Impaired local Vitamin D3 metabolism contributes to IL-36g overproduction in epithelial cells in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D (VD) possesses immunomodulatory properties, but its role in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remains poorly studied. Herein, we aim to explore the regulation and function of VD3 in CRSwNP.

METHODS

25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25VD3) levels in serum and tissue lysates were detected by ELISA. The expression of VD receptor (VDR) and cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1 (CYP27B1), the enzyme that converts 25VD3 to the active 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25VD3), and their expression regulation in human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were studied by RT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. RNA sequencing was performed to identify genes regulated by 1,25VD3 in HNECs. HNECs and polyp tissue explants were treated with 1,25VD3, 25VD3, and dexamethasone.

RESULTS

25VD3 levels in serum and nasal tissue lysates were decreased in patients with eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP than control subjects. The expression of VDR and CYP27B1 were reduced in eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP, particularly in nasal epithelial cells. VDR and CYP27B1 expression in HNECs were downregulated by interferon y and poly (I:C). Polyp-derived epithelial cells demonstrated an impaired ability to convert 25VD3 to 1,25VD3 than control tissues. 1,25VD3 and 25VD3 suppressed IL-36y production in HNECs and polyp tissues, and the effect of 25VD3 was abolished by siCYP27B1 treatment. Tissue 25VD3 levels negatively correlated with IL-36y expression and neutrophilic inflammation in CRSwNP.

CONCLUSION

Reduced systemic 25VD3 level, local 1,25VD3 generation and VDR expression result in impaired VD3 signaling activation in nasal epithelial cells, thereby exaggerating IL-36y production and neutrophilic inflammation in CRSwNP.

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark Matter-Electron Scattering from the CDEX-10 Experiment

We present improved germanium-based constraints on sub-GeV dark matter via dark matter-electron (χ-e) scattering using the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. Using a novel calculation technique, we attain predicted χ-e scattering spectra observable in high-purity germanium detectors. In the heavy mediator scenario, our results achieve 3 orders of magnitude of improvement for m_{χ} larger than 80  MeV/c^{2} compared to previous germanium-based χ-e results. We also present the most stringent χ-e cross-section limit to date among experiments using solid-state detectors for m_{χ} larger than 90  MeV/c^{2} with heavy mediators and m_{χ} larger than 100  MeV/c^{2} with electric dipole coupling. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of a new χ-e detection method with high-purity germanium detectors in ultralow radioactive background.

Exotic Dark Matter Search with the CDEX-10 Experiment at China's Jinping Underground Laboratory

A search for exotic dark matter (DM) in the sub-GeV mass range has been conducted using 205 kg day data taken from a p-type point contact germanium detector of the CDEX-10 experiment at China's Jinping underground laboratory. New low-mass dark matter searching channels, neutral current fermionic DM absorption (χ+A→ν+A) and DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering (χ+χ+A→ϕ+A), have been analyzed with an energy threshold of 160 eVee. No significant signal was found; thus new limits on the DM-nucleon interaction cross section are set for both models at the sub-GeV DM mass region. A cross section limit for the fermionic DM absorption is set to be 2.5×10^{-46}  cm^{2} (90% C.L.) at DM mass of 10  MeV/c^{2}. For the DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering scenario, limits are extended to DM mass of 5 and 14  MeV/c^{2} for the massless dark photon and bound DM final state, respectively.

[Inhibitory effect of Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor on liver fibrosis in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibitory effect of Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor on liver fibrosis in mice.

OBJECTIVE

Mouse models of liver fibrosis were established by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ in 105 male C57BL/6 mice, followed by gavage of 0.1 mL 40% CCl₄ olive oil 3 times a week (model group, n=49) or daily gavage of citrus liquor at the dose of 0.26 mL (citrus liquor group, n=56) for 8 weeks. Seven mice receiving only olive oil treatment (0.1 mL, 3 times a week) and another 7 treated with citrus liquor served as the control group. Liver tissues and serum samples were collected from 7 mice in the citrus liquor group and model group each week and from the mice in the two control groups at the 8th week for pathological examination of the liver tissues using HE staining and Sirius red staining and for determination of the biochemical indexes of liver function.

OBJECTIVE

The mice in the model group showed progressively worsened liver fibrosis with obvious hepatic steatosis, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. These liver pathologies were much ameliorated in citrus liquor group, which showed significantly reduced vacuolation, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition and the Ishak score of the liver tissue (P < 0.05). Serum levels of cholyglycine, alanine aminotransferase, transglutaminase and alanine aminotransferase were all significantly lower in citrus liquor group than in the model group (P < 0.05).

OBJECTIVE

Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor has protective effect on the liver and can significantly ameliorate liver fibrosis in mice.

Predicting difficult-to-treat chronic rhinosinusitis by noninvasive biological markers

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have been limited to the utility of clinical features and invasive nasal mucosal biomarkers in the prediction of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) outcomes. This study aimed to identify noninvasive biomarkers associated with difficult- to-treat CRS, enabling physicians to subgroup patients into risk groups for poor outcome before surgery.

METHODS

Three hundred and nine CRS patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery were finally enrolled. Patients treated with oral or intranasal glucocorticoids within 3 months or 1 month before surgery, respectively, were excluded. Baseline clinical charac- teristics, nasal secretions and peripheral blood samples were collected before surgery. The protein levels of 39 biological mar- kers were detected by the Bio-Plex suspension chip method. Classification and regression tree analysis was applied to establish prediction model for difficult-to-treat CRS determined one year after surgery. A random forest algorithm was used to confirm the discriminating factors that formed the classification tree.

