Plasma cell-free DNA for predicting outcomes of patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was shown to be a prognostic marker for diverse pathological states in the Intense Care Unit, but little is known of the role of cfDNA in HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). We hypothesize that cfDNA can also be a promising prognostic as well as a diagnostic marker in patients with HBV-related ACLF.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients with HBV-related ACLF admitted in the Intense Care Unit were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided, according to the improvement of liver function at discharge, into favorable prognosis group (group 1, n=17) and poor prognosis group (group 2, n=19). Plasma samples were collected from each patient at hospitalization and at discharge to measure cfDNA by real-time quantitative PCR. MELD score was calculated at the same time points.

RESULTS

The average level of cfDNA of group 1 was lower than that of group 2 both at the time of hospitalization (P=0.044) and at discharge (P<0.001). There was no difference in MELD score between the two groups at hospitalization. Significant correlations were found of cfDNA levels with the MELD score, TBIL, CRE and INR both at hospitalization (γ=0.662, P<0.001; γ=0.356, P=0.033; γ=0.360, P=0.031; γ=0.570, P<0.001, respectively) and at discharge (γ=0.854, P<0.001; γ=0.821, P<0.001; γ=0.650, P<0.001; γ=0.638, P<0.001, respectively). The ROC curve showed that cfDNA level at discharge was optimal in diagnosing ACLF with an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.96, followed by δcfDNA (AUC value of 0.923) and cfDNA level at hospitalization (AUC value of 0.667). The MELD scores had an AUC value of only 0.545 at the time of hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

cfDNA may serve as a promising prognostic and diagnostic marker for predicting in-hospital prognosis of HBV-related ACLF within 2 to 8 weeks.

Abstract W P201: Angiopoietin-1 Mimetic Peptide Treatment of Stroke Regulates MicroRNA Expression and Promotes Neuroprotection in Type One Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) mediates vascular remodeling. Diabetes decreases Ang1 and disrupts Ang1/Tie2 signaling, impairs vascular maturation and regulates immune response. MicroRNAs have been implicated in vascular diseases and inflammation. Vasculotide (VT) is an Ang1 mimetic peptide that promotes Tie2 activity. We hypothesize that treating type one diabetic rats (T1DM) with VT after stroke regulates miRNA expression decreases pro-inflammatory factors and thereby produces a neuroprotective effect.

Methods: T1DM was induced in male Wistar rats with streptozotocin followed by 2h transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). These rats were then treated with: 1) PBS control; 2) VT (3 ug/kg, ip injection) just prior to stroke and at 8h and 24h after MCAo. Functional tests were conducted 48h after MCAo. Afterwards, brain hemorrhage, BBB leakage, miRNA expression, RT-PCR, immunostaining and Western blot assays were done.

Results: VT treatment did not decrease brain hemorrhage, but significantly decreased Evans Blue leakage (30.6±5.8 ng/mg vs. 17.9±2.0 ng/mg) lesion volume (35.1±3.5% vs 25.8±5.3%) and improved functional outcome after stroke when compared to control (p<0.05). To elucidate the mechanism, miRNA was measured. VT treatment significantly increased miR-451 (81.6 folds), miR-155 (2.4 fold), miR-98 (1.9 fold), and miR-126 (1.5 fold) expression, but decreased miR-200b (3.8 fold). Immunostaining showed that VT significantly decreased the number of apoptotic (45.5±3.7 vs 30.8±2.6) and cleaved-caspase-3 positive cells (45.2±3.5 vs 33.1±4.3), as well as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1, 5.02±0.4% vs 1.8±0.2%) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (3.1±0.5% vs 1.5±0.2%). Western blot showed that VT significantly decreased receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), MCP1 and TNFa (3-5 fold) in the ischemic border area compared to T1DM control.

Conclusion: VT promotes neuroprotection after stroke in T1DM rats. Regulation of miRNA and neuroinflammatory factor expression and decreased BBB leakage may contribute to the VT induced neuroprotective effects observed after stroke in T1DM rats.

Neamine induces neuroprotection after acute ischemic stroke in type one diabetic rats

INTRODUCTION

Angiogenin is a member of the ribonuclease superfamily and promotes degradation of the basement membrane and the extracellular matrix. After stroke in type one diabetes (T1DM) rats, Angiogenin is significantly increased and the Angiogenin is inversely correlated with functional outcome. Neamine, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, blocks nuclear translocation of Angiogenin, thereby abolishing the biological activity of Angiogenin. In this study, we therefore investigated the effect and underlying protective mechanisms of Neamine treatment of stroke in T1DM.

METHODS

T1DM was induced in male Wistar rats by streptozotocin (60mg/kg, ip), and T1DM rats were subjected to embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Neamine (10mg/kg ip) was administered at 2, 24 and 48h after the induction of embolic MCAo. A battery of functional outcome tests was performed. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, and lesion volume were evaluated and immunostaining, and Western blot were performed.

