression of developing lateral roots in Malus hupehensis

Malus hupehensis is an extensively used apple rootstock in China. In the current study, M. hupehensis seedlings were treated with exogenous 2.2 µm 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) so as to investigate the mechanism by which 6-BA affects lateral root development. The results indicate that 6-BA treatment promotes elongation and thickening of both root and shoot in M. hupehensis, but reduces the number of lateral roots, as well as reducing the auxin level after 6-BA treatment. Moreover, MhAHK4, MhRR1 and MhRR2 were also significantly up-regulated in response to 6-BA treatment. Expression levels of auxin synthesis- and transport-related genes, such as MhYUCCA6, MhYUCCA10, MhPIN1 and MhPIN2, were down-regulated, which corresponds with lower auxin levels in the 6-BA-treated seedlings. A negative regulator of auxin, MhIAA3, was induced by 6-BA treatment, leading to reduced expression of MhARF7 and MhARF19 in 6-BA-treated seedlings. As a result, expression of MhWOX11, MhWOX5, MhLBD16 and MhLBD29 was blocked, which in turn inhibited lateral root initiation. In addition, a lower auxin level decreased expression of MhRR7 and MhRR15, which repressed expression of key transcription factors associated with root development, thus inhibiting lateral root development. In contrast, 6-BA treatment promoted secondary growth (thickening) of the root by inducing expression of MhCYCD3;1 and MhCYCD3;2. Collectively, the changes in hormone levels and gene expression resulted in a reduced number of lateral roots and thicker roots in 6-BA-treated plants.

Observation of the Doubly Cabibbo-Suppressed Decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} and Evidence for D^{+}→K^{+}ω

Using 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, the first observation of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} is reported. After removing decays that contain narrow intermediate resonances, including D^{+}→K^{+}η, D^{+}→K^{+}ω, and D^{+}→K^{+}ϕ, the branching fraction of the decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} is measured to be (1.13±0.08_{stat}±0.03_{syst})×10^{-3}. The ratio of branching fractions of D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} over D^{+}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{+}π^{0} is found to be (1.81±0.15)%, which corresponds to (6.28±0.52)tan^{4}θ_{C}, where θ_{C} is the Cabibbo mixing angle. This ratio is significantly larger than the corresponding ratios for other doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays. The asymmetry of the branching fractions of charge-conjugated decays D^{±}→K^{±}π^{±}π^{∓}π^{0} is also determined, and no evidence for CP violation is found. In addition, the first evidence for the D^{+}→K^{+}ω decay, with a statistical significance of 3.3σ, is presented and the branching fraction is measured to be B(D^{+}→K^{+}ω)=(5.7_{-2.1}^{+2.5}_{stat}±0.2_{syst})×10^{-5}.

MiR-203 inhibits the malignant behavior of prostate cancer cells by targeting RGS17

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the role of microRNA-203 (miR-203) in Prostate Cancer (PCa), and to further verify its influence in PCa cell function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of miR-203 in 55 clinical PCa cases and cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR. Then, the target gene of miR-203 in PCa cells was predicted and verified by online prediction software and Luciferase reporter gene assay, respectively. Furthermore, the role of miR-203 in PCa cell proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle and metastasis capacities was detected through a series of in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-203 in PCa tissues and cells was significantly reduced when compared with that of normal tissues and cells. In searching for potential downstream targets of miR-203, a regulator of G-protein signaling 17 (RGS17) entered our sight due to its active role in a variety of malignant tumors. More importantly, the negative regulation of RGS17 by miR-203 was verified by Luciferase reporter gene assay. Functional experiments demonstrated that low expression of RGS17 in PCa cells induced by up-regulation of miR-203 could significantly restrain the proliferation, invasion and migration capacities of PCa cells.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-203 served as a tumor suppressor gene in PCa. Through targeting RGS17, miR-203 significantly controlled the malignant behavior of PCa cells. Our findings revealed that miR-203/RGS17 axis might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PCa.

