The microRNA expression changes associated with malignancy and SDHB mutation in pheochromocytoma

Currently, the diagnosis of malignant pheochromocytoma can only be made when there is clinical evidence of metastasis or extensive local invasion. Thus, there is a need for new diagnostic marker(s) to identify tumors with malignant potential. The purpose of this study was to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that are differentially expressed between benign and malignant pheochromocytomas and assess their diagnostic accuracy. Toward this aim, we analyzed miRNA expression in benign and malignant pheochromocytoma tumor samples using whole genome microarray profiling. Microarray analysis identified eight miRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed between benign and malignant pheochromocytomas. We measured a subset of these miRNAs directly by RT-PCR and found that miR-483-5p, miR-183, and miR-101 had significantly higher expression in malignant tumors as compared to their benign counterparts. Area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) analysis indicated that miR-483-5p, miR-101, and miR-183 could be useful diagnostic markers for distinguishing malignant from benign pheochromocytomas. In addition, these miRNAs could be detected in pheochromocytoma patient serum. Overall our data suggest that misexpression of miR-483-5p, miR-101, and miR-183 is associated with malignant pheochromocytoma.

Application of a transmission crystal x-ray spectrometer to moderate-intensity laser driven sources

In the pursuit of novel, laser-produced x-ray sources for medical imaging applications, appropriate instrumental diagnostics need to be developed concurrently. A type of transmission crystal spectroscopy has previously been demonstrated as a survey tool for sources produced by high-power and high-energy lasers. The present work demonstrates the extension of this method into the study of medium-intensity laser driven hard x-ray sources with a design that preserves resolving power while maintaining high sensitivity. Specifically, spectroscopic measurements of characteristic Kα and Kβ emissions were studied from Mo targets irradiated by a 100 fs, 200 mJ, Ti: sapphire laser with intensity of 10(17) W/cm(2) to 10(18) W∕cm(2) per shot. Using a transmission curved crystal spectrometer and off-Rowland circle imaging, resolving powers (E/ΔE) of around 300 for Mo Kα(2) at 17.37 keV were obtained with an end-to-end spectrometer efficiency of (1.13 ± 0.10) × 10(-5). This sensitivity is sufficient for registering x-ray lines with high signal to background from targets following irradiation by a single laser pulse, demonstrating the utility of this method in the study of the development of medium-intensity laser driven x-ray sources.

Routine short-term ureteral stent in living donor renal transplantation: introduction of a simple stent removal technique without using anesthesia and cystoscope

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated routine short-time insertion of ureteral stent in living donor renal transplant at a single center. It was easy to remove the stent without cystoscopy and anesthesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2007 and July 2010, a single surgeon performed 76 living donor renal transplantations at one institute. All recipients underwent extravesical ureteroneocystostomy with a 2-0 silk suture passed through the venting side hole of the double-J stent into the bladder; a quadruple knot prevented the suture's slippage or distraction from the stent. After removal of the indwelling catheter at 5 days posttransplantation, the 2-0 silk passed with the urinary stream within 72 hours. The double-J stent was removed at 7 to 10 (mean 8.4) days after kidney transplantation by pulling the 2-0 silk out of the urethral orifice without anesthesia or cystoscopy.

RESULTS

There was only one case of stenosis, which was resolved by surgery. No patient developed urinary leakage. There were three episodes of urinary tract infection in 70 patients during first 6 months' follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine short-term stenting is a safe and effective technique in living donor renal transplantation. Removal of the stent is feasible without cystoscopy or anesthesia.

Serum concentration and mRNA expression in milk somatic cells of toll-like receptor 2, toll-like receptor 4, and cytokines in dairy cows following intramammary inoculation with Escherichia coli

