The Essential Role of Proteoglycans and Glycosaminoglycans in Odontogenesis

Tooth development and regeneration are regulated through a complex signaling network. Previous studies have focused on the exploration of intracellular signaling regulatory networks, but the regulatory roles of extracellular networks have only been revealed recently. Proteoglycans, which are essential components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and pivotal signaling molecules, are extensively involved in the process of odontogenesis. Proteoglycans are composed of core proteins and covalently attached glycosaminoglycan chains (GAGs). The core proteins exhibit spatiotemporal expression patterns during odontogenesis and are pivotal for dental tissue formation and periodontium development. Knockout of core protein genes Biglycan, Decorin, Perlecan, and Fibromodulin has been shown to result in structural defects in enamel and dentin mineralization. They are also closely involved in the development and homeostasis of periodontium by regulating signaling transduction. As the functional component of proteoglycans, GAGs are negatively charged unbranched polysaccharides that consist of repeating disaccharides with various sulfation groups; they provide binding sites for cytokines and growth factors in regulating various cellular processes. In mice, GAG deficiency in dental epithelium leads to the reinitiation of tooth germ development and the formation of supernumerary incisors. Furthermore, GAGs are critical for the differentiation of dental stem cells. Inhibition of GAGs assembly hinders the differentiation of ameloblasts and odontoblasts. In summary, core proteins and GAGs are expressed distinctly and exert different functions at various stages of odontogenesis. Given their unique contributions in odontogenesis, this review summarizes the roles of proteoglycans and GAGs throughout the process of odontogenesis to provide a comprehensive understanding of tooth development.

Metastable precipitation and ion-extractant transport in liquid-liquid separations of trivalent elements

The extractant-assisted transport of metal ions from aqueous to organic environments by liquid-liquid extraction has been widely used to separate and recover critical elements on an industrial scale. While current efforts focus on designing better extractants and optimizing process conditions, the mechanism that underlies ionic transport remains poorly understood. Here, we report a nonequilibrium process in the bulk aqueous phase that influences interfacial ion transport: the formation of metastable ion-extractant precipitates away from the liquid-liquid interface, separated from it by a depletion region without precipitates. Although the precipitate is soluble in the organic phase, the depletion region separates the two and ions are sequestered in a long-lived metastable state. Since precipitation removes extractants from the aqueous phase, even extractants that are sparingly soluble in water will continue to be withdrawn from the organic phase to feed the aqueous precipitation process. Solute concentrations in both phases and the aqueous pH influence the temporal evolution of the process and ionic partitioning between the precipitate and organic phase. Aqueous ion-extractant precipitation during liquid-liquid extraction provides a reaction path that can influence the extraction kinetics, which plays an important role in designing advanced processes to separate rare earths and other minerals.

MFG-E8: a model of multiple binding modes associated with ps-binding proteins

Membrane-binding proteins often associate with lipid membranes through a singular binding interface which is generally modeled as a two-state system: bound or unbound. However, even a single interface can engage with more than one mode of binding since a variety of interactions can contribute to the binding event. Unfortunately, the ability to clearly delineate the different binding modes of a singular binding interface has been elusive with existing models. Here, we present a study on milk fat globule EGF factor 8 (MFG-E8), which belongs to a class of proteins that identifies and binds phosphatidylserine (PS). These proteins detect membrane dysregulation implicated in exposed PS in apoptosis and malignant cells. In order to elucidate the factors affecting the binding of MFG-E8, we used a model system consisting of a series of lipid vesicles with varying PS mole fraction to identify the sensitivity of MFG-E8's binding affinity to changes in electrostatics using a tryptophan fluorescence spectral shift assay. Using a newly developed model, we experimentally identified three binding modes, each associated with a different number of PS lipids, with its cooperativity for binding being enhanced by the availability of negatively charged lipids. X-ray reflectivity experiments additionally suggest that MFG-E8's binding modes are influenced by membrane packing. The protocols established for elucidating MFG-E8's interaction with lipid membranes under different membrane conditions can be applied to the study of other membrane-binding proteins that target specific membrane attributes, such as fluidity and electrostatics, and help elucidate these membrane targeting mechanisms and their subsequent binding events.

Relevance of Surface Adsorption and Aqueous Complexation for the Separation of Co(II), Ni(II), and Fe(III)

During the solvent extraction of metal ions from an aqueous to an organic phase, organic-soluble extractants selectively target aqueous-soluble ions for transport into the organic phase. In the case of extractants that are also soluble in the aqueous phase, our recent studies of lanthanide ion-extractant complexes at the surface of aqueous solutions suggested that ion-extractant complexation in the aqueous phase can hinder the solvent extraction process. Here, we investigate a similar phenomenon relevant to the separation of Co(II), Ni(II), and Fe(III). X-ray fluorescence near total reflection and tensiometry are used to characterize ion adsorption behavior at the surface of aqueous solutions containing water-soluble extractants, either bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) or 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (HEHEHP), as well as adsorption to a monolayer of water-insoluble extractant dihexadecyl phosphoric acid (DHDP) at the aqueous-vapor interface. Competitive adsorption of Ni(II) and Fe(III) utilizing either HDEHP or DHDP illustrates the essential feature of the recent lanthanide studies that the ion, which is preferentially extracted in liquid-liquid extraction, Fe(III), is found preferentially adsorbed to the water-vapor interface only in the presence of the water-insoluble extractant DHDP. A more subtle competition produces comparable adsorption behavior of Co(II) and Ni(II) at the surfaces of both HDEHP- and HEHEHP-aqueous solutions in spite of the known preference for Co(II) under solvent extraction conditions. Comparison experiments with a monolayer of DHDP reveal that Co(II) is preferentially adsorbed to the surface. This preference for Co(II) is also supported by molecular dynamics simulations of the potential of mean force of ions interacting with the soluble extractants in water. These results highlight the possibility that complexation of extractants and ions in the aqueous phase can alter selectivity in the solvent extraction of critical elements.

Longitudinal associations between alcohol use, smoking, genetic risk scoring and symptoms of depression in the general population: a prospective 6-year cohort study

BACKGROUND

Alcohol consumption, smoking and mood disorders are leading contributors to the global burden of disease and are highly comorbid. Yet, their interrelationships have remained elusive. The aim of this study was to examine the multi-cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between (change in) smoking and alcohol use and (change in) number of depressive symptoms.

