Early Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy to the Primary Lung Lesion for Patients with Advanced NSCLC Treated with First-Line Systemic Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Although adding consolidative stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to systemic therapy improves survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the optimal timing of SBRT remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the clinical outcome of early and delayed SBRT to primary lung lesions of advanced NSCLC patients treated with first-line systemic therapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We identified patients with advanced NSCLC who were suitable to receiveSBRT for the primary lung tumors after first-line systemic therapy. All eligible patients were treated with first-line systemic therapy and SBRT for their primary lung lesions. Early SBRT group was defined as patients who received SBRT for their primary lung tumor at the maximal response of systemic therapy. Delayed SBRT group was defined as patients who received SBRT after the occurrence of oligoprogression in primary lung tumor. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival 1 (PFS1, time from start of first-line systemic therapy to disease progression) and PFS2 (time from start of first-line systemic therapy to disease progression after SBRT). Overall survival (OS) and adverse effects (AEs) were secondary endpoints. A two-sided P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All of the statistical analyses were performed with statistical software.

RESULTS

A total of184 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with SBRT for primary tumors were screened, and 49 patients were eligible for enrollment in this study. The median age of the entire cohort was 66 years (range, 37-80 years), and 34 (69.4%) patients were male. Thirty-four patients (69.4%) were treated by target therapy and 15 (30.6%) were treated by chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Of the 49 eligible patients, 28(57.1%) received early SBRT to lung primary tumor and 21(42.9%) received delayed SBRT to lung primary tumor. The early SBRT group showed a significantly prolonged PFS1 as compared with the delayed SBRT group (mPFS1: 30 months vs. 8 months, P<0.001). The median PFS2 of the early SBRT group was longer than that of the delayed SBRT group, but the difference between the two groups did not achieve a statistical significance (mPFS2: 42 months vs. 23 months, P = 0.303). Median OS of both groups has not reached. No severe toxicities (≥grade 3) were observed in early SBRT group and only one patient in the delayed SBRT group experienced grade 3 radiation pneumonitis.

CONCLUSION

Early SBRT to the primary lung lesion significantly improved PFS and is a new potentially effective and tolerable treatment option for patients with advanced NSCLC who had stable disease during first-line systemic therapy.

[Associations of all-cause mortality with admission blood pressure variability during multiple hospitalizations in acute decompensated heart failure]

Objective: To investigate whether admission blood pressure (BP) variability during multiple hospitalizations is associated with all-cause mortality independent of baseline BP in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Methods: Patients with ADHF admitted to the Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from September 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively enrolled. The risk of all-cause mortality associated with indices of BP variability, including mean admission BPs, standard deviation of BP and coefficient of variation of BP during multiple hospitalizations was assessed, using Cox regression model. Results: A total of 1 006 ADHF patients (mean aged (69.3±13.5) years; 411 (40.8%) female; 670 (66.6%) with preserved ejection fraction) were enrolled. During a median follow-up of 1.54 years, 47.0% of patients died. In all ADHF patients, after adjusting for confounding factors, for every 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in SD and coefficient of variation (CV) of systolic BP, the risk of all-cause mortality increased by 10% and 11%, respectively (SD: HR, 1.10, 95%CI, 1.01-1.21, P=0.029, CV: HR, 1.11, 95%CI, 1.02-1.21, P=0.017); for every 1-SD increase in the mean of diastolic BP, the risk of all cause mortality decreased by 25% (HR, 0.75; 95%CI, 0.65-0.87; P<0.001). In ADHF patients with preserved ejection fraction, after accounted for potential confounders, higher SD and CV of admitted systolic and diastolic BP were significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality, regardless of whether confounding factors were adjusted (P≤0.049); After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of all-cause mortality increased by 18% and 19% for every 1-SD increase in SD and CV of systolic BP, while the risk of all-cause mortality increased by 11% and 15% for every 1-SD increase in SD and CV of diastolic BP. In ADHF patients with reduced ejection fraction, after adjusting for confounding factors, the higher the mean admission systolic BP during multiple hospitalizations, the lower the risk of total mortality (HR, 0.68; 95%CI, 0.47-1.00; P=0.049). Conclusions: In patients with ADHF, independent of baseline BP, BP variability during multiple hospitalizations was strong predictor of all-cause mortality.

Clinical Study of Intraoperative Microelectrode Recordings during Awake and Asleep Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Our objective is to analyze the difference of microelectrode recording (MER) during awake and asleep subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the necessity of MER during “Asleep DBS” under general anesthesia (GA). The differences in MER, target accuracy, and prognosis under different anesthesia methods were analyzed. Additionally, the MER length was compared with the postoperative electrode length by electrode reconstruction and measurement. The MER length of two groups was 5.48 ± 1.39 mm in the local anesthesia (LA) group and 4.38 ± 1.43 mm in the GA group, with a statistical significance between the two groups (p < 0.01). The MER length of the LA group was longer than its postoperative electrode length (p < 0.01), however, there was no significant difference between the MER length and postoperative electrode length in the GA group (p = 0.61). There were also no significant differences in the postoperative electrode length, target accuracy, and postoperative primary and secondary outcome scores between the two groups (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that “Asleep DBS” under GA is comparable to “Awake DBS” under LA. GA has influences on MER during surgery, but typical STN discharges can still be recorded. MER is not an unnecessary surgical procedure.

Coherent Picture on the Pure Spin Transport between Ag/Bi and Ferromagnets

In a joint effort of both experiments and first-principles calculations, we resolve a hotly debated controversy and provide a coherent picture on the pure spin transport between Ag/Bi and ferromagnets. We demonstrate a strong inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect (IREE) at the interface in between Ag/Bi with a ferromagnetic metal (FM) but not with a ferromagnetic insulator. This is in sharp contrast to the previously claimed IREE at Ag/Bi interface or inverse spin Hall effect dominated spin transport. A more than one order of magnitude modulation of IREE signal is realized for different Ag/Bi-FM interfaces, casting strong tunability and a new direction for searching efficient spintronics materials.

[Efficacy and safety of carotid endarterectomy combined with endovascular therapy in hybrid operating room for patients with segmental atherosclerotic internal carotid artery occlusion]

The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of carotid endarterectomy combined with endovascular therapy in hybrid operating room for patients with segmental atherosclerotic internal carotid artery occlusion, and share the experience of preoperative screening of patients suitable for vascular reconstruction. A total of 20 patients with internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) who were admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from May 2018 to May 2020 were collected, and 15 patients met the inclusion criteria. All patients received hybrid surgery. The total success rate of recanalization was 14/15, and only 1 patient developed ICA re-occlusion at 1 year follow up.Therefore, carotid endarterectomy combined with endovascular treatment in hybrid operating room was an alternative treatment for patients with segmental atherosclerotic internal carotid artery occlusion.

