Potential of Targeting TDO2 as the Lung Adenocarcinoma Treatment

Tryptophan catabolism plays an important role in the metabolic reconnection in cancer cells to support special demands of tumor initiation and progression. The catabolic product of the tryptophan pathway, kynurenine, has the capability of suppressing the immune reactions of tumor cells. In this study, we conducted internal and external cohort studies to reveal the importance of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Our study further demonstrated that the TDO2 expression was associated with the proliferation, survival, and invasion of LUAD cells, and targeting TDO2 for LUAD tumors could be a potential therapeutic strategy.

Regulation of overexpression lncRNA ATP2B1-AS1 on lung adenocarcinoma progression

BACKGROUND

LncRNA ATP2B1-AS1 (ATP2B1-AS1) is involved in the occurrence and development of various diseases, while the relationship between lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and ATP2B1-AS1 is unclear. This study was to investigate the expression of ATP2B1-AS1 in LUAD and its influence on survival and prognosis of patients.

METHODS

LUAD tissue samples from patients participating in this study were collected, and the expression levels of ATP2B1-AS1 and miR-141-3p in LUAD sampleswere detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The effect of ATP2B1-AS1 on the growth of A549 cells was investigated through cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell experiments. Besides, the prognostic value of ATP2B1-AS1 in LUAD was assessed via Kaplan-Meier curve and multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

ATP2B1-AS1 was downregulated in LUAD tissues and cells, whereas miR-141-3p was upregulated. After pcDNA3.1-ATP2B1-AS1 was transfected into A549 cells, the proliferation ability of A549 cells was decreased, and the migration level and invasion of A549 cells were also inhibited. High expression of ATP2B1-AS1 sponge miR-141-3p exerted prognostic value.

CONCLUSIONS

ATP2B1-AS1 sponge miR-141-3p alleviated the progression of LUAD, and ATP2B1-AS1 may be deemed as a prognostic marker for LUAD.

Long-term survival of stage Ib lung adenocarcinoma with postoperative brain oligometastasis: a case report and literature review

Lung adenocarcinoma remains one of the most frequent and deadly tumour entities. Early-stage lung adenocarcinoma is extremely difficult to detect and is also easy to recur or metastasize after treatment. Since the new adenocarcinoma classification was presented in 2011, several studies have shown that patients with solid and/or micropapillary (S/MP) predominant patterns showed a worse prognosis. Here we report the case of a 54-year-old woman who was diagnosed with stage Ib lung adenocarcinoma with S/MP components and developed an isolated brain oligometastasis after resection and adjuvant therapy. A craniocerebral operation was performed, combined with radiotherapy and targeted therapy, and the patient eventually achieved a good quality of life. Our work reviews the clinical features of lung cancer complicated with S/MP components, the relationship between MP and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, as well as treatment strategies for such a patient with postoperative brain oligometastasis of lung adenocarcinoma complicated with EGFR Exon19del mutation.

GDF15 linked to maternal risk of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

GDF15, a hormone acting on the brainstem, has been implicated in the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, including its most severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), but a full mechanistic understanding is lacking1-4. Here we report that fetal production of GDF15 and maternal sensitivity to it both contribute substantially to the risk of HG. We confirmed that higher GDF15 levels in maternal blood are associated with vomiting in pregnancy and HG. Using mass spectrometry to detect a naturally labelled GDF15 variant, we demonstrate that the vast majority of GDF15 in the maternal plasma is derived from the feto-placental unit. By studying carriers of rare and common genetic variants, we found that low levels of GDF15 in the non-pregnant state increase the risk of developing HG. Conversely, women with β-thalassaemia, a condition in which GDF15 levels are chronically high5, report very low levels of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. In mice, the acute food intake response to a bolus of GDF15 is influenced bi-directionally by prior levels of circulating GDF15 in a manner suggesting that this system is susceptible to desensitization. Our findings support a putative causal role for fetally derived GDF15 in the nausea and vomiting of human pregnancy, with maternal sensitivity, at least partly determined by prepregnancy exposure to the hormone, being a major influence on its severity. They also suggest mechanism-based approaches to the treatment and prevention of HG.

Flexible nursing in patients with lung cancer who received chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

Flexible nursing refers to the implementation of individualized nursing according to the patient's condition and characteristics, which can greatly alleviate patients' anxiety, depression and other adverse emotions and improve patients' nursing satisfaction. This experiment studies the effect of the implementation of flexible nursing model for patients with lung cancer chemotherapy.

METHODS

We enrolled a total of 107 patients with lung cancer who were admitted to Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Department (East District) of Anqing Municipal Hospital from November 2020 to May 2022 in the study. Patients were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. We randomly divided the patients into the test group and control group using a random number table. Patients in the test group were given flexible nursing, while those in the control group received routine care. All patients completed the self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) score and calculated standard score before admission for chemotherapy, and completed the self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score and self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) score and the Nursing Satisfaction Questionnaire of the Eastern Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of our hospital again at the time of discharge. The anxiety, depression and nursing satisfaction of the two groups before and after nursing were statistically analyzed. We statistically analyzed patients' anxiety and depression levels, as well as their appraisal of the nursing service.

RESULTS

Compared to the scores obtained at the time of admission, the anxiety and depression scores significantly decreased for patients in both groups at the time of discharge (P < 0.05). Decrease in the anxiety and depression scores for the test group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Patients in the test group reported significantly greater satisfaction with the nursing care when compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Flexible nursing can significantly decrease the anxiety and depression level in patients with lung cancer who receive chemotherapy and ensure more satisfactory nursing.

