Kirkendall effect induced ultrafine VOOH nanoparticles and their transformation into VO2(M) for energy-efficient smart windows

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) has received widespread attention for application in energy-efficient smart windows because of its distinct thermochromic property in the near-infrared region during the reversible metal-insulator phase transition. In this study, lepidocrocite VOOH ultrafine nanoparticles (NPs) with a diameter less than 30 nm were prepared by a mild and efficient hydrothermal method, and the Kirkendall effect played a vital role in the growth of the VOOH NPs. It was found that VOOH could be transformed into VO2via a subsequent annealing treatment during which the size and morphology of VOOH are well preserved even though the annealing temperature is up to 500 °C. The ultrafine VO2 NPs are crucial for achieving excellent nanothermochromic performance with a luminous transmittance (Tlum) up to 56.45% and solar modulation ability (ΔTsol) up to 14.95%. The environmental durability is well improved by coating VO2 NPs with an SiO2 shell as confirmed via progressive oxidation and acid corrosion experiments. Meanwhile, the Tlum of the VO2@SiO2 film is further increased from 56.45% to 62.29% while the ΔTsol remained unchanged. This integrated thermochromic performance presents great potential for the development of VO2-based smart windows.

The role of mitochondrial fission in intervertebral disc degeneration

Low back pain (LBP) is an extremely common disorder and is a major cause of disability globally. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the main contributor to LBP. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of IVDD remain unclear. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that continuously undergo fusion and fission, known as mitochondrial dynamics. Accumulating evidence has revealed that aberrantly activated mitochondrial fission leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction, which are involved in the development and progression of IVDD. To date, research into mitochondrial dynamics in IVDD is at an early stage. The present narrative review aims to summarize the most recent findings about the role of mitochondrial fission in the pathogenesis of IVDD.

Efficacy and safety of closed-loop insulin delivery versus sensor-augmented pump in the treatment of adults with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Controversy remains regarding whether closed-loop (CL) insulin delivery or insulin sensor-augmented pump (SAP) delivery is more efficient for clinical treatment. Therefore, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of CL insulin delivery systems versus insulin SAP delivery for adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and other databases were searched for related articles, and we analyzed the average blood glucose (BG), time in range (TIR), and adverse effects (AEs) as primary endpoints to evaluate efficacy and safety.

RESULTS

Of 1616 articles, 12 randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the final analysis. Regarding BG control efficacy, CL insulin delivery resulted better outcomes than SAP therapy with regard to the average BG value, which was detected and recorded by continuous glucose monitoring (mean difference [MD][mmol/L]:  - 0.25 95% confidence interval [CI]  - 0.42 to - 0.08, p = 0.003); TIR 3.9-10 mmol/L (MD [%]: 7.91 95% CI 4.45-11.37, p < 0.00001). Similar results were observed for the secondary outcomes including low blood glucose index (LBGI) (MD:  - 0.41 95% CI - 0.55 to - 0.26, p < 0.00001), high blood glucose index (HBGI) (MD:  - 2.56 95% CI - 3.38 to - 1.74, p < 0.00001), and standard deviation (SD) of glucose variability (MD [mmol/L]: -0.25 95% CI - 0.44 to - 0.06, p = 0.01). Furthermore, SAP therapy was associated with more adverse effects (risk ratio: 0.20 95% CI 0.07-0.52, p = 0.001) than CL insulin delivery, and one of the most common adverse effects was hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

CL insulin delivery appears to be a better treatment method than SAP therapy for adults with T1D because of its increased BG control efficacy and decreased number of hypoglycemic events.

The features of the crystal structure of the layered series hydrates of uridine-5'-monophosphate salts (UMPNa x ·yH2O)

Almost all reported salts of nucleotides crystallized from solutions are in the form of hydrate. Layered hydrates often occur in crystals with more than five water molecules per host molecule. In the present report, five single-crystal structures of uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP) series hydrates of acid or salts (UMPNa _x ·yH₂O, x = 0-2) were determined and analysed. It was found that all crystal hydrates were orthorhombic with a C222₁ space group but with mere variation in the plane angle of adjacent bases and the distance between phosphate arms. The packing arrangements of UMPNa _x ·yH₂O hydrates present typical layered sandwich structures and show that the UMP molecular layers alternate with water molecular layers parallel to the ac plane, linked by hydrogen bonds or coupled with coordinate bonds besides ionic electrostatic interaction. Metal ions were located in water molecular layers as a form of hydration. In addition, we tried to deduce and give insights into the formation of UMPNa _x ·yH₂O hydrates. The effect of water molecules and metal ions on the crystal structure and stability was investigated. It was found that the coexistence of relatively rigid architectures constructed by host molecules and flexible interlayer regions was a key factor to the formation of these hydrates. Excessive loss of lattice water would give rise to the irreversible collapse of the host structure and loss of ability to recover to the initial state under humidity. Approximately seven crystal-water molecules were the balance point of sodium salt hydrates at room temperature under 43-76% RH conditions. The number of sodium ions in the crystal lattice is positively correlated with their thermal stability.

pH-Dependent-Oiling-out During the Polymorphism Transformation of Disodium Guanosine 5′-Monophosphate

Oiling-out occurs frequently in industrial crystallization, and strongly influences the morphology and quality of crystals. In this study, the influence of oiling-out with higher pH during the polymorph transformation of...