RESULTS

Neamine treatment of stroke in T1DM rats significantly decreased BBB leakage and lesion volume as well as improved functional outcome compared to T1DM-control. Neamine also significantly decreased apoptosis and cleaved caspase-3 in the ischemic brain. Using immunostaining, we found that Neamine treatment significantly decreased nuclear Angiogenin, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) activity, advanced glycation endproducts receptor (RAGE) number, the positive area of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and increased Angeopoietin-1 expression compared to T1DM-MCAo control rats. Western blot results are consistent with the immunostaining.

CONCLUSION

Neamine treatment of stroke is neuroprotective in T1DM rats. Inhibition of neuroinflammatory factor expression and decrease of BBB leakage may contribute to Neamine-induced neuroprotective effects after stroke in T1DM rats.

Novel visible-light driven g-C3N4/Zn0.25Cd0.75S composite photocatalyst for efficient degradation of dyes and reduction of Cr(vi) in water

The formation of heterojunction structures at the interfaces of g-C₃N₄ and Zn_0.25Cd_0.75S greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activity.

Facile fabrication of 3D flower-like heterostructured g-C3N4/SnS2 composite with efficient photocatalytic activity under visible light

The formation of heterojunction between g-C₃N₄ and SnS₂ greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of g-C₃N₄/SnS₂ compared with the mechanical mixed g-C₃N₄/SnS₂.

Ultrasensitive dual amplification sandwich immunosensor for breast cancer susceptibility gene based on sheet materials

A new electrochemical dual amplification sandwich immunosensor (DASI) was designed for ultrasensitive and accurate detection of the breast cancer susceptibility gene based on the combination of N-doped graphene, hydroxypropyl chitosan and Co₃O₄ mesoporous nanosheets.

Cell based therapies for ischemic stroke: from basic science to bedside

Cell therapy is emerging as a viable therapy to restore neurological function after stroke. Many types of stem/progenitor cells from different sources have been explored for their feasibility and efficacy for the treatment of stroke. Transplanted cells not only have the potential to replace the lost circuitry, but also produce growth and trophic factors, or stimulate the release of such factors from host brain cells, thereby enhancing endogenous brain repair processes. Although stem/progenitor cells have shown a promising role in ischemic stroke in experimental studies as well as initial clinical pilot studies, cellular therapy is still at an early stage in humans. Many critical issues need to be addressed including the therapeutic time window, cell type selection, delivery route, and in vivo monitoring of their migration pattern. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive synopsis of preclinical evidence and clinical experience of various donor cell types, their restorative mechanisms, delivery routes, imaging strategies, future prospects and challenges for translating cell therapies as a neurorestorative regimen in clinical applications.

Niaspan attenuates the adverse effects of bone marrow stromal cell treatment of stroke in type one diabetic rats

AIMS

Our previous studies have found that bone-marrow-stromal cells (BMSC) therapy improves functional recovery after stroke in non-diabetic rats while increases brain hemorrhage and induces arteriosclerosis-like changes in type-one-diabetic (T1DM) rats. Niaspan treatment of stroke increases vascular stabilization, decreases brain hemorrhage and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) leakage in T1DM rats. We therefore tested the hypothesis that combination therapy of BMSC with Niaspan attenuates the side effects of BMSC monotherapy in T1DM rats.

METHODS

T1DM-rats induced by streptozotocin were subjected to 2 hours of middle-cerebral-artery occlusion (MCAo) and treated with: 1) PBS; 2) BMSC (5×10(6)); 3) Niaspan (40 mg/kg) daily for 14 days; 4) BMSC (5×10(6)) +Niaspan (40 mg/kg, daily for 14 days) combination starting at 24 hours after MCAo. All rats were monitored for 14 days.

RESULTS

Combination BMSC+Niaspan treatment of T1DM-MCAo rats did not increase brain hemorrhage, and significantly decreased BBB leakage and vascular arteriosclerosis-like changes as well as decreased Angiogenin, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and ED1 expression in ischemic brain and internal-carotid-artery compared to non-treatment control and BMSC monotherapy animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy using BMSC with Niaspan decreases BBB leakage and cerebral arteriosclerosis-like changes. These beneficial effects may be attributed to the decreased expression of Angiogenin, MMP9 and ED1.

Biological system responses to zearalenone mycotoxin exposure by integrated metabolomic studies

This study aims to investigate the effect of zearalenone supplementation on rat metabolism. Rats received biweekly intragastric administration of zearalenone mycotoxin (3 mg/kg body weight) for 2 weeks. Urine and plasma samples after zearalenone administration were analyzed by NMR-based metabolomics. Zearalenone exposure significantly elevated the plasma levels of glucose, lactate, N-acetyl glycoprotein, O-acetyl glycoprotein, and propionate but reduced the plasma levels of tyrosine, branched-chain amino acids, and choline metabolites. Zearalenone supplementation decreased the urine levels of butyrate, lactate, and nicotinate. However, it increased the urine levels of allantoin, choline, and N-methylnicotinamide at 0-8 h after the last zearalenone administration and those of 1-methylhistidine, acetoacetate, acetone, and indoxyl sulfate at 8-24 h after the last zearalenone administration. These results suggest that zearalenone exposure can cause oxidative stress and change common systemic metabolic processes, including cell membrane metabolism, protein biosynthesis, glycolysis, and gut microbiota metabolism.