Fetally-encoded GDF15 and maternal GDF15 sensitivity are major determinants of nausea and vomiting in human pregnancy

Human pregnancy is frequently accompanied by nausea and vomiting that may become severe and life-threatening, as in hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), the cause of which is unknown. Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15), a hormone known to act on the hindbrain to cause emesis, is highly expressed in the placenta and its levels in maternal blood rise rapidly in pregnancy. Variants in the maternal GDF15 gene are associated with HG. Here we report that fetal production of GDF15, and maternal sensitivity to it, both contribute substantially to the risk of HG. We found that the great majority of GDF15 in maternal circulation is derived from the feto-placental unit and that higher GDF15 levels in maternal blood are associated with vomiting and are further elevated in patients with HG. Conversely, we found that lower levels of GDF15 in the non-pregnant state predispose women to HG. A rare C211G variant in GDF15 which strongly predisposes mothers to HG, particularly when the fetus is wild-type, was found to markedly impair cellular secretion of GDF15 and associate with low circulating levels of GDF15 in the non-pregnant state. Consistent with this, two common GDF15 haplotypes which predispose to HG were associated with lower circulating levels outside pregnancy. The administration of a long-acting form of GDF15 to wild-type mice markedly reduced subsequent responses to an acute dose, establishing that desensitisation is a feature of this system. GDF15 levels are known to be highly and chronically elevated in patients with beta thalassemia. In women with this disorder, reports of symptoms of nausea or vomiting in pregnancy were strikingly diminished. Our findings support a causal role for fetal derived GDF15 in the nausea and vomiting of human pregnancy, with maternal sensitivity, at least partly determined by pre-pregnancy exposure to GDF15, being a major influence on its severity. They also suggest mechanism-based approaches to the treatment and prevention of HG.

External validation of the biomarker based ABCD score in atrial fibrillation patients with a non gender CHA2DS2 VASc score 0 to 1, A Korean multicenter retrospective cohort

Background

Patients with low to intermediate risk atrial fibrillation (AF), defined as non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0–1, are still at risk of stroke. This study verified the usefulness of ABCD score (Age [≥60 years], B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP] or N-terminal pro-BNP [≥300 pg/ml], Creatinine clearance [&lt;50 ml/min/1.73 m2], and Dimension of the left atrium [≥45 mm]) for stroke risk stratification in non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score 0–1.

Methods

This multi-center cohort study retrospectively analyzed AF patients with non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score 0–1. The primary endpoint was the incidence of stroke with or without anti-thrombotic treatment (ATT). An ABCD score was also validated.

Results

Overall, 2694 patients (56.3±9.5 years; female, 726 [26.9%]) were followed-up for 4.0±2.8 years. The overall stroke rate was 0.84/100 person-years (P-Y), stratified as follows: 0.46/100P-Y for an ABCD score 0; 1.02/100P-Y for an ABCD score≥1. The ABCD score was superior to the non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score in stroke risk stratification (C-index=0.618, P=0.015; net reclassification improvement=0.576, P=0.040; integrated differential improvement=0.033, P=0.066). ATT was prescribed in 2353 patients (86.5%), and the stroke rate was significantly lower in patients receiving non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) therapy and an ABCD score≥1 than in those without ATT (0.44/100P-Y versus 1.55/100 P-Y; hazard ratio=0.26, 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.63, P=0.003).

Conclusion

The biomarker-based ABCD score demonstrated improved stroke risk stratification in AF patients with non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score 0–1. Furthermore, NOAC with an ABCD score≥1 was associated with significantly lower stroke rate in AF patients with a non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score 0–1.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency

Expression of oncogenic long noncoding RNA PSMG3-antisense 1 in lung squamous cell carcinoma

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is one of the most common subtypes of lung cancer that accounts for ~50% of all lung cancer cases. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) PSMG3-antisense (AS) 1 has been suggested to play an important role in various types of cancer. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of PSMG3-AS1 using clinical specimens and data from 130 patients with LUSC. The expression levels of PSMG3-AS1 and miR-143-3p were detected in LUSC specimens, and the correlation between lncRNA PSMG3-AS1 expression and patient clinical characteristics was analyzed. Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell migration and invasion assays were used to investigate the functional role of PSMG3-AS1 in LUSC. The mechanism of PSMG3-AS1 on LUSC cells was also investigated using a luciferase activity assay with wild-type or mutated PSMG3-AS1. PSMG3-AS1 was found to be upregulated in LUSC, and high expression was associated with positive lymph node metastasis and a higher TNM stage. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that PSMG3-AS1 may serve as an independent prognostic indicator in LUSC. Furthermore, inhibiting PSMG3-AS1 expression reduced tumor cell proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities. Moreover, PSMG3-AS1 was found to be closely associated with miR-143-3p in LUSC, and thus may become a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for the treatment of LUSC in the future.

GIP mediates the incretin effect and glucose tolerance by dual actions on α cells and β cells

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) communicates nutrient intake from the gut to islets, enabling optimal levels of insulin secretion via the GIP receptor (GIPR) on β cells. The GIPR is also expressed in α cells, and GIP stimulates glucagon secretion; however, the role of this action in the postprandial state is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that GIP potentiates amino acid-stimulated glucagon secretion, documenting a similar nutrient-dependent action to that described in β cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that GIP activity in α cells contributes to insulin secretion by invoking paracrine α to β cell communication. Last, specific loss of GIPR activity in α cells prevents glucagon secretion in response to a meal stimulus, limiting insulin secretion and driving glucose intolerance. Together, these data uncover an important axis by which GIPR activity in α cells is necessary to coordinate the optimal level of both glucagon and insulin secretion to maintain postprandial homeostasis.