The objective of the current study was to investigate the toll-like receptors (TLR), including the soluble forms sTLR2 and sTLR4, involved in innate immune responses of dairy cows to experimentally induced Escherichia coli mastitis. Six clinically healthy Holstein dairy cows received an intramammary inoculation of E. coli O111:K58 between 63 and 83 d postpartum. Concentrations of sTLR2 and sTLR4, the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and acute phase proteins serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) in blood were measured by ELISA. Furthermore, 10mL of milk was collected from challenged quarters immediately before inoculation and at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after inoculation, and mRNA expression of selected genes, including TLR2, TLR4, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8, was quantified by real-time PCR. Escherichia coli intramammary infection elicited a decrease in the circulating levels of leukocytes. Rectal temperature was elevated at 6h postinoculation (PI). Similarly, the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, and SAA increased at 6h PI. However, serum concentrations of sTLR2, sTLR4, and Hp did not differ after challenge. The mRNA expression of TLR2, IL-1β, and IL-8 in milk somatic cells increased at 12h PI, whereas a decreased IL-6 mRNA expression was detected from 6 to 48 h PI. In conclusion, we found that TLR2 mRNA expression increased in milk somatic cells collected from infected quarters of cows challenged with E. coli, whereas the concentrations of sTLR2 and sTLR4 remained unchanged after challenge. Thus, sTLR2 and sTLR4 may protect the host by sequestrating pathogen-associated molecular patterns during E. coli mastitis.

Phosphorylation of Mps1 by BRAFV600E prevents Mps1 degradation and contributes to chromosome instability in melanoma

Activating BRAF mutations that deregulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway commonly occur in cancer. BRAF(V600E) induces centrosome amplification and spindle abnormalities that result in aneuploidy. We find modification of Mps1 is critical for contributing to centrosome amplification and chromosome instability induced by BRAF(V600E). Phosphorylation of Mps1 at residue S281 induced by BRAF(V600E) stabilizes Mps1 protein by preventing its ubiquitination by APC/C and subsequent degradation, allowing the non-degraded protein to accumulate at centrosomes. Cells in which endogenous Mps1 was replaced with a phospho-mimetic Mps1 mutant are viable but amplify centrosomes and missegregate chromosomes frequently. Importantly, analysis of tumor micro arrays revealed that phospho-MAPK and S281-phosphorylated Mps1 were highly correlated in human melanoma tissues, implying that MAPK contributes to defects in the degradation of Mps1 in situ. We propose that continuously activated BRAF(V600E) signaling may be a possible mechanism for the deregulation of Mps1 stability and kinase activity in human tumors, and that persistent phosphorylation of Mps1 through BRAF(V600E) signaling is a key event in disrupting the control of centrosome duplication and chromosome stability that may contribute to tumorigenesis. Our findings raise the possibility that targeting the oncogenic BRAF and S281-phosphorylated Mps1, especially when used in combination could potentially provide great therapeutic opportunities for cancer treatment.

Evidence for CP violation in time-integrated D0→h(-)h(+) decay rates

A search for time-integrated CP violation in D(0)→h(-)h(+) (h=K, π) decays is presented using 0.62 fb(-1) of data collected by LHCb in 2011. The flavor of the charm meson is determined by the charge of the slow pion in the D(*+)→D(0)π(+) and D(*-)→D[over ¯](0)π(-) decay chains. The difference in CP asymmetry between D(0)→K(-)K(+) and D(0)→π(-)π(+), ΔA(CP)≡A(CP)(K(-)K(+))-A(CP)(π(-)π(+)), is measured to be [-0.82±0.21(stat)±0.11(syst)]%. This differs from the hypothesis of CP conservation by 3.5 standard deviations.

Spin-parity analysis of pp¯ mass threshold structure in J/ψ and ψ(3686) radiative decays

A partial wave analysis of the pp¯ mass-threshold enhancement in the reaction J/ψ→γpp¯ is used to determine its J(PC) quantum numbers to be 0(-+), its peak mass to be below threshold at M=1832(-5)(+19)(stat)(-17)(+18)(syst)±19(model) MeV/c(2), and its total width to be Γ<76 MeV/c(2) at the 90% C.L. The product of branching ratios is measured to be BR[J/ψ→γX(pp¯)]BR[X(pp¯)→pp¯]=[9.0(-1.1)(+0.4)(stat)(-5.0)(+1.5)(syst)±2.3(model)]×10(-5). A similar analysis performed on ψ(3686)→γpp¯ decays shows, for the first time, the presence of a corresponding enhancement with a production rate relative to that for J/ψ decays of R=[5.08(-0.45)(+0.71)(stat)(-3.58)(+0.67)(syst)±0.12(model)]%.

