Induction of apoptosis by FFJ-5, a novel naphthoquinone compound, occurs via downregulation of PKM2 in A549 and HepG2 cells

Pyruvate kinase isoenzyme M2 (PKM2) has previously been identified as a tumor biomarker and as a potential target for cancer therapy. In this study, F§FJ-5, a characterized naphthoquinone modifier of mollugin, was synthesized in order to investigate its anticancer activity and the potential mechanisms. It was observed that FFJ-5 inhibited the cell growth of human lung adenocarcinoma cells A549 and human hepatoma cells HepG2 by MTT assays. FFJ-5 arrested cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Further analyses demonstrated that FFJ-5 attenuated the expression of PKM2 and reduced the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Reduced expression and activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Akt were observed in A549 and HepG2 cells exposed to FFJ-5. FFJ-5 exposure also resulted in cell apoptosis, in association with decreased intracellular pH level and mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, FFJ-5 activated the caspase-3 cascade. In conclusion, FFJ-5 inhibited cancer cell growth via the blocking the EGFR-Akt-PKM2 pathway or through the synergistic action of EGFR, Akt and PKM2 proteins, alongside a decrease in ATP production. In addition, FFJ-5 induced cancer cell apoptosis by decreasing the intracellular pH level and the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. The present results suggest a potential role of FFJ-5 on the therapy of human cancer.

Numb Protects Human Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells From Bovine Serum Albumin-Induced Apoptosis Through Antagonizing CHOP/PERK Pathway

In recent studies, we found that Numb is involved in oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of renal proximal tubular cells; however, its function on ER stress-induced apoptosis in proteinuric kidney disease remains unknown. The objective of the present study is to explore the role of Numb in urinary albumin-induced apoptosis of human renal tubular epithelial cells (HKCs). In this study, we demonstrate that incubation of HKCs with bovine serum albumin (BSA) resulted in caspase three-dependent cell death. Numb expression was down-regulated by BSA in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Knockdown of Numb by siRNA sensitized HKCs to BSA-induced apoptosis, whereas overexpression of Numb protected HKCs from BSA-induced apoptosis. Moreover, BSA activated CHOP/PERK signaling pathway in a time- and dose-dependent manner as indicated by increased expression of CHOP, PERK, and P-PERK. Furthermore, knockdown of CHOP or PERK significantly attenuated the promoting effect of Numb on BSA-induced apoptosis, while overexpression of CHOP impaired the protective effect of Numb on BSA-induced apoptosis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Numb plays a protective role on BSA-induced apoptosis through inhibiting CHOP/PERK signaling pathway in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Therefore, the results from this study provides evidence that Numb is a new target of ER-associated apoptotic signaling networks and Numb may serve as a promising therapeutic target for proteinuric diseases.

Analysis of risk factors of type a aortic dissection (TAAD) operation of frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of acute renal failure (ARF) after operation of frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement for acute thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) with mild hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA), and to analyze the long-term survival rate of the patients with ARF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From February 2009 to March 2015, patients with acute TAAD accepted operation of frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement were enrolled. Those patients who were treated with renal replacement treatment (RRT) before the operation were excluded. The age, gender, cardiovascular disease history, preoperative serum creatinine and extracorporeal circulation duration in operation were recorded. On the basis of requiring RRT after TAAD operation, the patients were divided into ARF group and non-ARF group. The risk factors of ARF after TAAD operation were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. After completion of clinical follow-up, Kaplan-Meier curve was drawn to analyze five-year survival.

RESULTS

A total of 524 patients were included in the study. 51 cases of them got postoperative ARF. The incidence was 9.7%. The mortality rate of ARF group in the hospital was significantly higher than non-ARF group (25.5% vs. 3.6%; p<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that there was statistically significant difference in the age, gender, hypertension history, preoperative serum creatinine ≥200 µmol/L, extracorporeal circulation duration ≥260 min and combined with coronary artery bypass surgery simultaneously (p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that there were three independent risk factors of ARF after the operation, including hypertension (p=0.031, OR=2.377), preoperative serum creatinine ≥200 µmol/L (p=0.005, OR=4.451) and extracorporeal circulation duration ≥260 min (p=0.002, OR=3.295). The total five-year survival rate of ARF group after the operation was 56%. There was no statistically significant difference in the five-year survival rate between preoperative serum creatinine ≥200 µmol/L group and <200 µmol/L group (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ARF after the operation was 9.7%. Preoperative serum creatinine ≥200 µmol/L, hypertension history and extracorporeal circulation duration ≥260 min were independent risk factors of ARF after the operation. The five-year survival rate of ARF after the operation was 56%. The preoperative serum creatinine level had no influence on the postoperative long-term survival.

The distribution process of traffic contamination on roadside surface and the influence of meteorological conditions revealed by magnetic monitoring

With the increasing number of vehicles and the development of transport systems, traffic contamination has become an important source of current environmental pollution. The study of roadside distribution patterns of traffic-related contaminants and its influencing factors can contribute to assess the scope and distribution process of the contaminants. A large number of works confirmed that magnetic methods which are fast and economic can be used to indicate the traffic-related pollution. Based on the previous study, we installed two new monitoring sites and conducted repeated in situ measurements of magnetic susceptibility (κ). From these data, we calculated the accumulation amount and accumulation rate of κ to reveal the detailed distribution process of traffic contaminants on the roadside surface over time. In addition, we collected daily meteorological data (rainfall and wind direction) and conducted a correlation analysis between the accumulation rate of κ and the meteorological data. The results show that the accumulation rate of traffic contaminants on the roadside surface is lower in periods of higher rainfall, and that the winds influence the distribution pattern of contaminants through changing their transmission path. The results confirm that magnetic methods can be used to reveal the detailed distribution process of traffic-related contaminants and its influencing factors.

Metabolism and Residues of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid in DAS-40278-9 Maize (Zea mays) Transformed with Aryloxyalkanoate Dioxygenase-1 Gene

DAS-40278-9 maize, which is developed by Dow AgroSciences, has been genetically modified to express the aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase-1 (AAD-1) protein and is tolerant to phenoxy auxin herbicides, such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). To understand the metabolic route and residue distribution of 2,4-D in DAS-40278-9 maize, a metabolism study was conducted with ¹⁴C-radiolabeled 2,4-D applied at the maximum seasonal rate. Plants were grown in boxes outdoors. Forage and mature grain, cobs, and stover were collected for analysis. The metabolism study showed that 2,4-D was metabolized to 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), which was then rapidly conjugated with glucose. Field-scale residue studies with 2,4-D applied at the maximum seasonal rate were conducted at 25 sites in the U.S. and Canada to measure the residues of 2,4-D and free and conjugated 2,4-DCP in mature forage, grain, and stover. Residues of 2,4-D were not detectable in the majority of the grain samples and averaged <1.0 and <1.5 μg/g in forage and stover, respectively. Free plus conjugated 2,4-DCP was not observed in grain and averaged <1.0 μg/g in forage and stover.

Efficient Mini-Transporter for Cytosolic Protein Delivery

An efficient method to deliver active proteins into cytosol is highly desirable to advance protein-based therapeutics. Arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptides (RPPs) have been intensively studied for intracellular protein delivery, and their applications require further improvement on delivery efficiency, serum stability, and cytotoxicity. Designing synthetic analogs of RPPs provides an alternative way to achieve efficient cytosolic protein delivery. Herein we report the design and synthesis of a dendritic small molecule TG6, which is composed of one rigid planar core and four flexible arms with one guanidinium on each arm. Protein structure and function are well preserved in the TG6-protein conjugates, which are readily internalized into cytosol. Our study demonstrates that TG6 is a serum-stable and low-toxic molecular transporter delivering both small cargoes and large active proteins efficiently into cytosol.

A garlic substance disrupts odorant-binding protein recognition of insect pheromones released from adults of the angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

The angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella, is one of the most serious stored-grain pests worldwide. Control of this moth may be achieved by interfering with olfactory pathways to disrupt male-female communication with sex pheromones, using plant volatiles like garlic or its active substances. Here, three odorant-binding protein (OBP) genes [namely Si. cerealella general OBP 1 (ScerGOBP1), ScerGOBP2 and Si. cerealella pheromone-binding protein (ScerPBP)] were cloned from Si. cerealella antennae, and quantitative real-time PCR showed that these genes were predominantly expressed in adult antennae. ScerPBP expression was male-biased, but ScerGOBP1 and ScerGOBP2 were similar between sexes. The results of competitive binding assays indicated that a garlic substance, diallyl trisulphide (DATS), had similar or even higher binding affinity to ScerPBP than Si. cerealella sex pheromone, 7Z, 11E-hexadecadien-1-ol acetate (HDA). In olfactometer bioassays, DATS significantly reduced the response of adults to HDA when they were exposed to air filled with HDA and DATS. Surprisingly, ScerGOBP2, which is postulated to be involved in the detection of general odours, displayed higher affinity with HDA than did ScerPBP, indicating that ScerGOBP2 may also have a role in pheromone perception. These data suggest that DATS may interfere with recognition of female-produced sex pheromone, disrupting female and male mating behaviour and resulting in a new idea for controlling stored grain pests.

Exposure to ALS-FTD-CSF generates TDP-43 aggregates in glioblastoma cells through exosomes and TNTs-like structure

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) represent a continuum of devastating neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) aggregates accumulation throughout the nervous system. Despite rapidly emerging evidence suggesting the hypothesis of 'prion-like propagation' of TDP-43 positive inclusion in the regional spread of ALS symptoms, whether and how TDP-43 aggregates spread between cells is not clear. Herein, we established a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-cultured cell model to dissect mechanisms governing TDP-43 aggregates formation and propagation. Remarkably, intracellular TDP-43 mislocalization and aggregates were induced in the human glioma U251 cells following exposure to ALS-FTD-CSF but not ALS-CSF and normal control (NC) -CSF for 21 days. The exosomes derived from ALS-FTD-CSF were enriched in TDP-43 C-terminal fragments (CTFs). Incubation of ALS-FTD-CSF induced the increase of mislocated TDP-43 positive exosomes in U251 cells. We further demonstrated that exposure to ALS-FTD-CSF induced the generations of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs)-like structure and exosomes at different stages, which mediated the propagation of TDP-43 aggregates in the cultured U251 cells. Moreover, immunoblotting analyses revealed that abnormal activations of apoptosis and autophagy were induced in U251 cells, following incubation of ALS-CSF and ALS-FTD-CSF. Taken together, our data provide direct evidence that ALS-FTD-CSF has prion-like transmissible properties. TNTs-like structure and exosomes supply the routes for the transfer of TDP-43 aggregates, and selective inhibition of their over-generations may interrupt the progression of TDP-43 proteinopathy.

p66Shc: A novel biomarker of tubular oxidative injury in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Increased p66Shc expression has been associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, whether p66Shc can serve as a potential biomarker for tubular oxidative injury in DN is unknown. We measured the expression of p66Shc in peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) and renal biopsy tissues from DN patients and then analysed the relationship between p66Shc expression and the clinical characteristics of patients with DN. Patients were divided into 4 groups (class IIa, class IIb, class III and the control group). qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed. The results showed that both p66Shc and p-p66Shc expression significantly increased in PBMs and kidney tissues of DN patients. Moreover, Spearman’s correlation and multiple regression analyses were carried out. A positive relationship between the p66Shc expression and oxidative stress was found. p66Shc and oxidative stress were significant predictors of the degree of tubular damage. In addition, p66Shc expression was positively correlated with the concentrations of β-NAG, UACR and 8-OHdG, low-density lipoprotein and blood glucose levels, and duration of diabetes in patients with DN from class IIa to class III. These data indicated that increased expression of p66Shc may serve as a therapeutic target and a novel biomarker of DN.

Identification of novel DYNC2H1 mutations associated with short rib-polydactyly syndrome type III using next-generation panel sequencing

Short rib-polydactyly syndrome type III (SRPS3) is a perinatal lethal skeletal disorder with polydactyly and multisystem organ abnormalities. While ultrasound of the fetus can detect skeletal abnormalities characteristic of SRPS3, the syndrome is often difficult to diagnose before birth. As SRPS3 is an autosomal recessive disorder, identification of the gene mutations involved could lead to the development of prenatal genetic testing as an accurate method of diagnosis. In this study, we describe genetic screening approaches to identify potential abnormalities associated with SRPS3. Karyotype analysis, array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), and next-generation panel sequencing were each performed on a fetus showing signs of the disorder, as well as on the mother and father. Karyotype and aCGH results revealed no abnormalities. However, next-generation panel sequencing identified novel mutations in the DYNC2H1 gene. The fetus was compound heterozygous for both a missense mutation c.8313A > T and a frameshift mutation c.10711_10714delTTTA in the DYNC2H1 gene, which were inherited from the mother and father, respectively. These variants were further confirmed using Sanger sequencing and have not been previously reported. Our study indicates the utility of using next-generation panel sequencing in screening for novel disease-associated mutations.

A comparison of animated versus static images in an instructional multimedia presentation

Sophisticated three-dimensional animation and video compositing software enables the creation of complex multimedia instructional movies. However, if the design of such presentations does not take account of cognitive load and multimedia theories, then their effectiveness as learning aids will be compromised. We investigated the use of animated images versus still images by creating two versions of a 4-min multimedia presentation on vascular neuroeffector transmission. One version comprised narration and animations, whereas the other animation comprised narration and still images. Fifty-four undergraduate students from level 3 pharmacology and physiology undergraduate degrees participated. Half of the students watched the full animation, and the other half watched the stills only. Students watched the presentation once and then answered a short essay question. Answers were coded and marked blind. The "animation" group scored 3.7 (SE: 0.4; out of 11), whereas the "stills" group scored 3.2 (SE: 0.5). The difference was not statistically significant. Further analysis of bonus marks, awarded for appropriate terminology use, detected a significant difference in one class (pharmacology) who scored 0.6 (SE: 0.2) versus 0.1 (SE: 0.1) for the animation versus stills group, respectively (P = 0.04). However, when combined with the physiology group, the significance disappeared. Feedback from students was extremely positive and identified four main themes of interest. In conclusion, while increasing student satisfaction, we do not find strong evidence in favor of animated images over still images in this particular format. We also discuss the study design and offer suggestions for further investigations of this type.

Current Status of Substance Abuse in East Asia and Therapeutic Prospects

The abuse of drugs, including opioids and stimulants, is a major public health problem worldwide, including in East Asia. Nonetheless, there are no pharmacological treatments for many psychiatric or neurological symptoms associated with that abuse. Abused drugs exert several detrimental effects on structural plasticity in brain regions associated with reward circuits. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie this structural plasticity in brain neurons will aid in the development of novel therapeutic drugs for substance abuse. In this review, we discuss recent topics in substance abuse in East Asia and the therapeutic drugs available. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic signalling pathways involved in long-term changes to structural plasticity in the brain after repeated administration of opioids and stimulants.

A rare case of trisomy 11q23.3-11q25 and trisomy 22q11.1-22q11.21

Partial duplication of the long arm of chromosome 11 and the partial trisomy of 22q are uncommon karyotypic abnormalities. Here, we report the case of a 6-year-old girl who showed partial trisomy of 11q and 22q, as a result of a maternal balanced reciprocal translocation (11;22), and exhibited dysmorphic features, severe intellectual disability, brain malformations, and speech delay related to this unique chromosomal abnormality. Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) revealed a gain in copy number on the long arm of chromosome 11, spanning at least 18.22 Mb. Additionally, there was a gain in copy number on the long arm of chromosome 22, spanning at least 3.46 Mb. FISH analysis using a chromosome 11 short arm telomere probe (11p14.2), a chromosome 11 long arm telomere probe (11q24.3), and a chromosome 22 long arm telomere probe (22q13.33) confirmed the origin of the marker chromosome. It has been confirmed by the State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of China that this is the first reported instance of the karyotype 47,XX, +der(22)t(11;22)(q23.3;q11.1)mat in the world. Our study reports an additional case that can be used to further characterize and delineate the clinical ramifications of partial trisomy of 11q and 22q.

Efficacy of three-dimensional visualization in mobile apps for patient education regarding orthognathic surgery

'Sur-face' is an interactive mobile app illustrating different orthognathic surgeries and their potential complications. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Sur-face by comparing two methods of delivering patient information on orthognathic surgeries and their related potential complications: a mobile app with interactive three-dimensional (3D) animations and a voice recording containing verbal instructions only. For each method, the participants' acquired knowledge was assessed using a custom-designed questionnaire. Participants in the 'app' group performed significantly better (P<0.0034) than those in the 'voice' group and retained more knowledge, suggesting that interactive visualizations play a key role in improving understanding of the orthognathic surgical procedure and its associated complications. This study emphasizes the impact of 3D visualizations in delivering information regarding orthognathic surgery and highlights the advantage of delivering validated patient information through mobile apps.

Cobalt-Nanocrystal-Assembled Hollow Nanoparticles for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Generation from Neutral-pH Water

Highly active and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation from neutral-pH water are highly desired, but very difficult to achieve. Herein we report a facile synthetic approach to cobalt nanocrystal assembled hollow nanoparticles (Co-HNP), which serve as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen generation from neutral-pH water. An electrode composed of Co-HNP on a carbon cloth (CC) produces cathodic current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm(-2) at overpotentials of -85 mV and -237 mV, respectively. The Co-HNP/CC electrode retains its high activity after 20 h hydrogen generation at a high current density of 150 mA cm(-2) , indicating the superior activity and stability of Co-HNP as electrocatalyst.