Identification of key pathways and gene changes in primary pancreatic stellate cells after cross-talk with pancreatic cancer cells (BXPC-3) using bioinformatics analysis

It is well known that as the king of cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has relatively malignant biological behavior and poor prognosis. The interaction between pancreatic stellate cells and PDAC cells promotes the development of PDAC. The aim of this study was to describe gene characteristics in pancreatic stellate cell (PSCs) after cross-talked with BXPC-3 and unravel their underlying mechanisms. The expression profiling analysis of genes in PSCs was completed after co-cultured with primary BXPC-3 for 48h. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analysis and gene ontology (GO) analysis were performed, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by Agilent GeneSpring GX program. In total, 1804 DEGs were filtered out in PSCs, including 958 up-regulated genes and 846 downregulated genes. GO analysis showed that the up-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes (BP) such as defense response, immune system process and immune response; the down-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biological regulation and cytoskeleton organization. KEGG pathway analysis showed that 28 pathways were upregulated and 5 were downregulated. By constructing PPI network, we selected out 10 key genes (IL6，IL8, IL1B, BCL2, CCL2, CSF2, KIT, ICAM1, PTPRC and IGF1) and significant enriched pathways. In conclusion, the current study suggests that the filtered DEGs contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between PSCs and pancreatic cancer cells, and might be used as molecular targets to further the study the role of tumor microenvironment in the progression of PDAC.

Role of multi-modality functional imaging in differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose incidentaloma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of multi-modality functional imaging in differentiating malignant and benign thyroid ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) incidentaloma.

METHODS

This study included 87 patients with thyroid ¹⁸F-FDG incidentalomas detected by ¹⁸F-FDG- positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT) and diagnosed at surgery or biopsy, who received ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT, diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) and ultrasound elastography (USE). The metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and ultrasound elasticity scores of thyroid ¹⁸F-FDG incidentalomas were measured and compared in benign and malignant thyroid incidentalomas. The differences of malignant and benign thyroid incidentalomas were tested by χ² test, Fisher's exact test, t test, or Mann-Whitney U test. The diagnostic performance was evaluated and optimal cut-off values were determined in distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid incidentalomas by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

MTV, TLG and USE scores of malignant thyroid incidentalomas were significantly higher than benign; but ADC value was significantly lower. We defined the functional imaging parameters TLG < 2.48, ADC > 1.80 × 10^-3mm²/s, and USE score of 1 as markers of benign thyroid incidentalomas and each scored -1 point; TLG ≥ 2.48, ADC ≤ 1.80 × 10^-3mm²/s, and USE score of 4 as markers of malignancy and each scored 1 point. Combined multi-functional imaging parameters achieved the highest performance (84.6% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity) for distinguish malignant from benign thyroid incidentaloma with AUC 0.957 (95% CI 0.917, 0.997).

CONCLUSIONS

Functional imaging might help to distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid ¹⁸F-FDG incidentalomas, and combined multi-functional imaging parameters could improve it.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protected vanadium-induced eggshell depigmentation via P38MAPK-Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in laying hens

It has been demonstrated that tea polyphenol (TP) epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can confer protection against vanadium (V) toxicity in laying hens; however, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms beyond this effect are still limited. In this study, 360 hens were randomly assigned to the 3 groups to study whether the potential mechanism P38MAPK-Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway is involved in the protective effect of EGCG on eggshell pigmentation in vanadium challenged laying hens. Treatments included a control group, a 10 mg/kg V (V10), and a V10 plus 130 mg/kg of EGCG group (V10+EGCG130). Both eggshell color and protoporphyrin IX were decreased in the V10 group compared with the control diet, while EGCG130 treatment partially improved shell color and protoporphyrin IX (P < 0.05). The V10 exposure induced higher cell apoptosis rate and oxidative stress in birds as evidenced by the histological apoptosis status, decreased uterine glutathione-S transferase (GST) and high abundance of malondialdehyde (MDA) compared with the control group, whereas EGCG130 markedly alleviated oxidative stress via reducing MDA generation (P < 0.05). Dietary vanadium reduced ferrochelatase, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA expression, while EGCG up-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expression (P < 0.05). Protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1 and phospho-p38 (P-P38) MAPK were reduced in V10 group, while dietary supplementation with 130 mg/kg EGCG markedly increased Nrf2, HO-1 and P-P38 MAPK protein levels in the uterus compared with the V10 group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, EGCG improved eggshell color and antioxidant system in V10-challenged hens, which seems to be associated with P38MAPK-Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Effects of high pressure on the ferromagnetism and in-plane electrical transport of (Ba0.904K0.096)(Zn0.805Mn0.195)2As2 single crystal

