Alteration of the Retinoid Acid-CBP Signaling Pathway in Neural Crest Induction Contributes to Enteric Nervous System Disorder

Hirschsprung Disease (HSCR) and/or hypoganglionosis are common pediatric disorders that arise from developmental deficiencies of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs). Retinoid acid (RA) signaling has been shown to affect neural crest (NC) development. However, the mechanisms underlying RA deficiency-induced HSCR or hypoganglionosis are not well-defined. In this report, we found that in HSCR patient bowels, the RA nuclear receptor RARα and its interacting coregulator CREB-binding protein (CBP) were expressed in enteric neural plexuses in the normal ganglionic segment. However, the expression of these two genes was significantly inhibited in the pathological aganglionic segment. In a Xenopus laevis animal model, endogenous RARα interacted with CBP and was expressed in NC territory. Morpholino-mediated knockdown of RARα blocked expression of the NC marker genes Sox10 and FoxD3 and inhibited NC induction. The morphant embryos exhibited reduced nervous cells in the gastrointestinal anlage, a typical enteric nervous deficiency-associated phenotype. Injection of CBP mRNA rescued NC induction and reduced enteric nervous deficiency-associated phenotypes. Our work demonstrates that RARα regulates Sox10 expression via CBP during NC induction, and alteration of the RA-CBP signaling pathway may contribute to the development of enteric nervous system disorders.

A label-free and sensitive photoluminescence sensing platform based on long persistent luminescence nanoparticles for the determination of antibiotics and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol

The rapid detection of pollutants with high sensitivity and selectivity is of considerable significance for security screening, environmental safety, and human health. In this study, we prepared persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) and constructed a label-free sensor for sensitive and selective detection of pollutants in real samples and test papers. Following excitation, PLNPs could store absorbed light energy and release it in the form of luminescence. Compared with a fluorescence-based technique, a PLNPs-based measurement could effectively avoid background interference. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection for TNP was found to be 10 nM, while for an antibiotic it was 5 nM. The nanoprobe was successfully applied for the detection of pollutants in real samples including milk and Dianchi Lake water samples. Due to the long-lasting afterglow nature of PLNPs, the signal-to-noise ratio could be greatly increased in complex real samples. By hand-writing with TNP solution as ink on filter paper, the photoluminescence (PL) of the part stained with TNP was immediately quenched. Moreover, after direct exposure under a UV lamp for 10 min and without further excitation, the luminescence of the test paper was investigated to avoid interferents. This PLNP material could be potentially employed as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor. In addition, these easy-to-use visual techniques could provide a powerful tool for a convenient POC assay of organic pollutants.

A highly sensitive luminescence sensor based on PLNPs for visualized detection of antibiotic and organic explosives was developed, which could eliminate the background interference, allowing low background and therefore high sensitivity.

Synthesis and application of aminophenyl-s-triazine derivatives as potential flame retardants in the modification of epoxy resins

Novel DOPO-substituted aminophenyl-s-triazine (TAT-DOPO) compounds with controllable P/N element ratio were synthesized and applied as flame retardants for epoxy resins.

Sevoflurane induces cognitive impairments via the MiR-27b/LIMK1-signaling pathway in developing rats

Exposure to sevoflurane in neonatal rats could induce learning deficits and abnormal social behaviors, but the specific molecular mechanism is unknown. Postnatal day-7 SD rats were treated with 3% sevoflurane plus 30% oxygen/air or 30% oxygen/air. As the rats grew, the Morris water maze (MWM) and fear conditioning tests were performed to evaluate cognitive function, while the expression of LIMK1 was analyzed by western blot. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to investigate the interaction between LIMK1 and miR-27b. The expression of miR-27b was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after exposure to sevoflurane. Once the miR-27b inhibitor was transfected into the neurons, the expression of LIMK1 was analyzed by real-time PCR and western blot. Exposure to sevoflurane in neonatal rats induced memory and learning impairments according to the MWM and fear conditioning tests. Sevoflurane increased the expression of miR-27b and reduced the expression of LIMK1 in the brain tissues of rats compared to the control group. The results of the luciferase reporter assay showed that LIMK1 was a direct target of miR-27b. In the primary neurons, the inhibition of miR-27b could reverse the down-regulating effects of sevoflurane on LIMK1 expression. We suggest that sevoflurane-induced learning and memory impairments in rats might be mediated via the miR-27b-LIMK1-signaling pathway.

