Glycan-Lectin interactions between platelets and tumor cells drive hematogenous metastasis

Glycosylation is a ubiquitous cellular or microenvironment-specific post-translational modification that occurs on the surface of normal cells and tumor cells. Tumor cell-associated glycosylation is involved in hematogenous metastasis. A wide variety of tumors undergo aberrant glycosylation to interact with platelets. As platelets have many opportunities to engage circulating tumor cells, they represent an important avenue into understanding the role glycosylation plays in tumor metastasis. Platelet involvement in tumor metastasis is evidenced by observations that platelets protect tumor cells from damaging shear forces and immune system attack, aid metastasis through the endothelium at specific sites, and facilitate tumor survival and colonization. During platelet-tumor-cell interactions, many opportunities for glycan-ligand binding emerge. This review integrates the latest information about glycans, their ligands, and how they mediate platelet-tumor interactions. We also discuss adaptive changes that tumors undergo upon glycan-lectin binding and the impact glycans have on targeted therapeutic strategies for treating tumors in clinical settings.

[Synchronization isolation method for multiple types of cells from mouse liver]

Objective: To explore a simple and feasible method for the isolation and purification of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSC), and lymphocytes from mice. Methods: The cell suspension was obtained from male C57bl/6 mice by hepatic perfusion through the portal vein digestion method and then isolated and purified by discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation. Trypan blue exclusion was used to determine cell viability. Glycogen staining, cytokeratin 18, and transmission electron microscopy were used to identify hepatic cells. Immunofluorescence was used to detect α-smooth muscle actin combined with desmin in HSCs. Flow cytometry was used to analyze lymphocyte subsets in the liver. Results: After isolation and purification, about 2.7×10(7) hepatocytes, 5.7×10(5) HSCS, and 4.6×106 hepatic mononuclear cells were obtained from the liver of mice with a body weight of about 22g. The cell survival rate in each group was > 95%. Hepatocytes were apparent in glycogen deposited purple-red granules and cytokeratin 18. Electron microscopy showed that there were abundant organelles in hepatocytes and tight junctions between cells. HSC had expressed α-smooth muscle actin and desmin. Flow cytometry showed hepatic mononuclear cells, including lymphocyte subsets such as CD4, CD8, NKs, and NKTs. Conclusion: The hepatic perfusion through the portal vein digestion method can isolate multiple primary cells from the liver of mice at once and has the features of simplicity and efficiency.

[Effect of dyslipidemia on clinical outcome of infertility patients receiving donor eggs]

Objective: To explore the effect of dyslipidemia on the clinical outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (ICSI-ET) in infertility patients receiving donor eggs. Methods: A total of 118 patients were selected to receive egg donors and ICSI-ET at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between April 2007 and December 2020. According to the levels of triacylglycerol, serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein, they were divided into dyslipidemia group (35 cases) and normal blood lipids group (83 cases). The influence of body mass index (BMI) and age was adjusted by 1∶1 propensity score matching, and the general condition and clinical outcome of the two groups were analyzed retrospectively. Finally, the relationship between lipid composition and clinical outcome was analyzed according to patients' age and BMI. Results: (1) Comparing the pre-matching dyslipidemia group with the normal blood lipids group, the BMI of the dyslipidemia group was significantly higher than that of the normal blood lipids group [(23.5±2.4) vs (22.4±2.7) kg/m²], and the embryo implantation rate was significantly lower than that of the normal blood lipids group [13.6% (8/59) vs 27.3% (36/132)], the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). (2) There were no significant differences in years of infertility, number of pregnancies, number of abortions, number of transplanted embryos, protocol of endometrial preparation, endometrial thickness on transplantation day and high quality embryo rate between the two groups, through propensity score matching (all P>0.05). The biochemical pregnancy rate [28.6% (10/35)], embryo implantation rate [13.6% (8/59)] and live birth rate [20.0% (7/35)] in dyslipidemia group were significantly lower than those in the normal blood lipids group (P<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate was lower than that of the normal blood lipids group (P>0.05). (3) The results of stratified analysis showed that the level of HDL in the clinically non-pregnant group was significantly lower than that in the pregnant group in patients ≤ 35 years old [(1.5±0.3) vs (1.8±0.5) mmol/L; P<0.05]. In the overweight recipient patients, the level of HDL of the clinically non-pregnant group was lower than that of the pregnant group (P>0.05). Conclusions: Dyslipidemia significantly reduces the biochemical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate and live birth rate in patients with receiving donor eggs. Especially in patients aged ≤35 years old, the reduction of HDL is closely related to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Emerging role of lncRNA DANCR in progenitor cells: beyond cancer

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important participants in biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation and death, as well as pathogenesis of various diseases. LncRNA differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) is an emerging regulator in cell metabolism and many diseases besides cancers. DANCR is negative in epidermal, osteoblastic and endoderm differentiation, but positive in chondrogenic differentiation of progenitor cells. It is protective for calcification of the ligamentum flavum, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and arterial calcification, but a risk factor for bone loss, fracture healing and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, DANCR is a potential target for improving tissue regeneration. Mechanically, DANCR, a cytoplasmic lncRNA, sponges corresponding microRNAs or interacts with various proteins. This review aims to summarize the role of DANCR in progenitor cells and provide perspectives for further studies.