Probe with large Stokes shift for effective cysteine imaging in living cells

A new fluorescence probe L, which featured with a large Stokes shift (216 nm), was designed for sensitive detection of cysteine (Cys) and a potential sensing mechanism derived from excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) was proposed. More importantly, probe L exhibits higher selective to Cys than other amino acid due to its specific cyclization between acrylate group and Cys. Meanwhile, the probe L shows a low detection limit of 8.82 × 10^-8 M, which is enough for detecting Cys in organisms. Furthermore, this probe displays high biocompatibility and can image Cys in living cells.

Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Neonatal White Matter Microstructure

A better understanding of genetic influences on early white matter development could significantly advance our understanding of neurological and psychiatric conditions characterized by altered integrity of axonal pathways. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) phenotypes in 471 neonates. We used a hierarchical functional principal regression model (HFPRM) to perform joint analysis of 44 fiber bundles. HFPRM revealed a latent measure of white matter microstructure that explained approximately 50% of variation in our tractography-based measures and accounted for a large proportion of heritable variation in each individual bundle. An intronic SNP in PSMF1 on chromosome 20 exceeded the conventional GWAS threshold of 5 x 10-8 (p = 4.61 x 10-8). Additional loci nearing genome-wide significance were located near genes with known roles in axon growth and guidance, fasciculation, and myelination.

Synthesis and Characterization of Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity with Li+-Doping Nanosized TiO2 Catalyst

The photocatalytic efficiency of TiO₂ is reduced by rapid electron-hole recombination. An effective approach to address this limitation is to have TiO₂ doped with various metal ions or heteroatoms. Herein, we prepared a series of Li⁺-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles showing high photocatalytic activities through the sol-gel method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and surface area analyses. Effects of Li⁺ doping on the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, crystallite size, phase transformation temperature, and phase composition were studied. The results showed that Li⁺ doping can promote the generation of the rutile crystal phase in TiO₂, lower the anatase-to-rutile transformation temperature, and generate the mixed-crystal effect. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) was used as a probe reaction to evaluate the photoactivity of the nanoparticles. Parameters affecting the photocatalytic efficiency, including the Li⁺ doping amount, calcination temperature, and catalyst amount, as well as the kinetics of the photocatalytic process toward the degradation of MO, were investigated. The mixed-crystal TiO₂, which was doped with 1.0 mol % Li⁺ and calcined at 550 °C containing 27.1% rutile and 72.9% anatase phase, showed a 2.2-fold increase in the photoactivity on the basis of the rate constant of MO decomposition as compared with the undoped TiO₂. The existence of a definite quantity of rutile phase could effectively inhibit the recombination of the electron-hole pairs, thus promoting photocatalytic activity.

Chewing lice from high-altitude and migrating birds in Yunnan, China, with descriptions of two new species of Guimaraesiella

In total, 366 birds representing 55 species in 24 families and eight orders, were examined for chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera) in two high-altitude localities in Yunnan Province, China. In Ailaoshan, almost all of the birds examined were resident passeriforms, of which 36% were parasitized by chewing lice. In Jinshanyakou, most birds were on migration, and included both passerine and non-passerine birds. Of the passerine birds caught in Jinshanyakou, only one bird (0.7%) was parasitized by chewing lice. The prevalence of Myrsidea and Brueelia-complex lice on birds caught in Ailaoshan was higher than in previous reports. Of the chewing lice identifiable to species level, three represent new records for China: Actornithophilus hoplopteri (Mjöberg, 1910), Maculinirmus ljosalfar Gustafsson & Bush, 2017 and Quadraceps sinensis Timmermann, 1954. In total, 17 new host records are included, of which we describe two as new species in the Brueelia-complex: Guimaraesiella (Cicchinella) ailaoshanensis sp. nov. ex Schoeniparus dubius dubius (Hume, 1874) and G. (C.) montisodalis sp. nov. ex Fulvetta manipurensis tonkinensis Delacour & Jabouille, 1930. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9FC3D8EE-2CED-4DBE-A1DB-471B71260D27.

A cluster of CYP6 gene family associated with the major quantitative trait locus is responsible for the pyrethroid resistance in Culex pipiens pallen

The emergence and rapid spread of insecticide resistance in several mosquito species has become a significant obstacle in management of mosquito-borne diseases, including deltamethrin resistance in Culex pipiens pallens. Previous study identified a major deltamethrin resistance quantitative trait locus (DR-6) that alone explained 62% of the genetic variance. In this study, the marker L4B1.102 and L4B1.175 associated with the DR-6 were characterized. We searched for potential candidate genes in the flank region of two markers in the genome sequence and showed that a cluster of CYP6 cytochrome P450 genes (CYP6BB4, CYP6BB3, CYP6CC2, CYP6P14, CYP6BZ2, CYP6AA9, CYP6AA8, CYP6AA7) was in the vicinity of DR-6. Significant differences in the expression of these P450s in the larval and adult stages were identified in the resistant strains compared with the susceptible strain. For CYP6AA9 and CYP6BB4, the correlation analysis showed a highly positive correlation between relative gene expression quantification and the resistance level in different strains. Knockdown of CYP6BB4 increased the sensitivity of mosquitoes to deltamethrin. We identified that the deltamethrin resistance was in a cluster of CYP6 genes in C. pipiens pallens, and CYP6BB4 may play a significant role in the development of deltamethrin resistance.