Preparation, Characterization, Toxicity and Pharmacodynamics of the Inclusion Complex of Brucea javanica Oil with β-cyclodextrin Polymers

BACKGROUND

The novel water-soluble inclusion complex of Brucea javanica oil (BJO) by β-cyclodextrin polymers (CDP) was prepared by saturated aqueous method and characterized by SEM, FT-IR and 1H NMR. Compared with BJO, the aqueous solubility of BJO-CDP (77.76%) greatly enhanced due to the water-soluble CDP host.

RESULTS

In the acute toxicity test, the value of LD50 of BJO-CDP was 11.94 g/kg, suggesting the lower toxicity of BJO-CDP. Moreover, the pharmacodynamics of BJO-CDP was investigated by evaluating its inhibition effects on human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells and mice transplantable colon cancer CT- 26 cells.

CONCLUSION

It has been revealed that BJO-CDP significantly decreased the toxicity of BJO and enhanced its anti-tumor activity. In conclusion, BJO-CDP could be a new and improved clinical formulation of BJO with higher water solubility, lower toxicity and enhanced anti-tumor activity.

[Application of Metagenomics in Forensic Identification]

With the development of molecular biology and genomics, metagenomics is playing a more important role in forensic science and forensic identification. In recent years, as a branch discipline studying the composition profile and diversity of microbe flora as well as studying the interaction within microbe and with environment, the application of metagenomics has gradually risen and brought new opportunities for forensic identification-related area. In this review, strategy of metagenomics and its application in forensic identification including individual identification, origin determination of biological stain in crime scene and drug abuse detection are summarized. This article aims to elucidate the role and application value of metagenomics in forensic science.

Sevoflurane inhibits the malignant potential of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via activating the hypoxia‑inducible factor-1α signaling pathway in vitro

Sevoflurane, an inhalational anesthetic, is extensively used during oral cancer surgery. However, the effect of sevoflurane on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of sevoflurane on the proliferation, apoptosis and invasion in HNSCC cell lines and the underlying molecular mechanism. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell invasion was evaluated using the Transwell invasion assay. The expression levels of Akt, p-Akt (Ser473), hypoxia‑inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), Fas and Bcl-2 were measured by western blotting. Significant inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis were observed in FaDu and CAL-27 cells following sevoflurane treatment. The expression of Akt, p-Akt (Ser473) and Bcl-2 was supressed, while that of Fas was significantly increased, which was partly associated with the activation of the HIF-1α pathway. In addition, the results revealed a statistically significant inhibition of cell invasion in the FaDu cell line following exposure to 2 and 4% sevoflurane for 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that sevoflurane decreased the malignant behavior of HNSCC cell lines in vitro, which was associated with activation of the HIF-1α pathway.

Targeted deletion of c-Met in thymic epithelial cells leads to an autoimmune phenotype

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met signaling have been implicated in regulating various types of cells including epithelial cells. We have previously reported that c-Met is expressed by thymic epithelial cells (TECs), and that in vivo administration of hybrid cytokines containing IL-7 and the beta- or alpha-chain of HGF significantly increase the number of TECs. In order to study the role of c-Met signaling in TECs, we generated conditional knockout (cKO) mice in which c-Met was specifically deleted in TECs using a Foxn1-Cre transgene. We show here that c-Met deficiency in TECs results in age-progressive reduction in TEC number and reduced number of regulatory T cells. Consequently, c-Met TEC cKO mice displayed an autoimmune phenotype. Thus, c-Met signaling in TECs is important for the maintenance of TECs and immune self-tolerance.

Upregulation of Cdh1 Attenuates Isoflurane-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis and Long-Term Cognitive Impairments in Developing Rats

Neonatal exposure to isoflurane can result in neuroapoptosis and persistent cognitive impairments. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and its co-activator Cdh1 are E3 ubiquitin ligases that play important roles in the central nervous system, including in the regulation of neuronal survival, synaptic development, and mammalian learning and memory. However, whether APC/C-Cdh1 is involved in isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity in developing rats remains unclear. In this study, postnatal day-7 (P7) rat pups and primary hippocampal neurons were exposed to 2% isoflurane for 6 h. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect neuronal apoptosis, and the expression of proteins involved in apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2) was assessed by western blot. The level of Cdh1 in the hippocampus was downregulated during isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis. Cdh1-encoding lentivirus was transfected before isoflurane-treatment to increase the level of Cdh1. Our results showed that Cdh1 overexpression by a recombinant Cdh1-encoding lentivirus reduced isoflurane-induced neuronal apoptosis. Moreover, bilateral intra-hippocampal injection with Cdh1-encoding lentivirus attenuated long-term cognitive deficits after exposure to isoflurane in developing rats. Our study indicates that Cdh1 is an important target to prevent isoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity.