Antifouling Technology Trends in Marine Environmental Protection

Marine fouling is a worldwide problem, which is harmful to the global marine ecological environment and economic benefits. The traditional antifouling strategy usually uses toxic antifouling agents, which gradually exposes a serious environmental problem. Therefore, green, long-term, broad-spectrum and eco-friendly antifouling technologies have been the main target of engineers and researchers. In recent years, many eco-friendly antifouling technologies with broad application prospects have been developed based on the low toxicity and non-toxicity antifouling agents and materials. In this review, contemporary eco-friendly antifouling technologies and materials are summarized into bionic antifouling and non-bionic antifouling strategies (2000-2020). Non-bionic antifouling technologies mainly include protein resistant polymers, antifoulant releasing coatings, foul release coatings, conductive antifouling coatings and photodynamic antifouling technology. Bionic antifouling technologies mainly include the simulated shark skin, whale skin, dolphin skin, coral tentacles, lotus leaves and other biology structures. Brief future research directions and challenges are also discussed in the end, and we expect that this review would boost the development of marine antifouling technologies.

CTRP12 Ameliorated Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury

C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein 12 (CTRP12) is a secretory protein that participates in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in obesity and diabetes. Its role in cardiovascular disease, particularly sepsis-induced cardiac injury, is unclear. Here, we stimulated cardiomyocytes with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an in vitro cardiomyocyte injury model and CTRP12 was overexpressed with an adenovirus delivery system. Overexpression of CTRP12 reduced the transcription and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from LPS-stimulated cardiomyocytes, including TNFα, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-6. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level increased and the oxidation/redox system was disturbed in LPS-stimulated cardiomyocytes, as evident from the decrease in superoxide dismutase activity and an increase in reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity and malondialdehyde level. CTRP12 overexpression decreased the increasing level of ROS and ameliorated the unbalance in the oxidation/redox system in LPS-stimulated cardiomyocytes. The viability of cardiomyocytes decreased after LPS stimulation, and the cells underwent apoptosis. CTRP12-overexpressing cardiomyocytes showed a decrease in the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, and the ratio of B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-1/Bax in these cells was recovered. In comparison with the control group, LPS-stimulated cardiomyocytes showed reduced expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), while CTRP12-overexpressing cardiomyocytes showed elevated NRF2 expression. Small-interfering RNA-mediated silencing of NRF2 expression in cardiomyocytes resulted in the inhibition of the protective effects of CTRP12. Thus, CTRP12 ameliorated injury in LPS-stimulated cardiomyocytes in an NRF2-dependent manner.

Correction: Exploring the antifouling effect of elastic deformation by DEM–CFD coupling simulation

Correction for ‘Exploring the antifouling effect of elastic deformation by DEM–CFD coupling simulation’ by Limei Tian et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 40855–40862, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA06761B.

Exploring the antifouling effect of elastic deformation by DEM–CFD coupling simulation

The influence of elastic deformation and elastic modulus on the release of adhered bacteria was investigated in this paper. Four silicone elastomers (SE) with different elastic moduli and one rigid polystyrene sheet were prepared to verify the antifouling effect of elastic deformation. The SE film has an elastic deformation effect under the stimulus of fluid medium, which makes the surface unstable. That could reduce the adhesion of fouling organisms and provide a foul-release basis. Distinct anti-adhesion properties were observed in our study in that cells more easily adhered to the rigid surface than the elastic surfaces under hydrodynamic conditions. However, the bacterial attachment test showed a similar antifouling performance of SE and the rigid surface under static conditions. To investigate the anti-adhesion ability of the elastic surface and rigid surface, the bacterial adhesive kinetics were studied by Discrete Element Method (DEM)–Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) coupling simulation. Results indicated the number of bacteria adhering on the elastic wall was significantly lower than on the rigid wall. And as the elastic modulus increased, the bacterial adhesion increased accordingly within a certain range. This work should not only enhance understanding of elastomer-based antifouling materials, but also facilitate the design and construction of other types non-toxic foul-release materials.

The bacterial adhesive kinetics with different morphology on elastic surface and rigid surface was studied by DEM–CFD coupling simulation.

Clinical significance of reduced GPRC5A expression in surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer

G protein-coupled receptor, family C, group 5 member A (GPRC5A) is a retinoid-inducible protein, which has been characterized as a tumor-suppressor gene in lung cancer. The present study further examined GPRC5A expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for any association with the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with NSCLC. A total of 30 paired NSCLC tumor and adjacent normal tissues were analyzed for the detection of GPRC5A mRNA and protein using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the GPRC5A expression levels in 110 NSCLC and 60 para-tumor tissues. The results confirmed significantly lower expression levels of GPRC5A in NSCLC tumors compared with the corresponding noncancerous tissues (P<0.001). Lost GPRC5A expression was significantly associated with the tumor histological type (P=0.008), poor tumor differentiation (P<0.001) and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that patients with NSCLC with low GPRC5A expression tumors had a worse prognosis compared with those with high GPRC5A expression tumors (P=0.010). The results of multivariate Cox analysis further suggested that low GPRC5A expression was an independent prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC (P<0.001). The results of this study suggest GPRC5A expression has clinical potential as a prognostic biomarker for patients with NSCLC.

