Smoking attenuated the association between IκBα rs696 polymorphism and defective spermatogenesis in humans

Defective spermatogenesis is prevalent in infertile men, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its aetiology are largely unknown. In this study, a proposed association between IκBα SNPs, smoking-related ROS and sperm quality was investigated. Two polymorphisms in the IκBα gene, rs2233406 and rs696 were genotyped in 342 controls and 338 patients with defective spermatogenesis from a southern Chinese population. The results showed the rs696 AA genotype to be significantly more common (21.60% versus 14.33%, P = 0.013) and the rs696 GG genotype to be significantly rarer (28.99% versus 37.13%, P = 0.024) in the cases than in the controls. After subjects were stratified into smokers and nonsmokers, these differences were only observed in nonsmokers. Further analysis showed the rs696 AA genotype to be significantly closely associated with defective spermatogenesis in all subjects (P = 0.014, OR = 1.647) and in nonsmokers (P = 0.036, OR = 1.889). In a TM3 cell model, exposure to cigarette smoke condensate was found to activate NF-κB luciferase activity and altered transcriptional level of NF-κB pathway genes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates an association between functional polymorphisms of the IκBα rs696 and cigarette smoking with the risk of defective spermatogenesis, suggesting some interaction between the NF-κB signalling pathway and smoking-related ROS in human spermatogenesis.

Role of Glycol Chitosan-incorporated Ursolic Acid Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Osteosarcoma

Purpose: To investigate the effect of ursolic acid (UA)-incorporated glycol chitosan (GC) nanoparticles on inhibition of human osteosarcoma.Methods: U2OS and Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells were transfected with ursolic acid (UA) incorporated glycol chitosan (GC) nanoparticles. Ultraviolet (UV)  spectrophotometry was used to measure drug contents in nanoparticles at 365 nm with empty GC vehicles as blank. Bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA) method was employed to determine protein concentration. Identification of apoptosis and necrosis in osteosarcoma cells was performed by propidium iodide and FITC-annexin V reagents, respectively. FAC Scan flow cytometry was used to analyse apoptotic cells.Results: Among the range of UA concentrations tested, the minimum effective concentration was 10 μM with half inhibitory concentration IC50 of 25 μM. In U2OS cells, treatment with 10 and 25 μM UAinduced apoptosis in 5.89 ± 3.90 and 60.54 ± 5.40 % cells, respectively, compared to 2.05 ± 1.01 % cells for control. In Saos-2 cells, exposure to 10 and 25 μM UA induced apoptosis in 9.86 ± 8.89 and 47.54 ± 14.5 % cells, respectively, compared to 1.79 ± 0.23 % for control cells. Western blot analysis revealed  translocation of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins from mitochondria to cell cytosol. Increase in UA concentration  from 10 μM to 25 μM led to increase in the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase and decrease in the number of cells in S and G2/M phases. These results confirm that UA transfection arrests cell cycle in G0/G1 phase in human osteosarcoma cell lines.Conclusion: UA transfection resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation, Ezh2 expression inhibition, and apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway due to decrease in membrane potential and release of cytochrome C, as well as cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase.Keywords: Osteosarcoma, Cell cycle arrest, Palliation, Glycol chitosan, Ursolic acid

Comparison of the after discharges induced by electrical stimulation of the prefrontal cortex in urethane- and ketamine-anesthetized mice

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to compare the effects of urethane and ketamine anesthesia on kindling-induced after discharges (AD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We divided forty 4-6 week old female C57BL/6J mice into two groups: one group was anesthetized with urethane (n = 20) and the other with ketamine (n = 20). Kindling was with an electrical stimulation (ES) consisting of a 1-s pulse train of 60 1-ms biphasic pulses at an initial intensity of 700 µA, delivered to the pre-frontal cortex every minute. Ten to fifteen minutes after the first AD was induced, identical electrical stimuli were delivered every 10 minutes for 200 minutes. EEG was continuously recorded from 15 minutes before the first ES until 10 minutes after the last ES. The EEG wave spectrum was analyzed by Fast Fourier Transform and the power spectrum densities (PSDs) of the δ, θ, α, β and γ bands were calculated. EEG wave amplitude was assessed using the root mean square value (RMS).