METHODS

In this prospective, longitudinal study, 6646 adults from the general population were included with follow-up measurements after 3 and 6 years. Linear mixed-effects models were used to test multi-cross-sectional and longitudinal associations, with smoking behaviour, alcohol use and genetic risk scores for smoking and alcohol use as independent variables and depressive symptoms as dependent variables.

RESULTS

In the multi-cross-sectional analysis, smoking status and number of cigarettes per day were positively associated with depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Moderate drinking was associated with less symptoms of depression compared to non-use (p = 0.011). Longitudinally, decreases in the numbers of cigarettes per day and alcoholic drinks per week as well as alcohol cessation were associated with a reduction of depressive symptoms (p = 0.001-0.028). Results of genetic risk score analyses aligned with these findings.

CONCLUSIONS

While cross-sectionally smoking and moderate alcohol use show opposing associations with depressive symptoms, decreases in smoking behaviour as well as alcohol consumption are associated with improvements in depressive symptoms over time. Although we cannot infer causality, these results open avenues to further investigate interventions targeting smoking and alcohol behaviours in people suffering from depressive symptoms.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals candidate genes for seasonal breeding in the male Lion-Head goose

1. Due to seasonal breeding, geese breeds from Southern China have low egg yield. The genetic makeup underlying performance of local breeds is largely unknown, and few studies have investigated this problem. This study integrated 21 newly generated and 50 publicly existing RNA-seq libraries, representing the hypothalamus, pituitary and testis, to identify candidate genes and importantly related pathways associated with seasonal breeding in male Lion-Head geese.2. In total, 19, 119 and 302 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the hypothalamus, pituitary and testis, respectively, of male Lion-Head geese between non-breeding and breeding periods. These genes were significantly involved in the neuropeptide signalling pathway, gland development, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, JAK-STAT signalling pathway, cAMP signalling pathway, PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and Foxo signalling pathway.3. By integrating another 50 RNA-seq samples 4, 18 and 40 promising DEGs were confirmed in hypothalamus, pituitary and testis, respectively.4. HOX genes were identified as having important roles in the development of testis between non-breeding and breeding periods of male Lion-Head geese.

Correlation study between apparent diffusion coefficients and the prognostic factors in breast cancer

AIM

To analyse the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) derived from intratumoural and peritumoural regions with prognostic factors and immune-inflammatory markers in breast cancer (BC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, 89 patients (age range, 28-66 years; median, 45 years) with a diagnosis of invasive BC who underwent routine blood tests and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled. The study cohort was stratified according to tumour maximum cross-section ≥20 mm, lymph node metastasis (LNM), time-signal intensity curve (TIC) type, and receptor status. Minimum, maximum, mean, and heterogeneity values of tumour ADC (ADC_tmin, ADC_tmax, ADC_tmean, and ADC_heter), maximum values of peritumoural ADC (ADC_pmax), and the ratio of peritumoural-tumour ADC (ADC_ratio) were obtained on the ADC maps. Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between immune-inflammatory markers, prognostic factors and ADC values.

RESULTS

HER-2 was positively associated with ADC_tmax, ADC_tmean, and ADC_pmax values (β = 0.306, p=0.004; β = 0.283, p=0.007; β = 0.262, p=0.007, respectively), while platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was positively associated with ADC_pmax and ADC_ratio values (β = 0.227, p=0.020; β = 0.231, p=0.020, respectively). Among ADC parameters, ADC_pmax showed the highest predictive values for evaluating the presence of LNM (AUC, 0.751; sensitivity, 70.4%; specificity, 77.1%).

CONCLUSION

The ADC_pmax value could provide additional assistance in predicting prognostic factors of BC.

Structural Flexibility of Proteins Dramatically Alters Membrane Stability─A Novel Aspect of Lipid-Protein Interaction

Protein isoforms are structural variants with changes in the overall flexibility predominantly at the tertiary level. For membrane associated proteins, such structural flexibility or rigidity affects membrane stability by playing modulatory roles in lipid-protein interaction. Herein, we investigate the protein chain flexibility mediated changes in the mechanistic behavior of phospholipid model membranes in the presence of two well-known isoforms, erythroid (ER) and nonerythroid (NER) spectrin. We show dramatic alterations of membrane elasticity and stability induced by spectrin in the Langmuir monolayers of phosphatidylocholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) by a combination of isobaric relaxation, surface pressure-area isotherm, X-ray scattering, and microscopy measurements. The NER spectrin drives all monolayers to possess an approximately equal stability, and that required 25-fold increase and 5-fold decrease of stability in PC and PE monolayers, respectively. The untilting transition of the PC membrane in the presence of NER spectrin observed in X-ray measurements can explain better membrane packing and stability.

[Analysis of the usage of post-exposure prophylaxis and related factors among men who have sex with men]

A survey was conduct to analyze the usage situation of post-exposure prophylaxis(PEP) and related factors among men who have sex with men(MSM) in 6 cities of Shandong Province. Total of 2 620 subjects, the use ratio was 2.98% (78/2 620). Compared with age≤24 years,monthly income<5 000 yuan,non-commercial sex, non-DU,non-STD,role for being insert in the anal intercourse,MSM was more likely to use PEP with age≥45 years(OR=3.87, 95%CI:1.12-13.36),monthly income≥5 000 yuan(OR=1.87, 95%CI:1.07-3.28),commercial sex (OR=3.13, 95%CI:1.56-6.28), drug users (DUs) (OR=4.63, 95%CI:2.51-8.52),STD patient (OR=2.35,95%CI:1.05-5.27),the mixed sex role group(OR=2.25,95%CI:1.10-4.62).

Differential Surface Adsorption Phenomena for Conventional and Novel Surfactants Correlates with Changes in Interfacial mAb Stabilization

Protein adsorption on surfaces can result in loss of drug product stability and efficacy during the production, storage, and administration of protein-based therapeutics. Surface-active agents (excipients) are typically added in protein formulations to prevent undesired interactions of proteins on surfaces and protein particle formation/aggregation in solution. The objective of this work is to understand the molecular-level competitive adsorption mechanism between the monoclonal antibody (mAb) and a commercially used excipient, polysorbate 80 (PS80), and a novel excipient, N-myristoyl phenylalanine-N-polyetheramine diamide (FM1000). The relative rate of adsorption of PS80 and FM1000 was studied by pendant bubble tensiometry. We find that FM1000 saturates the interface faster than PS80. Additionally, the surface-adsorbed amounts from X-ray reflectivity (XRR) measurements show that FM1000 blocks a larger percentage of interfacial area than PS80, indicating that a lower bulk FM1000 surface concentration is sufficient to prevent protein adsorption onto the air/water interface. XRR models reveal that with an increase in mAb concentration (0.5-2.5 mg/mL: IV based formulations), an increased amount of PS80 concentration (below critical micelle concentration, CMC) is required, whereas a fixed value of FM1000 concentration (above its relatively lower CMC) is sufficient to inhibit mAb adsorption, preventing mAb from co-existing with surfactants on the surface layer. With this observation, we show that the CMC of the surfactant is not the critical factor to indicate its ability to inhibit protein adsorption, especially for chemically different surfactants, PS80 and FM1000. Additionally, interface-induced aggregation studies indicate that at minimum surfactant concentration levels in protein formulations, fewer protein particles form in the presence of FM1000. Our results provide a mechanistic link between the adsorption of mAbs at the air/water interface and the aggregation induced by agitation in the presence of surfactants.

[Long-term observation of the effect of atlantoaxial fusion on the growth and development of children's cervical spine]

Objective: To explore the effect of atlantoaxial fusion on the growth and development of children's cervical spine. Methods: The clinical data of 12 children with atlantoaxial dislocation who underwent posterior atlantoaxial fusion at Department of Orthopaedics,the 909th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army from June 2002 to September 2013 were retrospective analyzed. There were 7 males and 5 females,with age of (8.1±3.1)years (range:3 to 13 years).Nine cases were traumatic and 3 cases were congenital malformations,1 of the children had Down syndrome. All children underwent posterior atlantoaxial fusion. Furthermore,the information of the height and anteroposterior width of the cervical vertebral bodies and vertical growth rate of the fusion mass were collected from all patients immediately postoperatively and during the follow-up.The range of motion in cervical spine were collected preoperatively and during follow-up period. Data were compared using independent sample t test, paired sample t test and repeated-measurement. Results: All 12 children had regular follow-up within (122.4±25.3)months(range:65 to 163 months). The height and anteroposterior width of the cervical vertebral bodies were similar to these results with those in published reports of growth in normal children of the same age(all P<0.01). At the last follow-up,atlantoaxial fusion of 11 cases had substantial growth (vertical growth rate of the fusion mass:11 cases ≥10%, 1 case <10%);the range of motion in cervical spine was close to the normal level (flexion(55.2±5.0)°,extension (65.3±4.9)°,left bending (41.7±4.5)°,right bending (42.4±4.4)°,left rotation (66.4±5.6)°,right rotation (68.5±5.8)°). Conclusions: Atlantoaxial fusion surgery is satisfactory in the treatment of pediatric atlantoaxial dislocation.During the follow-up,the growth and development of the cervical spine is close to that of normal children of the same age.In long-term observation,it has been found that the operation has no negative effect on the growth and development of the children's cervical spine.

New management unit for conservation of the Endangered green turtle Chelonia mydas at the Xisha (Paracel) Islands, South China Sea

The Qilianyu cluster of the Xisha (Paracel) Islands has one of the few remaining green turtle Chelonia mydas rookeries in the China region. Genetic samples were obtained from dead green turtle embryos and hatchlings salvaged from post-hatched nests at Middle Island (n = 3), North Island (n = 9) and South Sand (n = 1) of the Qilianyu cluster in 2017-2019. The ~800 bp mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced from the samples, and 5 haplotypes were identified belonging to 2 documented clades (clades III and VIII), including 2 new haplotypes (CmP243.1 and CmP244.1) and 3 previously reported haplotypes (CmP18.1, CmP19.1, CmP20.1). These results were combined with previously published mtDNA data for the Qilianyu cluster and nearby (~93 km) Yongle Islands indicating a lack of differentiation based on truncated 384 bp control region sequences (exact test, p = 0.0997; FST = 0.015, p = 0.2760), to represent a single Xisha Islands rookery. The rookery at the Xisha Islands was significantly differentiated (p < 0.01) from all 19 management units (MUs) documented in the Indo-Pacific and Japan regions, supporting recognition of the Xisha Islands rookery as a new independent MU. The results will help inform national and international conservation action plans by China and the countries around the South China Sea to protect green turtles in the West Pacific Ocean.

Knowledge-Based Design of 5-Fluororacil Prodrug Liposomal Formulation: Molecular Packing and Interaction Revealed by Interfacial Isotherms and X-ray Scattering Techniques

Prodrugs and nanoformulations are two effective strategies for sustained drug release and targeting drug delivery. In this study, we combined the two strategies to judiciously design the liposome formulation incorporating an amphiphilic prodrug of 5-fouroracil (5-FU), named 5-FCPal, for sustained drug release and enhanced bioavailability. 5-FCPal is an analogue of capecitabine (N⁴-pentyloxycarbonyl-5'-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine, Xeloda) by substituting the pentyl group at the N⁴ position with the palmityl. The amphiphilic molecule of 5-FCPal can self-assemble with the phospholipids to form stable vesicle structures with high drug loading. Although lipid vesicles have been widely studied and commercially used for clinical applications, because of the enormous options of the lipids and the equitable balance of hydrophobicity and bioavailability, it is essential to fundamentally understand the molecular interactions when designing and optimizing the liposomal prodrug formulations. We report the study of using X-ray liquid surface scattering techniques integrated with a Langmuir trough to explicitly reveal the interfacial behavior of the monolayer membrane of 5-FCPal with various saturated and unsaturated lipids with positively charged, neutral, and negatively charged head groups. More specifically, interfacial packing of the molecules was quantified using interfacial isotherms, X-ray reflectivity (XR), and grazing-incidence diffraction (GIXD). The results indicate that the interactions between the prodrug and the cationic lipids are most favorable. The highest drug loading is quantified by increasing the molar ratio of the prodrug until stable monolayer structures were disrupted by the multiple-layer domain of prodrug aggregates. Stable liposomes of 100 nm with 50% drug loading of 5-FCPal were generated based on the findings from the X-ray studies.

