Fucoxanthin induces human melanoma cytotoxicity by thwarting the JAK2/STAT3/BCL-xL signaling axis

Melanoma is the most lethal skin malignancy. Fucoxanthin is a marine carotenoid with significant anticancer activities. Intriguingly, Fucoxanthin's impact on human melanoma remains elusive. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) represents a promising target in cancer therapy due to its persistent activation in various cancers, including melanoma. Herein, we revealed that Fucoxanthin is cytotoxic to human melanoma cell lines A2758 and A375 while showing limited cytotoxicity to normal human melanocytes. Apoptosis is a primary reason for Fucoxanthin's melanoma cytotoxicity, as the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk drastically abrogated Fucoxanthin-elicited clonogenicity blockage. Besides, Fucoxanthin downregulated tyrosine 705-phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3 (Y705)), either inherently present in melanoma cells or inducible by interleukin 6 (IL-6) stimulation. Notably, ectopic expression of STAT3-C, a dominant-active STAT3 mutant, abolished Fucoxanthin-elicited melanoma cell apoptosis and clonogenicity inhibition, supporting the pivotal role of STAT3 blockage in Fucoxanthin's melanoma cytotoxicity. Moreover, Fucoxanthin lowered BCL-xL levels by blocking STAT3 activation, while ectopic BCL-xL expression rescued melanoma cells from Fucoxanthin-induced killing. Lastly, Fucoxanthin was found to diminish the levels of JAK2 with dual phosphorylation at tyrosine residues 1007 and 1008 in melanoma cells, suggesting that Fucoxanthin impairs STAT3 signaling by blocking JAK2 activation. Collectively, we present the first evidence that Fucoxanthin is cytotoxic selectively against human melanoma cells while sparing normal melanocytes. Mechanistically, Fucoxanthin targets the JAK2/STAT3/BCL-xL antiapoptotic axis to provoke melanoma cell death. This discovery implicates the potential application of Fucoxanthin as a chemopreventive or therapeutic strategy for melanoma management.

Methoxyhispolon Methyl Ether, a Hispolon Analog, Thwarts the SRC/STAT3/BCL-2 Axis to Provoke Human Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Apoptosis In Vitro

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer with few treatment options. A promising TNBC treatment approach is targeting the oncogenic signaling pathways pivotal to TNBC initiation and progression. Deregulated activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is fundamental to driving TNBC malignant transformation, highlighting STAT3 as a promising TNBC therapeutic target. Methoxyhispolon Methyl Ether (MHME) is an analog of Hispolon, an anti-cancer polyphenol found in the medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus. Still, MHME's anti-cancer effects and mechanisms remain unknown. Herein, we present the first report about MHME's anti-TNBC effect and its action mechanism. We first revealed that MHME is proapoptotic and cytotoxic against human TNBC cell lines HS578T, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-463 and displayed a more potent cytotoxicity than Hispolon's. Mechanistically, MHME suppressed both constitutive and interleukin 6 (IL-6)-induced activation of STAT3 represented by the extent of tyrosine 705-phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3). Notably, MHME-evoked apoptosis and clonogenicity impairment were abrogated in TNBC cells overexpressing a dominant-active mutant of STAT3 (STAT3-C); supporting the blockade of STAT3 activation is an integral mechanism of MHME's cytotoxic action on TNBC cells. Moreover, MHME downregulated BCL-2 in a STAT3-dependent manner, and TNBC cells overexpressing BCL-2 were refractory to MHME-induced apoptosis, indicating that BCL-2 downregulation is responsible for MHME's proapoptotic effect on TNBC cells. Finally, MHME suppressed SRC activation, while v-src overexpression rescued p-STAT3 levels and downregulated apoptosis in MHME-treated TNBC cells. Collectively, we conclude that MHME provokes TNBC cell apoptosis through the blockade of the SRC/STAT3/BCL-2 pro-survival axis. Our findings suggest the potential of applying MHME as a TNBC chemotherapy agent.

Blockade of the SRC/STAT3/BCL-2 Signaling Axis Sustains the Cytotoxicity in Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines Induced by Dehydroxyhispolon Methyl Ether

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent human cancer globally. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-based systemic chemotherapy is the primary strategy for advanced CRC treatment, yet is limited by poor response rate. Deregulated activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is fundamental to driving CRC malignant transformation and a poor prognostic marker for CRC, underscoring STAT3 as a promising CRC drug target. Dehydroxyhispolon methyl ether (DHME) is an analog of Hispolon, an anticancer polyphenol abundant in the medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus. Previously, we have established DHME's cytotoxic effect on human CRC cell lines by eliciting apoptosis through the blockade of WNT/β-catenin signaling, a preeminent CRC oncogenic pathway. Herein, we unraveled that compared with 5-FU, DHME is a more potent killer of CRC cells while being much less toxic to normal colon epithelial cells. DHME suppressed both constitutive and interleukin 6 (IL-6)-induced STAT3 activation represented by tyrosine 705 phosphorylation of STAT3 (p-STAT3 (Y705)); notably, DHME-induced CRC apoptosis and clonogenicity limitation were abrogated by ectopic expression of STAT3-C, a dominant-active STAT3 mutant. Additionally, we proved that BCL-2 downregulation caused by DHME-mediated STAT3 blockage is responsible for DHME-induced CRC cell apoptosis. Lastly, DHME inhibited SRC activation, and v-src overexpression restored p-STAT3 (Y705) levels along with lowering the levels of apoptosis in DHME-treated CRC cells. We conclude DHME provokes CRC cell apoptosis by blocking the SRC/STAT3/BCL-2 axis besides thwarting WNT/β-catenin signaling. The notion that DHME targets two fundamental CRC signaling pathways underpins the potential of DHME as a CRC chemotherapy agent.

Sertindole, an Antipsychotic Drug, Curbs the STAT3/BCL-xL Axis to Elicit Human Bladder Cancer Cell Apoptosis In Vitro

Bladder cancer is the leading urinary tract malignancy. Epidemiological evidence has linked lower cancer incidence in schizophrenia patients to long-term medication, highlighting the anticancer potential of antipsychotics. Sertindole is an atypical antipsychotic agent with reported anticancer action on breast and gastric cancers. Yet, sertindole's effect on bladder cancer remains unaddressed. We herein present the first evidence of sertindole's antiproliferative effect and mechanisms of action on human bladder cancer cells. Sertindole was cytotoxic against bladder cancer cells while less cytotoxic to normal urothelial cells. Apoptosis was a primary cause of sertindole's cytotoxicity, as the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk rescued cells from sertindole-induced killing. Mechanistically, sertindole inhibited the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), an oncogenic driver of bladder cancer, as sertindole lowered the levels of tyrosine 705-phosphorylated STAT3 along with that of STAT3's target gene BCL-xL. Notably, ectopic expression of the dominant-active STAT3 mutant impaired sertindole-induced apoptosis in addition to restoring BCL-xL expression. Moreover, bladder cancer cells overexpressing BCL-xL were refractory to sertindole's proapoptotic action, arguing that sertindole represses STAT3 to downregulate BCL-xL, culminating in the induction of apoptosis. Overall, the current study indicated sertindole exerts bladder cancer cytotoxicity by provoking apoptosis through targeted inhibition of the antiapoptotic STAT3/BCL-xL signaling axis. These findings implicate the potential to repurpose sertindole as a therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer.

