DPSCs regulate epithelial-T cell interactions in oral submucous fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous lesion characterized by fibrous tissue deposition, the incidence of which correlates positively with the frequency of betel nut chewing. Prolonged betel nut chewing can damage the integrity of the oral mucosal epithelium, leading to chronic inflammation and local immunological derangement. However, currently, the underlying cellular events driving fibrogenesis and dysfunction are incompletely understood, such that OSF has few treatment options with limited therapeutic effectiveness. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been recognized for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis capabilities, making them promising candidates to treat a range of immune, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases. However, the application of DPSCs in OSF is inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the pathogenic mechanism of OSF and, based on this, to explore new treatment options.

METHODS

A human cell atlas of oral mucosal tissues was compiled using single-cell RNA sequencing to delve into the underlying mechanisms. Epithelial cells were reclustered to observe the heterogeneity of OSF epithelial cells and their communication with immune cells. The results were validated in vitro, in clinicopathological sections, and in animal models. In vivo, the therapeutic effect and mechanism of DPSCs were characterized by histological staining, immunohistochemical staining, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy.

RESULTS

A unique epithelial cell population, Epi1.2, with proinflammatory and profibrotic functions, was predominantly found in OSF. Epi1.2 cells also induced the fibrotic process in fibroblasts by interacting with T cells through receptor-ligand crosstalk between macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-CD74 and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Furthermore, we developed OSF animal models and simulated the clinical local injection process in the rat buccal mucosa using DPSCs to assess their therapeutic impact and mechanism. In the OSF rat model, DPSCs demonstrated superior therapeutic effects compared with the positive control (glucocorticoids), including reducing collagen deposition and promoting blood vessel regeneration. DPSCs mediated immune homeostasis primarily by regulating the numbers of KRT19 + MIF + epithelial cells and via epithelial-stromal crosstalk.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the current ambiguity surrounding the cause of OSF and the limited treatment options available, our study reveals that epithelial cells and their crosstalk with T cells play an important role in the mechanism of OSF and suggests the therapeutic promise of DPSCs.

[Study of the predictive role of serum HBV RNA on HBeAg serological conversion in children with chronic hepatitis B]

Objective: To investigate the role of serum hepatitis B virus RNA (HBV RNA) in predicting HBeAg serological conversion in children with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: 175 children aged 1~17 years with chronic hepatitis B who received interferon α (IFNα) for 48 weeks were selected. Patients were divided into HBeAg seroconversion and non-conversion based on whether HBeAg seroconversion occurred at 48 weeks of treatment.T-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare between groups; chisquare test or Fisher exact probability method was used to compare the frequency between groups of classified variables; and Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between indicators. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify influencing factors associated with HBeAg serological conversion. The predictive effect of HBV RNA, HBV DNA, and HBsAg on HBeAg serological conversion was compared and analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: The seroconversion rate of HBeAg at 48 weeks was 36.0% (63/175). The reduction in HBVRNA levels from baseline to the 12th, 24th, 36th, and 48th weeks of antiviral therapy was significantly greater in the HBeAg serological conversion group than that in the non-conversion group, and the difference was statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that age and a decline in HBV RNA levels at week 12 were independent predictors of HBeAg serological conversion. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of HBV RNA decline at week 12 was 0.677(95% CI∶0.549-0.806, P = 0.012), which was significantly better than the same period of AUROC of HBV DNA (0.657, 95% CI∶0.527-0.788, P = 0.025) and HBsAg (0.660, 95% CI∶0.526-0.795, P = 0.023) decline. HBV RNA levels decreased (>1.385 log10 copies/ml) at week 12, with a positive predictive value of 53.2%, a negative predictive value of 72.2%, a sensitivity of 77.4%, and a specificity of 57.9% for HBeAg seroconversion. Conclusion: HBV RNA level lowering during the 12th week of antiviral therapy can serve as an early predictor marker for HBeAg serological conversion in children with chronic hepatitis B.

Fibrotic Matrix Induces Mesenchymal Transformation of Epithelial Cells in Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a potentially malignant disorder of the oral mucosa; however, whether and how the fibrotic matrix of OSF is involved in the malignant transformation of epithelial cells remains unknown. Herein, oral mucosa tissue from patients with OSF, OSF rat models, and their controls were used to observe the extracellular matrix changes and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in fibrotic lesions. Compared with controls, oral mucous tissues from patients with OSF showed an increased number of myofibroblasts, a decreased number of blood vessels, and increased type I and type III collagen levels. In addition, the oral mucous tissues from humans and OSF rats showed increased stiffness, accompanied by increased EMT activities of epithelial cells. The EMT activities of stiff construct-cultured epithelial cells were increased significantly by exogenous piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1) activation, and decreased by yes-associated protein (YAP) inhibition. During ex vivo implantation, oral mucosal epithelial cells of the stiff group showed increased EMT activities and increased levels of Piezo1 and YAP compared with those in the sham and soft groups. These results indicate that increased stiffness of the fibrotic matrix in OSF led to increased proliferation and EMT of mucosal epithelial cells, in which the Piezo1-YAP signal transduction is important.

A biomaterial-based therapy using a sodium hyaluronate/bioglass composite hydrogel for the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic, inflammatory and potentially malignant oral disorder. Its pathophysiology is extremely complex, including excessive collagen deposition, massive inflammatory infiltration, and capillary atrophy. However, the existing clinical treatment methods do not fully take into account all the pathophysiological processes of OSF, so they are generally low effective and have many side effects. In the present study, we developed an injectable sodium hyaluronate/45S5 bioglass composite hydrogel (BG/HA), which significantly relieved mucosal pallor and restricted mouth opening in OSF rats without any obvious side effects. The core mechanism of BG/HA in the treatment of OSF is the release of biologically active silicate ions, which inhibit collagen deposition and inflammation, and promote angiogenesis and epithelial regeneration. Most interestingly, silicate ions can overall regulate the physiological environment of OSF by down-regulating α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and CD68 and up-regulating CD31 expression, as well as regulating the expression of pro-fibrotic factors [transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1)] and anti-fibrotic factors [interleukin-1β (IL-1β)] in macrophage. In conclusion, our study shows that BG/HA has great potential in the clinical treatment of OSF, which provides an important theoretical basis for the subsequent development of new anti-fibrotic clinical preparations. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic, inflammatory and potentially malignant mucosal disease with significant impact on the quality of patients' life. However, the existing clinical treatments have limited efficacy and many side effects. There is an urgent need for development of specific drugs for OSF treatment. In the present study, bioglass (BG) composited with sodium hyaluronate solution (HA) was used to treat OSF in an arecoline-induced rat model. BG/HA can significantly inhibit collagen deposition, regulate inflammatory response, promote angiogenesis and repair damaged mucosal epithelial cells, and thereby mitigate the development of fibrosis in vivo.

Optimization of Lactoferrin-Derived Amyloid Coating for Enhancing Soft Tissue Seal and Antibacterial Activity of Titanium Implants

A poor seal of the titanium implant-soft tissue interface provokes bacterial invasion, aggravates inflammation, and ultimately results in implant failure. To ensure the long-term success of titanium implants, lactoferrin-derived amyloid is coated on the titanium surface to increase the expression of cell integrins and hemidesmosomes, with the goal of promoting soft tissue seal and imparting antibacterial activity to the implants. The lactoferrin-derived amyloid coated titanium structures contain a large number of amino and carboxyl groups on their surfaces, and promote proliferation and adhesion of epithelial cells and fibroblasts via the PI3K/AKT pathway. The amyloid coating also has a strong positive charge and possesses potent antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Porphyromonas gingivalis. In a rat immediate implantation model, the amyloid-coated titanium implants form gingival junctional epithelium at the transmucosal region that resembles the junctional epithelium in natural teeth. This provides a strong soft tissue seal to wall off infection. Taken together, lactoferrin-derived amyloid is a dual-function transparent coating that promotes soft tissue seal and possesses antibacterial activity. These unique properties enable the synthesized amyloid to be used as potential biological implant coatings.

[Clinical Analysis of Elderly Patients with AML/High-Risk MDS]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical features of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)/high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients aged over 60 years old.

METHODS

The clinical data of 61 elderly newly diagnosed patients with AML and high-risk MDS who submitted to the Department of Hematology/Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Tsinghua University from January 2009 to April 16, 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into chemotherapy group (45 cases) and supportive treatment group (16 cases). The overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method, and the prognostic factors of survival were analyzed by multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

After 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy, the complete remission (CR) rate was 37.8% (17/45), and overall response rate was 62.2% (28/45) in the chemotherapy group. The median OS in the chemotherapy group and supportive treatment group was 11.3 (0.07-43) and 1.6 (0.33-7.72) months, respectively (P<0.001). The median OS in patients who reached CR or did not reach after 1 cycle of induction chemotherapy was 19.8 (10-30.63) and 8.17 (0.07-43) months, respectively (P<0.05), while after 2 cycles was 22.7 (4.2-43) and 7.26 (0.07-26) months, respectively (P<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that age > 80 years old, CCI score > 2, PS score > 2 and supportive treatment were the adverse prognostic factors for OS. Further multivariate analysis suggested that chemotherapy was the only independent prognostic factor for OS (HR=0.140, 95%CI: 0.048-0.409, P<0.001). In the chemotherapy group, univariate analysis showed that CCI score > 2 and failure to reach CR after induction chemotherapy were poor prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis showed that CCI score > 2 (HR=0.139, 95%CI: 0.050-0.384, P<0.001) and failure to achieve CR after induction chemotherapy (HR=0.103, 95%CI: 0.041-0.259, P<0.001) were the adverse prognostic factors for OS. The patients were tolerant to side-effect of chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Appropriate chemotherapy can prolong the survival of elderly patients with AML and high-risk MDS.

Investigation on knowledge level about rational use of antimicrobial drugs among pharmacists in medical institutions in Shanxi province, China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pharmacist's knowledge about rational use of antimicrobials in Shanxi of China, so as to find out the problems and provide support for the management of antimicrobials.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted, which included the basic information of the respondents, the basic knowledge about antimicrobial management and the related knowledge about antimicrobial drugs. SPSS 25.0 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 462 pharmacists were investigated. The average score of the knowledge related to rational use of antimicrobials was 10.49 ± 4.05. It showed that the hospital type, grade, pharmacist's education, professional title and years of experience had effect on the pharmacist's knowledge level about antimicrobial drugs (P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that hospital grade and pharmacist's education were the main influencing factors (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pharmacists have insufficient knowledge about the rational use of antibacterial drugs. It is essential to strengthen the training in management regulations and application of antibacterial drugs.

[Studies on the role of chromobox protein homolog 2 in the inhibition of progression of hepatoma]

Objective: To explore chromobox protein homolog 2 (CBX2) expressions in relation to clinical features of patients and elucidate its role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, R language was used to analyze the distribution of differentially expressed mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma. The different expression of CBX2 in HCC and adjacent tissues and its relationship with survival and clinical characteristics of patients were further analyzed. The expression of CBX2 in liver tissues, liver cancer tissue, and L02, HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cell lines was detected by real time-PCR and western blot. The expression of CBX2 was interfered by siRNA in hepatoma cell line. MTT, colony formation, transwell assays, and flow cytometry were used to identify the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and clone-formation ability of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells after CBX2 down-regulation. According to the different data, t-test, ANOVA, chi-square test, and COX regression model were used for statistical analysis. Survival curve was plotted through Kaplan-Meier method. Results: TCGA public database analysis showed that the expression of CBX2 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues (7.296 ± 1.6115) was significantly higher than normal liver tissues (4.706 ± 0.940) (P = 0.000). In addition, the overall survival time of patients with low CBX2 mRNA expression was significantly longer than that of patients with high CBX2 mRNA expression [(5.971 ± 0.411) years vs. (4.650 ± 0.503) years, P = 0.001]. The expression level of CBX2 mRNA was correlated with the pathological TNM stage (P = 0.025) and differentiation degree (P < 0.001) of liver cancer. COX regression analysis showed that CBX2 mRNA expression was an independent predictor of patient survival (P = 0.013). siRNA was transfected and compared with the blank control group. The transgenic ability of HepG2 and SMMC-77221 cells decreased significantly at 72h (P < 0.05) and 96h (P < 0.05), and the apoptosis rate (11.430% ± 0.215%) was higher than blank control group (6.6 00% ± 0.170%) (P = 0.003). The number of invasive cells ((both P < 0.05) and relative colony forming cells ((both P < 0.001) were significantly decreased. In 20 cases of tissue samples, the expression of CBX2 protein (relative expression level 3.020 ± 0.269) in liver cancer was higher than that in adjacent tissues (relative expression level 0.886±0.065) (P < 0.001). The overall survival time of patients with low CBX2 expression in liver cancer was longer than that of patients with high expression [(3.670 + 0.576) years vs. (0.834 + 0.153) years, P = 0.004]. Conclusion: An evident high expression of CBX2 is an independent poor prognostic factor in hepatoma. Down-regulation of CBX2 expression can inhibit the progression of liver cancer. Therefore, CBX2 may be a prognostic biomarker and a new target for HCC treatment.

[Survival Analysis of 148 Patients with Primary Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical outcome of the patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma（DLBCL）.

METHODS

Clinical data of 148 patients with DLBCL in our hospital and cancer hospital from March 2006 to April 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate progression-free survival（PFS）and overall survival（OS）.

RESULTS

5-year OS and PFS rates were 85% and 69%，respectively. The survival analysis showed that 5-year OS rate of R-CHOP group was significantly higher than that of CHOP alone group（89% vs. 70%，P<0.05）. In univariate analysis，several clinical factors，such as older age（>60 years），poor ECOG score（≥2），advanced stage（Ⅲ-Ⅳ），higher IPI score（≥3），CHOP alone and absence of radiotherapy related with poor survival rate. Furthermore，multivariate analysis showed that age>60 year significantly related with the worse OS.

CONCLUSION

Age >60 year is an important independent prognostic factor to predict worse OS or PFS.

A single factor induces neuronal differentiation to suppress glioma cell growth

AIM

Glioma, with fast growth and progression features, is the most common and aggressive tumor in the central nervous system and is essentially incurable. This study is aimed at inducing neuronal differentiation to suppress glioma cell growth with a single transcription factor.

METHODS

Overexpression of transcription factor SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 11 (SOX11) and Zic family member 1 (ZIC1) was, respectively, performed in glioma cells with lentivirus infection. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to knock out ZIC1 in U87 cells, and knockout efficiency was identified by Western blotting and Sanger sequencing. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The downstream targets of SOX11 were analyzed by Affymetrix GeneChip microarrays. qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence technique were used to verify gene targets of genetically modified U87 cells. All the cells were imaged by a fluorescence microscope. Gene expression correlation analysis and overall survival analysis based on TCGA dataset are performed by GEPIA.