Antagonistic Role of Aqueous Complexation in the Solvent Extraction and Separation of Rare Earth Ions

Solvent extraction is used widely for chemical separations and environmental remediation. Although the kinetics and efficiency of this process rely upon the formation of ion-extractant complexes, it has proven challenging to identify the location of ion-extractant complexation within the solution and its impact on the separation. Here, we use tensiometry and X-ray scattering to characterize the surface of aqueous solutions of lanthanide chlorides and the water-soluble extractant bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP), in the absence of a coexisting organic solvent. These studies restrict ion-extractant interactions to the aqueous phase and its liquid-vapor interface, allowing us to explore the consequences that one or the other is the location of ion-extractant complexation. Unexpectedly, we find that light lanthanides preferentially occupy the liquid-vapor interface. This contradicts our expectation that heavy lanthanides should have a higher interfacial density since they are preferentially extracted by HDEHP in solvent extraction processes. These results reveal the antagonistic role played by ion-extractant complexation within the aqueous phase and clarify the advantages of complexation at the interface. Extractants in common use are often soluble in water, in addition to their organic phase solubility, and similar effects to those described here are expected to be relevant to a variety of separations processes.

How Tim proteins differentially exploit membrane features to attain robust target sensitivity

Immune surveillance cells such as T cells and phagocytes utilize integral plasma membrane receptors to recognize surface signatures on triggered and activated cells such as those in apoptosis. One such family of plasma membrane sensors, the transmembrane immunoglobulin and mucin domain (Tim) proteins, specifically recognize phosphatidylserine (PS) but elicit distinct immunological responses. The molecular basis for the recognition of lipid signals on target cell surfaces is not well understood. Previous results suggest that basic side chains present at the membrane interface on the Tim proteins might facilitate association with additional anionic lipids including but not necessarily limited to PS. We, therefore, performed a comparative quantitative analysis of the binding of the murine Tim1, Tim3, and Tim4, to synthetic anionic phospholipid membranes under physiologically relevant conditions. X-ray reflectivity and vesicle binding studies were used to compare the water-soluble domain of Tim3 with results previously obtained for Tim1 and Tim4. Although a calcium link was essential for all three proteins, the three homologs differed in how they balance the hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions driving membrane association. The proteins also varied in their sensing of phospholipid chain unsaturation and showed different degrees of cooperativity in their dependence on bilayer PS concentration. Surprisingly, trace amounts of anionic phosphatidic acid greatly strengthened the bilayer association of Tim3 and Tim4, but not Tim1. A novel mathematical model provided values for the binding parameters and illuminated the complex interplay among ligands. In conclusion, our results provide a quantitative description of the contrasting selectivity used by three Tim proteins in the recognition of phospholipids presented on target cell surfaces. This paradigm is generally applicable to the analysis of the binding of peripheral proteins to target membranes through the heterotropic cooperative interactions of multiple ligands.

Interaction between dilute water vapor and dodecane thiol ligated Au nanoparticles: Hydrated structure and pair potential of mean force

The interaction between two ligated nanoparticles depends on whether they are isolated or immersed in a liquid solvent. However, very little is known about the influence of solvent vapor on the interaction between two ligated nanoparticles. Recent experiments yield the surprising result that the cyclic exposure of solvent free suspended monolayers of dodecane thiol ligated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to water vapor and dry nitrogen generates reversible cyclic decreases and increases in Young's modulus of the monolayer, implying corresponding cyclic changes in the AuNP-AuNP interaction. We examine how water vapor interacts with an isolated dodecane thiol dressed AuNP and how water vapor affects the interaction between a pair of nanoparticles, using all-atom molecular-dynamics simulations. We find that there is condensation of water molecules onto the ligand shell of an AuNP in the form of clusters of 100-2000 molecules that partially cover the shell, with most of the water in a few large clusters. A water cluster bridges the AuNPs, with a sensibly constant number of water molecules for AuNP-AuNP separations from the edge-to-edge contact up to center-to-center separations of 100 Å. The wet AuNP-AuNP interaction has a slightly deeper and wider asymmetric well than does the dry interaction, a change that is qualitatively consistent with that implied by the observed water vapor induced change in Young's modulus of a monolayer of these AuNPs. We find that macroscopic analyses of water drop-deformable surface interactions and dynamics provide both guidance to understanding and qualitatively correct predictions of the phenomena observed in our simulations.

The association between diabetes and mortality in young adults presenting with myocardial infarction

Background

The incidence of diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease continue to rise and collectively comprise two of the most prevalent and costly diseases worldwide. The goal of this study is to report the prognosis of young patients with diabetes presented with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

This is a retrospective observational cohort study that included consecutive patients aged 18–45 years who underwent cardiac catheterization for AMI between 2006 and 2016 in an integrated healthcare system in Southern California. The prognosis of patients with diabetes were compared to those without diabetes.

Results

A total of 1,560 patients (average age 40.2±5.3 years, 25.6% female) presenting with AMI were included. Of these 272 (17.4%) had diabetes. Diabetics were older (41.1±4.4 vs 40.0±5.4 years), more likely to be female (32.4% vs 24.1%, p=0.006), Hispanic (51.5% vs 40.5%, p&lt;0.001), have a higher body mass index (BMI) (33.6±7.1 vs 31.2±6.8kg/m2, p&lt;0.001), have hypertension (HTN) (67.6% vs 23.8%, p&lt;0.001), hyperlipidemia (HLD) (78.3% vs 24.1%, p&lt;0.001), peripheral vascular disease (9.9% vs 1.9%, p&lt;0.001), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (23.2% vs 2.7%, p&lt;0.001), hypothyroidism (7% vs 4%, p=0.034), and prior strokes (4.4% vs 2.2%, p=0.034).

On multivariate analysis accounting for other cardiovascular risk factors, the association remained significant (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.04–3.19, p=0.036). At a median follow-up of 5.8 years (interquartile range 3.7–8.7 years), diabetes was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality (Hazard ratio [HR] 3.10, 95% CI 1.68–5.69, p&lt;0.001) when adjusting for age, sex, race, BMI, HTN, HLD, CKD, hypothyroidism, prior stroke, and ACS etiology. In a propensity score matched cohort, diabetes remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality (HR 5.29, 95% CI 2.34–12.02, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

Diabetes is an independent predictor of increased mortality in young adults &lt;45 years old presenting with AMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): KAISER PERMANENTE LOS ANGELES MEDICAL CENTER

The temporal analysis of elite breaststroke swimming during competition

Breaststroke is the only competitive stroke characterised by propulsive discontinuity. It is consequently paramount that swimmers optimally coordinate limb movements in order to maintain the highest average velocity possible. The present study aimed to investigate the temporal patterns of elite breaststroke swimmers. 50 m long-course competition footage of (1) 20 male 100 m races, (2) 24 female 100 m races, (3) 15 male 200 m races, and (4) 27 female 200 m races from 2018 to 2020 were digitised and analysed. Six points within each stroke cycle were identified and used to calculate 15 temporal parameters. Analyses revealed multiple temporal pattern differences between groups based on sex and race distance. It is recommended that coaches individualise swimmers' breaststroke temporal patterns based on individual needs, strengths, and morphological characteristics.

No ordinary proteins: Adsorption and molecular orientation of monoclonal antibodies

The interaction of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with air/water interfaces plays a crucial role in their overall stability in solution. We aim to understand this behavior using pendant bubble measurements to track the dynamic tension reduction and x-ray reflectivity to obtain the electron density profiles (EDPs) at the surface. Native immunoglobulin G mAb is a rigid molecule with a flat, "Y" shape, and simulated EDPs are obtained by rotating a homology construct at the surface. Comparing simulations with experimental EDPs, we obtain surface orientation probability maps showing mAbs transition from flat-on Y-shape configurations to side-on or end-on configurations with increasing concentration. The modeling also shows the presence of β sheets at the surface. Overall, the experiments and the homology modeling elucidate the orientational phase space during different stages of adsorption of mAbs at the air/water interface. These finding will help define new strategies for the manufacture and storage of antibody-based therapeutics.

Atmospheric Carbon and Transport - America (ACT-America) Data Sets: Description, Management, and Delivery

The ACT-America project is a NASA Earth Venture Suborbital-2 mission designed to study the transport and fluxes of greenhouse gases. The open and freely available ACT-America data sets provide airborne in situ measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide, methane, trace gases, aerosols, clouds, and meteorological properties, airborne remote sensing measurements of aerosol backscatter, atmospheric boundary layer height and columnar content of atmospheric carbon dioxide, tower-based measurements, and modeled atmospheric mole fractions and regional carbon fluxes of greenhouse gases over the Central and Eastern United States. We conducted 121 research flights during five campaigns in four seasons during 2016-2019 over three regions of the US (Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and South) using two NASA research aircraft (B-200 and C-130). We performed three flight patterns (fair weather, frontal crossings, and OCO-2 underflights) and collected more than 1,140 h of airborne measurements via level-leg flights in the atmospheric boundary layer, lower, and upper free troposphere and vertical profiles spanning these altitudes. We also merged various airborne in situ measurements onto a common standard sampling interval, which brings coherence to the data, creates geolocated data products, and makes it much easier for the users to perform holistic analysis of the ACT-America data products. Here, we report on detailed information of data sets collected, the workflow for data sets including storage and processing of the quality controlled and quality assured harmonized observations, and their archival and formatting for users. Finally, we provide some important information on the dissemination of data products including metadata and highlights of applications of ACT-America data sets.

Influence of Substitutional Groups on the Ordering and Crystallization of Amphiphilic Silsesquioxanes at the Air-Water Interface

We report on the surface ordering and crystallization sequences in differently organic-substituted amphiphilic polyhedral silsesquioxane (POSS) variants induced by regulated compression at the air-water interface. Such molecular systems floating at the interface serve as a model system to study dynamic crystallization mediated by weak interactions. In situ grazing incidence X-ray scattering (GIXS) measurements, performed at a synchrotron X-ray source using a liquid surface diffractometer and corroborated with Brewster angle microscopy, revealed transformations for the different POSS variants (viz. trisilanol isobutyl POSS (TBPOSS), trisilanol cyclohexyl POSS (TCHPOSS), disilanol octaisobutly POSS (DOBPOSS), and trisilanol isooctyl POSS (TOPOSS)) from a weakly correlated monolayer structure to appreciably different structural and crystalline phases in various packing schemes. GIXS measurements revealed a stable nature of the crystallization of DOBPOSS, varying degrees of metastable crystallization for TCHPOSS and TBPOSS, and complete absence of crystalline phase in TOPOSS molecules. Incidentally, for all POSS variants showing crystalline phases, the motifs always assembled in a triclinic lattice with P1̅ symmetry. For the metastable crystals, preferential surface ordering of the crystallites promotes selective crystalline planes to exhibit preferred tilt angles with respect to the interface. The structural transformations of the differently substituted POSS molecules and their variations therein are attributed to the changing balance of the hydrophobic vs hydrophilic interaction in the layers, which is determined by the anisotropic shape and distribution of substitutional groups over the nanosized core cage of the monomer, steric interaction between nearest dimeric neighbors, as well as the in-plane and out-of-plane assembly of the overlayers.

Free Thiols Regulate the Interactions and Self-Assembly of Thiol-Passivated Metal Nanoparticles

Thiol ligands bound to the metallic core of nanoparticles determine their interactions with the environment and self-assembly. Recent studies suggest that equilibrium between bound and free thiols alters the ligand coverage of the core. Here, X-ray scattering and MD simulations investigate water-supported monolayers of gold-core nanoparticles as a function of the core-ligand coverage that is varied in experiments by adjusting the concentration of total thiols (sum of free and bound thiols). Simulations demonstrate that the presence of free thiols produces a nearly symmetrical coating of ligands on the core. X-ray measurements show that above a critical value of core-ligand coverage the nanoparticle core rises above the water surface, the edge-to-edge distance between neighboring nanoparticles increases, and the nanoparticle coverage of the surface decreases. These results demonstrate the important role of free thiols: they regulate the organization of bound thiols on the core and the interactions of nanoparticles with their surroundings.

Collectively stabilizing and orienting posterior migratory forces disperses cell clusters in vivo

Individual cells detach from cohesive ensembles during development and can inappropriately separate in disease. Although much is known about how cells separate from epithelia, it remains unclear how cells disperse from clusters lacking apical-basal polarity, a hallmark of advanced epithelial cancers. Here, using live imaging of the developmental migration program of Drosophila primordial germ cells (PGCs), we show that cluster dispersal is accomplished by stabilizing and orienting migratory forces. PGCs utilize a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR), Tre1, to guide front-back migratory polarity radially from the cluster toward the endoderm. Posteriorly positioned myosin-dependent contractile forces pull on cell-cell contacts until cells release. Tre1 mutant cells migrate randomly with transient enrichment of the force machinery but fail to separate, indicating a temporal contractile force threshold for detachment. E-cadherin is retained on the cell surface during cell separation and augmenting cell-cell adhesion does not impede detachment. Notably, coordinated migration improves cluster dispersal efficiency by stabilizing cell-cell interfaces and facilitating symmetric pulling. We demonstrate that guidance of inherent migratory forces is sufficient to disperse cell clusters under physiological settings and present a paradigm for how such events could occur across development and disease.

Evolution and Reversible Polarity of Multilayering at the Ionic Liquid/Water Interface

Highly correlated positioning of ions underlies Coulomb interactions between ions and electrified interfaces within dense ionic fluids such as biological cells and ionic liquids. Recent work has shown that highly correlated ionic systems behave differently than dilute electrolyte solutions, and interest is focused upon characterizing the electrical and structural properties of the dense electrical double layers (EDLs) formed at internal interfaces. It has been a challenge for experiments to characterize the progressive development of the EDL on the nanoscale as the interfacial electric potential is varied over a range of positive and negative values. Here we address this challenge by measuring X-ray reflectivity from the interface between an ionic liquid (IL) and a dilute aqueous electrolyte solution over a range of interfacial potentials from -450 to 350 mV. The growth of alternately charged cation-rich and anion-rich layers was observed along with a polarity reversal of the layers as the potential changed sign. These data show that the structural development of an ionic multilayer-like EDL with increasing potential is similar to that suggested by phenomenological theories and MD simulations, although our data also reveal that the excess charge beyond the first ionic layer decays more rapidly than predicted.

Impeded Molecular Reorganization by Polyethylene Glycol Conjugation Revealed by X-ray Reflectivity and Diffraction Measurements

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings have been widely applied in pharmaceutical and biomedical systems to prevent nonspecific protein absorption, increase vesicle blood circulation time, and sustain drug release. This study systematically investigated the planar interfacial organization of phospholipid monolayers containing various amounts of PEG conjugations before and after enzyme-catalyzed degradation of the lipids using X-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction techniques. Results showed that attaching PEG to the headgroup of the lipids up to 15 mol % had limited effects on molecular packing of the lipid monolayers in the condensed phase at the gas-liquid interface and negligible effects on the enzyme adsorption to the interface. After enzyme-catalyzed degradation, equimolar fatty acids and lyso PC were generated. The fatty acids together with the subphase Ca²⁺ self-assembled into highly organized multilayer domains at the interface. The X-ray measurements unambiguously revealed that the densely packed PEG markedly hindered microphase separation and formation of the palmitic acid-Ca²⁺ complexes.

Spontaneous collapse of palmitic acid films on an alkaline buffer containing calcium ions

Understanding the interaction of ions with fatty acids is important to identify their roles in various bioprocesses and to build novel biomimetic systems. In this study, the molecular organization of palmitic acid (PA) films on alkaline buffer solutions (pH 7.4) with and without divalent Ca²⁺ was measured at a constant surface area using Langmuir troughs coupled with microscopy and X-ray interfacial techniques. Without Ca²⁺, PA molecules remained a monolayer organization; however, with Ca²⁺, formation of the inverted bilayers of PA-Ca²⁺ superstructures caused a spontaneous 2D to 3D transformation under no compression due to the strong interaction between PA and the divalent cation. Self-assembly of this highly-organized inverted bilayer superstructure involved a two-step process of nucleation and nuclei growth. During nucleation, densely packed PA and Ca²⁺ monolayer firstly corrugated and some of PA and Ca²⁺ molecules ejected out from the monolayer; the ejected molecules then reorganized and formed the inverted bilayer nuclei. Nucleation was followed by nuclei growth, during which PA and Ca²⁺ in the monolayer kept integrating into the inverted bilayer structure through molecule migration and PA rotation around Ca²⁺.

Armoring the Interface with Surfactants to Prevent the Adsorption of Monoclonal Antibodies

The pharmaceutical industry uses surface-active agents (excipients) in protein drug formulations to prevent the aggregation, denaturation, and unwanted immunological response of therapeutic drugs in solution as well as at the air/water interface. However, the mechanism of adsorption, desorption, and aggregation of proteins at the interface in the presence of excipients remains poorly understood. The objective of this work is to explore the molecular-scale competitive adsorption process between surfactant-based excipients and two monoclonal antibody (mAb) proteins, mAb-1 and mAb-2. We use pendant bubble tensiometry to measure the ensemble average adsorption dynamics of mAbs with and without the excipient. The surface tension measurements allow us to quantify the rate at which the molecules "race" to the interface in single-component and mixed systems. These results define the phase space, where coadsorption of both mAbs and excipients occurs onto the air/water interface. In parallel, we use X-ray reflectivity (XR) measurements to understand the molecular-scale dynamics of competitive adsorption, revealing the surface-adsorbed amounts of the antibody and excipient. XR has revealed that at a sufficiently high surface concentration of the excipient, mAb adsorption to the surface and subsurface domains was inhibited. In addition, despite the fact that both mAbs adsorb via a similar mechanistic pathway and with similar dynamics, a key finding is that the competition for the interface directly correlates with the surface activity of the two mAbs, resulting in a fivefold difference in the concentration of the excipient needed to displace the antibody.

Structure and dynamics of lipid membranes interacting with antivirulence end-phosphorylated polyethylene glycol block copolymers

The structure and dynamics of lipid membranes in the presence of extracellular macromolecules are critical for cell membrane functions and many pharmaceutical applications. The pathogen virulence-suppressing end-phosphorylated polyethylene glycol (PEG) triblock copolymer (Pi-ABAPEG) markedly changes the interactions with lipid vesicle membranes and prevents PEG-induced vesicle phase separation in contrast to the unphosphorylated copolymer (ABAPEG). Pi-ABAPEG weakly absorbs on the surface of lipid vesicle membranes and slightly changes the structure of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) unilamellar vesicles at 37 °C, as evidenced by small angle neutron scattering. X-ray reflectivity measurements confirm the weak adsorption of Pi-ABAPEG on DMPC monolayer, resulting in a more compact DMPC monolayer structure. Neutron spin-echo results show that the adsorption of Pi-ABAPEG on DMPC vesicle membranes increases the membrane bending modulus κ.

Impact of Surface Amphiphilicity on the Interfacial Behavior of Janus Particle Layers under Compression

Langmuir monolayers of silica/gold Janus particles with two different degrees of amphiphilicity have been examined to study the significance of particle surface amphiphilicity on the structure and mechanical properties of the interfacial layers. The response of the layers to the applied compression provides insight into the nature and strength of the interparticle interactions. Different collapse modes observed for the interfacial layers are linked to the amphiphilicity of Janus particles and their configuration at the interface. Molecular dynamics simulations on nanoparticles with similar contact angles provide insight on the arrangement of particles at the interface and support our conclusion that the interfacial configuration and collapse of anisotropic particles at the air/water interface are controlled by particle amphiphilicity.

Correlating Ligand Density with Cellular Uptake of Gold Nanorods Revealed by X-ray Reflectivity

Ligands can endow unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and also mediate biological effects of nanomaterials. It is unclear whether the ligand density affects cytotoxicity and uptake. Herein, we studied the interaction between poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)-coated gold nanorods (PDC-Au) and endothelial cells, in which these PDC-Au possessed a series of ligand densities after the storage for different days. We found that PDC-Au with higher density of ligand did not induce obvious cytotoxicity and damage membrane, but more of them were internalized by cells than those with lower ligand density. A powerfully quantitative method, liquid surface X-ray reflectivity, demonstrated that more gold nanorods can be adsorbed on the phospholipid monolayer for PDC-Au with higher ligand density, which directly correlated to the results of cell uptake. The study emphasized the importance of surface ligand density in the evaluation of biological effects of nanomaterials and suggested a cautious consideration in the ligand stability during the design of nanomaterials and their application. Moreover, according to X-ray reflectivity, interfacial analysis is helpful for the study about the interaction between biological membranes and multiple nanomaterials in future, which provides quantitative and structural information.

The influence of fractional surface coverage on the core-core separation in ordered monolayers of thiol-ligated Au nanoparticles

We report the results of grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD) measurements from water supported Langmuir monolayers of gold nanoparticles ligated with dodecanethiol (12 carbons), tetradecanethiol (14 carbons), hexadecanethiol (16 carbons), and octadecanethiol (18 carbons). These monolayers are formed from solutions with varying concentrations of the respective thiols. We show that equilibrium between adsorbed thiol molecules and the thiols in the bulk solution implies fractional coverage of the Au nanoparticle core. We also show that the nanoparticle-nanoparticle separation and the correlation length of particles in these ordered films increases with thiol concentration in the parent solution, and that excess thiol can be found in the space between particles as well as in islands away from the particles. Using the equilibrium constant relating ligand solution concentration and nanoparticle surface coverage of the gold core by the ligand molecules, we interpret the way in which varying thiol concentration affects the nanoparticle-nanoparticle separation as a function of surface coverage of the gold core by the ligand molecules.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and histological hoof wall assessment of 3-year-old Quarter Horses

BACKGROUND

Few noninvasive methods are available for equine hoof wall evaluation. The highly organised wall structures and composition of proteoglycans and collagens may make this region amenable to quantitative MRI (qMRI) techniques of T1ρ and T2 mapping to identify pathology related to proteoglycan content and collagen organisation respectively.

OBJECTIVE

To establish normative T1ρ and T2 values of the equine hoof wall of 3-year-old Quarter Horses with histological comparison.

STUDY DESIGN

Cadaveric anatomical study.

METHODS

Six cadaveric left thoracic feet from 3-year-old racing Quarter Horses with no reported lameness were evaluated using T1ρ and T2 mapping. Mapping was performed at six regions of interest at the toe of each hoof including proximal and distal regions of the inner epidermis, stratum lamellatum and corium. Histology was evaluated for standard hoof morphology and proteoglycan staining.

RESULTS

T2 values of the stratum lamellatum and corium were similar (42.9 [95% CI: 41.6-44.2] ms and 44 [95% CI: 42.7-45.3] ms respectively), but both were significantly different to the inner epidermis (35.8 [95% CI: 34.5-37.1] ms, P<0.001). T1ρ values for the inner epidermis, stratum lamellatum and corium were significantly different (25.1 [95% CI: 23.1-27.1] ms, 44.4 [95% CI: 42.4-46.4] ms and 50.1 [95% CI: 48.1-52.1] ms, respectively, P<0.001). Histology demonstrated normal organised morphology. Proteoglycan staining was only visible in the stratum lamellatum and corium.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Cadaveric study with frozen samples used.

CONCLUSIONS

Variation of qMRI metrics through the depth of the equine hoof wall was found. Although the highly ordered environment of collagen may contribute to T2 values, there was lack of evidence to support proteoglycan content as a major contributor of T1ρ values. It is possible T1ρ values had a greater dependence on total water content as the lowest values were seen in the epidermis. Additional research using qMRI is needed to determine mapping values in different disease states.

Seven Novel and Three Known Mutations in FOXL2 in 10 Chinese Families with Blepharophimosis Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Blepharophimosis syndrome (BPES) is characterized by eyelid malformation with occasional premature ovarian failure. Mutations in FOXL2 underlie a fraction of BPES cases.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the genetic basis of BPES in 26 Chinese families that included 78 patients.

METHODS

We performed ophthalmological examinations on each family member. We used Sanger sequencing to screen FOXL2 exons and their flanking sequences. We also performed bioinformatics studies, structural modeling and pathogenicity evaluations on all identified variations. Literature was reviewed and genotype-phenotype correlation analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The patients had typical manifestations of BPES. Ten mutations were identified in ten of the twenty-six families. Among these, seven were novel mutations. These included the six truncating mutations, p.Glu69*, p.Gly256Glyfs*14, p.Ala14Serfs*135, p.Pro333Profs*200, p.Pro290Leufs*70, and p.Pro157Profs*91, and one missense mutation, p.Tyr59Cys. The mutations were scattered within the gene, and no mutational hotspots were found. Genotype-phenotype correlation analysis showed that frameshift or nonsense mutations were correlated with type I BPES, while in-frame or missense mutations were associated with type II BPES.

CONCLUSION

We report the largest BPES cohort in China thus far as well as seven novel mutations in FOXL2. The identification of novel mutations has not only expanded the mutational spectrum of the gene (which is valuable for mutation detection-based screening) but also suggests that most mutations within the Chinese population may not have been characterized yet.

Polyunsaturated Phospholipid Modified Membrane Degradation Catalyzed by a Secreted Phospholipase A2

To optimize the compositions of the lipid-based nanomedicine and to advance understanding of the roles of polyunsaturated phospholipids in biological membranes, this study examined the effects of polyunsaturated phospholipids on the degradation of giant unilamellar vesicles catalyzed by a secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA₂) using fluorescence microscopy. Molecular interfacial packing, interaction, and degradation of the films containing various mixing ratios of saturated and polyunsaturated phospholipids were quantified using a Langmuir trough integrated with synchrotron X-ray surface scattering techniques. It was found that a high molar fraction (0.63 and above) of polyunsaturated phospholipids not only enhanced the rate of sPLA₂-catalyzed vesicle degradation but also changed the vesicle deformation process and degradation product morphology. Hydrolysis of the saturated phospholipids generated highly ordered liquid crystal domains, which was reduced or prohibited by the presence of the polyunsaturated phospholipids in the reactant film.

Tailoring Biomimetic Phosphorylcholine-Containing Block Copolymers as Membrane-Targeting Cellular Rescue Agents

Some synthetic polymers can block cell death when applied following an injury that would otherwise kill the cell. This cellular rescue occurs through interactions of the polymers with cell membranes. However, general principles for designing synthetic polymers to ensure strong, but nondisruptive, cell membrane targeting are not fully elucidated. Here, we tailored biomimetic phosphorylcholine-containing block copolymers to interact with cell membranes and determined their efficacy in blocking neuronal death following oxygen-glucose deprivation. By adjusting the hydrophilicity and membrane affinity of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (polyMPC)-based triblock copolymers, the surface active regime in which the copolymers function effectively as membrane-targeting cellular rescue agents was determined. We identified nonintrusive interactions between the polymer and the cell membrane that alter the collective dynamics of the membrane by inducing rigidification without disrupting lipid packing or membrane thickness. In general, our results open new avenues for biological applications of polyMPC-based polymers and provide an approach to designing membrane-targeting agents to block cell death after injury.

Stability of Ligands on Nanoparticles Regulating the Integrity of Biological Membranes at the Nano-Lipid Interface

When nanoparticles interact with cellular or organelle membranes, the coating ligands are known to affect the integrity of the membranes, which regulate cell death and inflammation. However, the molecular mechanisms of this modulation remain unresolved. Here, we use synchrotron X-ray liquid surface scattering and molecular dynamics simulations to study interface structures between phospholipids and gold nanorods (AuNRs) coated by surfactant and polyelectrolyte. These ligands are two types of widely used surface modification with different self-assembled structures and stabilities on the surface of nanoparticles. We reveal distinct mechanisms of the ligand stability in disrupting membrane integrity. We find that the cationic surfactant ligand cetyltrimethylammonium bromide detaches from the AuNRs and inserts into phospholipids, resulting in reduced membrane thickness by compressing the phospholipids to align with the shorter ligand. Conversely, the cationic polyelectrolyte ligand poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) is more stable on AuNRs; although it adsorbs onto the membrane, it does not cause much impairment. The distinct coating ligand interactions with phospholipids are further verified by cellular responses including impaired lysosomal membranes and triggered inflammatory effects in macrophages. Together, the quantitative analysis of interface structures elucidates key bio-nano interactions and highlights the importance of surface ligand stability for safety and rational design of nanoparticles.

Decreased Expression of TIM-3 on Th17 Cells Associated with Ophthalmopathy in Patients with Graves' Disease

Purpose:

Thyroid-associated Ophthalmopathy (TAO) is one of the most common orbital immunological diseases in adults. CD4+ helper T (Th) cells play important roles in the pathogenesis of TAO. But the mechanisms regulating CD4+ T cell activity is unclear. This study examines T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) expression in helper T cell type 1 (Th1), Th17, and regulatory T cells in sufferers of TAO.

Methods:

Participants were divided into 3 groups: patients with TAO, patients with Graves’ disease but without orbitopathy (GD), and healthy control patients (HC). Peripheral blood samples were collected for each patient in the designated group. Flow cytometry methods assessed the frequency of Th1 (CD4+IFN-γ+), Th17 (CD4+IL-17+), regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25hiCD127lo), and TIM-3 protein expression. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) measured the magnitude of TIM-3 expression and the percentage of TIM-3+ cells for each patient.

Results:

Compared to the GD group, TAO patients possessed higher frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells in peripheral blood samples. The percentage of TIM-3+ Th1 and Th17 cells was significantly lower in the TAO patients than the GD group. Across all patients sampled, TIM-3+ cell percentage negatively correlated with Th1 cell frequency. Th1 and Th17 cells exhibited significantly decreased expression of TIM-3 in TAO patients compared to healthy controls. Regulatory T cells showed little TIM-3 expression and we observed no significant differences in frequency between groups.

Conclusion:

These results suggest a role for TIM-3 in the regulation of Th1 and Th17 cells and the pathogenesis of Graves’ ophthalmopathy.

Alpha1,2-fucosyl transferase gene, the key enzyme of Lewis y synthesis, promotes Taxol resistance of ovarian carcinoma through apoptosis-related proteins

We aimed to investigate the role of FUT1 gene in Taxol resistance and to explore its mechanism in epithelial ovarian cancer. Three ovarian cancer cell lines, ES-2, SK-OV-3 and OVCAR-3 were selected from epithelial ovarian cancer in this experiment. Western blot was used to validate the protein expression level of FUT1 and the apoptosis proteins. The expression level of the corresponding carrier was validated by RT-PCR. Transfection and isolation of stable transfectants were carried out to establish the cell line models. The different concentrations of Taxol on the inhibition of cell growth rate was measured by MTT, in which Taxol resistance profiling in ovarian cancer cells was determined by IC50 data. Flow cytometry was conducted to compare cell apoptosis ability. Caspase-3 activity and the apoptosis proteins were measured by colorimetry and western blot, respectively, to further compare the cell apoptosis ability in different groups. To demonstrate the inhibition of miR-FUT1 combined with Taxol therapy against ovarian cancer, xenograft assay was carried out for the in vivo effect. The western blot results indicate that FUT1 is expressed in all of the ovarian cancer cells with different expression level: ES-2 > SK-OV-3 > OVCAR-3. Besides, FUT1 siRNA was used in the maximum expression of FUT1 cell line ES-2, or over-expression plasmid was used in the minimum expression of FUT1 cell line OVCAR-3, to establish stable expression cell lines. After the treatment with Taxol, the inhibition rate of Taxol was obviously decreased with the established cell model above, and the IC50 level was significantly increased in the FUT1 over-expression + Taxol group (p Keywords: FUT1, Lewis y, Taxol resistance, ovarian cancer, apoptosis.