RESULTS

In the cohort with nasal secretion sample (n = 189), 21% of CRS patients were diagnosed as difficult-to-treat after 1 year of follow-up. Nasal secretion CCL17 level, hyposmia score, allergic rhinitis comorbidity, and nasal secretion MIP-1β level were found important predictors of difficult-to-treat CRS. A classification tree separated patients into 5 subgroups leading to an overall predictive accuracy of 94%. However, none of the plasma biological markers were associated with difficult-to-treat CRS in the cohort with blood sample (n = 128).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with difficult-to-treat-CRS were characterized by higher nasal secretion levels of CCL17 and MIP-1β severe hyposmia and concomitant allergic rhinitis. The classification tree could be useful to identify patients with high risk of poor outcome prior to surgery and offer more personalized interventions. However, since only patients without preoperative steroid treatments were included in this study, the generalization of our predictive model in other patient populations should be conside- red with caution.

2D shear wave elastography combined with age and serum biomarkers prior to kasai surgery predicts native liver survival of biliary atresia infants

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with biliary atresia (BA) after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) varies, and precisely predicting the outcomes of KPE before surgery is still challenging.

METHODS

A total of 158 patients who underwent KPE in our hospital were included in this study. The patients in the training cohort were recruited from January 2012 to October 2017 (n = 118), and then, those in the validation cohort were recruited from November 2017 to April 2019 (n = 40). Combined nomogram models were developed based on two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) values and other biomarkers. The utility of the proposed models was evaluated by C-index.

RESULTS

2D SWE played a potentially important role in predicting native liver survival (NLS) of BA patients with a C-index of 0.69 (0.63 to 0.75) in the training cohort and 0.76 (0.67 to 0.85) in the validation cohort. The nomogram A based on 2D SWE values, age, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI) had a better C-index in the training cohort [0.74 (0.68-0.80) vs. 0.66 (0.60-0.73), P = 0.017] and in the validation cohort [0.78 (0.70-0.86) vs. 0.60 (0.49-0.71), P = 0.002] than the nomogram B (without 2D SWE). Using risk score developed from nomogram A, we successfully predicted 88.0% (22/25) of patients in the training cohort and 75.0% (9/12) in the validation cohort to have survival time of less than 12 months after KPE.

CONCLUSION

The combined nomogram model based on 2D SWE values, age, GGT and APRI prior to KPE can effectively predict NLS in BA infants.

Optimal antithrombotic strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention: updated meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background

The optimal antithrombotic strategy for the growing proportion of patients with indications for both dual antiplatelet therapy and long-term anticoagulation remains controversial, with recent randomized trials published and mixed recommendations in guidelines. We meta-analysed bleeding and cardiovascular outcomes comparing dual versus triple and non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) versus vitamin K oral anticoagulants (VKA) antithrombotic regimens.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for original randomised trials with relevant search terms from January 1980-December 2019. Two authors evaluated studies for inclusion and extracted data to pool efficacy and safety endpoints.

Results

The search yielded 331 articles, with 22 full-texts reviewed and six randomised trials totalling 12,146 patients included. Dual antithrombotic strategies had reduced TIMI major and minor bleeding (odds ratios 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.44–0.80), as well as all, major, and minor bleeding (odds ratios 0.55–0.59, all P&lt;0.05), with no differences in mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis or composite cardiovascular events (odds ratio 0.91–1.26, all P&gt;0.05), compared with triple antithrombotic strategies in six trials. NOAC regimens had lower TIMI major and minor bleeding (odds ratio 0.64, 0.49–0.85), as well as major, minor and intracranial bleeding (odds ratios 0.36–0.66, all P&lt;0.05), and similar no differences in mortality or all cardiovascular endpoints (odds ratios 0.85–1.13, all P&gt;0.05), compared with VKA regimens in four trials.

Conclusion

Dual antithrombotic therapy with NOAC had significantly reduced bleeding without increase in cardiovascular events and mortality compared to their counterparts, and should generally be recommended in patients needing dual antiplatelet and long term anticoagulation therapy.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

MicroRNA-155 plays critical effects on Th2 factors expression and allergic inflammatory response in type-2 innate lymphoid cells in allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVE

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease. This study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA-155 (miR-155) in type-2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) on AR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nasal mucosa tissues and peripheral blood samples were collected. mRNA expression of miR-155, interleukin-25 (IL-25), and interleukin-33 (IL-33) in nasal mucosa tissues was determined using quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The AR model was established by injecting with murine IL-33. The frequency of ILC2s was quantified using flow cytometry. MiR-155 agomir or antagomir was intranasally administrated to mice. MiR-155 and helper T cell 2 (Th2) cytokines were measured with quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or Western blotting, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used for the histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, mRNA levels miR-155 (p<0.001), IL-25 (p<0.05), and IL-33 (p<0.001) were increased in nasal mucosa tissues of AR patients and AR mice, and ILC2s ratios were enhanced in human peripheral blood (p<0.0001), which were much higher after intranasal administration with miR-155 agomir (p<0.0001). MiR-155 expression of AR mice was significantly reduced after intranasal administration with miR-155 antagomir (p<0.05). Frequencies of ILC2s in human peripheral blood significantly correlated with miR-155 (r=0.4803, p=0.0130). MiR-155 up-regulation markedly increased frequencies of nasal rubbing/sneezing and levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13. Pathological changes were worsened after miR-155 agomir and ameliorated after miR-155 antagomir administration. MiR-155 agomir mice (p<0.001) showed higher ILC2s, whereas lower in miR-155 antagomir mice compared to AR mice (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-155 played critical effects on Th2 factor expression and allergic inflammatory response in ILC2 cells in AR.