Needlescopic Video-Assisted Thoracic Bilateral T4 Sympathicotomy for the Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: An Analysis of 200 Cases

BACKGROUND

 Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) is featured by aberrantly perspiration of the hands, which may bring a lot of inconvenience to patient's daily life and work. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical effect of needlescopic video-assisted thoracic bilateral T4 sympathicotomy for the treatment of PPH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 Between January 2009 and March 2014, 200 patients received needlescopic video-assisted thoracic bilateral T4 sympathicotomy. We, respectively, took two 5-mm incisions in the third intercostal space on the anterior axillary line and in the fifth intercostal space on the middle axillary line. After collapsing left lung, needlescopic exploration was the first step to determine the targeted sympathetic chain through the third intercostal space. Electric coagulation hook was inserted from another port to cut T4 sympathetic chain and the bypassing nerve fibers for 2 to 3 cm along the surface of the fourth rib. Right thoracic cavity was also administered the same procedure. The palmar temperature was recorded before and after sympathicotomy. The symptom improvement, operative complications, patients' recovery, and satisfaction were evaluated.

FINDING

 One hundred and ninety-seven patients uneventfully received two 5-mm port bilateral sympathicotomy, and another 3 patients with extensive pleural adhesions completed the surgery through enlarging the third intercostal incision to 2 cm without conversion to open surgery. All operative procedures were completed in 15 to 35 minutes. The hospital stay was 2 to 4 days. The palmar temperature increased by 2.0 ± 0.5°C, and hyperhidrosis immediately disappeared in both hands after surgery. The efficacy rate was 100%. The postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, hemopneumothorax, bradycardia, or Horner's syndrome had no occurrence. During 6 to 60 months follow-up, mild compensatory sweating of buttock, back, and thigh occurred in 30 patients (15%) at 2 to 5 days after surgery and gradually disappeared at postoperative 15 to 30 days or longer time. All patients were greatly satisfied with the effect with better confidence and quality of life. Until now, no recurrent palmar hyperhidrosis happened.

CONCLUSION

 Needlescopic video-assisted thoracic bilateral T4 sympathicotomy could reach an excellent and immediate result of treating PPH. It is a safe, convenient, and minimally invasive method appropriate for wide clinical use.

Lung cancer suppressor gene GPRC5A mediates p53 activity in non‑small cell lung cancer cells in vitro

Cellular tumor antigen p53 (p53) functions to maintain genomic stability and regulate cell apoptosis, while G protein‑coupled receptor class C group 5 member A (GPCR5A) is a lung cancer suppressor gene whose expression is induced by retinoids. The present in vitro study assessed the effects of p53 on the regulation of GPRC5A expression and on non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Human NSCLC H1299 (p53‑null) and A549 (wild‑type p53) cell lines were subjected to p53 cDNA and small interfering (si)RNA transfection, respectively. GPRC5A expression was analyzed by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, and cell behavior was analyzed using cell viability and apoptosis assays. The results of the present study demonstrated that knockdown of GPRC5A expression markedly upregulated tumor cell viability and reduced tumor cell apoptosis, while p53 overexpression in H1299 cells significantly increased the expression level of GPRC5A. p53 overexpression and GPRC5A induction markedly inhibited tumor cell viability and induced apoptosis, while knockdown of p53 resulted in a decrease in GPRC5A expression, inhibited tumor cell apoptosis and increased tumor cell viability. In serum‑free culture conditions, GPRC5A expression was decreased in the two cell lines; this decrease was less marked in p53 cDNA‑transfected H1299 cells and more marked in p53 siRNA‑transfected A549 cells. The results of the present study indicated that p53 antitumor activity may be mediated by GPRC5A in NSCLC cells.

Identification of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis of lung cancers

Current clinical diagnostic methods lack the specificity in detecting lung cancer patients. The issue is particularly critical for stage I and II patients. Considerable evidence showed microRNA plays a very important role in lung carcinogenesis. Here, we identified a panel of 41 miRNAs significantly elevated in patients with lung cancer, of which eight miRNAs were further validated in an independent sample cohort. Classification analysis using the panel of eight miRNAs generated a discriminatory power of 93.3 % sensitivity and 93.8 % specificity in separating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients from normal controls, indicating the miRNAs have a potential clinical utility in discriminating NSCLC. Interestingly, miR-1244 was found significantly elevated in the serum samples of lung cancer patients, and the test characteristics of the single miRNA were area under the curve (AUC) of 0.832 in NSCLC vs healthy controls, and 0.861 in NSCLC vs patients with unidentified pulmonary nodules. This is the first study showing serum miR-1244 could be a biomarker to screen lung cancer patients from the high-risk population.

Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient: report of a rare case

Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA) is a relatively uncommon manifestation of infection with Aspergillus spp. which mainly affects immunocompromised or immunostressed individuals with underlying lung diseases. Here, we present a case of mediastinum-involved CNPA in an immunocompetent patient with no symptoms and previous good health.

Design of a vector magnet for the measurements of anisotropic magnetoresistance and rotational magneto-optic Kerr effect

A vector magnet is designed and assembled with two electromagnets to produce a rotational magnetic field in any direction within a plane. This design allows a rotation of the magnetic field without a mechanical rotation of the magnets. The fast speed of the field rotation (~10 s for a complete 360° rotation) and the stability against mechanical vibration easily overcome the slow drifting effect in anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) and rotational magneto-optic Kerr effect (ROTMOKE) measurements. As an example we applied this vector magnet to carry out AMR and ROTMOKE measurements on epitaxial growth of Fe(10 nm)∕MgO(001) films. The result demonstrates the stability and high quality of the vector magnet in determining the magnetic anisotropy of magnetic thin films using AMR and ROTMOKE techniques.

Switching a magnetic vortex by interlayer coupling in epitaxially grown Co/Cu/Py/Cu(001) trilayer disks

Epitaxial Py/Cu/Co/Cu(001) trilayers were patterned into micron sized disks and imaged using element-specific photoemission electron microscopy. By varying the Cu spacer layer thickness, we study how the coupling between the two magnetic layers influences the formation of magnetic vortex states. We find that while the Py and Co disks form magnetic vortex domains when the interlayer coupling is ferromagnetic, the magnetic vortex domains of the Py and Co disks break into anti-parallel aligned multidomains when the interlayer coupling is antiferromagnetic. We explain this result in terms of magnetic flux closure between the Py and Co layers for the antiferromagnetic coupling case.