Height and Body Size in Childhood, Adolescence, and Young Adulthood and Breast Cancer Risk According to Molecular Subtype in the Nurses' Health Studies

Height and body size in childhood and young adulthood have been consistently associated with breast cancer risk; whether associations differ across molecular subtypes is unclear. In a pooled analysis of the Nurses' Health Studies, we prospectively examined the association of four exposures: height, body mass index (BMI) at the age of 18 years, childhood and adolescent somatotypes, with breast cancer risk according to molecular subtypes defined by immunohistochemical markers. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We identified 2,983 luminal A, 1,281 luminal B, 318 HER2-enriched, 408 basal-like, and 128 unclassified tumors. Height was positively associated with all subtypes (Pheterogeneity = 0.78). BMI at the age of 18 (Pheterogeneity = 0.001), childhood (Pheterogeneity = 0.51), and adolescent somatotype (Pheterogeneity = 0.046) were inversely associated, but with differences in magnitude of association. BMI at the age of 18 of ≥25 kg/m(2) (compared with 20-21.9 kg/m(2)) was associated with a 52% decreased risk of HER2-enriched (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26-0.91; Ptrend < 0.0001) and 39% reduced risk of basal-like tumors (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.36-1.02; Ptrend = 0.008). Compared with the lowest category, women in the highest adolescent body size category were 71% less likely to develop HER2-enriched (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.10-0.85; Ptrend = 0.0005) and 60% less likely to develop basal-like (HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17-0.95; Ptrend = 0.0008). Height was positively associated with risk of all breast cancer molecular subtypes. BMI at 18 years and childhood and adolescent were inversely associated with risk of most breast cancer molecular subtypes with somewhat stronger associations with HER2-enriched and basal-like subtypes. Cancer Prev Res; 9(9); 732-8. ©2016 AACR.

[Seminal plasma anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin B and serum inhibin B in predicting the outcome of routine IVF fertilization]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the correlations of seminal plasma (sp) anti-Müllerian hormone (spAMH) and inhibin B (spINHB) and serum INHB (serINHB) with semen parameters in oligoasthenospermia patients and explore their value in predicting the outcome of routine in vitro fertilization (IVF).

METHODS

We obtained the levels of spAMH, spINHB and serINHB as well as semen parameters from 88 infertile males undergoing IVF due to oligoasthenospermia or female uterine tubal factors from August 2016 to February 2017. Using the ROC curve and Pearson's correlation analysis, we examined the effects of the obtained parameters on the fertilization rate and assessed the correlation of the levels of spAMH, spINHB and serINHB with the semen parameters of the patients.

RESULTS

Concerning the predictive value for the outcome of IVF, Pearson's correlation analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of spAMH was 0.807 (sensitivity = 84.6%, specificity = 76%, cut-off point = 3.529, P <0.001) and that of spINHB was 0.768 (sensitivity = 84.6%, specificity = 88.7%, cut-off point = 31.117, P = 0.002). The serINHB level was found positively correlated with sperm concentration (r = 0.346, P = 0.001), total sperm count (r = 0.378, P <0.001), sperm motility (r = 0.521, P <0.001), and the percentage of progressively motile sperm (r = 0.343, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The levels of spAMH and spINHB can be used as laboratory indexes to predict the fertilization rate of routine IVF and are correlated with semen parameters in oligoasthenospermia patients, while that of serINHB has a positive correlation with the semen parameters of the patients.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection among 71,435 women in Jiangxi Province, China

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as an etiological factor for cervical cancer. Data on the prevalence and subtype distribution of HPV infection in Jiangxi Province are incomplete. In this study, we investigated HPV subtype distribution and prevalence in Jiangxi Province between August 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015. A total of 71,435 individuals ranging in age from 16 to 77 years were recruited. Cervicovaginal swabs were collected from each participant, and HPV screening was performed. Our results showed that the HPV prevalence was 22.49% in Jiangxi Province. Overall, 14.99% of individuals were positive for a single HPV type, and 7.49% were positive for multiple types. The most frequently detected low-risk genotypes were HPV-6, and high-risk genotypes were HPV-16, -18, -33, -52, and -58. The prevalence and type distribution of HPV infection exhibits regional and age differences; Yingtan had the highest incidence for high-risk HPV infection (32.00%), and peaks in the frequencies of HPV infections were seen for patients under 20 and over 60 years of age. In conclusion, we present data showing that the HPV prevalence varies significantly with age and regions in Jiangxi Province. These results can serve as valuable reference to guide Jiangxi cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination programs.