Appropriate dose of Lactobacillus buchneri supplement improves intestinal microbiota and prevents diarrhoea in weaning Rex rabbits

This study examined the effects on intestinal microbiota and diarrhoea of Lactobacillus buchneri supplementation to the diet of weaning Rex rabbits. To this end, rabbits were treated with L. buchneri at two different doses (LC: 104 cfu/g diet and HC: 105 cfu/g diet) for 4 weeks. PCR-DGGE was used to determine the diversity of the intestinal microbiota, while real-time PCR permitted the detection of individual bacterial species. ELISA and real-time PCR allowed the identification of numerous cytokines in the intestinal tissues. Zonula occludens-1, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor and immunoglobulin A genes were examined to evaluate intestinal barriers. Results showed that the biodiversity of the intestinal microbiota of weaning Rex rabbits improved in the whole tract of the treated groups. The abundance of most detected bacterial species was highly increased in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum after L. buchneri administration. The species abundance in the HC group was more increased than in the LC group when compared to the control. Although the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae exhibited a different pattern, Escherichia coli was inhibited in all treatment groups. Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 genes were down-regulated in all intestinal tissues as the microbiota changed. In the LC group, the secretion of the inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-α was reduced, the gene expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 was up-regulated and the expression of intestinal-barrier-related genes was enhanced. Conversely, IL-4 expression was increased and the expression of other tested genes did not change in the HC group. The beneficial effects of LC were greater than those of HC or the control in terms of improving the daily weight gain and survival rate of weaning Rex rabbits and reducing their diarrhoea rate. Therefore, 104 cfu/g L. buchneri treatment improved the microbiota of weaning Rex rabbits and prevented diarrhoea in these animals.

[Cancer-associated-fibroblasts regulate the chemoresistance of lung cancer cell line A549 via SDF-1 secretion]

Objective: To investigate whether cancer-associated- fibroblasts (CAF), the key component of tumor microenvironment, regulate the chemoresistant capacity of lung cancer cell line A549 through SDF-1 secretion. Methods: Primary cell isolation techniques was used to isolate cancer-associated-fibroblasts from lung cancer patients. MTT assay was applied to determine the proliferation and chemoresistance of A549 cells. Quantative PCR was used to detect the mRNA changes of Bcl-xL. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of Bcl-xL. ELISA was applied to detect the SDF-1 secretion from normal fibroblasts (NF) and CAF. Results: CAF promoted the proliferation of A549 cells, while NF had no significant effect on them. After 72 hrs incubation, the absorbance value of A549+ CAF medium group was 0.814±0.006, significantly different from the 0.753±0.006 of the A549+ NF medium group (P<0.05). The Q-PCR assay indicated that mRNA expressions of Bcl-xL in the A549 group, A549+ NF medium group and A549+ CAF medium group were 1.00±0.11, 1.10±0.09 and 3.50±0.30, respectively, showing a significant difference between the A549+ NF medium group and A549+ CAF medium group (P<0.05). The Western blot showed that protein expressions of Bcl-xL in the A549 group, A549+ NF medium group and A549+ CAF medium group were 1.00±0.08, 1.10±0.12 and 3.10±0.25, respectively, with a significant difference between the A549+ NF medium group and A549+ CAF medium group (P<0.05). The ELISA results showed that the SDF-1 concentrations in the A549+ NF medium group and A549+ CAF medium group were 3.23±0.02 and 9.53±0.10, respectively, significantly different from each other (P<0.05). The MTT assay indicated that the absorbance values of OD of A549 group, A549+ AMD3100 group, A549+ NF medium group, A549+ NF medium+ AMD3100 group, A549+ CAF medium and A549+ CA Fmedium+ AMD3100 group were 0.43±0.03, 0.25±0.02, 0.48±0.03, 0.31±0.03, 0.72±0.06 and 0.45±0.03, respectively. The data of A549+ NF medium group was significantly different from that of A549+ CAF medium group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Cancer-associated-fibroblasts enhance the drug resistance of A549 cells through SDF-1 secretion, upregulating the expression level of Bcl-xL through interaction with CXCR4. Our study not only illustrates that tumor microenvironment is able to enhance drug resistance of tumor, but also provides experimental evidence for the cancer-associated-fibroblasts as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of lung cancer.

