Characterization of a novel ERF transcription factor in Artemisia annua and its induction kinetics after hormones and stress treatments

The full-length cDNA sequence of AaERF3 was cloned and characterized from Artemisia annua. The bioinformatic analysis and phylogenetic tree analysis implied that the AaERF3 encoded a putative protein of 193 amino acids which formed a closely related subgroup with AtERF1, ERF1 and ORA59 in Arabidopsis. The result of subcellular localization showed that AaERF3 targeted to both of the nuclei and the cytoplasm. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that Green young alabastrums had the highest expression level of AaERF3 in the 5-months-old plants. The qRT-PCR analysis also revealed that ABA, Wound and Cold treatments significantly enhanced the transcript expression of AaERF3. MeJA and Ethylene treatment could also slightly induce the accumulation of AaERF3 transcription.

Sandwich vertebral fracture in the study of adjacent-level fracture after vertebral cement augmentation

The literature is inconclusive on the development of adjacent-level vertebral fracture after initial cement augmentation. A preliminary hypotheses is that cement injection exaggerates force transmission to the adjacent vertebral bodies, thereby predisposing those levels to future fractures. A sandwich vertebra is an intact vertebral body located between 2 previously cemented vertebrae. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the risk of adjacent-level fracture increased due to load shift after a cement injection procedure. The authors retrospectively investigated the rate of adjacent-level fracture after sandwiching compared with conservative treatment and determined the potential causative factors of sandwich vertebral fracture. Age, sex, weight, height, body mass index, follow-up period, and location of sandwich level (T10-L2 or nonT10-L2 junction) were assessed. Surgical variables, including surgical procedure (vertebroplasty or balloon kyphoplasty), surgical approach (through uni- or bilateral pedicle), volume of cement injected into the painful vertebrae, cement leakage into the intervertebral disk, cumulative number of treated levels, and pre- and postoperative kyphotic angulation of the sandwich region, were also analyzed. Nine of 42 sandwiched levels developed fatigue fractures, whereas 11 of 71 patients treated with conservative therapy sustained new vertebral fractures adjacent to the treated levels. Only preoperative kyphotic angulation was the variable positively associated with sandwich vertebral fracture at follow-up (P=.021). Although subjected to double load shifts, the sandwich vertebra was not prone to structural failure. Thus, cement augmentation protocol does not increase the incidence of adjacent vertebral fracture.

Identification of genes preferentially expressed in goat hair follicle anagen-catagen transition using suppression subtractive hybridization

Suppressive subtraction hybridization (SSH) was used to identify differentially expressed genes in goat (Capra hircus) hair follicle anagen-catagen transition. The cDNA fragments, derived from SSH positive subtractive library (tester: anagen-catagen transition, driver: later anagen), were cloned into pEGM-T vector. Two hundred cDNA fragments screened from this library were subjected to identify forty-five unregulated isolates. Sequence analysis revealed that these fragments represented twenty-three genes. Blasting analysis with database in GenBank showed that twenty genes were previously clearly annotated, two were homologous to un-annotated expressed sequence tag (ESTs), and one might be novel. To identify characters of gene expression, seven genes in later anagen and anagen-catagen transition skin tissues were chosen for quantitative real-time PCR. Results indicated that expression of these seven genes varied much, reaching threefold among them, furthering indicating that expression of those genes was up-regulation in the anagen-catagen transition. We characterized expression levels of this potential novel gene and the goat ectodysplasin A during differential stages of hair cycle. These profiles suggested that these two genes might play a role in the goat secondary hair follicle cycle.

Neurogenic adaptation contributes to the afferent response to mechanical stimulation

This study aimed to characterize the effect of mechanical stimuli on mesenteric afferent nerve signaling in the isolated rat jejunum in vitro. This was done to determine the effect of mechanical stresses and strains relative to nonmechanical parameters (neurogenic adaptation). Mechanical stimulations were applied to a segment of jejunum from 15 rats using ramp distension with water at three rates of distension, a relaxation test (volume maintained constant from initial pressure of 20 or 40 mmHg), and a creep test (pressure maintained constant). Circumferential stress and strain and the spike rate increase ratio were calculated for evaluation of afferent nerve activity during the mechanical stimulations. Ramp distension evoked two distinct phases of afferent nerve signaling as a function of circumferential stress or strain. Changing the volume distension rate did not change the stress-strain relationship, but faster distension rate increased the afferent firing rate (P < 0.05). In the stress relaxation test, the spike rate declined faster and to a greater extent than the stress. In the creep test, the spike rate declined, despite a small increase in the strain. Three classes of mechanosensitive single-afferent units (low, wide dynamic range, and high threshold units) showed different response profiles against stress and strain. Low-threshold units exhibited a near linear relationship against the strain (R(2) = 0.8095), whereas high-threshold units exhibited a linear profile against the stress (R(2) = 0.9642). The afferent response is sensitive to the distension speed and to the stress and strain level during distension. However, the afferent nerve response is not a simple function of either stress or strain. Nonmechanical time-dependent adaptive responses other than those related to viscoelasticity also play a role.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of antidepressants in Parkinson disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) in the treatment of depression in Parkinson disease (PD).