The association between overweight/obesity and vertebral fractures in older adults: a meta-analysis of observational studies

A meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted to assess the relationship between overweight/obesity and vertebral fractures in older adults. We found that overweight was related to a decreased risk of vertebral fractures in female and non-Asian populations, while obesity failed to be associated with vertebral fracture risks based on the present data.

INTRODUCTION

Recent investigations suggest that the influence of overweight/obesity on fracture risks is site-specific, while conflicting data were reported related to vertebral fracture. This meta-analysis was performed to qualitatively assess the relationship between overweight/obesity and the risk of vertebral fracture.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for relevant observational articles assessing the vertebral fracture risk of the overweight or obese population compared to normal population. Two independent reviewers conducted data extraction and quality assessment. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a random effect model.

RESULTS

Eleven studies including 1,078,094 participants were extracted from 1645 records. Pooled RR showed that decreased risk of vertebral fractures was observed in the overweight older adults (RR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.07-1.26; I²: 51.8%), but not in the obese populations (RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.82-1.17; I²: 92.1%). In the subgroup analysis, we found a significant inverse association between overweight and risk of vertebral fracture in women (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.85-1.00; I²: 0.0%), non-Asian areas (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.80-0.99; I²: 40.7%), sample size > 2000 (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.80-0.94; I²: 4.9%), and quality score > 7 (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.79-0.95; I²: 21.9%). Furthermore, pooled studies of sample size > 2000 (RR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.89; I²: 52.1%) and quality score > 7 (RR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.91; I²: 68.1%) showed that the people with obesity had a significantly lower prevalence of vertebral fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight aged adults tend to have a lower vertebral fracture risk. When gender and ethnicity were taken into consideration, the inverse relationship between overweight and vertebral fracture risk were only observed in female and non-Asian populations. Besides, there is insufficient data to conclude the relationship between obesity and the risk of vertebral fractures, and thus, further studies are needed.

Distinct Kondo Screening Behaviors in Heavy Fermion Filled Skutterudites with 4f^{1} and 4f^{2} Configurations

CeOs_{4}Sb_{12} (COS) and PrOs_{4}Sb_{12} (POS) are two representative compounds that provide the ideal vantage point to systematically study the physics of multi-f-electron systems. COS with Ce 4f^{1}, and POS with Pr 4f^{2} configurations show distinct properties of Kondo insulating and heavy fermion superconductivity, respectively. We unveiled the underlying microscopic origin by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies. Their eV-scale band structure matches well, representing the common characters of conduction electrons in ROs_{4}Sb_{12} systems (R=rare earth). However, f electrons interact differently with conduction electrons in COS and POS. Strong hybridization between conduction electrons and f electrons is observed in COS with band dependent hybridization gaps, and the development of a Kondo insulating state is directly revealed. Although the ground state of POS is a singlet, finite but incoherent hybridization exists, which can be explained by the Kondo scattering with the thermally excited triplet crystalline electric field state. Our results help us to understand the intriguing properties in COS and POS, and provide a clean demonstration of the microscopic differences in heavy fermion systems with 4f^{1} and 4f^{2} configurations.

[Progress in functions and mechanisms of immunosuppressive neutrophil subsets: An update]

Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating leukocytes in healthy adults, serving as the first-line defense against infections. In the last few years, scientists have reported neutrophils of immune suppressive properties, such as tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN) and low-density neutrophils (LDN). These neutrophils are found to be involved in many physiological and pathological conditions owing to their ability of regulating T cell functions and promoting angiogenesis and tumor growth through a number of mechanisms, including PD-1/PD-L1, antigen presentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), arginase-1 (Arg1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), etc. This review summarizes the recent advances in investigating the function and mechanism of immune suppressive neutrophils.

Imaging characteristics of the mandible and upper airway in children with Robin sequence and relationship to the treatment strategy

Some patients with Robin sequence (RS) may respond to conservative therapy, while others require surgery; however, there are currently no objective anatomical criteria to gauge surgical indication. The purpose of this study was to explore the imaging characteristics of the mandible and upper respiratory tract in children with RS and examine how individual morphometric parameters influence the treatment strategy. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained from 57 children with RS. Twenty parameters were measured as potential surgical indicators. The children were divided into two groups according to surgical requirement: a non-surgical group (26 children) and a surgical group (31 children who underwent mandibular osteodistraction). Differences in the imaging parameters were compared between the groups. The mandibular ramus was shorter bilaterally (left, P = 0.047; right, P = 0.027) and the mandibular body was longer bilaterally (left, P = 0.030; right, P = 0.025) in the surgical group when compared to the non-surgical group. In addition, the mandibular angle bilaterally (left, P = 0.023; right, P = 0.003) and the cross-sectional area at the epiglottis tip (P = 0.010) were smaller in the surgical group. Compared to RS patients receiving conservative treatment, children requiring surgery have specific anatomical features of the mandible and upper airway that can be used as surgical indications.