Pressure technique is an effective way to modify magnetic properties of diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS). Based on single crystal, in-plane electrical transport properties of a new generation DMS (Ba_0.904K_0.096)(Zn_0.805Mn_0.195)₂As₂ have been measured with hydrostatic pressure up to 1.8 GPa. Magnetic properties of the single crystal sample are effectively tuned by pressure. Upon compression, the in-plane resistivity initially decreases but then increases when pressure is higher than 1.2 GPa. First principle calculations suggest that decrease of the resistivity is due to enhancement of density of state at Femi energy while increase of the resistivity under higher pressure is caused by distorted MnAs₄ tetrahedra. We reveal that the configuration of the MnAs₄ tetrahedra and strength of interlayer As-As bonding are of importance to ferromagnetic coupling of (Ba,K)(Zn,Mn)₂As₂.

Calhm2 governs astrocytic ATP releasing in the development of depression-like behaviors

Extracellular ATP is a widespread cell-to-cell signaling molecule in the brain, where it functions as a neuromodulator by activating glia and neurons. Although ATP exerts multiple effects on synaptic plasticity and neuro-glia interactions, as well as in mood disorders, the source and regulation of ATP release remain to be elaborated. Here, we define Calhm2 as an ATP-releasing channel protein based on in vitro and in vivo models. Conventional knockout and conditional astrocyte knockout of Calhm2 both lead to significantly reduced ATP concentrations, loss of hippocampal spine number, neural dysfunction and depression-like behaviors in mice, which can be significantly rescued by ATP replenishment. Our findings identify Calhm2 as a critical ATP-releasing channel that modulates neural activity and as a potential risk factor of depression.

Optimization of free nitrous acid pre-treatment on waste activated sludge

The effectiveness of the Free Nitrous Acid (FNA) sludge treatment was tested in the range from 0 to 3.0 mg N-HNO₂/L with acidified and neutral pH. 4 h pre-treatment times were used and the specific methane production (SMP) investigated. Results show that between 50 and 100 mg/L of N-NO₂^-/L disappeared during the FNA pre-treatment, reducing its effectiveness. A minimum level of nitrite (174 mg N-NO₂^-/L tested in this study), independently of pH/FNA, was necessary to assure the presence of the chemical throughout the duration of the pre-treatment. Sludge viability was compromised while WAS solubilization and SMP were enhanced with nitrite concentrations of 174 mg N-NO₂^-/L or higher, even at low FNA levels (<0.15 mg N-HNO₂/L). Results show that acidified pH is not needed to enhance methane production, making the pretreatment more economically and environmentally attractive.

Engineering a protein-based nanoplatform as an antibacterial agent for light activated dual-modal photothermal and photodynamic therapy of infection in both the NIR I and II windows

Ultra-small protein-based nanoparticles with absorption in both the NIR I and II biological windows were designed as new photoactivatable antibacterial agents.

Exploring alternatives to reduce economical costs associated with FNA pre-treatment of waste activated sludge

Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of Free Nitrous Acid (FNA) pre-treatment in enhancing sludge biodegradability and improving its methane production potential. FNA is regarded as an environmental friendly pre-treatment which can be easily applied when a source of nitrite is present in wastewater treatment plants. However, when nitrite is not available and needs to be purchased, this treatment can become less attractive due to the costs associated to nitrite. In order to overcome this possible limitation, two different strategies to optimize the use of nitrite during FNA treatment were investigated: i) Recovering NO₂^- after the pre-treatment is completed; and ii) Concentrating the sludge before FNA pre-treatment. Results show that recovering NO₂^- from the pre-treated sludge is not suitable due to the loss of soluble organic matter present in the supernatant after the pre-treatment. However, concentrating the sludge before the pre-treatment seems a good strategy to optimize the use of nitrite.

