[Clinicopathological features of Caroli disease/Caroli syndrome: an analysis of 21 cases]

Objective: To summarize and compare clinicopathological features of Caroli disease and Caroli syndrome. Methods: A total of 21 patients diagnosed with Caroli disease or Caroli syndrome in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2015 to December 2018 were included. Through the clinical manifestations and comparative analysis of the differences between different clinical types, the liver pathological features of these patients were described. Results: Of all patients included, 8 were male and 13 were female, and the medium age was 13.5 year old. The initial symptom was fever in 6 cases (28.6%), gastrointestinal bleeding in 6 cases (28.6%) and hepatosplenomegaly in 9 cases (42.8%). Caroli disease accounted for 6 cases (28.6%) and Caroli syndrome 15 cases (71.4%). The total bilirubin [6.7 (4.7, 15.0) vs 16.0(10.9, 33.0)μmol/L] and direct bilirubin [1.3(0.9,6.4)vs 3.5(2.7, 16.2)μmol/L] were significantly lower in Caroli disease group in comparison to those in Caroli syndrome group(both P<0.05). The hemoglobin [117.0 (106.0, 126.2) vs 85.0 (74.0, 103.0) g/L] and platelet count [286.0 (149.8, 467.5)×10(9)/L vs 76.1(55.0,123.0)×10(9)/L] in Caroli disease group were significantly higher than those in Caroli syndrome group (both P<0.05). There were 10 patients (47.6%) who underwent liver transplantation. Child-Pugh-Turcotte Score (liver function reserve) were significantly higher than that in the non-liver transplantation group[8.0(8.0, 10.2)vs 5.0 (5.0, 6.0), P<0.05]. Conclusions: Early symptoms of Caroli disease/Caroli syndrome are atypical and prone to misdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. The diagnosis is usually based on pathology and may be supplemented by laboratory examination and imaging analysis.

MALT1 Inhibition as a Therapeutic Strategy in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia by Blocking Notch1-Induced NF-κB Activation

Current treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is primarily based on high-intensity combination chemotherapy, which has serious side effects. Therefore, developments of novel targeted therapeutics are urgently needed for treatment of T-ALL. In this study, we found that mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) is a novel promising therapeutic target for treatment of T-ALL. MALT1 inhibitor MI-2 significantly suppressed the cell growth, proliferation, and colony formation of T-ALL cells. Furthermore, MI-2 induced cell apoptosis of T-ALL via a mitochondrial-dependent pathway. In a T-ALL mouse model, MI-2 significantly reduced leukemic burden and prolonged the survival of leukemia-bearing mice. Mechanistically, MALT1 inhibition effectively blocked both baseline and Notch1-induced activation of nuclear factor κB pathway, which mediates T-ALL cell survival. In conclusion, our results highlight the potential role of MALT1 as an attractive target for treatment of T-ALL and support the potential of MI-2 or other MALT1 inhibitors to clinical trials in T-ALL.

UNC-5 netrin receptor B regulates adipogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells through JNK pathway

BACKGROUND

There is a balance between adipogenic differentiation and osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). It is essential to explore the mechanism of hASCs lineage commitment. In our previous study, UNC-5 netrin receptor B (UNC5B) was identified as a positive regulator for osteogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

To further explore the potential roles and mechanisms of UNC5B during adipogenic differentiation and to provide a new method to regulate adipogenesis and osteogenesis of hASCs.

METHODS

Lentivirus containing UNC5B shRNA was used for UNC5B knockdown. Plasmids overexpressing UNC5B gene were used for UNC5B upregulation. To investigate the role of UNC5B in adipogenesis in vitro and in vivo, Oil Red O staining, RT-qPCR and transplantation into nude mice were performed. Western blotting analyses were performed to explore the mechanisms of UNC5B in adipogenic differentiation.

RESULTS

UNC5B expression in hASCs was significantly increased during adipogenic differentiation. Knockdown of UNC5B enhanced adipogenic differentiation in vitro. Both H&E staining and Oil Red O staining showed more adipose tissue-like constructs in UNC5B-knockdown cells in vivo. Upregulation of UNC5B significantly impaired adipogenic differentiation in vitro. Downregulation of UNC5B could increase phosphorylation of JNK in hASCs. JNK inhibitors reduced adipogenic differentiation of hASCs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that UNC5B inhibited adipogenesis of hASCs through JNK signalling. As a whole, UNC5B regulates both adipogenesis and osteogenesis of hASCs.