METHODS

A total of 115 subjects with PD were enrolled at 20 sites. Subjects were randomized to receive an SSRI (paroxetine; n = 42), an SNRI (venlafaxine extended release [XR]; n = 34), or placebo (n = 39). Subjects met DSM-IV criteria for a depressive disorder, or operationally defined subsyndromal depression, and scored >12 on the first 17 items of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Subjects were followed for 12 weeks (6-week dosage adjustment, 6-week maintenance). Maximum daily dosages were 40 mg for paroxetine and 225 mg for venlafaxine XR. The primary outcome measure was change in the HAM-D score from baseline to week 12.

RESULTS

Treatment effects (relative to placebo), expressed as mean 12-week reductions in HAM-D score, were 6.2 points (97.5% confidence interval [CI] 2.2 to 10.3, p = 0.0007) in the paroxetine group and 4.2 points (97.5% CI 0.1 to 8.4, p = 0.02) in the venlafaxine XR group. No treatment effects were seen on motor function.

CONCLUSIONS

Both paroxetine and venlafaxine XR significantly improved depression in subjects with PD. Both medications were generally safe and well tolerated and did not worsen motor function.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class I evidence that paroxetine and venlafaxine XR are effective in treating depression in patients with PD.

Esophageal leiomyoma: experience from a single institution

Esophageal leiomyomas are rare. We report the clinicopathologic features of one of the largest series of esophageal leiomyomas from a single institution. We retrospectively reviewed the Cleveland Clinic pathology database (1985-2010) for patients with a diagnosis of esophageal leiomyoma(s). Clinicopathologic features of 30 cases from 28 patients were analyzed. The group included 15 females and 13 males with a mean age at diagnosis of 56 years. These include 9 excisions, 9 esophagectomies, and 12 endoscopic biopsies. Only one partial esophagectomy was performed solely for a symptomatic 14-cm leiomyoma; the remainder of the resections (n= 8) were for other indications, including esophageal cancer (Barrett's esophagus-related adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and emergent esophageal perforation, with leiomyoma being an incidental finding. One patient (2.5%) had two synchronous leiomyomas (14 cm and 0.3 cm). Tumor size ranged from 0.1 to 14 cm (mean = 2.0 cm). Mean tumor size among symptomatic patients was 5.2 cm, as compared with 0.4 cm in asymptomatic patients. Dysphagia was the most common complaint in symptomatic patients (71.4%). Sixty-nine percent of the tumors were located in the distal and middle thirds of the esophagus, with most (69.6%) arising from muscularis propria. Histologically, these tumors were composed of bland spindle cells with low cellularity, no nuclear atypia, or mitotic activity. Only one case (14 cm) showed focal moderate cellularity and nuclear atypia, with low mitotic activity (<1/10 high power field). Immunohistochemical studies showed tumor cells were positive for smooth muscle actin, and negative for CD34 and CD117. Follow-up information was available for 22 patients (78.6%), and none had adverse events related to leiomyoma. In summary, esophageal leiomyoma is a rare benign tumor of the esophagus. Patients with larger tumors were more likely to have symptoms. The majority of the tumors were in the lower and mid-esophagus, and arose from muscularis propria. These tumors behave in a clinically benign fashion.

Reliability test of an electron cyclotron resonance ion source for accelerator driven sub-critical system

The reliability test of an electron cyclotron resonance ion source developed for accelerator driven sub-critical system is carried out in China Institute of Atomic Energy. A unique technique to improve the reliability is adopted. The source is operated for more than 200 h at 75 keV, 100 mA extracted hydrogen current, while 2 beam trips are recorded in the period, and uninterrupted operation time is about 150 h. The experimental result is described.

Novel multi-biotin grafted poly(lactic acid) and its self-assembling nanoparticles capable of binding to streptavidin

Targeted drug delivery requires novel biodegradable, specific binding systems with longer circulation time. The aim of this study was to prepare biotinylated poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles (NPs) which can meet regular requirements as well conjugate more biotins in the polymer to provide better binding with streptavidin. A biotin-graft-PLA was synthesized based on previously published biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-graft-PLA, with one polymer molecule containing three PEG molecules. Newly synthesized biotin-graft-PLA had three biotins per polymer molecule, higher than the previous biotinylated PLA (≤1 biotin per polymer molecule). A PEG with a much lower molecular weight (MW ~1900) than the previous biotinylated PLA (PEG MW ≥ 3800), and thus more biocompatible, was used which supplied good nonspecific protein-resistant property compatible to PEG-graft-PLA, suggesting its possible longer stay in the bloodstream. Biotin-graft-PLA specifically bound to streptavidin and self-assembled into NPs, during which naproxen, a model small molecule (MW 230 Da) and hydrophobic drug, was encapsulated (encapsulation efficiency 51.88%). The naproxen-loaded NPs with particle size and zeta potential of 175 nm and −27.35 mV realized controlled release within 170 hours, comparable to previous studies. The biotin-graft-PLA NPs adhered approximately two-fold more on streptavidin film and on biotin film via a streptavidin arm both in static and dynamic conditions compared with PEG-graft-PLA NPs, the proven nonspecific protein-resistant NPs. The specific binding of biotin-graft-PLA NPs with streptavidin and with biotin using streptavidin arm, as well as its entrapment and controlled release for naproxen, suggest potential applications in targeted drug delivery.

Sugar phosphorylation activity in ruminal acetogens

Acetogenic bacteria Acetitomaculum ruminis, Acetobacterium woodii, and Eubacterium limosum were compared for phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and ATP-dependent phosphorylation of glucose and 2-deoxy-glucose. Rate of phosphorylation activity was measured in toluene-treated acetogenic cells using PEP and ATP and radiolabled glucose or 2-deoxy glucose. Eubacterium limosum, most likely has a glucose phosphotransferase system (PTS). In contrast, A. ruminis, and A. woodii had PEP-dependent glucose phosphorylation rates very similar to control rates, suggesting the lack of PTS activity. These results were confirmed by PEP dependent 2-deoxyglucose phosphorylation data. The rates of ATP-dependent glucose phosphorylation were higher than PEP-dependent glucose dependent in all organisms surveyed. Only E. limosum appeared to have PTS. The presence of PTS in E. limosum could explain why it is not capable of utilizing sugars and H(2)/CO(2) simultaneously and why acetogenesis is not as prominant in the rumen because of the availability of carbohydrates as alternative energy substrates.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor-activated astrocytes produce mechanical allodynia in neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain management is challenging for physicians and a vexing problem for basic researchers. Recent studies reveal that activated spinal astrocytes may play a vital role in nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, although the mechanisms are not fully understood. We have found increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, a hallmark of reactive gliosis, and elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the dorsal horn in a rat model of allodynia induced by spinal nerve ligation (SNL). The high GFAP expression and mechanical allodynia that SNL induces were prevented by the intrathecal injection of the BDNF-sequestering fusion protein TrkB/Fc. Additionally, mechanical allodynia and GFAP overexpression was induced by the spinal administration of exogenous BDNF to naive rats, and exogenous BDNF given together with fluorocitrate, an astrocytic metabolism inhibitor, inhibited allodynia and GFAP upregulation. Exogenous BDNF also activated the astrocytes directly when tested in vitro. Furthermore, intrathecal administration of BDNF-stimulated astrocytes also induced mechanical allodynia in naive rats. All of these results indicate that astrocytes activated by BDNF might contribute to mechanical allodynia development in neuropathic pain in rats.

Inhibition of Toll-like receptor 4 with vasoactive intestinal peptide attenuates liver ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has attracted a great deal of attention in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in recent years. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) plays an important role in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity in several animal models. There are no data available regarding the effect of VIP on TLR4 expression in IR injury in vivo. In the present study, we study the effect of VIP on TLR4 expression in mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 and a mouse partial IR model.

METHODS

The potential inhibitory effect of VIP on TLR4 mRNA and protein in a mouse macrophage cell line and in a mouse model of partial warm hepatic IR injury was assessed. We also assessed the expression tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in this model.

RESULTS

Expression of TLR4 mRNA levels was significantly decreased at 6, 12, and 24 hours after treat with VIP in mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Expression of TLR4 mRNA, TLR4 protein, alanine aminotransferase, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the IR group but significantly decreased in groups pretreated with VIP at a concentration of 5 and 10 nmol. Hematoxylin and eosin staining show apparent edema and necrosis were observed in the IR group, but in the VIP pretreatment group, edema and necrosis in IR modes were reduced.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that VIP might inhibit TLR4 in vitro and in vivo, and pretreatment with VIP might inhibited TLR4 activation and reduced warm IR injury.