RESULTS

In the urethane group, an initial AD was induced in 70% of mice following 39 ES. In the ketamine group, an initial AD was induced in 60% of mice following 74 ES. The changes in EEG spectra were similar in both groups. Pre-AD, EEG waves predominantly consisted of δ and θ components. During AD, γ and β components increased significantly (p < 0.05). Post-AD, β and γ components decreased and the δ: θ ratio increased to pre-AD levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that AD can be induced by kindling stimulation of the pre-frontal cortex in mice under either urethane or ketamine anesthesia.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Chinese Hwamei Garrulax canorus (Aves: Passeriformes): the first representative of the Leiothrichidae family with a duplicated control region

The Chinese Hwamei Garrulax canorus, a member of the family Leiothrichidae, is commonly found in central and southern China, northern Indochina, and on Hainan Island. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of G. canorus. The circular mitochondrial genome is 17,785 bp in length and includes 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes. In addition, two copies of highly similar putative control regions were observed in the mitochondrial genome. As found in other vertebrates, most of the genes are coded on the H-strand, except for one protein-coding gene (nad6; NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6) and eight tRNA genes (tRNA(Gln), tRNA(Ala), tRNA(Asn), tRNA(Cys), tRNA(Tyr), tRNA(Ser(UCN)), tRNA(Pro), and tRNA(Glu)). All the protein-coding genes start with ATG, with the exception of cox1 (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1), which starts with GTG. All tRNA genes have the potential to fold into the typical clover-leaf structure. Conserved sequences in three domains were observed in the two putative control regions. These results provide basic information for future phylogenetic analyses among species of the order Passeriformes.

Involvement of 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors in colonic motor patterns in rats

BACKGROUND

Colonic migrating motor complexes in the rat constitute two distinct propulsive motor patterns, pan-colonic rhythmic long distance contractions (LDCs), and rhythmic propulsive motor complexes (RPMCs) occurring primarily in the mid/distal colon. Interstitial cells of Cajal govern their rhythmicity, but their occurrence is dependent on neural programs. Our aim was to investigate the involvement of 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors in the generation and pharmacological control of the motor patterns.

METHODS

Effects of 5-HT-related drugs on colonic motor patterns were analyzed through spatio-temporal maps created from video recordings of whole organ motility.

KEY RESULTS

5-HT3 antagonists abolished RPMCs and LDCs. 5-HT4 agonists inhibited LDCs; they promoted RPMCs, which was blocked by the 5-HT4 antagonist GR 125487. 5-HT and the 5-HT3 agonist m-CPBG strongly inhibited LDCs and RPMCs.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The generation of LDCs involves ongoing 5-HT release acting on 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors. The spontaneous generation of RPMCs involves ongoing 5-HT release acting on 5-HT3 but not 5-HT4 receptors. Prucalopride and mosapride promote RPMCs, an effect that is inhibited by the 5-HT4 receptor antagonist GR 125487. A 5-HT3 agonist does not promote RPMCs. Segmentation, including a pattern of sequential segmental activity not previously described, can occur without significant involvement of 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors. 5-HT and a 5-HT3 agonist are strongly inhibitory indicating that 5-HT receptors are present in inhibitory pathways which are normally not involved in the generation of spontaneous or distention-induced motor patterns.

Effects of ApoE on intracellular calcium levels and apoptosis of neurons after mechanical injury

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to explore the effects of apolipoprotein e (ApoE) on intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) and apoptosis of neurons after mechanical injury in vitro.

METHODS

A neuron mechanical injury model was established after primary neurons obtained from APOE knockout and wild-type (WT) mice, and four experimental groups were generated: Group-ApoE4, Group-ApoE3, Group-ApoE(-) and Group-WT. Recombinant ApoE4 and ApoE3 were added to Group-ApoE4 and Group-ApoE3 respectively, and Group-ApoE(-) and Group-WT were control groups. Intracellular calcium was labeled by fluo-3/AM and examined using laser scanning confocal microscope and flow cytometry, and the apoptosis of neurons was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The intracellular calcium levels and apoptosis rates of mice neurons were significantly higher in Group-ApoE4 than in Group-ApoE3 and Group-WT after mechanical injury. However, without mechanical injury on neurons, no significant differences in intracellular calcium levels and apoptosis rates were found among all four experimental groups. The effects of ApoE4 on intracellular calcium levels and apoptosis rates of injured neurons were partly decreased by EGTA treatment.

CONCLUSION

Compared with ApoE3-treatment and WT neurons, ApoE4 caused higher intracellular calcium levels and apoptosis rates of neurons after mechanical injury. This suggested APOE polymorphisms may affect neuron apoptosis after mechanical injury through different influences on intracellular calcium levels.

