The role of innate lymphoid cells in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a connective tissue disorder that affects various body systems. Both the innate and adaptive immunity contribute to the onset and progression of SLE. The main mechanism of SLE is an excessive immune response of immune cells to autoantigens, which leads to systemic inflammation and inflammation-induced organ damage. Notably, a subset of innate immune cells known as innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) has recently emerged. ILCs are pivotal in the early stages of infection; participate in immune responses, inflammation, and tissue repair; and regulate the immune function of the body by resisting pathogens and regulating autoimmune inflammation and metabolic homeostasis. Thus, ILCs dysfunction can lead to autoimmune diseases. This review discusses the maturation of ILCs, the potential mechanisms by which ILCs exacerbate SLE pathogenesis, and their contributions to organ inflammatory deterioration in SLE.

Therapeutic landscape in systemic lupus erythematosus: mtDNA activation of the cGAS-STING pathway

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) serves as a pivotal immune stimulus in the immune response. During stress, mitochondria release mtDNA into the cytoplasm, where it is recognized by the cytoplasmic DNA receptor cGAS. This activation initiates the cGAS-STING-IRF3 pathway, culminating in an inflammatory response. The cGAS-STING pathway has emerged as a critical mediator of inflammatory responses in microbial infections, stress, autoimmune diseases, chronic illnesses, and tissue injuries. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by connective tissue involvement across various bodily systems. Its hallmark is the production of numerous autoantibodies, which prompt the immune system to target and damage the body's own tissues, resulting in organ and tissue damage. Increasing evidence implicates the cGAS-STING pathway as a significant contributor to SLE pathogenesis. This article aims to explore the role of the mtDNA-triggered cGAS-STING pathway and its mechanisms in SLE, with the goal of providing novel insights for clinical interventions.

[Evaluation of the predictive effect of PD-L1 expression on survival in early triple-negative breast cancer]

Objectives: To find the prognostic factors related to early triple-negative breast cancer to optimize the therapeutic strategies, and explore the influence of programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-L1)expression in early triple-negative breast cancer on its prognosis, so as to provide support for clinical treatment decisions. Methods: Early triple-negative breast cancer patients treated at the National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences during 1st June, 2009 and 31st Oct, 2015 were enrolled in this study. All the clinicopathological data of patients were collected, and the paraffin sections of the surgical specimens were stained with estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), androgen receptor, PD-L1 and other antibodies by the immunohistochemical method. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression curves were used for survival analysis of relevant clinical and pathological results and nomogram survival prediction models were established to explore the influence of relevant factors on the prognosis. Results: A total of 205 patients with triple-negative breast cancer were enrolled. Ninety patients (43.9%) were PD-L1 positive. The median follow-up time was 63 months. Thirty-seven patients were relapsed or recurrent and 16 patients were dead. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate were 86.1% (95% CI: 81.4%-90.8%) and 93.6% (95% CI: 91.0%-97.6%), respectively, in the general population. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that PD-L1 expression and lymph node metastasis were correlated with DFS and OS (P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, PD-L1 expression was an independent influencing factor of DFS, with PD-L1 positive patients possessing a significant survival benefit in DFS (HR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.73). Lymph node metastasis was an independent influencing factor of OS, and OS was significantly shortened in patients with positive lymph node metastasis (HR=3.24, 95% CI: 1.15-9.17). PD-L1, lymph node metastasis, menopausal status, Ki-67 index and adjuvant chemotherapy regimen were included to establish the 1- and 3-year DFS and OS nomogram prediction models, resulting in C indices of 0.698 and 0.748, respectively. Conclusions: PD-L1 expression is a predictive biomarker of good prognostic factor in triple-negative breast cancer patients. DFS is significantly prolonged in PD-L1 positive patients and OS also shows a prolongation trend. The nomogram prognosis prediction models have reference values for adjuvant chemotherapy in this patient group.

sNASP Mutation Aggravates to the TLR4-Mediated Inflammation in SLE by TAK1 Pathway

Genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and abnormal Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways are closely related to the onset of SLE. In previous studies, we found that the mutant somatic nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (sNASP) gene in the mouse lupus susceptibility locus Sle2 can promote the development of lupus model mice, but the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages with different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide. The results showed that sNASP gene mutations can promote the response of the TLR4-TAK1 signaling pathway but have no significant effect on the TLR4-TBK1 signaling pathway. sNASP mutations enhanced TLR4-mediated nuclear factor-κ-gene binding and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and IL-6, tumor necrosis factor secretion in murine peritoneal macrophages. Collectively, our study revealed the impact of sNASP gene mutation on the sensitivity of TLR4 receptors in mouse peritoneal macrophages and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying inflammation in autoimmune diseases.

[Administration of a single chain variable fragments chimeric protein (SD) of ovalbumin epitopes internalizing receptor DEC-205 antibody inhibits food allergy in mice]

Objective To investigate the preventive therapeutic effect and possible mechanism of single chain variable fragments chimeric protein (SD) of ovalbumin epitopes internalizing receptor DEC-205 antibody on food allergy in mice. Methods Mice were randomly divided to five groups (control, PBS, scFv DEC 100 μg, SD 50 μg, SD 100 μg) and treated for 24 hours before OVA administration. After challenge, the serum level of OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, IgG2a and IL-4 were detected by ELISA. Infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells in the jejunum was observed by HE staining and toluidine blue staining respectively. The bone marrow of tibia and femur was isolated and cultured to obtain immature dendritic cells(BMDCs), which were further treated with LPS (10 ng/mL), TSLP (50 ng/mL), scFv DEC protein (1000 ng/mL) and SD protein (10,100,1000)ng/mL for 24 hours, and the IL-10 level of supernatant was assayed by ELISA. Results Compared with PBS group, the number of SD-treated mice with diarrhea was markedly reduced. The difference in rectal temperature and the levels of serum OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, IgG2a and IL-4 decreased significantly after prophylactic administration of SD; The number of eosinophils and mast cells in jejunum also decreased significantly while the IL-10 level in the supernatant of BMDCs increased significantly after SD intervention. Conclusion SD mitigates experimental FA response by fosters the immune tolerance property of dendritic cells.

Updated insight into the role of Th2-associated immunity in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with multiple organs involvement, abundant autoantibodies, complement activation, and immune complexes depositions. By regulating inflammation and immune homeostasis, cytokines have been well documented to participate in the pathogenesis of SLE. A number of studies have shown that T helper 2 (Th2)-associated immunity plays an important role in autoimmune diseases, including SLE. Key molecules underlying Th2-related immunity are expected to serve as promising targets for the diagnosis and targeted treatment of SLE. Current progress in SLE pathogenesis and biological treatment strategies has been reviewed, focusing on the latest development in Th2-associated immunity.

