Edaravone inhibits hypoxia-induced trophoblast-soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 expression: a possible therapeutic approach to preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of edaravone, a potent free radical scavenger used clinically, on hypoxia-induced trophoblast-soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) expression.

METHODS

A trophoblast cell line (HRT-8/SVneo) impaired by cobalt chloride (CoCl2) was used as the cell model under hypoxic conditions. 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) was used to measure the viability of cells exposed to CoCl2 and edaravone. The levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by flow cytometry. mRNA expression of sFlt-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and placental growth factor (PlGF) in trophoblasts was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the secretion of sFlt-1, VEGF, and PlGF proteins was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). A human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube-formation assay was performed to identify the effects of CoCl2 and edaravone on vascular development.

RESULTS

CoCl2 treatment caused the loss of trophoblast viability, the formation of ROS, and sFlt-1 mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with edaravone significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced oxidative stress formation and sFlt-1 expression in trophoblasts. Neither PlGF nor VEGF mRNA or protein expression was increased by CoCl2. In the in vitro tube formation assay, edaravone showed a protective role in vascular development under hypoxic conditions.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that hypoxia leading to increased sFlt-1 release in trophoblasts may contribute to the placental vascular formation abnormalities observed in preeclampsia and suggested that the free radical scavenger edaravone could be a candidate for the effective treatment of preeclampsia.

Mitral annular tissue velocity in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Non-invasive methods of coronary disease detection are immediately needed. Recent work suggested that mitral annular tissue velocity measurements could be helpful for assessing left ventricular function. We aim to determine the effect of coronary artery lesion on left ventricular function using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), and to discuss the role of mitral annular tissue velocity in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Coronary angiographic examinations were conducted for 68 patients with suspected CHD. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), early diastolic mitral flow velocity E, late diastolic mitral flow velocity A, mean systolic (Sa) and mean early diastolic velocity (Ea) of the septal and lateral mitral annulus were measured before the angiographic examination. Patients were grouped according to the number of branches with ≥ 50% stenosis. The control group has 15 individuals. The remaining 53 patients with stenosis in 1, 2 and 3 branches were grouped into 1-Branch, 2-Branch, 3-Branch-Light-Condition and 3-Branch-Heavy-Condition groups, respectively. No significant differences in the other general health parameters of the patients were found.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in LVEF and E/A but in Sa, Ea and E/Ea values between CHD and non-CHD patients. The E/Ea value was significantly elevated in CHD patients, aggravated by this pathological condition. The area bounded by the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve of E/Ea is the largest. The sensitivity and specificity of using E/Ea > 8.34 as the diagnostic criterion to pinpoint CHD were 77.4% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

E/Ea is a good indicator of diastolic function and can be useful to diagnose CHD.

Quantitative assessment of brain microvascular and tissue oxygenation during cardiac arrest and resuscitation in pigs

Cardiac arrest is associated with a very high rate of mortality, in part due to inadequate tissue perfusion during attempts at resuscitation. Parameters such as mean arterial pressure and end-tidal carbon dioxide may not accurately reflect adequacy of tissue perfusion during cardiac resuscitation. We hypothesised that quantitative measurements of tissue oxygen tension would more accurately reflect adequacy of tissue perfusion during experimental cardiac arrest. Using oxygen-dependent quenching of phosphorescence, we made measurements of oxygen in the microcirculation and in the interstitial space of the brain and muscle in a porcine model of ventricular fibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Measurements were performed at baseline, during untreated ventricular fibrillation, during resuscitation and after return of spontaneous circulation. After achieving stable baseline brain tissue oxygen tension, as measured using an Oxyphor G4-based phosphorescent microsensor, ventricular fibrillation resulted in an immediate reduction in all measured parameters. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, brain oxygen tension remained unchanged. After the return of spontaneous circulation, all measured parameters including brain oxygen tension recovered to baseline levels. Muscle tissue oxygen tension followed a similar trend as the brain, but with slower response times. We conclude that measurements of brain tissue oxygen tension, which more accurately reflect adequacy of tissue perfusion during cardiac arrest and resuscitation, may contribute to the development of new strategies to optimise perfusion during cardiac resuscitation and improve patient outcomes after cardiac arrest.