Performance of case definitions for influenza surveillance

Influenza-like illness (ILI) case definitions, such as those from the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization (WHO) and United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are commonly used for influenza surveillance. We assessed how various case definitions performed during the initial wave of influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 infections in Singapore on a cohort of 727 patients with two to three blood samples and whose symptoms were reviewed fortnightly from June to October 2009. Using seroconversion (≥ 4-fold rise) to A/California/7/2009 (H1N1), we identified 36 presumptive influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 episodes and 664 episodes unrelated to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Cough, fever and headache occurred more commonly in presumptive influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Although the sensitivity was low (36%), the recently revised WHO ILI case definition gave a higher positive predictive value (42%) and positive likelihood ratio (13.3) than the other case definitions. Results including only episodes with primary care consultations were similar. Individuals who worked or had episodes with fever, cough or sore throat were more likely to consult a physician, while episodes with Saturday onset were less likely, with some consultations skipped or postponed. Our analysis supports the use of the revised WHO ILI case definition, which includes only cough in the presence of fever defined as body temperature ≥ 38 °C for influenza surveillance.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy enhanced by a micro torch

A commercial butane micron troch was used to enhance plasma optical emissions in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Fast imaging and spectroscopic analyses were used to observe plasma evolution in the atmospheric pressure for LIBS without and with using a micro torch. Optical emission intensities and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) as functions of delay time were studied. Enhanced optical emission and SNRs were obtained by using a micro torch. The effects of laser pulse energy on the emission intensities and SNRs were studied. The same spectral intensity could be obtained using micro torch with much lower laser pulse energy. The investigation of SNR evolution with delay time at different laser pulse energies showed that the SNR enhancement factor is higher for plasmas generated by lower laser pulse energies than those generated by higher laser energies. The calibration curves of emission line intensities with elemental concentrations showed that detection sensitivities of Mn I 404.136 nm and V I 437.923 nm were improved by around 3 times. The limits of detection for both Mn I 404.136 nm and V I 437.923 nm are reduced from 425 and 42 ppm to 139 and 20 ppm, respectively, after using the micro torch. The LIBS system with micro torch was demonstrated to be cost-effective, compact, and capable of sensitivity improvement, especially for LIBS system operating with low laser pulse energy.

Potentiation of tonic GABAergic inhibition by activation of postsynaptic kainate receptors

Presynaptic kainate-type glutamate ionotropic receptors (KARs) that mediate either the depression or the facilitation of GABA release have been intensively studied. Little attention has been given to the modulation of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) by postsynaptic KARs. Recent studies suggest that two GABAAR populations, synaptic (sGABAAR) and extrasynaptic (eGABAAR) GABAARs, mediate phasic and tonic forms of inhibition, respectively. Tonic inhibition plays an important role in the excitability of neuronal circuits and the occurrence of epileptic seizures. For this study, we are the first to report that the activation of postsynaptic KARs by the KAR agonist, Kainic acid (KA, 5 μM), enhanced tonic inhibition by potentiating eGABAARs. KA enhanced THIP-induced eGABAAR currents and prolonged the rise and decay time of muscimol-induced sGABAAR/eGABAAR currents, but also depressed the amplitude of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs), unitary IPSCs (uIPSCs), and muscimol-induced sGABAAR/eGABAAR currents. The PKC inhibitor, staurosporine (1 μM), in the patch pipette solution fully blocked the KA-induced potentiation of tonic inhibition, suggesting the involvement of an intracellular PKC pathway. Our study suggests that the activation of postsynaptic KARs potentiates eGABAARs but depresses sGABAARs. By activating postsynaptic KARs, synaptically released glutamate depresses phasic inhibition to facilitate neuronal plasticity, but potentiates tonic inhibition to protect neurons from over-excitation.

DNMT3A -448A>G polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide that involves complex processes and factors. For instance, methylation is important in tumorigenesis. DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) is the main de novo methyltransferase implicated in this process. In DNMT3A, the -448A>G polymorphism is associated with cancer; however, the results of various studies have been conflicting. To clarify the role of DNMT3A polymorphisms in cancer, we conducted a meta-analysis of 2014 cases and 3089 control subjects. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated to evaluate the association between the DNMT3A -448A>G polymorphism and cancer risk. The results showed that DNMT3A may be a protective factor against all cancer types and colorectal cancer groups. Further studies should be conducted including different ethnicities and large population sizes to generate a comprehensive conclusion.

Monitoring tissue blood oxygen saturation in the internal jugular venous area using near infrared spectroscopy

Central venous blood oxygen saturation (ScvO2) is an important monitoring index of fluid resuscitation. However, monitoring of ScvO2 is not continuous and invasive. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an optical technology for the noninvasive detection of hemodynamic changes, with advantages of being real-time, continuous, low-cost, and portable. The present study aimed to determine whether a correlation exists between the tissue blood oxygen saturation in the internal jugular venous area (StO2) data obtained with NIRS and the ScvO2 and whether these two quantities are equivalent. Data were collected from 13 patients. We used ultrasound to locate the placement site for the NIRS light source outside the internal jugular vein. Meanwhile, a sample for blood gas analysis was obtained through the central venous catheter. A correlation analysis between the StO2 and ScvO2 of 13 samples was performed (Pearson correlation coefficient), suggesting a high correlation between them (r = 0.906, StO2 =1.0018 ScvO2 +2.8524). Bland-Altman analysis was also performed between the StO2 and ScvO2. Results were as follows: 100% of monitored points fell within the range of the mean ± 1.96 SD of the difference between the StO2 and ScvO2; range of the mean ± 1.96 SD of the difference between the StO2 and ScvO2 was 3 ± 10.2; confidence interval of the difference between the StO2 and ScvO2 was -7.2 to 13.2%. The StO2 monitored with NIRS correlated highly with the ScvO2 measured in the internal jugular vein. Therefore, the StO2 can be used for directing clinical treatment with further research.

A detailed analysis of the leaf rolling mutant sll2 reveals complex nature in regulation of bulliform cell development in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Bulliform cells are large, thin-walled and highly vacuolated cells, and play an important role in controlling leaf rolling in response to drought and high temperature. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating bulliform cell development have not been well documented. Here, we report isolation and characterisation of a rice leaf-rolling mutant, named shallot-like 2 (sll2). The sll2 plants exhibit adaxially rolled leaves, starting from the sixth leaf stage, accompanied by increased photosynthesis and reduced plant height and tiller number. Histological analyses showed shrinkage of bulliform cells, resulting in inward-curved leaves. The mutant is recessive and revertible at a rate of 9%. The leaf rolling is caused by a T-DNA insertion. Cloning of the insertion using TAIL-PCR revealed that the T-DNA was inserted in the promoter region of LOC_Os07 g38664. Unexpectedly, the enhanced expression of LOC_Os07 g38664 by the 35S enhancer in the T-DNA is not responsible for the leaf rolling phenotype. Further, the enhancer also exerted a long-distance effect, including up-regulation of several bulliform cell-related genes. sll2 suppressed the outward leaf rolling of oul1 in the sll2oul1 double mutant. We conclude that leaf rolling in sll2 could be a result of the combined effect of multi-genes, implying a complex network in regulation of bulliform cell development.

Evaluation of clinical measurements and development of new diagnostic criteria for Takayasu arteritis in a Chinese population

OBJECTIVES

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic granulomatous large-vessel vasculitis. When diagnosing TA, the criteria designed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) are used commonly but they were just classification criteria. There is an urgent need for a new set of diagnostic criteria.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-one TA patients and 132 control patients with other types of vascular disease were enrolled and both groups were distributed into a "training set" and a "validation set". All general information as well as clinical, laboratory and imaging data were collected. After comparing all the medical records of two groups in the training set, logistic regression and clinical judgment were used to form the new criteria for TA. The new criteria were tested by the validation set.

RESULTS

New TA diagnostic criteria within total score 26 include age (<40 years), female, chest pain/chest distress, amaurosis, vascular bruits, a decreased/absent pulse, involvement of the aortic arch or its major branches, and involvement of the abdominal aorta or its branches. Patients with a score ≥ 8 were diagnosed as TA. The sensitivity and specificity of our new criteria were 91.92% and 93.94%, respectively, higher than those of the ACR criteria (75.76%, 85.86%) and the Ishikawa criteria (56.57%, 94.95%). The areas under the ROC curves of the new criteria and ACR criteria were 0.981 and 0.868, respectively (p<0.001). Sensitivity and specificity tested in the validation set were 90.63% and 96.97%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The new diagnostic criteria exhibited high sensitivity and specificity and have demonstrated to be feasible in the diagnosis of TA.

In situ imaging and control of layer-by-layer femtosecond laser thinning of graphene

Although existing methods (chemical vapor deposition, mechanical exfoliation, etc.) are available to produce graphene, the lack of thickness control limits further graphene applications. In this study, we demonstrate an approach to precisely thin graphene films to a specific thickness using femtosecond (fs) laser raster scanning. By using appropriate laser fluence and scanning times, graphene thinning with an atomic layer precision, namely layer-by-layer graphene removal, has been realized. The fs laser used was configured in a four-wave mixing (FWM) system which can be used to distinguish graphene layer thickness and count the number of layers using the linear relationship between the FWM signal intensity and the graphene thickness. Furthermore, FWM imaging has been successfully applied to achieve in situ, real-time monitoring of the fs laser graphene thinning process. This method can not only realize the large-scale thinning of graphene with atomic layer precision, but also provide in situ, rapid imaging capability of graphene for an accurate assessment of the number of layers.

Conductance measurements of individual polypyrrole nanobelts

We present here a study on the electrical conduction properties of individual polypyrrole nanobelts by using conductive atomic force microscopy and discuss a general effect while probing soft materials. A length-dependent analysis demonstrates that the tip could induce local defects into the polymer structure and, thus diminishes the electrical conduction.