A +220 GATA motif mediates basal but not endotoxin-repressible expression of the von Willebrand factor promoter in Hprt-targeted transgenic mice

BACKGROUND

The von Willebrand factor (VWF) gene is a marker for spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the endothelium. A GATA motif at +220 has been implicated in basal VWF expression in vitro. Other studies have shown that GATA3 and VWF are transcriptionally downregulated in response to inflammatory mediators.

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to determine the importance of the +220 GATA motif in mediating expression of VWF promoter in vivo, and to elucidate whether the GATA element plays a role in spatial and/or temporal regulation of VWF expression.

METHODS

ChIP and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were carried out in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Reporter gene constructs containing 3.6 kb of the human VWF promoter with and without a mutation of the +220 GATA element were transfected into cultured endothelial cells or targeted to the Hprt locus of mice. The Hprt-targeted mice were subjected to endotoxemia.

RESULTS

In protein-DNA binding assays, the +220 GATA motif bound GATA-2, -3 and -6. Mutation of the GATA site resulted in reduced basal promoter activity in HUVEC. When targeted to the Hprt locus of mice, the GATA mutation resulted in a significant, proportionate reduction of promoter activity in LacZ expressing vascular beds. Systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in a widespread reduction in VWF mRNA expression and promoter activity. LPS-mediated repression of the VWF promoter was unaffected by the GATA mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

A region of the VWF promoter between -2182 and the end of the first intron contains information for LPS-mediated gene repression. The +220 GATA motif is important for basal, but not LPS-repressible expression of the VWF gene.

Changes in coagulation-fibrinolysis marker and neutrophil elastase following the use of tourniquet during total knee arthroplasty and the influence of neutrophil elastase on thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

To clarify in detail the mechanism underlying the development and exacerbation of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), we focused on the following factors: the thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), D-dimer and neutrophil elastase (NE). We basically investigated whether NE played an important role in the development of PTE I a mice model.

METHODS

Nineteen rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and six osteoarthritis (OA) patients underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with tourniquet, and 13 RA and 12 OA patients underwent TKA without tourniquet in each group. The blood levels of TAT, D-dimer and NE were measured before surgery, immediately after and during the days following surgery. For the induction of experimental PTE due to coagulation of platelets, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was administrated, and human NE with ADP was also administrated for the development of DVT and/or PTE.

RESULTS

The rates of increase in the mean TAT, D-dimer and NE levels in the group with tourniquet were statistically higher than those in the group without tourniquet after surgery. The mortality of the mouse due to PTE increased from 43 to 67% following ADP and human NE administration compared to a single ADP administration. Histological changes of the lungs in the mice receiving NE and ADP injections were characterized by a diffuse and extensive accumulation of platelets and fibrin in alveolar capillaries and other microvessels.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that during TKA, the use of tourniquet induces local release of a large amount of NE from neutrophils, inducing the development of DVT and/or PTE and their exacerbation.

MRI findings of eosinophilic myelomeningoencephalitis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis

AIM

To study the imaging characteristics of eosinophilic myelomeningoencephalitis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventeen MRI examinations of the brain and spinal cord in five patients with angiostrongyliasis cantonensis of the central nervous system were performed. The final diagnosis was based on typical clinical symptoms, results of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests, and the presence of nematode larvae in the CSF. The sequential MRI follow-up examinations were carried out at a different stage for every patient from 1 to 28 weeks after the onset of symptoms. The features of the lesions in the brain, spinal cord, meninges and nerve roots on MRI were studied, moreover, the development of the lesions was analysed on follow-up MRI.

RESULTS

Abnormalities were demonstrated on MRI in all five cases. They included three cases of meningoencephalitis, one case of encephalitis and one myelomeningitis. The locations and appearances of the lesions were as follows: (1) brain involvement in four cases (including cerebrum in four, cerebellum in two and brain stem in three), and spinal cord involvement in one case. These lesions were diffuse or scattered and appeared as similar or slightly reduced signal intensity on T1-weighted images (T1WI), high signal intensity on T2-weighted images (T2WI) and turbo fluid attenuated inversion recovery pulse sequence (FLAIR) images. After administration of gadolinium chelate (Gd-DTPA), multiple round or oval enhancing nodules, with diameters ranging from 3 to 10 mm, were seen on T1WI, a few lesions appeared as stick-shaped enhancement whose longest measurement was 14 mm. Diffuse or local oedema around the lesion could be seen. (2) Meningeal involvement in four cases, a case of ependymal involvement and a case of nerve root involvement were among them. These lesions appeared as linear or nodular enhancement of the leptomeninges and ependyma, as well as nerve root enhancement. (3) There was a mild ventricular enlargement in two cases. On follow-up MRI lesions were most severe from the 5th week to the 8th week and it took at least 4-8 weeks (1-2 months) for a lesion to resolve completely, the resolution of larger lesion needed more than 22 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Multiple enhancing nodules in the brain and linear enhancement in the leptomeninges were the main features; stick-shaped enhancement was the characteristic sign of the disease on Gd-DTPA enhanced-T1 weighted images.