Administration of PLGA nanoparticles carrying shRNA against focal adhesion kinase and CD44 results in enhanced antitumor effects against ovarian cancer

The two membrane-bound proteins, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and CD44, are involved in processes critical to cancer progression. FAK has an active role in angiogenesis, cell proliferation and cell apoptosis, whereas the heavily glycosylated CD44 has been implicated in cancer metastasis. Here, using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against FAK and CD44, we demonstrate that simultaneous knockdown of both these genes inhibits cancer growth more efficiently than knockdown of either gene individually. Plasmids targeting these genes or non-relative control sequences were constructed and delivered to ovarian cancer targets by biodegradable poly D,L-lactide-co-glycolide acid nanoparticles (PLGANPs). Nude mice were utilized in an intraperitoneal model of ovarian carcinomatosis to assess antitumor efficacy in vivo. Single gene knockdown resulted in significantly smaller tumors than those observed in the empty-vector control (P's<0.001). More importantly, knockdown of both genes resulted in tumors smaller than both the empty-vector group (P<0.0001) and the single gene knockdown groups (P's<0.001). Knockdown of both FAK and CD44 resulted in tumors with inhibited angiogenesis, reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis as compared with controls (P's<0.001) and single knockdown groups (P's<0.05). These results indicate that dual knockdown of FAK and CD44 in the tumors of patients with ovarian cancer may have an enhanced therapeutic effect, and point toward a mechanism involving the inhibition of angiogenesis, cellular proliferation and the induction of apoptosis.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on overall quality parameters of watermelon juice

High hydrostatic pressure as a kind of non-thermal processing might maintain the quality of thermo-sensitive watermelon juice. So, the effect of high hydrostatic pressure treatment on enzymes and quality of watermelon juice was investigated. After high hydrostatic pressure treatment, the activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and pectin methylesterase of juice decreased significantly with the pressure ( P < 0.05). Inactivation of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase could be fitted by two-fraction model and that of pectin methylesterase could be described by first-order reaction model. Titratable acidity, pH, and total soluble solid of juice did not change significantly ( P > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in lycopene and total phenolics after high hydrostatic pressure treatment when compared to the control ( P > 0.05). Cloudiness and viscosity increased with pressure ( P < 0.05) but did not change significantly with treatment time ( P > 0.05). a*- and b*-value both unchanged after high hydrostatic pressure treatment ( P > 0.05) while L*-value increased but the values had no significant difference among treated juices. Browning degree after high hydrostatic pressure treatment decreased with increase in pressure and treatment time ( P < 0.05). Through the comparison of total color difference values, high hydrostatic pressure had little effect on color of juice. The results of this study demonstrated the efficacy of high hydrostatic pressure in inactivating enzymes and maintaining the quality of watermelon juice.

Facial biometrics of peri-oral changes in Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory condition which affects any part of the gastrointestinal tract. In the oro-facial region, patients can present peri-oral swellings which results in severe facial disfigurement. To date, assessing the degree of facial changes and evaluation of treatment outcomes relies on clinical observation and semi-quantitative methods. In this paper, we describe the development of a robust and reproducible measurement strategy using 3-D facial biometrics to objectively quantify the extent and progression of oro-facial Crohn's disease. Using facial laser scanning, 32 serial images from 13 Crohn's patients attending the Oral Medicine clinic were acquired during relapse, remission, and post-treatment phases. Utilising theories of coordinate metrology, the facial images were subjected to registration, regions of interest identification, and reproducible repositioning prior to obtaining volume measurements. To quantify the changes in tissue volume, scan images from consecutive appointments were compared to the baseline (first scan image). Reproducibility test was performed to ascertain the degree of uncertainty in volume measurements. 3-D facial biometric imaging is a reliable method to identify and quantify peri-oral swelling in Crohn's patients. Comparison of facial scan images at different phases of the disease revealed precisely profile and volume changes. The volume measurements were highly reproducible as adjudged from the 1% standard deviation. 3-D facial biometrics measurements in Crohn's patients with oro-facial involvement offers a quick, robust, economical and objective approach for guided therapeutic intervention and routine assessment of treatment efficacy on the clinic.