Loss of exon 4 in a human T-cell factor-4 isoform promotes hepatic tumourigenicity

BACKGROUND

T-cell factor (TCF) proteins represent key transcription factors that activate Wnt/β-catenin signalling. We have reported that a pair of TCF-4 isoforms (TCF-4C and TCF-4D) exhibit differential TCF transcriptional activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, although their structure differs by only the presence (TCF-4D) or absence (TCF-4C) of exon 4.

AIM

To demonstrate a regulatory role of exon 4 in HCC development.

METHODS

TCF-4C and TCF-4D expression profiles were examined in 27 pairs of human HCC and adjacent liver tissues. The functional role of the TCF-4 isoforms was evaluated in OUMS-29 (an immortalized hepatocyte-derived) and HAK-1A (a well-differentiated HCC) cell lines using stable clones overexpressing the TCF-4 isoforms.

RESULTS

TCF-4C was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues compared with corresponding peritumour and normal liver tissues; in contrast, there was no difference in TCF-4D expression. TCF-4C clones derived from both cell lines exhibited increased TCF activity, Wnt-responsive target genes, cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs compared with TCF-4D clones. Capability of cell migration and colony formation was significantly higher in TCF-4C than TCF-4D clones. In a nude mice xenograft model, the HAK-1A-derived TCF-4C clone rapidly developed tumours compared with the TCF-4D clone. TCF-4C clone-derived tumours exhibited upregulation of Wnt-responsive target genes compared with the slow developing and small TCF-4D-derived tumours.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that the TCF-4C isoform lacking exon 4 is associated with a malignant phenotype compared with the exon 4-harbouring TCF-4D isoform, indicating that exon 4 of TCF-4 plays a prominent role in HCC development.

The effect and mechanism of CXCR4 silencing on metastasis suppression of human glioma U87 cell line

Tumor metastasis is the major cause of treatment failure and poor prognosis of glioma. Inhibiting metastasis has become an important therapeutic strategy for glioma treatment. CXCR4 has been proved to play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. In order to illustrate the effect of CXCR4 on glioma metastasis, we investigated the role of CXCR4 in U87 cells metastasis based on the CXCR4 silencing tumor cells. In this study, we found that CXCR4 silencing could suppress U87 cells invasion and adhesion potential, production of TGF-β1, IL-6, and IL-8, and blocked the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. We also found that CXCR4 silencing could up-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of p53, p21, and E-cadherin, and down-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of CD44 and MMP-2/-9. Meanwhile, CXCR4 silencing could decrease the phosphorylation of p-AKT and transcription activity of NF-κB promoter, and increased the phosphorylation of PTEN. The results provided a new research basis for the further study of CXCR4 gene, the screening of human glioma, as well as the target treatment for glioma and its prognosis.

Synthesis and properties of novel poly(aryl ether ketone)s containing both 2,6-naphthylene and 1,4-naphthylene units

A new monomer containing naphthalene, namely 4,4′-di(1-naphthoxy)benzophenone (DNOBN), was prepared by the condensation reaction of 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone with 1-naphthol in the presence of base in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). Novel poly(aryl ether ketone)s containing both 2,6-naphthylene and 1,4-naphthylene units were synthesized by the electrophilic Friedel-Crafts acylation polycondensation of terephthaloyl chloride with a mixture of 2,6-bis(4-phenoxybenzoyl)naphthalene (BPOBN) and DNOBN, over a wide range of BPOBN/DNOBN molar ratios, in the presence of anhydrous AlCl3 and NMP in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE). The copolymers obtained were characterized by different physicochemical techniques. The copolymers with 10–20 mol% DNOBN are semicrystalline and had remarkably increased Tgs over commercially available poly(ether ether ketone) and poly(ether ketone ketone) due to the incorporation of 2,6-naphthylene and 1,4-naphthylene moieties in the main chains. The copolymer IV with 20 mol% DNOBN had not only high Tg of 189°C, but also moderate Tm of 338°C, having good potential for melt processing. The copolymer IV had tensile strength of 102.2 MPa, Young’s modulus of 3.25 GPa, and elongation at break of 18.5% and exhibited high thermal stability and excellent resistance to organic solvents.

Electrolytic partitioning of uranium and plutonium based on a new type of electrolytic mixer-settler

The design of a new type of electroreduction mixer-settler for the partitioning of uranium and plutonium during the Purex process, which is featured with E-shaped cathodes and U-shaped anodes in settling chamber, is described and the operational results achieved using this equipment are presented. The results show that this new type of mixer-settler has excellent separation performances. The flow rate of organic feed solution is 3 mL/min and the flow ratio of feed solution (1BF) to aqueous back extraction stream (1BX) and to organic wash stream (1BS) is 4/1/1. For an organic feed of 84 g/L uranium and 1.40 ⁓ 2.64 g/L plutonium, both the separation factor of plutonium from uranium and that of uranium from plutonium are apparently higher than 104

Successful stent for a pseudoaneurysm after the patent ductus arteriosus closure procedure

We describe the case of a large pseudoaneurysm after transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus in a 42-year old male who developed back pain and dyspnoea 6 months subsequent to the first procedure. The patient's pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated using Talent prostheses (Medtronic AVE, Santa Rosa, CA, USA), though the postoperative course was without incident.