Aerogenous spread of primary lung adenocarcinoma induces ultrastructural remodeling of the alveolar capillary endothelium

To determine whether pulmonary alveolar capillaries manifest ultrastructural remodeling at areas of neoplastic invasion of primary lung adenocarcinomas, we examined 17 well-differentiated adenocarcinomas of lung (2 bronchioloalveolar and 15 papillary adenocarcinomas) by electron microscopy. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was demonstrated by immunohistochemical stainings. VEGF messenger RNA (mRNA) isoforms were detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in alveolar walls microdissected from normal and tumor-associated tissues. Cytoplasm of neoplastic cells expressed VEGF protein in all patients. Endothelial cell nuclei of alveolar capillaries showed positive reaction for PCNA. Alveolar capillary lumina were distended like venules, and some intercellular junctions remained open. The cytoplasm of the capillary endothelial cells was enlarged and developed numerous organelles such as Weibel-Palade bodies and vesiculovacuolar organelles, in contrast to marked attenuation in their normal counterpart. Capillary sprouting occurred from proper alveolar capillaries in 2 patients. Cytoplasmic segments became extremely attenuated and developed diaphragm-like fenestrae in 65% of the patients. A relatively higher expression of diffusable isoforms of VEGF mRNA was seen in the tumor-bearing alveolar walls than in normal walls. Expression of KDR (one of the VEGF receptors) mRNA in tumor exceeded that in normal tissues. These results suggest that diffusable isoforms of VEGF mRNA released from the neoplastic cells are deeply involved in the induction of growth activity of alveolar capillary endothelial cells as much as in the characterization of tumor-associated microvessels in primary lung adenocarcinomas.

Angiogenesis and phenotypic alteration of alveolar capillary endothelium in areas of neoplastic cell spread in primary lung adenocarcinoma

Normal alveolar capillary endothelium is quiescent in nature and displays anticoagulant thrombomodulin (TM) on its surface. The cytoplasms of these endothelial cells are ultrastructurally non-fenestrated type, and they barely express von Willebrand factor (vWf). Alveolar fibrosis is accompanied by a capillary endothelium reactive for vWf, and a loss of TM expression. In primary lung adenocarcinoma, neovascularization occurs in association with alveolar fibrosis. In order to study basic factors related to angiogenesis and phenotypic changes of the capillaries located in tumor-bearing alveolar walls, we examined 37 primary lung adenocarcinomas with electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy with antibodies for TM, vWf, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and its receptors (KDR and Flt-1), and proliferating markers (Ki-67/proliferating cell nuclear antigen). Tissues microdissected specifically from alveolar walls were used for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to assess expressions of mRNA isoforms of VEGF and its receptors. New capillary branching was found by ultrastructural study in the alveolar walls in 12% of the patients. Nuclei of the capillary endothelial cells were reactive for proliferating cell markers. Endothelial fenestrae were developed in 65% of the patients, TM reactivity was lost in the alveolar capillaries, and their cell cytoplasms obtained a reactivity for vWf through a transitional mosaic-like distribution pattern of both antigens. Besides cytoplasmic VEGF expression in neoplastic cells, tumor-bearing alveolar walls showed significant expression of mRNA of VEGF165 and KDR. These findings imply that angiogenesis and phenotypic changes of the alveolar capillaries are closely related to a higher expression of tumor-associated VEGF165 and of KDR in the alveolar walls in primary lung adenocarcinoma.

Prognostic significance of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in human ovarian carcinoma

The influence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and microvessel density (MVD) on prognosis and the relationship between VEGF expression and MVD in ovarian carcinoma are not well defined. We studied VEGF expression in parallel with MVD by immunohistochemistry in 94 ovarian tumours (64 malignant, 13 borderline, and 17 benign) and correlated the results with the clinicopathologic prognostic factors of the disease to clarify their significance in this disease. Assessment of VEGF mRNA isoforms by RT-PCR was also performed. Of the malignant, borderline, and benign ovarian tumours respectively, two (3%), four (31%) and 16 (94%) were negative, 31 (48%), seven (54%) and one (6%) had low expressions, and 31 (48%), two (15%) and none (0%) had high expressions of VEGF. There were significant associations between the VEGF expression and disease stage (P= 0.002), histologic grade (P= 0.0004), and patient outcome (P= 0.0002). MVD did not correlate significantly with the clinicopathologic parameters. Likewise, no correlation was found between MVD and VEGF expression. The survival of patients with high VEGF expression was significantly worse than that of patients with low and negative VEGF expression (P = 0.0004). Multivariate analysis revealed that disease stage and VEGF expression were significant and independent prognostic indicators of overall survival time (P = 0.008 and P = 0.006 respectively). These findings suggest that in conjunction with the established clinicopathologic prognostic parameters of ovarian carcinoma, VEGF expression may enhance the predictability of patients at high risk for tumour progression who are potential candidates for further aggressive therapy.

Aminoglycoside binding in the major groove of duplex RNA: the thermodynamic and electrostatic forces that govern recognition

We use a combination of spectroscopic, calorimetric, viscometric and computer modeling techniques to characterize the binding of the aminoglycoside antibiotic, tobramycin, to the polymeric RNA duplex, poly(rI).poly(rC), which exhibits the characteristic A-type conformation that is conserved among natural and synthetic double-helical RNA sequences. Our results reveal the following significant features: (i) CD-detected binding of tobramycin to poly(rI).poly(rC) reveals an apparent site size of four base-pairs per bound drug molecule; (ii) tobramycin binding enhances the thermal stability of the host poly(rI).poly(rC) duplex, the extent of which decreases upon increasing in Na(+) concentration and/or pH conditions; (iii) the enthalpy of tobramycin- poly(rI).poly(rC) complexation increases with increasing pH conditions, an observation consistent with binding-induced protonation of one or more drug amino groups; (iv) the affinity of tobramycin for poly(rI).poly(rC) is sensitive to both pH and Na(+) concentration, with increases in pH and/or Na(+) concentration resulting in a concomitant reduction in binding affinity. The salt dependence of the tobramycin binding affinity reveals that the drug binds to the host RNA duplex as trication. (v) The thermodynamic driving force for tobramycin- poly(rI).poly(rC) complexation depends on pH conditions. Specifically, at pH< or =6.0, tobramycin binding is entropy driven, but is enthalpy driven at pH > 6.0. (vi) Viscometric data reveal non-intercalative binding properties when tobramycin complexes with poly(rI).poly(rC), consistent with a major groove-directed mode of binding. These data also are consistent with a binding-induced reduction in the apparent molecular length of the host RNA duplex. (vii) Computer modeling studies reveal a tobramycin-poly(rI). poly(rC) complex in which the drug fits snugly at the base of the RNA major groove and is stabilized, at least in part, by an array of hydrogen bonding interactions with both base and backbone atoms of the host RNA. These studies also demonstrate an inability of tobramycin to form a stable low-energy complex with the minor groove of the poly(rI).poly(rC) duplex. In the aggregate, our results suggest that tobramycin-RNA recognition is dictated and controlled by a broad range of factors that include electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding interactions, drug protonation reactions, and binding-induced alterations in the structure of the host RNA. These modulatory effects on tobramycin-RNA complexation are discussed in terms of their potential importance for the selective recognition of specific RNA structural motifs, such as asymmetric internal loops or hairpin loop-stem junctions, by aminoglycoside antibiotics and their derivatives.

Heterogeneous distribution of thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor in endothelial cells in the human pulmonary microvessels

Laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy techniques were used to study the localization of von Willebrand factor (vWf; Factor VIII-related antigen) and thrombomodulin (transmembrane receptor for thrombin) in the microvascular endothelial cells in the normal human lung. Tissues were obtained from lobectomy specimens resected for solitary nodules (7 adenocarcinomas and 4 hamartomas) from 11 patients. The plasma membranes of the capillary endothelial cells in the alveolar zones (A-zones) showed red linear fluorescence for thrombomodulin. However, their cytoplasm was mostly unreactive for vWf. The microvessels which were located in the connective tissue (C-zones), including peribronchial, and subpleural areas and large vascular walls, consistently demonstrated band-like green fluorescence for vWf in their cytoplasm, and their plasma membranes usually lacked reactivity for thrombomodulin. Only a limited number of peribronchial capillaries measuring <10 microm in diameter showed a mosaic-like appearance, in which red fluorescence along the plasma membranes was found together with green fluorescence in the subjacent cytoplasm. In the juxtaalveolar (J-zones) microvessels located along the borders between A- and C-zones, and measuring up to 40 microm in diameter, the endothelial cells showed a mosaic-like pattern of distribution of the two antigens. However, the localization of thrombomodulin in the J-zone microvessels was separate and independent from that of vWf. The thrombomodulin-reactive cells were directly connected to the alveolar capillary endothelial cells. Heterogeneous patterns of distribution of thrombomodulin and vWf suggest that topographic differences of endothelial function occur to maintain a balance of coagulation and anticoagulation in the normal human lung.

Mosaic-like distribution of endothelial cell antigens in capillaries and juxta-alveolar microvessels in the normal human lung

The distribution patterns of endothelial cell antigens, including thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor (vWf), were studied in normal lung tissues obtained from distant areas of solitary nodules (seven adenocarcinomas and four hamartomas). By single immunoalkaline phosphatase and dual immunofluorescence stainings, the plasma membranes of alveolar capillary endothelium showed linear distribution of thrombomodulin, but their cytoplasm was rarely reactive for vWf (thrombomodulin-dominant pattern). Microvessels with a diameter larger than 10 microm located in the connective tissue zones demonstrated band-like reaction for vWf in their cytoplasm, and their plasma membranes often lacked reactivity for thrombomodulin (vWf-dominant pattern). The juxta-alveolar microvessels located along the borders between the alveolar- and connective-tissue zones showed mosaic-like pattern of distribution for these antigens. The pulmonary venules and peribronchial microvessels measuring up to 40 microm in diameter, demonstrated the expression of thrombomodulin along the plasma membrane, and that of vWf in the cytoplasm. Capillaries of the bronchial circulation were also characterized by mosaic-like pattern of distribution. Both antigens were often expressed in a single cytoplasmic segment. The heterogeneous distribution pattern of these antigens suggests topographic difference in endothelial cell function to maintain coagulatory and anticoagulatory balance in the normal human lung.

Expression of protein kinase C genes in normal (+/+) and W mutant alleles (Wsh/Wsh, W/Wv) mice testes

In the present study, we investigated the expression of mRNA of protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta, eta, and theta) in normal (+/+) and W mutant alleles mice testes. In +/+ mice testes, abundant expression of PKCdelta and PKCtheta was observed, while other PKCs (alpha, beta, gamma, epsilon, zeta, and eta) generally were not detected by Northern blotting. The PKCdelta and PKCtheta isoenzymes demonstrated a distinctive cellular distribution when evaluated by in situ hybridization. We have previously shown that PKCdelta gene was selectively expressed in spermatid of +/+ testes. Here we show that PKCdelta gene is also present in spermatid of Wsh/Wsh mice testes and PKCtheta gene was present in interstitial cells of +/+, Wsh/Wsh, and W/Wv mice testes. These studies provide the evidence of selective cell distributions of the PKC isoenzymes and suggest that PKC has the functional significance in testes.