Synthesis and cytotoxicity evaluation of 3-amino-2-hydroxypropoxygenistein derivatives

Soy isoflavones exhibit various biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of sixteen synthesized 3-amino-2-hydroxypropoxy genistein derivatives on cell proliferation and activation of Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2)/ARE (antioxidant response elements) pathway in human cancer cell lines. Most of the tested compounds exerted greater cytotoxic activity than genistein, as measured by MTT assay. Moreover, compound 8c showed the highest ARE-luciferase reporter activity among the test compounds. It strongly promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and up-regulated the expression of total Nrf2 and downstream targets NQO-1 and HO-1 at protein level. The present study may provide a basis for the application of isoflavone derivatives as Nrf2/ARE pathway inducers for cancer therapy and cancer prevention.

DACT1 overexpression inhibits proliferation, enhances apoptosis, and increases daunorubicin chemosensitivity in KG-1α cells

DACT1 has been shown to participate in the development of many types of tumors; however, its role and precise molecular mechanisms in leukemia are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of DACT1 on KG-1α leukemia cells to further understand the mechanisms of DACT1-mediated tumor suppression. We transfected a DACT1 expression plasmid to upregulate DACT1 in KG-1α cells and analyzed the resulting phenotypic changes. The results demonstrated that DACT1 overexpression inhibited KG-1α proliferation, increased apoptosis, and arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase. Mechanistically, DACT1 overexpression inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling by reducing nuclear β-catenin levels in KG-1α cells. Furthermore, the viability of KG-1α cells transfected with DACT1 was significantly reduced when treated with daunorubicin. We also found that DACT1 reduced P-glycoprotein expression in KG-1α cells. These findings revealed an inhibitory role for DACT1 in leukemogenesis and provided evidence that DACT1 is an attractive target for the development of novel anti-leukemia therapies.

[The efficacy of thyroid hormone replacement therapy in patients with hypothyroidism and OSAHS: a Meta analysis]

Objective:To systematically evaluate the impact of thyroid hormone replacement in patients with OSAHS and hypothyroidism.Method:The related case-control study of thyroid hormone replacement in patients with OSAHS and hypothyroidism had been searched from Cochrane Library, PubMed, CNKI, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang Resource Database.The case-control study which were in line with the condition need to be evaluated the quality and to be extracted in literature. The RevMan 5.3 and STATA softwares were applied to carry out the Meta analysis.Result:Seven literatures of case-control study were included. The Meta analysis showed that: After the thyroid hormone replacement, the patient's AHI index, TSH index, LSaO₂ index were significantly improved (P< 0.05). The AHI index statistical results of the patients were [SMD= 3.15, 95%CI: (4.36-1.94), P< 0.000 01; I²= 96%], TSH index were [SMD= 4.15,95%CI: (1.15-7.15), P= 0.007; I²= 99%], LSaO₂ index were [SMD=-1.08, 95%CI: (-1.46--0.70), P< 0.000 01, I²= 68%].Conclusion:The use of thyroid hormone replacement can effectively reduce the patient's hypothyroidism symptoms and AHI symptoms.

Practical Applications of Immunohistochemistry in the Diagnosis of Genitourinary Tumors

Context.—

Pathologic diagnosis of tumors in the genitourinary system can be challenging based on morphology alone, particularly when diagnostic material is limited, such as in core biopsies. Immunohistochemical stain can be a useful tool to aid in the diagnosis.

Objective.—

To provide an update on practical applications and interpretation of immunohistochemical stains in the diagnosis of tumors in prostate, kidney, bladder, and testis. We particularly focus on difficult differential diagnoses, providing our insights in frequently encountered challenging situations. Commonly used immunohistochemical panels are discussed.

Data Sources.—

Review of literature and our own experience.

Conclusion.—

Immunohistochemical stain is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of genitourinary tumors when appropriately used.