Experimental Validation and Computational Predictions Join Forces to Map Catalytic C-H Activation in Ferrocene Metalated Porous Organic Polymers

In recent times, a self-complementary balanced characteristic feature with the combination of both covalent bonds (structural stability) and open metal sites (single-site catalysis) introduced an advanced emerging functional nanoarchitecture termed metalated porous organic polymers (M-POPs). However, the development of M-POPs in view of the current interest in catalysis has been realized still in its infancy and remains a challenge for the years to come. In this work, we built benzothiazole-linked Fe-metalated porous organic polymer (Fc-Bz-POP) using ferrocene dicarboxaldehyde (FDC), 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl) benzene (APB), and elemental sulfur (S₈) via a template-free, multicomponent, cost-effective one-pot synthetic approach. This Fc-Bz-POP is endowed with unique features including an extended network unit, isolated active sites, and catalytic pocket with a possible local structure, in which convergent binding sites are positioned in such a way that substrate molecules can be held in close proximity. Prospective catalytic application of this Fc-Bz-POP has been explored in executing catalytic allylic "C-H" bond functionalization of cyclohexene (CHX) in water at room temperature. Catalytic screening results identified that a superior performance with a CHX conversion of 95% and a 2-cyclohexene-1-ol selectivity (COL) of 80.8% at 4 h and 25 °C temperature has been achieved over Fc-Bz-POP, thereby addressing previous shortcomings of the other conventional catalytic systems. Comprehensive characterization understanding with the aid of synchrotron-based extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis manifested that the Fe atom with an oxidation state of +2 in our Fc-Bz-POP catalytic system encompasses a sandwich structural environment with the two symmetrical eclipsed cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings, featuring nearest-neighbor (NN) Fe-C (≈2.05 Å) intramolecular bonds, as validated by the Fe L₃-edge EXAFS fitting result. Furthermore, in situ attenuated total reflection-infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) analysis data for liquid-phase oxidation of cyclohexene allow for the formulation of a molecular-level reaction mechanistic pathway with the involvement of specific reaction intermediates, which is initiated by the radical functionalization of the allyl hydrogen. A deep insight investigation from density functional theory (DFT) calculations unambiguously revealed that the dominant pathway from cyclohexene to 2-cyclohexene-1-ol is initiated by an allyl-H functionalization step accompanied by the formation of 2-cyclohexene-1-hydroperoxide species as the key reaction intermediate. Electronic properties obtained from DFT simulations via the charge density difference plot, Bader charge, and density of state (DOS) demonstrate the importance of the organic polymer frame structure in altering the electronic properties of the Fe site in Fc-Bz-POP, resulting in its high activity. Our contribution has great implications for the precise design of metalated porous organic polymer-based robust catalysts, which will open a new avenue to get a clear image of surface catalysis.

Near-Infrared Phototheranostic Iron Pyrite Nanocrystals Simultaneously Induce Dual Cell Death Pathways via Enhanced Fenton Reactions in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered more aggressive with a poorer prognosis than other breast cancer subtypes. Through systemic bioinformatic analyses, we established the ferroptosis potential index (FPI) based on the expression profile of ferroptosis regulatory genes and found that TNBC has a higher FPI than non-TNBC in human BC cell lines and tumor tissues. To exploit this finding for potential patient stratification, we developed biologically amenable phototheranostic iron pyrite FeS2 nanocrystals (NCs) that efficiently harness near-infrared (NIR) light, as in photovoltaics, for multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) and photothermal ablation with a high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of 63.1%. Upon NIR irradiation that thermodynamically enhances Fenton reactions, dual death pathways of apoptosis and ferroptosis are simultaneously triggered in TNBC cells, comprehensively limiting primary and metastatic TNBC by regulating p53, FoxO, and HIF-1 signaling pathways and attenuating a series of metabolic processes, including glutathione and amino acids. As a unitary phototheranostic agent with a safe toxicological profile, the nanocrystal represents an effective way to circumvent the lack of therapeutic targets and the propensity of multisite metastatic progression in TNBC in a streamlined workflow of cancer management with an integrated image-guided intervention.

Hispolon Methyl Ether, a Hispolon Analog, Suppresses the SRC/STAT3/Survivin Signaling Axis to Induce Cytotoxicity in Human Urinary Bladder Transitional Carcinoma Cell Lines

Bladder cancer is a leading human malignancy worldwide. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 is an oncogenic transcription factor commonly hyperactivated in most human cancers, including bladder cancer. Notably, preclinical evidence has validated STAT3 blockade as a promising therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer. Hispolon Methyl Ether (HME) is a structural analog of hispolon, an anticancer component of the medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus. Thus far, HME's anticancer activity and mechanisms remain largely unknown. We herein report HME was cytotoxic, more potent than cisplatin, and proapoptotic to various human bladder transitional carcinoma cell lines. Of note, HME blocked STAT3 activation, evidenced by HME-elicited reduction in tyrosine 705-phosphorylated STAT3 levels constitutively expressed or induced by interleukin-6. Significantly, HME-induced cytotoxicity was abrogated in cells expressing a dominant-active STAT3 mutant (STAT3-C), confirming STAT3 blockage as a pivotal mechanism of HME's cytotoxic action. We further revealed that survivin was downregulated by HME, while its levels were rescued in STAT3-C-expressing cells. Moreover, survivin overexpression abolished HME-induced cytotoxicity, illustrating survivin as a central downstream mediator of STAT3 targeted by HME. Lastly, HME was shown to lower tyrosine 416-phosphorylated SRC levels, suggesting that HME inhibits STAT3 by repressing the activation of SRC, a STAT3 upstream kinase. In conclusion, we present the first evidence of HME's anti-bladder cancer effect, likely proceeding by evoking apoptosis through suppression of the antiapoptotic SRC/STAT3/survivin signaling axis.

Studies of high-membered two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper Cs7Pb6I19 perovskite nanosheets via kinetically controlled reactions

Two-dimensional (2D) all-inorganic Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) perovskite Cs₇Pb₆I₁₉ nanosheets (NSs) were successfully developed for the first time by employing a structural recrystallization process with additional passivation of small organic sulfide molecules. The structure of Cs₇Pb₆I₁₉ NSs is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction measurements, atomically-resolved STEM measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies. Cs₇Pb₆I₁₉ NSs with a specific n value of 6 exhibits unique absorption and emission spectra with intense excitons at 560 nm due to quantum confinement effects in 2D perovskite slabs. The formation mechanisms of 2D Cs₇Pb₆I₁₉ NSs and 3D γ-CsPbI₃ phases were investigated by in situ photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and the activation energies of their formation reactions were calculated to be 151 kJ mol^-1 and 95.3 kJ mol^-1, respectively. The phase stability of 2D Cs₇Pb₆I₁₉ NSs can be maintained at temperatures below 14 °C for more than 4 weeks. The overall results indicate that 2D Cs₇Pb₆I₁₉ NSs demonstrate unique optical properties and structural stability compared with other 3D perovskite materials. We have opened a new path to the future discovery of 2D perovskite structures with metastable phases by using this recrystallization method and the assistance of sulfur-derived organic molecules.

Bisphenol A induced apoptosis via oxidative stress generation involved Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and mitochondrial dependent pathways in human retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE-19) cells

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an estrogen-like compound, and an environmental hormone, that is commonly used in daily life. Therefore, it may enter the human body through food or direct contact, causing BPA residues in blood and urine. Because most studies focused on the analysis of BPA in reproductive cells or tissues, regarding evidence the effect of BPA on human retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE-19) cells unavailable. Accordingly, the present study explored the cytotoxicity of BPA on ARPE-19 cells. After BPA treatment, the expression of Bcl-XL an antiapoptotic protein, in the mitochondria decreased, and the expression of Bax, a proapoptotic protein increased. Then the mitochondrial membrane potential was affected. BPA changed in mitochondrial membrane potential led to the release of cytochrome C, which activated caspase-9 to promote downstream caspase-3 leading to cytotoxicity. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway play a major role in age-related macular degeneration. Our results showed that expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 suppressed by BPA. Superoxide dismutase and catalase, which Nrf2 downstream antioxidants, were degraded by BPA. AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), which can regulate the phosphorylation of Nrf2, and the phosphorylation of AMPK expression was reduced by BPA. Finally, BPA-induced ROS generation and cytotoxicity were reduced by N-acetyl-l-cysteine. Taken together, these results suggest that BPA induced ARPE-19 cells via oxidative stress, which was associated with down regulated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and the mitochondria dependent apoptotic signaling pathway.

Algae-derived hydrocolloids in foods: applications and health-related issues

Hydrocolloids are a class of food additives with broad applications in the food industry to develop structure in food ingredients. Hydrocolloids can be synthetic, plant-based, or animal-based. Increasing consumer awareness has led to the use of natural food ingredients derived from natural sources, making algae-derived hydrocolloids more appealing nowadays. Algae-derived hydrocolloids such as carrageenan, agar, and alginate are widely used in the food industry as thickening, gelling, and emulsifying agents. Carrageenans are sulfated polysaccharides with diverse structural specificities. The safety of carrageenan use in the food industry has been widely debated recently due to the reported pro-inflammatory activities of carrageenan and the probable digestion of carrageenan by the gut microbiota to generate pro-inflammatory oligosaccharides. In contrast, both agar and alginate are primarily nontoxic, and generally no dispute regarding the use of the same in food ingredients. This review provides an overview of the algae industry, the food additives, the algae-derived hydrocolloids, the applications of algae-derived hydrocolloids in food industries, health-related studies, and other sectors, along with future perspectives. Even though differences of opinion exist in the use of carrageenan, it is continued to be used by the food industry and will be used until suitable alternatives are available. In summary, algal hydrocolloids are 'label-friendly' and considered a safe option against synthetic additives.