Direct Detection Constraints on Dark Photons with the CDEX-10 Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report constraints on the dark photon effective kinetic mixing parameter (κ) with data taken from two p-type point-contact germanium detectors of the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The 90% confidence level upper limits on κ of solar dark photon from 205.4 kg-day exposure are derived, probing new parameter space with masses (m_{V}) from 10 to 300  eV/c^{2} in direct detection experiments. Considering dark photon as the cosmological dark matter, limits at 90% confidence level with m_{V} from 0.1 to 4.0  keV/c^{2} are set from 449.6 kg-day data, with a minimum of κ=1.3×10^{-15} at m_{V}=200  eV/c^{2}.

Search for Light Weakly-Interacting-Massive-Particle Dark Matter by Annual Modulation Analysis with a Point-Contact Germanium Detector at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We present results on light weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) searches with annual modulation (AM) analysis on data from a 1-kg mass p-type point-contact germanium detector of the CDEX-1B experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Datasets with a total live time of 3.2 yr within a 4.2-yr span are analyzed with analysis threshold of 250 eVee. Limits on WIMP-nucleus (χ-N) spin-independent cross sections as function of WIMP mass (m_{χ}) at 90% confidence level (C.L.) are derived using the dark matter halo model. Within the context of the standard halo model, the 90% C.L. allowed regions implied by the DAMA/LIBRA and CoGeNT AM-based analysis are excluded at >99.99% and 98% C.L., respectively. These results correspond to the best sensitivity at m_{χ}<6  GeV/c^{2} among WIMP AM measurements to date.

Constraints on Spin-Independent Nucleus Scattering with sub-GeV Weakly Interacting Massive Particle Dark Matter from the CDEX-1B Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report results on the searches of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with sub-GeV masses (m_{χ}) via WIMP-nucleus spin-independent scattering with Migdal effect incorporated. Analysis on time-integrated (TI) and annual modulation (AM) effects on CDEX-1B data are performed, with 737.1 kg day exposure and 160 eVee threshold for TI analysis, and 1107.5 kg day exposure and 250 eVee threshold for AM analysis. The sensitive windows in m_{χ} are expanded by an order of magnitude to lower DM masses with Migdal effect incorporated. New limits on σ_{χN}^{SI} at 90% confidence level are derived as 2×10^{-32}∼7×10^{-35}  cm^{2} for TI analysis at m_{χ}∼50-180  MeV/c^{2}, and 3×10^{-32}∼9×10^{-38}  cm^{2} for AM analysis at m_{χ}∼75  MeV/c^{2}-3.0  GeV/c^{2}.

A retrospective study of changes of histopathology of nasal polyps in adult Chinese in central China

BACKGROUND

The factors contributing to the eosinophilic inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remain elusive. This study was designed to investigate the inflammatory patterns and tissue remodeling of CRSwNP in patients from central China at two time points over 14 years apart and the influence of age.

METHODS

One hundred and eight CRSwNP patients enrolled in 2000 and 2001 (group A), and 134 CRSwNP patients enrolled in 2014 and 2015 (group B) were retrospectively studied. Hematoxylin-eosin stained tissue sections were used to study characteristics of inflammation and tissue remodeling. Immunohistochemistry was used to further evaluate the cells positive for eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), IL-5, IgE, tryptase or myeloperoxidase (MPO). Time- and age-related difference was analyzed.

RESULTS

The number of eosinophils and proportion of eosinophilic CRSwNP were increased, whereas the numbers of total inflammatory cells and lymphocytes were decreased in group B as compared with group A. Group B had severer epithelial squamous metaplasia and basement membrane thickening, and a lower number of mucosal glands than group A. Higher numbers of ECP plus, IL-5 plus and IgE plus cells were detected in group B than those in group A. The elderly (60 yrs or older) and non-elderly (less than 60 yrs) had a comparable number of eosinophils and ratio of eosinophilic CRSwNP.

CONCLUSION

Eosinophilic inflammation has been significantly augmented over time, which is associated with increased Th2 response and IgE production, and accompanied by exaggerated epithelium remodeling in CRSwNP patients from central China. Age has no significant influence on eosinophilic inflammation.

Comparison of efficacy of fluticasone propionate versus clarithromycin for postoperative treatment of different phenotypic chronic rhinosinusitis: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can be divided to CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). There is little evidence on the efficacy of glucocorticoids and macrolides in different phenotypic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the benefit of glucocorticoids and macrolides following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in different phenotypic CRS.

METHODS

This study was a prospective single-blind comparative effectiveness trial. A total of 187 Chinese patients with CRS were stratified to CRSsNP and eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP group and then randomized to receive fluticasone propionate nasal spray at 200 microgram or clarithromycin tablet at 250 mg once daily for 3 months after ESS. Oral prednisone was given as a rescue therapy after the stop of study medication. Patients were assessed before ESS and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after dosing. Symptom severity was scored by patients using visual analog scale method and endoscopic findings were scored by the senior physician blinded to treatment according to European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal polyps 2012.