RESULTS

We induced glioma cells into neuron-like cells to suppress cell growth using a single transcription factor, SOX11 or ZIC1. Besides, we proved that there is a strong correlation between SOX11 and ZIC1. Our study revealed that SOX11 upregulates ZIC1 expression by binding with ZIC1 promoter, and ZIC1 partially mediates SOX11-induced neuronal differentiation in U87 cells. However, SOX11 expression is not regulated by ZIC1. Moreover, high MAP2 expression means better overall survival in TCGA lower grade glioma.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that glioma cells can be reprogrammed into neuron-like cells using a single factor ZIC1, which may be a potential tumor suppressor gene for gliomas treatment.

[Analysis and discussion of risk factors related to dental implant failure]

The implant prosthesis has been extensively used in clinic recently, and implant failure is appearing. Many factors may cause the failure, and they work together generally. This paper summarizes and analyzes the failure cases related to implant treatment and relevant risk factors of oral implants in Department of Implantation, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University during the past six years, in order to improve the success rate of implant prosthesis and provide guidance for clinical application.

From single atoms to self-assembled quantum single-atomic nanowires: noble metal atoms on black phosphorene monolayers

Transition metal (TM) nanostructures, such as one dimensional (1D) nanowires with/without substrates, usually possess drastically different properties from their bulk counterparts, due to their distinct stacking and electronic confinement. Correspondingly, it is of great importance to establish the dominant driving force in forming 1D single-metal-atom-wires (SMAWs). Here, with first-principles calculations, taking the black phosphorene (BP) monolayer as a prototype 2D substrate, we investigate the energetic and kinetic properties of all the 5d-TM atoms on the 2D substrate to reveal the mechanism of formation of SMAWs. In contrast to other 5d- and 4d-TMs, noble metal elements Pd and Pt are found to prefer to grow along the trough in an atom-by-atom manner, self-assembling into SMAWs with a significant magic growth behavior. This is due to distinct binding energies and diffusion barriers along the trough, i.e., zig-zag direction, as compared to other directions of the BP. The present findings are valuable in the fabrication and modulation of 1D nanostructures which can be anticipated to possess desirable functionalities for potential applications such as in nanocatalysis, nanosensors, and related areas.

[Clinical Analysis of Priming Regimen for Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Non-APL) Patients Aged over 70 Years]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the therapeutic efficacy for patients aged over 70 years with acute myeloid leukemia(non-APL).

METHODS

Clinical data of 19 acute myeloid leukemia patients aged over 70 years admitted in our hospital from March 2006 to April 2016 years were analyzed retrospectively. Among them 15 patients received priming regimen and 4 patients received best supportive treatment. The overall survival time between patients with priming regimen and patients with best supportine treatment was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The prognostic factors were evaluated by using multivariate analysis. Out of the 19 patients, 9 were males and 10 were females, with median age of 75 years (70-84).

RESULTS

After 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy, the complete response rate was (7/15)46.6% and overall response rate was (11/15) 73%. Significant longer median survival time was observed in priming regimen group, compared with that in best supportive treatment group (11 months vs 2 months)(χ²=17.077, P<0.001). The patients were well tolerant to side-effect of chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis showed that only receiving induction chemotherapy or not was the independent prognostic factor of the survival time(P<0.05), while the sex, age, ECOG index, CD34, HLA-DR, WBC count and ratio of blast cells in bone marrow were factor affecting the prognosis.

CONCLUSION

The priming regimen may be practicable and effective for the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia aged over 70 years (non-APL) and prolong the survival time of these patients.

Substrate co-doping modulates electronic metal-support interactions and significantly enhances single-atom catalysis

Transitional metal nanoparticles or atoms deposited on appropriate substrates can lead to highly economical, efficient, and selective catalysis. One of the greatest challenges is to control the electronic metal-support interactions (EMSI) between the supported metal atoms and the substrate so as to optimize their catalytic performance. Here, from first-principles calculations, we show that an otherwise inactive Pd single adatom on TiO₂(110) can be tuned into a highly effective catalyst, e.g. for O₂ adsorption and CO oxidation, by purposefully selected metal-nonmetal co-dopant pairs in the substrate. Such an effect is proved here to result unambiguously from a significantly enhanced EMSI. A nearly linear correlation is noted between the strength of the EMSI and the activation of the adsorbed O₂ molecule, as well as the energy barrier for CO oxidation. Particularly, the enhanced EMSI shifts the frontier orbital of the deposited Pd atom upward and largely enhances the hybridization and charge transfer between the O₂ molecule and the Pd atom. Upon co-doping, the activation barrier for CO oxidation on the Pd monomer is also reduced to a level comparable to that on the Pd dimer which was experimentally reported to be highly efficient for CO oxidation. The present findings provide new insights into the understanding of the EMSI in heterogeneous catalysis and can open new avenues to design and fabricate cost-effective single-atom-sized and/or nanometer-sized catalysts.

Relative edge energy in the stability of transition metal nanoclusters of different motifs

When a structure is reduced to a nanometer scale, the proportion of the edge atoms increases significantly, which can play a crucial role in determining both their geometric and electronic properties, as demonstrated by the recently established generalized Wulff construction principle [S. F. Li, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 2013, 111, 115501]. Consequently, it is of great interest to clarify quantitatively the role of the edge atoms that dominate the motifs of these nanostructures. In principle, establishing an effective method valid for determining the absolute value of the surface energy and particularly the edge energy for a given nanostructure is expected to resolve such a problem. However, hitherto, it is difficult to obtain the absolute edge energy of transition metal clusters, particularly when their sizes approach the nanometer regime. In this paper, taking Ru nanoclusters as a prototypical example, our first-principles calculations introduce the concept of relative edge energy (REE), reflecting the net edge atom effect over the surface (facet) atom effect, which is fairly powerful to quasi-quantitatively estimate the critical size at which the crossover occurs between different configurations of a given motif, such as from an icosahedron to an fcc nanocrystal. By contrast, the bulk effect should be re-considered to rationalize the power of the REE in predicting the relative stability of larger nanostructures between different motifs, such as fcc-like and hcp-like nanocrystals.

Silencing FKBP38 gene by siRNA induces activation of mTOR signaling in goat fetal fibroblasts

FKBP38 (also known as FKBP8) is a unique member of the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) family, and its role is controversial because it acts as an upstream regulator of the mTOR signaling pathway, which controls cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. This study aimed to explore the role of FKBP38 in the activation of mTOR signaling in Cashmere goat (Capra hircus) fetal fibroblasts. To construct a Cashmere goat FKBP38 siRNA eukaryotic expression vector that targets FKBP38 mRNA, we designed shRNA based on the gene sequence deposited in GenBank (accession No. JF714970) and synthesized a DNA fragment encoding the shRNA. The DNA fragment was inserted into the pRNAT-U6.1/Neo vector to construct an expression vector of shRNA, which was labeled pRNAT-FKBP38-shRNA. The recombinant plasmid was used to transfect Cashmere goat fetal fibroblasts (GFb) using lipofectamine™2000. We found that cells were successfully transfected with pRNAT-U6.1/Neo-FKBP38-shRNA. Green fluorescence could be observed in cells following 48-h transfection. Proteins were then isolated from GFbs transfected with pRNAT-FKBP38-shRNA and from control cells, and protein expression was analyzed by western blot. Expression of FKBP38 decreased and mTOR signaling was activated, which induced the phosphorylation of mTOR, S6, and 4EBP1. Thus, FKBP38 gene-silencing activates mTOR signaling in goat cells.

[Effect of mesenchymal stem cells on human Th1 cells by flow cytometry]

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of fetal bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (FBM-MSC) on the development of human Th1 cells. FBM-MSC were isolated, cultured and expanded in vitro. The cells were identified by their phenotype profiles and differential capacity. Human CD4(+) T cells from healthy donors were cultured alone or co-cultured with FBM-MSC (FBM-MSC/CD4). In these two cultures, the quantities of Th1 cells (interferon-γ(+)) were analyzed by flow cytometry. The results indicated that the immunophenotype and multilineage differentiation of FBM-MSC satisfied the generally accepted criteria. FBM-MSC played an inhibitory role in the development of Th1 cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the percentage of Th1 cells in FBM-MSC/CD4 was significantly lower than that in CD4(+) T cells cultured alone. The protein level of IFN-γ in FBM-MSC/CD4 detected by ELISA was also lower than that in CD4(+) T cells cultured alone. It was also demonstrated that the expression level of IL-6 in FBM-MSC/CD4 was much higher than that in CD4(+) T cells cultured alone or FBM-MSC. The neutralizing antibody of IL-6 could increase the quantities of Th1 cells and the expression levels of IFN-γ. It is concluded that FBM-MSC may play an inhibitory role in the development of human Th1 cells, and the IL-6 pathway may be one of mechanisms involved in the inhibitory role.

[Immunoregulatory function of interleukin-6 on human Th17 cells]

The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory function of interleukin-6(IL-6) on human Th17 cells. Human peripheral blood CD4(+) T cells were purified from healthy donors by anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) conjugated microbeads. The experiment was divided into 2 groups. Test group in which CD4(+) T cells (1 × 10(6)/ml) were stimulated by human recombined IL-6 (20 ng/ml) for 4 days; control group in which CD4(+) T cells did not stimulated by IL-6. The concentrations of IL-17 protein in the supernatants were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantity of Th17 cells were detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that as compared to control group, IL-17 protein level in the supernatants of CD4(+) T cells significantly increased in IL-6 stimulated group: (337.05 ± 189.09 pg/ml; vs 15.07 ± 12.70 pg/ml) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the percentage of Th17 cells in cultures of CD4(+) T cells stimulated by IL-6 was significantly higher than that in control group (4.05% ± 0.30% vs. 2.81% ± 0.44%)(p < 0.01). It is concluded that IL-6 promotes the expansion of Th17 cells in vitro.

Advances in computational studies of energy materials

We review recent developments and applications of computational modelling techniques in the field of materials for energy technologies including hydrogen production and storage, energy storage and conversion, and light absorption and emission. In addition, we present new work on an Sn2TiO4 photocatalyst containing an Sn(II) lone pair, new interatomic potential models for SrTiO3 and GaN, an exploration of defects in the kesterite/stannite-structured solar cell absorber Cu2ZnSnS4, and report details of the incorporation of hydrogen into Ag2O and Cu2O. Special attention is paid to the modelling of nanostructured systems, including ceria (CeO2, mixed Ce(x)O(y) and Ce2O3) and group 13 sesquioxides. We consider applications based on both interatomic potential and electronic structure methodologies; and we illustrate the increasingly quantitative and predictive nature of modelling in this field.

[Analysis on promoter CpG methylation and expression of HOXB4 gene in cord blood CD34(+) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells]

This study was aimed to examine the expression and promoter CpG island methylation of homeobox B4 (HOXB4) gene in CD34(+) cells from cord blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) from health adult, and to investigate the expression level of HOXB4 in these two cells and its relationship with the promoter methylation. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of HOXB4 in CD34(+) cells and PBMNCs, and bisulfite sequencing technique was used to detect the methylation status of the promoter CpG sites of HOXB4 gene in CD34(+) cells and PBMNCs. The results indicated that highly expressed HOXB4 and unmethylation of HOXB4 promoter CpG island occurred in CD34(+) cells. However, loss of HOXB4 expression and the methylated CpG island of HOXB4 were observed in PBMNCs, and the methylated C residue was positioned at -129 bp in the upstream of ATG. It is concluded that the methylation status of HOXB4 gene promoter may be one negative regulatory mechanism for HOXB4 gene expression. The unmethylation of CpG island in the promoter region of HOXB4 gene may be correlated with the high expression of HOXB4 gene in CD34(+) cells, while the promoter methylation of HOXB4 gene may be associated with HOXB4 gene silencing in PBMNCs. The preliminary identification of HOXB4 promoter methylation site would provide a basis for further study and a novel approach to expand hematopoietic progenitor cells.

The formation of nanocrystallite bone-like apatite on chemically treated Ti-24Nd-4Zr-7.9Sn alloy

Ti-24Nd-4Zr-7.9Sn alloy with low elastic modulus and high strength is a great candidate for artificial biomaterials used in orthopedic and dental implants. In order to improve biocompatibility, a biomimetic process was employed to deposit a bone-like apatite nanocrystal coating on alloy. Analysis of the coatings showed that a net-like Na2TiO3 layer with about 100 nm in size was formed on Ti-24Nd-4Zr-7.9Sn treated by NaOH. Consequently, a carbonated apatite nanocrystal coating, namely bone-like apatite, was biomimetically deposited on Na2TiO3 layer, which has similar mineral composition to that of natural bone. The growth mechanism of bone-like layer is also discussed.

Fabrication of porous titanium scaffold materials by a fugitive filler method

A clean powder metallurgy route was developed here to produce Ti foams, using a fugitive polymeric filler, polypropylene carbonate (PPC), to create porosities in a metal-polymer compact at the pre-processing stage. The as-produced foams were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), LECO combustion analyses and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Compression tests were performed to assess their mechanical properties. The results show that titanium foams with open pores can be successfully produced by the method. The compressive strength and modulus of the foams decrease with an increasing level of porosity and can be tailored to those of the human bones. After alkali treatment and soaking in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for 3 days, a thin apatite layer was formed along the Ti foam surfaces, which provides favourable bioactive conditions for bone bonding and growth.

[Clinical analysis of 438 patients with essential thrombocythemia]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the clinical feature and natural course of essential thrombocythemia (ET).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted in ET patients treated in our hospital during May 1980 to December 2006.

RESULTS

Four hundred and thirty eight patients (201 males and 237 females with a median age of 48 years) were diagnosed. Hemorrhage occurred in 101 cases (23.1%), thrombosis in 86 cases (19.6%), and both hemorrhage and thrombosis in 13 cases (3.0%). Splenomegaly occurred in 150 cases and hepatomegaly occurred in 60 cases. One hundred and forty-nine cases (34%) had no symptoms at diagnosis and 145 cases (33.1%) confirmed by routine blood tests due to other diseases. The median platelet count at diagnosis was 1000 x 10(9)/L [(533 -3740) x 10(9)/L]. Bone marrow biopsy was performed in 255 cases which showed mainly increase of enlarged mature megakaryocytes with hyper-lobulated nuclei and local proliferation of reticular fiber was revealed in 51 cases. JAK2V617F mutation was detected in 90(78.9%) of 114 patients studied. Karyotype analysis was performed in 180 cases and 6 (3.3%) had clonal chromosomal aberrations. Two hundred and sixty-one patients were followed up over 12 months with a median of 60 months (range from 12 to 300 months). Seventeen cases (6.5%) evolved into marrow fibrosis (MF) and one case into polycythemia vera (PV). One case evolved into PV 6 years and then MF 20 years after diagnosis of ET. Three cases developed acute monocyte leukemia (M5), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and multiple myeloma (MM), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ET is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder characterized predominantly by thrombocytosis and hemorrhage. The percentage of asymptomatic cases is high. The prognoses for most cases were good with a few cases may evolve into MF.

Oxidation investigation of nickel nanoparticles

This work reported an experimental investigation of complete oxidation of nickel nanoparticles using simultaneous thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Nickel nanoparticles and their elemental compositions were characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The oxidation experiments were performed under isoconversion conditions for seven heating rates, varying from 2 to 20 K min(-1), with temperatures up to 1000 degrees C. The experiments revealed unique oxidation behaviour of nickel at the nanometre scale, such as early oxidation and melting phenomena, variable activation energies and different oxidation kinetics between low and high conversion ratios. Unlike its bulk counterpart where the activation energy is a constant, the activation energy of nickel nanoparticles depended on the conversion ratio, ranging between 1.4 and 1.8 eV. The oxidation kinetics of nickel nanoparticles changed from the classical diffusion controlled mechanism to a pseudo-homogeneous reaction as conversion ratios were over 50%. The oxidation mechanisms of nickel nanoparticles were further discussed and future studies to enhance understanding were identified.

Raman frequency shift in oxygen-functionalized carbon nanotubes

Based on density functional theory, the geometrical and electronic structures of oxygen-functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes (O-SWCNs) are obtained, of which the vibrational properties are calculated in terms of lattice dynamics theory. Both bond expansion and contraction are found to coexist in O-SWCNs. A distinct Raman shift is observed in the radial breathing mode (RBM) and the G modes, depending not only on the tube diameter and chirality but also on oxygen coverage and adsorption configurations. With the oxygen coverage increasing, interestingly, a nonmonotonic upshift and downshift is observed in the G modes, which is attributed to the competition between the bond expansion and contraction. In addition, the resonance Raman effect at different oxygen coverage, which may be observable in O-SWCNs, is discussed.

Lattice Dynamics of Carbon Chain Inside a Carbon Nanotube

Based on the density functional theory, we obtain the optimum geometry of carbon chain inside a carbon nanotube. The phonon spectrum and specific heat of such a chain and nanotube hybrid system are calculated in terms of lattice dynamics theory. Some new phonon branches that have been obtained come from the coupling vibrations of the nanotube and the chain. The bending and stretching modes of the chain appear at about 520 cm(-1)and 1935 cm(-1) at Gamma point, respectively. It is found that the softening of G modes results mainly from the chain induced variations in the bond length on nanotube, independent of van der Waals interaction, while the stiffening of radial breathing mode is developed by the competition between the two factors. In the low-frequency region, the vibrational density of states are very different from that of the bare nanotube. Its specific heat implies the underlying quantized phonon structures and much large thermal conductivity in the hybrid system. In addition, the chain-length dependent vibration modes are calculated, from which it is expected that a finite chain of about 14 carbon atoms in the nanotube may produce the experimental Raman peak at about 1850 cm(-1).

A First-Principles Study of the Electronic Structure and Stability of a Lithium Aluminum Hydride for Hydrogen Storage

LiAlH4 holds great promise for reversible hydrogen storage, where a fundamental understanding of hydrogen interaction with the metal elements is essential to further improve its properties. The present paper reports a first-principles study of its stability and electronic structure, using a full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for high accuracy. The theoretically calculated heat of formation agrees well with experiment. The electronic structures show that the H atoms bond nonequivalently with the Al in the [AlH4]- ligand, which leads to complex dehydrogenation characteristics of LiAlH4.

[Effect of arsenic trioxide on telomerase and telomerase reverse transcriptase in KM3 cell line]

To explore the effects of arsenic trioxide on multiple myeloma (MM) cell line KM(3) and its possible mechanism, cell viability was counted by trypan-blue exclusion, apoptosis was detected by morphology and DNA ladder; cell cycle was assayed by flow cytometry (FCM), telomerase activity was determined by semi-quantitative telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP)-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while the expression of hTERT mRNA in transcriptional level was measured by using RT-PCR. The results showed that arsenic trioxide inhibited the growth and viability of KM(3) cell and induced apoptosis; cell cycle was arrested in G(2) phase; arsenic trioxide could inhibit telomerase activity, which consisted with the downtrend of hTERT mRNA expression. In conclusion, down-regulation of telomerase activity and hTERT may play an important role in the apoptosis of MM cell line KM(3) induced by arsenic trioxide.

Metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) of bone mineral like carbonated hydroxyapatite coatingsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: experimental data. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/cc/b3/b312855p/

For the first time, the MOCVD technique has been used to deposit carbonated hydroxyapatite onto Ti6AL4V substrates using volatile monomeric (liquid) complexes [Ca(beta-diketonate)(2)(L)] and P(OEt)(3).

[The software design for the molecular biological image processing system]

With the use of Visual Basic 6.0 language and molecular biological technology, we have developed a new molecular biological information processing system to detect the characteristic parameter of molecular biological electrophoresis image. The software can determine the molecular weight of the restriction endonuclease hydrolytic DNA fragment and protein or other macromolecules. The application indicates that the system with its accuracy reliability high efficiency and a large capacity of data to be stored, It is very useful to gene diagnosis and molecular biological researches.

[Production of u-PA with rCHO cell culture on porous microcarriers in serum-free growth medium]

A novel technique was developed to deal with apoptosis in large-scale animal cell culture. By means of replacing part of Cytopore porous microcarriers at regular intervals, a rCHO cell line, which produces urokinase-type plasminogen activitor(u-PA), was cultivated continuously with serum-free medium in a 30 L stirred tank for 91 days. The cell density was maintained at (1.3-2.6) x 10(7)/mL, and > 90% of cells was viable. In order to reduce the effect of cell density on cell growth and expression, a cyclic pressure oscillation was exerted on a 7.5 L reactor headspace to enhance cell expression at high cell density to a certain extent. During the 67 days of medium-replacement culture, the maximal cell density reached 2.64 x 10(7)/mL, and cell viability was always kept above 95% when combined with microcarrier-replacement. Compare to control culture, culture with cyclic pressure oscillation could enhance cell expression level and reduce the ratio of glucose metabolized anaerobically to produce lactate. With four-step purification process, about 80 g u-PA(approximately 90% scu-PA) was recovered from approximately 2100 liters supernatant which contained approximately 135 g u-PA.

[Expression of prourokinase in different mammalian cells]

Comparison studies of recombinant prourokinase(pro-UK) in various host cells, and expression vectors were carried out. Expression levels of vectors constructed in this study in different cell lines were compared. Mammalian cells expressing pro-UK were established. The levels of pro-UK expression in recombinant Namalwa, Vero and Sp2/0 cells are 200, 12.5 and 50 IU/(10(6) cells 24 h). pro-UK purities separated by immunoaffinity chromatograph are above 90%. Immunoabsorbent assay showed the ratio of pro-UK in CHO cells is lower than that from Vero and Namalwa cells. This study provide new host cells for pro-UK production.

A highly sensitive assay for protein using resonance light-scattering technique with dibromohydroxyphenylfluorone-molybdenum(VI) complex

At pH 2.8 and in the presence of 0.090% p-octylpolyethyleneglycol phenylether, the resonance light-scattering (RLS) spectrum of molybdenum(VI) complex with dibromohydroxyphenylfluorone (DBHPF) has a sharp peak at 586 nm. If the micro protein coexists with Mo(VI) and DBHPF, the RLS intensity of the complex at 586 nm is significantly enhanced by protein due to the binding interaction between protein and DBHPF-Mo(VI) complex. Based on this a new assay for protein is described. The dynamic ranges for bovine and human serum albumins are both 0.05-0.75 mg l-1 with detection limits of 13 and 15 ng ml-1, respectively. Besides high sensitivity, the method is characterized by good reproducibility, rapidity of reaction, good stability of chemical system, commonality of spectrofluorometer, few coexisting substances, especially detergents. The determinations of diluted human serum and urine by this method give the results very close to these by the Coomassie brilliant blue G-250 colorimetry, with relative standard deviations of five duplicates of 1.8-2.5%.

[Clinical observation on treatment of 40 cases of apoplexy hemiplegia complicated shoulder-hand syndrome with electro-acupuncture]

The authors treated 40 cases of shoulder-hand syndrome of apoplexy hemiplegia with electro-acupuncture (EA) and filiform needle acupuncture (FNA) respectively. The results showed that EA had better results in treating hand back swelling, hand skin temperature elevating and the bending finger caused pain than that with FNA (P < 0.05). The finger joint and shoulder joint improvement (the functional scoring increased for 3 points or more) in EA was also better than that of FNA (P < 0.05). The total marked effective rate was higher in EA group (75%) than that in FNA (50%), P < 0.05). It suggested that EA produced rhythmic muscle contraction which had a "shoulder-hand pump" like action, and is significant in eliminating hand back swelling and preventing atrophy of hand muscles.

[Surgical treatment of laryngeal cancer]

From March 1974 to December 1982, 186 patients with laryngeal cancer were treated by operation alone in our hospital. In this series, the average age was 56.5 years. The sex ratio of male and female was 2.9:1. Total laryngectomy comprised 42%, partial laryngectomy 20.4% and postlaryngectomy reconstruction 37.6%. The 3 and 5 year survival rates were 75% and 74% for glottic cancer, 67% and 61% for supraglottic cancer, 67% and 67% for infraglottic cancer, 70% and 38% for transglottic cancer. The authors believe that, at present, operation is the main method of treatment. For early laryngeal cancer, partial laryngectomy is indicated for better postoperative functions in addition to higher survival rate. In advanced laryngeal cancer, total laryngectomy and other radical operation as well as combined therapy are advocated.