Similarity in the functions of HIF-1α and HIF-2α proteins in cervical cancer cells

Hypoxia is a common feature of many solid tumours, including cervical cancer. Aggressive tumour progression is mostly associated with hypoxia. Furthermore, hypoxic conditions in tumours are also associated with resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, and with poor prognosis. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1, composed of a constitutively expressed β-subunit (HIF-β/ARNT) and one of the three known oxygen-regulated α-subunits, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, or HIF-3α, mediates the tumour cell response to hypoxia. The distinction between the roles of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in tumorigenesis is not clearly delineated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of HIF-2α on the characteristics of a cervical cancer cell line and to compare the functions of HIF-1α and HIF-2α. The present study demonstrated that the levels of HIF-1α and HIF-2α expression increased under hypoxic exposure compared with normoxia. The major difference was the temporal expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α, with expression of the two proteins peaking at different time-points. In addition, HIF-1α and HIF-2α had similar effects on proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis. Suppression of expression of HIF-1α or HIF-2α inhibited proliferation, induced G1-phase arrest and promoted apoptosis in the cervical cancer cell line CaSki. However, the effects of HIF-1α and HIF-2α on invasion and cell autophagy were different. The inhibitory effect of HIF-1α on cell invasion was stronger compared with HIF-2α, while the inhibitory effect of HIF-1α on cell autophagy was weaker compared with HIF-2α. Together, these results demonstrate that HIF-1α and HIF-2α have similar effects on the characteristics of a cervical cancer cell line. The major difference that the authors observed between the effects exerted by the two proteins on the cervical cancer cell line studied is the extent of their effect on invasion and autophagy.

Acceptor Side-Chain Effects on the Excited State Dynamics of Two-Dimensional-Like Conjugated Copolymers in Solution

Excited state dynamics of two-dimensional-like conjugated copolymers PFDCN and PFSDCN based on alternating fluorene and triphenylamine main chains and malononitrile pendant acceptor groups with thiophene as π-bridge, have been investigated by using transient absorption spectroscopy. There is an additional conjugated -C=C- bond in PFDCN, which distinguishes it from PFSDCN. The lowest energy absorption band of each copolymer absorption spectrum is attributed to the π-π* transition with intramolecular charge-transfer, which has a lower fluorescence contribution than those of higher energy absorption bands. The optical excitation of either PFDCN or PFSDCN solution generates polaron pairs that then self-localize and evolve to a bound singlet exciton within a few picoseconds. Due to the additional conjugated -C=C- bond in the acceptor side-chain, PFDCN has a stronger intramolecular charge-transfer characteristic compared with PFSDCN, therefore exhibiting a longer self-localization time (7 ps vs. 3 ps for PFSDCN) and a shorter fluorescence lifetime (1.48 ns vs. 1.60 ns for PFSDCN).

5-HT1a activation in PO/AH area induces therapeutic hypothermia in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage

Therapeutic hypothermia is widely applied as a neuroprotective measure on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, several clinical trials regarding physical hypothermia encountered successive failures because of its side-effects in recent years. Increasing evidences indicate that chemical hypothermia that targets hypothalamic 5-HT1a has potential to down-regulate temperature set point without major side-effects. Thus, this study examined the efficacy and safety of 5-HT1a stimulation in PO/AH area for treating ICH rats. First, the relationship between head temperature and clinical outcomes was investigated in ICH patients and rat models, respectively. Second, the expression and distribution of 5-HT1a receptor in PO/AH area was explored by using whole-cell patch and confocal microscopy. In the meantime, the whole-cell patch was subsequently applied to investigate the involvement of 5-HT1a receptors in temperature regulation. Third, we compared the efficacy between traditional PH and 5-HT1a activation-induced hypothermia for ICH rats. Our data showed that more severe perihematomal edema (PHE) and neurological deficits was associated with increased head temperature following ICH. 5-HT1a receptor was located on warm-sensitive neurons in PO/AH area and 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1a receptor agonist) significantly enhanced the firing rate of warm-sensitive neurons. 8-OH-DPAT treatment provided a steadier reduction in brain temperature without a withdrawal rebound, which also exhibited a superior neuroprotective effect on ICH-induced neurological dysfunction, white matter injury and BBB damage compared with physical hypothermia. These findings suggest that chemical hypothermia targeting 5-HT1a receptor in PO/AH area could act as a novel therapeutic manner against ICH, which may provide a breakthrough for therapeutic hypothermia.