RESULTS

The total and individual symptom scores, and total and individual endoscopic domain scores were reduced significantly after ESS in both medication groups, whereas no significant difference was observed for two medications at most follow-up visits in each subtype of CRS. No difference in the frequency of subjects with rescue therapy or refractory CRS was found between two medication groups either.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not show significant difference of effect between fluticasone propionate and clarithromycin in the post-operative treatment for CRSsNP and eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP patients.

[Construction and analysis of gene co-expression networks in intracranial aneurysm]

Objective: To analyze the expression microarray data in the public databases of intracranial aneurysms (IA) using bioinformatics, and to provide important information for the study of disease mechanisms. Methods: Gene co-expression network was constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) based on the dataset (GSE75436) and pivot genes were identified. Using the online tool DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery) to perform GO function enrichment and KEGG path analysis on modules highly related to IA. Results: Three IA-related modules were screened out, and 14 pivot genes (COL3A1, SPARC, CDH11, COL5A1, HOPX, CLEC11A, GALNT10, ADAMTS2, CEMIP, KIAA1755, COL11A1, ZIC2, CDKN2A, and LINC00460) in the brown module were identified; the analysis of GO showed that the brown module was mainly enriched in extracellular matrix organization, extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion and other biological processes; the analysis of KEGG indicated that the brown module involved in ECM-receptor interaction, Focal adhesion, protein digestion and absorption, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion: Based on WGCNA, we identified modular and pivotal genes that are critical to the development of IA, and they may become potential biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets.

Limits on Light Weakly Interacting Massive Particles from the First 102.8 kg×day Data of the CDEX-10 Experiment

We report the first results of a light weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) search from the CDEX-10 experiment with a 10 kg germanium detector array immersed in liquid nitrogen at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory with a physics data size of 102.8 kg day. At an analysis threshold of 160 eVee, improved limits of 8×10^{-42} and 3×10^{-36}  cm^{2} at a 90% confidence level on spin-independent and spin-dependent WIMP-nucleon cross sections, respectively, at a WIMP mass (m_{χ}) of 5  GeV/c^{2} are achieved. The lower reach of m_{χ} is extended to 2  GeV/c^{2}.

Experimental study on the evolution of Peregrine breather with uniform-depth adverse currents

A series of laboratory experiments were performed to study the evolution of Peregrine breather (PB) in a wave flume in finite depth, and wave trains were initially generated in a region of quiescent water and then propagated into an adverse current region for which the current velocity strength gradually increased from zero to an approximately stable value. The PB is often considered as a prototype of oceanic freak waves that can focus wave energy into a single wave packet. In the experiment, the cases were selected with the relative water depths k_{0}h (k_{0} is the wave number in quiescent water and h is the water depth) varying from 3.11 through 8.17, and the initial wave steepness k_{0}a_{0} (a_{0} is the background wave amplitude) ranges between 0.065 and 0.120. The experimental results show the persistence of the breather evolution dynamics even in the presence of strong opposing currents. We have shown that the characteristic spectrum of the PB persists even on strong currents, thus making it a viable characteristic for prediction of freak waves. It was also found that the adverse currents tend to shift the focusing point upstream compared to the cases without currents. Furthermore, it was found that uniform-depth adverse currents can reduce the breather extension in time domain.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Incidence of Early Allograft Dysfunction Following Liver Transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) is frequent complication post-liver transplantation and is closely related to recipient's mortality and morbidity. We sought to develop a nomogram for predicting incidence of EAD.

METHODS

Based on multivariate analysis of donor, recipient, and operation data of 199 liver transplants from deceased donors between 2013 and 2015, we identified 5 significant risk factors for EAD to build a nomogram. The model was subjected to prospective validation with a cohort of 42 patients who was recruited between January and June 2016. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability were measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation was showed by the calibration curve.

RESULTS

Incidence rate of EAD in the training set and validation cohort were 55.91% (104/199) and 54.76% (23/42), respectively. In the training set, according to the results of univariable and multivariable analysis, 5 independent risk factors including donor gender, donor serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level, donor serum urea level, donor comorbidities (respiratory, cardiac, and renal dysfunction), and recipient Model for End-stage Liver Disease score were identified and assembled into the nomogram. The AUC of internal validation using bootstrap resampling and prospective validation using the external cohort of 42 patients was 0.74 and 0.60, respectively. The calibration curves for probability of EAD showed acceptable agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation. According to the score table, the probability of EAD was under 30% when the total point tally was under 72. But when the total was up to 139, the risk of EAD increased to 60%.

CONCLUSION

We've established and validated a nomogram that can provide individual prediction of EAD for liver transplant recipients. The practical prognostic model may help clinicians to qualify the liver graft accurately, making a more reasonable allocation of organs.