Podocalyxin-like, targeted by miR-138, promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT

OBJECTIVE

Emerging evidence has shown that Podocalyxin-like (PODXL) plays an important role in the development and progression of several tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its potential role in CRC is still not documented. The present study aimed to explore biological functions and molecular mechanisms in CRC development.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Microarray data were downloaded from TCGA datasets and statistically analyzed. RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of PODXL and miR-138. Lost-function assay was used to explore the roles of PODXL on CRC behavior. Bioinformatics tools were used to identify the upstream miRNAs and the relationship between PODXL and miR-138 was detected via Dual-Luciferase assay, Western blot and rescue experiments.

RESULTS

PODXL expression was significantly up-regulated in both CRC tissues and cell lines. In vitro experiments showed the knockdown of PODXL suppressed reduces CRC tumor growth, metastasis and EMT, and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, PODXL was predicted and confirmed to be a target of miR-138. In addition, ectopic expression of PODXL significantly reversed the suppression of cell proliferation and metastasis caused by the miR-138 over-expression.

CONCLUSIONS

We provided important evidence that PODXL, targeted by miR-138, acted as a tumor promoter in CRC by suppressing CRC cells proliferation and metastasis, which may provide a novel potential target for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in CRC.

Quantum Criticality of the Ising-like Screw Chain Antiferromagnet SrCo_{2}V_{2}O_{8} in a Transverse Magnetic Field

The quantum criticality of an Ising-like screw chain antiferromagnet SrCo_{2}V_{2}O_{8}, with a transverse magnetic field applied along the crystalline a axis, is investigated by ultralow temperature NMR measurements. The Néel temperature is rapidly and continuously suppressed by the field, giving rise to a quantum critical point (QCP) at H_{C_{1}}≈7.03  T. Surprisingly, a second QCP at H_{C_{2}}≈7.7  T featured with gapless excitations is resolved from both the double-peak structure of the field-dependent spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/^{51}T_{1} at low temperatures and the weakly temperature-dependent 1/^{51}T_{1} at this field. Our data, combined with numerical calculations, suggest that the induced effective staggered transverse field significantly lowers the critical fields, and leads to an exposed QCP at H_{C_{2}}, which belongs to the one-dimensional transverse-field Ising universality.

[Risk factors associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome after flexible ueteroscopic lithotripsy based on enhanced recovery after surgery]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients undergoing flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy based on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). Methods: The clinical data of 243 kidney stone cases who underwent flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy based on ERAS in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College from January 2016 to December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The cases were divided into two groups according to whether they had SIRS after surgery: SIRS group (26 cases) and non-SIRS group (217 cases). The age, gender, laterality of kidney stone, history of previous kidney stone surgery, degree of hydronephrosis, multiple kidney stones, length of operation time, white blood cell count of preoperative urine routine, result of preoperative urine culture, use of preoperative antibiotics, diabetes and other chronic diseases in the groups were collected and analyzed. Results: SIRS occurred in 26 cases in this study, which accounted for 10.7% (26/243). Multivariate analysis found that, moderate and severe hydronephrosis (OR=6.711, P=0.008), stone burden ≥2 cm (OR=10.353, P<0.001), length of operation time ≥ 60 min (OR=5.583, P=0.011), white blood cell count of preoperative urine routine ≥25×10(6)/L (OR=6.195, P=0.005), positive preoperative urine culture (OR=4.216, P=0.011), diabetes and other chronic diseases (OR=4.532, P=0.006) were the independent risk factors for postoperative SIRS (P<0.05). Conclusions: The occurrence of SIRS after flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy based on ERAS is closely correlated with hydronephrosis, stone burden, length of operation time, white blood cell count of preoperative urine routine, positive preoperative urine culture, diabetes and other chronic diseases.

Correction to: Identification of an intracellular metabolic signature impairing beta cell function in the rat beta cell line INS-1E and human islets

As part of an institutional investigation by University of Bremen, the work carried out by Kathrin Maedler's laboratory has been reviewed.

[Cumulative live birth rates per oocytes retrieved cycle: evaluation of clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI]

Objective: Using of cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per oocytes retrieved cycle, to assess the clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) , and to explore impact factors on CLBR following utilization of all fresh and frozen embryos in one complete IVF/ICSI cycle using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, GnRH-antagonist and clomiphene mild stimulation protocols. Methods: Of the patients who underwent IVF/ICSI from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, a total of 6 142 oocytes retrieved cycles were included. The clinical and laboratory parameters of different ovarian stimulation protocols, and the effects of the age, number of oocytes retrieved and number of embryos available on the CLBR of each oocytes retrieved cycle were analyzed. Results: The CLBR was 69.0% (2 004/2 906) in the GnRH-agonist protocol versus 67.4% (644/955) in the GnRH-antagonist protocol (P>0.05); the CLBR of clomiphene mild stimulation protocol was 53.2% (1 215/2 281) , significantly lower than those of the other two protocols (all P<0.05). The CLBR significantly decreased with age increased. When divided into four groups according to the patients' age, we found that CLBR were not statistically significant using three different protocols in the 20-25 years old group (all P>0.05). There was a strong association between the number of oocytes retrieved and embryos available on CLBR. CLBR rose significantly with an increasing number of oocytes up to 6, then the rising trend slowed down. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the number of oocytes retrieved, CLBR was significantly higher using GnRH-antagonist protocol (50.0%) than mild stimulation protocol (37.0%) in low ovarian responder (0-4 oocytes) group (P<0.05) . The CLBR were no significant difference among three protocols in normal (10-15 oocytes) and high responders (≥15 oocytes) group (all P>0.05) . The incidence rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in GnRH-agonist protocols (5.2%, 152/2 906) were significantly higher than those of GnRH-antagonist (4.4%, 42/955) and clomiphene mild stimulation protocols (1.5%, 34/2 281; all P<0.05) . Conclusions: CLBR is an important index to assess the clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI. Age, number of oocytes retrieved and embryos available could affect CLBR obviously. According to the different age and ovarian response of patients, we should design ovarian stimulation protocols based on target oocytes number in order to get higher CLBR and reduce complications.