Ultrahigh-strength and ductile superlattice alloys with nanoscale disordered interfaces

Alloys that have high strengths at high temperatures are crucial for a variety of important industries including aerospace. Alloys with ordered superlattice structures are attractive for this purpose but generally suffer from poor ductility and rapid grain coarsening. We discovered that nanoscale disordered interfaces can effectively overcome these problems. Interfacial disordering is driven by multielement cosegregation that creates a distinctive nanolayer between adjacent micrometer-scale superlattice grains. This nanolayer acts as a sustainable ductilizing source, which prevents brittle intergranular fractures by enhancing dislocation mobilities. Our superlattice materials have ultrahigh strengths of 1.6 gigapascals with tensile ductilities of 25% at ambient temperature. Simultaneously, we achieved negligible grain coarsening with exceptional softening resistance at elevated temperatures. Designing similar nanolayers may open a pathway for further optimization of alloy properties.

Icariin sustains the proliferation and differentiation of Aβ25-35-treated hippocampal neural stem cells via the BDNF-TrkB-ERK/Akt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVES

Icariin (ICA) can be potentially used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanism was not clear. The current study explored the effects of ICA on hippocampal neural stem cells, aiming to provide a comprehensive basis for its clinical application.

METHODS

Hippocampal neural stem cells were isolated from newborn rats and their differentiation ability was evaluated by performing immunofluorescence staining. Next, Aβ cell model was constructed by treating the cells with Aβ_25-35, and then the model was further treated by ICA or shBDNF or the two in combination. The viability and differentiation of the cells were, respectively, analyzed by 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry. The expression of BDNF-TrkB-ERK/Akt signaling pathway was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blot (WB).

RESULTS

The hippocampal neural stem cells can differentiate into neurons and astrocytes. ICA effectively promoted the viability and differentiation of Aβ cell models. The expression levels of BDNF and TrkB in Aβ cell models were obviously decreased, which were noticeably increased by ICA. Moreover, BDNF knockdown further inhibited the viability and differentiation of Aβ model cells, which could be reversed by ICA. BDNF knockdown not only suppressed the expressions of BDNF and TrkB in Aβ cell models but also effectively prevented the phosphorylation of ERK/Akt; however, these phenomena were significantly alleviated by ICA treatment.

DISCUSSION

ICA promoted the proliferation and differentiation of Aβ_25-35-treated hippocampal neural stem cells through BDNF-TrkB-ERK/Akt signaling pathway. The current findings might contribute to the treatment of AD.

Race- and sex-specific association between alcohol consumption and hypertension in 22 cohort studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The alcohol-hypertension relation has been well documented, but whether women have protective effect or race and type of beverage consumed affect the association remain unclear. To quantify the relation between total or beverage-specific alcohol consumption and incident hypertension by considering the effect of sex and race.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Articles were identified in PubMed and Embase databases with no restriction on publication date. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by random effects models. Restricted cubic splines were used to model the dose-response association. This study involved 22 articles (31 studies) and included 414,477 participants. The hypertension risk was different among liquor, wine, and beer at 5.1-10 g/d of ethanol consumption (P_{-across subgroups} = 0.002). The hypertension risk differed between men (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.20) and women (RR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.89, 1.06) at 10 g/d (P_{-across subgroups} = 0.005). We found a linear alcohol-hypertension association among white (P-_linearity = 0.017), black people (P-_linearity = 0.035), and Asians (P-_linearity<0.001). With 10 g/d increment of consumption, the RRs for hypertension were 1.06 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.08), 1.14 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.28), and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.10) for Asians, black, and white people, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Sex modifies the alcohol-hypertension association at low level of alcohol consumption and we did not find evidence of a protective effect of alcohol consumption among women. Black people may have higher hypertension risk than Asians and white people at the same ethanol consumption.