Blockade of β-catenin signaling attenuates toluene diisocyanate-induced experimental asthma

BACKGROUND

Aberrant activation of β-catenin signaling by both WNT-dependent and WNT-independent pathways has been demonstrated in asthmatic airways, which is thought to contribute critically in remodeling of the airways. Yet, the exact role of β-catenin in asthma is very poorly defined. As we have previously reported abnormal expression of β-catenin in a toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-induced asthma model, in this study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of two small molecules XAV-939 and ICG-001 in TDI-asthmatic male BALB/c mice, which selectively block β-catenin-mediated transcription.

METHODS

Male BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with TDI to generate a chemically induced asthma model. Inhibitors of β-catenin, XAV-939, and ICG-001 were respectively given to the mice through intraperitoneally injection.

RESULTS

TDI exposure led to a significantly increased activity of β-catenin, which was then confirmed by a luciferase assay in 16HBE transfected with the TOPFlash reporter plasmid. Treatment with either XAV-939 or ICG-001 effectively inhibited activation of β-catenin and downregulated mRNA expression of β-catenin-targeted genes in TDI-asthmatic mice, paralleled by dramatically attenuated TDI-induced hyperresponsiveness and inflammation of the airway, alleviated airway goblet cell metaplasia and collagen deposition, decreased Th2 inflammation, as well as lower levels of TGFβ1, VEGF, HMGB1, and IL-1β.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that β-catenin is a principal mediator of TDI-induced asthma, proposing β-catenin as a promising therapeutic target in asthma.

Retraction: Cell orientation, proliferation, and differentiation on poly(l-lactide) spherulites

Retraction of ‘Cell orientation, proliferation, and differentiation on poly(l-lactide) spherulites’ by F. Zou et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 57396–57402.

Effects of oncostatin M on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in C3H10T1/2

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of protein factor Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) family on cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and mineralization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Basal nutrient solutions of different concentrations of OSM (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 ng/ml) were used. In order to divide embryonic origin between mesenchymal stem cells C3H10T1/2 of in vitro cultured mice, and the effects of in vitro proliferation efficiencies of C3H10T1/2 cells of different concentrations of OSM, the C3H10T1/2 cells were divided into four groups: (1) Basal nutrient solution group (negative control); (2) Osteogenesis induced liquid group (positive control); (3) OSM (20 ng/ml) group; (4) Experimental group (osteogenesis induced liquid + OSM (20 ng/ml)). The expressions levels of relevant osteogenesis and mineralization genes were detected.

RESULTS

OSM had several effects on promoting the proliferation of embryonic origin mesenchymal stem cells C3H10T1/2 with respect to time of exposure as well as concentrations. In the present study, it has been shown that when the concentration of OSM is 20 ng/ml, the effects of promoting proliferation are most obvious. OSM can induce osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2, make the process of osteogenic differentiation in advance, and promote the formation of end-stage calcium deposits and mineralized nodule, and osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 is finally achieved.

CONCLUSION

OSM can promote the proliferation of C3H10T1/2, and induce its osteogenic differentiation and end-stage mineralization.

[Investigation of CXCR4 mediated chemoresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE2]

Objective:Since nasopharyngeal carcinoma is easy to develop resistance during cisplatin-based chemotherapy,CXCR4 expression levels were elevated in mang tumors,and the factor to do with tumor metastasis and chemotherapy drug resistance,and so on has a very important link.We established cisplatin-resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line, named as CNE2/DDP, and investigated the function of CXCR4 in molecular mechanism behind this resistance.Method:CNE2/DDP was firstly build up by increasing concentration of cisplatin. And then afterwards,MTT assay, RNA interference techniques, microRNA overexpresion techniques, quantative PCR and western blotting were applied to analyze the function of CXCR4 and its downstream effectors.Result:①the expression of CXCR4 was increased in CNE2/DDP and downregulation of CXCR4 with CXCR4 siRNA was able to decrease the resistance of CNE/DDP to cisplatin; ②the expression of let-7a was decrease in CNE2/DDP, while the expression of bcl-2 was increased. Upregulation of let-7a via transfection of let-7a mimics could downregulate the expression of bcl-2 and damage the resistance of CNE2/DDP to cisplation;③downregulation of CXCR4 through CXCR4 siRNA transfection was capable of improving the expression of let-7a. Conclusion:We were the first to found that CXCR4 was related to chemoresistance of CNE2/DPP to cisplatin. Meanwhile, we confirmed that CXCR4 affected the expression of bcl-2 through regulating the expression of let-7a to modulate the chemoresistance of CNE2/DPP to cisplatin.

Gene expression in major depressive disorder

The search for genetic variants underlying major depressive disorder (MDD) has not yet provided firm leads to its underlying molecular biology. A complementary approach is to study gene expression in relation to MDD. We measured gene expression in peripheral blood from 1848 subjects from The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. Subjects were divided into current MDD (N=882), remitted MDD (N=635) and control (N=331) groups. MDD status and gene expression were measured again 2 years later in 414 subjects. The strongest gene expression differences were between the current MDD and control groups (129 genes at false-discovery rate, FDR<0.1). Gene expression differences across MDD status were largely unrelated to antidepressant use, inflammatory status and blood cell counts. Genes associated with MDD were enriched for interleukin-6 (IL-6)-signaling and natural killer (NK) cell pathways. We identified 13 gene expression clusters with specific clusters enriched for genes involved in NK cell activation (downregulated in current MDD, FDR=5.8 × 10(-5)) and IL-6 pathways (upregulated in current MDD, FDR=3.2 × 10(-3)). Longitudinal analyses largely confirmed results observed in the cross-sectional data. Comparisons of gene expression results to the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) MDD genome-wide association study results revealed overlap with DVL3. In conclusion, multiple gene expression associations with MDD were identified and suggest a measurable impact of current MDD state on gene expression. Identified genes and gene clusters are enriched with immune pathways previously associated with the etiology of MDD, in line with the immune suppression and immune activation hypothesis of MDD.