Band Dependent Interlayer f-Electron Hybridization in CeRhIn_{5}

A key issue in heavy fermion research is how subtle changes in the hybridization between the 4f (5f) and conduction electrons can result in fundamentally different ground states. CeRhIn_{5} stands out as a particularly notable example: when replacing Rh with either Co or Ir, antiferromagnetism gives way to superconductivity. In this photoemission study of CeRhIn_{5}, we demonstrate that the use of resonant angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with polarized light allows us to extract detailed information on the 4f crystal field states and details on the 4f and conduction electron hybridization, which together determine the ground state. We directly observe weakly dispersive Kondo resonances of f electrons and identify two of the three Ce 4f_{5/2}^{1} crystal-electric-field levels and band-dependent hybridization, which signals that the hybridization occurs primarily between the Ce 4f states in the CeIn_{3} layer and two more three-dimensional bands composed of the Rh 4d and In 5p orbitals in the RhIn_{2} layer. Our results allow us to connect the properties observed at elevated temperatures with the unusual low-temperature properties of this enigmatic heavy fermion compound.

[Analysis of clinical outcomes of different embryo stage biopsy in array comparative genomic hybridization based preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening]

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of the application of array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) in preimplantation genetic diagnosis or screening (PGD/PGS), and compare the clinical outcomes of different stage embryo biopsy. Methods: The outcomes of 381 PGD/PGS cycles referred in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2011 to August 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 320 PGD cycles with 156 cleavage-stage-biopsy cycles and 164 trophectoderm-biopsy cycles, 61 PGS cycles with 23 cleavage-stage-biopsy cycles and 38 trophectoderm-biopsy cycles. Chromosomal analysis was performed by array-CGH technology combined with whole genome amplification. Single embryo transfer was performed in all transfer cycles. Live birth rate was calculated as the main clinical outcomes. Results: The embryo diagnosis rate of PGD/PGS by array-CGH were 96.9%-99.1%. In PGD biopsy cycles, the live birth rate per embryo transfer cycle and live birth rate per embryo biopsy cycle were 50.0%(58/116) and 37.2%(58/156) in cleavage-stage-biopsy group, 67.5%(85/126) and 51.8%(85/164) in trophectoderm-biopsy group (both P<0.01). In PGS biopsy cycles, the live birth rate per embryo transfer cycle and live birth rate per embryo biopsy cycle were the same as 34.8%(8/23) in cleavage-stage-biopsy group, the same as 42.1%(16/38) in trophectoderm-biopsy group (both P>0.05). Conclusions: High diagnosis rate and idea live birth rate are achieved in PGD/PGS cycles based on array-CGH technology. The live birth rate of trophectoderm-biopsy group is significantly higher than that of cleavage-stage-biopsy group in PGD cycles; the efficiency of trophectoderm-biopsy is better.

Sox5 regulates beta-cell phenotype and is reduced in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion, but the mechanisms underlying insulin secretion failure are not completely understood. Here, we show that a set of co-expressed genes, which is enriched for genes with islet-selective open chromatin, is associated with T2D. These genes are perturbed in T2D and have a similar expression pattern to that of dedifferentiated islets. We identify Sox5 as a regulator of the module. Sox5 knockdown induces gene expression changes similar to those observed in T2D and diabetic animals and has profound effects on insulin secretion, including reduced depolarization-evoked Ca²⁺-influx and β-cell exocytosis. SOX5 overexpression reverses the expression perturbations observed in a mouse model of T2D, increases the expression of key β-cell genes and improves glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in human islets from donors with T2D. We suggest that human islets in T2D display changes reminiscent of dedifferentiation and highlight SOX5 as a regulator of β-cell phenotype and function.

Geniposide promotes beta-cell regeneration and survival through regulating β-catenin/TCF7L2 pathway

T-cell factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) is an important transcription factor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which has critical roles in β-cell survival and regeneration. In preliminary screening assay, we found geniposide, a naturally occurring compound, was able to increase TCF7L2 mRNA level in Min6 cells. Here we aimed to investigate the role of geniposide in β-cell and underlying mechanism involved. Geniposide was found to promote β-cell survival by increasing β-cell proliferation and decreasing β-cell apoptosis in cultured mouse islets after challenge with diabetic stimuli. Geniposide protected β-cell through activating Wnt signaling, enhanced expressions of TCF7L2 and GLP-1R, activated AKT, inhibited GSK3β activity, and promoted β-catenin nuclear translocation. The protective effect of geniposide was remarkably suppressed by siRNAs against β-catenin, or by ICG001 (β-catenin/TCF-mediated transcription inhibitor). Moreover, geniposide promoted β-cell regeneration in vivo to normalize blood glucose in high-fat diet and db/db mice. Increased β-cell proliferation was observed in pancreatic sections of geniposide-treated diabetic mice. Most importantly, geniposide triggered small islet-like cell clusters formation as a result of β-cell neogenesis from ductal epithelium, which was well correlated with the increase in TCF7L2 expression. In exocrine cells isolated from mouse pancreas, geniposide could induce duct cell differentiation through upregulating TCF7L2 expression and activating JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Taken together, we identified a novel role of geniposide in promoting β-cell survival and regeneration by mechanisms involving the activation of β-catenin/TCF7L2 signaling. Our finding highlights the potential value of geniposide as a possible treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Comparable efficacy and safety of 8 weeks treatment with agomelatine 25-50mg or fluoxetine 20-40mg in Asian out-patients with major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVE

This randomized, double-blind study evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of agomelatine, using fluoxetine as an active comparator, in Asian patients suffering from moderate to severe major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHOD

Patients were randomly assigned to receive either agomelatine (25-50mg/day, n=314) or fluoxetine (20-40mg/day, n=314) during an 8-week treatment period. The main outcome measure was the change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17 items (HAM-D17) scores. Secondary efficacy criteria included scores on Clinical Global Impression Severity of illness (CGI-S) and Improvement of illness (CGI-I), patient sleeping improvement using the self-rating Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ) and anxiety using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores. Tolerability and safety evaluations were based on emergent adverse events.

RESULTS

Agomelatine and fluoxetine exert a comparable antidepressant efficacy in the Asian population. Mean changes over 8 weeks were clinically relevant and similar in both groups (-14.8±7.3 and -15.0±8.1 on HAM-D17 scale in agomelatine and fluoxetine groups, respectively). The between-group difference reached statistical significance on non-inferiority test (p=0.015). Clinically relevant decreases in CGI-S and CGI-I scores were observed over the treatment period in both groups. The two treatments were equally effective on the symptoms of both anxiety and sleep. The good tolerability profile and safety of both doses of agomelatine was confirmed in the Asian population.

CONCLUSIONS

Agomelatine and fluoxetine are equally effective in the treatment of MDD-associated symptoms in Asian depressed patients.

Film size-dependent voltage-modulated magnetism in multiferroic heterostructures

The electric-voltage-modulated magnetism in multiferroic heterostructures, also known as the converse magnetoelectric (ME) coupling, has drawn increasing research interest recently owing to its great potential applications in future low-power, high-speed electronic and/or spintronic devices, such as magnetic memory and computer logic. In this article, based on combined theoretical analysis and experimental demonstration, we investigate the film size dependence of such converse ME coupling in multiferroic magnetic/ferroelectric heterostructures, as well as exploring the interaction between two relating coupling mechanisms that are the interfacial strain and possibly the charge effects. We also briefly discuss some issues for the next step and describe new device prototypes that can be enabled by this technology.

Clinical features, STAT3 gene mutations and Th17 cell analysis in nine children with hyper-IgE syndrome in mainland China

Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by eczema, recurrent staphylococcal aureus skin abscesses, pneumonia with pneumatocele formation, remarkably high serum IgE levels, eosinophilia and involvement of skeleton and connective tissues. Heterozygous signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mutations were shown to be the cause of autosomal dominant HIES (AD-HIES). In this study, we diagnosed nine patients with HIES from 9 unrelated families on the basis of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) score of ≥40 points, sequenced the STAT3 gene of all nine patients, and quantified Th17 cells in peripheral blood of seven patients by flow cytometry in mainland China. All nine patients had characteristic manifestation of HIES with the range of NIH scores 45-77 points. STAT3 hot mutations V637M or R382W/Q were identified in five patients. We identified two novel heterozygous missense mutations (T620S and R609G) located in Src homology 2 (SH2) domain in two patients, respectively. In two other patients, no STAT3 mutations were found. Quantified Th17 cell numbers were markedly decreased or absent (0-0.28% of CD4(+) T cells) in six patients with STAT3 mutations and almost normal (0.53% of CD4(+) T cells) in one wild-type STAT3 patient compared with healthy controls (0.40-2.25% of CD4(+) T cells). These results suggest that not all patients with HIES who had NIH scores over 40 points carry STAT3 mutations, those whose Th17 cell numbers strikingly decreased probably had AD-HIES with STAT3 mutations.

Abstract P1-05-18: Determining the molecular mechanism of the breast cancer-induced brain metastasis and a role of a novel pan-TGF-β inhibitor as a potential therapy for brain metastasis in a mouse xenograft model

Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common malignant disease in women in the U.S. Nearly 20% of patients with advanced BCa are eventually diagnosed with brain lesions, which is a devastating complication in patients with BCa over-expressing EGF receptor family members including Her2 positive and triple negative breast cancer. It is the most feared complication of BCa in part because are not capable of significantly treating the BCa-induced brain metastases due to the inability of the available treatment regimens to effectively penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB) and also due to our limited knowledge on cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive the homing to and growth in the brain of BCa cells. Therefore, there is a need of efficient model system that can significantly contribute towards our understanding of different factors from both host and tumor leading to brain metastasis. We have recently isolated a novel BCa cell line B6TC that was generated through fusion between human BCa, MDA-MB-231 and ZR-75-1 cells in mouse bone marrow. This B6TC cell line showed higher propensity to metastasize to brain than its parental cells when inoculated through intracardiac injection in female athymic nude mice. In order to generate a highly brain metastatic breast cancer model for mechanistic research, we subjected the B6TC cells through four rounds of selection for cells that were capable of trans-endothelial cell invasion to obtain cells that could invade through BBB. This in vitro selected cell line was further subjected through three rounds of in vivo selection for cells that were capable of metastasizing to the brain and the cells after third round selection was named N3LR, which has the highest potential to cause brain metastasis. In searching for genes and pathways that may contribute to the increased brain metastasis of N3-LR cell with microarray analysis, we found that the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway is upregulated in N3-LR cell in comparison with B6TC cell, in addition to the EGF and prostaglandin signaling pathways that have been reported to be associated with brain metastatic breast cancer cells. Functional comparison also showed that N3-LR cell was more migratory than B6TC cell and more responsive to TGFβ-induced phosphorylation of Smad3 as well as migration, suggesting that TGFβ signaling may contribute to the increased brain metastatic potential. We next investigated whether metastatic tumor growth in the brain microenvironment can be inhibited by systemic administration of a potent pan-TGFβ inhibitor, BGERII- a recombinant fusion protein containing the endoglin domain of betaglycan (BGE) and the extracellular domain of RII. The animals were inoculated intracardically with N3LR, the most potent subline of highly metastatic B6TC cells, and were then treated with vehicle or BGERII systemically via i.p. injection right after the inoculation. After three weeks, the BGERII treated group showed lower brain metastasis incidence and tumor burden as detected by whole mouse bioluminescence and GFP imaging. Further analyses to understand the underlying molecular and regulatory mechanism of brain metastasis and its intervention in our mouse model is underway for the discovery of novel molecularly targeted drugs to prevent and eradicate BCa metastasis initiation, progression and recurrence.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-05-18.

TCF7L2 promotes beta cell regeneration in human and mouse pancreas

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Diabetes is characterised by loss and dysfunction of the beta cell. A major goal of diabetes therapy is to promote the formation of new beta cells. Polymorphisms of T cell factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) are associated with type 2 diabetes, negatively regulating beta cell survival and function. Here, we provide evidence for a role of TCF7L2 in beta cell proliferation and regeneration.

METHODS

Pancreatic sections from three mouse models (high-fat diet, exendin-4 and streptozotocin-treated mice) and from healthy individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes were used to investigate the association of beta cell regeneration and TCF7L2 levels. To analyse a direct effect of TCF7L2 on duct cell to beta cell conversion, TCF7L2 was overexpressed in isolated exocrine cells.

RESULTS

TCF7L2 levels correlated with beta cell compensation during high-fat diet feeding. TCF7L2 was increased together with pancreatic duct cell proliferation and differentiation. Small islet-like cell clusters (ICCs) that contained TCF7L2 originated in the vicinity of the ductal epithelium. In human isolated exocrine tissue, TCF7L2 overexpression induced proliferation of pancreatic duct cells and ICC formation next to duct cells, an effect dependent on the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The present study demonstrates that TCF7L2 overexpression fosters beta cell regeneration. Our findings imply correlation of TCF7L2 levels and new beta cell formation.

Treatment of ametryn in wastewater by a hybrid MBR system: a lab-scale study

Agricultural discharge of herbicides to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) poses significant threat to the marine ecosystem. This study evaluates the performance of a hybrid treatment system consists of a membrane bioreactor (MBR), UV disinfection unit and a granular activated carbon (GAC) column in treating ametryn which is one of the major herbicides in agricultural discharges. While the MBR alone removes only 40% of ametryn at a hydraulic retention time of 7.8 h, the hybrid system removed ametryn to below detection levels.

Identification of an intracellular metabolic signature impairing beta cell function in the rat beta cell line INS-1E and human islets

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Chronic hyperglycaemia promotes the progressive failure of pancreatic beta cells in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a clinically highly relevant phenomenon known as glucotoxicity. The intracellular metabolic consequences of a chronically high availability of glucose in beta cells are, as yet, poorly understood in its full complexity.

METHODS

An unbiased metabolite profiling analysis (GC-time-of-flight-MS) was used to identify the time course of core metabolite patterns in rat beta cell line INS-1E during exposure to high glucose concentrations and its relation to insulin expression.

RESULTS

We report here that pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) metabolites accumulate remarkably during chronic but not acute glucose treatment, indicating altered processing of glucose through the pentose phosphate pathway. Subsequent functional studies in INS-1E cells and human islets revealed that a disturbance in this pathway contributes to decreases in insulin gene expression and a lack of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. These effects were found to depend on the activation of extracellular-regulated-kinase (ERK1/2). Long-term inhibition of 6-phosphogluconic acid dehydrogenase resulted in accumulation of PPP metabolites, induced ERK1/2 activation independently of high glucose and impaired beta cell function. In turn, inhibition of ERK1/2 overstimulation during chronic glucose exposure partly inhibited metabolite accumulation and restored beta cell function.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Based on unbiased metabolite analyses, the data presented here provide novel targets, namely the inhibition of PPP metabolite accumulation towards the therapeutic goal to preserve and potentially improve beta cell function in diabetes.

Somatic cell cryopreservation and protoplast regeneration of important disease-resistant wild riceOryza meyeriana Baill

Oryza meyeriana Baill is one of the three wild rice species found in Chiia.O. mcyeriana possesses valuable characteristics but is reluctant in cell culturein vitro. In a series of experiments, callus with no regeneration ability was induced from young panicle ofO. meyeriana. The callus was subcultured and propagated. Embryogenic cell clones were obtained after cryopreswation. Suspension cultures were established and protoplasts were isolated and regenerated into plants. Results of artificial inoculation ofXanthomonas campestris pv.Oryzae showed that the strong resistance did not change in the regenerated plants. The development of protoplast-to-plant system is an important progress towards utilization ofO. meyeriana via cellular engineering. The experiments demonstrated that cryopreservation of plant calli was a new way to obtain embryogenic cell line.

Correlated electron state in Ce(1-x)Yb(x)CoIn5 stabilized by cooperative valence fluctuations

X-ray diffraction, electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat measurements on Ce(1-x)Yb(x)CoIn5 (0≤x≤1) reveal that many of the characteristic features of the x=0 correlated electron state are stable for x≤0.775 and that phase separation occurs for x>0.775. The stability of the correlated electron state is apparently due to cooperative behavior of the Ce and Yb ions, involving their unstable valences. Low-temperature non-Fermi liquid behavior is observed and varies with x, even though there is no readily identifiable quantum critical point. The superconducting critical temperature T(c) decreases linearly with x towards 0 K as x→1, in contrast with other HF superconductors where T(c) scales with T(coh).

Unconventional T-H phase diagram in the noncentrosymmetric compound Yb2Fe12P7

The temperature-(T-)magnetic-field (H) phase diagram for the noncentrosymmetric compound Yb(2)Fe(12)P(7), [corrected] determined from electrical resistivity (ρ), specific heat (C), and magnetization (M) measurements on single crystal specimens, is reported. This system exhibits a crossover from a magnetically ordered non-Fermi-liquid (NFL) phase at low H to another NFL phase at higher H. The crossover occurs near the value of H where the magnetic ordering temperature (T(M)) is no longer observable in C(T,H)/T and ρ(T,H), but not where T(M) extrapolates smoothly to T=0 K at a possible quantum critical point (QCP). This indicates the occurrence of a quantum phase transition between the two NFL phases. The lack of a clear relationship between the extrapolated QCP and NFL behavior suggests an unconventional route to the NFL ground states.

Purinergic P2X7 receptors regulate secretion of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and beta cell function and survival

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

In obesity, beta cells activate compensatory mechanisms to adapt to the higher insulin demand. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) prevents obesity-induced hyperglycaemia and is a potent target for the treatment of diabetes, but the mechanisms of its secretion and regulation in obesity are unknown. In the present study, we hypothesise the regulation of IL-1Ra secretion by purinergic P2X(7) receptors in islets.

METHODS

Production and regulation of P2X(7) were studied in pancreatic sections from lean and obese diabetic patients, non-diabetic controls and in isolated islets. IL-1Ra, IL-1beta and insulin secretion, glucose tolerance and beta cell mass were studied in P2x7 (also known as P2Rx7)-knockout mice.

RESULTS

P2X(7) levels were elevated in beta cells of obese patients, but downregulated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Elevated glucose and non-esterified fatty acids rapidly activated P2X(7) and IL-1Ra secretion in human islets, and this was inhibited by P2X(7) blockade. In line with our results in vitro, P2x7-knockout mice had a lower capacity to secrete IL-1Ra. They exhibited severe and rapid hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance and impaired beta cell function in response to a high-fat/high-sucrose diet, were unable to compensate by increasing their beta cell mass in response to the diet and showed increased beta cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our study shows a tight correlation of P2X(7) activation, IL-1Ra secretion and regulation of beta cell mass and function. The increase in P2X(7) production is one mechanism that may explain how beta cells compensate by adapting to the higher insulin demand. Disturbances within that system may result in the progression of diabetes.

Estrogen modulates cytokine expression in human periodontal ligament cells

Although systemic bone loss accompanying estrogen deficiency has been proposed as a risk factor for periodontal disease in post-menopausal women, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. The objective of this study was to elucidate the potential bone-sparing effect of estrogen (17beta-estradiol, E(2)) via modulation of inflammatory cytokine production in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and receptor activator of NF- B ligand (RANKL) by hPDL cells at both mRNA and protein levels. E(2) treatment reversed the stimulatory effects of LPS on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by hPDL cells. Moreover, E(2) up-regulated osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression and therefore attenuated the reduction of the OPG vs. RANKL ratio. Our results suggested that estrogen may play a significant role in modulating periodontal tissue responses to LPS, and may exert its bone-sparing effects on periodontal tissues via altering the expression of inflammatory cytokines in hPDL cells.

Impairment of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in CD95(APO-1)-induced human T-cell leukemia cell apoptosis mediated by glutathione depletion and generation of hydrogen peroxide

Human T-cell leukemia is a malignant disease that needs various regimens of cytotoxic chemotherapy to overcome drug resistance. Recently, Na(+),K(+)-ATPase has emerged as a potential target for cancer therapy. However, its exact signaling pathway in human T-cell leukemia cell death has not been well defined. In the current study, we found CD95(APO-1) was able to trigger the internalization of plasma membrane Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in Jurkat cells or primary T cells as a mechanism to suppress its activity. This internalization was closely relevant to intracellular glutathione (GSH) depletion in Jurkat cells downstream of Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) and caspase 8. GSH depletion in Fas L-treated Jurkat cells induced the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), which subsequently increased the serine phosphorylation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha1 subunit. Exogenous H(2)O(2) even mimicked the effect of Fas L to upregulate the serine phosphorylation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha1 subunit and suppress Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity. Overall, our results indicate that CD95(APO-1) induces the FADD- and caspase 8-dependent internalization of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase through intracellular GSH loss, and the subsequent generation of H(2)O(2)-mediated serine phosphorylation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha1 subunit. Taken together, this study presents a novel regulatory mechanism of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in CD95(APO-1)-mediated human T-leukemia cell apoptosis.

The expression of estrogen receptors and the effects of estrogen on human periodontal ligament cells

Osteoporotic women exhibit high frequency of alveolar bone loss and low bone density. Estrogen deficiency, which is vital in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis, has received increasing attention in the studies related to the periodontal diseases. Similar to most hormones, estrogen exerts its influence by binding to specific receptors, estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha and -beta. The periodontal ligament cells (PDLcs) are very important in maintaining the integrity of the periodontal tissue, which is the connective tissue located between the alveolar bone and the root surface of tooth. In this study, we evaluated the effects of estrogen deficiency on the alveolar bone in ovariectomized rats by histometric measurement of attachment level in vivo. Using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western-blot procedure, we also detected mRNA and protein products of ERs and investigated the effects of estrogen on bone-forming capability by monitoring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin production in cultured human PDLcs. Our results demonstrated that both ER-alpha and -beta were expressed in PDLcs. Moreover, when exposed to 17-beta estradiol, PDLcs exhibited positive modulation on ALP activity and osteocalcin production. The study suggests that estrogen and ERs may play an important role in periodontal diseases.

An economic evaluation of phosphorus recovery as struvite from digester supernatant

Phosphorus can be recovered from wastewater through crystallisation of struvite, MgNH(4)PO(4).6H(2)O. Approximately 1 kg of struvite can be crystallised from 100 m(3) of wastewater. Crystallisation is profitable compared to chemical and biological removal of phosphorus due to savings from the reduction in (i) chemicals used for precipitation and sludge disposal; and (ii) downtime for cleaning unwanted struvite formed during chemical and biological removal. The struvite produced annually from a wastewater treatment plant that processed 100 m3/d, would be sufficient to apply on 2.6 ha of arable land, as fertilizer. If struvite were to be recovered from wastewater treatment plants worldwide, 0.63 million tons of phosphorus (as P(2)O(5)) could be harvested annually, reducing phosphate rock mining by 1.6%. Therefore, this technology could provide opportunities to recover phosphorus sustainably from waste streams and preserve phosphorus reserves.

The establishment of the photo management system for orthodontics and its clinical application

It is necessary for orthodontists to collect and analyze the patients' photographic data. By conventional methods, these photo data were commonly saved on film, which were frail and often resulted in data loss. Furthermore, it is not convenient for the orthodontists to consult and study these data during clinical research. A critical problem thus arises in managing these photo data scientifically. The computer technique and picture processing method were employed in the present study to establish the Photo Management System for Orthodontics (PMSO), which makes the administration of patients' photo data more scientific, convenient, and effective than before. This system is characterized as follows: (1) Clinical orthodontists designed and programmed the system, which is "close to clinical reality and serves the clinic". Orthodontists can easily use it without any training course. (2) The images can be imported from many devices, such as digital cameras, scanners, and electronic data storage media such as floppy disks. (3) Even two groups of photos (four images) could be displayed in the same window for comparison and study. This function allows orthodontists to easily observe the differences in the same patient's photos at different stages, which is important to obtain comprehensive knowledge of the patient. (4) The network technique makes it possible for the photos to be shared. The orthodontists can get the patients' photos through the network without going to the radiology department or the imaging room. (5) It is helpful for orthodontic research since the photos can be exported easily in different ways. (6) This is shared software; orthodontists can use it for free.