Structural responses of metallic glasses under neutron irradiation

Seeking nuclear materials that possess a high resistance to particle irradiation damage is a long-standing issue. Permanent defects, induced by irradiation, are primary structural changes, the accumulation of which will lead to structural damage and performance degradation in crystalline materials served in nuclear plants. In this work, structural responses of neutron irradiation in metallic glasses (MGs) have been investigated by making a series of experimental measurements, coupled with simulations in ZrCu amorphous alloys. It is found that, compared with crystalline alloys, MGs have some specific structural responses to neutron irradiation. Although neutron irradiation can induce transient vacancy-like defects in MGs, they are fully annihilated after structural relaxation by rearrangement of free volumes. In addition, the rearrangement of free volumes depends strongly on constituent elements. In particular, the change in free volumes occurs around the Zr atoms, rather than the Cu centers. This implies that there is a feasible strategy for identifying glassy materials with high structural stability against neutron irradiation by tailoring the microstructures, the systems, or the compositions in alloys. This work will shed light on the development of materials with high irradiation resistance.

Linear-shear-current modified Schrödinger equation for gravity waves in finite water depth

A nonlinear Schrödinger equation for the propagation of two-dimensional surface gravity waves on linear shear currents in finite water depth is derived. In the derivation, linear shear currents are assumed to be a linear combination of depth-uniform currents and constant vorticity. Therefore, the equation includes the combined effects of depth-uniform currents and constant vorticity. Next, using the equation, the properties of the modulational instability of gravity waves on linear shear currents are investigated. It is showed that shear currents significantly modify the modulational instability properties of weakly nonlinear waves. Furthermore, the influence of linear shear currents on Peregrine breather which can be seen as a prototype of freak waves is also studied. It is demonstrated that depth-uniform opposing currents can reduce the breather extension in both the time and spatial domain in intermediate water depth, but following currents has the adverse impact, indicating that a wave packets with freak waves formed on following currents contain more hazardous waves in finite water depth. However, the corresponding and coexisting vorticity can counteract the influence of currents. Additionally, if the water depth is deep enough, shear currents have negligible effect on the characteristics of Peregrine breathers.

Interferon-γ-induced insufficient autophagy contributes to p62-dependent apoptosis of epithelial cells in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway that is essential for cell survival, differentiation, and homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of autophagy to the pathogenesis of CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

METHODS

The expression of autophagic proteins [microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B)-II, autophagy-related proteins (Atg), and Beclin 1], substrate proteins (p62 and ubiquitinated proteins), and apoptotic signaling molecules [cysteine-aspartic protease-3 and cysteine-aspartic protease-8, and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase] in the sinonasal mucosa and nasal epithelial cells (NECs) was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Autophagic vacuoles were observed with transmission electron microscopy. BEAS-2B cells and NECs were treated with rapamycin, bafilomycin A1, or various cytokines. In some experiments, cultured NECs were transfected with small interfering RNA targeting p62 (sip62) or Atg5 (siAtg5). Cultured cells were analyzed with Western blotting and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Although autophagic protein expression and autophagic vacuole formation were increased in both eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP, particularly in NECs, there was also an up-regulation of substrate proteins and apoptotic signaling molecules. IFN-γ, but not IL-4, IL-13, or IL-17A, simultaneously enhanced LC3B-II and p62 levels as well as cell apoptosis in BEAS-2B cells and/or normal NECs. Bafilomycin A1 up-regulated the levels of LC3B-II and p62 in polyp NECs and IFN-γ-treated normal NECs. IFN-γ-induced apoptosis of normal NECs was exaggerated by bafilomycin A1 and siAtg5. Sip62 suppressed apoptosis of polyp NECs and IFN-γ-treated NECs. IFN-γ protein levels were increased in both eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP.

CONCLUSIONS

IFN-γ induces activated but insufficient autophagy and thus contributes to a degree to p62-dependent apoptosis of NECs in CRSwNP.

Pathways of Acetyl-CoA Metabolism Involved in the Reversal of Palmitate-Induced Glucose Production by Metformin and Salicylate

The pathways through which fatty acids induce insulin resistance have been the subject of much research. We hypothesise that by focussing on the reversal of insulin resistance, novel insights can be made regarding the mechanisms by which insulin resistance can be overcome. Using global gene and lipid expression profiling, we aimed to identify biological pathways altered during the prevention of palmitate-induced glucose production in hepatocytes using metformin and sodium salicylate. FAO hepatoma cells were treated with palmitate (0.075 mM, 48 h) with or without metformin (0.25 mM) and sodium salicylate (2 mM) in the final 24 h of palmitate treatment, and effects on glucose production were determined. RNA microarray measurements followed by gene set enrichment analysis were performed to investigate pathway regulation. Lipidomic analysis and measurement of secreted bile acids and cholesterol were also performed. Reversal of palmitate-induced glucose production by metformin and sodium salicylate was characterised by co-ordinated down-regulated expression of pathways regulating acetyl-CoA to cholesterol and bile acid biosynthesis. All 20 enzymes that regulate the conversion of acetyl-CoA to cholesterol were reduced following metformin and sodium salicylate. Selected findings were confirmed using primary mouse hepatocytes. Although total intracellular levels of diacylglycerol, triacylglycerol and cholesterol esters increased with palmitate, these were not, however, further altered by metformin and sodium salicylate. 6 individual diacylglycerol, triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester species containing 18:0 and 18:1 side-chains were reduced by metformin and sodium salicylate. These results implicate acetyl-CoA metabolism and C18 lipid species as modulators of hepatic glucose production that could be targeted to improve glucose homeostasis.

Interaction of thymic stromal lymphopoietin, IL-33, and their receptors in epithelial cells in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL-25, and IL-33 system contribute to the initiation and development of Th2 responses. This study aimed to explore the involvement of TSLP, IL-25, IL-33, and their receptors in type 2 T-helper (Th) responses in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) and their cross-regulation in human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs).