Initial locomotor sensitivity to cocaine varies widely among inbred mouse strains

Initial sensitivity to psychostimulants can predict subsequent use and abuse in humans. Acute locomotor activation in response to psychostimulants is commonly used as an animal model of initial drug sensitivity and has been shown to have a substantial genetic component. Identifying the specific genetic differences that lead to phenotypic differences in initial drug sensitivity can advance our understanding of the processes that lead to addiction. Phenotyping inbred mouse strain panels are frequently used as a first step for studying the genetic architecture of complex traits. We assessed locomotor activation following a single, acute 20 mg/kg dose of cocaine (COC) in males from 45 inbred mouse strains and observed significant phenotypic variation across strains indicating a substantial genetic component. We also measured levels of COC, the active metabolite, norcocaine and the major inactive metabolite, benzoylecgonine, in plasma and brain in the same set of inbred strains. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and behavioral data were significantly correlated, but at a level that indicates that PK alone does not account for the behavioral differences observed across strains. Phenotypic data from this reference population of inbred strains can be utilized in studies aimed at examining the role of psychostimulant-induced locomotor activation on drug reward and reinforcement and to test theories about addiction processes. Moreover, these data serve as a starting point for identifying genes that alter sensitivity to the locomotor stimulatory effects of COC.

Insight into a direct solid–solid transformation: a potential approach for the removal of residual solvents

A simple humidity process allows a direct solid–solid transformation from the solvate (methanol trihydrate of cAMPNa) to its hydrate form (pentahydrate).

Retracted Article: Cell orientation, proliferation, and differentiation on poly(l-lactide) spherulites

We show cytoskeleton and nuclear alignment on PLLA crystallized at 140 °C. Cell proliferation and differentiation were also promoted significantly and we study the effect of polymer spherulites on cell orientation, proliferation and differentiation.

The integrated spintronic functionalities of an individual high-spin state spin-crossover molecule between graphene nanoribbon electrodes

The spin-polarized transport properties of a high-spin-state spin-crossover molecular junction with zigzag-edge graphene nanoribbon electrodes have been studied using density functional theory combined with the nonequilibrium Green's-function formalism. The molecular junction presents integrated spintronic functionalities such as negative differential resistance behavior, spin filter and the spin rectifying effect, associated with the giant magnetoresistance effect by tuning the external magnetic field. Furthermore, the transport properties are almost unaffected by the electrode temperature. The microscopic mechanism of these functionalities is discussed. These results represent a step toward multifunctional molecular spintronic devices on the level of the individual spin-crossover molecule.

Discovery of a BTK/MNK dual inhibitor for lymphoma and leukemia

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) kinase is a member of the TEC kinase family and is a key regulator of the B-cell receptor (BCR)-mediated signaling pathway. It is important for B-cell maturation, proliferation, survival and metastasis. Pharmacological inhibition of BTK is clinically effective against a variety of B-cell malignances, such as mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and activated B-cell-diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. MNK kinase is one of the key downstream regulators in the RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway and controls protein synthesis via regulating the activity of eIF4E. Inhibition of MNK activity has been observed to moderately inhibit the proliferation of AML cells. Through a structure-based drug-design approach, we have discovered a selective and potent BTK/MNK dual kinase inhibitor (QL-X-138), which exhibits covalent binding to BTK and noncovalent binding to MNK. Compared with the BTK kinase inhibitor (PCI-32765) and the MNK kinase inhibitor (cercosporamide), QL-X-138 enhanced the antiproliferative efficacies in vitro against a variety of B-cell cancer cell lines, as well as AML and CLL primary patient cells, which respond moderately to BTK inhibitor in vitro. The agent can effectively arrest the growth of lymphoma and leukemia cells at the G0-G1 stage and can induce strong apoptotic cell death. These primary results demonstrate that simultaneous inhibition of BTK and MNK kinase activity might be a new therapeutic strategy for B-cell malignances.

Loss of caspase-3 sensitizes colon cancer cells to genotoxic stress via RIP1-dependent necrosis

Caspase-3 is the best known executioner caspase in apoptosis. We generated caspase-3 knockout (C3KO) and knockdown human colorectal cancer cells, and found that they are unexpectedly sensitized to DNA-damaging agents including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), etoposide, and camptothecin. C3KO xenograft tumors also displayed enhanced therapeutic response and cell death to 5-FU. C3KO cells showed intact apoptosis and activation of caspase-7 and -9, impaired processing of caspase-8, and induction of necrosis in response to DNA-damaging agents. This form of necrosis is associated with HMGB1 release and ROS production, and suppressed by genetic or pharmacological inhibition of RIP1, MLKL1, or caspase-8, but not inhibitors of pan-caspases or RIP3. 5-FU treatment led to the formation of a z-VAD-resistant pro-caspase-8/RIP1/FADD complex, which was strongly stabilized by caspase-3 KO. These data demonstrate a key role of caspase-3 in caspase-8 processing and suppression of DNA damage-induced necrosis, and provide a potentially novel way to chemosensitize cancer cells.

Desorption of 1-butanol from polymeric resin: experimental studies and mathematical modeling

Modeling of desorption kinetics and dynamic desorption process of 1-butanol from a polymeric resin.

Meta-analysis of 74,046 individuals identifies 11 new susceptibility loci for Alzheimer's disease

Eleven susceptibility loci for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) were identified by previous studies; however, a large portion of the genetic risk for this disease remains unexplained. We conducted a large, two-stage meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in individuals of European ancestry. In stage 1, we used genotyped and imputed data (7,055,881 SNPs) to perform meta-analysis on 4 previously published GWAS data sets consisting of 17,008 Alzheimer's disease cases and 37,154 controls. In stage 2, 11,632 SNPs were genotyped and tested for association in an independent set of 8,572 Alzheimer's disease cases and 11,312 controls. In addition to the APOE locus (encoding apolipoprotein E), 19 loci reached genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10(-8)) in the combined stage 1 and stage 2 analysis, of which 11 are newly associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Modeling of breakthrough curves of single and quaternary mixtures of ethanol, glucose, glycerol and acetic acid adsorption onto a microporous hyper-cross-linked resin

The adsorption of quaternary mixtures of ethanol/glycerol/glucose/acetic acid onto a microporous hyper-cross-linked resin HD-01 was studied in fixed beds. A mass transport model based on film solid linear driving force and the competitive Langmuir isotherm equation for the equilibrium relationship was used to develop theoretical fixed bed breakthrough curves. It was observed that the outlet concentration of glucose and glycerol exceeded the inlet concentration (c/c0>1), which is an evidence of competitive adsorption. This phenomenon can be explained by the displacement of glucose and glycerol by ethanol molecules, owing to more intensive interactions with the resin surface. The model proposed was validated using experimental data and can be capable of foresee reasonably the breakthrough curve of specific component under different operating conditions. The results show that HD-01 is a promising adsorbent for recovery of ethanol from the fermentation broth due to its large capacity, high selectivity, and rapid adsorption rate.

Validation of a spectroscopic sensor for the continuous, noninvasive measurement of muscle oxygen saturation and pH

New patient monitoring technologies can noninvasively and directly provide an assessment of the adequacy of tissue perfusion through the simultaneous determination of muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) and muscle pH (pHm). Non-pulsatile near infrared spectroscopy is used to determine these microvascular parameters. Two separate studies were conducted using an isolated perfused swine limb preparation to widely vary venous blood oxygen saturation (SviO2) and pH (pHvi) to assess the accuracy of a noninvasive sensor with the capability to simultaneously measure both parameters. The isolated limb model is necessary to establish equilibrium between the venous output of the perfusion circuit and the venule measurement of the spectroscopic sensor. The average absolute difference between SmO2 and SviO2 determined over 50 conditions of SviO2 between 13% and 83% on 3 pig limbs was 3.8% and the coefficient of determination (R(2)) was 0.95. The average absolute difference between pHm and pHvi determined over 69 conditions of pHvi between pHvi 6.9 and pHvi 7.5 on 3 pig limbs was 0.045 pH units with an R(2) of 0.92. Measured accuracy was acceptable to support clinically relevant decision making for the assessment of impaired tissue perfusion and acidosis. Sensors were also evaluated on human subjects. There was no statistical difference in SmO2 by gender or location when multiple sensors were evaluated on the right and left calf, deltoid, and thigh of resting men and women (N = 33). SmO2 precision for subjects at rest was 5.6% over the six locations with four different sensors.

Inhibition of sphingosine kinase 1 suppresses proliferation of glioma cells under hypoxia by attenuating activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase

OBJECTIVES

Sphingosine kinase (SphK), which is regulated by hypoxia, catalyses phosphorylation of sphingosine to produce sphingosine-1-phosphate, which stimulates invasiveness of gliomas. However, whether SphK is involved in proliferation of glioma cells under hypoxic conditions is not clearly understood. In this study, we have investigated the role of SphK in of proliferation glioma cells under hypoxia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

  Effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA) on SphKs, SKI (inhibitor of SphK) and U0126 (inhibitor of ERK) on proliferation of glioma cells under hypoxia were studied using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Protein expression profiles were evaluated by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

SKI suppressed proliferation of glioma cells under hypoxia. Similarly, downregulation of SphKs by siRNA inhibited glioma cell proliferation, and the cell cycle was arrested in G(2) /M phase when SphK1 was inhibited. In addition, inhibition of SphK1 attenuated phosphorylation of ERK in hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, U0126 markedly inhibited cell population growth and arrested cells in G(2) /M as effectively as SKI. However, silencing SphK2 induced cell cycle arrest in the S phase and it showed little effect on hypoxia-induced activation of ERK.

CONCLUSIONS

  SphK1 and SphK2 are involved in proliferation of glioma cells in hypoxic conditions through distinct signalling pathways. SphK1, but not SphK2, promotes cell population expansion in hypoxic conditions by activating ERK.

Understanding the population structure of North American patients with cystic fibrosis

It is generally presumed that the cystic fibrosis (CF) population is relatively homogeneous, and predominantly of European origin. The complex ethnic make-up observed in the CF patients collected by the North American CF Modifier Gene Consortium has brought this assumption into question, and suggested the potential for population substructure in the three CF study samples collected from North America. It is well appreciated that population substructure can result in spurious genetic associations. To understand the ethnic composition of the North American CF population, and to assess the need for population structure adjustment in genetic association studies with North American CF patients, genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms on 3076 unrelated North American CF patients were used to perform population structure analyses. We compared self-reported ethnicity to genotype-inferred ancestry, and also examined whether geographic distribution and cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) mutation type could explain the population structure observed. Although largely Caucasian, our analyses identified a considerable number of CF patients with admixed African-Caucasian, Mexican-Caucasian and Indian-Caucasian ancestries. Population substructure was present and comparable across the three studies of the consortium. Neither geographic distribution nor CFTR mutation type explained the population structure. Given the ethnic diversity of the North American CF population, it is essential to carefully detect, estimate and adjust for population substructure to guard against potential spurious findings in CF genetic association studies. Other Mendelian diseases that are presumed to predominantly affect single ethnic groups may also benefit from careful analysis of population structure.

Gene expression levels as endophenotypes in genome-wide association studies of Alzheimer disease

BACKGROUND

Late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) is a common disorder with a substantial genetic component. We postulate that many disease susceptibility variants act by altering gene expression levels.

METHODS

We measured messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of 12 LOAD candidate genes in the cerebella of 200 subjects with LOAD. Using the genotypes from our LOAD genome-wide association study for the cis-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (n = 619) of these 12 LOAD candidate genes, we tested for associations with expression levels as endophenotypes. The strongest expression cis-SNP was tested for AD association in 7 independent case-control series (2,280 AD and 2,396 controls).

RESULTS

We identified 3 SNPs that associated significantly with IDE (insulin degrading enzyme) expression levels. A single copy of the minor allele for each significant SNP was associated with approximately twofold higher IDE expression levels. The most significant SNP, rs7910977, is 4.2 kb beyond the 3' end of IDE. The association observed with this SNP was significant even at the genome-wide level (p = 2.7 x 10(-8)). Furthermore, the minor allele of rs7910977 associated significantly (p = 0.0046) with reduced LOAD risk (OR = 0.81 with a 95% CI of 0.70-0.94), as expected biologically from its association with elevated IDE expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide strong evidence that IDE is a late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) gene with variants that modify risk of LOAD by influencing IDE expression. They also suggest that the use of expression levels as endophenotypes in genome-wide association studies may provide a powerful approach for the identification of disease susceptibility alleles.

Toluene diisocyanate enhances human bronchial epithelial cells' permeability partly through the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway

BACKGROUND

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a recognized chemical asthmogen; yet, the mechanisms of its toxicity have not been elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of TDI on the permeability of human bronchial epithelial cell (HBE; HBE135-E6E7) monolayers in vitro, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in these cells.

METHODS

TDI-human serum albumin (HSA) conjugates were prepared by a modification of Son's method. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled dextran and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the effects of TDI-HSA on HBE135-E6E7 permeability. RT-PCR and ELISA were used to evaluate VEGF gene expression and protein release from HBE135-E6E7 cells stimulated by TDI-HSA. A VEGF-neutralizing antibody was used in monolayer permeability experiments to determine the role of the VEGF pathway in this process.

RESULTS

TDI-HSA significantly increased the permeability coefficients of HBE135-E6E7 monolayers (P<0.01). TDI-HSA treatment significantly increased the expression of VEGF165 and VEGF189 genes (P<0.01). ELISA showed that TDI significantly induces VEGF release from HBE135-E6E7 cells. Cells treated with TDI-HSA and VEGF-neutralizing antibody had significantly lower permeability coefficients than cells treated with TDI-HSA only (P<0.01), but still significantly higher than control cells (P<0.01). Cells treated with TDI-HSA had fewer tight junctions (TJs) than control and HSA-treated cells, and addition of the anti-VEGF antibody did not restore the original number of TJs.

CONCLUSION

TDI increases the permeability of HBE cell monolayers, partly through a VEGF-mediated pathway. This suggests the importance of VEGF in TDI-induced pulmonary diseases, but shows that other pathways may be involved in the pathogenic process.