[Hepatic fibrosis aggravation in nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (NASP) mutant mice induced by concanavalin A]

Objective To investigate how mutation of nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (NASP) gene affects mouse liver fibrosis induced by concanavalinA (ConA) and its mechanism. Methods The wild-type B6 (B6-WT) mice were used as a control group, and the NASP mutant B6 (B6-NASP^M) mice as an experimental group. The mice were injected with ConA via tail vein once a week for 8 weeks to establish the model of liver fibrosis. The histopathological changes were observed by HE staining, the collagen fiber deposition by Masson staining, smooth muscle alpha-actin (α-SMA) expression in liver tissue by immunohistochemical staining. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured by microplate assay. The serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were measured by ELISA. The mRNA expressions of type I collagen (Col1) and Col3 in liver tissue were determined by real-time quantitative PCR, and the changes of T lymphocyte subsets in liver tissue were detected by flow cytometry. Results Compared with the B6-WT group, B6-NASP^M group had disordered liver structure and no significant changes in mRNA expression of Col 1 and Col3, but the collagen fiber hyperplasia and α-SMA expression in liver tissue were more obvious, and the levels of serum ALT and TNF-α were significantly increased. In addition, the proportion and number of CD4⁺CD44^hi T lymphocyte subsets in liver tissue were markedly decreased. Conclusion Mutation of NASP gene aggravates mouse liver fibrosis by increasing the release of TNF-α, changing the proportion of T lymphocyte subsets in liver tissue and promoting the activation of hepatic stellate cells.

A murine Skint6 W168X allele contributes to autoimmune disease in a transgenic model

BACKGROUND

The genetic factor is a great driver of systemic lupus erythematosus. A Skint6 W168X allele was previously identified in the murine lupus susceptibility rec1d1 sublocus. The purpose of this study is to investigate the pathogenic role and mechanism of the Skint6 W168X allele in lupus autoimmune disease.

METHODS

The gene-editing CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to generate transgenic models with the Skint6 W168X allele. PCR and Sanger's sequencing techniques were applied to mRNA quantification and DNA sequence detection. Flow cytometry was adopted for immunophenotyping. Pathological evaluation of kidneys and lungs was performed using several immunopathological approaches.

RESULTS

The transgenic models with the Skint6 W168X allele were created, including B6.Skint6^X/X and B6.lpr.Skint6^X/X strains. The B6.lpr.Skint6^X/X mice showed bigger spleen and lymph nodes, more lymphocytes and effector T cell populations, more severe nephritis with more IgG and C3 deposit in glomeruli as well as worse proteinuria, and more severe lung inflammation than control B6.lpr mice. In addition, a skint6 receptor binding Skint6 peptide was identified from T and B lymphocytes. B6.Skint6^X/X mice have lower percentages of skint6 receptor⁺ T and B cells in spleen than B6 mice.

CONCLUSION

The Skint6 W168X allele in murine lupus rec1d1 sublocus was validated to be a pathogenic mutant gene and contributes to autoimmune disease through producing a truncated Skint6 peptide of binding the skint6 receptors on lymphocytes.

[Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of combination of gemcitabine and nedaplatin for patients with HER-2 negative metastatic breast cancer]

Objective: To assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the gemcitabine combined with nedaplatin (GN) chemotherapy for metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) negative breast cancer patients. Methods: Forty-five patients with HER-2 negative recurrent metastatic breast cancer who had received prior adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy with anthracycline and/or taxanes were enrolled. All the patients received GN regime from January 2014 to February 2019. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated according to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) 1.1. The adverse response was evaluated and monitored according to common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE). The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) and prognostic factors were also analyzed. Results: All of the 45 patients received 4 course GN, 1 of them achieved complete response, 21 achieved partial response. The objective response rate was 48.9 (95% CI: 33.7%-64.1%). Grade 3-4 hematological toxicities include leukopenia occurred in 10 (22.2%) of patients, neutropenia in 13 (28.9%) patients, and thrombocytopenia in 8 (17.6%) patients. The grade 3-4 hematological toxicities mainly manifested as nausea and vomiting, and the incidence was 4.4% (2/45). Among the 45 patients, 34 died, the median PFS was 5.1 (95% CI: 3.9-6.1) months and the median OS was 17.6 (95% CI: 13.1-20.9) months. Conclusion: The combination of gemcitabine and nedaplatin is an effective and tolerable treatment for metastatic breast cancer patients previously treated with anthracyclines and/or taxanes.

[Physical activity intervention for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is chronic steatosis of the liver in children and adolescents under 18 years of age, which is related to insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidemia. Non-alcoholic fatty liver is the most common cause of liver disease in children, and lifestyle interventions such as diet or exercise are usually recommended as a treatment. Compared with dietary restriction that may affect growth and development, physical training has become the main form of treatment for children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This article summarizes the aspects of physical training intervention for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children.

[An investigation of the fertility needs of young patients with breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the fertility needs and outcome of pregnancy in patients with young breast cancer in China. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional investigation was conducted on 374 young breast cancer women from Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Young patients with breast cancer were defined as patients who got initial diagnosis of breast cancer at age no more than 40 years old. We conducted a questionnaire survey and collected clinical data from medical chart. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the possible factors influencing patients' fertility intention. Results: 308 young women with breast cancer completed questionnaires, and the response rate was 82.4%. 81 patients (26.3%) had fertility needs after diagnosis. Of them, 6 cases took active measures to preserve fertility. 72 patients (23.4%) received fertility counseling during treatment. 7 patients were successfully pregnant, including four cases who delivered normally. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients under 35 years old (OR=4.81), bachelor degree or above (OR=3.26), receiving breast-conserving surgery (OR=2.15) and childless patients (OR=3.03) were more likely to have fertility needs after diagnosis of breast cancer (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The fertility needs of young breast cancer women in China are gradually increasing. Healthcare providers associated with tumor patients should actively offer corresponding fertility consultation and individualized diagnosis and therapy plans for patients with fertility needs.

Apolipoprotein A-I Mimetic Peptide L-4F Suppresses Granulocytic-Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Mouse Pancreatic Cancer

L-4F is an apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) mimetic peptide, it was engineered to imitate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activity of ApoA-I. In this paper, H7 cell was used to construct a mouse model of pancreatic cancer in situ, and the mice were treated with L-4F. Then, the development of pancreatic cancer and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) infiltration were investigated in vivo. After L-4F treatment, the differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis of MDSCs were detected in vitro. Moreover, we test its effects on the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs ex vivo. The results show that L-4F significantly reduced the tumorigenicity of H7 cells. L-4F suppressed granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) differentiation and inhibited the accumulation of PMN-MDSCs in the mouse spleen and tumor tissue. L-4F weakened the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs, resulting in decreased production of ROS and H₂O₂ by MDSCs, and increased T cell proliferation, interferon γ and tumor necrosis factor β secretion, and CD3⁺CD4⁺ T and CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cell infiltration into the mouse spleen and pancreatic cancer tissue. Furthermore, L-4F significantly down regulated the STAT3 signaling pathway in PMN-MDSCs. These results indicated that L-4F exerts an effective anti-tumor and immunomodulatory effect in pancreatic cancer by inhibiting PMN-MDSCs.

Significance of Glutamate Racemase for the Viability and Cell Wall Integrity of Streptococcus iniae

Streptococcus iniae is a pathogenic and zoonotic bacterium responsible for human diseases and mortality of many fish species. Recently, this bacterium has demonstrated an increasing trend for antibiotics resistance, which has warranted a search for new approaches to tackle its infection. Glutamate racemase (MurI) is a ubiquitous enzyme of the peptidoglycan synthesis pathway that plays an important role in the cell wall integrity maintenance; however, the significance of this enzyme differs in different species. In this study, we knocked out the MurI gene in S. iniae in order to elucidate the role of glutamate racemase in maintaining cell wall integrity in this bacterial species. We also cloned, expressed, and purified MurI and determined its biochemical characteristics. Biochemical analysis revealed that the MurI gene in S. iniae encodes a functional enzyme with a molecular weight of 30 kDa, temperature optimum at 35°C, and pH optimum at 8.5. Metal ions, such as Cu2+, Mn2+, Co2+ and Zn2+, inhibited the enzyme activity. MurI was found to be essential for the viability and cell wall integrity of S. iniae. The optimal growth of the MurI-deficient S. iniae mutant can be achieved only by adding a high concentration of D-glutamate to the medium. Membrane permeability assay of the mutant showed an increasing extent of the cell wall damage with time upon D-glutamate starvation. Moreover, the mutant lost its virulence when incubated in fish blood. Our results demonstrated that the MurI knockout leads to the generation of S. iniae auxotroph with damaged cell walls.

[Mutation of nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (NASP) gene aggravates autoimmune response in induced lupus model mice]

Objective To prepare inducible lupus model mice and investigate the effect of nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (NASP) gene mutation on the autoimmune response of mice with induced systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods The 3-month wild-type B6 (B6-WT) mice were used as a control group and the NASP mutant B6 (B6-NASP^M) mice as an experimental group. Mouse spleen lymphocytes were activated with concanavalin A (ConA), and the DNA was extracted as autoantigen. B6-WT mice and B6-NASP^M mice were immunized three times. Serum anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) IgG levels were detected by ELISA. Renal lesions were detected by HE staining. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the deposition of IgG and complement C3 in the renal tissues. Flow cytometry was applied to compare the spleen lymphocyte subsets in B6-WT and B6-NASP^M mice and to explore the mechanism of NASP gene mutation affecting the immune response in mice. Results Compared with B6-WT mice, B6-NASP^M mice showed no significant changes in body weight, kidney index and spleen index; serum anti-dsDNA IgG levels significantly increased; glomerular cell proliferation was obvious and the deposition of IgG and C3 in the renal tissues increased. The proportion of spleen CD3⁺ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells decreased, while the proportion of CD19⁺ B cells and regulatory B cells (Breg) increased. Conclusion Mutation in the NASP gene can increase the levels of anti-dsDNA IgG antibodies, promote cell proliferation in the glomerulus of the kidney, deposition of IgG antibodies and complement C3, alter the proportion of immune cells in the spleen and aggravate the autoimmune response in lupus model mice.

A Variant of the Histone-Binding Protein sNASP Contributes to Mouse Lupus

The Sle2c1rec1c (rec1c) sublocus is derived from the mouse lupus susceptibility 2 (Sle2) locus identified in the NZM2410 model. Our current study dissected the functional characters and the genetic basis of the rec1c locus relative to lupus when co-expressed with the Fas^lpr mutation, an established inducer of autoimmunity. The rec1c.lpr mice exhibited mild expansion of lymph nodes and had a normal T cell cellularity, but developed significantly kidney and lung inflammation, indicating that the rec1c amplifies lpr-induced autoimmune pathogenesis. A variant of somatic nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (sNASP) was identified from the rec1c interval as a substitution of two consecutive amino acid residues in the histone-binding domain, resulting in an increased binding affinity to histone H4 and H3.1/H4 tetramer. To determine the role of the sNASP rec1c allele in mouse lupus, a novel strain was generated by introducing the rec1c mutations into the B6 genome. In this transgenic model, the sNASP allele synergized with the lpr mutation leading to moderate autoimmune phenotypes and aggravating inflammatory pathology alterations in kidney and lung that were similar to those observed in the rec1c.lpr mice. These results establish that the sNASP allele is a pathogenic genetic element in the rec1c sublocus, which not only promotes autoimmunity, but also exacerbates the inflammation reaction of end organs in mouse lupus pathogenesis. It also shows the complexity of the Sle2c locus, initially mapped as the major locus associated with B1a cell expansion. In addition to Cdkn2c, which regulates this expansion, we have now identified in the same locus a protective allele of Csf3r, a variant of Skint6 associated with T cell activation, and now a variant of sNASP that amplifies autoimmunity and tissue damage.

[Demographic characteristics and canalith repositioning efficacy in 907 patients with typical benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

AbstractObjective:To review the demographic characteristics and canalith repositioning efficacy in 907 patients with typical benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV). Method: The demographic characteristics of 907 patients with typical BPPV were statistically analyzed. According to the type of BPPV, patients were treated with the appropriate repositioning maneuver, and the clinical efficacy of repositioning maneuver was analyzed and summarized. Result: Nine hundred and seven patients of BPPV with typical nystagmus were elected in this study. 585 out of 907 were female and 322 out of were male, and the mean age was 53.10±14.25(13 to 89) years. The lesion located to the posterior semiCIrcular canal was 489 patients(53.9%), horizontal semiCIrcular canal was 312 patients(34.4%), anterior semiCIrcular was 63 patients(6.9%), and multiple semiCIrcular was 43 patients(4.8%). According to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis curve, the median cure time for the modified Semont and Epley repositioning maneuver in PC-BPPV groups was 3 days, and there was no significant difference in survival curves between the two repositioning maneuver. Meanwhile, the median cure time for Barbecue and Li horizontal canal quick repositioning maneuver groups was 3 days, and 1 day for Gufoni repositioning maneuver group in HC-BPPV groups. And there was no significant difference in survival curves among the three repositioning maneuver. In the AC-BPPV, 7 cases, 31 cases, 57 cases, 58 cases were cured with the Li anterior canal quick repositioning maneuver in the 1st day, the 3rd day, 1 week later, and 1 month later, and 5 cases lost to be follow-up. According to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis curve, the median cure time for the Li anterior canal quick repositioning maneuver in AC-BPPV groups was 3 days. Conclusion:Repositioning maneuver represents a simple, safe, rapid and effective approach to the treatment of BPPV. Therefore, repositioning maneuver should be choice for the BPPV treatment.

KRAB-containing zinc finger protein ZNF496 inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation by selectively repressing ERα activity

KRAB-containing zinc finger proteins (KZNF) constitute the largest family of transcriptional regulators in humans and play critical roles in normal development and tumorigenesis. However, the function and mechanism of most KZNFs remain unclear. Here, we report that ZNF496, a KZNF family member, interacts with the DNA binding domain (DBD) of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) via its C2H2 domain. This interaction decreases ERα binding to chromatin DNA and results in the repression of ERα transactivation, the selective suppression of ERα target genes, and ultimately in a reduction of ERα-positive cell growth in the presence of E2. An analysis of clinical data revealed that the downregulation of ZNF496 expression is observed only in ERα-positive and not in ERα-negative breast cancer tissues when compared with that in matched adjacent tissues. Lastly, we also observed that the downregulation of ZNF496 is associated with poor recurrence-free survival among patients with breast cancer. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that ZNF496 is a novel ERα-binding protein that acts as a target gene-specific ERα corepressor and inhibits the growth of ERα-positive breast cancer cells.

[Short-term outcomes of Li's repositioning maneuver of different age groups patients of horizontal semicircular canal canalithiasis benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

Objective:To analyse whether there is statistical difference between different age group short-term outcomes of horizontal semicircular canal canalithiasis benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (HC-BPPV) patients treated by Li's repositioning maneuver.Method:Since October 2009 to July 2017, we included 169 unilateral HC-BPPV patients treated by Li's repositioning maneuver. Then we recorded and analyse 3-day and 1-week outcomes.Result:Three-day efficacy rates of youth, middle aged, young elderly and elderly patients were 97.9%,93.9%,90.9% and 90.% (P=0.136), respectively. Rates of 1-week efficacy were 100.0%,98.5%,97.7%and 100.0% (P=0.799),respectively. There was no statistical difference.Conclusion:Treated by Li's repositioning maneuver,HC-BPPV patients of different age groups can both get good short-term outcomes without statistical difference.

Nonreciprocal Linear Transmission of Sound in a Viscous Environment with Broken P Symmetry

Reciprocity is a fundamental property of the wave equation in a linear medium that originates from time-reversal symmetry, or T symmetry. For electromagnetic waves, reciprocity can be violated by an external magnetic field. It is much harder to realize nonreciprocity for acoustic waves. Here we report the first experimental observation of linear nonreciprocal transmission of ultrasound through a water-submerged phononic crystal consisting of asymmetric rods. Viscosity of water is the factor that breaks the T symmetry. Asymmetry, or broken P symmetry along the direction of sound propagation, is the second necessary factor for nonreciprocity. Experimental results are in agreement with numerical simulations based on the Navier-Stokes equation. Our study demonstrates that a medium with broken PT symmetry is acoustically nonreciprocal. The proposed passive nonreciprocal device is cheap, robust, and does not require an energy source.

Association of BCSC-1 and MMP-14 with human breast cancer

Breast cancer suppressor candidate-1 (BCSC-1) is a candidate tumor suppressor gene that was identified recently. Decreased levels of BCSC-1 have been detected in a variety of cancer types in previous studies. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14 is a membrane-type MMP that plays an important role in tumor progression and prognosis. Previous research has indicated that MMP-14 is highly expressed in different cancer types and promotes tumor invasion or metastasis by remodeling the extracellular matrix. However, there have been few reports on BCSC-1 and MMP-14 in human breast cancer in recent years. In the present study, the association of BCSC-1 and MMP-14 with human breast cancer was investigated. The immunohistochemical analysis results revealed reduced expression of BCSC-1 and overexpression of MMP-14 in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal breast tissues. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses also showed that BCSC-1 was expressed at significantly lower levels, and that MMP-14 was expressed at significantly higher levels in breast cancer tissues compared with healthy breast tissue. Furthermore, decreased expression of BCSC-1 and overexpression of MMP-14 were associated with tumor cellular differentiation, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. A correlational analysis between BCSC-1 and MMP-14 was also conducted, and the results indicated a negative correlation between the two. In conclusion, the current findings indicate that BCSC-1 is downregulated, while MMP-14 is overexpressed in human breast cancer. These two genes may play important roles during the process of human breast cancer development.

BCSC-1 suppresses human breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting NF-κB signaling

Breast cancer suppressor candidate-1 (BCSC-1; also termed von Willebrand factor A domain containing 5A and LOH11CR2A) is a newly identified candidate tumor suppressor gene that has been implicated in several types of cancer in previous studies. However, there have been few reports about the association between BCSC-1 and human breast cancer in recent years. In the present study, the expression of BCSC-1 in breast cancer was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of tissue microarrays and clinical tissue specimens. Subsequently, BCSC-1 gene expression was evaluated in different breast cancer cell lines by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and the MDA-MB-231 cell line was selected for further use in subsequent experiments, due to its low BCSC-1 expression. An MDA-MB-231 cell line with stable overexpression of BCSC-1 was established through transfection with plasmid containing the BCSC-1 gene, and then screening for G418 resistance. Wound-healing, migration and invasion assays were conducted to detect the effect of BCSC-1 on MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, changes in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), osteopontin (OPN) and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway were detected in the current study. Additionally, stable silencing of BCSC-1 expression in MCF-7 cells was performed using a lentivirus. The results of IHC indicated that BCSC-1 is expressed at low levels in breast cancer tissues compared with in normal breast tissue. Results of the wound healing, migration and invasion assays demonstrated that BCSC-1 overexpression reduced the metastasis ability of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. Further research confirmed that the BCSC-1 overexpression reduced the expression levels of MMP7, MMP9 and OPN, and the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65. Furthermore, inhibition of BCSC-1 via lentivirus-mediated RNA interference revealed that the downregulation of BCSC-1 increased the invasive ability of MCF-7 cells. In summary, the results demonstrated that BCSC-1 is expressed at low levels in breast cancer tissues, and that it can suppress human breast cancer cell migration and invasion, potentially altering the expression of MMP7, MMP9, OPN, and the activity of the NF-κB pathway. Therefore, BCSC-1 may be useful as a biomarker for the treatment of breast cancer in the future.

[Clinical characteristics and short term outcome of very old benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients]

Objective:To provide evidence and strategy for treatment of very old patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (v-BPPV) by retrospective analysis of v-BPPV patients. Method:According to the criteria, 19 v-BPPV patients were collected, aging from 80 to 91 years old, including 10 horizontal semicircular canal BPPV (HC-BPPV), 4 posterior semicircular canal (PC-BPPV) and 5 mutiple semicircular canal BPPV patients. PC-BPPV patients were treated by Epley or Li maneuver, and HC-BPPV patients were treated by Barbecue or Li maneuver. Each patient was treated twice, with an interval of 5 to 10 minutes. Result:Rates of 3-day cure and efficacy were 63.16% and 94.74%, respectively. Rates of 1-week cure and efficacy were 89.47% and 100.00%, respectively. Conclusion:v-BPPV can have good outcomes via proper treatment. Age should not influence BPPV outcomes, while we should pay more attention to v-BPPV patients' physiclal status and systematic diseases which may increase risk to diagnosis and treatment.

[A randomized controlled trial on short-term efficacy of the modified Semont maneuver for the treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

Objective:To observe the short-term efficacy of modified Semont maneuver for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV)Method:This was a prospective randomized controlled trial on 130 PC-BPPV patients. Subjects were randomized divided into two groups: modified Semont (65 patients),and Epley(65 patients).Each maneuver was repeated twice,and the presence of sequelae,nystagmus and vertigo on positional testing were evaluated 3rd day and 1 week after treatment.Result:Five patients were lost to follow up (all five in the modified Semont group),and three patients failed to complete treatment (all three in the Epley group). The sequelae at the 3rd day and one week after modified Semont maneuver were 27 and 9,while 41 and 15 in Epley group. The efficacy rates at the 3rd day and one week after modified Semont maneuver were 91.7% and 98.3%,and 91.9% and 96.8% in Epley group retrospectively. The sequelae and short-term effective rate of patients in modified Semont group was no difference when compared with that in Epley group (P>0.05).Conclusion:Modified Semont maneuver represents a simple rapid and effective approach to the treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Astragalus polysaccharides improve cardiomyopathy in STZ-induced diabetic mice and heterozygous (SOD2+/-) knockout mice

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. In the present study, we determined whether the effect of astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on diabetic cardiomyopathy was associated with its impact on oxidative stress. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and heterozygous superoxide dismutase (SOD2+/-) knockout mice were administered APS. The hemodynamics, cardiac ultrastructure, and the apoptosis, necrosis and proliferation of cardiomyocytes were assessed to evaluate the effect of APS on diabetic and oxidative cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, H₂O₂ formation, oxidative stress/damage, and SOD activity in cardiomyocytes were evaluated to determine the effects of APS on cardiac oxidative stress. APS therapy improved hemodynamics and myocardial ultrastructure with reduced apoptosis/necrosis, and enhanced proliferation in cardiomyocytes from both STZ-induced diabetic mice and heterozygous SOD2+/- knockout mice. In addition, APS therapy reduced H₂O₂ formation and oxidative stress/damage, and enhanced SOD activity in both groups of mice. Our findings suggest that APS had benefits in diabetic cardiomyopathy, which may be partly associated with its impact on cardiac oxidative stress.

miR-125b Enhances IL-8 Production in Early-Onset Severe Preeclampsia by Targeting Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Lyase 1

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. One of the main hallmarks observed in PE is impaired inflammation state. In the current study, we found that miR-125b was deregulated in placental tissues and plasma derived from PE patients, which suggest a potential association between this miRNA and the pathogenesis of PE. Overexpression of miR-125b significantly reduced SGPL1 expression, and luciferase assays confirmed that SGPL1 is a direct target of miR-125b. We also found that miR-125b enhanced IL-8 production by directly targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase 1 (SGPL1), and this effect could be reversed by SGPL1 overexpression. In placentas derived from PE patients, a negative correlation of miR-125b and SGPL1 was observed, and IL-8 was validated to be increased in the circulation of PE patients. Our data demonstrated a critical role of miR-125b in IL-8 production and the development of PE.

Adenovirus-mediated interleukin 21 gene transfer enhances antitumor immunity and reduces tumorigenicity of Hepa1-6 in mice

In the present study, adenovirus-mediated interleukin 21 (Ad5-IL-21-EGFP) gene expression was induced in Hepa1–6 cells to investigate whether IL-21 was capable of enhancing antitumor immunity and reducing tumorigenicity of Hepa1–6 in a mouse model. Mice were inoculated intradermally into the right flank with Hepa1–6 cells or Hepa1–6 cells infected with Ad5 or Ad5-IL-21. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed humanely, and the tumor volume, tumor weight and mouse spleen index were measured. The levels of IL-21, IL-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ levels in mouse serum and tumor tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the killing ability of spleen T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, and the proliferation ability of T cells. The expression of IL-21 was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and ELISA assay in Ad5-IL-21-EGFP-infected Hepa1–6 cells. The overexpression of IL-21 significantly reduced the tumorigenicity of Hepa1–6 cells. The tumor volumes and tumor weights in Ad5-IL-21-Hepa1–6 mice were much smaller than those in the Ad5-Hepa1–6 group and Hepa1–6 wild-type group. The immunohistochemistry and ELISA assay demonstrated that IL-21 and IFN-γ levels were much higher while the IL-4 level was much lower in the Ad5-IL-21-Hepa1–6 group than in the other two groups. CCK-8 assay revealed that the killing ability of NK cells and T cells, and the proliferation ability of T cells in Ad5-IL-21-Hepa1–6 mice were higher than in the other two groups; the spleen index of Ad5-IL-21-Hepa1–6 mice was also higher than in the other groups. The data had a significant difference (P<0.01). In conclusion, IL-21 reduces tumorigenicity of Hepa1–6 by a mechanism involving enhanced activation of cell-mediated immunity in tumor-bearing mice.

Effect of inulin-type fructans on blood lipid profile and glucose level: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the effects of inulin-type fructans (ITF) on human blood lipids and glucose homeostasis associated with metabolic abnormalities, including dyslipidemia, overweight or obesity, and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) before January 2016. Human trials that investigated the effects of ITF supplementation on the lipid profile, fasting glucose and insulin were included using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

Twenty RCTs with 607 adult participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, the supplementation of ITF reduced only the low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) (mean difference (MD): -0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.29, -0.02; P=0.03) without affecting the other endpoints. Within the T2DM subgroup analysis, ITF supplementation was positively associated with a decreased fasting insulin concentration (MD: -4.01; 95% CI: -5.92, -2.09; P<0.0001) and increased high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) (MD: 0.07; 95% CI: 0, 0.14; P=0.05). Moreover, a reduced fasting glucose tendency was identified only in the T2DM subgroup (MD: -0.42; 95% CI: -0.90, 0.06; P=0.09). There was a potential publication bias, and few trials were available for the T2DM subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the use of ITF may have benefits for LDL-c reduction across all study populations, whereas HDL-c improvement and glucose control were demonstrated only in the T2DM subgroup. Thus, additional, well-powered, long-term, randomized clinical trials are required for a definitive conclusion. Overall, ITF supplementation may provide a novel direction for improving the lipid profile and glucose metabolism.

Combined two foot flaps with iliac bone graft for reconstruction of the thumb

The purpose of this report was to retrospectively review the results of reconstruction of the thumb by use of combined two foot flaps with an iliac bone graft. From 2009 to 2014, nine patients with traumatic amputation of the thumb had their thumbs reconstructed. The two flaps were based on one pedicle. All flaps survived completely. Patients were followed for a mean of 15.6 months (range, 6-35 months). The appearance of the reconstructed thumb was comparable to a normal one, except for one thumb which required debulking. The appearance of the nail was satisfactory without deformity. The range of joint motion was satisfactory. The two point discrimination of the pulp ranged from 6 mm to >15 mm. The Michigan Hand Questionnaire outcome score was a mean of 76.2 ± 11.3 points and the Maryland foot rating score a mean of 94.8 ± 3.4 points. The combined two foot flaps with iliac bone graft might provide an option for the reconstruction of the thumb.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Target deletion of complement component 9 attenuates antibody-mediated hemolysis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute shock in mice

Terminal complement membrane attack complex (MAC) formation is induced initially by C5b, followed by the sequential condensation of the C6, C7, C8. Polymerization of C9 to the C5b-8 complex forms the C5b-9 (or MAC). The C5b-9 forms lytic or non lytic pores in the cell membrane destroys membrane integrity. The biological functionalities of MAC has been previously investigated by using either the mice deficient in C5 and C6, or MAC’s regulator CD59. However, there is no available C9 deficient mice (mC9^−/−) for directly dissecting the role of C5b-9 in the pathogenesis of human diseases. Further, since C5b-7 and C5b-8 complexes form non lytic pore, it may also plays biological functionality. To better understand the role of terminal complement cascades, here we report a successful generation of mC9^−/−. We demonstrated that lack of C9 attenuates anti-erythrocyte antibody-mediated hemolysis or LPS-induced acute shock. Further, the rescuing effect on the acute shock correlates with the less release of IL-1β in mC9^−/−, which is associated with suppression of MAC-mediated inflammasome activation in mC9^−/−. Taken together, these results not only confirm the critical role of C5b-9 in complement-mediated hemolysis and but also highlight the critical role of C5b-9 in inflammasome activation.

Sex Influences on the Penetrance of IL-1β and IL-1RN Genotypes for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Chinese Population

Polymorphism (variable number of tandem repeats) in the second intron of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ( IL-1Ra) gene and two single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions −511 and +3954 of the IL-1β gene may be associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study used sex stratification to investigate a correlation of the three genetic polymorphisms with the risk of RA, on patients with RA and healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) were performed. The frequencies of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele and genotype in female patients were significantly different compared with the controls; but in males, only the frequency of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele was different. The frequency of the IL-1RN genotype in patients was not statistically different compared with the controls; however, the frequency of IL-1RN allele in female patients was different. The association of the three polymorphisms with the susceptibility to RA appears to be significantly affected by gender.

One-stop microfiber spinning and fabrication of a fibrous cell-encapsulated scaffold on a single microfluidic platform

This paper provides a method for microscale fiber spinning and the in situ construction of a 3D fibrous scaffold on a single microfluidic platform. This platform was also used to fabricate a variety of fibrous scaffolds with diverse compositions without the use of complicated devices. We explored the potential utility of the fibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications by constructing a fibrous scaffold encapsulating primary hepatocytes. The cells in scaffold were cultured over seven days and maintained higher viability comparing with 3D alginate non-fibrous block. The main advantage of this platform is that the fibrous structure used to form a scaffold can be generated without damaging the mechanically weak alginate fibers or encapsulated cells because all procedures are performed in a single platform without the intervention of the operator. In addition, the proposed fibrous scaffold permitted high diffusion capability of molecules, which enabled better viability of encapsulated cells than non-fibrous scaffold even in massive cell culture.

[Down-regulation of human intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in MCF-7 cells infected by lentiviral short hairpin RNA interference vectors]

OBJECTIVE

To construct lentiviral interference vectors of human intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), then infect human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and identify the interference effects.

METHODS

Three short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference sequences targeting human ICAM-1 gene (ICAM-1 shRNA1, ICAM-1 shRNA2 and ICAM-1 shRNA3) and a negative control sequence (NS) were designed, synthesized and cloned into the pLKO.1-SP6-PGK-GFP vector. After DNA sequencing, three plasmid-based lentiviral packaging system (vector plasmid-psPAX2-pMD2.G) was used to transfect HEK293T cells to package lentiviruses. The supernatants containing viruses were harvested to detect the viral titer. Human MCF-7 breast cancer cells were infected with the lentiviruses and the interference efficiency was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting.

RESULTS

PCR showed that the designed sequences were successfully inserted into the pLKO.1-SP6-PGK-GFP vector and DNA sequencing results were correct. The qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of ICAM-1 in the infected MCF-7 cells decreased significantly in the ICAM-1 shRNA3 group.

CONCLUSION

Lentiviral interference vectors of human ICAM-1 were constructed successfully and the expression of ICAM-1 in MCF-7 cells was down-regulated by ICAM-1 shRNA.

Molecular cloning, expression, and anti-tumor activity of a novel serine protease from Arenicola cristata

Arenicola cristata, a marine annelid, is a well-known and prized traditional Chinese medicine. However, the serine protease gene of A. cristata has not been cloned yet. In this study, a novel protease of A. cristata was cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the functions of this recombinant protease were also investigated. The whole complementary DNA (cDNA) of this novel protease was of 980 bp in length and consisted of an open reading frame of 861 bp encoding 286 aa. Sequence analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed that the protease belongs to the serine protease family. The active enzyme of the proposed A. cristata protease is composed of a signal peptide, a propeptide, and a mature polypeptide. The molecular weight of the recombinant mature protein was ~26 kDa after over-expression in E. coli. The recombinant protein significantly inhibited cell growth and induced cell apoptosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in vitro, and reduced tumorigenicity in vivo. Furthermore, administration of the recombinant protein led to the activation of caspase-9 as well as down-regulation of Mcl-1 and Bcl-2. Taken together, our findings indicated that the recombinant serine protease of A. cristata could inhibit ESCC cell growth by mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and might act as a potential pharmacological agent for ESCC therapy.

Mutant p53 gain-of-function induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition through modulation of the miR-130b-ZEB1 axis

The tumor suppressor gene p53 has been implicated in the regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor metastasis by regulating microRNA (miRNA) expression. Here, we report that mutant p53 exerts oncogenic functions and promotes EMT in endometrial cancer (EC) by directly binding to the promoter of miR-130b (a negative regulator of ZEB1) and inhibiting its transcription. We transduced p53 mutants into p53-null EC cells, profiled the miRNA expression by miRNA microarray and identified miR-130b as a potential target of mutant p53. Ectopic expression of p53 mutants repressed the expression of miR-130b and triggered ZEB1-dependent EMT and cancer cell invasion. Loss of an endogenous p53 mutation increased the expression of miR-130b, which resulted in reduced ZEB1 expression and attenuation of the EMT phenotype. Furthermore, re-expression of miR-130b suppressed mutant p53-induced EMT and ZEB1 expression. Importantly, the expression of miR-130 was significantly reduced in EC tissues, and patients with higher expression levels of miR-130b survived longer. These data provide a novel understanding of the roles of p53 gain-of-function mutations in accelerating tumor progression and metastasis through modulation of the miR-130b–ZEB1 axis.

Potential role of soluble B7-H3 in liver immunopathogenesis during chronic HBV infection

Immune-mediated mechanisms have been implicated in liver pathogenesis and subsequent progression in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Costimulatory molecules, the important regulators of immune responses, participate in the regulation of liver pathology in HBV infection. However, the role of B7-H3 (CD276, a new member of B7 family) in this process has not been investigated. In this study, we detected abundant soluble B7-H3 (sB7-H3) in the plasma of patients with chronic HBV infections. The increase of the plasma B7-H3 was associated with the progression of liver cirrhosis and accompanied by decreased expression of B7-H3 on hepatocytes. The identification analysis suggests that the plasma B7-H3 might be derived from the membrane-bound B7-H3 on hepatocytes. A functional study showed that immobilized (4Ig) B7-H3Ig fusion protein could inhibit TCR-induced proliferation and IFN-γ secretion of T cells, which could be partially blocked by soluble B7-H3flag fusion protein. These results suggest that the reduced expression of B7-H3 in the livers might temper the inhibition of T-cell responses mediated by B7-H3 expressed on hepatocytes and thus promote the hepatic inflammation and hepatitis progression in the chronic HBV-infected patients.

PARP-1 deficiency blocks IL-5 expression through calpain-dependent degradation of STAT-6 in a murine asthma model

BACKGROUND

We recently showed that poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP-1) may play a role in allergen (ovalbumin)-induced airway eosinophilia, potentially through a specific effect on IL-5 production. We also reported that while IL-5 replenishment promotes reversal of eosinophilia in lungs of PARP-1(-/-) mice, IL-4 or Immunoglobulin E replenishment do not, suggesting a potentially significant regulatory relationship between PARP-1 and IL-5.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism by which PARP-1 regulates IL-5 production and to determine how PARP-1 inhibition blocks allergen-induced eosinophilia.

METHODS

This study was conducted using a murine model of allergic airway inflammation and primary splenocytes.

RESULTS

PARP-1 knockout-associated reduction in IL-5 upon allergen exposure occurs at the mRNA level. Such an effect appears to take place after IL-4 receptor activation as PARP-1 inhibition exerted no effect on JAK1/JAK3 activation. Signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (STAT-6) protein was severely downregulated in spleens of PARP-1(-/-) mice without any effect on mRNA levels, suggesting an effect on protein integrity rather than gene transcription. Interestingly, the degradation of STAT-6 in PARP-1(-/-) mice required allergen stimulation. Additionally, PARP-1 enzymatic activity appears to be required for STAT-6 integrity. The downregulation of STAT-6 coincided with mRNA and protein reduction of GATA-binding protein-3 and occupancy of its binding site on the IL-5 gene promoter. IL-4 was sufficient to induce STAT-6 downregulation in both PARP-1(-/-) mice and isolated splenocytes. Such degradation may be mediated by calpain, but not by proteasomes.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate a novel function of PARP-1 in regulating IL-5 expression during allergen-induced inflammation and explain the underlying mechanism by which PARP-1 inhibition results in IL-5 reduction.

Abstract P1-01-17: Comparative Analysis of Metastatic Tumor Cells within the Sentinel Lymph Nodes of Breast Cancer Patients Utilizing a Novel Approach

Background and Objective: The intrinsic high false negative rate associated with intraoperative analysis of SLN may result in a second surgical procedure for the patient. We attempt to improve the intraoperative and the pathologic and molecular evaluation of SLN by utilizing novel immunobead methods for detection and assessment of tumor cell expression of Her2, CD44 and Muc1.

Methods: During the operation of breast cancer patients, gived sentinel lymph node biopsy firstly, and the SLN will each be divided in four quadrants, and two quadrants (B,C) will be brought to the pathologist for routine intraoperative analysis and further immunhistochemical (H&E and CK) examination often 2 mm thick sections of each quadrant.

The other (A,D) quadrants will be immediately mechanically disaggregated and filtered in order to remove stromal elements and cellular debris. The resulting cell suspension will be incubated with 4.5 µm magnetic beads coated with MOC31 antibody, and simultaneously with different nonmagnetic, fluorescent microparticles coated with either anti-Her2, anti-CD44, or anti-Muc1 by flow-cytometry.

Results: 62 cases from 2009.1 to 2009.9 in our hospital has been studied, and results as follows: 1. Immunomagnetic evaluation of alive tumor cells in SLNs is rapidly and easily performed using the MOC-31 antibody that binds to the vast majority of breast cancer cells. The novel technologies will demonstrate higher detection sensitivity (96%) and lower false negative rate (4.0%). 2. For the intraoperative frozen HE staining, the sensitivity was 68%, false negative rate was 32%; and for CK-IHC, the sensitivity was 76.0%, and the false negative rate was 24%. 3.To compare to standard intraoperative procedures and histopathologic techniques of analyzing the SLN to that of the novel approach, it could get higher sensitivity (96%vs 68%,P=0.023;96%vs76%,P=0.049), lower false negative rate (4%vs32% ,P=0.023;4%vs24%,P=0.049) and higher micrometastasis detection rate. 4.Expession of Her2,CD44 and Muc1 in SLN is 32.5%±2.2%,83.4± 4.1% and 86.6%±3.4%, and each has positively correlated with the expression of that in primary tumor (P&lt;0.5).

Conclusion: Our novel approach that utilizing immunobead detection of metastatic breast cancer cells, and simultaneously characterize the isolated cells for membrane markers coated with antibodies targeting Her2, Muc1 or CD44 by flow-cytometry, has rapid speed and high accuracy. Compared to traditional HE and CK-IHC, it has higher sensitivity and lower false negative rate, and could be used more widely and easily. Expression of CD44, Her2 and Muc1 in sentinel lymph nodes were positively correlated with the expression of those in primary tumor. It is suggested that the three biomarkers above could predict metastasis of sentinel lymph nodes, and maybe direct treatment after operation.

Influence of strain and pressure to the effective refractive index of the fundamental mode of hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers

We investigate the phase sensitivity of the fundamental mode of hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers to strain and acoustic pressure. A theoretical model is constructed to analyze the effect of axial strain and acoustic pressure on the effective refractive index of the fundamental mode. Simulation shows that, for the commercial HC-1550-02 fiber, the contribution of mode-index variation to the overall phase sensitivities to axial strain and acoustic pressure are respectively approximately -2% and approximately -17%. The calculated normalized phase-sensitivities of the HC-1550-02 fiber to strain and acoustic pressure are respectively 1 epsilon(-1) and -331.6 dB re microPa(-1) without considering mode-index variation, and 0.9797 epsilon(-1) and -333.1 dB re microPa(-1) when mode-index variation is included in the calculation. The latter matches better with the experimentally measured results.

Impacts of microRNA-215 on cell proliferation and chemotherapy resistance in colon cancer and osteosarcoma

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Background: Translational control plays a key role in resistance to anti-cancer drug treatment. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, mainly by interacting with 3'-UTR of their mRNA targets. Methods: miR-215 was ectopically expressed by transient transfection in both human colon cancer cell lines and osteosarcoma cell lines. The impact of miR-215 on cell proliferation, cell cycle control, chemosensitivity and down stream targets were characterized. The expression of miR-215 in colorectal cancer specimens and normal adjacent tissues was quantified by real time-qRT-PCR analysis. Results: In this study, we discovered that miR-215 down-regulates the expression of both dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and thymidylate synthase (TS), two of the most important chemotherapeutic targets, in human osteosarcoma U-2 OS and colon cancer HCT-116 (wt-p53) cell lines. Cells with elevated miR-215 expression are more resistant to DHFR inhibitor methotrexate (MTX) or TS inhibitor Tomudex (TDX) treatment. Ectopically over-expressing miR-215 triggers reduced cell proliferation and increased G2 arrest, at least in part, through the induction of p53 and p21. miR-215 transfected cells with reduced proliferating phenotype were resist to MTX or TDX treatment due to deceased cell cycle in S phase. The expression of endogeneous miR-215 was highly elevated in CD133+/HI CD44+/HI colon cancer stem cells compared to CD133- CD44- colon cancer cells, suggesting that tumor stem cells may be avoiding cellular and DNA damage caused by chemotherapy with a reduced proliferating phenotype mediated by certain miRNAs such as miR-215. The elevated expression of miR-215 in colon cancer stem cells with slow proliferation rate and resistance to chemotherapy further supports the role of miR-215 in cell proliferation and chemotherapy resistance. Conclusions: miR-215 may have a unique potential as a novel therapeutic target and biomarker candidate in cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber polarizer

Broadband, compact in-fiber polarizers were fabricated using a pulsed CO(2) laser to modify the air holes along one side of the hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers. The polarizers have lengths from 3 to 6 mm and exhibit a polarization extinction ratio of better than 20 dB over a wavelength range larger than 100 nm at approximately 1,550 nm.

DNA sequencing by the dideoxy method

In the basic dideoxy sequencing reaction, an oligonucleotide primer is annealed to a single-stranded DNA template and extended by DNA polymerase in the presence of four deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs), one of which is 35S-labeled. The reaction also contains one of four dideoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (ddNTPs), which terminate elongation when incorporated into the growing DNA chain. After completion of the sequencing reactions, the products are subjected to electrophoresis on a high-resolution denaturing polyacrylamide gel and then autoradiographed to visualize the DNA sequence. Three variations of the dideoxy sequencing procedure are currently in use and are presented in this unit. In the "labeling/termination" procedure, primer chains are initially extended and labeled in the absence of terminating ddNTPs, whereas in the traditional "Sanger" procedure, labeling and termination of primer chains occur in a single step. A recent variation of the dideoxy sequencing method is thermal cycle sequencing in which the reaction mixture, containing template DNA, primer, thermostable DNA polymerase, dNTPs, and ddNTPs, is subjected to repeated rounds of denaturation, annealing, and elongation steps. The resulting linear amplification of the sequencing products allows much less template DNA to be used and eliminates independent primer annealing and template denaturation steps, which are required for the labeling/termination or Sanger procedures. The use of automated fluorescent sequencers for four-color dideoxy DNA sequencing is also described in detail.