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies of basal cells, Clara cells and bronchiolar cuboidal cells in normal human airways

Immunohistochemical studies were made of the distribution of various cytokeratins (CK), Clara cell secretory protein (CC10), surfactant protein A (SP-A) and type VII collagen in normal human airways. Electron microscopic studies were made to identify hemidesmosomes and anchoring fibrils on the basal surfaces of the epithelial cells. CK19 was detected in all epithelial cells, and CK17 in all basal cells. CK14 was coexpressed in a few basal cells, and this coexpression was decreased in the distal airways. Two types of basal cells were recognized. One type, found mainly in large airways, was characterized by abundant intermediate filaments and well-developed hemidesmosomes and anchoring fibrils. The second type contained few intermediate filaments and poorly developed hemidesmosomes and anchoring fibrils. Reactivity for type VII collagen was found along the basement membrane throughout the airways, but not in the alveoli. Clara cells were reactive for CC10 and CK17, but not for CK14 and SP-A. The bronchiolar cuboidal cells in the respiratory bronchioles were positive only for CK19. Surfactant protein A was present only in type II alveolar epithelial cells. Thus, two types of basal cells are present in airways, and the bronchiolar cuboidal cells appear distinct from these basal cells, Clara cells and type II alveolar epithelial cells.

Refractoriness to mammary tumorigenesis in parous rats: is it caused by persistent changes in the hormonal environment or permanent biochemical alterations in the mammary epithelia?

Administration of a single i.v. injection of 50 mg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)/kg body wt to 50- to 60-day old virgin rats, 120-day-old virgin rats, and 120-day-old parous rats (Sprague-Dawley; n = 18-37) resulted in a high incidence of mammary carcinomas in the virgin animals (97.3% in 50- to 60-day-old virgin rats; 75.0% in 120-day-old virgin rats), but mammary carcinomas did not develop in the parous rats. The concentrations in serum of various mammotropic hormones were measured in identical groups of rats at the time of MNU treatment. Growth hormone (GH) concentration was significantly reduced in parous rats, as compared with young or age-matched virgin rats. The concentrations of prolactin, 17 beta-estradiol, progesterone, corticosterone and thyroxine were not significantly altered in the parous rats compared to the two groups of virgin animals. Histological examination of the mammary glands from the three groups of rats showed that the epithelia of the parous animals were in a stage of regression, whereas the mammae of the young virgin rats showed the highest degree of lobulo-alveolar development. The levels of estrogen receptor (ER), epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGF-R) and GH receptor (GHR) in the mammary glands of the animals were also measured. We found a reduction in the receptor levels for both estrogen and EGF in mammary tissues from parous animals. Receptors for GH were present in normal mammary tissues from both virgin and parous rats. We hypothesize that the reduction in the circulating concentration of GH caused the reduced susceptibility of parous rats to mammary carcinogenesis possibly by decreasing the levels of ER and/or EGF-R in the mammary gland.

Kinetics of mammary epithelial cell proliferation in pituitary isografted BALB/c mice

Recently, we have published that treatment of pituitary isografted BALB/c mice with a single injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) leads to the rapid development of mammary tumors in over 90% of the animals (Guzman et al., Cancer Res., 52, 5732-5737). In the present study, we characterized the changes in proliferative activity and lobulo-alveolar differentiation of MECs at different time intervals after isografting animals with pituitary glands. Virgin BALB/c mice 1, 3, 5 or 8 weeks after pituitary isografting were either pulse-labeled for 2 h or continuously infused with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and the percentage of BrdU-labeled MECs was assessed. The S-phase duration (TS) of MECs was evaluated by double labeling with [3H]thymidine and BrdU. The population potential doubling time (TP) was calculated from the values of BrdU-LI and TS. Three stages of proliferation and differentiation of MECs in pituitary isografted virgin BALB/c mice were observed: (i) A sharp increase in the percentage of proliferating MECs of the terminal ducts and ductal branchings in the first 1-2 weeks, (ii) Development of lobulo-alveolar structures from the terminal ductal and alveolar buds, between weeks 3 and 5 with the highest BrdU-LI in week 3 and (iii) Multiplication of the alveolar structures and decrease in the BrdU-LI between weeks 5 and 8. The BrdU-LIs of alveolar cells 5 weeks after isografting the animals were significantly higher than those of the ductal cells. The continuous administration of BrdU for 3, 5 or 7 days by using osmotic pumps revealed zones in the ducts where almost all MECs were labeled as well as zones lacking proliferate activity. When the BrdU administration was extended for 10-14 days, almost all (> 95%) ductal and lobular epithelial cells were labeled. A small percentage (< 5%), of ductal and lobulo-alveolar MECs cells, remained unlabeled even after 14 days infusion of BrdU. The TS and TP values were shorter in pituitary isografted animals than in controls, but no significant difference was found for either values between the ductal and alveolar cells in either isografted or control mice. Changes in proliferation kinetics of mouse MECs in pituitary isografted animals correlated with the circulating concentrations of prolactin, progesterone and 17 beta-estradiol, but not with corticosterone, growth hormone or thyroxin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Ceftazidime alone and in combination in patients with cystic fibrosis: lack of efficacy in treatment of severe respiratory infections caused by Pseudomonas cepacia

Fourteen patients with cystic fibrosis received 18 treatment courses with ceftazidime for acute respiratory illnesses associated with Pseudomonas cepacia. All patients had severe chronic lung disease. Clinical improvement occurred in only six treatment courses; eight treatment courses resulted in failure and four patients died. Severe illness was characterized by high fever, marked elevation of WBC and ESR. Treatment had no effect on sputum colony counts of Ps. cepacia in 17 of 18 courses, but significantly reduced counts of Ps. aeruginosa in 90% of those patients infected with both bacteria.