Genetic diversity analysis of barley landraces and cultivars in the Shanghai region of China

We analyzed the genetic diversity of 115 barley germplasms, including 112 landraces and three new barley cultivars grown in the Shanghai region, using a set of 11 SSR markers. Sixty-six alleles were observed at the 11 SSR loci, ranged from three to ten, with a mean of six alleles per locus. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.568 to 0.853, with a mean of 0.732, indicating considerable genetic variation in barley in the Shanghai area. Clustering analysis indicated that these barley accessions could be divided into two categories (A and B). Ninety-seven six-rowed barley cultivars were classified in the A category; sixteen two-rowed and two six-rowed barley cultivars were classified in the B category. This demonstrated genetic differences between two-rowed and six-rowed barley varieties. In addition, we found that the three new barley cultivars are closely related.

A metabolomic study of low estimated GFR in non-proteinuric type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We carried out a urinary metabolomic study to gain insight into low estimated GFR (eGFR) in patients with non-proteinuric type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Patients were identified as being non-proteinuric using multiple urinalyses. Cases (n = 44) with low eGFR and controls (n = 46) had eGFR values <60 and ≥60 ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2), respectively, as calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Urine samples were analysed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and GC/MS. False discovery rates were used to adjust for multiple hypotheses testing, and selection of metabolites that best predicted low eGFR status was achieved using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression.

RESULTS

Eleven GC/MS metabolites were strongly associated with low eGFR after correction for multiple hypotheses testing (smallest adjusted p value = 2.62 × 10(-14), largest adjusted p value = 3.84 × 10(-2)). In regression analysis, octanol, oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, benzamide, creatinine, 3,5-dimethoxymandelic amide and N-acetylglutamine were selected as the best subset for prediction and allowed excellent classification of low eGFR (AUC = 0.996). In LC/MS, 19 metabolites remained significant after multiple hypotheses testing had been taken into account (smallest adjusted p value = 2.04 × 10(-4), largest adjusted p value = 4.48 × 10(-2)), and several metabolites showed stronger evidence of association relative to the uraemic toxin, indoxyl sulphate (adjusted p value = 3.03 × 10(-2)). The potential effect of confounding on the association between metabolites was excluded.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our study has yielded substantial new insight into low eGFR and provided a collection of potential urinary biomarkers for its detection.

Effects of netrin-1 and netrin-1 knockdown on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and angiogenesis of rat placenta

Angiogenesis is an important process essential for the development of placenta. Netrin-1 was first discovered in nervous system and was later found to play roles in angiogenesis. In order to better understand the functional relevance of netrin-1 in placental angiogenesis, we investigated the effect of netrin-1 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and rat placenta by employing up-regulation and down-regulation strategies. HUVECs and rat placenta were treated with recombinant netrin-1, and netrin-1 expression in the cells and placenta was reduced by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in vitro and in vivo. The inhibition efficiency was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. The expression of netrin-1 was immunohistochemically located. The results demonstrated that netrin-1 promoted viability, proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs. A strong reduction in cell capability was observed in vitro after netrin-1 expression was inhibited with shRNA. Netrin-1 accelerated neovascularization of placenta in pregnant rats. Suppression of netrin-1 expression in placenta resulted in reduced vascular sprouting in vivo. These findings suggest that netrin-1 is essential for the proper functioning of HUVECs and angiogenesis of rat placenta, and it is involved in the development of placenta and fetus. The proangiogenic effect of netrin-1 might offer an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of vascular disease of placenta.

Assessment of the fetal thymus by two- and three-dimensional ultrasound during normal human gestation and in fetuses with congenital heart defects

OBJECTIVES

Our objectives were to compare the size and volume of the developing fetal thymus obtained by two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) and three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US), develop normative data for thymus volume (TV), and investigate TV in fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD) and normal twin gestations.

METHODS

We studied 321 fetuses (gestational age (GA): 17-39 weeks) including 238 normal singletons, 64 normal twins and 19 singleton fetuses with CHD. We used 2D-US to assess fetal thymus maximum transverse diameter (MTD), maximum transverse area (MTA), anteroposterior diameter (APD) and superoinferior diameter (SID). TV was obtained by 3D-US using virtual organ computer-aided analysis. Measurements were adjusted for estimated fetal weight where appropriate. Linear regression analysis, general linear models and Fisher's Z-transformation were used where appropriate. A nomogram of fetal TV based on singleton gestations was produced according to previously published methods.

RESULTS

Ultrasound assessment of the fetal thymus was possible in 95.3% (306/321) of cases. Both 3D-US and 2D-US measurements were significantly correlated with GA (TV r = 0.989; MTA r = 0.918; MTD r = 0.884; APD r = 0.849; and SID r = 0.816; all P < 0.05). After Fisher's Z-transformation, the correlation between the TV and GA was significantly stronger than that between any individual 2D-US measurement and GA (P < 0.05). Normal twin fetuses had TVs similar to those of singletons adjusted for estimated fetal weight and GA (P = 0.85). TV adjusted for estimated fetal weight and GA was significantly lower in fetuses with CHD than in normal singletons (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

2D-US and 3D-US are useful tools for evaluation of the size and volume of the human fetal thymus through gestation. Fetal TV by 3D-US seems to reflect normal development of the thymus in utero better than do 2D-US measurements. Lower TV should be expected in association with CHDs.

Study of brain asymmetries in sporadic and familial first episode patients with schizophrenia

Introduction

Although the deviations of brain volume deficits in sporadic and familial first-episode schizophrenia patients (FEP) had been presented, the difference of brain asymmetries remained unidentified.

Objectives

To assess the potential differences of volumetric asymmetries of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) between groups.

Aims

To find out the different injury alteration of sporadic FEP and familial FEP.

Methods

42 sporadic and 30 familiar drug-naïve FEP with and 72 matched normal controls (NC) were recruited. Participants were assessed with neuropsychological tests and scanned by a 3.0T MRI to obtain T1-weighted and DTI images. Lateralization distribution maps of GM and WM volume were generated by employing optimized voxel-based morphometry. The asymmetries were analyzed by comparing calculating Laterality Index (LI) voxel by voxel.

Results

All three groups showed similar overall brain torque. Familiar FEP have more regional extensive GM asymmetry brain lesions compared to sporadic FEP. There was no shared regional lesion between two groups. LIGM and LIWM in right superior temporal were negatively correlated. Significant negative correlations were also found between LIGM of left superior parietal lobule and LIWM of right superior parietal lobule, and between LIGM of right inferior parietal lobule and LIWM of left inferior parietal lobule. The asymmetry in distinct brain regions were related to cognitive deficits especially in the domains of language and memory.

Conclusions

The two patient groups had different alteration in injuries of brain asymmetry. Familiar FEP has more GM extensive asymmetry brain region, which may correlate with their high genetic burdens.

Bone Cell Response to Ion Implanted Silicon Wafers

Results of preliminary investigations on the electrokinetic characterization and osteoblast morphology of ion implanted silicon wafers are presented. The goal of this study is to modify the surface of a material via ion implantation to control cellular interactions at the prosthesis-body interface.

Osteoblast - Orthopaedic Biomaterial Response

An understanding of bone cell response and extracellular matrix production to a biomaterial is crucial for development of new prosthetic devices. The nature of the cellular-biomaterial surface interface will depend upon a number of factors including substrate properties (surface chemistry, charge, topography) as well as biological cellular concerns (i.e. adsorption of attachment factors to the surface, growth factors). The quality of the matrix and bone-bonding may be influenced by these factors. Recently, a short-term in-vitro cell culture assay has demonstrated the initial attachment and spread of human derived bone cells on metallic (titanium and stainless steel) and polymeric surfaces to be dependent on the adsorption of adhesive attachment factor proteins (fibronectin and vitronectin) to the substratum surface [1]. The morphological appearance of human osteoblasts cultured on titanium and stainless steel with time also demonstrated differences compared to tissue culture plastic [2]. Little data however, is available for the mitogenic and gene expression levels of primary human bone cells cultured on commonly used orthopaedic materials and the response of these cells to growth factors. The present study examined the mitogenic response and steady state mRNA expression levels of primary human bone cells cultured on metallic substrates to provide further insight into the nature of cell-substrate interactions.

The efficacy of YKL-40 and CA125 as biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer

Our objective was to estimate the efficacy of the measurement of serum YKL-40 alone or with CA125 as biomarkers for the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) using the YKL-40 ELISA kit. An experimental group of 49 ovarian cancer patients included 42 patients with EOC (53 ± 15 years, range: 19-81 years) and 7 patients (48 ± 13 years, range: 29-36 years) with borderline epithelial ovarian tumor. A control group of 88 non-malignant cases included 42 patients (43 ± 10 years, range: 26-77 years) with benign gynecological disease and 46 healthy women (45 ± 14 years, range: 30-68 years) at a teaching hospital. Both YKL-40 (220.1 ± 94.1 vs 61.6 ± 48.4 and 50.1 ± 41.2 ng/mL) and CA125 (524.9 ± 972.5 vs 13.4 ± 7.6 and 28.5 ± 29.6 U/mL) levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients with ovarian cancer compared to the healthy and non-malignant groups. YKL-40 had 92.9% sensitivity and 94.4% specificity for the diagnosis of EOC. When YKL-40 and CA125 were tested in parallel, the sensitivity was increased to 98.2%, but the specificity was decreased to 81.3%. The correlations between serum YKL-40 and tumor stage, grade histology, performance status, patient age, and extension of debulking surgery were tested. With increasing stage and grade of EOC, preoperative serum YKL-40 levels were significantly increased (P = 0.029, P = 0.05, respectively). Serum YKL-40 alone or with serum CA125 levels are useful, although with some limitations, to diagnose ovarian cancer. Our study showed that YKL-40 may not be an independent prognostic factor for ovarian cancer. This prospective study may be a new trend in looking for biomarkers that optimize diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Improving the capacitive deionisation performance by optimising pore structures of the electrodes

In this paper, three types of ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) were synthesised by an original template method and a modified sol-gel process involving nickel salts. The effects of pore arrangement pattern (ordered and random), and pore size distribution (mesoporous and microporous) on the desalination performance were investigated by comparing mesoporous carbons with activated carbons (ACs). It is found that the mesoporous carbons prepared by addition of nickel salts demonstrated higher specific capacitances than mesoporous carbons without nickel salts and the activated carbon electrodes. Their electrosorptive deionisation properties were also compared in a dilute NaCl solution (conductivity 100 microS cm(-1)), the amount of adsorbed ions are measured by a flow though apparatus in the laboratory. It is found that the amounts of the adsorbed ions are 15.9 micromol g(-1) for OMCs involving nickel in the synthesis process, 10.3 micromol g(-1) for OMC not involving nickel salts and 4.7 micromol g(-1) for ACs.

Autophagy and Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer

Resistance totamoxifen in breast cancer patients is a serious therapeutic problem and majorefforts are underway to understand underlying mechanisms. Resistance can be either intrinsic or acquired. We derived matched tamoxifen sensitive and resistant MCF7 sub-clones that allow us to ask what changes occur in a breast cancer cell when it becomes drug resistant. We consider that this approach mimics de novo tamoxifen resistance and we used these sub-clones to study the factors that lead to drug resistance by two different approaches: expression profiling and an ectopic kinase expression screen. These sub-clones were challenged with steroid depleted media, estrogen, and estrogen plus tamoxifen in order to determine the differential gene response in the sensitive vs. resistant cells. We identified 227 genes that were estrogen responsive in both sub-clones but were not blunted in their response to tamoxifen in the resistant cells. We examined a subset of 67 of these genes that showed differences in baseline expression between sensitive and resistant tumors. Using publicly available data from two different clinical studies of women taking tamoxifen, we found that women classified as matching the sensitive pattern had statistically significant longer disease free survival. The tamoxifen response signature was an independent predictor of outcome compared with other clinical variables by multivariate analysis (p=0.05). The hazard ratio (1.9) was among the strongest observed for the study. Signatures like this one may help personalize therapy by planning regimens of adjuvant therapy best suited to each particular patient. In parallel, high-throughput cell-based screens, in which more than 500 human kinases were independently ectopically expressed, identified 31 kinases that conferred drug resistance on sensitive cells. Both expression profiling and an ectopic kinase expression screen led us to HSPB8, a less well known atypical kinase that has been linked to breast cancer. The ectopic expression of HSPB8 in tamoxifen sensitive cells enabled them to grow in the presence of the drug. Moreover, silencing HSPB8 by shRNA in tamoxifen resistant cells led to cell death. Loss of HSPB8 did not cause cell death by apoptosis, but rather by autophagy.Our findings indicate that HSPB8 is a negative regulator of autophagy and may play an important role in tamoxifen resistance. Interestingly, high expression level of HSPB8 predicted an earlier relapse on tamoxifen in breast cancer patients. Tamoxifen itself induced autophagy in sensitive cells but not in resistant ones and tamoxifen resistant cells were sensitive to the induction of autophagy by other drugs.These results may point to an important role for autophagy in the sensitivity to tamoxifen. We anticipate that this kind of analysis will provide insight into the signaling mechanisms related to the action of estrogen and also may facilitate efforts to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention for ER positive breast tumors.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 5135.