Effect of molecular mass and sulfate content of fucoidan from Sargassum siliquosum on antioxidant, anti-lipogenesis, and anti-inflammatory activity

Macroalgae (seaweeds) are abundant in functional polysaccharides known for their unique biochemical activities. In this study, the antioxidant, anti-lipogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the fucoidan extracted from brown seaweed Sargassum siliquosum were investigated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-scavenging ability, lipid synthesis inhibition, and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production, respectively. To examine the effect of molecular mass on fucoidan's bioactivities above, the extracted fucoidan was subject to hydrogen peroxide-mediated partial hydrolysis to obtain lower molecular mass compounds within the range of 107.3-3.2 kDa. Results indicated that fucoidan's antioxidant activity increased with a corresponding decrease in molecular mass; the dosage for the half-maximal response (EC50) dropped from 2.58 to 1.82 mg/mL when the molecular mass decreased from 107.3 to 3.2 kDa. In addition, both the anti-lipogenesis and anti-inflammatory activities of fucoidan were significantly enhanced by 71.1% and 36.7%, respectively, when the molecular mass decreased to about 3 kDa. To further test the effect of sulfation on fucoidan's bioactivities, low molecular mass fucoidan was treated with SO3-DMF to increase the sulfate content. The results indicated that when sulfate content increased from 18.7% to 32.1%, EC50 of DPPH decreased from 1.82 mg/mL to 0.86 mg/mL and the anti-inflammatory activity also increased by 35.2%; however, the anti-lipogenesis activity decreased.

Electrocatalytic Reduction of NO3- to Ultrapure Ammonia on {200} Facet Dominant Cu Nanodendrites with High Conversion Faradaic Efficiency

Nitrate (NO₃^-) reduction reaction (NtRR) is considered as a green alternative method for the conventional method of NH₃ synthesis (Haber-Bosch process), which is known as a high energy consuming and large CO₂ emitting process. Herein, the copper nanodendrites (Cu NDs) grown along with the {200} facet as an efficient NtRR catalyst have been successfully fabricated and investigated. It exhibited high Faradaic efficiency of 97% at low potential (-0.3 V vs RHE). Furthermore, the ¹⁵NO₃^- isotope labeling method was utilized to confirm the formation of NH₃. Both experimental and theoretical studies showed that NtRR on the Cu metal nanostructure is a facet dependent process. Dissociation of NO bonding is supposed to be the rate-determining step as NtRR is a spontaneously reductive and protonation process for all the different facets of Cu. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that Cu{200} and Cu{220} offer lower activation energy for dissociation of NO compared to that of Cu{111}.

Structure and Biological Activity Analysis of Fucoidan Isolated from Sargassum siliquosum

Fucoidans are heterologous polysaccharides commonly seen in brown macroalgae and are known for their biological activity including anticancer, antiangiogenic, immunomodulation, and antiviral properties. The brown macroalga Sargassum siliquosum was used for the extraction and analysis of fucoidan in this study. The S. siliquosum fucoidan was indicated as a galactofucoidan composed of sugars, uronate, and sulfate at a ratio of 12:1:4 and its purity was 85% based on the abovementioned three major components. Structural analysis by electrospray ionization collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectroscopy revealed that the purified fucoidan consisted of a carbohydrate chain composed of (1→3)-linked or (1→4)-linked l-fucose residues, with sulfate groups at C-2 and C-4 positions. Galactose residues with (1→4)-linkages function as the branch points and they are located at the C-3 or C-4 position of fucose residues. Galactose residues are sulfated mainly at C-4 and C-6, while some sulfation can also be seen at C-2. The fucoidan purified from S. siliquosum demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antilipogenic activities.

Dehydroxyhispolon Methyl Ether, A Hispolon Derivative, Inhibits WNT/β-Catenin Signaling to Elicit Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Aberrant activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling present in the vast majority of CRC cases is indispensable for CRC initiation and progression, and thus is a promising target for CRC therapeutics. Hispolon is a fungal-derived polyphenol with a pronounced anticancer effect. Several hispolon derivatives, including dehydroxyhispolon methyl ether (DHME), have been chemically synthesized for developing lead molecules with stronger anticancer activity. Herein, a DHME-elicited anti-CRC effect with the underlying mechanism is reported for the first time. Specifically, DHME was found to be more cytotoxic than hispolon against a panel of human CRC cell lines, while exerting limited toxicity to normal human colon cell line CCD 841 CoN. Additionally, the cytotoxic effect of DHME appeared to rely on inducing apoptosis. This notion was evidenced by DHME-elicited upregulation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and a cell population positively stained by annexin V, alongside the downregulation of antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), whereas the blockade of apoptosis by the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk attenuated DHME-induced cytotoxicity. Further mechanistic inquiry revealed the inhibitory action of DHME on β-catenin-mediated, T-cell factor (TCF)-dependent transcription activity, suggesting that DHME thwarted the aberrantly active WNT/β-catenin signaling in CRC cells. Notably, ectopic expression of a dominant–active β-catenin mutant (∆N90-β-catenin) abolished DHME-induced apoptosis while also restoring BCL-2 expression. Collectively, we identified DHME as a selective proapoptotic agent against CRC cells, exerting more potent cytotoxicity than hispolon, and provoking CRC cell apoptosis via suppression of the WNT/β-catenin signaling axis.

High UV-Vis-NIR Light-Induced Antibacterial Activity by Heterostructured TiO2-FeS2 Nanocomposites

PURPOSE

Antibiotic resistance issues associated with microbial pathogenesis are considered to be one of the most serious current threats to health. Fortunately, TiO2, a photoactive semiconductor, was proven to have antibacterial activity and is being widely utilized. However, its use is limited to the short range of absorption wavelength.

METHODS

In this work, heterostructured TiO2-FeS2 nanocomposites (NCs) were successfully prepared by a facile solution approach to enhance light-induced antibacterial activity over a broader absorption range.

RESULTS

In TiO2-FeS2 NCs, FeS2 NPs, as light harvesters, can effectively increase light absorption from the visible (Vis) to near-infrared (NIR). Results of light-induced antibacterial activities indicated that TiO2-FeS2 NCs had better antibacterial activity than that of only TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) or only FeS2 NPs. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurements also showed that TiO2-FeS2 NCs produced the highest relative ROS levels. Unlike TiO2 NPs, TiO2-FeS2 NCs, under light irradiation with a 515-nm filter, could absorb light wavelengths longer than 515 nm to generate ROS. In the mechanistic study, we found that TiO2 NPs in TiO2-FeS2 NCs could absorb ultraviolet (UV) light to generate photoinduced electrons and holes for ROS generation, including ⋅O2 - and ⋅OH; FeS2 NPs efficiently harvested Vis to NIR light to generate photoinduced electrons, which then were transferred to TiO2 NPs to facilitate ROS generation.

CONCLUSION

TiO2-FeS2 NCs with superior light-induced antibacterial activity could be a promising antibacterial agent against bacterial infections.

Dairy cattle with bovine leukaemia virus RNA show significantly increased leukocyte counts

Infection with bovine leukaemia virus (BLV), a retrovirus, causes dysfunction of the immune system and can have a marked economic impact on dairy industries due to decreased milk production and reduced lifespan in affected dairy cattle. The presence of proviral DNA has been the major diagnostic indicator of BLV infection. However in the course of BLV infection, the viral genome can be dormant, without detectable gene expression, resulting in limited impact on infected animals. At present, there is limited knowledge regarding haematological indices in dairy cattle that could indicate activation of the BLV genome and suggest reactivated BLV infection. In this study, BLV infection and BLV genome reactivation were evaluated based on the presence of BLV DNA and BLV env gene transcripts, respectively. BLV RNA transcription was confirmed. Among 93 whole blood samples obtained from asymptomatic dairy cattle, the prevalence of BLV proviral DNA and transcripts was 93.5% (n = 87/93) and 83.9% (n = 78/93), respectively. Between groups with and without BLV, the mean counts of white blood cells and lymphocytes in whole blood were significantly associated with the presence of BLV RNA (P < 0.05), but not with BLV proviral DNA. These results shed light on the activation status of the BLV genome and should be taken into account when evaluating the possible impact of BLV on cattle.