Intracranial aneurysm formation in type-one diabetes rats

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Diabetes mellitus (DM) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications including arteriosclerosis and ischemic stroke. Whether DM impacts intracranial aneurysm (IA) formation has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we tested the underlying mechanism of type one DM (T1DM) induced IA formation in rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES

T1DM was induced by streptozotocin injection. Rats were euthanized at 0, 4 and 10 weeks after T1DM induction. To evaluate cerebral vascular perfusion, Fluorescein isothiocyanate - dye was injected at 5 min prior to euthanasia. Vascular perfusion was measured by laser scanning confocal microscopy. Trichrome, Elastica van Gieson, alpha-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) and receptor of advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) immunostaining were performed. The IA formation was classified by 0-3 stages: 0: Normal; 1: Endothelial damage; 2: Moderate protrusion; and 3: Saccular aneurysm formation.

RESULTS

T1DM significantly increased IA formation identified by the classification of aneurysmal changes compared with non-DM rats (p<0.05). However, T1DM induced IA formations were classified as stage 1 and stage 2, but not stage 3. Cerebral vascular perfusion was significantly decreased in T1DM rats compared to non-DM rats (p<0.01). DM10W rats exhibited a significant decrease of cerebral vascular perfusion compared to DM4W rats (p<0.05). T1DM rats also significantly increased the internal carotid artery (ICA) intimae and media thickness, and decreased the internal carotid artery diameter compared to non-DM rats. RAGE, MMP9 and TLR4 expression were significantly increased in T1DM rats compared to non-DM rats. The increased RAGE, TLR4 and MMP9 significantly correlated with IA formation (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

T1DM increases IA formation. The increased RAGE, MMP9 and TLR4 expressions might contribute to IA formation in T1DM rats.

[Knockout of the ptsG gene in engineered Escherichia coli for homoethanol fermentation from sugar mixture]

To realize the simultaneous fermentation of xylose and glucose, ptsG (one of the glucose-PTS genes) was deleted from the engineered ethanologenic Escherichia coli SZ470 (deltapflB, deltafrdABCD, deltaackA, deltaldhA), resulting in loss of glucose effect in the mutant SZ470P (deltaptsG). When tested in 5% mixture of glucose (2.5%) and xylose (2.5%), SZ470P simultaneously used glucose (13 g/L) and xylose (20 g/L) whereas the parent strain SZ470 sequentially used glucose (25 g/L) then xylose (5 g/L). Upon completion of the fermentation, both strains achieved similar product yield of 89%. SZ470P produced 15.01 g/L of ethanol, which was 14.32% higher than that produced by SZ470 (12.86 g/L). Deleting ptsG gene enabled the mutant strain SZ470P to simultaneously use both glucose and xylose and achieve better ethanol production.

Association of epidermal growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor polymorphisms with the risk of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma in the population of North China

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common solid malignant tumor occurring worldwide that leads to the third largest cause of death compared to other cancers. Genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of HCC. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can stimulate the proliferation of epidermal and epithelial cells. The EGF signal pathway has a relationship with the growth of the embryo, tissue repairing, and tumorigenesis.

METHODS

In this study, 416 patients with hepatitis B virus infection (HBV)-related HCC and 645 individuals who had never been infected with HBV of the Chinese Han population were enrolled. Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), whose minor allele frequency >20% in the EGF and EGFR genes, were genotyped to examine their associations with hepatocarcinogenesis. Genotyping experiments were carried out using TaqMan.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in genotype distributions (p=0.005) and allele frequencies (p=0.001, odds ratio [OR]=1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.15-1.79) of rs11569017 in the EGF gene between the HCC and control groups. After binary logistic regression to determine independent factors for susceptibility to HCC under an additive model, rs11569017 was still independently associated with the susceptibility to HCC (p=0.021, OR=1.48, 95% CI=1.06-2.07), but no significant differences in other SNPs were found. Additionally, the haplotype T-G constructed by rs11569017 and rs4444903 of the EGF gene might increase the risk of HBV-related HCC (p=0.002, OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.15-1.82).

CONCLUSION

The rs11569017 T allele was associated with susceptibility to HBV-related HCC.

Synthesis of heteroarylated polyfluorobiphenyls via palladium-catalyzed sequential sp2 C-H bonds functionalizations

The higher reactivity of C5-H bonds of heteroarenes as compared to C-H bonds of bromopolyfluorobenzenes for palladium-catalyzed direct arylation allows the selective synthesis of the polyfluoroaryl-heteroarenes in moderate to high yields, without C-H bond functionalization of the polyfluorobenzene ring. In most cases, low loading of Pd(OAc)2 catalyst (0.5-1 mol %) was employed. Then, from these heteroarylated polyfluorobenzenes, the palladium-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization of the polyfluorobenzene ring allows the synthesis of heteroarylated polyfluorobiphenyls.

Towards a hybrid anaerobic digester-microbial fuel cell integrated energy recovery system: an overview of the development of an electrogenic biofilm

An electrogenic biofilm was developed on a macroporous chitosan-carbon nanotube (CHIT-CNT) electrode under constant poised potential (-0.25V versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode) and flow through conditions utilizing the effluent of an anaerobic digester as both the inoculant and substrate for the electrogenic biofilm. After 125 days of inoculation the bioelectrode demonstrated an open circuit potential of -0.62V and a current density of 9.43μAcm(-3) (at -0.25V). Scanning electron microscopy images indicate thorough surface coverage of the biofilm with a high density of bacterial nanowires physically connecting bacteria to bacteria and bacteria to carbon nanotube (electrode surface) suggesting the nanowires are electrically conductive. DGGE was used to identify the major bacterial and archaeal populations.

Abstract WMP38: Neurorestorative Therapy of Stroke in Type One Diabetes Rats with Human Umbilical Cord Blood Cell

Diabetes mellitus (DM) instigates a cascade of events leading to vascular damage and poor recovery after ischemic stroke. Our previous studies have found that treatment of stroke with bone-marrow-stromal cells initiated at 24h after stroke improves functional recovery in non-DM rats, but not in DM rats. Effective therapy for stroke in the non-DM population may not necessarily transfer to the DM population, prompting the need to develop therapeutic approaches specifically designed to reduce neurological deficits after stroke in the DM population. In this study, we hypothesize that treatment of stroke with human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs) promotes neurorestorative effect in DM rats.

Methods: Type one DM (T1DM) was induced with a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, ip) to adult male Wistar rats. These rats were subjected to 2h MCAo and were randomized to intravenous injection via tail-vein with: 1) phosphate-buffered saline control; 2) HUCBCs (5x10 6 ) at 24 hours after MCAo. A battery of functional tests were performed.

Results: HUCBC treatment did not decrease lesion volume and blood glucose level, but significantly improved functional outcome (p<0.05) after stroke in T1DM rats compared to T1DM-MCAo control. To test the mechanisms of HUCBC induced neurorestorative effects, vascular and white matter changes were measured. HUCBC treatment significantly increased percent areas of Bielschowsky silver (axon, control:30.96%±1.2; HUCBC:43.64%±5.7), Lucifer fast blue (myelin, control:37%±1.3; HUCBC:53.2%±3.3) and Synaptophysin (control: 34.6%±0.9; HUCBC: 45.5%±2.4) expression as well as increased vascular diameter (control:16.4um±0.65; HUCBC:20.9um±1.7) compared to T1DM-MCAo control. HUCBC treatment of stroke also significantly increased percent area of Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1, control:6.1%±1.1; HUCBC:10.2±1.4) and decreased Angiogenin (control:10.8%±1.6; HUCBC: 4.8%±0.5) and MMP9 (control:4.7%±0.6; HUCBC:2.3%±0.4) expression in the ischemic border compared to T1DM-MCAo control.

Conclusion: HUCBC is an effective neurorestorative therapy for stroke in T1DM rats. Increasing Ang1 and decreasing Angiogenin and MMP9 may contribute to HUCBC induced brain plasticity and functional recovery after stroke in T1DM rats.

Abstract WMP31: Neamine, A Angiogenin Inhibitor, Induces Neuroprotection After Acute Ischemic Stroke In Type One Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Angiogenin is a member of the ribonuclease superfamily and promotes degradation of basement membrane and extracellular matrix. After stroke in Type one diabetes (T1DM) rats, Angiogenin is significantly increased and the increased Angiogenin is correlated with worse functional outcome. Neamine, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, blocks nuclear translocation of Angiogenin thereby abolishing the biological activity of Angiogenin. In this study, we therefore investigated the effect and underlying protective mechanisms of Neamine treatment of stroke in T1DM.

Methods: T1DM was induced in male Wistar rats by streptozotocin (60mg/kg, ip) and T1DM rats were subjected to embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Neamine (10 mg/kg i.p.) was administered at 2h, 24h and 48h after MCAo. A battery functional outcome tests were performed. Brain blood barrier (BBB) leakage, lesion volume, brain hemorrhage volume, were evaluated and immunostaining, Western blot and ELISA were performed.

Results: Neamine treatment of stroke in T1DM rats significantly decreased Evans Blue dye leakage (Neamine: 16.38±2.14 ng/mg vs contro:30.57± 5.88 ng/mg); and lesion volume (23±2% vs 35±3%) as well as improved functional outcome compared to T1DM-control. Neamine also significantly decreased apoptosis (34.2±0.8 vs 42.5±3.6) and cleaved caspase-3 (28.7±3.7 vs 45.2±3.7) in the ischemic brain. Neamine treatment decreased MIP-1, MCP-1 and MMP9 levels in the ischemic brain measured by ELISA array. Using immunostaining, we found that Neamine treatment significantly decreased nuclear Angiogenin (26.7±1.7 vs 57.1±3.6) number, and the positive area of Angeopoietin-2 (7.4±0.3 vs 10.9±0.5), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) (5.4±0.9 vs 10.5±1.2), MMP9 (0.29±0.04 vs 0.48±0.09) expression compared to T1DM-MCAo control rats. In vitro data also show that Neamine treatment significantly decreased tPA, Angiogenin, MMP9 and advanced glycation endproducts receptor (RAGE) expression (2-3 fold) in cultured astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

Conclusion: Neamine treatment of stroke is neuroprotective in T1DM rats. Inhibition of neuroinflammatory factor expression and decrease of BBB leakage may contribute to Neamine induced neuroprotection effects after stroke in T1DM.

Abstract WP103: Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Regulates White Matter Changes after Stroke

Background: Stroke induced white matter damage is associated with neurological functional deficits, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout (eNOS-/-) mice exhibited a higher mortality, more severe neurological functional deficit, and decreased neurogenesis, angiogenesis and arteriogenesis after stroke than wild type mice. There are no reports as to whether eNOS is related to the white matter change post-stroke.

Methods: Adult male C57BL/6 WT and eNOS -/- mice were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) by a filament and sacrificed 7 days after MCAo. Functional evaluation, infarct volume measurement, and immunostaining for analysis of white matter changes were performed.

Results: There is no significant difference in the infarction volume between wild type and eNOS -/- (wild type : 23.09%±3.32%; eNOS-/-: 27.83%±4.92%, p=0.436, n=9/group). However, eNOS -/- mice showed significantly decreased functional outcome tested by the singal pellet reaching test (wild type: 38.46%%±1.43%, eNOS-/-: 27.45%±2.41%, p=0.0017). eNOS -/- mice also exhibited increased white matter damage compared to wild type mice, including decrease: 1. Axonal density stained by Bielshowsky Silver in the ipsilateral striatal bundles (wild type: 22.06%±3.0%, eNOS-/-: 13.32%±2.18%,, p=0.031), and in the contralateral striatal bundles (wild type: 65.35%±3.97%, eNOS-/-: 29.38%±5.84%, p=0.02); 2. Density of phasphorylated neurofilament by SMI31-immunoflureoscent staining (wild type: 24.11%±2.06%, eNOS-/-: 7.90%±1.70%, p=0.009); 3. The number of CNPase-positive oligodendrocytes in the ischemic border (wild type: 52.23±5.10, eNOS-/-: 35.59±5.33, p=0.041); 4. The number of NG2-positive oligodendrocyte progenitors in the ischemic border (wild type: 26.22±2.31, eNOS-/-: 18.38±1.95, p=0.0187). There is no significant difference in the density of Luxol fast blue stained myelin in the ipsilateral striatal bundles between wild type and eNOS -/- mice (wild type: 25.21%±3.64%; eNOS-/-: 21.39%±6.29%, p=0.260).

Conclusions: We are the first to report that eNOS not only regulates vascular changes and neurogenesis, but also plays an important role in white matter changes after stroke.

A bioresponsive controlled-release biosensor using Au nanocages capped with an aptamer-based molecular gate and its application in living cells

A novel bioresponsive controlled-release biosensor using Au nanocages capped with an aptamer-based molecular gate was reported for the first time. The use of aptamers as caps has proven to be a suitable method for the preparation of "bio-gated" delivery systems that can be selectively opened in the presence of target biomolecules.

Evaluation of seven different staging systems for alpha-fetoprotein expression in hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) represents the most important biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to identify the optimal staging system to predict the survival of AFP-negative and AFP-positive patients. This study analyzed the data of 431 AFP-negative HCC patients who had previously undergone surgery and 471 AFP-positive HCC candidates. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival estimates were plotted, and the P values were assessed using log-rank tests. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) was calculated using the results of a Cox's regression to compare the overall assessment of the seven different staging systems. The AFP-positive group displayed characteristics of poor tumor biological behavior (tumor multiplicity [P = 0.032], low grade differentiation [P = 0.000] and carcinoma cell embolus [P = 0.031]), poor liver function (Child-Pugh B classification [P = 0.003], abnormal prothrombin time activity [P = 0.037] and moderate/severe cirrhosis [P = 0.000]) and increased operative difficulties (transfusion; P = 0.001). TNM7th staging showed the lowest AIC value (1,279.528) for the AFP-negative group, while the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system revealed the lowest AIC value (1,991.233) for the AFP-positive group. In conclusion, among the seven favorable staging systems, BCLC staging was superior for the AFP-positive group, while the TNM7th was a more appropriate staging model for the AFP-negative group.

Evidence of associations of APOBEC3B gene deletion with susceptibility to persistent HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma

APOBEC3s are a family of cytidine deaminases involved in innate cellular immunity against virus including hepatitis B virus (HBV). A germline deletion across APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B (A3B) genes results in complete removal of the A3B coding region and destroys A3B expression. To determine whether this deletion affects susceptibility to HBV infection and HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), A3B genotypes were analyzed in 1124 individuals with HCC, 510 individuals with persistent HBV infection and 826 healthy controls and the association was estimated by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) computed by logistic regression. We also examined the effects of A3B on HBV genome hypermutation and replication in HCC cells. We observed a significantly higher frequency of the A3B deletion allele in persistent HBV carriers (33.3%; P = 0.0015) and HCC patients (37.9%; P = 1.28 × 10(-11)) compared with that in controls (27.5%). An increased risk for persistent HBV infection (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03-1.77) and HCC development (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.58-2.28) was associated with at least one A3B deletion allele (+/- or -/- genotype) compared with the +/+ genotype. Transfection of A3B in HepG2 cells caused a substantial reduction of HBV RNA levels and G → A hypermutation in the HBV genome. Interestingly, a cytidine deaminase null mutant of A3B (E255A) also inhibited HBV RNA production although it was unable to edit HBV. These results suggest that the deletion of A3B attenuates HBV clearance, which in turn may result in persistent HBV infection and increased risk for developing HCC. Further studies are needed to verify our findings.

[FibroScan can be used to diagnose the size of oesophageal varices in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis]

OBJECTIVE

To study ability of FibroScan (FS) in diagnosing the size of oesophageal varices (OV) in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis.

METHODS

A total of 158 patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis were enrolled in the study. The relation between the presence of OV assessed by endoscopy, and liver stiffness measurement by Fibroscan was studied, and ROC curves were drawn to assess the diagnostic ability of FS value.

RESULTS

For the patients without OV, mild OV, moderate OV, and severe OV, their corresponding FS values were (21.7 +/- 9.9) kPa, (32.1 +/- 13.6) kPa, (42.3 +/- 20.0) kPa and (54.5 +/- 16.2) kPa, respectively. Significant difference was found among the groups (P < 0.001) and also between any two groups (P < 0.05). ROC curve for the diagnosis of with vs. without OV, <moderate vs. > moderate OV, and < severe vs. severe OV were 0.798 (95% CI: 73.1%-86.5%), 0.823 (95% CI: 74.5%-90.0%) and 0.879 (95% CI: 80.8%-95.0%), respectively, with corresponding FS cut-off value of 23.3 kPa, 31.5 kPa and 34.6 kPa.

CONCLUSION

Liver stiffness measurement allows to predict the sizes of oesophageal varices in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis.

Comparison of the sulfur hexafluoride tracer and respiration chamber techniques for estimating methane emissions and correction for rectum methane output from dairy cows

The objectives of the present study were to compare the sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) and respiration chamber techniques for measuring methane (CH₄) emissions from dairy cows and to determine the proportion of CH₄ that is released through the rectum. Data used were derived from 20 early lactation dairy cows in a 2 × 2 factorial design study for 4 periods with 6 wk/period. The 4 treatment diets consisted of grass silage and 2 levels of concentrate (30 and 60% dry matter basis), with or without yeast supplement. At the end of each period, CH₄ emissions were measured simultaneously using the SF₆ and respiration chamber techniques when cows were housed in chambers. The SF₆ technique was also used when cows were housed in digestibility units (barn location) before and after respiratory chamber measurements (chamber location). The simultaneous measurements in chamber location revealed that CH₄ emission estimates by the SF₆ technique were similar to those by the respiration chamber technique in the first 3 periods, although the SF₆ estimates were significantly higher in period 4. The regression of all data from the 4 periods demonstrated a linear relationship between the SF₆ and respiration chamber measurements for total CH₄ emissions (g/d, R² = 0.69) and for CH₄ emissions per unit of milk yield (g/kg, R² = 0.88), and a quadratic relationship for CH₄ emissions per unit of dry matter intake (g/kg, R² = 0.64). The CH₄ emissions from the rectum were calculated as the difference between CH₄ estimates from the SF₆ technique when cows were housed in respiratory chambers and barn locations, which was 3% of the total CH₄ emissions from the mouth, nostrils, and rectum. The SF₆ estimates in the chamber location accounted for all sources of emissions, whereas those in the barn location, like that in grazing conditions, did not include CH₄ emission from the rectum. Therefore, the SF₆ measurements for grazing cattle should be adjusted for CH₄ emissions from the rectum (3% of total). We conclude that the SF₆ technique is reasonably accurate for estimating CH₄ emissions.

Combination treatment of stroke with sub-therapeutic doses of Simvastatin and human umbilical cord blood cells enhances vascular remodeling and improves functional outcome

Human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs) have been employed as a restorative treatment for experimental stroke. In this study, we investigated whether transplantation of sub-therapeutic doses of HUCBCs and Simvastatin enhances cerebral vascular remodeling after stroke. Adult male Wistar rats (n=34) were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and treated with: phosphate-buffered solution (PBS, gavaged daily for 7 days); Simvastatin (0.5mg/kg, gavaged daily for 7 days); HUCBCs (1×10(6), injected once via tail vein); and combination Simvasatin with HUCBCs, starting at 24h after MCAo. There was no significant difference between Simvastatin- or HUCBC-monotherapy and MCAo-alone group. Combination treatment 24h post-stroke significantly increased the perimeter of von Willebrand factor (vWF)-positive vessels, the diameter and density of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive arteries, and the percentage of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive endothelial cells (ECs) in the ischemic boundary zone (IBZ) compared with MCAo-alone or HUCBC-monotherapy 14 days after MCAo (p<0.05, n=8/group); Combination treatment significantly increased the densities of vWF-vessels and αSMA-arteries as well as the densities of BrdU-ECs and BrdU-positive smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in vascular walls in the IBZ compared with Simvastatin-monotherapy. Moreover, the increased BrdU-ECs and BrdU-SMCs were significantly correlated with neurological functional outcome 14 days after MCAo. Combination treatment also significantly increased the expression of Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1), Tie2 and Occludin in the IBZ (p<0.05, n=8/group). The in vitro experiments showed that combination treatment and Ang1 significantly increased capillary-like tube formation and arterial cell migration; anti-Ang1 significantly reduced combination treatment-induced tube-formation and artery cell migration (p<0.05, n=6/group). These findings indicated that a combination of sub-therapeutic doses of Simvastatin and HUCBCs treatment of stroke increases Ang1/Tie2 and Occludin expression in the ischemic brain, amplifies endogenous angiogenesis and arteriogenesis, and enhances vascular remodeling which in concert may contribute to functional outcome after stroke.

T1846 and A/G1913 are associated with acute on chronic liver failure in patients infected with hepatitis B virus genotypes B and C

The aim of this study was to determine whether mutations in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome are associated with the onset of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF). For the longitudinal study, full-length HBV genomes were cloned and sequenced from four ACLF patients and compared with sequences from matching samples collected before ACLF. For the cross-sectional study, 166 serum samples were obtained, including 49 samples from patients with ACLF. The results of longitudinal study showed that C53T, A1846T, and G1896A were the most common mutations in association with ACLF. In the cross-sectional study 61.2% patients with ACLF presented with T1846, which was higher than patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) (11.1%), liver cirrhosis (LC) (31.1%), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (33.3%). Prevalence of A/G1913 was 42.9% in patients with ACLF, also higher than patients with CHB (2.2%), LC (17.8%), and HCC (11.1%). There were no differences in HBV genotype and patients' HBeAg status among patients with ACLF, LC, and HCC. However, prevalence of T1846 was much higher in patients infected with genotype B (57.1%) than genotype C (30.4%). A/G1913 was higher in HBeAg negative patients (28%) than HBeAg positive patients (13.2%). Results of a multivariable analysis showed that T1846 and A/G1913 were independent factors for ACLF (OR = 3.373 and 4.244, respectively). Interestingly, T1846 destroys an ATG codon of a small open reading frame in the preC region, which may increase core protein expression. We conclude that T1846 and A/G1913 in the preC/C gene are closely associated with ACLF.

Prediction of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing operations for rheumatic aortic valve disease

BACKGROUND

We sought to develop and validate a logistic model and a simple score system for prediction of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing operations for rheumatic aortic valve disease.

HYPOTHESIS

The simple score model we established based on the logistic model was efficient and practical.

METHODS

A total of 669 rheumatic patients (mean age 51 ± 9 years), who underwent routine coronary angiography (CAG) before aortic valve surgery between 1998 and 2010, were analyzed. A bootstrap-validated logistic regression model on the basis of clinical risk factors was developed to identify low-risk (≤5%) patients, from which an additive model was derived. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare discrimination, and precision was quantified by the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic. Significant coronary atherosclerosis was defined as 50% or more luminal narrowing in 1 or more major epicardial vessels determined by means of coronary angiography.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight (13.2%) patients had significant coronary atherosclerosis. Independent predictors of CAD include age, angina, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. A total of 325 patients were designated as low risk according to the bootstrap logistic regression and additive models. Of these patients, only 4 (1.2%) had single-vessel disease, and none had high-risk CAD (ie, left main trunk, proximal left anterior descending, or multivessel disease). The bootstrap logistic regression and additive models show good discrimination, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.948 and 0.942, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our logistic regression model can reliably estimate the prevalence of significant CAD in rheumatic patients undergoing aortic valve operation, while the additive simple score system could reliably identify the low-risk patients in whom routine preoperative angiography might be safely avoided.

Homofermentative production of D-lactic acid from sucrose by a metabolically engineered Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli W, a sucrose-positive strain, was engineered for the homofermentative production of D-lactic acid through chromosomal deletion of the competing fermentative pathway genes (adhE, frdABCD, pta, pflB, aldA) and the repressor gene (cscR) of the sucrose operon, and metabolic evolution for improved anaerobic cell growth. The resulting strain, HBUT-D, efficiently fermented 100 g sucrose l(-1) into 85 g D-lactic acid l(-1) in 72-84 h in mineral salts medium with a volumetric productivity of ~1 g l(-1) h(-1), a product yield of 85 % and D-lactic acid optical purity of 98.3 %, and with a minor by-product of 4 g acetate l(-1). HBUT-D thus has great potential for production of D-lactic acid using an inexpensive substrate, such as sugar cane and/or beet molasses, which are primarily composed of sucrose.