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, Bio-Plex assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression of TSLP/common γ-like TSLP receptor (TSLPR)/IL-7 receptor α (IL-7Rα), IL-25/IL-17B receptor (IL-17RB), and IL-33/membrane-bound ST2 (ST2L)/soluble ST2 (sST2) in sinonasal mucosa and HNECs. HNECs cultured at an air-liquid interface were used to explore the expression in regulation of these cytokine systems.

RESULTS

Compared with controls and noneosinophilic CRSwNP, the expression of TSLP/TSLPR/IL-7Rα and ST2L/sST2 was significantly increased in eosinophilic CRSwNP, predominantly in epithelial cells. In contrast, the expression of IL-33 and IL-25/IL-17RB was enhanced in epithelial cells in both eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP compared to controls. The expression of TSLP, TSLPR, and ST2L was positively correlated with symptom and computer tomography scan scores in eosinophilic CRSwNP and with Th2 cytokine expression in sinonasal mucosa. The expression of ST2L was correlated with TSLP and its receptor expression. TSLP could induce ST2L expression that promoted IL-33-induced TSLP expression in HNECs. In addition, TSLP/TSLPR/IL-7Rα and ST2L could be induced by Th2 cytokines, while IL-25/IL-17RB and IL-33 could be upregulated by Th1/Th17 cytokines, in HNECs.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive feedback loop between TSLP, IL-33 and their receptors, and Th2 cytokines may facilitate Th2-skewed inflammation in eosinophilic CRSwNP.

EIF5A2 predicts outcome in localised invasive bladder cancer and promotes bladder cancer cell aggressiveness in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

EIF5A2, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2, is associated with several human cancers. In this study, we investigated the role of EIF5A2 in the metastatic potential of localised invasive bladder cancer (BC) and its underlying molecular mechanisms were explored.

METHODS

The expression pattern of EIF5A2 in localised invasive BC was determined by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the function of EIF5A2 in BC and its underlying mechanisms were elucidated with a series of in vitro and in vivo assays.

RESULTS

Overexpression of EIF5A2 was an independent predictor for poor metastasis-free survival of localised invasive BC patients treated with radical cystectomy. Knockdown of EIF5A2 inhibited BC cell migratory and invasive capacities in vitro and metastatic potential in vivo and reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas overexpression of EIF5A2 promoted BC cells motility and invasiveness in vitro and metastatic potential in vivo and induced EMT. In addition, we found that EIF5A2 might activate TGF-β1 expression to induce EMT and drive aggressiveness in BC cells. EIF5A2 stabilized STAT3 and stimulated nuclear localisation of STAT3, which resulted in increasing enrichment of STAT3 onto TGF-β1 promoter to enhance the transcription of TGF-β1.

CONCLUSIONS

EIF5A2 overexpression predicts tumour metastatic potential in patients with localised invasive BC treated with radical cystectomy. Furthermore, EIF5A2 elevated TGF-β1 expression through STAT3 to induce EMT and promotes aggressiveness in BC.

Features of airway remodeling in different types of Chinese chronic rhinosinusitis are associated with inflammation patterns

BACKGROUND

The remodeling patterns in different types of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have rarely been compared, particularly the difference between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Moreover, whether there is a link between remodeling and inflammation remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To directly compare the remodeling features of different CRS and to explore their relationship with inflammation in Chinese patients.

METHODS

Histologic characteristics of surgical samples were analyzed in 33 controls, 72 eosinophilic and 76 noneosinophilic CRSwNP, and 72 CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) patients. Tissue samples from 38 controls, 26 eosinophilic and 26 noneosinophilic CRSwNP, and 32 CRSsNP patients were measured for mRNA and/or protein expression of profibrotic growth factors, metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, interleukin (IL)-8, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO).

RESULTS

The amount of collagen decreased, whereas the edema scores increased, from CRSsNP to noneosinophilic CRSwNP and to eosinophilic CRSwNP. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 protein levels were enhanced in CRSsNP compared with CRSwNP. TIMP-4 protein levels decreased in eosinophilic CRSwNP compared with noneosinophilic CRSwNP and CRSsNP. The number of neutrophils decreased from CRSsNP to noneosinophilic CRSwNP and to eosinophilic CRSwNP. ECP levels were only up-regulated in eosinophilic CRSwNP. ECP levels and neutrophil number correlated positively with the severity of edema and fibrosis, respectively. Neutrophils were the major sources of TGF-β2 in CRSsNP and noneosinophilic CRSwNP.

CONCLUSION

Distinct remodeling patterns are revealed for different types of CRS, particularly for eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP. Tissue remodeling associates with inflammation in CRS.

Contrasting patterns of genetic divergence in two sympatric pseudo-metallophytes: Rumex acetosa L. and Commelina communis L

BACKGROUND

Patterns of genetic divergence between populations of facultative metallophytes have been investigated extensively. However, most previous investigations have focused on a single plant species making it unclear if genetic divergence shows common patterns or, conversely, is species-specific. The herbs Rumex acetosa L. and Commelina communis L. are two pseudo-metallophytes thriving in both normal and cupriferous soils along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Their non-metallicolous and metallicolous populations are often sympatric thus providing an ideal opportunity for comparative estimation of genetic structures and divergence under the selective pressure derived from copper toxicity.