Mesenchymal stem cells: a double-edged sword in regulating immune responses

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been employed successfully to treat various immune disorders in animal models and clinical settings. Our previous studies have shown that MSCs can become highly immunosuppressive upon stimulation by inflammatory cytokines, an effect exerted through the concerted action of chemokines and nitric oxide (NO). Here, we show that MSCs can also enhance immune responses. This immune-promoting effect occurred when proinflammatory cytokines were inadequate to elicit sufficient NO production. When inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) production was inhibited or genetically ablated, MSCs strongly enhance T-cell proliferation in vitro and the delayed-type hypersensitivity response in vivo. Furthermore, iNOS^−/− MSCs significantly inhibited melanoma growth. It is likely that in the absence of NO, chemokines act to promote immune responses. Indeed, in CCR5^−/−CXCR3^−/− mice, the immune-promoting effect of iNOS^−/− MSCs is greatly diminished. Thus, NO acts as a switch in MSC-mediated immunomodulation. More importantly, the dual effect on immune reactions was also observed in human MSCs, in which indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) acts as a switch. This study provides novel information about the pathophysiological roles of MSCs.

Search for lepton number violating decays B+ → π- μ+ μ+ and B+ → K- μ+ μ+

A search is performed for the lepton number violating decay B+ → h- μ+ μ+, where h- represents a K- or a π-, using an integrated luminosity of 36  pb(-1) of data collected with the LHCb detector. The decay is forbidden in the standard model but allowed in models with a Majorana neutrino. No signal is observed in either channel and limits of B(B+ → K- μ+ μ+) < 5.4×10(-8) and B(B+ → π- μ+ μ+) < 5.8×10(-8) are set at the 95% confidence level. These improve the previous best limits by factors of 40 and 30, respectively.

Measurement of the CP-violating phase ϕ(s) in the decay B(s)(0) → J/ψϕ

We present a measurement of the time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B(s)(0) → J/ψϕ decays, using data collected with the LHCb detector at the LHC. The decay time distribution of B(s)(0) → J/ψϕ is characterized by the decay widths Γ(H) and Γ(L) of the heavy and light mass eigenstates, respectively, of the B(s)(0) - B(s)(0) system and by a CP-violating phase ϕ(s). In a sample of about 8500 B(s)(0) → J/ψϕ events isolated from 0.37  fb(-1) of pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 7  TeV, we measure ϕ(s) = 0.15 ± 0.18(stat) ± 0.06(syst)  rad. We also find an average B(s)(0) decay width Γ(s) ≡ (Γ(L) + Γ(H))/2 = 0.657 ± 0.009(stat) ± 0.008(syst)  ps(-1) and a decay width difference ΔΓ(s) ≡ Γ(L) - Γ(H) = 0.123 ± 0.029(stat) ± 0.011(syst)  ps(-1). Our measurement is insensitive to the transformation (ϕ(s),ΔΓ(s)) ↦ (π - ϕ(s), -ΔΓ(s)).

Three-dimensional multipotent progenitor cell aggregates for expansion, osteogenic differentiation and 'in vivo' tracing with AAV vector serotype 6

Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC) are bone marrow-derived stem cells with a high growth rate suitable for therapeutical applications as three-dimensional (3D) aggregates. Combined applications of osteogenically differentiated MAPC (OD-MAPC) aggregates and adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) in bone bioengineering are still deferred until information regarding expansion technologies, osteogenic potential, and AAV cytotoxicity and transduction efficiency is better understood. In this study, we tested whether self-complementary AAV (scAAV) can potentially be used as a gene delivery system in a OD-MAPC-based “in vivo” bone formation model in the craniofacial region. Both expansion of rat MAPC (rMAPC) and osteogenic differentiation with dexamethasone were also tested in 3D aggregate culture systems “in vitro” and “vivo”. Rat MAPCs (rMAPCs) grew as undifferentiated aggregates for 4 days with a population doubling time of 37h. After expansion, constant levels of Oct4 transcripts, and Oct4 and CD31 surface markers were observed, which constitute a hallmark of rMAPCs undifferentiated stage. Dexamethasone effectively mediated rMAPC osteogenic differentiation by inducing the formation of a mineralized collagen type I network, and facilitated the activation of the wnt/β-catenin, a crucial pathway in skeletal development. To investigate the genetic modification of rMAPCs grown as 3D aggregates prior to implantation, scAAV serotypes 2, 3, and 6 were evaluated. scAAV6 packaged with the enhanced green fluorescent protein expression cassette efficiently mediated long-term transduction (10 days) “in vitro” and “vivo”. The reporter transduction event allowed the tracing of OD-rMAPC (induced by dexamethasone) aggregates following OD-rMAPC transfer into a macro-porous hydroxyapatite scaffold implanted in a rat calvaria model. Furthermore, the scAAV6-transduced OD-rMAPC generated a bone-like matrix with a collagenous matrix rich in bone specific proteins (osteocalcin and osteopontin) in the scaffold macro-pores 10 days post-implantation. Newly formed bone was also observed in the interface between native bone and scaffold. The collective work supports future bone tissue engineering applications of 3D MAPC cultures for expansion, bone formation, and the ability to genetically alter these cells using scAAV vectors.

