The Protein Kinase A Inhibitor KT5720 Prevents Endothelial Dysfunctions Induced by High-Dose Irradiation

High-dose irradiation can trigger numerous endothelial dysfunctions, including apoptosis, the overexpression of adhesion molecules, and alteration of adherens junctions. Altogether, these endothelial dysfunctions contribute to the development of tissue inflammation and organ damage. The development of endothelial dysfunctions may depend on protein phosphorylation by various protein kinases, but the possible role of protein kinase A (PKA) has not been investigated so far, and efficient compounds able to protect the endothelium from irradiation effects are needed. Here we report the beneficial effects of the PKA inhibitor KT5720 on a panel of irradiation-induced endothelial dysfunctions in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). High-dose X-irradiation (15 Gy) triggered the late apoptosis of HPMECs independent of the ceramide/P38 MAP kinase pathway or p53. In contrast, the treatment of HPMECs with KT5720 completely prevented irradiation-induced apoptosis, whether applied before or after cell irradiation. Immunostainings of irradiated monolayers revealed that KT5720 treatment preserved the overall integrity of endothelial monolayers and adherens junctions linking endothelial cells. Real-time impedance measurements performed in HPMEC monolayers confirmed the overall protective role of KT5720 against irradiation. Treatment with KT5720 before or after irradiation also reduced irradiation-induced ICAM-1 overexpression. Finally, the possible role for PKA in the development of endothelial dysfunctions is discussed, but the potency of KT5720 to inhibit the development of a panel of irradiation-induced endothelial dysfunctions, whether applied before or after irradiation, suggests that this compound could be of great interest for both the prevention and treatment of vascular damages in the event of exposure to a high dose of radiation.

Treatment of waxborne honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) viruses using time, temperature, and electron-beam irradiation

Viruses are one of many serious threats to honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) health. There are many transmission routes for honey bee viruses, and there is potential for wax comb to act as a reservoir for transmission of viruses. Some work has been done on treating viruses on wax, focusing on irradiation as a potential treatment. However, irradiation is not universally available or economically viable for beekeepers in many regions. With increased colony deaths over winter beekeepers potentially risk further loss from reusing contaminated equipment from dead colonies. Here we explored the use of storage time and temperature on the reduction of waxborne virus levels from winter loss colony wax over 30 days and at -20, 5, and 20 °C. Furthermore, because irradiation has previously worked against waxborne viruses, we performed a dosage experiment with electron-beam irradiation. Winter loss wax was again used, and exposed to 10, 25, 35, and 45 kGy irradiation, including a nonirradiated transport control. Storage time decreased abundance of black queen cell virus and deformed wing virus at times equal or greater than 30 days but temperatures had no significant effect on virus levels. All irradiation doses decreased virus abundance and prevalence, yet only 35 and 45 kGy did so at a greater rate than the effect of transport alone.

Transcriptional Levels of Intercellular Junction Proteins in an Alveolar Epithelial Cell Line Exposed to Irradiation or Bleomycin

We performed a comparative study of the effects of X-ray irradiation and bleomycin on the mRNA levels of E-cadherin and tight junction proteins (claudin-3, claudin-4, claudin-18, ZO-2, and occludin) in an alveolar epithelial cell line L2. Irradiation decreased claudin-4 levels and increased occludin levels, while the levels of other mRNAs remained unchanged. Bleomycin increased the expression levels of all proteins examined except claudin-3. Irradiation and bleomycin have different effects on the expression level of intercellular junction proteins, indicating different reactions triggered in alveolar epithelial cells and a great prospects of further comparative studies.

Effect of Irradiation Temperature and Atmosphere on Aging of Epoxy Resins for Superconducting Magnets

The superconducting magnets of future particle accelerators will be exposed to high irradiation doses at cryogenic temperatures. To investigate the effect of irradiation temperature and atmosphere on the aging behavior, we have characterized the changes in thermomechanical properties of six epoxy resins for potential use in superconducting magnets after irradiation up to 20 MGy in ambient air, inert gas, and liquid helium. Based on the results obtained by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), we discuss the effect of irradiation temperature and the presence of oxygen. The irradiation temperature can have a strong influence on the rates at which cross-linking and chain scission occur.