RESULTS

In the present study, patterns of genetic divergence of R. acetosa and C. communis , including metal tolerance, genetic structure and genetic relationships between populations, were investigated and compared using hydroponic experiments, AFLP, ISSR and chloroplast genetic markers. Our results show a significant reduction in genetic diversity in metallicolous populations of C. communis but not in R. acetosa . Moreover, genetic differentiation is less in R. acetosa than in C. communis , the latter species also shows a clustering of its metallicolous populations.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that the genetic divergences apparent in R. acetosa and C. communis , and the contrasting responses of the two species to copper contamination, might be attributed to the differences in their intrinsic physiological and ecological properties. No simple and generalised conclusions on genetic divergence in pseudo-metallophytes can thus be drawn.

Interactions between cadmium and lead with acidic soils: experimental evidence of similar adsorption patterns for a wide range of metal concentrations and the implications of metal migration

The importance of high- and low-affinity surface sites for cadmium and lead adsorption in typical European and Asian soils was investigated. Adsorption experiments on surface and deep horizons of acidic brown (Vosges, France) and red loess soils (Hunan, China) were performed at 25°C as a function of the pH (3.5-8) and a large range of metal concentrations in solution (10(-9)-10(-4) mol l(-1)). We studied the adsorption kinetics using a Cd(2+)-selective electrode and desorption experiments as a function of the solid/solution ratio and pH. At a constant solution pH, all samples exhibited similar maximal adsorption capacities (4.0 ± 0.5 μmol/g Cd and 20 ± 2 μmol/g Pb). A constant slope of adsorbed-dissolved concentration dependence was valid over 5 orders of magnitude of metal concentrations. Universal Langmuir and Freundlich equations and the SCM formalism described the adsorption isotherms and the pH-dependent adsorption edge over very broad ranges of metal concentrations, indicating no high- or low-affinity sites for metal binding at the soil surface under these experimental conditions. At pH 5, Cd and Pb did not compete, in accordance with the SCM. The metal adsorption ability exceeded the value for soil protection by two orders of magnitude, but only critical load guarantees soil protection since metal toxicity depends on metal availability.

Down-modulation of cancer targets using locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based antisense oligonucleotides without transfection

Usually, small interfering RNAs and most antisense molecules need mechanical or chemical delivery methods to down-modulate the targeted mRNA. However, these delivery approaches complicate the interpretations of biological consequences. We show that locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based antisense oligonucleotides (LNA-ONs) readily down-modulate genes of interest in multiple cell lines without any delivery means. The down-modulation of genes was quick, robust, long-lasting and specific followed by potent down-modulation of protein. The efficiency of the effect varied among the 30 tumor cell lines investigated. The most robust effects were found in those cells where nuclear localization of the LNA-ON was clearly observed. Importantly, without using any delivery agent, we demonstrated that HER3 mRNA and protein could be efficiently down-modulated in cells and a tumor xenograft model. These data provide a simple and efficient approach to identify potential drug targets and animal models. Further elucidation of the mechanism of cellular uptake and trafficking of LNA-ONs may enhance not only the therapeutic values of this platform but also antisense molecules in general.

Cadmium tolerance and accumulation in cultivars of a high-biomass tropical tree (Averrhoa carambola) and its potential for phytoextraction

Averrhoa carambola is a high-biomass tropical tree that has been identified as a Cd accumulator. In the present study, field survey, pot, and hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the variation of Cd tolerance and accumulation in cultivars of A. carambola as well as its potential for phytoextraction. In the field survey, it was found that concentrations of Cd in aerial tissues of A. carambola varied greatly among sites and cultivars. The Cd bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and Cd removals by the field-grown A. carambola differed significantly among sites but not among cultivars. Nonetheless, all four carambola cultivars investigated were able to accumulate considerably high concentrations of Cd in their shoots, which indicated that the 4-yr-old carambola stands could remove 0.3 to 51.8% of the total Cd content in the top 20-cm soil layer. When cultured in Cd-spiked soils, the carambola cultivar Hua-Di always showed higher Cd tolerance than the other cultivars; however, this tendency was not confirmed by hydroponic experiment. The Cd BCFs of cultivar Thailand grown in soils with 6 and 12 mg Cd kg(-1) were highest among cultivars, whereas this trend was reversed at 120 mg Cd kg(-1) treatment. Nevertheless, the pot- and hydroponics-grown carambola cultivars generally showed higher capacities to tolerate and accumulate Cd, compared with the control species. The present results indicate that a strong ability to tolerate and accumulate Cd seems to be a trait at the species level in A. carambola, although some degree of variances in both Cd tolerance and accumulation exists among cultivars.

Phytoextraction of Cd-contaminated soil by carambola (Averrhoa carambola) in field trials

Use of metal-accumulating woody species to extract metals from heavy metal contaminated soil has received more attention. While considerable studies have focused on the phytoextraction potential of willow (Salix spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.), similar information is rare for other woody species. Carambola (Averrhoa carambola) is a high-biomass tree and has been identified as a new Cd-accumulating species. The present study aimed to evaluate the Cd phytoextraction potential of carambola under field condition. After growing in a slightly Cd-contaminated site for about 170 d, the carambola stand initiated by seed-seedling with high planting density (encoded with "HD-1yr") attained a high shoot biomass yield of 18.6 t ha(-1) and extracted 213 g Cdha(-1), resulting in a 1.6-fold higher Cd removal efficiency than that of a contrasting stand established by grafted-seedling with low planting density (5.3% vs. 2%). That is, "HD-1yr" would remove 50% of the total soil Cd with 13yr, assuming that the Cd removal efficiency would not change over time. Further, one crop of "HD-1yr" significantly decreased (63-69%) the Cd uptake by subsequent vegetables. Among the four carambola stands established using grafted-seedling, the 2-yr-old stand exhibited the highest annual Cd removal efficiency (3.7%), which was yet lower than that of "HD-1yr". These results suggested that phytoextraction of Cd by carambola (especially for "HD-1yr" stand) presented a feasible option to clean up agricultural soils slightly contaminated by Cd.

Data-driven analysis approach for biomarker discovery using molecular-profiling technologies

High-throughput molecular-profiling technologies provide rapid, efficient and systematic approaches to search for biomarkers. Supervised learning algorithms are naturally suited to analyse a large amount of data generated using these technologies in biomarker discovery efforts. The study demonstrates with two examples a data-driven analysis approach to analysis of large complicated datasets collected in high-throughput technologies in the context of biomarker discovery. The approach consists of two analytic steps: an initial unsupervised analysis to obtain accurate knowledge about sample clustering, followed by a second supervised analysis to identify a small set of putative biomarkers for further experimental characterization. By comparing the most widely applied clustering algorithms using a leukaemia DNA microarray dataset, it was established that principal component analysis-assisted projections of samples from a high-dimensional molecular feature space into a few low dimensional subspaces provides a more effective and accurate way to explore visually and identify data structures that confirm intended experimental effects based on expected group membership. A supervised analysis method, shrunken centroid algorithm, was chosen to take knowledge of sample clustering gained or confirmed by the first step of the analysis to identify a small set of molecules as candidate biomarkers for further experimentation. The approach was applied to two molecular-profiling studies. In the first study, PCA-assisted analysis of DNA microarray data revealed that discrete data structures exist in rat liver gene expression and correlated with blood clinical chemistry and liver pathological damage in response to a chemical toxicant diethylhexylphthalate, a peroxisome-proliferator-activator receptor agonist. Sixteen genes were then identified by shrunken centroid algorithm as the best candidate biomarkers for liver damage. Functional annotations of these genes revealed roles in acute phase response, lipid and fatty acid metabolism and they are functionally relevant to the observed toxicities. In the second study, 26 urine ions identified from a GC/MS spectrum, two of which were glucose fragment ions included as positive controls, showed robust changes with the development of diabetes in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Further experiments are needed to define their chemical identities and establish functional relevancy to disease development.

Zinc, nickel and cadmium in carambolas marketed in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, China: implication for human health

Carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) is a popular juicy fruit throughout the tropical and subtropical world. This study was designed to quantify the levels of zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) in carambolas marketed in southern China, and further to evaluate the potential health risk of human consumption of carambola. Zinc concentrations, ranging from 1.471 to 2.875 mg/kg (on fresh weight basis), were below the maximum permissible concentration for Zn in fruit of China (5 mg/kg). However, Ni concentrations (0.134-0.676 mg/kg) were considerably higher than the related recommendation values. Furthermore, Cd concentrations in 51% of the carambolas purchased from Guangzhou exceeded the maximum permissible concentration for Cd in fruit of China (0.03 mg/kg). Our results implicated that the consumption of 0.385 kg carambola contaminated by Cd per day would cause the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of Cd by the consumer to be exceeded. In addition, the remarkably high Ni concentrations in carambolas should also be of concern. The status of heavy metal contamination of carambola products marketed in the other regions and their implications for human health should be identified urgently by in-depth studies.

Cut-off net acid generation pH in predicting acid-forming potential in mine spoils

Acidification of mine wastes can lead to a series of environmental problems, such as acid drainage, heavy metal mobilization, and ecosystem degradation. Prediction of acid-forming potential is one of the key steps in management of sulfide-bearing mine wastes. In this paper, the acid-forming potential of 180 mine waste samples collected from 17 mine sites in China were studied using a net acid generation (NAG) method. The samples contained different contents of total sulfur (ranging from 0.6 to 200 g kg(-1)), pyritic sulfur (ranging from 0 to 100 g kg(-1)), and acid neutralization capacity (ANC, ranging from -41 to 274 kg H2SO4 t(-1)). Samples with high acid-forming potential are generally due to their high sulfur content or low acid neutralization capacity. After the samples were oxidized by H2O2, the amounts of acid generation and the final NAG pH were measured. Results indicated that the final NAG pH gave a well-defined demarcation between acid-forming and non-acid-forming materials. Samples with final NAG pH >or= 5 could be classified as non-acid-forming materials, while those with NAG pH <or= 2.5 could be classified as moderate to strong acid-forming materials. Materials with NAG pH > 2.5, but < 5, had low risk of being acid-forming. The confirmation of cut-off NAG pH will be used as a rapid and cost-effective operational monitoring tool for the in-pit prediction of acid-forming potential of mine wastes and classification of waste types.

A 3D Graphical Representation of RNA Secondary Structures

In this paper, we proposed a 3-D graphical representation of RNA secondary structures. Based on this representation, we outline an approach by constructing a 3-component vector whose components are the normalized leading eigenvalues of the L/L matrices associated with RNA secondary structure. The examination of similarities/dissimilarities among the secondary structure at the 3'-terminus of different viruses illustrates the utility of the approach.