Cryptococcus neoformans var grubii meningoencephalitis in a patient on fingolimod for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: Case report and review of published cases

INTRODUCTION

Fingolimod, a sphingosine-1-phosphate modulator used in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, has been associated with several cases of cryptococcosis.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis attributable to Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii, in a 58-year-old bird-keeper from Australia, after 7 years of fingolimod therapy. We discuss this in the context of previously reported cases, our understanding of fingolimod immune modulation, and known Cryptococcus pathobiology.

CONCLUSION

We suggest consideration of harm minimisation behaviours in patients requiring fingolimod, particularly in those with profound CD4 lymphopenia. Furthermore, we echo the call for improved post-marketing surveillance systems to determine the epidemiology of atypical infections with novel immunomodulatory treatments.

Photoactive Earth-Abundant Iron Pyrite Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction

The generation of ammonia, hydrogen production, and nitrogen purification are considered as energy intensive processes accompanied with large amounts of CO₂ emission. An electrochemical method assisted by photoenergy is widely utilized for the chemical energy conversion. In this work, earth-abundant iron pyrite (FeS₂ ) nanocrystals grown on carbon fiber paper (FeS₂ /CFP) are found to be an electrochemical and photoactive catalyst for nitrogen reduction reaction under ambient temperature and pressure. The electrochemical results reveal that FeS₂ /CFP achieves a high Faradaic efficiency (FE) of ≈14.14% and NH₃ yield rate of ≈0.096 µg min^-1 at -0.6 V versus RHE electrode in 0.25 m LiClO₄ . During the electrochemical catalytic reaction, the crystal structure of FeS₂ /CFP remains in the cubic pyrite phase, as analyzed by in situ X-ray diffraction measurements. With near-infrared laser irradiation (808 nm), the NH₃ yield rate of the FeS₂ /CFP catalyst can be slightly improved to 0.1 µg min^-1 with high FE of 14.57%. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the N₂ molecule has strong chemical adsorption energy on the iron atom of FeS₂ . Overall, iron pyrite-based materials have proven to be a potential electrocatalyst with photoactive behavior for ammonia production in practical applications.

Unique Access to u-Channel Physics: Exclusive Backward-Angle Omega Meson Electroproduction

Backward-angle meson electroproduction above the resonance region, which was previously ignored, is anticipated to offer unique access to the three quark plus sea component of the nucleon wave function. In this Letter, we present the first complete separation of the four electromagnetic structure functions above the resonance region in exclusive ω electroproduction off the proton, ep→e^{'}pω, at central Q^{2} values of 1.60, 2.45  GeV^{2}, at W=2.21  GeV. The results of our pioneering -u≈-u_{min} study demonstrate the existence of a unanticipated backward-angle cross section peak and the feasibility of full L/T/LT/TT separations in this never explored kinematic territory. At Q^{2}=2.45  GeV^{2}, the observed dominance of σ_{T} over σ_{L}, is qualitatively consistent with the collinear QCD description in the near-backward regime, in which the scattering amplitude factorizes into a hard subprocess amplitude and baryon to meson transition distribution amplitudes: universal nonperturbative objects only accessible through backward-angle kinematics.

P2817Efficacy and safety of ticagrelor monotherapy in patients with complex percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from the Global Leaders trial

Background/Introduction

Purpose

Methods

The Global Leaders trial recruited 15,991 patients treated by default with a biolimus A9-eluting stent, and randomised in a 1:1 ratio either to the experimental strategy (1-month dual antiplatelet therapy [DAPT] followed by 23-month ticagrelor monotherapy) or to the reference regimen (12-month DAPT followed by 12-month aspirin monotherapy). Complex PCI includes at least one of the following characteristics; left main and/or multivessel PCI, long stenting (defined as total stent length≥46mm), and bifurcation treatment with two stents. The present sub-analysis of the trial evaluated at two years the primary endpoint (composite of all-cause death and new Q-wave myocardial infarction [MI] centrally adjudicated with the Minnesota code). In addition, the patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE) (composite of all-cause death, any stroke, any MI, and any revascularization) and the net adverse clinical events (NACE) (composite of POCE and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] type 3 or 5 bleeding) were also evaluated at two years.

Results

Of 15,450 patients included in the present analysis, 5,188 (26.7%) patients underwent complex PCI. The experimental strategy, when compared with the reference one, had a significantly lower risk of the primary endpoint (3.56% vs. 5.33%, HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.51–0.86; p-value= 0.002; p-value for interaction= 0.019) in patients with complex PCI. Similarly, the experimental treatment was associated with a significantly reduced risk of POCE (14.41% vs. 16.88%, HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.74–0.97; p=0.016, p-value for interaction= 0.099) and NACE (15.77% vs. 18.37%, HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74–0.97; p=0.014; p-value for interaction= 0.096). The reduction in ischemic events was predominantly observed in patients with 2 or more characteristics of complex PCI (Figure). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the risk of BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding between the two regimens (2.40% vs. 2.38%, HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.71–1.44; p-value=0.956; p-value for interaction= 0.935).

Central illustration

Conclusion

Together with other well-established clinical risk factors, the extent and complexity of stenting should be taken into account in tailoring antiplatelet regimens for secondary prevention. The 1-month DAPT followed by 23-month ticagrelor monotherapy reduced the ischemic events without increasing the risk of bleeding in patients who underwent complex PCI, when compared with the conventional DAPT.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The Global Leaders trial was supported by the resource from AstraZeneca, Biosensors, and The Medicines Company.

P2695ABSORB bioresorbable scaffold versus Xience metallic stent in acute coronary syndromes with treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. A subanalysis of the COMPARE-ABSORB trial

Background

The safety and efficacy of the ABSORB scaffold in ACS patients remain unclear. The COMPARE-ABSORB trial compares the ABSORB to the Xience stent in lesions and patients at high risk for restenosis Patients with STEMI and urgent PCI for non-STEMI were not excluded.

Methods

Patients included in the COMPARE-ABSORB trial undergoing PCI for ACS were eligible. Predefined implantation techniques for ABSORB was mandatory. Primary endpoint is target lesion failure (TLF) at 1 year, defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction and clinically indicated target lesion revascularization.

Results

Of 1670 patients, 842 were treated for ACS. At 1-year, TLF occurred in 22 patients (5.0%) of the ABSORB group and in 14 patients (3.5%) of the Xience group (HR 1.44%; 95% CI 0.74%-2.82%, P=0.284). Definite device thrombosis occurred in 9 patients (2.0%) of the ABSORB group and in 2 patients (0.5%) of the Xience group (HR 4.10%; 95% CI 0.89%-18.9%, P=0.071).

Baseline characteristics ABSORB (n=442) XIENCE (n=400) Age, years (SD) 60.7 (9.6) 61.3 (9.1) Male 350/442 (79.2%) 313/400 (78.3%) Current smoker 159/439 (36.2%) 126/397 (31.7%) Diabetes mellitus 152/440 (34.5%) 138/399 (34.6%) Hypertension 298/442 (67.4%) 266/400 (66.5%) Hypercholesterolemia 255/442 (57.7%) 232/400 (58.0%) Family history of coronary artery disease 147/442 (33.3%) 103/400 (25.8%) Previous MI 61/442 (13.8%) 67/400 (16.8%) Established Peripheral Vascular Disease 27/442 (6.1%) 15/400 (3.8%) Previous PCI 83/442 (18.8%) 86/400 (21.5%) Previous CABG 1/442 (0.2%) 4/400 (1.0%) Previous stroke 15/442 (3.4%) 21/400 (5.3%) Renal Insufficiency 9/442 (2.0%) 13/400 (3.3%) Clinical presentation   Unstable angina 149/442 (33.7%) 141/400 (35.3%)   Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction 183/442 (41.4%) 156/400 (39.0%)   ST elevation myocardial infarction 110/442 (24.9%) 103/400 (25.7%)

KM plot for target lesion failure

Conclusion

The COMPARE-ABSORB trial showed no difference in the primary endpoint at one year for the ACS subgroup. The signal for increased thrombosis remained, even with the optimized implantation protocol

Acknowledgement/Funding

Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

P2811Impact of ticagrelor monotherapy on two-year clinical outcomes in patients with long stenting: insights from the Global Leaders trial

Background/Introduction

Data on the efficacy and safety of different antiplatelet regimens are limited in patients with increasing total stent length (TSL).