Genetic diversity of captive forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) inferred from the mitochondrial DNA control region

Forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) were once distributed widely in China. However, wild populations have declined dramatically because of poaching and habitat loss. Captive breeding populations have been established for several decades, but the genetic backgrounds of most captive populations were unclear and the population sizes increased very slowly. To provide useful information for conservation and management of this species, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of forest musk deer by analysing a 582-bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR) in three captive breeding populations in Sichuan Province, China. Ninety-four variable sites and 27 haplotypes were observed in 109 individuals, and the nucleotide and haplotype diversities were relatively high compared with those of other endangered mammals. Of the three investigated populations, the Maerkang population had the highest nucleotide diversity (pi=0.0568), haplotype diversity (h=0.836) and average intra-population genetic distance (0.062). The analysis of molecular variance demonstrated that most variation occurred within samples and that there was significant differentiation of the three populations. Estimates of gene flow indicated that there were few genetic exchanges among the three populations. Building pedigree records and increasing gene flow between populations will be helpful for conserving these populations and this species.

Genomewide association for schizophrenia in the CATIE study: results of stage 1

Little is known for certain about the genetics of schizophrenia. The advent of genomewide association has been widely anticipated as a promising means to identify reproducible DNA sequence variation associated with this important and debilitating disorder. A total of 738 cases with DSM-IV schizophrenia (all participants in the CATIE study) and 733 group-matched controls were genotyped for 492,900 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using the Affymetrix 500K two-chip genotyping platform plus a custom 164K fill-in chip. Following multiple quality control steps for both subjects and SNPs, logistic regression analyses were used to assess the evidence for association of all SNPs with schizophrenia. We identified a number of promising SNPs for follow-up studies, although no SNP or multimarker combination of SNPs achieved genomewide statistical significance. Although a few signals coincided with genomic regions previously implicated in schizophrenia, chance could not be excluded. These data do not provide evidence for the involvement of any genomic region with schizophrenia detectable with moderate sample size. However, a planned genomewide association study for response phenotypes and inclusion of individual phenotype and genotype data from this study in meta-analyses hold promise for eventual identification of susceptibility and protective variants.

Transcriptomic analysis of F344 rat nasal epithelium suggests that the lack of carcinogenic response to glutaraldehyde is due to its greater toxicity compared to formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is cytotoxic and carcinogenic to the rat nasal respiratory epithelium inducing tumors after 12 months. Glutaraldehyde is also cytotoxic but is not carcinogenic to nasal epithelium even after 24 months. Both aldehydes induce similar acute and subchronic histopathology that is characterized by inflammation, hyperplasia, and squamous metaplasia. Because early aldehyde-induced lesions are microscopically similar, we investigated whether transcriptional patterns using cDNA technology could explain the different cancer outcomes. Treatments included 1-, 5-, or 28-day exposure by nasal instillation of formaldehyde solution (400 mM) or glutaraldehyde solution (20 mM). Animals were euthanized and the nasal respiratory epithelium removed for gene expression analysis and a subset of rats treated for 28 days was processed for microscopic examination. RNA was isolated and processed for expression assessment using Clontech Atlas Toxicology II Arrays. Both aldehydes induced hyperplasia, squamous metaplasia, and inflammatory infiltrates with scattered apoptotic bodies in the epithelium covering luminal surfaces of the nasoturbinate, maxilloturbinate, and nasal septum. A subset of 80 genes that were the most variant between the treated and control included the functional categories of DNA repair and apoptosis. Hierarchical clustering discriminated chemical treatment effects after 5 days of exposure, with 6 clusters of genes distinguishing formaldehyde from glutaraldehyde. These data suggest that although both aldehydes induced similar short-term cellular phenotypes, gene expression could distinguish glutaraldehyde from formaldehyde. The gene expression patterns suggest that glutaraldehyde's lack of carcinogenicity may be due to its greater toxicity from lack of DNA-repair, greater mitochondrial damage, and increased apoptosis.

Small intestinal transections decrease the occurrence of tapeworm-induced myoelectric patterns in the rat

Abstract Luminal infection by the noninvasive tapeworm, H. diminuta, alters rat small intestinal myoelectric activity. The significance of continuity between small intestinal enteric nervous system (ENS) and that of both the stomach/pylorus and colon/caecum regarding the induction of tapeworm-altered myoelectric patterns was evaluated. A total of 32 rats were implanted with four serosal electrodes placed at sites in the duodenum through the mid-jejunum. Sixteen of the 32 rats underwent intestinal transections and anastomoses at both the duodenum and ileum. After recording myoelectrical activity of both normal and transected intestines, eight rats from each group (normal and transected) were infected with H.diminuta. Phase III frequency, duration of the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC), slow wave frequency, percentage of slow waves associated with spike potentials and the occurrence of the the two tapeworm-initiated myoelectric patterns, repetitive bursts of action potentials (RBAP) and sustained spike potentials (SSP), were measured. In infected rats, the frequency of the RBAP and SSP electric patterns were significantly reduced by the double transection. Intestinal transection did not affect the other changes caused by infection, such as decreased MMC phase III frequency and percentage of slow waves associated with spike potentials. In conclusion, a small intestinal ENS in continuity with other segments of the GI tract is required to generate maximal numbers of tapeworm-induced SSP and RBAP myoelectric activity in the small intestine of the rat.