Genome-wide identification and transcript profiles of walnut heat stress transcription factor involved in abiotic stress

BACKGROUND

Walnut (Juglans regia) is an important tree cultivated worldwide and is exposed to a series of both abiotic and biotic stress during their life-cycles. The heat stress transcription factors (HSFs) play a crucial role in plant response to various stresses by regulating the expression of stress-responsive genes. HSF genes are classified into 3 classes: HSFA, HSFB, and HSFC. HSFA gene has transcriptional activation function and is the main regulator of high temperature-induced gene expression. HSFB gene negatively regulates plant resistance to drought and NaCl. And HSFC gene may be involved in plant response to various stresses. There are some reports about the HSF family in herbaceous plants, however, there are no reports about the HSFs in walnut.

RESULT

In this study, based on the complete genome sequencing of walnut, the bioinformatics method was used and 29 HSF genes were identified. These HSFs covered 18 HSFA, 9 HSFB, and 2 HSFC genes. Phylogenetic analysis of these HSF proteins along with those from Arabidopsis thaliana showed that the HSFs in the two species are closely related to each other and have different evolutionary processes. The distribution of conserved motifs and the sequence analysis of HSF genes family indicated that the members of the walnut HSFs are highly conserved. Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the most of walnut HSFs were expressed in the walnut varieties of 'Qingxiang' and 'Xiangling' under high temperature (HT), high salt and drought stress, and some JrHSFs expression pattern are different between the two varieties.

CONCLUSION

The complex HSF genes family from walnut was confirmed by genome-wide identification, evolutionary exploration, sequence characterization and expression analysis. This research provides useful information for future studies on the function of the HSF genes and molecular mechanism in plant stress response.

Relationship between PI3K/mTOR/RhoA pathway-regulated cytoskeletal rearrangements and phagocytic capacity of macrophages

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between PI3K/mTOR/RhoA signaling regulated cytoskeletal rearrangements and phagocytic capacity of macrophages. RAW264.7 macrophages were divided into four groups; blank control, negative control, PI3K-RNAi, and mTOR-RNAi. The cytoskeletal changes in the macrophages were observed. Furthermore, the phagocytic capacity of macrophages against Escherichia coli is reported as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and percent phagocytosis. Transfection yielded 82.1 and 81.5% gene-silencing efficiencies against PI3K and mTOR, respectively. The PI3K-RNAi group had lower mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K, mTOR, and RhoA than the blank and negative control groups (Р<0.01). The mTOR-RNAi group had lower mRNA and protein levels of mTOR and RhoA than the blank and the negative control groups (Р<0.01). Macrophages in the PI3K-RNAi group exhibited stiff and inflexible morphology with short, disorganized filopodia and reduced number of stress fibers. Macrophages in the mTOR-RNAi group displayed pronounced cellular deformations with long, dense filopodia and an increased number of stress fibers. The PI3K-RNAi group exhibited lower MFI and percent phagocytosis than blank and negative control groups, whereas the mTOR-RNAi group displayed higher MFI and percent phagocytosis than the blank and negative controls (Р<0.01). Before and after transfection, the mRNA and protein levels of PI3K were both positively correlated with mTOR and RhoA (Р<0.05), but the mRNA and protein levels of mTOR were negatively correlated with those of RhoA (Р<0.05). Changes in the phagocytic capacity of macrophages were associated with cytoskeletal rearrangements and were regulated by the PI3K/mTOR/RhoA signaling pathway.

Antagonizing effect of icaritin on apoptosis and injury of hippocampal neurocytes induced by amyloid beta via GR/BDNF signaling pathway

Purpose: Amyloid beta is the main component of senile plaques deposited in the hippocampus of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD), with neurotoxicity and pro-apoptotic characteristics. Icaritin (ICA) has been found to have the properties of plerosis, regeneration, and anti-apoptosis in the neurocytes, its effects on Aβ-induced hippocampal neurocytes were studied in this research.Methods: Different concentrations of Aβ_25-35 were used to treat mouse hippocampal neuron HT22 cells to determine the optimal concentration for constructing AD model; different concentrations of ICA were used to pretreat HT22 cells to explore their effects on cell activity. Cell injury was evaluated by measuring the viability and apoptosis of HT22 cells using MTT assay, and Annexin V/PI and Hoechst 33342 staining, respectively. Western blot and qPCR were performed to detect the expressions of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and apoptosis-related factors. Oxidative stress was assessed by the biochemical analysis of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity.Results: Aβ_25-35 inhibited the viability of HT22 cells and the expression of GR and BDNF in HT22 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. ICA at 20 µmol/L (ICA20) the most significantly increased the viability of HT22 cells and the expressions of GR and BDNF in HT22 cells. ICA20 increased viability, inhibited apoptosis and LDH release, promoted SOD activity and the expressions of GR, BDNF and Bcl-2, and inhibited the expressions of Bax and C Caspase-3 in AD. More importantly, shRNA-GR reversed the positive effects of ICA20 on AD.Conclusions: ICA protected hippocampal neurocytes against Aβ_25-35 via GR/BDNF signaling pathway.