TNFα-YAP/p65-HK2 axis mediates breast cancer cell migration

Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that macrophages could promote solid-tumor progression and metastasis. However, the mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. Here we show that yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a transcriptional regulator that controls tissue growth and regeneration, has an important role in tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α)-induced breast cancer migration. Mechanistically, macrophage conditioned medium (CM) or TNFα triggers IκB kinases (IKKs)-mediated YAP phosphorylation and activation in breast cancer cells. We further found that TNFα or macrophage CM treatment increases the interaction between p65 and YAP. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay shows that YAP/TEAD (TEA domain family member) and p65 proteins synergistically regulate the transcription of hexokinase 2 (HK2), a speed-limiting enzyme in glycolysis, and promotes TNFα-induced or macrophage CM-induced cell migration. Together, our findings indicate an important role of TNFα-IKK-YAP/p65-HK2 signaling axis in the process of inflammation-driven migration in breast cancer cells, which reveals a new molecular link between inflammation and breast cancer metastasis.

Tannerella forsythia and coating color on the tongue dorsum, and fatty food liking associate with fat accumulation and insulin resistance in adult catch-up fat

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the alteration of Tannerella forsythia and coating color on the dorsal tongue, and fatty food liking in catch-up fat in adult (CUFA), as well as the probable associations between fat accumulation, insulin resistance (IR) and these changes.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

T. forsythia on the tongue dorsum, fatty food liking, fat accumulation and insulin sensitivity were investigated in CUFA humans and rats, and tongue-coating color was observed in CUFA individuals. We further determined the changes of fatty food liking, fat accumulation and IR in T. forsythia-infected rodents by oral lavage.

RESULTS

Increases in fat accumulation, IR, percentage of subjects with yellow tongue coating and that with T. forsythia detected were observed in CUFA individuals. Additionally, the fat ranking scores were significantly lower and the hedonic ratings of low-fat options of sampled food were lower, while the ratings of high-fat options were remarkably higher in CUFA subjects. Additionally, T. forsythia level elevated in CUFA rats, and fatty food liking, fat accumulation and IR increased in CUFA and T. forsythia-infected animals, with the increases in T. forsythia infection and fatty food liking preceding the occurrence of fat accumulation and IR.

CONCLUSIONS

T. forsythia and yellow coating on the dorsal tongue and fatty food liking associate fat accumulation and IR in CUFA. Moreover, we tentatively put forward that T. forsythia, which is very important in yellow tongue-coating microbiota, and its consequent increases in fatty food liking, might be crucial in the development of fat accumulation and IR in CUFA.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic integration and modeling of acetylkitasamycin in swine for Clostridium perfringens

The aim of this study was to establish an integrated pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling approach of acetylkitasamycin for designing dosage regimens and decreasing the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. After oral administration of acetylkitasamycin to healthy and infected pigs at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weights (bw), a rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for determining the concentration change of the major components of acetylkitasamycin and its possible metabolite kitasamycin in the intestinal samples taken from the T-shape ileal cannula. The PK parameters, including the integrated peak concentration (C_max ), the time when the maximum concentration reached (T_max ) and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), were calculated by WinNonlin software. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 60 C. perfringens strains was determined following CLSI guideline. The in vitro and ex vivo activities of acetylkitasamycin in intestinal tract against a pathogenic strain of C. perfringens type A (CPFK122995) were established by the killing curve. Our PK data showed that the integrated C_max , T_max , and AUC were 14.57-15.81 μg/ml, 0.78-2.52 hR, and 123.84-152.32 μg hr/ml, respectively. The PD data show that MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ of the 60 C. perfringens isolates were 3.85 and 26.45 μg/ml, respectively. The ex vivo growth inhibition data were fitted to the inhibitory sigmoid E_max equation to provide the values of AUC/MIC to produce bacteriostasis (4.84 hr), bactericidal activity (15.46 hr), and bacterial eradication (24.99 hr). A dosage regimen of 18.63 mg/kg bw every 12 hr could be sufficient in the prevention of C. perfringens infection. The therapeutic dosage regimen for C. perfringens infection was at the dose of 51.36 mg/kg bw every 12 hr for 3 days. In summary, the dosage regimen for the treatment of C. perfringens in pigs administered with acetylkitasamycin was designed using PK/PD integrate model. The designed dose regimen could to some extent decrease the risk for emergence of macrolide resistance.

Neutron Generation by Laser-Driven Spherically Convergent Plasma Fusion

We investigate a new laser-driven spherically convergent plasma fusion scheme (SCPF) that can produce thermonuclear neutrons stably and efficiently. In the SCPF scheme, laser beams of nanosecond pulse duration and 10^{14}-10^{15}  W/cm^{2} intensity uniformly irradiate the fuel layer lined inside a spherical hohlraum. The fuel layer is ablated and heated to expand inwards. Eventually, the hot fuel plasmas converge, collide, merge, and stagnate at the central region, converting most of their kinetic energy to internal energy, forming a thermonuclear fusion fireball. With the assumptions of steady ablation and adiabatic expansion, we theoretically predict the neutron yield Y_{n} to be related to the laser energy E_{L}, the hohlraum radius R_{h}, and the pulse duration τ through a scaling law of Y_{n}∝(E_{L}/R_{h}^{1.2}τ^{0.2})^{2.5}. We have done experiments at the ShengGuangIII-prototype facility to demonstrate the principle of the SCPF scheme. Some important implications are discussed.

The metabolic impact of extracellular nitrite on aerobic metabolism of Paracoccus denitrificans

Nitrite, in equilibrium with free nitrous acid (FNA), can inhibit both aerobic and anaerobic growth of microbial communities through bactericidal activities that have considerable potential for control of microbial growth in a range of water systems. There has been much focus on the effect of nitrite/FNA on anaerobic metabolism and so, to enhance understanding of the metabolic impact of nitrite/FNA on aerobic metabolism, a study was undertaken with a model denitrifying bacterium Paracoccus denitrificans PD1222. Extracellular nitrite inhibits aerobic growth of P. denitrificans in a pH-dependent manner that is likely to be a result of both nitrite and free nitrous acid (pK_a = 3.25) and subsequent reactive nitrogen oxides generated from the intracellular passage of FNA into P. denitrificans. Increased expression of a gene encoding a flavohemoglobin protein (Fhp) (Pden_1689) was observed in response to extracellular nitrite. Construction and analysis of a deletion mutant established Fhp to be involved in endowing nitrite/FNA resistance at high extracellular nitrite concentrations. Global transcriptional analysis confirmed nitrite-dependent expression of fhp and indicated that P. denitrificans expressed a number of stress response systems associated with protein, DNA and lipid repair. It is therefore suggested that nitrite causes a pH-dependent stress response that is due to the production of associated reactive nitrogen species, such as nitric oxide from the internalisation of FNA.

Effect of free nitrous acid pre-treatment on primary sludge at low exposure times

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of different free nitrous acid (FNA) concentrations at low pre-treatment times (PTs) (1, 2 and 5h) and without pH control with mild agitation on primary sludge (PS) biodegradability and methane production (MP). Increasing PTs resulted in an increase in the solubility of the organic matter (around 25%), but not on cell-mortality (>75% in all the cases with FNA) and neither on methane generation. FNA pre-treatment at low PTs improve MP (around 16% at PT of 1h and 650mg N-NO₂^-/L). However, a similar improvement was found with mild agitation of PS without FNA at 2 and 5h. Taking into account the potential costs associated with the FNA pre-treatment, a mild agitation without FNA would be preferred to enhance MP in PS.

[Let-7 miRNA silencing promotes Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus lytic replication via activating mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 and its downstream factors]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of let-7 miRNA silencing on Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) lytic replication and the underling mechanism.

METHODS

The pEGFP-C2-let-7 sponge vector was transfected into BCBL-1 and 293T cells with Lipofectamine 2000 to silence the expression of let-7 miRNAs. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify the expression of let-7 miRNAs, the transcriptional levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), and the DNA copy numbers of KSHV open reading frame 50 (ORF50) and open reading frame 72 (ORF72). Western blot was used to detect the total and phosphorylated protein levels of MAP4K4, COX-2, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK.

RESULTS

The expression of let-7 miRNAs was dramatically decreased in the let-7 sponge transfected BCBL-1 and 293T cells compared with that in the vector-transfected cells (P<0.05 for all). The gene copy number and mRNA transcriptional level of KSHV ORF50 were significantly increased in the let-7 sponge transfected BCBL-1 cells compared with that in the vector-transfected cells (1.00±0.10 vs. 2.33±0.18 and 1.08±0.48 vs 3.22±0.27, respectively,P<0.001 for both). The gene copy number and mRNA transcriptional level of KSHV ORF72 were also significantly increased in let-7 sponge transfected BCBL-1 cells compared with those in the vector-transfected cells(1.07±0.49 vs 1.67±0.45 and 1.01±0.19 vs 1.54±0.11, respectively,P<0.05 for both). Furthermore, the mRNA transcriptional levels of MAP4K4, COX-2 and MMP-13 were significantly increased in the let-7 sponge transfected BCBL-1 cells compared with those in the vector-transfected cells (1.00±0.05 vs 5.73±0.96, 1.00±0.05 vs 2.68±0.19, 1.00±0.02 vs 2.69±0.25, respectively,P<0.001 for all). Let-7 miRNAs silencing also increased the protein expression levels of MAP4K4, COX-2 and phospho-ERK1/2, while the phospho-JNK and phospho-p38 were not changed in the BCBL-1 and 293T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Let-7 silencing may activate the replication of KSHV, possibly through up-regulating MAP4K4 and its downstream molecules COX-2, MMP-13, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, finally results in the progression of Kaposi sarcoma.

Two New Oxovanadium(IV) Compounds Containing Amino Acid Schiff Base and 1,10-Bathophenanthroline Ligands: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and In Vitro Evaluation of the Anticancer Activities

Two new oxovanadium(iv) compounds containing 1,10-bathophenanthroline (Bphen) and amino Schiff base derivatives [VO(hnd-napha)(Bphen)] (1) and [VO(o-van-met)(Bphen)] (2) were synthesised (where hnd-napha and o-van-met are N-Schiff bases derived from the reaction of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with 3-(1-naphthyl)-l-alanine and o-vanillin with l-methionine, respectively). These compounds were characterised by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Both compounds showed low molar conductance values, indicating that they are non-electrolytes. The XRD results showed that the VIV atoms in both compounds existed in the VO3N3 coordination geometry with Schiff base and Bphen ligands. The in vitro anticancer activities of compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated against A549 human lung carcinoma and HepG2 human hepatoma cell lines using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the results revealed that both compounds were cytotoxic with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the range of 8.22 ± 1.0 to 94.89 ± 3.2 μmol L−1. Notably, compound 2 exhibited much better anticancer activity in vitro against A549 cells (8.22 ± 1 μmol L−1) than [VO(acac)2] (24 ± 6 μmol L−1) or any of our previously reported oxovanadium(iv) compounds, making it comparable in activity to cisplatin (3.1 ± 0.5 μmol L−1). These results therefore suggest that compound 2 could be used as a promising lead for the development of anticancer agents for the treatment of lung cancer.

Selection signature analysis reveals genes associated with tail type in Chinese indigenous sheep

Fat-tailed sheep have commercial value because consumers prefer high-protein and low-fat food and producers care about feed conversion rate. However, fat-tailed sheep still have some scientific significance, as the fat tail is commonly regarded as a characteristic of environmental adaptability. Finding the candidate genes associated with fat tail formation is essential for breeding and conservation. To identify these candidate genes, we applied FST and hapFLK approaches in fat- and thin-tailed sheep with available 50K SNP genotype data. These two methods found 6.24 Mb of overlapped regions and 43 genes that may associated with fat tail development. Gene annotation showed that HOXA11, BMP2, PPP1CC, SP3, SP9, WDR92, PROKR1 and ETAA1 may play important roles in fat tail formation. These findings provide insight into tail fat development and a guide for molecular breeding and conservation.

Assessment of free nitrous acid pre-treatment on a mixture of primary sludge and waste activated sludge: Effect of exposure time and concentration

Free nitrous acid (FNA) has been shown to enhance the biodegradability of waste activated sludge (WAS) but its effectiveness on the pre-treatment of mixed sludge is not known. This study explores the effectiveness of four different FNA concentrations (0, 2.49, 3.55, 4.62mgN-HNO2/L) and three exposure times (2, 5, 9h) lower than the ones reported in literature (24h) on WAS characteristics and specific methane production (SMP). FNA pre-treatment reduced sludge cell viability below 10% in all cases after an exposure time of 5h, increasing the solubility of the organic matter. The treated mixed sludge was used as substrate for the biochemical methane production tests to assess its SMP. Results showed a significant increase (up to 25%) on SMP when the sludge was pretreated with the lowest FNA concentration (2.49mgN-HNO2/L) during 2 and 5h but did not show any improvement at longer exposure times or higher FNA concentrations.

Seasonal changes of androgen receptor, estrogen receptors and aromatase expression in the medial preoptic area of the wild male ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt)

The wild ground squirrel is a typical seasonal breeder. In this study, using RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry, we investigated the mRNA and protein expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors a and β (ERα and ERβ) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of hypothalamus of the wild male ground squirrel during the breeding season (April), the non-breeding season (June) and pre-hibernation (September). AR, ERα, ERβ and P450arom protein/mRNA were present in the MPOA of all seasons detected. The immunostaining of AR and ERα showed no significant changes in different periods, whereas ERβ and P450arom had higher immunoreactivities during the breeding season and pre-hibernation when compared to those of the non-breeding season. Consistently, both the protein and mRNA levels of P450arom and ERβ were higher in the MPOA of pre-hibernation and the breeding season than in the non-breeding season, whereas no significant difference amongst the three periods was observed for AR and ERα levels. These findings suggested that the MPOA of hypothalamus may be a direct target of androgen and estrogen. Androgen may play important regulatory roles through its receptor and/or the aromatized estrogen in the MPOA of hypothalamus of the wild male ground squirrels.

Hsa-miRNA-31 regulates epithelial cell barrier function by inhibiting TNFSF15 expression

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by epithelial barrier disruption and alterations in immune regulation but with the etiology unknown. MicroRNA-31 is the most consistent differentially expressed miRNA in ulcerative colitis tissue. The aim of this project is to study the important roles of miRNA-31 in regulation of intestinal epithelial barrier function. We found that expression of miRNA-31 is proportional to the proliferation of Caco2-BBE cells and overexpression of miRNA-31 can increase its trans-epithelial resistance (TER) by decreasing the transepithelial permeability. miRNA-31 can directly bind to the 3-UTR of TNFSF15, thereafter negatively regulating its expression in Caco2-BBE cells. BrdU and TUNEL analysis demonstrated that transfection of miRNA-31 stimulates proliferation or apoptosis-resistance. Taken together, these results revealed a novel mecha-nism underlying the regulation of epithelial barrier function by miRNA-31 during its regulation on proliferation of epithelial cells.

Randomized controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of fosfomycin trometamol for uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in men

We assessed the efficacy of fosfomycin trometamol in treating uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in men. We conducted an open randomized controlled trial in 152 consecutive men with any main complaints suggestive of uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in Dujiangyan Medical Center between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2015. In total, 126 patients completed all aspects of this study. Sixty were provided therapy with fosfomycin trometamol 3 g orally on days 1, 3 and 5 in the intervention group; the other 61 were provided ceftriaxone 250 mg intramuscularly plus azithromycin 1 g orally simultaneously as a single dose in the control group. The primary outcomes involved clinical and microbiologic cure on days 7 and 14 after receipt of all the study medications. At the day 7 follow-up visit, all the 121 participants had complete resolution of clinical symptoms and signs. In addition, five patients (two in the intervention group and three in the control group) discontinued intervention because of unsuccessful treatment. After receipt of all the study medications, these five patients still had urethral purulent discharge and were switched to other unknown treatment regimens by other doctors. The bacterial smears and cultures of urethral or urine specimens in the 121 patients who completed all aspects of the study were negative on a test-of-cure visit. In the per-protocol analysis, both clinical and microbiologic cure were experienced by 96.8% (60/62 patients) in the intervention group and 95.3% (61/64 patients) in the control group. There were no recurrences at the day 14 test-of-cure visit. This trial indicates that fosfomycin trometamol exhibits excellent efficacy for treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in men. Serious adverse effects are rare.

Thermodynamic temperature assignment to the point of inflection of the melting curve of high-temperature fixed points

The thermodynamic temperature of the point of inflection of the melting transition of Re-C, Pt-C and Co-C eutectics has been determined to be 2747.84 ± 0.35 K, 2011.43 ± 0.18 K and 1597.39 ± 0.13 K, respectively, and the thermodynamic temperature of the freezing transition of Cu has been determined to be 1357.80 ± 0.08 K, where the ± symbol represents 95% coverage. These results are the best consensus estimates obtained from measurements made using various spectroradiometric primary thermometry techniques by nine different national metrology institutes. The good agreement between the institutes suggests that spectroradiometric thermometry techniques are sufficiently mature (at least in those institutes) to allow the direct realization of thermodynamic temperature above 1234 K (rather than the use of a temperature scale) and that metal-carbon eutectics can be used as high-temperature fixed points for thermodynamic temperature dissemination. The results directly support the developing mise en pratique for the definition of the kelvin to include direct measurement of thermodynamic temperature.