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of the experimental strategy (1-month dual antiplatelet therapy [DAPT] followed by 23-month ticagrelor monotherapy) vs. the reference regimen (12-month DAPT followed by 12-month aspirin monotherapy) in patients with increasing TSL.

Methods

The present post-hoc analysis of the Global Leaders trial evaluated the primary endpoint (the composite of the all-cause death and new Q-wave myocardial infarction [MI]) at two years in patients with increasing TSL. In addition, the patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE) (the composite of all-cause death, any stroke, any MI, and any revascularization) and the net adverse clinical events (NACE) (the composite of POCE and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] type 3 or 5 bleeding) were also assessed.

Results

The cohort of 15,450 patients treated with a biolimus-eluting biodegradable polymer stents were included in this analysis. In the longer TSL group (≥46mm), the experimental strategy significantly reduced the risk of the primary endpoint (3.78% vs. 5.68%, hazard ratio (HR): 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49–0.90, p=0.008, P interaction=0.042) as well as POCE (14.57% vs. 18.11%, HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.67–0.92, p=0.003, P interaction=0.010) and NACE (16.07% vs. 19.64%, HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.69–0.93, p=0.004, P interaction=0.012) at two years. The risk of BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding at two years was similar between the two antiplatelet regimens.

KM in patients with long stenting

Conclusion

Ticagrelor monotherapy significantly reduced the risk of the primary endpoint, POCE and NACE with a similar risk of BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding at two years in patients with the longer TSL.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The Global Leaders trial was supported by unrestricted grants from AstraZeneca, Biosensors, and The Medicines Company. ECRI (European Cardiovascular R

P2812Ischemic efficacy and bleeding safety of ticagrelor monotherapy in patients with multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from the Global Leaders trial

Background/Introduction

The optimal duration of DAPT after coronary stent implantation remains a matter of debate and a novel antiplatelet regimen without an increased risk of bleeding while maintaining an anti-ischemic efficacy is of paramount importance in patients at higher risk of ischemia.

Purpose

The aim of the present sub-study of the Global Leaders trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the experimental antiplatelet strategy (1-month dual antiplatelet therapy [DAPT] followed by 23-month ticagrelor monotherapy) vs. the reference regimen (12-month DAPT followed by 12-month aspirin monotherapy) in patients with multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

The Global Leaders trial enrolled 15,991 patients treated by default with a biolimus A-9 eluting stent. The present sub-study of the trial sought to evaluate the impact of the long-term ticagrelor monotherapy on the primary endpoint (composite of all-cause death and new Q-wave myocardial infarction [MI] centrally adjudicated with the Minnesota code) at two years. In addition, the patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE) (composite of all-cause death, any stroke, any MI, and any revascularization) and the net adverse clinical events (NACE) (composite of POCE and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] type 3 or 5 bleeding) were also evaluated at two years.

Results

A total of 15,845 patients was included in this analysis, of whom 3,576 patients received multivessel PCI. At two years, the experimental strategy significantly reduced a risk of the primary endpoint (the composite of all-cause death and new Q-wave myocardial infarction [MI]) (3.05% vs. 4.85%, HR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.44–0.88, p=0.006, Pinteraction=0.031) in patients with multivessel PCI. Similarly, the experimental treatment had a significant risk reduction in the patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE), defined as the composite of all-cause death, any stroke, any MI, and any revascularization (13.37% vs. 16.74%, HR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.93, p=0.005, Pinteraction=0.020) and the net adverse clinical events (NACE), defined as the composite of POCE and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] defined bleeding type 3 or 5 (14.65% vs. 18.38%, HR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.92, p=0.003, Pinteraction=0.014) at two years. There was no significant difference in BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding (2.44% vs. 2.65%, HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.61–1.39, p=0.685, Pinteraction=0.754) at two years between the two regimens.

KM in patients with multivessel PCI

Conclusion

The present study has demonstrated the experimental antiplatelet strategy, when compared with the reference regimen, could potentially have a favourable balance between ischemic efficacy and bleeding safety in patients who underwent multivessel PCI.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The Global Leaders trial was supported by unrestricted grants from AstraZeneca, Biosensors, and The Medicines Company. ECRI (European Cardiovascular R

Patients with chronic urticaria have a higher risk of psychiatric disorders: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with chronic urticaria (CU) in a national population is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and psychiatric medication use in patients with CU in Taiwan.

METHODS

Data were sourced from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database for 2011. Patients who had a primary/secondary International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code of 708·1, 708·8 or 708·9 during 2011 with at least two outpatient visits and an antihistamine prescription were identified as CU cases. Patients with CU were classified into three disease severity groups according to their medication types. Psychiatric disorders were identified by patients having three outpatient visits with a primary or secondary diagnosis of a given psychiatric disease. Psychiatric medication use was defined by having at least four outpatient visits with prescriptions for anxiolytics, antidepressants or sleeping pills in 2010 or 2011.

RESULTS

Of the 167 132 patients with CU, 82·5% had mild CU, 17·0% had moderate CU and 0·4% had severe CU. Patients with CU had a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders and psychiatric medication prescription than control groups. The relative risk (RR) of psychiatric disorders was 1·43 for patients with mild, 1·50 for patients with moderate and 2·32 for patients with severe CU vs. the controls (P < 0·001). For psychiatric medication prescription, the RRs were 1·95, 2·70 and 2·09, respectively, vs. controls (P < 0·001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CU had a higher prevalence and risk of psychiatric disorders and psychiatric medication prescription than control groups. What's already known about this topic? Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with chronic urticaria (CU), with rates ranging from 35% to 60%. Anxiety, depression and somatoform disorders have been reported as the most prevalent mental disorders in patients with CU. What does this study add? Patients with CU had a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders and psychiatric medication use than control groups in the general population. The relative risk (RR) of psychiatric disorders was 1·43 for those with mild CU, 1·50 for those with moderate CU and 2·32 for those with severe CU vs. controls. The RR for psychiatric medication use was 1·95 for those with mild CU, 2·70 for those with moderate CU and 2·09 for those with severe CU vs. controls. Mental health evaluations and management are important elements in CU management.

Blockade of STAT3 Signaling Contributes to Anticancer Effect of 5-Acetyloxy-6,7,8,4'-Tetra-Methoxyflavone, a Tangeretin Derivative, on Human Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor with poor prognosis, largely due to resistance to current radiotherapy and Temozolomide chemotherapy. The constitutive activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is evidenced as a pivotal driver of GBM pathogenesis and therapy resistance, and hence, is a promising GBM drug target. 5-acetyloxy-6,7,8,4'-tetramethoxyflavone (5-AcTMF) is an acetylated derivative of Tangeretin which is known to exert anticancer effects on breast, colon, lung, and multiple myeloma; however, its effect on GBM remains elusive. Herein, we reported that 5-AcTMF suppressed the viability and clonogenicity along with inducing apoptosis in multiple human GBM cell lines. Mechanistic analyses further revealed that 5-AcTMF lowered the levels of Tyrosine 705-phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), a canonical marker of STAT3 activation, but also dampened p-STAT3 upregulation elicited by Interleukin-6. Notably, ectopic expression of dominant-active STAT3 impeded 5-AcTMF-induced suppression of viability and clonogenicity plus apoptosis induction in GBM cells, confirming the prerequisite of STAT3 blockage for the inhibitory action of 5-AcTMF on GBM cell survival and growth. Additionally, 5-AcTMF impaired the activation of STAT3 upstream kinase JAK2 but also downregulated antiapoptotic BCL-2 and BCL-xL in a STAT3-dependent manner. Moreover, the overexpression of either BCL-2 or BCL-xL abrogated 5-AcTMF-mediated viability reduction and apoptosis induction in GBM cells. Collectively, we, for the first time, revealed the anticancer effect of 5-AcTMF on GBM cells, which was executed via thwarting the JAK2-STAT3-BCL-2/BCL-xL signaling axis. Our findings further implicate the therapeutic potential of 5-AcTMF for GBM treatment.

Skin eruption induced by dieting - an underdiagnosed skin disease in Malaysia

Prurigo pigmentosa is an inflammatory dermatosis characterized by a pruritic, symmetrically distributed erythematous papular or papulo-vesicular eruption on the trunk arranged in a reticulated pattern that resolves with hyperpigmentation. It is typically non-responsive to topical or systemic steroid therapy. The exact etiology is unknown, but it is more commonly described in the Far East countries. Dietary change is one of the predisposing factors. We report on nine young adult patients with prurigo pigmentosa, among whom five were on ketogenic diets prior to the onset of the eruptions. All cases resolved with oral doxycycline with no recurrence. We hope to improve the awareness of this uncommon skin condition among general practitioners and physicians so that disfiguring hyperpigmentation due to delayed diagnosis and treatment can be avoided.

Protective effects of trans-2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene 2-O-β-d-glucopyranoside on liver fibrosis and renal injury induced by CCl4via down-regulating p-ERK1/2 and p-Smad1/2

Both as a food and an herbal plant, Polygonum multiflorum (PM) has long been used in food and prescriptions for several centuries in Southeast Asia.

Resveratrol Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis via Reducing ROS and Inflammation, Inhibiting MAPK Signaling Pathways, and Suppressing Angiogenesis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting joints and is featured by chronic synovial inflammation and angiogenesis. We employed a bovine type-II collagen (BIIC)-induced Sprague-Dawley rat arthritis model and an in vitro RA model based on interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated rat synovial cells (RSC-364) to explore the preventive effect of resveratrol on RA and the underlying mechanisms. We found that resveratrol ameliorated BIIC-elicited synovitis and RA-related pathological hallmarks such as inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis in the synovial tissue. Also, BIIC-stimulated rats displayed increased serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as manifested by elevated serum malonaldehyde contents combined with reduced superoxide dismutase activity. It is noteworthy that resveratrol abolished BIIC-induced ROS and inflammation, confirming the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions of resveratrol in the context of RA. Furthermore, immunoblotting indicated that resveratrol downregulated the increase in the levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and that of the activated phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in IL-1β-stimulated RSC-364 cells. Moreover, we observed that resveratrol-treated RSC-364 cells displayed both G₀/G₁ cell-cycle arrest and enhanced levels of apoptosis. Altogether, the present evidence established the preventive role of resveratrol in RA progression. Mechanistically, resveratrol inhibits MAPK signaling pathways, likely by reducing ROS accumulation, to suppress the inflammatory response and cell proliferation and to provoke cell apoptosis in the synovial tissue, along with mitigation of HIF-1α-mediated angiogenesis. Thus resveratrol appears to hold great potential for clinical translation as a novel RA therapeutic.

A Soft Coral-Derived Compound, 11-Dehydrosinulariolide, Induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Small Cell Lung Cancer

11-Dehydrosinulariolide, an active compound that is isolated from the cultured soft coral Sinularia flexibilis, has been suggested to show anti-tumor biological characteristics according to previous studies. However, its potential effect on small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains unknown. The present study investigates the underlying mechanism for the treatment of SCLC in vitro and in vivo. Cell viability was examined using the methyl-thiazol-diphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Flow cytometry was applied to evaluate cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. The expression of proteins related to the cell cycle and apoptosis was analyzed by Western blot analysis. Additionally, an in vivo study was performed to determine the anti-SCLC effect on an H1688 subcutaneous tumor in a BALB/c nude mouse model. 11-Dehydrosinulariolide inhibited cell growth, triggered G2/M arrest and induced H1688 cell apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, 11-dehydrosinulariolide caused the accumulation of p53 and Bax, accompanied by the activation of DNA damage-inducing kinases, including ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2). Moreover, 11-dehydrosinulariolide increased the activity of caspase-3 and -7, suggesting that caspases are involved in 11-dehydrosinulariolide-induced apoptosis. 11-Dehydrosinulariolide also increased the level of tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and inhibited the expression of phosphorylated Akt. In the in vivo study, the intraperitoneal injection of 11-dehydrosinulariolide at a dosage of 10 mg/kg significantly inhibited tumor growth compared with the control treatment. Together, the data indicate that 11-dehydrosinulariolide induces G (2)/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through various cellular processes, including the upregulation of p53 and Bax, activation of ATM and Chk2, activation of caspase-3 and -7, and accumulation of PTEN, leading to inhibition of the Akt pathway. These findings suggest that 11-dehydrosinulariolide might serve as a promising chemotherapy drug in the treatment of SCLC.

Heavy Physics Contributions to Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay from QCD

Observation of neutrinoless double beta decay, a lepton number violating process that has been proposed to clarify the nature of neutrino masses, has spawned an enormous world-wide experimental effort. Relating nuclear decay rates to high-energy, beyond the standard model (BSM) physics requires detailed knowledge of nonperturbative QCD effects. Using lattice QCD, we compute the necessary matrix elements of short-range operators, which arise due to heavy BSM mediators, that contribute to this decay via the leading order π^{-}→π^{+} exchange diagrams. Utilizing our result and taking advantage of effective field theory methods will allow for model-independent calculations of the relevant two-nucleon decay, which may then be used as input for nuclear many-body calculations of the relevant experimental decays. Contributions from short-range operators may prove to be equally important to, or even more important than, those from long-range Majorana neutrino exchange.

Aging may negatively impact movement smoothness during stair negotiation

Stairs represent a barrier to safe locomotion for some older adults, potentially leading to the adoption of a cautious gait strategy that may lack fluidity. This strategy may be characterized as unsmooth; however, stair negotiation smoothness has yet to be quantified. The aims of this study were to assess age- and task-related differences in head and body center of mass (COM) acceleration patterns and smoothness during stair negotiation and to determine if smoothness was associated with the timed "Up and Go" (TUG) test of functional movement. Motion data from nineteen older and twenty young adults performing stair ascent, stair descent, and overground straight walking trials were analyzed and used to compute smoothness based on the log-normalized dimensionless jerk (LDJ) and the velocity spectral arc length (SPARC) metrics. The associations between TUG and smoothness measures were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Stair tasks increased head and body COM acceleration pattern differences across groups, compared to walking (p < 0.05). LDJ smoothness for the head and body COM decreased in older adults during stair descent, compared to young adults (p ≤ 0.015) and worsened with increasing TUG for all tasks (-0.60 ≤ r ≤ -0.43). SPARC smoothness of the head and body COM increased in older adults, regardless of task (p < 0.001), while correlations showed improved SPARC smoothness with increasing TUG for some tasks (0.33 ≤ r ≤ 0.40). The LDJ outperforms SPARC in identifying age-related stair negotiation adaptations and is associated with performance on a clinical test of gait.

Anesthesia for patients with tracheal bronchus

Tracheal bronchus is a congenital anatomical variant of patients with accessory bronchus in the right upper lobe deriving directly from the supracarinal trachea. Pre-operative consultation with the anesthesiologist is important for patient safety and can avoid adverse effects induced by endotracheal intubation. In this report, we described a case of tracheal bronchus in which general anesthesia was performed for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. We discussed some of the issues surrounding to complications in tracheal bronchus.

Continuous ambulatory hand force monitoring during manual materials handling using instrumented force shoes and an inertial motion capture suit

Hand forces (HFs) are commonly measured during biomechanical assessment of manual materials handling; however, it is often a challenge to directly measure HFs in field studies. Therefore, in a previous study we proposed a HF estimation method based on ground reaction forces (GRFs) and body segment accelerations and tested it with laboratory equipment: GFRs were measured with force plates (FPs) and segment accelerations were measured using optical motion capture (OMC). In the current study, we evaluated the HF estimation method based on an ambulatory measurement system, consisting of inertial motion capture (IMC) and instrumented force shoes (FSs). Sixteen participants lifted and carried a 10-kg crate from ground level while 3D full-body kinematics were measured using OMC and IMC, and 3D GRFs were measured using FPs and FSs. We estimated 3D hand force vectors based on: (1) FP+OMC, (2) FP+IMC and (3) FS+IMC. We calculated the root-mean-square differences (RMSDs) between the estimated HFs to reference HFs calculated based on crate kinematics and the GRFs of a FP that the crate was lifted from. Averaged over subjects and across 3D force directions, the HF RMSD ranged between 10-15N when using the laboratory equipment (FP + OMC), 11-18N when using the IMC instead of OMC data (FP+IMC), and 17-21N when using the FSs in combination with IMC (FS + IMC). This error is regarded acceptable for the assessment of spinal loading during manual lifting, as it would results in less than 5% error in peak moment estimates.

A critical period for antidepressant-induced acceleration of neuronal maturation in adult dentate gyrus

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medications for mood and anxiety disorders, and adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus has been shown to be involved in the behavioral effects of SSRIs in mice. Studies have shown the varied effects of chronic treatment with SSRIs on adult neurogenesis. One such effect is the acceleration of neuronal maturation, which affects the functional integration of new neurons into existing neuronal circuitry. In this study, we labeled new neurons by using GFP-expressing retroviral vectors in mice and investigated the effect of an SSRI, fluoxetine, on these neurons at different time points after neuronal birth. Chronic treatment with fluoxetine accelerated the dendritic development of the newborn neurons and shifted the timing of the expression of the maturational marker proteins, doublecortin and calbindin. This accelerated maturation was observed even after sub-chronic treatment, only when fluoxetine was administered during the second week of neuronal birth. These results suggest the existence of a 'critical period' for the fluoxetine-induced maturation of new neurons. We propose that the modified functional integration of new neurons in the critical period may underlie the behavioral effects of fluoxetine by regulating anxiety-related decision-making processes.

[Analysis of the correlation between deep medullary veins and clinical prognosis of middle cerebral artery stroke]

Objective: To investigate the relativity between the distribution of deep medullary vein (DMV) in patients with middle cerebral artery stroke and clinical prognosis by using susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI). Methods: A total of 144 cases of middle cerebral artery stroke patients and 55 healthy volunteers were retrospectively analyzed from January 2015 to October 2015 in order to investigate the symmetrical characteristic and the classification of DMV, then 30 cases were followed up. Kappa test was used to consider the consistency of judging DMV symmetry and type data by two radiologists. Results:Kappa value in DMV symmetry and DMV type were 0.875 and 0.852. Chi-square test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference of DMV symmetry between healthy control and stroke group(χ(2)=31.046, P=0.000). There was correlation between DMV type and NIHSS score in stroke group (r(s)=0.208, P=0.025). There was no statistically significant difference of DMV distribution in the different periods of stroke group (P=0.110). But there was statistically significant difference of DMV distribution between acute and chronic stroke (P=0.018). Among 30 follow-up cases, 18 cases with asymmetry DMV changed into symmetry after stroke therapy. In 8 cases with symmetry DMV, the diameter of DMV became smaller after treatment. In 4 cases, DMV had no changes. Conclusions: DMV in patients of MCA stroke are mostly asymmetry distribution. DMV classification can be used as an imaging standard to predict the prognosis of stroke patients.

[Preliminary study on assessment of lexiscan-induced blood-brain barrier opening and its level by CT perfusion imaging]

Objective: To evaluate the level of lexiscan-induced blood-brain barrier opening of healthy rabbits via CT perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) scan. Methods: Between November 2014 and May 2015, thirty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups: the experimental group A1 which received one injection of lexiscan(1 ml/kg); the experimental group A2 which received three times injection of lexiscan(total dose: 1.5 ml/kg), finished within 15 minutes; the control group B which was injected the same volume normal saline(1 ml/kg), after 30 minutes, CT PWI scan was performed. Then cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT) and permeability surface(PS) of the region of interest of each group were acquired and compared statistically. Five cases of each group were injected with 2% Evans blue intravenously posterior to imaging. After one hour of infusion, all the animals were killed. Their brains were examined for the determination of Evans blue distribution. Results: Both the values of CBF and CBV and the staining with Evans blue of the group A1(CBF: (89.88±2.21), (81.42±4.28) ml·(100 g)^-1·min^-1; CBV: (3.97±0.43), (3.66±0.16) ml/g)and group A2 (CBF: (75.16±0.84), (63.66±7.21) ml·(100 g)^-1·min^-1; CBV: (4.07±0.01), (3.75±0.05) ml/g) were higher than those of the group B(CBF: (20.08±5.08), (14.58±8.62) ml·(100 g)^-1·min^-1; CBV: (0.85±0.04), (0.65±0.17) ml/g), the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.01). While there was no statistically difference between group A1 and group A2(P>0.05). The value of PS of the group A2((22.43±8.09), (20.20±7.01)ml·(100 g)^-1·min^-1 )was higher than that of group A1((13.82±4.44), (10.12±2.44)ml·(100 g)^-1·min^-1) and group B(0.00, 0.00)(the lowest one), the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.01). The value of MTT of the group A1((2.50±0.82, 2.47±0.10) s) had no statistical difference with group A2 and group B, while the value of group A2((4.50±0.17), (4.72±0.15) s) was higher than that of group B((1.88±0.09), (1.99±0.00) s), the differences were all statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Changes in hemodynamics of lexiscan-induced blood-brain barrier opening can be monitored by CT PWI scan. When the total dose of lexiscan increasing, the level of the BBB opening is higher with significantly increased CBF, CBV, PS and MTT.

Risk of infective endocarditis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Taiwan: a nationwide population-based study

Objectives Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are considered vulnerable to infective endocarditis and prophylactic antibiotics are recommended before an invasive dental procedure. However, the evidence is insufficient. This nationwide population-based study evaluated the risk and related factors of infective endocarditis in systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods We identified 12,102 systemic lupus erythematosus patients from the National Health Insurance research-oriented database, and compared the incidence rate of infective endocarditis with that among 48,408 non-systemic lupus erythematosus controls. A Cox multivariable proportional hazards model was employed to evaluate the risk of infective endocarditis in the systemic lupus erythematosus cohort. Results After a mean follow-up of more than six years, the systemic lupus erythematosus cohort had a significantly higher incidence rate of infective endocarditis (42.58 vs 4.32 per 100,000 person-years, incidence rate ratio = 9.86, p < 0.001) than that of the control cohort. By contrast, the older systemic lupus erythematosus cohort had lower risk (adjusted hazard ratio 11.64) than that of the younger-than-60-years systemic lupus erythematosus cohort (adjusted hazard ratio 15.82). Cox multivariate proportional hazards analysis revealed heart disease (hazard ratio = 5.71, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (hazard ratio = 2.98, p = 0.034), receiving a dental procedure within 30 days (hazard ratio = 36.80, p < 0.001), and intravenous steroid therapy within 30 days (hazard ratio = 39.59, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for infective endocarditis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Conclusions A higher risk of infective endocarditis was observed in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Risk factors for infective endocarditis in the systemic lupus erythematosus cohort included heart disease, chronic kidney disease, steroid pulse therapy within 30 days, and a recent invasive dental procedure within 30 days.

Modelling end-pumped passively Q-switched Nd-doped crystal lasers: manifestation by a Nd:YVO4/Cr4+:YAG system with a concave-convex resonator

A theoretical model for the passively Q-switched (PQS) operation which includes the spatial overlapping between the pump and lasing modes under the thermal lensing effect is developed to give a transcendental equation that can directly determine the critical parameters such as pulse energy, pulse repetition rate, and pulse width for the PQS performance. More importantly, an analytical function which gives the approximate solution for the transcendental equation as well as a specific critical criterion for good PQS operation are derived for practical analyses and design. A Nd:YVO₄/Cr⁴⁺:YAG system with a concave-convex resonator which can achieve fairly stable PQS pulse trains even at a high pump level is further exploited to manifest the proposed spatially dependent model. The good agreement between the experimental results and the theoretical predictions is verified to show the feasibility of the proposed model for designing high-power PQS lasers with high accuracy.

Generation of terahertz optical beating from a simultaneously self-mode-locked Nd:YAG laser at 1064 and 1123 nm

The reflectivity of the output coupler is designed to achieve the synchronously self-mode-locked operation at 1064 and 1123 nm in a diode-end-pumped Nd:YAG laser. Numerical analyses are performed to confirm that the designed output coupler can lead the emission lines to be predominant at 1064 and 1123 nm. Moreover, the crossover of the threshold pump powers for the 1064 and 1123 nm emission lines can be exploited to obtain the single central wavelength of 1064 nm or the single central wavelength of 1123 nm or, simultaneously, dual-central-wavelength self-mode-locked operation by finely adjusting the cavity alignment. For the dual-central-wavelength mode-locked emissions, the pulse repetition rate and the pulse duration are 4.5 GHz and 50.8 ps, respectively. The maximum output power can be up to 2.47 W at a pump power of 7.5 W. The synchronization of the 1064 and 1123 nm mode-locked pulses generates the optical beating pulse trains with repetition rates up to 14.7 THz.

Exploiting concave-convex linear resonators to design end-pumped solid-state lasers with flexible cavity lengths: Application for exploring the self-mode-locked operation

The characteristics of a convex-concave linear resonator under the thermal lensing effect are theoretically analyzed to find an analytical model for designing end-pumped solid-state lasers with flexible cavity lengths. By exploiting the design model, the power scaling for continuous-wave operation under strong thermal lensing can be easily achieved in the proposed resonator with different cavity lengths. Furthermore, the proposed resonator is applied to explore the exclusive influence of cavity length on the self-mode-locked (SML) operation. It is discovered that the lasing longitudinal modes will split into multiple groups in optical spectrum to lead to a multi-pulse mode-locked temporal state when the cavity length increases. Finally, a theoretical model is derived to reconstruct the experimental results of SML operation to deduce a simple relationship between the group number of lasing modes and the cavity length.

Diphenhydramine induces melanoma cell apoptosis by suppressing STAT3/MCL-1 survival signaling and retards B16-F10 melanoma growth in vivo

Melanoma is the most aggressive skin malignancy with a high rate of mortality and is frequently refractory to many therapeutics, thus demanding the discovery of novel effective anti-melanoma agents. Diphenhydramine (DPH) is an H1 histamine receptor antagonist and a relatively safe drug. Previous studies have revealed the in vitro cytotoxicity of DPH against melanoma cells, but the mechanisms involved concerning its cytotoxicity and the in vivo anti-melanoma effect remain unknown. We herein present the first evidence supporting that DPH is selectively proapoptotic for a panel of melanoma cell lines irrespective of BRAFV600E status while sparing normal melanocytes. Of note, DPH effectively suppressed tumor growth and prolonged the length of survival of mice bearing B16-F10 melanoma. Mechanistic investigation further revealed that DPH downregulated antiapoptotic MCL-1, whereas MCL-1 overexpression impeded the proapoptotic action of DPH. Moreover, DPH attenuated STAT3 activation, as evidenced by the reduced levels of tyrosine 705-phosphorylated STAT3. Notably, ectopic expression of constitutively active STAT3 mutant reduced DPH-induced apoptosis but also protected MCL-1 from downregulation by DPH, illustrating that DPH impairs STAT3 activation to block STAT3-mediated induction of MCL-1 in eliciting apoptosis. Collectively, we for the first time validate the in vivo anti‑melanoma effect of DPH and also establish DPH as a drug targeting STAT3/MCL-1 survival signaling pathway to induce apoptosis. Our discovery therefore suggests the potential to repurpose DPH as an anti-melanoma therapeutic agent.

Discovery of Organophosphate Resistance-Related Genes Associated With Well-known Resistance Mechanisms of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) by RNA-Seq

Pesticide resistance poses many challenges for pest control, particularly for destructive pests such as diamondback moths ( Plutella xylostella ). Organophosphates have been used in the field since the 1950s, leading to selection for resistance-related gene variants and the development of resistance to new insecticides in the diamondback moth. Identifying actual and potential genes involved in resistance could offer solutions for control. This study established resistant diamondback moth strains from two different collections using mevinphos. Two sets of transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) data were generated for pairs of mevinphos-resistant versus susceptible (wild-type) strains. One susceptible strain containing 14 giga base pairs was assembled into a reference-based assembly using published scaffold sequences as reference. Differential expression data between resistant and susceptible strains revealed 944 transcripts (803 with annotations) showing upregulation and 427 transcripts (150 with annotations) showing downregulation. Around 6.8% of the differential expression transcripts (65) could be categorized as associated with well-known resistance mechanisms such as penetration, detoxification, and behavior response; of these 65 transcripts, 38 showed upregulation, and 12 relating to penetration were upregulated when the transcripts of 19 cytochrome P450s, 2 zeta-class glutathione S-transferases, and 4 ATP-binding cassette transporters showed upregulation. In addition, 11 groups of transcripts related to olfactory perception appeared to be downregulated in trade-off situations. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction expression results were consistent with RNA-Seq data. Possible roles of these differentially expressed genes in resistance mechanisms are discussed in this study.

Characterization of tissue scaffolds for time-dependent biotransport criteria - a novel computational procedure

This study aims to establish a new computational framework that allows modeling transient oxygen diffusion in tissue scaffolds more efficiently. It has been well known that the survival of cells strongly relies on continuous oxygen/nutrient supply and metabolite removal. With optimal design in scaffold architecture, its ability to sustain long distance oxygen supply could be improved considerably. In this study, finite element based homogenization procedure is first used to characterize the initial effective biotransport properties in silico. These initial properties are proper indicators to prediction of the on-going performance of tissue scaffolds over time. The transient model by adopting an edge-based smoothed finite element method with combination of mass-redistributed method is then established to more efficiently simulate the transient oxygen transfer process in tissue scaffolds. The proposed new method allows large time steps to model the oxygen diffusion process without losing numerical accuracy, thereby enhancing the computational efficiency significantly, in particular for the design optimization problems which typically require numerous analysis iterations. A number of different scaffold designs are examined either under net diffusion without cell seeding, or under cellular oxygen/nutrient uptake with or without considering cell viability. The association between the homogenized effective diffusivity of net scaffold microstructures and corresponding transient diffusion and time-dependent cellular activities is divulged. This study provides some insights into scaffold design.

Estimating 3D L5/S1 moments and ground reaction forces during trunk bending using a full-body ambulatory inertial motion capture system

Inertial motion capture (IMC) systems have become increasingly popular for ambulatory movement analysis. However, few studies have attempted to use these measurement techniques to estimate kinetic variables, such as joint moments and ground reaction forces (GRFs). Therefore, we investigated the performance of a full-body ambulatory IMC system in estimating 3D L5/S1 moments and GRFs during symmetric, asymmetric and fast trunk bending, performed by nine male participants. Using an ambulatory IMC system (Xsens/MVN), L5/S1 moments were estimated based on the upper-body segment kinematics using a top-down inverse dynamics analysis, and GRFs were estimated based on full-body segment accelerations. As a reference, a laboratory measurement system was utilized: GRFs were measured with Kistler force plates (FPs), and L5/S1 moments were calculated using a bottom-up inverse dynamics model based on FP data and lower-body kinematics measured with an optical motion capture system (OMC). Correspondence between the OMC+FP and IMC systems was quantified by calculating root-mean-square errors (RMSerrors) of moment/force time series and the interclass correlation (ICC) of the absolute peak moments/forces. Averaged over subjects, L5/S1 moment RMSerrors remained below 10Nm (about 5% of the peak extension moment) and 3D GRF RMSerrors remained below 20N (about 2% of the peak vertical force). ICCs were high for the peak L5/S1 extension moment (0.971) and vertical GRF (0.998). Due to lower amplitudes, smaller ICCs were found for the peak asymmetric L5/S1 moments (0.690-0.781) and horizontal GRFs (0.559-0.948). In conclusion, close correspondence was found between the ambulatory IMC-based and laboratory-based estimates of back load.

A promising "TRAIL" of tanshinones for cancer therapy

An ideal cancer therapy specifically targets cancer cells while sparing normal tissues. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) elicits apoptosis by engaging its cognate death receptors (DRs—namely, DR4 and DR5. The cancer cell-selective proapoptotic action of TRAIL is highly attractive for cancer therapy, but clinical application of TRAIL is rather limited due to tumors’ inherent or acquired TRAIL resistance. Combining TRAIL with agents that reverse resistance to it has proved promising in the sensitization of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Noteworthy, natural compounds have already been validated as potential resources for TRAIL sensitizers. In this review, we focus on the recently identified TRAILsensitizing effect of tanshinones, the anticancer ingredients of the medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen in Chinese). Research from our laboratories and others have revealed the synergy of a tanshinones-TRAIL combination in diverse types of cancer cells through up-regulation of DR5 and/or down-regulation of antiapoptotic proteins such as survivin. Thus, in addition to their anticancer mechanisms, tanshinones as TRAIL sensitizers hold great potential to be translated to TRAIL-based therapeutic modalities for combatting cancer.

Pulmonary Cryptococcosis

Inhalation of Cryptococcus into the respiratory system is the main route of acquisition of human infection, yet pulmonary cryptococcosis goes mostly unrecognized by many clinicians. This delay in diagnosis, or misdiagnosis, of lung infections is due in part to frequently subtle clinical manifestations such as a subacute or chronic cough, a broad differential of diagnostic possibilities for associated pulmonary masses (cryptococcomas) and, on occasion, negative respiratory tract cultures. Hematogenous dissemination from the lung can result in protean manifestations, the most severe of which is meningoencephalitis. There are few clinical studies of pulmonary cryptococcosis and its pathogenesis is poorly understood. The main purpose of this review is to describe the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of pulmonary cryptococcosis to increase clinician's awareness of this diagnostic possibility and to enhance clinical management. Useful pointers to the approach and management of pulmonary cryptococcosis and the implications of disseminated disease are included, together with recommendations for future research.