Progress in Research on the Preparation of Graphene-Based Aerogels Using γ-ray Irradiation Technology

Graphene aerogels (GAs) are of significant interest in the scientific community due to their unique attributes, including a three-dimensional porous structure, exceptional specific surface area, and remarkable chemical stability. Researchers have made notable breakthroughs in aerogel preparation, focusing on aspects like porous structures and chemical stability. This review explores product morphologies and properties developed between 2011 and 2023, particularly examining applications of graphene aerogels with amine or alcohol radical scavengers. It offers a roadmap for researchers, suggesting possibilities for radiation-based preparation and indicating broader applications. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of aerogels and expand the potential applications of graphene aerogels across various fields.

Handling missing covariates in observational studies: an illustration with the assessment of prognostic factors of survival outcomes in soft-tissue or visceral sarcomas in irradiated fields (SIF)

Background

Missing covariates are common in observational research and can lead to bias and loss of statistical power. Limited data regarding prognostic factors of survival outcomes of sarcomas in irradiated fields (SIF) are available. Because of the long lag time between irradiation of first cancer and scarcity of SIF, missing data are a critical issue when analyzing long-term outcomes. We assessed prognostic factors of overall (OS), progression-free (PFS), and metastatic-progression-free (MPFS) survivals in SIF using three methods to account for missing covariates.

Methods

We relied on the NETSARC French Sarcoma Group database, Cox (OS/PFS), and competitive hazards (MPFS) survival models. Covariates investigated were age, sex, histological subtype, tumor size, depth and grade, metastasis, surgery, surgical resection, surgeon's expertise, imaging, and neo-adjuvant treatment. We first applied multiple imputation (MI): observed data were used to estimate the missing covariate. With the missing-data modality approach, a category missing was created for qualitative variables. With the complete-case (CC) approach, analysis was restricted to patients without missing covariates.

Results

CC subjects (N = 167; 33%) presented more often with soft-tissue sarcoma (versus visceral sarcoma) and grade I-II tumors as compared to the 504 eligible cases. With MI (N = 504), factors associated with the worst outcome included metastasis (p = 0.04) and R1/R2 resection (p < 0.001) for OS; higher grade/non-gradable tumors (p = 0.002) and R1/R2 resection (p < 0.001) for PFS; and metastasis (p = 0.01) for M-PFS. The 'missing-data modality' approach (N = 504) led to different associations, including significance reached due to variables with the modality 'missing'. The CC analysis led to different results and reduced precision.

Conclusion

The CC population was not representative of the eligible population, introducing bias, in addition to worst precision. The 'missing-data modality method' results in biased estimates in non-randomized studies, as outcomes may be related to variables with missing values. Appropriate statistical methods for missing covariates, for example, MI, should therefore be considered.

Comparative Characterisation of Proliferation and Apoptosis of Colonic Epithelium after Electron Irradiation with 2 GY and 25 GY

Development of new techniques for multimodal treatment and diagnostics of various neoplasms and the improvement of current techniques can significantly increase the life expectancy of patients with carcinomas of the colon and abdominal-cavity organs, since prevention of various side effects of radiation therapy is one of the main problems of oncological care. Electron irradiation is one of the most promising types of radiation therapy. There are no data on proliferation and apoptosis of the colon epithelium after irradiation with electrons, especially in different modes (single and summary). Morphological evaluation of apoptosis and proliferation of colonic epithelium after local irradiation with electrons were conducted at doses of 2 Gy (Gray) and 25 Gy. Colon fragments from sexually mature Wistar rats (n = 50, body weight 200 ± 10 g) were divided into three groups: I-control (n = 10); II-experimental group (n = 20; local single electron irradiation at a dose of 2 Gy); III-experimental group (n = 30) with local fractional irradiation with electrons at a total dose of 25 Gy. They were studied using light microscopy using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical reactions with antibodies to Ki-67 and caspase-3 (Cas3). Morphological disorders were accompanied by increased expression of pro-apoptotic molecules (caspase-3), and the period of regeneration by proliferative marker (Ki-67). Colon electron irradiation led to disturbances in the histoarchitecture of varying severity, and an increase in cell apoptosis was observed (increased expression of caspase-3 and decrease in Ki-67). In addition, modulation of the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signalling pathways was detected. The most pronounced destructive changes were observed in the group of 25 Gy fractionated electron irradiation.

In situ vaccination caused by diverse irradiation-driven cell death programs

Interest surrounding the effect of irradiation on immune activation has exponentially grown within the last decade. This includes work regarding mechanisms of the abscopal effect and the success achieved by combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy. It is hypothesized that irradiation triggers the immune system to eliminate tumors by inducing tumor cells immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells. Activation of the ICD pathways can be exploited as an in situ vaccine. In this review, we provide fundamental knowledge of various forms of ICD caused by irradiation, describe the relationship between various cell death pathways and the immune activation effect driven by irradiation, and focus on the therapeutic value of exploiting these cell death programs in the context of irradiation. Furthermore, we summarize the immunomodulatory effect of different cell death programs on combinative radiotherapy and immunotherapy. In brief, differences in cell death programs significantly impact the irradiation-induced immune activation effect. Evaluating the transition between them will provide clues to develop new strategies for radiotherapy and its combination with immunotherapy.

IFN-γ promotes radioresistant Nestin-expressing progenitor regeneration in the developing cerebellum by augmenting Shh ligand production

BACKGROUND

Patients with brain tumors, especially pediatric brain tumors such as cerebellar medulloblastoma, always suffer from the severe side effects of radiotherapy. Regeneration of neural cells in irradiation-induced cerebellar injury has been reported, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive.

METHODS

We established an irradiation-induced developing cerebellum injury model in neonatal mice. Microarray, KEGG analysis and semi in vivo slice culture were performed for mechanistic study.

RESULTS

Nestin-expressing progenitors (NEPs) but not granule neuron precursors (GNPs) were resistant to irradiation and able to regenerate after irradiation. NEPs underwent less apoptosis but similar DNA damage following irradiation compared with GNPs. Subsequently, they started to proliferate and contributed to granule neurons regeneration dependent on the sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway. In addition, irradiation increased Shh ligand provided by Purkinje cells. And microglia accumulated in the irradiated cerebellum producing more IFN-γ, which augmented Shh ligand production to promote NEP proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

NEP was radioresistant and regenerative. IFN-γ was increased post irradiation to upregulate Shh ligand, contributing to NEP regeneration. Our study provides insight into the mechanisms of neural cell regeneration in irradiation injury of the developing cerebellum and will help to develop new therapeutic targets for minimizing the side effects of radiotherapy for brain tumors.

Vesiculation in irradiated and cation-leaky-stored red blood cells

BACKGROUND

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by red blood cells (RBCs) throughout their life-span and also during hypothermic storage when they accumulate in the blood bag. We queried whether stored RBCs with increased cation permeability, either from donors with familial pseudohyperkalaemia (FP) or caused by irradiation, vesiculate more readily.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Recent technical advances have revealed at least two sub-populations of MVs in RBC storage units: macrovesicles (2-6 μm) and microvesicles (1-2 μm). Using nanoparticle tracking analysis, imaging flow cytometry, and protein quantification methods, we measured and characterized vesicles released by RBCs from control and FP individuals at three different storage time-points (day 4, day 17, and day 29). The RBCs had either been stored untreated or irradiated on either day 1 or day 14 of storage.

RESULTS

We found no difference in the number or size of vesicles released between cation-leaky FP RBCs and non-FP controls. Similarly, irradiated and non-irradiated RBCs showed very similar patterns of vesicle release to during cold-storage. The only significant difference in vesicle release was the increase in accumulated vesicles with length of storage time which has been reported previously.

DISCUSSION

EVs in stored blood are potential contributors to adverse transfusion reactions. The number of vesicles released during 35-day hypothermic storage varies between donors and increases with storage duration. However, increased cation permeability and irradiation do not appear to affect vesicle formation during RBC cold-storage.

N-acetyl cysteine turns EPAC activators into potent killers of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells

Today, the majority of patients with pediatric B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL, hereafter ALL) survive their disease, but many of the survivors suffer from life-limiting late effects of the treatment. ALL develops in the bone marrow, where the cells are exposed to cAMP-generating prostaglandin E2. We have previously identified the cAMP signaling pathway as a putative target for improved efficacy of ALL treatment, based on the ability of cAMP signaling to reduce apoptosis induced by DNA damaging agents. In the present study, we have identified the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) as a powerful modifier of critical events downstream of the cell-permeable cAMP analog 8-(4-chlorophenylthio) adenosine-3', 5'- cyclic monophosphate (8-CPT). Accordingly, we found NAC to turn 8-CPT into a potent killer of ALL cells in vitro both in the presence and absence of DNA damaging treatment. Furthermore, we revealed that NAC in combination with 8-CPT is able to delay the progression of ALL in a xenograft model in NOD-scid IL2Rγnull mice. NAC was shown to rely on the ability of 8-CPT to activate the guanine-nucleotide exchange factor EPAC, and we demonstrated that the ALL cells are killed by apoptosis involving sustained elevated levels of calcium imposed by the combination of the two drugs. Taken together, we propose that 8-CPT in the presence of NAC might be utilized as a novel strategy for treating pediatric ALL patients, and that this powerful combination might be exploited to enhance the therapeutic index of current ALL targeting therapies.

Quality of pork after electron-beam irradiation: A meta-analysis study

Background and Aim

Irradiation has become a preferred method for pork preservation in recent years. Electron-beam irradiation is notably recognized for its feasibility and safety among various irradiation methods. This meta-analysis study aims to elucidate the impact of electron-beam irradiation on oxidation parameters, color, sensory attributes, and microbiological conditions in pork.

Materials and Methods

A total of 79 data from 22 articles were aggregated into an extensive database. The irradiation dose ranged from 0 to 20 kGy in this current meta-analysis. The observed parameters encompassed oxidation, color, sensory attributes, and microbiological conditions. A mixed-model approach was used to perform the meta-data analysis, in which irradiation dose was treated as fixed effects and distinct studies (articles) as random effects.

Results

Electron-beam irradiation resulted in an increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels and peroxide-oxygen value of pork (p < 0.01). Conversely, total volatile-base-nitrogen values (p < 0.05) were observed. Following irradiation, the pH value, lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) remained unaffected. Pork color tended to decrease after irradiation treatment (p = 0.095 and p = 0.079, respectively) at 7 and 14 days of storage. The irradiation process resulted in an increase in the values of texture and juiciness parameters (p < 0.05). However, electron-beam irradiation resulted in decreased overall acceptability (p = 0.089). In terms of microbiological status, electron-beam irradiation led to a reduction in the populations of Salmonella (p < 0.01), Escherichia coli (p < 0.01), Listeria monocytogenes (p < 0.05), and coliforms (p < 0.05) at 7 and 14 days of storage.

Conclusion

Electron-beam irradiation enhances lipid peroxidation in porcine meat. The color of the meat remained unchanged after treatment. However, with regard to sensory properties, electron-beam irradiation showed a tendency to decreased overall acceptability. Most microbiological parameters decreased following electron-beam irradiation.

Improvement of weanling pigs immune status and metabolic condition using ultraweak light

Weaning stress is the most common issue in swine farms, which increases mortality and morbidity. The use of artificial light is an option for modifying the immune system and metabolic pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ultraweak light (Photonia) on growth performance, immune system and metabolism of weanling pigs, and the carry-over effect on the growth performance in postweanling growing stages. A total of 30 weaned pigs with an average initial body weight of 7.06 ± 0.11 kg (age: 21 days) were allotted two treatments (Control and Photonia) with 15 replicates. The pelleted form diets were prepared for pigs in three phases including phase 1 (Days 0-14), phase 2 (Days 15-28) and phase 3 (Days 29-48). The gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) of pigs was significantly greater in the Photonia treatment. On Day 28, a higher concentration of immunoglobin A (IgA) (p < 0.01) and IgG (p < 0.01) was observed in the Photonia pigs. On Day 48, the Photonia treatment showed a greater serum IgA (p < 0.01) and IgG (p < 0.05). The concentration of interleukin (IL)-6 was decreased (p < 0.05) in the Photonia treatment. At Day 48, the concentrations of tumour necrotic factor-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in serum were decreased (p < 0.05) in pigs in the Photonia treatment. Metabolic pathways analysis showed that the Photonia treatment increased the d-glutamine, d-glutamate, alanine, aspartate, glutamate and phenylalanine compared with the control treatment. In conclusion, the use of Photonia for weanling pigs is recommended due to improved G:F, immune status and activation of amino acids metabolic pathways including d-glutamine, d-glutamate, alanine, aspartate, glutamate and phenylalanine.

Protective effect of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia against radiation-induced liver damage in Sprague-Dawley rats

BACKGROUND

Without timely and effective interventions or treatments, radiation-induced liver damage (RILD) can lead to serious consequences for the patients and their families.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia preconditioning (IHHP) in RILD.

METHODS

Male adult SD rats were randomly divided into 8 groups including one control group, one only irradiation group and other experimental groups. Blood routine tests and liver function tests were all assessed with abdominal venous blood. Moreover, hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry assay were used to detect the histopathological changes and expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in radiated liver sections.

RESULTS

Blood routing tests showed that RBC, WBC and Hb were all significantly increased while the differences of these results between different groups with same simulated altitude were approximate. However, liver function in the IHHP plus irradiation at 4000 m group was significantly decreased (P< 0.05) compared to only irradiation groups, and the manifestation of HE and lower positive expression of TNF-α showed improved histopathological changes in the liver section. Furthermore, no significant difference of HIF-1α expression between any two groups treated with IHHP was observed.

CONCLUSION

IHHP at the altitude of 4000 m group could alleviate the radioactive liver damage by downregulating TNF-α and less strong positive expression of TGF-β1. Furthermore, patients exposed to radiation might benefit from this treatment to prevent or reduce the RILD.

Ondansetron or beta-sitosterol antagonizes inflammatory responses in liver, kidney, lung and heart tissues of irradiated arthritic rats model

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder mainly affecting joints, yet the systemic inflammation can influence other organs and tissues. The objective of this study was to unravel the ameliorative capability of Ondansetron (O) or β-sitosterol (BS) against inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress that complicates Extra-articular manifestations (EAM) in liver, kidney, lung, and heart of arthritic and arthritic irradiated rats.

METHODS

This was accomplished by exposing adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats to successive weekly fractions of total body γ-irradiation (2 Gray (Gy)/fraction once per week for four weeks, up to a total dose of 8 Gy). Arthritic and/or arthritic irradiated rats were either treated with BS (40 mg/kg b.wt. /day, orally) or O (2 mg/kg) was given ip) or were kept untreated as model groups.

RESULTS

Body weight changes, paw circumference, oxidative stress indices, inflammatory response biomarkers, expression of Janus kinase-2 (JAK-2), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), high mobility group box1 (HMGB1), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in the target organs, besides histopathological examination of ankle joints and extra-articular tissues. Treatment of arthritic and/or arthritic irradiated rats with BS or O powerfully alleviated changes in body weight gain, paw swelling, oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and histopathological degenerative alterations in articular and non-articular tissues.

CONCLUSION

The obtained data imply that BS or O improved the articular and EAM by regulating oxidative and inflammatory indices in arthritic and arthritic irradiated rats.

Unifying and Suppressing Conduction Losses of Polymer Dielectrics for Superior High-Temperature Capacitive Energy Storage

Superior high-temperature capacitive performance of polymer dielectrics is critical for the modern film capacitor demanded in the harsh-environment electronic and electrical systems. Unfortunately, the capacitive performance degrades rapidly at elevated temperatures owing to the exponential growth of conduction loss. The conduction loss is mainly composed of electrode and bulk-limited conduction. Herein, the contribution of surface and bulk factors is unified to conduction loss, and the loss is thoroughly suppressed. The experimental results demonstrate that the polar oxygen-containing groups on the surface of polymer dielectrics can act as the charge trap sites to immobilize the injected charges from electrode, which can in turn establish a built-in field to weaken the external electric field and augment the injection barrier height. Wide bandgap aluminum oxide (Al2 O3 ) nanoparticle fillers can serve as deep traps to constrain the transport of injected or thermally activated charges in the bulk phase. From this, at 200 °C, the discharged energy density with a discharge-charge efficiency of 90% increases by 1058.06% from 0.31 J cm-3 for pristine polyetherimide to 3.59 J cm-3 for irradiated composite film. The principle of simultaneously inhibiting the electrode and bulk-limited conduction losses could be easily extended to other polymer dielectrics for high-temperature capacitive performance.

Direct Evidence of a Light-Dependent Sink of Superoxide within Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter

Superoxide (O2• -) is produced photochemically in natural waters by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) via the reaction of molecular oxygen with photoproduced one-electron reductants (OERs) within CDOM. In the absence of other sinks (metals or organic radicals), O2• - is believed to undergo primarily dismutation to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, past studies have implicated the presence of an additional light-dependent sink of O2• - that does not lead to H2O2 production. Here, we provide direct evidence of this sink through O2• - injection experiments. During irradiations, spikes of O2• - are consumed to a greater extent (∼85-30% loss) and are lost much faster (up to ∼0.09 s-1) than spikes introduced post-irradiation (∼50-0% loss and ∼0.03 s-1 rate constant). The magnitude of the loss during irradiation and the rate constant are wavelength-dependent. Analysis of the H2O2 concentration post-spike indicates that this light-dependent sink does not produce H2O2 at low spike concentrations. This work further demonstrates that simply assuming that the O2• - production is twice the H2O2 production is not accurate, as previously believed.

A Phase-Field Study of Spinodal Decomposition Impeded by Irradiation in U-Mo and U-Mo-Zr Alloys

The phase-field method, coupled with the micro-elastic model and irradiation-induced cascade mixing model, has been employed to investigate the spinodal decomposition in U-Mo and U-Mo-Zr alloys. The microstructure evolution of U-Mo or U-Mo-Zr alloys under different initial conditions, such as the alloy composition, aging temperature and irradiation intensity, were simulated to study the effect of cascade mixing on the miscibility gap, morphology and volume fraction of the decomposed phases. The simulation results demonstrate that irradiation-induced cascade mixing impedes the process of spinodal decomposition, and that irradiation shrinks the composition range of the miscibility gap in the alloys. Irradiation-induced cascade mixing slows down the anisotropic growth rate of the spinodal decomposition, yet this phenomenon can be weakened with increasing aging temperature. Adding an appropriate amount of Zr to a U-Mo alloy can effectively prevent the contraction of the miscibility gap caused by irradiation.

Full-body blue light irradiation as treatment for atopic dermatitis: a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial (AD-Blue)

BACKGROUND

Visible blue light (wavelength 400-495 nm) is a promising new treatment option for both psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD). Whilst previous clinical trials featured various devices and blue light at a variety of wavelengths, none of these interventions were challenged in objective clinical criteria.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-seven patients diagnosed with AD were enrolled in AD-Blue, an international, prospective, double-blinded, three-armed (415 nm vs. 450 nm vs. sham control), randomized trial designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of prototype full-body blue light devices.

RESULTS

Full-body irradiation with 450 nm blue light but not 415 nm had a significant impact on itch (Itch-VAS, -1.6 ± 2.3; p  =  0.023 vs. sham irradiation). PO-SCORAD values also decreased significantly in response to irradiation at 415 nm (-11.5 ± 18.4; p = 0.028 vs. sham irradiation). None of the other outcome measures (EASI, SCORAD, IGA, DLQI) changed significantly. No safety signals were observed. Evaluation of skin transcriptomes, cytokine levels in serum, and ELISpots from peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from a subset of patients revealed moderate decreases in IL-31 in response to irradiation with blue light.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite its favorable safety profile and moderate reductions in itch and IL-31 levels, full-body blue light irradiation did not lead to an amelioration of any of the objective measures of AD.

Ganzkörper-Blaulichtbestrahlung zur Behandlung der atopischen Dermatitis: eine randomisierte, placebokontrollierte klinische Studie (AD-Blue)

Hintergrund

Sichtbares blaues Licht (Wellenlänge 400–495 nm) ist eine vielversprechende neue Behandlungsoption sowohl für Psoriasis als auch für atopische Dermatitis (AD). In früheren klinischen Studien wurden zwar verschiedene Geräte und blaues Licht mit unterschiedlichen Wellenlängen eingesetzt, aber keine dieser Prozeduren wurde anhand objektiver klinischer Kriterien geprüft.

Patienten und Methodik

87 Patienten mit AD wurden in die AD‐Blue‐Studie aufgenommen, eine internationale, prospektive, doppelblinde, dreiarmige (415 nm vs. 450 nm vs. Placebo), randomisierte Studie zur Untersuchung der Sicherheit und Wirksamkeit von Prototypen von Ganzkörper‐Blaulicht‐Bestrahlungsgeräten.

Ergebnisse

Die Ganzkörper‐Bestrahlung mit 450 nm blauem Licht, aber nicht mit 415 nm, hatte einen signifikant positiven Einfluss auf den Juckreiz (Pruritus‐VAS, –1,6 ± 2,3; p = 0,023 gegenüber der Placebobestrahlung). Die PO‐SCORAD‐Werte sanken ebenfalls signifikant als Reaktion auf die Bestrahlung bei 415 nm (–11,5 ± 18,4; p = 0,028 im Vergleich zur Placebobestrahlung). Keines der anderen Ergebnisse (EASI, SCORAD, IGA, DLQI) veränderte sich signifikant. Es wurden keine Sicherheitsprobleme beobachtet. Die Auswertung von Hauttranskriptomdaten, Zytokinspiegeln im Serum und ELISpots aus mononukleären Zellen des peripheren Blutes, die von einer Untergruppe von Patienten isoliert wurden, ergab eine moderate Abnahme von IL‐31 als Reaktion auf die Bestrahlung mit blauem Licht.

Schlussfolgerungen

Trotz des günstigen Sicherheitsprofils und der mäßigen Verringerung von Pruritus und IL‐31‐Spiegel führte die Ganzkörper‐Blaulichtbestrahlung bei AD zu keiner Verbesserung der objektiven Parameter zu Krankheitsschwere.

Perinatally diagnosed congenital craniopharyngiomas in the KRANIOPHARYNGEOM trials

Background

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are rare embryonic tumors. Clinical presentation and outcome of patients perinatally diagnosed with congenital CP (cCP) are not clear and refer mainly to a few case reports in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical presentation and outcome in patients with cCP.

Study design

Three hundred and sixty-one patients diagnosed with adamantinomatous CP were recruited 2007-2022 in KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007/Registry 2019 and prospectively observed. In two cases, cCP was diagnosed prenatally and in one case on the second day of life. Pre- and perinatal diagnostic findings, postnatal evaluation, and therapeutic interventions and outcome in these three cases of cCP were analyzed.

Results

All patients survived. One patient developed psychomotor retardation and a mild hemiparesis. Prenatal routine ultrasound examination led to the diagnosis of cCP. Tumor resection was performed during the early postnatal period (range: 11-51 days of age). Functional capacity, measured by Fertigkeitenskala-Münster-Heidelberg (FMH) was reduced in three and behavioral parameters, measured by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were abnormal in two cases.

Conclusion

cCP is a rare diagnosis with a prevalence of 0.83% in our study group. Compared to cases reported in the literature, the presented cases were treated immediately and had a better prognosis. Based on improvements of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, prenatal diagnosis of cCP should lead to transfer prior to delivery of cCP patients to a specialized center for delivery and postnatal treatment of newborns with sellar masses by a multidisciplinary team to secure the improved prognosis of these patients.

Significance statement

We previously reported that lower event-free survival rates after craniopharyngioma are associated with younger age at diagnosis. Perinatally diagnosed congenital craniopharyngiomas are very rare. This article presents three unique cases with congenital craniopharyngioma, comparing their diagnostics, therapy, and development. All three cases had surgery during the early postnatal period with sparing of the posterior hypothalamus. In each case, endocrinopathy was present at follow-up. Low functional capacity was reported in all cases and an abnormal total difficulties score in two cases. Compared to the literature, the presented cases had better prognosis in morbidity and mortality. This report and the review of the literature confirm the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnostic and treatment of the very rare condition of congenital craniopharyngioma.

Bactericidal efficacy of mobile ultraviolet-C disinfection devices in reducing contamination in biosafety laboratories

INTRODUCTION

Biosafety research requires a wide range of microorganisms and thorough disinfection to prevent laboratory infection is often required. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) exposure reduces bacterial and viral concentrations. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a mobile UV-C device as a non-contact disinfection strategy.

METHODOLOGY

The bactericidal efficacy of the UV-C device was determined based on log10 decreases in the relative abundances of bacterial indicators, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus albus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 0.5 and 1.0 m after irradiation for 30, 60, and 90 min. Next, the reduction of natural bacteria in air and on surface as a result of the UV-C device exposure in the laboratory were determined.

RESULTS

Exposure to the UV-C disinfection device resulted in mean log10 decreases in microbial contamination of 3.55 and 5.85 following irradiation for 30 and 90 min, respectively, at a distance of 0.5 m. Further, P. aeruginosa and E. coli were the most and least sensitive to UV-C exposure, respectively. The bacterial load in air decreased by 65.53% after 60 min of irradiation, while those on surfaces decreased by 44.19% and 78.23% after 30 and 60 min of irradiation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The UV-C device effectively reduced bacterial load after irradiation for over 60 min. Further studies are encouraged to determine the effectiveness of the UV-C disinfection device in frequently occupied institutions, such as primary medical, health, and nursery, and its efficiency in infection control.

NXC736 Attenuates Radiation-Induced Lung Fibrosis via Regulating NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway

Radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RILF) is a common complication of radiotherapy in lung cancer. However, to date no effective treatment has been developed for this condition. NXC736 is a novel small-molecule compound that inhibits NLRP3, but its effect on RILF is unknown. NLRP3 activation is an important trigger for the development of RILF. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of NXC736 on lung fibrosis inhibition using a RILF animal model and to elucidate its molecular signaling pathway. The left lungs of mice were irradiated with a single dose of 75 Gy. We observed that NXC736 treatment inhibited collagen deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration in irradiated mouse lung tissues. The damaged lung volume, evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, was lower in NXC736-treated mice than in irradiated mice. NXC736-treated mice exhibited significant changes in lung function parameters. NXC736 inhibited inflammasome activation by interfering with the NLRP3-ASC-cleaved caspase-1 interaction, thereby reducing the expression of IL-1β and blocking the fibrotic pathway. In addition, NXC736 treatment reduced the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers such as α-SMA, vimentin, and twist by blocking the Smad 2,3,4 signaling pathway. These data suggested that NXC736 is a potent therapeutic agent against RILF.

ATG7-mediated autophagy protects human gingival myofibroblasts from irradiation-induced apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis resistance of myofibroblasts is critical in pathology of irradiation-induced fibrosis and osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ). However, molecular mechanism of apoptosis resistance induced by irradiation in oral myofibroblasts remains largely obscure.

METHODS

Matched ORNJ fibroblasts and normal fibroblasts pairs from gingival were primarily cultured, and myofibroblast markers of α-SMA and FAP were evaluated by qRT-PCR and western blot. CCK8 assay and flow cytometric analysis were performed to investigate the cell viability and apoptosis under irradiation treatment. Autophagy-related protein LC3 and ATG7, and punctate distribution of LC3 localization were further detected. After inhibition of autophagy with inhibitor CQ and 3-MA, as well as transfected ATG7-siRNA, cell viability and apoptosis of ORNJ and normal fibroblasts were further assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with normal fibroblasts, ORNJ fibroblasts exhibited significantly higher α-SMA and FAP expression, increased cell, viability and decreased apoptosis under irradiation treatment. LC3-II and ATG7 were up-regulated in ORNJ fibroblasts with irradiation stimulation. After inhibition of irradiation-induced autophagic flux with lysosome inhibitor CQ, LC3-II protein was accumulated and punctate distribution of LC3 localization was increased in ORNJ fibroblasts. Moreover, autophagy inhibitor CQ and 3-MA enhanced the irradiation-induced apoptosis but inhibited viability of ORNJ fibroblasts. Silencing ATG7 with siRNA could obviously weaken irradiation-induced LC3-II expression, and promoted irradiation-induced apoptosis of ORNJ fibroblasts. After knockdown of ATG7, finally, p-AKT(Ser473) and p-mTOR(Ser2448) levels of ORNJ fibroblasts were significantly increased under irradiation.

CONCLUSION

Compared with normal fibroblasts, human gingival myofibroblasts are resistant to irradiation-induced apoptosis via autophagy activation. Silencing ATG7 may evidently inhibit activation of autophagy, and promote apoptosis of gingival myofibroblasts via Akt/mTOR pathway.

Nigella sativa oil reduces oxidative/nitrosative stress in the salivary gland of rats exposed to total cranial irradiation

Patients with head and neck cancer who receive radiotherapy experience serious side-effects during and after their treatment. Radiotherapy affects the salivary glands, causing a change in the composition of the saliva and a decrease in its flow. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Nigella sativa oil (NSO) has a possible protective effect in preventing the harmful effects of free radicals formed by radiotherapy in rats. Thirty-six male Wistar-Albino rats weighing 200 ± 20 g were used. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, sham, irradiation (IR), and IR plus NSO groups. Xanthine oxidase (XO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities, nitric oxide (NO•), peroxynitrite (ONOO-), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in salivary tissue of rats. NOS, XO activities, NO•, ONOO-, and MDA values were found to be significantly higher in the irradiated rats only compared to all other groups. As a results, NSO reduces oxidative/nitrosative stress markers and has antioxidant effects, which also augments the antioxidant capacity in the salivary tissue of rats.