MALT1 is a potential therapeutic target in glioblastoma and plays a crucial role in EGFR-induced NF-κB activation

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant tumour in the adult brain and hard to treat. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signalling has a crucial role in the tumorigenesis of GBM. EGFR signalling is an important driver of NF-κB activation in GBM; however, the correlation between EGFR and the NF-κB pathway remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of mucosa-associated lymphoma antigen 1 (MALT1) in glioma progression and evaluated the anti-tumour activity and effectiveness of MI-2, a MALT1 inhibitor in a pre-clinical GBM model. We identified a paracaspase MALT1 that is involved in EGFR-induced NF-kB activation in GBM. MALT1 deficiency or inhibition significantly affected the proliferation, survival, migration and invasion of GBM cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, MALT1 inhibition caused G1 cell cycle arrest by regulating multiple cell cycle-associated proteins. Mechanistically, MALTI inhibition blocks the degradation of IκBα and prevents the nuclear accumulation of the NF-κB p65 subunit in GBM cells. This study found that MALT1, a key signal transduction cascade, can mediate EGFR-induced NF-kB activation in GBM and may be potentially used as a novel therapeutic target for GBM.

Xanthohumol Inhibits the Growth of Keratin 18-Overexpressed Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Xanthohumol is a prenylated flavonoid isolated from hops. Although xanthohumol has been reported to exert anti-obesity, hypoglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemia and anti-cancer activities, the mechanisms underlying its chemotherapeutic activity are yet to be elucidated. In the present study, we found that xanthohumol inhibited ESCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo by targeting keratin (KRT)-18. Xanthohumol suppressed the proliferation, foci formation, and anchorage-independent colony growth of KYSE30 cells. Using xanthohumol-sepharose conjugated bead pull-down and mass/mass analysis, we found that KRT18 is a novel target of xanthohumol in KYSE30 cells. KRT18 protein was highly expressed in patient ESCC tissues compared to adjunct tissues. Anti-proliferative activity of xanthohumol was abrogated or enhanced according to the knockdown or overexpression of KRT18 protein, respectively. Xanthohumol also induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase which was associated with the modulation of expression of related makers including cyclin D1, cyclin D3, and cleaved-PARP, Bcl-2, cytochrome c and Bax. While xanthohumol attenuated KRT18 protein expression, it failed to cause any change in the KRT18 mRNA level. Furthermore, oral administration of xanthohumol decreased tumor volume and weight in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) tumors having overexpressed KRT18. Overall these results suggest that xanthohumol acts as a KRT18 regulator to suppress the growth of ESCC.

[Efficacy of minimally invasive pulmonary surfactant administration in preterm infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: a multicenter clinical trial]

Objective: To explore the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive surfactant administration (MISA) in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Methods: In this multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial, 92 preterm infants with gestation age ≤30 weeks and diagnosed with NRDS were enrolled in 8 level Ⅲ neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region from 1(st) July 2017 to 31(st) December 2018. They were randomly assigned to minimally invasive surfactant administration (MISA) group or endotracheal intubation surfactant administration (EISA) group according to random number generated by computer. Infants in both groups received calf pulmonary surfactant preparation at a dose of 70-100 mg/kg. The data of demography, perinatal situation, medication administration, complications, clinical outcomes in the two groups were compared with Chi-square test, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's exact test. Results: Among the 92 preterm infants, 53 were males, 39 were females; 47 were in the MISA group (25 males), and 45 were in the EISA group (28 males). The gestational age and birth weight were (29.5±1.2) weeks and (1 271±242) g in all patients, (29.5±1.4) weeks and (1 285±256) g in the MISA group, and (29.6±0.9) weeks and (1 255±227) g in the EISA group. The duration of surfactant infusion and the length of whole procedure in the MISA group were significantly longer than that in the EISA group (60 (18, 270) s vs. 50 (30, 60) s, Z=3.009, P=0.003; 90 (60, 300) s vs. 60 (44, 270) s, Z=3.365, P=0.001). For the outcomes, the incidence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were lower in the MISA group than in the EISA group (36% (17/47) vs. 67% (30/45), χ(2)=8.556, P=0.003; 26% (12/47) vs. 47% (21/45), χ(2)=4.464, P=0.035). Conclusions: Minimally invasive surfactant administration is applicable in preterm infants ≤30 weeks gestational age with NRDS. Although the length of whole procedure is longer than route endotracheal administration, the benefit of decreasing the incidences of hsPDA and BPD outweighs this demerit.

Inhibition of chromosomal region maintenance 1 suppresses the migration and invasion of glioma cells via inactivation of the STAT3/MMP2 signaling pathway

Chromosomal region maintenance 1 (CRM1) is associated with an adverse prognosis in glioma. We previously reported that CRM1 inhibition suppressed glioma cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated the role of CRM1 in the migration and invasion of glioma cells. S109, a novel reversible selective inhibitor of CRM1, was used to treat Human glioma U87 and U251 cells. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by wound-healing and transwell invasion assays. The results showed that S109 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of U87 and U251 cells. However, mutation of Cys528 in CRM1 abolished the inhibitory activity of S109 in glioma cells. Furthermore, we found that S109 treatment decreased the expression level and activity of MMP2 and reduced the level of phosphorylated STAT3 but not total STAT3. Therefore, the inhibition of migration and invasion induced by S109 may be associated with the downregulation of MMP2 activity and expression, and inactivation of the STAT3 signaling pathway. These results support our previous conclusion that inhibition of CRM1 is an attractive strategy for the treatment of glioma.

The synthesis strategy to enhance the performance and cyclic utilization of granulated activated carbon-based sorbent for bisphenol A and triclosan removal

For a potential and efficient solution in the mitigation of aquatic pollution, this study reported a well-designed and developed protected granulated activated carbon (GAC) material which ensures high strength property and adsorption performance to meet the industrial application. The prepared GAC material was shaped into a spherical core using natural binders basically assumed to constitute waste solids materials. Then after, the granulated carbon core (GAC core) was protected by a porous ceramic shell which confined the material with strong protection and high mechanical strength to resist against degeneration and pressure drop as a limiting factor for most sorbents employed in solution. The CSGAC characterization results proved that the ceramic shell has a smaller thickness (0.1 cm), good mechanical strength (2.0 MPa), and additionally, it presents larger porous channels which promote the fast and higher adsorption performance making it the desired material for the application in the real liquid environment. The test results showed that the prepared material had higher removal of triclosan (TCS) (30-40 mg/L) than BPA counterpart from the aqueous solutions. Moreover, it showed higher adsorption performance compared to the unprotected carbon materials. Furthermore, the mechanisms of BPA and TCS adsorption by core-shell granulated activated carbon (CSGAC) were discussed.

Ion-Cross-Linking-Promoted High-Performance Si/PEDOT:PSS Electrodes: The Importance of Cations' Ionic Potential and Softness Parameters

PSS has been studied as a silicon-based binder due to its inherent superior electricity and electrochemical stability. However, it cannot effectively alleviate the huge volume changes of silicon during lithiation/delithiation due to its linear structure, resulting in poor cycling stability. Ion-cross-linking is a usual method to cross-link linear polymers into 3D structures. In this paper, multivalent cations of the 5th period and Group 2 cross-linked PEDOT:PSS were applied as silicon anode binders and studied systematically. It was found that the variation trend of viscosity and conductivity of PEDOT:PSS after cross-linking was consistent with that of ionic potential and softness parameters of multivalent cations. The mesostructure of a binder after cross-linking is influenced by the solubility product constant of sulfites or hydroxides of cations and the growth characteristics of crystals. An Sn⁴⁺-cross-linked binder displayed increased viscosity and electrical conductivity and higher reduced modulus and hardness due to its positive softness parameter and higher ion potential. The Si electrode with the Sn⁴⁺-cross-linked binder showed improved cycling stability (1876.4 mAh g^-1 compared with 1068.4 mAh g^-1 of the electrode with the pure PEDOT:PSS binder after 100 cycles) and superior rate capability (∼800 mAh g^-1 at an ultrahigh current density of 8.0 A g^-1).

Reversible inhibitor of CRM1 sensitizes glioblastoma cells to radiation by blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway

Background

Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κΒ) through DNA damage is one of the causes of tumor cell resistance to radiotherapy. Chromosome region 1 (CRM1) regulates tumor cell proliferation, drug resistance, and radiation resistance by regulating the nuclear-cytoplasmic translocation of important tumor suppressor proteins or proto-oncoproteins. A large number of studies have reported that inhibition of CRM1 suppresses the activation of NF-κΒ. Thus, we hypothesize that the reversible CRM1 inhibitor S109 may induce radiosensitivity in glioblastoma (GBM) by regulating the NF-κΒ signaling pathway.

Methods

This study utilized the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and colony formation assay to evaluate the effect of S109 combined with radiotherapy on the proliferation and survival of GBM cells. The therapeutic efficacy of S109 combined with radiotherapy was evaluated in vivo to explore the therapeutic mechanism of S109-induced GBM radiosensitization.

Results

We found that S109 combined with radiotherapy significantly inhibited GBM cell proliferation and colony formation. By regulating the levels of multiple cell cycle- and apoptosis-related proteins, the combination therapy induced G1 cell cycle arrest in GBM cells. In vivo studies showed that S109 combined with radiotherapy significantly inhibited the growth of intracranial GBM and prolonged survival. Importantly, we found that S109 combined with radiotherapy promoted the nuclear accumulation of IκΒα, and inhibited phosphorylation of p65 and the transcriptional activation of NF-κΒ.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a new therapeutic regimen for improving GBM radiosensitivity as well as a scientific basis for further clinical trials to evaluate this combination therapy.

Preparation of Foam-like Network Structure of Polypyrrole/Graphene Composite Particles Based on Cellulose Nanofibrils as Electrode Material

Unusual polypyrrole/graphene/cellulose nanofibril (PPy/GR/CNF) composite particles were fabricated by introducing an in situ oxidative polymerization approach. Structural characterization of the composite particles showed foam-like network morphology with a large surface area of 621 m²/g. The PPy/GR/CNF sample exhibited remarkable capacitance behavior in 1 M Na₂SO₄. It showed a high specific capacitance of 264.3 F/g at 0.25 A/g, which represents a 51.7% increase compared to that of PPy/GR and a high capacitance of 155.5 F/g even at a high current density of 5 A/g. Meanwhile, it possessed high rate capability and good cycling performance (85.7% capacitance retention even after 1000 cycles). These excellent electrochemical performances were attributed to the structure of PPy/GR/CNF that can provide large surface areas and shorten electron diffusion pathways. More importantly, the CNF stabilized the structure of PPy and prevented chain breakdown during the charge/discharge process, which improved the cycling performance. Hence, this PPy/GR/CNF composite shows great potential for the fabrication of high-capacitance and low-cost supercapacitor electrode materials with good cycling performance.

Janus kinase 2 inhibition by Licochalcone B suppresses esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the leading causes to cancer death in the worldwide and major population of EC is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Still, ESCC-targeted therapy has not been covered yet. In the present study we have identified that Licochalcone B (Lico B) inhibited the ESCC growth by directly blocking the Janus kinase (JAK) 2 activity and its downstream signaling pathway. Lico B suppressed KYSE450 and KYSE510 ESCC cell growth, arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase and induced apoptosis. Direct target of Lico B was identified by kinase assay and verified with in vitro and ex vivo binding. Computational docking model predicted for Lico B interaction to ATP-binding pocket of JAK2. Furthermore, treatment of JAK2 clinical medicine AZD1480 to ESCC cells showed similar tendency with Lico B. Thus, JAK2 downstream signaling proteins phosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705 and S727 as well as STAT3 target protein Mcl-1 expression was decreased with treatment of Lico B. Our results suggest that Lico B inhibits ESCC cell growth, arrests cell cycle and induces apoptosis, revealing the underlying mechanism involved in JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways after Lico B treatment. It might provide potential role of Lico B in the treatment of ESCC.

Sex-Specific Association of Blood Pressure Categories With All-Cause Mortality: The Rural Chinese Cohort Study

Introduction

The relationship between blood pressure categories and all-cause mortality has not been fully addressed in cohort studies, especially in the general Chinese population. Our study aimed to assess the sex-specific association of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and 2017 United States hypertension guidelines with all-cause mortality in China.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of 13,760 rural Chinese adults aged 18 or older (41.1% men). Mean age overall was 49.4, 51.0 for men, and 48.3 for women. We analyzed the blood pressure–mortality relationship by using restricted cubic splines and Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis, estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

During a mean follow-up of 5.95 years, 710 people died (60.3% men) from any cause. We found a U-shaped SBP–mortality or DBP–mortality relationship for both sexes. Mortality risk was increased for men with SBP 120–139 mm Hg (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.42; 95% CI, 1.10–1.82) or ≥140 mm Hg (aHR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.54–2.72), and for DBP ≥90 mm Hg (aHR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.10–2.13) as compared with SBP 100–119 mm Hg or DBP 70–79 mm Hg. Mortality risk also was increased for men with blood pressure status defined according to 2017 US hypertension guidelines as elevated, SBP 120–129 and DBP >80 mm Hg (aHR 1.48; 95% CI,1.11–1.98); stage 1 hypertension, SBP/DBP 130–139/80–89 mm Hg (aHR 1.53; CI, 1.19–1.97); and stage 2 hypertension, SBP/DBP ≥140/90 mm Hg (aHR 1.83; CI, 1.33–2.51). No significant relationship was observed for women.

Conclusion

Elevated blood pressure and stages 1 and 2 hypertension were positively associated with all-cause mortality for men but not women in rural China.

Black phosphorus quantum dots as novel electrogenerated chemiluminescence emitters for the detection of Cu2+

Black phosphorus quantum dots with surface states and bandgap luminescence under NMP passivation are used for the detection of Cu²⁺.

[The effect of fine particles on the phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages potentially by Arp2/3 complex in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on the phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages (AM) in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through actin-related protein (Arp) 2/3 complex. Methods: Forty mice were divided into healthy control(A) group, healthy PM2.5 (B) group, COPD(C) group, and COPD PM2.5(D) group according to the random number table method. A mouse model of COPD was established by cigarette smoke exposure method. PM2.5 (662 μg/m(3)) model was established by continuously inhalation for 90 days in healthy PM2.5 group and COPD PM2.5 group. Flow cytometry was used to detect the ability of AM to phagocytose fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled E.coli (FITC-E.coli), expressed as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and percentage of phagocytic positive cells (phagocytosis percentage); Western blotting was used to detect AM Arp2 and F-actin content, and laser confocal microscopy for AM Arp2 and F-actin and phagocytic FITC-E.coli average optical density and colocalization of Arp2 and F-actin, while scanning electron microscopy was used to observes the morphology of AM after phagocytizing FITC-E.coli. Results: AM phagocytosis: MFI and phagocytosis percentage in the COPD group [4 656±251, (31.9±1.7)%] were lower than the healthy control group [8 657±247, (65.7±1.9)%] (both P<0.01); and healthy PM2.5 group and COPD PM2.5 group [7 653±228, (47.9±1.6)% and 3 660±237, (19.2±1.2)%] were lower than the respective control groups (all P<0.01), and the decrease in the COPD group was more pronounced. AM Arp2, F-actin content: the COPD group (0.51±0.02, 0.46±0.03) were lower than the healthy control group (0.81±0.04, 0.71±0.04, both P<0.01); the healthy PM2.5 group and the COPD PM2.5 group [(0.64±0.03, 0.56±0.04) and (0.29±0.02, 0.26±0.02)] were lower than the respective control groups (all P<0.01), and the decrease in COPD group was more significant. Arp2, F-actin, and phagocytic FITC-E.coli mean optical density values: the COPD group (33.0±2.3, 62.0±0.7, 41.0±0.4) were lower than the healthy control group (141.0±4.2, 145.0±2.9, 189.0±2.6, both P<0.01); the healthy PM2.5 group and the COPD PM2.5 group (127.0±2.8, 124.0±0.7, 154.0±0.9, and 24.0±2.4, 37.0±0.4, 29.0±0.8) were lower than the respective control groups (all P<0.01), and the decrease in the COPD group was more significant. Colocalization of AM Arp2 and F-actin: Montessori colocalization coefficient (MOC) (0.38±0.03) in the COPD group was lower than the healthy control group (0.88±0.03, P<0.01); healthy PM2.5 group and COPD PM2.5 group [(0.58±0.03) and (0.14±0.02)] were lower than the respective control groups (both P<0.01), and the decrease in COPD group was more significant. Morphology of AM phagocytosis of FITC-E.coli: AM in the healthy control group was obviously deformed, and the surface of the cell membrane was slightly wrinkled and high, and the free edge of the micro-pleated fold had a long and dense filamentous pseudopodia extension. The changes of morphology of AM in the COPD group was not obvious, the micro-wrinkles on the surface of the cell membrane were rare, and the filopodia poorly extended or even absent. The AM form of the healthy PM2.5 group changed slightly, mostly irregular circular or elliptical. The micro-wrinkles on the surface of the cell membrane were less and flat, and the filopodia protrudes short and less; the AM form of the COPD PM2.5 group was stiff, and the micro-wrinkles on the surface of the cell membrane were few and flat, no obvious filopodia or protrusions. Correlation analysis: After basal state and PM2.5 intervention, AM Arp2, F-actin content and MOC values of Arp2 and F-actin were positively correlated with MFI. Conclusions: The phagocytic function of AM in COPD mice was low, which was related to the abnormal rearrangement of cytoskeleton involved in Arp2/3 complex and F-actin. It was speculated that PM2.5 might inhibit Arp2/3 complex and F-actin. The cytoskeletal rearrangement of proteins was involved in the aggravation of AM phagocytosis in mice with COPD.

Research on synergistically hydrothermal treatment of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash and sewage sludge

To explore a feasible method of utilizing municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (IFA) rather than releasing it into solidified landfill, in this work, IFA was pretreated by mixing it with municipal sewage sludge (MSS) and applying hydrothermal treatment (HTT). The influences of the IFA dosage, HTT temperature, HTT time, and liquid to solid ratio (L/S) on the dewatering, chlorine migration, solidification, and leaching of heavy metals (HMs) in MSS were investigated. The results show that the synergistic effect was obtained, IFA enhanced the dewatering of MSS and in return, MSS improved the release of chlorine in IFA. The optimal pretreatment conditions were an IFA dosage of 5%, HTT temperature of 180 °C and HTT time of 60 min. The moisture of the solid residue after HTT could be controlled below 40%. Under a fixed IFA dosage, the chlorine content of the liquid could be reached almost 50% with increasing HTT temperature, and the chlorine distribution exhibited a strong positive correlation with the L/S ratio (R² > 0.90). The migrating chlorine was mainly derived from its soluble state, which was controlled by the HTT liquid volume. After the soluble chlorine was dissolved, bound chlorine compounds, such as CaCl(OH), gradually neutralized and released chlorine into the liquid during HTT, and finally reached an equilibrium as the L/S ratio continued to increase. In addition, during HTT, satisfactory HM immobilization performance was achieved and the fraction of HMs, such as Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn, stabilized.

SWAP-70 promotes glioblastoma cellular migration and invasion by regulating the expression of CD44s

BACKGROUND

Switch-associated protein 70 (SWAP-70) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is involved in cytoskeletal rearrangement and regulation of migration and invasion of malignant tumors. However, the mechanism by which SWAP-70 regulates the migration and invasion of glioblastoma (GB) cells has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

This study used an online database to analyze the relationship between SWAP-70 expression and prognosis in GB patients. The in vitro wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay were used to determine the role of SWAP-70 in GB cell migration and invasion as well as the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

We found that patients with high SWAP-70 expression in the GB had a poor prognosis. Downregulation of SWAP-70 inhibited GB cell migration and invasion, whereas SWAP-70 overexpression had an opposite effect. Interestingly, SWAP-70 expression was positively correlated with the expression of the standard form of CD44 (CD44s) in GB tissues. Downregulation of SWAP-70 also reduced CD44s protein expression, whereas SWAP-70 overexpression enhanced CD44s protein expression. However, downregulation of SWAP-70 expression did not affect the mRNA expression of CD44s. Reversal experiments showed that overexpressing CD44s in cell lines with downregulated SWAP-70 partially abolished the inhibitory effects of downregulated SWAP-70 on GB cell migration and invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that SWAP-70 may promote GB cell migration and invasion by regulating the expression of CD44s. SWAP-70 may serve as a new biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for GB.