[Midterm outcome comparison between patients with bicuspid or tricuspid aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement]

Objective: To compare the prognosis of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) or tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) stenosis. Methods: This was a retrospective study. Patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, who underwent TAVR with follow-up time more than one year in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from April 2016 to August 2018, were included. According to aortic CT angiography, the patients were divided into BAV group and TAV group. The primary endpoint was the composite event of all-cause death and stroke, and the secondary endpoints were TAVR-related complications. Incidence of clinical endpoints and parameters derived from echocardiography were compared between the groups, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare the composite event between the two groups. Results: A total of 49 patients were included. The age was (73.6±6.3) years, and 25(51.0%) were male. There were 32 patients in BAV group and 17 in TAV group, the follow-up time was 466 (390, 664) days. The incidence of composite endpoint of death and stroke at one year were comparable in BAV and TAV groups (6.3% (2/32) vs. 5.9% (1/17), P=1.00). Kaplan-Meier curves also showed a similar risk of the composite endpoint(HR=1.03，95%CI 0.09-11.24，Log-rank P=0.98) between two groups. The incidence of all-cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction, severe bleeding, major vascular complications, new-onset atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, and permanent pacemaker implantation were all similar between the two groups(all P>0.05), and there was no acute kidney injury (stage 2 or 3) in both groups. Echocardiographic parameters at one year were similar between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The midterm prognosis of TAVR in patients with BAV and TAV stenosis is similar. Clinical trials of large sample size with long-term follow-up are warranted to verify our findings.

A phase I, randomized, double-blind study to assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of the topical RORC2 inverse agonist PF-06763809 in participants with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Transcription factor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor 2 (RORC2/RORγT) mediates interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F expression. IL-17A plays a central role in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory disorders, including psoriasis. The RORC2 inhibitor PF-06763809 has been hypothesized to inhibit IL-17A production in T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, thereby reducing psoriasis symptoms.

AIM

To assess the safety, tolerability and effect on skin infiltrate thickness of PF-06763809 in participants with mild/moderate chronic plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, first-in-human study (trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03469336). Participants received each of the following six treatments once daily for 18 days: three topical doses (2.3%, 0.8%, 0.23%) of PF-06763809, a vehicle and two active comparators (betamethasone and calcipotriol). Primary endpoints included change from baseline in psoriatic skin infiltrate thickness [echo-poor band (EPB) on ultrasonography] at Day 19, and safety. Change in psoriasis-associated gene expression (Day 19), evaluated by real-time reverse transcription PCR of skin biopsies, was an exploratory endpoint.

RESULTS

In total, 17 participants completed the study. Change from baseline in the EPB on Day 19 for all three doses of PF-06763809 was not significantly different from that of vehicle (P > 0.05). A significant reduction in EPB from baseline was observed with betamethasone on Day 19 relative to all other treatments (P < 0.0001). Treatment-related adverse events were mild/moderate. There were no significant differences in gene expression on Day 19 between vehicle and PF-06763809-treated skin lesions.

CONCLUSION

Using a psoriasis plaque test design, PF-06763809 was found to be well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile in participants with psoriasis, but without reduction in skin infiltrate thickness or disease biomarkers.

Knockdown of long noncoding RNA DLX6-AS1 inhibits migration and invasion of thyroid cancer cells by upregulating UPF1

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "Knockdown of long noncoding RNA DLX6-AS1 inhibits migration and invasion of thyroid cancer cells by upregulating UPF1, by Z.-B. Zhong, Y.-J. Wu, J.-N. Luo, X.-N. Hu, Z.-N. Yuan, G. Li, Y.-W. Wang, G.-D. Yao, X.-F. Ge, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23(24): 10867-10873-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201912_19790-PMID: 31858555" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/19790.

Whole-genome resequencing of Dulong Chicken reveal signatures of selection

1. Dulong Chickens (DLCs) live at high altitude (~3000 m) and humidity (~90%), are endemic to the Yunnan province, and have gradually developed unique physiological characteristics, but their genetic basis is still unclear. Using the fixation index (F_ST ) approach, based on whole-genome resequencing, DLCs were analysed to uncover the genomic architecture of the population and candidate genes involved in selection during domestication. 2. A total of 469 candidate genes were obtained to be putatively under selection in DLCs. Further investigations revealed the genic footprint for local adaptation (high-altitude and high-humidity) as the genic signatures that are involved in economic traits (related to egg production). 3. Candidate genes were identified that may be associated with disease resistance, aggressiveness, small body size and positive selection of vision in DLCs. 4. These data revealed loci of selective signals that operate during selection for production at high altitude and humidity.

Two genetically similar H9N2 influenza viruses isolated from different species show similar virulence in minks but different virulence in mice

The H9N2 influenza virus has been frequently endemic in poultry, infected mammals and humans and has threatened public health. It is therefore imperative to understand the molecular mechanism enabling this virus to jump from avian to mammalian species. In this study, two H9N2 influenza viruses were isolated from the same region in eastern China but from different hosts; one was isolated from mink and named A/Mink/Shandong/WM01/2014(H9N2)(WM01), while the other was isolated from chicken and named A/Chicken/Shandong/LX830/2014(H9N2)(LX830). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that both H9N2 influenza viruses had similar genetic backgrounds. The results of infection in minks suggested that both viruses caused significant weight loss and pathological changes in the lungs. Mouse infection showed that LX830 was nonpathogenic in mice, but WM01 resulted in 25% mortality and pathological changes in the lungs, such as severe edema and diffused inflammation of the interalveolar septa. Comparison of the full genomes of both H9N2 influenza viruses showed 52-nucleotide-synonym mutations in 8 gene segments and 7-nucleotide-antonym mutations, resulting in 7 amino acid (AA) substitutions distributed in the PB1, PA, NA and M gene segments. None of these mutations did affect splicing of the M and NS gene segments at the nucleotide level or minor open reading frames (ORFs), such as PB1-F2 and PA-X. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both H9N2 influenza viruses belong to the prevalent epidemic genotype in Asia. Keywords: H9N2 influenza virus; chicken; minks; pathogenicity; phylogenetic.

Policy infrastructure and mechanism to Promote “Health by All” Movement for Overturning Obesity

Background

Obesity is a pressing pandemic. However, major policies have targeted individual responsibility and focused on “losing weight or lowering calories”. Such approach has limited effect and overlooks the hidden obesity.

Methods

Under auspices of NHRI Forum, Taiwan; the WAKE.TAIWAN Research Team analyzed the global trends of policies, strategies, and literatures to formulate guiding principles for a total solution. 1. Defining obesity should go beyond body weight and emphasize more on healthy body composition and muscle mass, etc. 2. Effective obesity control strategy should facilitate building healthy living environments, lifestyle, and culture for natural flow of healthy behaviors. 3. All sectorial leaders should be involved in engaging and promoting healthy lifestyle culture and environment.

Results

”Guidelines for Establishing a lifestyle and Culture of Healthy Body Build” has been published as a blueprint for policy reform and strategies development, which consists of three parts. Part I emphasizes the active roles, social responsibilities, influence, and opportunities confronted the leaders and experts in all sectors and how government may facilitate these societal engagements, “Healthy by All”. The crucial sectors should include academia, NGO/NPO, industry/business, workplaces, healthcare systems, educational sectors, media and press, etc. Part II details on community spatial planning and architectural designs for healthy lifestyles. Part III proposes governmental “Health in All” infrastructure and mechanism.

Conclusions

We anticipate that the Guideline may draw out expertise and volunteering in all sectors of the society and help guide the public to take initiative in building such a culture of healthy-body-build and achieving this goal in all aspects of daily life.

Key messages

Emphasize on healthy body composition rather than body weight. Propagate 'Health by all' movement to foster building 'healthy physique' culture.

The Evaluation and Prediction of Laminoplasty Surgery Outcome in Patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Using Diffusion Tensor MRI

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

DTI has been proved valuable for the diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy, whereas its capacity for predicting the outcome of surgery is still under debate. Here we conduct a prospective cohort study to analyze the capacity of DTI for evaluating and predicting laminoplasty surgery outcome for degenerative cervical myelopathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recruited 55 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy who underwent DTI before surgery and at 3- and 6-month follow-up stages, and 20 healthy subjects. For clinical assessment, the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale was recorded for each patient at different stages. DTI metrics were compared between patients before surgery and healthy subjects. Spearman correlation and receiver operating characteristic were used to analyze the evaluation and prediction capacity of DTI for the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale, respectively. We analyzed different vertebral levels: maximal compression level, average of all compression levels, and C2 level.

RESULTS

DTI metrics were significantly different between patients before surgery and healthy subjects. Before surgery, DTI for the maximal compression level or DTI for the average of all compression levels had no significant correlation with the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale. For all stages, DTI at the C2 level was correlated with the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale. DTI metrics at the C2 level before surgery were significantly correlated with the postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale recovery rate. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that fractional anisotropy at C2 was capable of predicting the postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale recovery rate (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The DTI metrics before laminoplasty surgery, especially fractional anisotropy at the C2 level, have the potential for evaluating and predicting the degenerative cervical myelopathy surgery outcome.

Synergistic effect on anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among combinations of α-mangostin-rich extract, lawsone methyl ether and ampicillin

α-Mangostin-rich extract (AME) exhibited satisfactory inhibitory activities against all tested MRSA strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 7·8-31·25 µg ml^-1 , whereas lawsone methyl ether (LME) and ampicillin revealed weak antibacterial activity with MICs of 62·5-125 µg ml^-1 . However, the combination of AME and LME showed synergistic effects against all tested MRSA strains with fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values of 0·008-0·009, while the combination of AME and ampicillin, as well as LME and ampicillin produced synergistic effects with FICIs of 0·016-0·257. A time-kill assay against MRSA (DMST 20654 strain) revealed a 6-log reduction in CFU per ml, which completely inhibited bacterial growth for the combinations of AME and LME, AME and ampicillin, and LME and ampicillin at a 8-h incubation, while those against MRSA (2468 strain) were at 10-h incubation. The combination of α-mangostin and LME as well as the combinations of each compound with ampicillin synergized the alteration of membrane permeability. In addition, α-mangostin, LME and ampicillin inhibited the biofilm formation of MRSA. These findings indicated that the combinations of AME and LME or each of them in combination with ampicillin had enhanced antibacterial activity against MRSA. Therefore, these compounds might be used as the antibacterial cocktails for treatment of MRSA.

[Effect of exosome-derived miR-223 from macrophages on the metastasis of gastric cancer cells]

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of exosome-derived miR-223 from macrophage on gastric cancer (GC) cell metastasis. Methods: Exosomes isolated from macrophages culture medium were characterized and cocultured with GC cell, the miRNA level was detected by qRT-PCR. The migration and invasion of GC cell were detected by transwell. The internalization of exosomes, transfer of miR-223 was observed by immunofluorescence. Macrophage were transfected with a miR-223 inhibitor or negative control, transwell and scratch test were employed to explore the effect of macrophage derived exosome on the migration and invasion of GC cell. Western blot and RT-PCR assay were performed to uncover the underlying mechanisms of miR-223 and PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway. Results: This study showed that macrophage and macrophage-derived exosomes promoted the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cell(253.2±6.3, 451.8±12.8, 453.4±14.4, all P<0.01, and 98.4±5.1, 276.5±10.3, 257.3±8.5, all P<0.01, respectively). miR-223 was enriched in macrophage-derived exosomes, which was transferred to the co-cultivated gastric cancer cells. miR-223 knockdown in macrophage reversed the migration and invasion of exosomes on gastric cancer cells(215.6±9.2, 402.5±11.6, 253.7±10.4, all P<0.01, and 91.5±8.2,263.4±9.3,105.8±9.3,all P<0.01, respectively).Functional studies revealed that exosomal miR-223 derived from macrophage promoted the metastasis of GC cells via the PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway. In addition, itshowed thatthe actin cytoskeleton was altered, and multiple proteins associated with epithelial-mesenchymaltransition (EMT) were upregulated. Conclusion: Exosomal transfer of macrophage-derived miR-223 promote the metastasis of GC cells through targeting the PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway.

Efficient radiation releasing in device-level glass ceramics driven by a blue laser

Ce³⁺ doped M₃Al₅O₁₂ (MAG, M=Lu, Y) glass ceramics (GCs) have been proved to be shapeable phosphors for white lighting driven by a 453 nm laser. Quantitative characterization reflects that the net emission powers of 4 wt% LuAG-doped GC and 4 wt% YAG-doped GC are 59.99 mW and 66.22 mW at the pump power of 117.63 mW, and the quantum yields reach up to 71.1% and 78.0%, respectively. Miniaturization of devices can be achieved for LuAG/YAG-GCs by optimizing sample size and phosphor concentration with maintaining fluorescence intensity of the samples. Presupposed color coordinate trace reveals that the high-brightness white fluorescence can be realized when the appropriate intensity ratio is determined between residual laser and sample emission. The tunable white fluorescence and the efficient radiation releasing illustrate that LuAG/YAG-GCs are potential candidates for application in solid-state laser illumination.

Σ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-} Polarization in the J/ψ and ψ(3686) Decays

From 1310.6×10^{6}  J/ψ and 448.1×10^{6}  ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII experiment, we report the first observation of Σ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-} spin polarization in e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψ[ψ(3686)]→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} decays. The relative phases of the form factors ΔΦ have been measured to be (-15.5±0.7±0.5)° and (21.7±4.0±0.8)° with J/ψ and ψ(3686) data, respectively. The nonzero value of ΔΦ allows for a direct and simultaneous measurement of the decay asymmetry parameters of Σ^{+}→pπ^{0}(α_{0}=-0.998±0.037±0.009) and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→p[over ¯]π^{0}(α[over ¯]_{0}=0.990±0.037±0.011), the latter value being determined for the first time. The average decay asymmetry, (α_{0}-α[over ¯]_{0})/2, is calculated to be -0.994±0.004±0.002. The CP asymmetry A_{CP,Σ}=(α_{0}+α[over ¯]_{0})/(α_{0}-α[over ¯]_{0})=-0.004±0.037±0.010 is extracted for the first time, and is found to be consistent with CP conservation.

Autophagy in pulmonary macrophages mediates lung inflammatory injury via c-Src tyrosine kinase pathway activation during mechanical ventilation

OBJECTIVE

It has been clearly demonstrated that autophagy plays a critical role in mechanical ventilation-Induced lung injury (VILI). Herein, we first evaluated the mutual effects of autophagy and c-Src signaling on the lung inflammatory response to mechanical ventilation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were respectively subjected to a lower or higher lung stretch induced by mechanical ventilation with low (7 mL/kg) or high (28 mL/kg) tidal volume, before measuring the activation of autophagy and c-Src signaling through LC3 lipidation and c-Src phosphorylation, respectively. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were transfected with Atg5 siRNA and administered to AM-depleted mice to generate an autophagy-deficient phenotype, and c-Src signaling was evaluated by Western blot assay to determine the impact of autophagy on c-Src activation during VILI. Afterwards, the c-Src pathway was then blocked using PP2, prior to the evaluation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), total cell counts in BAL fluid, and lung injury scores, in order to elucidate the role of the c-Src pathway in autophagy-mediated VILI.

RESULTS

Both LC3-II and p-c-Src were remarkably increased after mechanical ventilation, in a time-dependent and tidal volume-dependent manner. Moreover, c-Src phosphorylation induced by ventilation was significantly compromised in autophagy-deficient mice. On the other hand, LC3-II expression did not change due to c-Src signaling abolishment. But the inflammatory response induced by injurious ventilation was markedly attenuated by PP2 or AM-abolishment, shown by PMN and total cell counts in BAL fluid, as well as lung injury scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that autophagy caused VILI via regulating c-Src activation, which implies that c-Src may serve as a promising therapeutic target in VILI.

Compound Drop Shape Analysis with the Neumann Number

A compound droplet is composed of a traditional pendant drop (PD) or sessile drop (SD) sharing the interface with an immiscible phase of comparable sizes, which could be a solid particle, a gas bubble, or most often another droplet of an immiscible liquid. Over the past decade, the study of compound droplets has attracted increasing attention because of extensive applications in many research fields, such as complex fluids, microfluidics, foam and emulsion, and biomedical applications. Among all technical difficulties in characterizing compound droplets, a central problem in surface science is the prediction of its equilibrium shape, which requires knowledge of complicated boundary conditions. Existing dimensionless groups, such as the Bond number traditionally used to evaluate the shape of PDs and SDs, largely fail in predicting the shape of compound droplets. Here, we propose an alternative Bond number, termed the Neumann number, to characterize the shape of compound droplets. Using three dimensionless groups, that is, the Neumann number, the Bond number, and the Worthington number, we have quantitatively predicted and analyzed the shape of traditional PDs/SDs and various compound droplets, including a PD with a spherical particle suspending at the drop apex, a SD with its apex disturbed by a vertical cylinder, and a spherical SD (no gravity) with its apex disturbed by a fluid lens. It is found that the Neumann number can be readily adapted to quantitatively predict and analyze the shape of PDs/SDs and compound droplets.

Photon quantification in Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped opto-thermal sensitive fluotellurite glass phosphor

Multi-photon-excited thermal-correlated green and red upconversion (UC) emissions have been quantified in Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped fluotellurite (BZLFT) glass phosphor under the 978 nm laser excitation. The temperature dependence of the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) originated from UC emissions bands centered at 550 nm and 661 nm has been verified in the range of 303-543 K. The net emission photon numbers of ⁵F₄+⁵S₂→⁵I₈ and ⁵F₅→⁵I₈ transition emissions are up to 40.08×10¹² and 68.51×10¹²cps in the 0.4wt.%Ho₂O₃-0.4wt.%Yb₂O₃ co-doped BZLFT case under the 6.95W/mm² laser power density. Furthermore, the quantum yield (QY) and luminous flux are determined to be dependent on pumping power. When the excitation power increases 874 mW, the QY values for 550 nm and 661 nm emissions are as high as 0.94×10^-5 and 1.60×10^-5. In addition, the high photon producing efficiency is conducive to ensuring high feedback to thermosensitive performance. The temperature thermal sensor can be manipulated steadily in medium temperature range, and the relative sensitivity reaches 0.4%K^-1 at 303 K, which is 1 order of magnitude larger than those in several rare-earth-doped materials. Efficient photon conversion ability and high temperature sensitivity indicate that the rare-earth-ion-doped fluotellurite material has a prospective application in the construction of optical temperature sensors based on the FIR technique allowing for self-referenced temperature determination.