The detection of 3 leptin receptor isoforms in crucian carp gill and the influence of fasting and hypoxia on their expression

To understand leptin signaling pathway in the crucian carp (Carassius carassius), we cloned 3 leptin receptor isoform complementary DNAs (ie, the long form [cclpr-L], the short form [cclpr-s1], and the secreted form [cclpr-s2]). Variant cclpr-L had a 3,255-bp open reading frame and a complete intracellular domain with box 1 and box 2 consensus sequences. By contrast, cclpr-s1 contained only 4 amino acids in its intracellular domain, without the "box 1" motif, which is conserved among membrane-bound leptin receptor short isoforms in mammals. Variant cclpr-s2 had no transmembrane domain, suggesting that it is a soluble form of the receptor, and alternative splicing of cclpr-s2 mRNA employs a different mechanism for the generation of soluble leptin receptor by intron retention. The fasting-treated fish showed significantly lower cclpr-L mRNA levels in gill tissue than the control group, whereas cclpr-s2 mRNA levels did not vary significantly among the groups. Treatment with hypoxia significantly increased mRNA levels of both cclpr-L and cclpr-s2 in gill tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first study of leptin receptor isoforms expression in teleosts.

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a fusion protein vaccine consisting of antigen Ag85B and HspX against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mice

Subunit vaccines have the potential advantage to boost Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-primed immunity in adults. However, most candidates are antigens highly expressed in replicating bacilli but not in dormant or persisting bacilli, which exist during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. We constructed M. tuberculosis fusion protein Ag85B-Mpt64(190-198) -HspX (AMH) and Ag85B-Mpt64(190-198) -Mtb8.4 (AMM), which consist of Ag85B, the 190-198 peptide of Mpt64, HspX (Rv2031c) and Mtb8.4 (Rv1174c), respectively. AMH and/or AMM were mixed with adjuvants composed of dimethyl-dioctyldecyl ammonium bromide and BCG polysaccharide nucleic acid (DDA-BCG PSN) to construct subunit vaccines. Mice were immunized thrice with Ag85B, AMH and AMM vaccines and the immunogenicity of the fusion protein vaccines was determined. Then, mice were primed with BCG and boosted twice with Ag85B, AMH, AMM and AMM + AMH vaccines, respectively, followed by challenging with M. tuberculosis virulent strain H37Rv, and the immune responses and protective effects were measured. It was found that mice immunized with AMH vaccine generated high levels of antigen-specific cell-mediated responses. Compared with the group injected only with BCG, the mice boosted with AMM, AMH and AMM + AMH produced higher levels of Ag85B-specific IgG1 and IgG2a and IFN-γ-secreting T cells upon Ag85B and Mycobacterium tuberculosis purified protein derivative (PPD) stimulation. It is interesting that only mice boosted with AMM + AMH had significantly lower bacterial count in the lungs than those receiving BCG, whereas mice boosted with AMH or AMM did not. The results suggest that AMH consisting of HspX, the antigen highly expressed in dormant bacilli, could be combined with antigens from replicating bacilli to enhance BCG primed immunity so as to provide better protection against both growing and non-growing bacteria that occur during the infection process.

Novel PEG-graft-PLA nanoparticles with the potential for encapsulation and controlled release of hydrophobic and hydrophilic medications in aqueous medium

This study concerns the encapsulation and controlled release of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic medications with one polymer, which are delivered together as a combined therapy to treat diseased tissue. To test our hypothesis that the novel PEG-graft-PLA (PEG, polyethylene glycol; PLA, polylactic acid) can deliver both the hydrophobic and hydrophilic medications on account of its amphiphility, charge, and graft structure, PEG-graft-PLA (molecular weight of PEG = 1900) with very low critical micelle concentration was synthesized. One hydrophilic (insulin) and one hydrophobic (naproxen) model medication were loaded in separately during its self-assembly in aqueous solution. The resulting nanoparticles (NPs) were narrowly distributed and spherical, with average particle size around 200 nm, zeta potential >-10 mV, and encapsulation efficiency >50%. The NPs realized controlled release of insulin and naproxen for over 24 and 160 hours, respectively. Specifically, the bioactivity of the insulin released from the NPs was maintained. Owing to encapsulation, both for hydrophobic and hydrophilic medicines, and NPs obtained with similar size and zeta potential, as well as maintenance of bioactivity of loaded protein, we expect the applications of PEG-graft-PLA NPs in combination therapy.