[Investigation and analysis of a mass ammonia gas poisoning accident]

Objective: To investigation and analysis of ammonia gas leakage in a meat factory. Methods: In April 2013, Enterprise managers and workers were investigated, and clinical data of 24 patients were analyzed. Results: The company caused a leak in the ammonia pipeline maintenance operation, Among the patients, 20 had stimulus response and 4 had mild poisoning. Conclusion: To prevent group occupational ammonia poisoning, it is necessary to strengthen the awareness of occupational disease prevention of enterprise owners and the awareness of self-protection of workers.

A systematic study of Tupaia as a model for human acute hepatitis B infection

The molecular features of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, eradication, and pathogenesis are poorly understood, partly due to the lack of an adequate animal model that faithfully reproduces the course of infection. Although Tupaia belangeri were previously recognized as HBV-susceptible animals, the course of infection in adult tupaias remains obscure. Herein, we performed a longitudinal study and demonstrated that adult tupaias were efficiently infected (90% infection rate) with 10⁸ copies of the HBV genome. HBV replicated vigorously, produced high levels of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in hepatocytes, and released hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg), and HBV DNA into the serum at day 9 post-inoculation (p.i.), which then decreased on day 15 p.i. The kinetics were consistent with the expression of liver HBsAg and HBeAg, as determined with immunohistochemistry. The viral products in serum at day 9 and 15 p.i. represented de novo synthesized viral products, as treatment with a viral entry inhibitor completely abolished these products from the serum. Viral clearance and serological conversion occurred at day 21 p.i. and were accompanied by elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and liver pathology, such as inflammatory infiltration and hepatocyte ballooning degeneration. Although ALT levels eventually returned to normal levels by day 42 p.i., the liver pathology persisted until at least day 120 p.i. The HBV infection process in tupaia, therefore, exhibits features similar to that of human acute HBV infection, including viral replication, viral eradication, ALT elevation, and liver pathology. Thus, adopting the tupaia model to study host-HBV interactions presents an important advance which could facilitate further investigation and understanding of human HBV infection, especially for features like cccDNA that current small-animal models cannot effectively model.

Magnetic Hamiltonian parameter estimation using deep learning techniques

Understanding spin textures in magnetic systems is extremely important to the spintronics and it is vital to extrapolate the magnetic Hamiltonian parameters through the experimentally determined spin. It can provide a better complementary link between theories and experimental results. We demonstrate deep learning can quantify the magnetic Hamiltonian from magnetic domain images. To train the deep neural network, we generated domain configurations with Monte Carlo method. The errors from the estimations was analyzed with statistical methods and confirmed the network was successfully trained to relate the Hamiltonian parameters with magnetic structure characteristics. The network was applied to estimate experimentally observed domain images. The results are consistent with the reported results, which verifies the effectiveness of our methods. On the basis of our study, we anticipate that the deep learning techniques make a bridge to connect the experimental and theoretical approaches not only in magnetism but also throughout any scientific research.

Creation of skyrmions in van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 on (Co/Pd) n superlattice

Magnetic skyrmions are topological spin textures, which usually exist in noncentrosymmetric materials where the crystal inversion symmetry breaking generates the so-called Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. This requirement unfortunately excludes many important magnetic material classes, including the recently found two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) magnetic materials, which offer unprecedented opportunities for spintronic technology. Using photoemission electron microscopy and Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, we investigated and stabilized Néel-type magnetic skyrmion in vdW ferromagnetic Fe₃GeTe₂ on top of (Co/Pd) _n in which the Fe₃GeTe₂ has a centrosymmetric crystal structure. We demonstrate that the magnetic coupling between the Fe₃GeTe₂ and the (Co/Pd) _n could create skyrmions in Fe₃GeTe₂ without the need of an external magnetic field. Our results open exciting opportunities in spintronic research and the engineering of topologically protected nanoscale features by expanding the group of skyrmion host materials to include these previously unknown vdW magnets.

[Comparison of heart failure and COVID-19 in chest CT features and clinical characteristics]

Objective: To identify the characteristics including clinical features and pulmonary computed tomography (CT) features of heart failure and COVID-19. Methods: This study was a retrospective study. A total of 7 patients with heart failure and 12 patients with COVID-19 in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between December 1, 2019 and February 15, 2020 were enrolled. The baseline clinical and imaging features of the two groups were statistically analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in age and sex between the two groups(both P>0.05), but the incidence of epidemiological contact history, fever or respiratory symptoms in the COVID-19 group was significantly higher than that in the heart failure group (12/12 vs. 0, P<0.001; 12/12 vs. 4/7, P=0.013). While the proportion of cardiovascular diseases and impaired cardiac function was significantly less than that of the heart failure group(2/12 vs.7/7, P<0.001；0 vs.7/7, P<0.001). For imaging features, both groups had ground-glass opacity and thickening of interlobular septum, but the ratio of central and gradient distribution was higher in patients with heart failure than that in patients with COVID-19 (4/7 vs. 1/12, P=0.04). In heart failure group, the ratio of the expansion of pulmonary veins was also higher (3/7 vs. 0，P=0.013), and the lung lesions can be significantly improved after effective anti-heart failure treatment. Besides, there were more cases with rounded morphology in COVID-19 group（9/12 vs. 2/7, P=0.048）. Conclusions: More patients with COVID-19 have epidemiological history and fever or respiratory symptoms. There are significant differences in chest CT features, such as enlargement of pulmonary veins, lesions distribution and morphology between heart failure and COVID-19.

Intrinsic Mechanism for Anisotropic Magnetoresistance and Experimental Confirmation in Co_{x}Fe_{1-x} Single-Crystal Films

Using first-principles transport calculations, we predict that the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) of single-crystal Co_{x}Fe_{1-x} alloys is strongly dependent on the current orientation and alloy concentration. An intrinsic mechanism for AMR is found to arise from the band crossing due to magnetization-dependent symmetry protection. These special k points can be shifted towards or away from the Fermi energy by varying the alloy composition and hence the exchange splitting, thus allowing AMR tunability. The prediction is confirmed by delicate transport measurements, which further reveal a reciprocal relationship of the longitudinal and transverse resistivities along different crystal axes.

C5aR deficiency attenuates the breast cancer development via the p38/p21 axis

Emerging evidence has shown activation of the complement component C5 to C5a in cancer tissues and C5aR expression in breast cancer cells relates to the tumor development and poor prognosis, suggesting the involvement of complement C5a/C5aR pathway in the breast cancer pathogenesis. In this study, we found that as compared to the non-tumoral tissues, both C5aR and MAPK/p38 showed an elevated expression, but p21/p-p21 showed lower expression, in the tumoral tissues of breast cancer patients. Mice deficient in C5aR or mice treated with the C5aR antagonist exhibited attenuation of breast cancer growth and reduction in the p38/p-p38 expression, but increase in p21/p-p21 expression, in the tumor tissues. Pre-treatment of the breast cancer cells with recombinant C5a resulted in reduced p21 expression, and MAPK/p38 inhibitors prevented C5a-induced reduction in p21 expression, suggesting the involvement of the MAPK/p38 signaling pathway in the C5a/C5aR-mediated suppression of p21/p-p21 expression. These results provide evidence that breast cancer development may rely on C5a/C5aR interaction, for which MAPK/p38 pathway participate in down-regulating the p21 expression. Inhibition of C5a/C5aR pathway is expected to be helpful for the treatment of patients with breast cancer.

Fast and deterministic switching of a vortex core induced by an out-of-plane current in notch disks

The magnetic vortex, as one of the most interesting magnetic solitons, has attracted great interest over the past two decades. A fast and reliable method to switch vortex polarity and chirality is one of the key issues for various applications. Based on micromagnetic simulation, here we report a fast, low energy cost and deterministic switching of a vortex core, by the designing of a notch structure in disks and the use of out-of-plane current geometry. We demonstrate that with such a design, the multiple switching problems found in notch disk systems can be avoided. Furthermore, the switching time can be reduced by more than 50% compared with disks without notches.

[Mechanism of transcriptional regulation of Meox1 by transforming growth factor β (1) and its effect on cell migration of adult human dermal fibroblasts]

Objective: To explore the transcriptional regulation mechanism of transforming growth factor β(1) (TGF-β(1)) on Meox1 and its effect on cell migration of adult human dermal fibroblasts (HDF-a). Methods: (1) HDF-a cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 complete medium (hereinafter referred to as routinely cultured). The cells were divided into TGF-β(1) stimulation group and blank control group. The cells in TGF-β(1) stimulation group were stimulated with 10 μL TGF-β(1) in the mass concentration of 1 mg/μL, while the cells in blank control group were stimulated with the equal volume of phosphate buffer solution. After 72 hours in culture, partial cells in both groups were collected for transcriptome sequencing. The genes with differential expression ratio greater than or equal to 2 and P<0.01 between the two groups were selected to perform enrichment analysis and analysis of metabolic pathways of the Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia with, and the expression value of Meox1 per million transcripts (TPM) was recorded (n=3). Partial cells from the two groups were used to detect the Meox1 mRNA expression by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (n=3). (2) Cultured HDF-a cells in the logarithmic growth phase (the same growth phase of cells below) were divided into empty plasmid group, Smad2 overexpression (OE) group, Smad3 OE group, and Smad4 OE group, which were transfected respectively with 2 μg empty pcDNA3.1 plasmid and pcDNA3.1 plasmids separately carrying Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 for 6 hours, and then were routinely cultured for 48 hours. The Meox1 mRNA expression in the transfected cells of each group was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR (n=3). (3) HDF-a cells were routinely cultured and grouped the same as in experiment (1). After 72 hours in culture, the enrichment of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 protein on the Meox1 promoter in the cells of each group was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) (n=3). (4) HDF-a cells were routinely cultured and divided into negative interference group, small interference RNA (siRNA)-Smad2 group, siRNA-Smad3 group, siRNA-Smad4 group, empty plasmid group, Smad2 OE group, Smad3 OE group, and Smad4 OE group, which were transfected respectively with 50 μmol/L random siRNA, siRNA-Smad2, siRNA-Smad3, siRNA-Smad4, 2 μg empty pcDNA3.1 plasmid and pcDNA3.1 plasmids separately carrying Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 for 6 hours and then routinely cultured for 48 hours. The enrichment of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 protein on the Meox1 promoter in the cells of corresponding group was detected by ChIP-qPCR (n=3). (5) Two batches of HDF-a cells were cultured and divided into negative interference group, siRNA-Meox1 group, empty plasmid group, and Meox1 OE group, which were transfected respectively with 50 μmol/L random siRNA, siRNA-Meox1, 2 μg empty pcDNA3.1 plasmid and pcDNA3.1 plasmid carrying Meox1 for 6 hours and then routinely cultured for 24 hours. One batch of cells were subjected to scratch test with the scratch width being observed 24 hours after scratching and compared with the initial width for scratch wound healing; the other batch of cells were subjected to Transwell assay, in which the migrated cells were counted after being routinely cultured for 24 hours (n=3). (6) From January 2018 to June 2019, 3 hypertrophic scar patients (2 males and 1 female, aged 35-56 years) were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University) 8-12 months after burns. The scar tissue and normal skin tissue along the scar margin resected during surgery were taken, and immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the distribution of Meox1 protein expression. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and independent sample t test. Results: (1) After 72 hours in culture, a total of 843 genes were obviously differentially expressed between the two groups, being related to tissue repair, cell migration, inflammatory cell chemotaxis induction process and potential signaling pathways such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 17, extracellular matrix receptor. The TPM value of Meox1 in the cells of blank control group was 45.9±1.9, which was significantly lower than 163.1±29.5 of TGF-β(1) stimulation group (t=6.88, P<0.01) with RNA-sequencing. After 72 hours in culture, the Meox1 mRNA expression levels in the cells of blank control group was 1.00±0.21, which was significantly lower than 11.00±3.61 of TGF-β(1) stimulation group (t=4.79, P<0.01). (2) After 48 hours in culture, the Meox1 mRNA expression levels in the cells of Smad2 OE group, Smad3 OE group, and Smad4 OE group were 198.70±11.02, 35.47±4.30, 20.27±2.50, respectively, which were significantly higher than 1.03±0.19 of empty plasmid group (t=31.07, 13.80, 13.12, P<0.01). (3) After 72 hours in culture, the enrichment of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of TGF-β(1) stimulation group was significantly higher than that of blank control group respectively (t=12.99, 41.47, 29.10, P<0.01). (4) After 48 hours in culture, the enrichment of Smad2 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of negative interference group was (0.200 000±0.030 000)%, significantly higher than (0.000 770±0.000 013)% of siRNA-Smad2 group (t=11.67, P<0.01); the enrichment of Smad2 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of empty plasmid group was (0.200 000±0.040 000)%, significantly lower than (0.700 000±0.090 000)% of Smad2 OE group (t=8.85, P<0.01). The enrichment of Smad3 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of negative interference group was (0.500 0±0.041 3)%, significantly higher than (0.006 0±0.001 3)% of siRNA-Smad3 group (t=17.79, P<0.01); the enrichment of Smad3 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of empty plasmid group was (0.470 0±0.080 0)%, which was significantly lower than (1.100 0±0.070 0)% of Smad3 OE group (t=9.93, P<0.01). The enrichment of Smad4 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of negative interference group was similar to that of siRNA-Smad4 group (t=2.11, P>0.05); the enrichment of Smad4 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of empty plasmid group was similar to that of Smad4 OE group (t=0.60, P>0.05). (5) Twenty-four hours after scratching, the scratch healing width of cells in siRNA-Meox1 group was narrower than that of negative interference group, while that of Meox1 OE group was wider than that of empty plasmid group. After 24 hours in culture, the number of migration cells in negative interference group was significantly higher than that in siRNA-Meox1 group (t=9.12, P<0.01), and that in empty plasmid group was significantly lower than that in Meox1 OE group (t=8.99, P<0.01). (6) The expression of Meox1 protein in the scar tissue was significantly higher than that in normal skin of patients with hypertrophic scars. Conclusions: TGF-β(1) transcriptionally regulates Meox1 expression via Smad2/3 in HDF-a cells, thus promoting cell migration.

[The experimental study of diquat on the half-Lethal dose and pothological injuny of related organs in wistor rats]

Objective: To explore the acute toxicity of Diquat in mice and to calculate the median lethal dose (LD(50)) of Diquat to rats and observe the pathological changes of tissues and organs in rats with different concentrations of Diquat. Methods: Diquat solution of 50 mg/kg was prepared freshly with 1 000 mg of Diquat and dilute the solution with water to a total of 20 ml. A total of 99 healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into part one, part two and control groups. In the first part, 36 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: 100 mg/kg group, 200 mg/kg group, 300 mg/kg group and 400 mg/kg group, which were treated with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Diquat solution by gavage, respectively. The death and symptoms of poisoning after intragastric administration were recorded, and the maximum tolerated dose and absolute lethal dose were measured. In the second part, 54 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: 200 mg/kg group, 220 mg/kg group, 240 mg/kg group, 260 mg/kg、280 mg/kg group and 300 mg/kg group, whichwere treated with 200 mg/kg, 220 mg/kg, 240 mg/kg, 260 mg/kg, 280 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of Diquat solution by gavage, respectively. The survival of rats in different concentration of Diquat was observed and the LD(50) was calculated by Excel processing the formula of Koch's method. The control group were given equal volume water under the same experimental conditions. And moreover, the lungs, kidneys, hearts, livers, and brain tissues were collected and fixed by formaldehyde, embedded by paraffin, and sectioned for histopathological light microscopy. Results: The maximum tolerated dose was 240 mg/kg and the absolute lethal dose was 300 mg/kg. The LD(50) of Diquat for Rats was 280.58 mg/kg. The high-dose group had significantly more organ damage than the low-dose group after diquat poisoning. Conclusion: The determination of the half-lethal dose of diquat, at the same time observed multiple organs damaged in rats after the diquat quickly poisoned. Kidneys, lungs and heart might be the main organ which was heavily damaged. With the extension of observation time, the organ damage of rats exposed to small doses gradually stabilized.

[Observation and prevention measures against adverse reaction to intratympanic corticosteroid injections]

Objective:To investigate clinical characteristic and incidence of the adverse reaction to tympanic injection. The incidence rates of adverse reaction were also compared after improvement of anesthetic method and changed ratio of methylprednisolone. Method: A retrospective analysis of 712 cases (1 928 injections) of receiving injection in a medical center, to explore the overall and classified adverse reactions, as well as effects of age and gender and frequency on adverse reactions. According to the clinical characteristics of the early stage, the incidence of adverse reaction was observed after the application of anesthesia warming method and the change of methylprednisolone ratio. Result: Adverse reaction was found in 76 cases which included 62 cases of mild reactions, 4 cases of severe reactions and 10 cases of glucocorticoid-related reactions. Overall, 10.67% of patients had adverse reactions. There was no correlation between adverse reactions and age, gender or frequency. The incidence of vertigo was decreased after the application of improved anesthesia (P<0.05). The incidence of pain of joint methylprednisolone-and-lidocaine injection was lower than that of methylprednisolone injection (P<0.05). Conclusion: Intratympanic injection is a safe treatment, to some extent, although there is low incidence of adverse effects of it. At the same time, anesthetic warming method and changing the ratio of methylprednisolone can further reduce the incidence of vertigo and pain.

Broadband Terahertz Generation via the Interface Inverse Rashba-Edelstein Effect

Novel mechanisms for electromagnetic wave emission in the terahertz frequency regime emerging at the nanometer scale have recently attracted intense attention for the purpose of searching next-generation broadband THz emitters. Here, we report broadband THz emission, utilizing the interface inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect. By engineering the symmetry of the Ag/Bi Rashba interface, we demonstrate a controllable THz radiation (∼0.1-5  THz) waveform emitted from metallic Fe/Ag/Bi heterostructures following photoexcitation. We further reveal that this type of THz radiation can be selectively superimposed on the emission discovered recently due to the inverse spin Hall effect, yielding a unique film thickness dependent emission pattern. Our results thus offer new opportunities for versatile broadband THz radiation using the interface quantum effects.

Complement C5a/C5aR pathway potentiates the pathogenesis of gastric cancer by down-regulating p21 expression

Although the complement C5a/C5aR pathway is suggested to play a critical role in tumor pathogenesis, the underlying mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, we found that in patients with gastric cancer in different clinical stages (from stageⅠto stage Ⅳ), both C5aR and p-PI3K/AKT levels were significantly higher in tumoral tissues than in adjacent non-tumoral tissues. In contrast, p21/p-p21 levels were significantly lower in tumoral tissues than in adjacent non-tumoral tissues. In vitro recombinant C5a administration remarkably promoted p-PI3K/p-AKT expression, but inhibited p21/p-p21 expression. Blockage of C5a/C5aR signaling with a C5aR antagonist reversed the C5a-induced inhibitory effect on p21/p-p21 expression. C5a administration to cells pre-treated with a PI3K inhibitor also prevented this inhibitory effect, suggesting the involvement of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in C5a/C5aR-mediated suppression of p21/p-p21 expression. In vivo C5aR antagonist treatment caused significant reduction in tumor growth in mice, accompanied by a remarkable elevation in p21/p-p21 expression and reduction in p-PI3K/AKT activation. These results indicate that the C5a/C5aR pathway promotes gastric cancer pathogenesis by suppressing p21/p-p21 expression via activation of PI3K/AKT signaling.

[A group of occupational acute methyl bromide poisoning incident]

Objective: To investigate a mass of occupational acute methyl bromide poisoning incident and analyzed their clinical data. Methods: To investigate an incident a mass of occupational acute methyl bromide poisoning in occurred in Shandong province in November 2016, and the clinical datas of 3 cases of severe patients with methyl bromide poisoning were analysed. Results: This event was a sudden occupational poisoning incident. Lack of vocational training and irregularities is the main reason for the accident 3 patients with nervous system, respiratory system, circulatory system, urinary system damage is given priority to, after comprehensive rescue treatment, 2 cases died and 1 case survived. Conclusions: Methyl bromide can cause severe poisoning, has high mortality in patients with acute severe poisoning.

Development of a human rotavirus induced diarrhea model in Chinese mini-pigs

AIM: To establish a new animal model for the research of human rotavirus (HRV) infection, its pathogenesis and immunity and evaluation of potential vaccines.

METHODS: 5-d, 30-d and 60-d-old Chinese mini-pigs, Guizhou and Bamma, were inoculated with a single oral dose of attenuated strain Wa, G1, G3 of HRV, and PBS (control), respectively, and fecal samples of pigs from 0 to 7 d post infection (DPI) were collected individually. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect HRV antigen in feces. The HRV was tested by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The sections of the intestinal tissue were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to observe the morphologic variation by microscopy. Immunofluorescence was used to determine the HRV in intestinal tissue. HRV particles in cells of the ileum were observed by electron micrography.

RESULTS: When inoculated with HRV, mini-pigs younger than 30 d developed diarrhea in an age-dependent manner and shed HRV antigen of the same inoculum, as demonstrated by RT-PCR. Histopathological changes were observed in HRV inoculated mini-pigs including small intestinal cell tumefaction and necrosis. HRV that was distributed in the small intestine was restricted to the top part of the villi on the internal wall of the ileum, which was observed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Virus particles were observed in Golgi like follicles in HRV-infected neonatal mini-pigs. Guizhou mini-pigs were more sensitive to HRV than Bamma with respect to RV antigen shedding and clinical diarrhea.

CONCLUSION: These results indicate that we have established a mini-pig model of HRV induced diarrhea. Our findings are useful for the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of HRV infection.

VEGF Gene Polymorphisms Affect Serum Protein Levels and Alter Disease Activity and Synovial Lesions in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background

Our study investigated 2 common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for their influences on serum VEGF levels, disease activity, and synovial lesions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Material/Methods

Clinical information and venous blood samples were collected from 98 RA patients and 100 healthy controls. Genotyping on samples from the subjects was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Serum VEGF levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The synovial thickness and joint effusion of 28 joints were measured in RA patients, and total sharp score (TSS) and disease activity score (DAS) of 28 joints were recorded.

Results

The genotype and allele frequencies of VEGF rs833070 (G>A) and rs3025030 (G>C) were significantly different between RA group and control group (all P<0.05). VEGF rs833070 and rs3025030 polymorphisms were associated with increasing VEGF serum levels in the RA group (all P<0.01). Statistically significant difference was observed in DAS28 between the different genotypes of VEGF rs833070 in RA patients (P<0.05). Importantly, significant differences in synovial thickening, joint effusion and synovial angiogenesis were observed between the different genotypes of VEGF rs833070 and rs3025030 polymorphisms (all P<0.05).

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that VEGF polymorphisms might be important indicators of disease activity and synovial lesions, and prognostic factors in evaluating the treatment effectiveness in RA.

Ultrafast spin exchange-coupling torque via photo-excited charge-transfer processes

Optical control of spin is of central importance in the research of ultrafast spintronic devices utilizing spin dynamics at short time scales. Recently developed optical approaches such as ultrafast demagnetization, spin-transfer and spin-orbit torques open new pathways to manipulate spin through its interaction with photon, orbit, charge or phonon. However, these processes are limited by either the long thermal recovery time or the low-temperature requirement. Here we experimentally demonstrate ultrafast coherent spin precession via optical charge-transfer processes in the exchange-coupled Fe/CoO system at room temperature. The efficiency of spin precession excitation is significantly higher and the recovery time of the exchange-coupling torque is much shorter than for the demagnetization procedure, which is desirable for fast switching. The exchange coupling is a key issue in spin valves and tunnelling junctions, and hence our findings will help promote the development of exchange-coupled device concepts for ultrafast coherent spin manipulation.

Light can provide ultrafast ways of spin manipulation in magnetic materials, but existing methods are limited by long thermal recovery or low temperature. Here, the authors demonstrate ultrafast spin precession via optical charge-transfer processes in exchange-coupled Fe/CoO at room temperature.

Quantitative study of the quadratic magneto-optical Kerr effects in Fe films

We present a rotating field method to separate the linear and quadratic magneto-optical Kerr effects (LMOKE and QMOKE) in Fe/GaAs(001) films. The LMOKE is isotropic in crystal orientation, while the QMOKE has both isotropic and anisotropic contributions. The experimental observation is well explained by Yeh's 4×4 matrix formalism. We also report the incident angle and the thickness dependences of the LMOKE and QMOKE, and extract the material's index of refraction n and the magneto-optical coupling constant K and G. The study gives a full description of the Kerr effect in Fe films, and the proposed method can be applied to other magneto-optical coupling systems.

Identification of differential proteins in colorectal cancer cells treated with caffeic acid phenethyl ester

AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE).

METHODS: Protein profiles of human colorectal cancer SW480 cells treated with or without CAPE were analysed using a two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis gel-based proteomics approach. After electrophoresis, the gels were stained with Coomassie brilliant blue R-250. Digital images were taken with a GS-800 Calibrated Densitometer, and image analysis was performed using PDQuest 2-D Analysis software. The altered proteins following CAPE treatment were further identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry following a database search. The identified proteins were validated by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTS: CAPE induced human colorectal cancer cell apoptosis. Four up-regulated proteins and seven down-regulated proteins in colorectal cancer cells treated with CAPE were found. The identified down-regulated proteins in CAPE-treated colorectal cancer cells were Triosephosphate Isomerase (Tim), Proteasome subunit alpha 4 (PSMA4) protein, Guanine nucleotide binding protein beta, Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1), PSMA1, Myosin XVIIIB and Tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase. Notably, CAPE treatment led to the down-regulation of PSAT1 and PSMA1, two proteins that have been implicated in tumorigenesis. The identified up-regulated proteins were Annexin A4, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, Glucosamine-6-phosphate deaminase 1 (GNPDA1), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPX-1). Based on high match scores and potential role in cell growth control, PSMA1, PSAT1, GNPDA1 and GPX-1 were further validated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay. PSMA1 and PSAT1 were down-regulated, while GNPDA1 and GPX-1 were up-regulated in CAPE-treated colorectal cancer cells.

CONCLUSION: These differentiated proteins in colorectal cancer cells following CAPE treatment, may be potential molecular targets of CAPE and involved in the anti-cancer effect of CAPE.

Comparative analysis of mucosal immunity to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in Jiangquhai porcine lean strain and DLY piglets

The Jiangquhai porcine lean strain (JQHPL) is a new pork meat-type strain that has been developed in recent years from the parent lines Duroc, Fengjing, and Jiangquhai pigs (DurocxFengjing pigxJiangquhai pig). Enzootic pneumonia (EP) in pigs induced by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae) is a chronic respiratory disease of pigs, generating high economic losses in the swine industry. Here, we investigated the degree of resistance to M. hyopneumoniae for the Jiangquhai porcine lean strain and the Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire (DLY) pigs, which are Western commercial pigs that have been introduced in China. A total of 209 DLY piglets and 221 JQHPL piglets from 19 Landrace x Yorkshire and 22 JQHPL M. hyopneumoniae positive gestating sows with different expected dates of confinement were selected and raised in the same M. hyopneumoniae positive farrowing barn. When the oldest suckling piglets were 37 days old, nasal swabs were collected from all the piglets (ranging from 4 to 37 days old) to detect the M. hyopneumoniae pathogen using n-PCR and M. hyopneumoniae specific SIgA using ELISA. Positive M. hyopneumoniae infection rates in both the strains increased with age; however, positive rates for JQHPL were lower compared to DLY at 14 to 35 days old. The level of the specific SIgA rose rapidly in JQHPL respiratory tracts, particularly in piglets 21 to 35 days in age compared to DLY piglets of the same age; however, the level of the specific SIgA in DLY also marginally increased. In conclusion, JQHPL pigs exhibits higher resistance to M. hyopneumoniae compared to DLY. It is possible that this characteristic is caused by the faster and stronger mucosal immunity phenotype of the JQHPL strain.

Novel chiral magnetic domain wall structure in Fe/Ni/Cu(001) films

Using spin-polarized low energy electron microscopy, we discovered a new type of domain wall structure in perpendicularly magnetized Fe/Ni bilayers grown epitaxially on Cu(100). Specifically, we observed unexpected Néel-type walls with fixed chirality in the magnetic stripe phase. Furthermore, we find that the chirality of the domain walls is determined by the film growth order with the chirality being right handed in Fe/Ni bilayers and left handed in Ni/Fe bilayers, suggesting that the underlying mechanism is the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction at the film interfaces. Our observations may open a new route to control chiral spin structures using interfacial engineering in transition metal heterostructures.

Cross-immunizing potential of tumor MAGE-A epitopes recognized by HLA-A*02:01-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Almost all melanoma cells express at least one member of the MAGE-A antigen family, making the cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) epitopes with cross-immunizing potential in this family attractive candidates for the broad spectrum of anti-melanoma immunotherapy. In this study, four highly homologous peptides (P264: FLWGPRALA, P264I9: FLWGPRALI, P264V9: FLWGPRALV, and P264H8: FLWGPRAHA) from the MAGE-A antigens were selected by homologous alignment. All four peptides showed high binding affinity and stability to HLA-A*02:01 molecules, and could prime CTL immune responses in human PBMCs and in HLA-A*02:01/K(b) transgenic mice. CTLs elicited by the four epitope peptides could cross-lyse tumor cells expressing the mutual target antigens, except MAGE-A11 which was not tested. However, CTLs induced by P264V9 and P264I9 showed the strongest target cell lysis capabilities, suggesting both peptides may represent the common CTL epitopes shared by the eight MAGE-A antigens, which could induce more potent and broad-spectrum antitumor responses in immunotherapy.

Identification of interacting proteins of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma in HepG2 cells

The retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma (ROR γ) plays critical roles in regulation of development, immunity and metabolism. As transcription factor usually forms a protein complex to function, thus capturing and dissecting of the ROR γ protein complex will be helpful for exploring the mechanisms underlying those functions. After construction of the recombinant tandem affinity purification (TAP) plasmid, pMSCVpuro ROR γ-CTAP(SG), the nuclear localization of ROR γ-CTAP(SG) fusion protein was verified. Following isolation of ROR γ protein complex by TAP strategy, seven candidate interacting proteins were identified. Finally, the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) were confirmed to interplay with ROR γ by co-immunoprecipitation. Interference of HSP90 or/and RIP140 genes resulted in dramatically decreased expression of CYP2C8 gene, the ROR γ target gene. Data from this study demonstrate that HSP90 and RIP140 proteins interact with ROR γ protein in a complex format and function as co-activators in the ROR γ-mediated regulatory processes of HepG2 cells.

von Willebrand factor: more than a regulator of hemostasis and thrombosis

von Willebrand factor (vWF) was first identified as an adhesive glycoprotein involved in hemostasis by Zimmermann in 1971. Since then, vWF has been shown to play a vital role in platelet adhesion, platelet binding to collagen and factor VIII protection. Recent studies have implicated vWF as a regulator of angiogenesis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, tumor cell metastasis and crosstalk in the immune system. In this review, we will discuss the aspects of vWF structure that facilitate its biological effects and speculate on its newly discovered and hypothesized roles in the pathogenesis of several diseases.

A novel splice variant of folate receptor 4 predominantly expressed in regulatory T cells

BACKGROUND

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are required for proper maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Folate receptor 4 (FR4) is expressed at high levels in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-induced Tregs and natural Tregs. Moreover, antibody-mediated targeting of FR4 is sufficient to mediate Treg depletion.

RESULTS

In this study, we describe a novel FR4 transcript variant, FR4D3, in which exon 3 is deleted. The mRNA of FR4D3 encodes a FR4 variant truncated by 189 bp. FR4D3 was found to be predominantly expressed in CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells. Overexpression of FR4D3 in CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells in vitro stimulated proliferation, which may modulate the ability of these cells to bind and incorporate folic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that high levels of FR4D3 may be critical to support the substantial proliferative capacity of Treg cells.

Preparation and characterization of silk fibroin as a biomaterial with potential for drug delivery

BACKGROUND

Degummed silk fibroin from Bombyx mori (silkworm) has potential carrier capabilities for drug delivery in humans; however, the processing methods have yet to be comparatively analyzed to determine the differential effects on the silk protein properties, including crystalline structure and activity.

METHODS

In this study, we treated degummed silk with four kinds of calcium-alcohol solutions, and performed secondary structure measurements and enzyme activity test to distinguish the differences between the regenerated fibroins and degummed silk fibroin.

RESULTS

Gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that Ca(NO3)2-methanol, Ca(NO3)2-ethanol, or CaCl2-methanol treatments produced more lower molecular weights of silk fibroin than CaCl2-ethanol. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that CaCl2-ethanol produced a crystalline structure with more silk I (α-form, type II β-turn), while the other treatments produced more silk II (β-form, anti-parallel β-pleated sheet). Solid-State 13C cross polarization and magic angle spinning-nuclear magnetic resonance measurements suggested that regenerated fibroins from CaCl2-ethanol were nearly identical to degummed silk fibroin, while the other treatments produced fibroins with significantly different chemical shifts. Finally, enzyme activity test indicated that silk fibroins from CaCl2-ethanol had higher activity when linked to a known chemotherapeutic drug, L-asparaginase, than the fibroins from other treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these results suggest that the CaCl2-ethanol processing method produces silk fibroin with biomaterial properties that are appropriate for drug delivery.

Electric-field control of nonvolatile magnetization in Co40Fe40B20/Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))(0.7)Ti(0.3)O3 structure at room temperature

We report a large and nonvolatile bipolar-electric-field-controlled magnetization at room temperature in a Co(40)Fe(40)B(20)/Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))(0.7)Ti(0.3)O(3) structure, which exhibits an electric-field-controlled looplike magnetization. Investigations on the ferroelectric domains and crystal structures with in situ electric fields reveal that the effect is related to the combined action of 109° ferroelastic domain switching and the absence of magnetocrystalline anisotropy in Co(40)Fe(40)B(20). This work provides a route to realize large and nonvolatile magnetoelectric coupling at room temperature and is significant for applications.

Effect of thymosin alpha-1 on subpopulations of Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in vitro

Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) has been shown to have beneficial effects on numerous immune system parameters, but little is known about the effects of Tα1 on patients with gastric carcinoma. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Tα1 on subpopulations of Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in vitro, and to evaluate its efficacy as an immunoregulatory factor in patients with gastric carcinoma. We compared the effect of Tα1 on the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, especially the CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from gastric carcinoma patients (N = 35) and healthy donors (N = 22). We also analyzed the changes in the proliferation of PBMCs in response to treatment with Tα1, and examined the production of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines by PBMCs and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The treatment of PBMCs from gastric cancer patients, with Tα1 (50 µg/mL) alone increased the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ (suppressive antitumor-specific Tregs) from 1.68 ± 0.697 to 2.19 ± 0.795% (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that Tα1 increases the percentage of Tregs and IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in vitro.

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)-derived peptide vaccine induced infertility in mice without pathological effect on reproductive organs

In a previous study it was found that priming with recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (rhFSHR) protein (F140) and boosting with a peptide containing amino acids 32–44 from FSHR showed a specific immune response and fertility inhibition in adult male mice. However, this priming and boosting led to damage of the reproductive organs. Therefore, to eliminate this damage, the peptide prime–boost strategy was explored as a possible means of avoiding the pathological change while maintaining infertility. Immunisation with the peptide prime–boost strategy led to decreased fertility 10 weeks after vaccination, which is consistent with Balb/C mice treated with the protein prime–peptide boost regime. In contrast to the cellular swelling and spotty necrosis in spermatogonia observed in the protein-primed mice, the mice receiving peptide priming did not display pathological damage in seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells. Thus, the prime–boost immune regime with the FSHR-derived peptide potentially provides a much safer candidate for a contraceptive vaccine.

Direct measurement of rotatable and frozen CoO spins in exchange bias system of CoO/Fe/Ag(001)

The exchange bias of epitaxially grown CoO/Fe/Ag(001) was investigated using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism and x-ray magnetic linear dichroism (XMLD) techniques. A direct XMLD measurement on the CoO layer during the Fe magnetization reversal shows that the CoO compensated spins are rotatable at thinner thickness and frozen at larger thickness. By a quantitative determination of the rotatable and frozen CoO spins as a function of the CoO film thickness, we find the remarkable result that the exchange bias is well established before frozen spins are detectable in the CoO film. We further show that the rotatable and frozen CoO spins are uniformly distributed in the CoO film.

Quantum-well states in a double-well system: an example of Cu/Co(Ni)/Cu

The quantum-well (QW) states in the Cu/Co double-well system are studied by first-principles calculations. We have shown that the monolayer Ni or Co as a heterogeneous spacer in Cu QW can not only disturb the QW states extending into the whole structure, but also create new QW states because of the interfaces introduced, resulting in sub-well-confining electrons. If the QW state energy in two sub-wells is close to each other, these two sub-well QW states can couple together. We have also demonstrated that monolayer Co and Ni spacers play different roles for modulating QW states at different energy levels, which also result in a complicated distribution of QW states. The obtained results are in good agreement with experiment data.

Oscillatory magnetic anisotropy originating from quantum well states in Fe films

The magnetic anisotropy of Fe film grown on vicinal Ag(1,1,10) surfaces was studied with the in situ magneto-optic Kerr effect. Below 200 K, strong oscillations of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy as a function of Fe thickness with a period of 5.7 monolayers are found, which can even cause the easy magnetization axis to oscillate between perpendicular and parallel to the steps. Such novel oscillation of the anisotropy is attributed to the quantum well states of d-band electrons at the Fermi level in the Fe film. This is unlike the previously observed oscillatory behaviors of ferromagnetic films caused by the quantum well states in nonmagnetic interfacing layers.

Mapping of binding epitopes of a human decay-accelerating factor monoclonal antibody capable of enhancing rituximab-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity

Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) is thought to be one of the most important mechanisms of action of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The decay-accelerating factor (DAF) overexpressed in certain tumors limits the CDC effect of the therapeutic anticancer antibodies. The use of DAF blocking antibodies targeted specifically at cancer cells in combination with immunotherapeutic mAbs of cancer may improve the therapeutic effect in cancer patients. In this study, the lysis of Raji cells mediated by CDC was determined after blocking DAF function by anti-DAF polyclonal antibody and 3 mAbs (DG3, DG9, DA11) prepared in our laboratory, respectively, in the presence of the anti-CD20 chimeric mAb rituximab. The binding domains of the three anti-DAF mAbs were identified using yeast surface display technique, and the mimic epitopes of mAb DG3 were screened from a random phage-display nonapeptide library. The results showed that blocking DAF function by anti-DAF polyclonal antibody enhanced complement-mediated killing of Raji cells. Among the 3 mAbs against DAF, only DG3 was found to be able to remarkably enhance the CDC effect of the therapeutic mAb rituximab. DG3 bound to the third short consensus repeat (SCR) of DAF. Binding of DG3 to immobilized DAF was inhibited by mimic epitope peptides screened from the peptide library. Our results suggest that a higher level of DAF expressed by certain tumor cells is significant to abolish the CDC effect of therapeutic anticancer antibodies, and mAbs binding to SCR3 can enhance the complement-mediated killing of Raji cells. It is of significance to identify the DAF epitopes required in inhibiting CDC not only for better understanding of the relationship between the structure and function of DAF, but also for designing and developing anti-DAF mAbs capable of enhancing CDC.

Unique proteomic features induced by a potential antiglioma agent, Nordy (dl-nordihydroguaiaretic acid), in glioma cells

Nordy is a chirally synthesized compound of a natural lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid. In this study, we found that Nordy inhibited the growth of human glioma cell lines in vitro and their tumorigenicity in mice. In addition, Nordy promoted differentiation of highly malignant human glioma cells. Investigation into the mechanistic basis of Nordy activities revealed that it altered the pattern of protein expression profiles in tumor cells. By using 2-DE, we found that in human glioma cell lines, at least six proteins were down-regulated after Nordy treatment, while four proteins were elevated in the same cells. Among the six down-regulated proteins, microsequencing with MALDI TOF MS confirmed the identity of five: proliferation-associated gene A (PAG-A), alternative splicing factor-3 (ASF-3), beta-galactoside binding lectin, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A), and coffilin-1 (nonmuscle). Four up-regulated proteins were GST-pi, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, alpha-enolase, and cyclophilin. All these proteins have been reported to participate in key cellular functions including proliferation, metabolism, differentiation, apoptosis, and gene transcription. Our results suggest that Nordy may constitute a promising drug lead for the development of novel antitumor agents targeting proteins that control tumor cell function at multiple levels.

Symmetry-breaking induced exchange bias in ferromagnetic Ni-Cu-Co and Ni-Fe-Co sandwiches grown on a vicinal Cu(001) surface

Ferromagnetic Ni-Cu-Co and Ni-Fe-Co sandwiches were grown epitaxially onto a vicinal Cu(001) substrate and investigated using magneto-optical Kerr effect and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism techniques. We find that the atomic steps of the vicinal surface break the magnetic reversal symmetry to induce an exchange bias in the Ni perpendicular magnetic hysteresis loop. The Ni exchange bias direction can be switched by changing the direction of the in-plane Co magnetization. In addition, the exchange bias can be tailored by changing the Cu or Fe spacer layer thickness.

Magnetic bubble domain phase at the spin reorientation transition of ultrathin Fe/Ni/Cu(001) film

Magnetic domain phases of ultrathin Fe/Ni/Cu(001) are studied using photoemission electron microscopy at the spin reorientation transition (SRT). We observe a new magnetic phase of bubble domains within a narrow SRT region after applying a nearly in-plane magnetic field pulse to the sample. By applying the magnetic field pulse along different directions, we find that the bubble domain phase exists only if the magnetic field direction is less than approximately 10 degrees relative to the sample surface. A temperature dependent measurement shows that the bubble domain phase becomes unstable above 370 K.

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte response induced by an improved synthetic lipopeptide vaccine against cervical cancer

AIM

To explore cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response induced by the lipopeptide vaccine against cervical cancer.

METHODS

The immunological effect inducing CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity was investigated in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 transgenic mice and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy HLA-A2.1+blood donor. The activity of specific CTL was measured by using a standard 4 h( 51)Cr release assay. The content of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I on T2 cells and the expression of immune molecules on dendritic cells (DC) were detected by flow cytometry, and the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon-gamma were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

The lipopeptide induced a strong epitope-specific CTL response both in vivo (transgenic mice) and in vitro (human PBMC). This CTL induction was critically dependent on the presence of the helper T lymphocyte epitope in transgenic mice, and the presence of a lipid tail bypassed the need for an adjuvant. The stability and persistence of the antigenic complex formed with the lipopeptide increased in comparison with the CTL parental peptide. The lipopeptide could induce the production of IL-12 in DC, but not the maturation of DC directly.

CONCLUSION

The combination of CTL and the T helper epitope and lipid molecule can remarkably improve the immunogenicity of the CTL peptide, the mechanism of which is associated with an increase in the stability and persistence of the antigenic complex formed with the lipopeptide and in the production of IL-12 in DC induced by the lipopeptide. The lipopeptide can be considered a more effective vaccine type for human being.

TLR2 and TLR4 agonists synergistically up-regulate SR-A in RAW264.7 through p38

It is known that macrophage scavenger receptor A (SR-A) can protect mice from endotoxemia. In addition, Escherichia coli O111:B4 LPS from Sigma (sLPS), which contains both TLR4 and TLR2 agonists, was previously reported to be able to induce SR-A expression on murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. However, the relative role of both TLR4 and TLR2 agonists from Sigma (sLPS) in the up-regulation of SR-A on RAW264.7 is still undefined. Here, we found that sLPS could only slightly up-regulate SR-A on RAW264.7 following removing its TLR4 and TLR2 agonists, respectively. In contrast, the combination of TLR4 agonist uLPS (re-extracted sLPS) and TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4 dramatically induced SR-A expression, and synergistically promoted RAW264.7 to bind and internalize FITC-LPS specifically through SR-A. The combination had no such effect either on TLR2 or TLR4 expression, and incubation with IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 or TNF-alpha alone could not induce SR-A expression on RAW264.7. In addition, treatment with a NF-kappaB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) could only weakly suppress the up-regulation of SR-A by the combination. However, the combination synergistically promoted MAPK p38 phosphorylation, and p38 specific inhibitor SB203580 completely suppressed its inducible effect on SR-A expression. Hence, we demonstrated that up-regulation of SR-A by sLPS was resulted from the cooperation of its TLR4 and TLR2 agonists through p38, and we also presented a novel synergy effect of TLR2 and TLR4 agonists.