Construction of the industrial ethanol-producing strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae able to ferment cellobiose and melibiose

The gene mel1, encoding alpha-galactosidase in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and the gene bgl2, encoding and beta-glucosidase in Trichoderma reesei, were isolated and co-expressed in the industrial ethanol-producing strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The resulting strains were able to grow on cellobiose and melibiose through simultaneous production of sufficient extracellular alpha-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase activity. Under aerobic conditions, the growth rate of the recombinant strain GC 1 co-expressing 2 genes could achieve 0.29 OD600 h(-1) and a biomass yield up to 7.8 g l(-1) dry cell weight on medium containing 10.0 g l(-1) cellobiose and 10.0 g l(-1) melibiose as sole carbohydrate source. Meanwhile, the new strain of S. cerevisiae CG 1 demonstrated the ability to directly produce ethanol from microcrystalline cellulose during simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process. Approximately 36.5 g l(-1) ethanol was produced from 100 g of cellulose supplied with 5 g l(-1) melibose within 60 h. The yield (g of ethanol produced/g of carbohydrate consumed) was 0.44 g/g, which corresponds to 88.0% of the theoretical yield.

Role of the hypothalamus in the neuroendocrine regulation of body weight and composition during energy deficit

Energy deficit in lean or obese animals or humans stimulates appetite, reduces energy expenditure and possibly also decreases physical activity, thereby contributing to weight regain. Often overlooked in weight loss trials for obesity, however, is the effect of energy restriction on neuroendocrine status. Negative energy balance in lean animals and humans consistently inhibits activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid, -gonadotropic and -somatotropic axes (or reduces circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 levels), while concomitantly activating the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, with emerging evidence of similar changes in overweight and obese people during lifestyle interventions for weight loss. These neuroendocrine changes, which animal studies show may result in part from hypothalamic actions of orexigenic (e.g. neuropeptide Y, agouti-related peptide) and anorexigenic peptides (e.g. alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and cocaine and amphetamine-related transcript), can adversely affect body composition by promoting the accumulation of adipose tissue (particularly central adiposity) and stimulating the loss of lean body mass and bone. As such, current efforts to maximize loss of excess body fat in obese people may inadvertently be promoting long-term complications such as central obesity and associated health risks, as well as sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Future weight loss trials would benefit from assessment of the effects on body composition and key hormonal regulators of body composition using sensitive techniques.

Precise control of the number of walls formed during carbon nanotube growth using chemical vapor deposition

We demonstrate a one-step approach for selecting the number of walls formed during carbon nanotube (CNT) growth by catalytic decomposition of CH(4) over Fe-Mo/MgO catalysts. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy analyses indicate that high purity single-walled, double-walled and triple-walled carbon nanotubes can be synthesized by tuning the Fe:Mo atomic ratio of catalysts. The results reveal that the concentration of Mo in the catalyst plays an important role in the size of catalyst particles and in the deposition rate of carbon atoms during CNT growth. Thus, the wall numbers of CNTs can be controlled precisely.

Emergence of resistance to fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins in Shigella flexneri subserotype 1c isolates from China

We report here on the first identification of Shigella flexneri subserotype 1c in China. We also report the emergence of resistance to ciprofloxacin and third-generation cephalosporins in this subserotype 1c for the first time. Isolates of seven strains circulating in China yielded three new sequence types and seven pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, thus demonstrating the existence of high genetic diversity within the isolates. Overall, the seven isolates showed reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin; one isolate was ciprofloxacin resistant, whilst another developed resistance to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone.