The roles of mesenchymal stem cells in gastric lesion and regeneration: applications in gastric diseases

In recent years, many studies have focused on the roles of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to their contribution to tissue regeneration and tumorigenesis. However, the full profile of the roles of MSCs in gastric diseases has not been established. In this review, we aim to provide an overview on the roles of MSCs on cell lesion and regeneration in gastric diseases, including gastric ulcer, premalignant conditions and cancer. We will also discuss the mechanisms underlying the behaviors of MSCs in these diseases.

Design of high efficiency organic solar cell with light trapping

We have designed a high efficiency organic solar cell with light trapping structure on transference cylindrical substrate. An electrical and optical simulation of the light trapping structure has been performed on the basis of finite element and transfer matrix formalism methods. Absorption spectrum, internal quantum efficiency, external quantum efficiency, maximum power output and efficiency of the organic solar cell are simulated and presented in terms of three variables: the height, diameter of the glass substrate and the thickness of the organic active layer. The efficiency of the proposed organic solar cell with light trapping structure is enhanced by a factor of 2 than the similar structure on the flat plain glass substrate. The optimum organic active layer thickness to achieve the highest efficiency is shifted from 65 to 20 nm. Finally, we have investigated the effect of light incident angle on the performance of the proposed cell structure.

C-Terminal region of teneurin-1 co-localizes with dystroglycan and modulates cytoskeletal organization through an extracellular signal-regulated kinase-dependent stathmin- and filamin A-mediated mechanism in hippocampal cells

The pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus are extremely neuroplastic, and the complexity of dendritic branches can be dynamically altered in response to a variety of stimuli, including learning and stress. Recently, the teneurin family of proteins has emerged as an interneuronal and extracellular matrix signaling system that plays a significant role in brain development and neuronal communication. Encoded on the last exon of the teneurin genes is a new family of bioactive peptides termed the teneurin C-terminal-associated peptides (TCAPs). Previous studies indicate that TCAP-1 regulates axon fasciculation and dendritic morphology in the hippocampus. This study was aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms by which TCAP-1 regulates these changes in the mouse hippocampus. Fluoresceinisothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled TCAP-1 binds to the pyramidal neurons of the CA2 and CA3, and dentate gyrus in the hippocampus of the mouse brain. Moreover, FITC-TCAP-1 co-localizes with β-dystroglycan upon binding to the plasma membrane of cultured immortalized mouse E14 hippocampal cells. In culture, TCAP-1 stimulates ERK1/2-dependent phosphorylation of the cytoskeletal regulatory proteins, stathmin at serine-25 and filamin A at serine-2152. In addition, TCAP-1 induces actin polymerization, increases immunoreactivity of tubulin-based cytoskeletal elements and causes a corresponding increase in filopodia formation and mean filopodia length in cultured hippocampal cells. We postulate that the TCAP-1 region of teneurin-1 has a direct action on the cytoskeletal reorganization that precedes neurite and process development in hippocampal neurons. Our data provides novel evidence that functionally links the teneurin and dystroglycan systems and provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms by which TCAP-1 regulates cytoskeletal dynamics in hippocampal neurons. The TCAP-dystroglycan system may represent a novel mechanism associated with the regulation of hippocampal-function.

Administration of fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, attenuates disease in lupus-prone NZB/W F1 female mice

Accumulating evidence from murine studies suggests that the RhoA/ROCK pathway plays an important role in the development of autoimmune disorders. We previously demonstrated that ROCK inhibition ameliorates disease in MRL/lpr mice, a spontaneous model of lupus. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of the ROCK inhibitor fasudil in a distinct model of lupus, NZB/W F1 female mice, to assess the broad applicability of ROCK inhibition for the treatment of lupus. NZB/W F1 female mice were administered fasudil continuously in their drinking water starting at 18 or 24 weeks of age up until 44 weeks of age, or remained untreated. Fasudil treatment significantly improved survival and decreased proteinuria, particularly when treatment was started at 18 weeks. There was also a significant decrease in serum anti-dsDNA autoantibody production, glomerular IgG and C3 deposition, and glomerulonephritis. Analysis of the splenic lymphocyte compartment revealed reduced effector/memory CD4(+) T cell and plasma cell numbers in fasudil treated mice while the frequency of other B cell and T cell subsets was unchanged. These results thus indicate that fasudil can ameliorate disease in NZB/W F1 female mice, suggesting that ROCK inhibition might be broadly effective for the treatment of lupus.

Study of dyadic communication in couples managing prostate cancer: a longitudinal perspective

OBJECTIVE

Cancer patients and partners often report inadequate communication about illness-related issues, although it is essential for mutual support and informal caregiving. This study examined the patterns of change in dyadic communication between patients with prostate cancer and their partners, and also determined if certain factors affected their communication over time.

METHOD

Using multilevel modeling, this study analyzed longitudinal data obtained from a randomized clinical trial with prostate cancer patients and their partners, to examine their communication over time. Patients and partners (N=134 pairs) from the usual-care control group independently completed baseline demographic assessment and measures of social support, uncertainty, symptom distress, and dyadic communication at baseline, and 4-, 8-, and 12-month follow-ups.

RESULTS

The results indicated that (1) patients and partners reported similar levels of open communication at the time of diagnosis. Communication reported by patients and partners decreased over time in a similar trend, regardless of phase of illness; (2) phase of illness affected couples' open communication at diagnosis but not patterns of change over time; and (3) couples' perceived communication increased as they reported more social support, less uncertainty, and fewer hormonal symptoms in patients. Couples' demographic factors and general symptoms, and patients' prostate cancer-specific symptoms did not affect their levels of open communication.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceived open communication between prostate cancer patients and partners over time is affected by certain baseline and time-varying psychosocial and cancer-related factors. The results provide empirical evidence that may guide the development of strategies to facilitate couples' interaction and mutual support during survivorship.

MR evaluation of sinonasal angiomatous polyp

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

SAP is a rare lesion of the sinonasal cavity, which may be misdiagnosed as a benign or malignant neoplasm. The purpose of our study was to comprehensively evaluate the MR imaging features of SAP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients with SAP confirmed pathologically were retrospectively reviewed. Of the 40 patients undergoing MR imaging, 39 had postcontrast T1WI; 30, DCE MR imaging; and 17, DWI. The image features assessed included the location, shape, margin, size, signal intensity, and enhancement pattern on DCE MR imaging and ADC maps.

RESULTS

All 40 SAPs originated from the maxillary sinus, but the lesions frequently extended into the ipsilateral nasal cavity (38/40), toward the choana (19/40), and into the nasopharynx (8/40). The lesions demonstrated hypointensity on T1WI and heterogenous hyperintensity on T2WI. All 40 lesions showed a peripheral hypointense rim on T2WI. Postcontrast MR imaging revealed marked heterogeneous nodular and patchy enhancement. Progressive enhancement was found on DCE MR imaging in 30 cases. The TIC showed a steady enhancement pattern in 3 cases, a rapidly enhancing and slow washout pattern in 6 cases, and a rapidly enhancing and rapid washout pattern in 21 cases. On DWI, the mean ADC value was (1.40 ± 0.20) × 10(-3) mm(2)/s.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinctive features of SAP on conventional MR imaging include internal heterogeneous hyperintensity and a peripheral hypointense rim on T2WI, as well as strong nodular and patchy enhancement on postcontrast MR images. The progressive enhancement on DCE MR imaging can also suggest the diagnosis.

Monocyte polarization: the relationship of genome-wide changes in H4 acetylation with polarization

The character of monocytes is both molded by and contributes to ongoing immune responses. We hypothesized that monocyte polarization could have durable qualities and these would be mediated partly by changes in the chromatin. We defined genome-wide expression and histone H4 acetylation (H4ac) changes after γ-interferon (IFN), α-IFN and interleukin-4 treatment. To identify genes with altered potential for expression, we stimulated polarized monocytes and identified genes up- or downregulated after polarization and stimulation but not either treatment alone. We also defined durability after an 18-h or 3-day washout. Genes uniquely regulated after the combination of polarization and stimulus were durably altered, with 51% of the effects being durable. This gene set was highly enriched for cytokine-induced alterations in H4ac, with P-values ranging from 10(-24) to 10(-37). Certain regulons defined by patterns of expression were also associated with altered H4ac, with P-values ranging from 10(-4) to 10(-29). Networking software revealed a high density of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase nodes in these clusters. Therefore, some changes in monocyte gene expression were sustained over a 3-day period. These durably altered gene sets were enriched for changes in H4ac and were associated with potential MAP kinase effects.

Assessment of effects of the rising atmospheric nitrogen deposition on nitrogen uptake and long-term water-use efficiency of plants using nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes

This study assesses the effects of the atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on the N uptake and the long-term water-use efficiency of two C(3) plants (Agropyron cristatum and Leymus chinensis) and two C(4) plants (Amaranthus retroflexus and Setaria viridis) using N and C stable isotopes. In addition, this study explores the potential correlation between leaf N isotope (δ(15)N) values and leaf C isotope (δ(13)C) values. This experiment shows that the atmospheric N deposition has significant effects on the N uptake, δ(15)N and leaf N content (N(m)) of C(3) plants. As the atmospheric N deposition rises, the proportion and the amount of N absorbed from the simulated atmospheric deposition become higher, and the δ(15)N and N(m) of the two C(3) plants both also increase, suggesting that the rising atmospheric N deposition is beneficial for C(3) plants. However, C(4) plants display different patterns in their N uptake and in their variations of δ(15)N and N(m) from those of C(3) plants. C(4) plants absorb less N from the atmospheric deposition, and the leaf N(m) does not change with the elevated atmospheric N deposition. Photosynthetic pathways may account for the differences between C(3) and C(4) plants. This study also shows that atmospheric N deposition does not play a role in determining the δ(13)C and in the long-term water-use efficiency of C(3) and C(4) plants, suggesting that the long-term water-use pattern of the plants does not change with the atmospheric N input. In addition, this study does not observe any relationship between leaf δ(15)N and leaf δ(13)C in both C(3) and C(4) plants.

An in vitro screening method to evaluate chemicals as potential chemotherapeutants to control Aeromonas hydrophila infection in channel catfish

AIMS

To develop an in vitro screening method to be used for identifying potential effective chemotherapeutants to control Aeromonas hydrophila infections.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using catfish gill cells G1B and four chemicals (hydrogen peroxide, sodium chloride, potassium permanganate and D-mannose), the feasibility of using an in vitro screening method to identify potential effective chemotherapeutants was evaluated in this study. In vitro screening results revealed that, at concentration of 100 mg l⁻¹, H₂O₂ was the only chemical tested that was able to completely abolish the attachment and invasion of Aer. hydrophila to catfish gill cells. In vivo virulence studies using live channel catfish through bath immersion confirmed that H₂O₂ was the only chemical tested that was able to significantly (P < 0·001) reduce the mortality (from 90 or 100% to 0 or 20%) caused by Aer. hydrophila infections.

CONCLUSIONS

The in vitro screening method using catfish gill cells G1B could be used to initially identify potential effective chemotherapeutants to control Aer. hydrophila.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

An in vitro screening method using catfish gill cells to identify potential effective chemotherapeutants described here will cut cost in research compared with the method of using live fish to screen lead compounds for fish disease control.

Effect of capsaicin on potassium conductance and electromotility of the guinea pig outer hair cell

Capsaicin, the classic activator of TRPV-1 channels in primary sensory neurons, evokes nociception. Interestingly, auditory reception is also modulated by this chemical, possibly by direct actions on outer hair cells (OHCs). Surprisingly, we find two novel actions of capsaicin unrelated to TRPV-1 channels, which likely contribute to its auditory effects in vivo. First, capsaicin is a potent blocker of OHC K conductances (I(K) and I(K,n)). Second, capsaicin substantially alters OHC nonlinear capacitance, the signature of electromotility - a basis of cochlear amplification. These new findings of capsaicin have ramifications for our understanding of the pharmacological properties of OHC I(K), I(K,n) and electromotility and for interpretation of capsaicin pharmacological actions.

Rectal cancer: 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI; correlation with microvascular density and clinicopathological features

PURPOSE

The primary aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the relationship between three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (3D-DCE-MR) imaging parameters and clinicopathological features of rectal cancer and assess their potential as new radiological prognostic predictors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three-dimensional DCE-MR was performed on 26 cases of pathologically proved rectal adenocarcinoma 1 week prior to operation. Data were analysed to calculate transfer constant (Ktrans), leakage space (Ve) and rate constant (Kep) of both tumour and normal rectal wall. Microvessel density (MVD) was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of surgical specimens. All findings were analysed prospectively and correlated with tumour/node/metastasis (TNM) staging, Dukes staging, histological grading, presence of lymph node metastasis, serosal involvement and MVD.

RESULTS

Mean Ktrans, Ve and Kep for tumours were as follows: Ktrans 7.123±3.850/min, Ve 14.2±3.0%, Kep 49.446±20.404/min, revealing the significant difference between the tumour and normal rectal wall (p=0.001). There was a significant difference for Ktrans not only between patients with and without lymphatic involvement (p=0.000), but also among Dukes staging (p=0.04) and pTNM staging (p=0.03). Kep showed moderate correlation with TNM stages (r=0.479, p=0.02). Ve and MVD revealed no significant correlation with the clinicopathological findings described above (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Owing to the moderate and strong relationship between Ktrans and clinicopathological elements, Ktrans might be the prognostic indicator of rectal cancer. Threedimensional DCE high-resolution MR imaging provides a competing opportunity to assess contrast kinetics.

p85α mediates p53 K370 acetylation by p300 and regulates its promoter-specific transactivity in the cellular UVB response

Inducible acetylation of p53 at lysine residues has a great impact on regulating the transactivation of this protein, which is associated with cell growth arrest and/or apoptosis under various stress conditions. However, the factor(s) for regulating p53 acetylation remains largely unknown. In the current study, we have shown that p85α, the regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, has a critical role in mediating p53 acetylation and promoter-specific transactivation in the ultraviolet B (UVB) response. Depletion of p85α in mouse embryonic fibroblasts significantly impairs UVB-induced apoptosis, as well as p53 transactivation and acetylation at Lys370 (Lys373 of human p53); however, the accumulation, nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of p53 are not affected. Interestingly, p85α binds to p300, promotes the p300-p53 interaction and the subsequent recruitment of the p53/p300 complex to the promoter region of the specific p53 target gene in response to UVB irradiation. Moreover, ablation of p53 acetylation at Lys370 by site-directed mutagenesis dramatically suppresses UVB-induced expression of the specific p53-responsive gene as well as cell apoptosis. Therefore, we conclude that p85α is a novel regulator of p53-mediated response under certain stress conditions, and targeting the p85α-dependent p53 pathway may be promising for cancer therapy.