Effects of strength training on work capacity and parasympathetic heart rate modulation during exercise in physically inactive men

This study was designed to assess the effects of strength training on work capacity and parasympathetic heart rate modulation during exercise in physically inactive men. Seventy-four men aged 20-45 were randomly assigned to training (n=52) and control (n=22) groups. Training groups underwent 10-weeks of progressive strength training. Body composition, one-repetition maximum half-squat and maximal oxygen uptake were measured before and after the intervention. Respiratory gases, heart rate and blood lactate were recorded during a VO2max test on a cycle ergometer. Parasympathetic heart rate modulation was analyzed based on the standard deviation of instantaneous beat-to-beat R-R interval variability (SD1) and its normalized unit (SD1n). Muscle strength and lean body mass increased in the training group. Compared to the control group, time to exhaustion increased significantly in the training group (p<0.05). SD1 and SD1n were elevated in the training group at submaximal exercise intensities (100 W, p<0.05). Blood lactate decreased at submaximal intensities when compared to the control group. Strength training increased exercise capacity, and improved vagal modulation of heart rate at submaximal exercise intensities. These changes may have favourable cardiovascular health implications for sedentary men during normal daily activities.

Severe burn injuries complicating psychogenic polydipsia

In rare cases, psychogenic polydipsia may develop as a post-burn complication, prevalently concerning females. Two such cases are reported, both in female patients. Their treatment and outcome are described.

Disruption of Spodoptera exigua larval development by silencing chitin synthase gene A with RNA interference

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for rapidly analyzing gene functions. However, little is known about the possible use of dsRNA/siRNA as a pest control method. Here, we demonstrate that dsRNA/siRNA can induce the silence of chitin synthase gene A (CHSA), which is an important gene for the growth and development of cuticles and trachea in beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua. Based on the in vitro RNAi experiments in an insect cell line (Trichoplusia ni High 5), in vivo RNAi was performed by injecting synthesized dsRNA/siRNA into the 4th instar larvae of S. exigua. Significantly lower levels of CHSA transcripts were detected. In addition, the cuticle of these insects was disordered and the epithelial walls of larval trachea did not expand uniformly in injected individuals. Moreover, Injections significantly increased abnormalities relative to control larvae. These results highlighted the possibility of dsRNA/siRNA for gene function studies in lepidopteran insects and future pest control.

Using MF-NF-RO train to produce low salt and high nutrient value recycled water for agricultural irrigation

The project investigated and demonstrated that using a selective nanofiltration (NF) membrane and a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane in sequence can produce recycled water with useful levels of nutrient ions, and lower the sodium absorption ratio (SAR) to minimise soil salinity. The recovery of nutrient and useful ions from the wastewater makes NF-RO treated recycled water an attractive option for agricultural irrigation. It was found that the addition of polyacrylic acid (PAA) significantly increased the rejection of divalent ions by SR2 NF element, and kept the sodium rejection largely unchanged. This effect enhanced the enrichment of divalent ions in the NF rejects, and allowed sodium ions to pass to the RO stage. The product water included NF reject and the RO permeate. Overall, the MF-NF-RO train with a PAA aided NF pre-treatment can produce a product water fit for agriculture irrigation purpose, and reduce the scaling on the RO membrane due to calcium ions which are removed by NF, leading to the higher RO recovery. This approach achieved overall higher water production with less waste for disposal.

Effect of placement of calcium sulphate when used for the repair of furcation perforations on the seal produced by a resin-based material

AIM

To evaluate the sealing ability of calcium sulphate when used under composite resin for the repair of furcation perforations having different diameters.

METHODOLOGY

Perforations of different diameter were created in the floors of pulp chambers in 60 extracted human molar teeth with either a number 3 (1 mm diameter) or 5 (1.5 mm diameter) round bur. The specimens of each group were divided into four sub-groups which were repaired with composite resin either alone or in combination with calcium sulphate that created an artificial floor (15 teeth group(-1)). Eight teeth without furcation perforations served as negative controls. In the leakage detection device, 1 mol L(-1) glucose solution was forced under a pressure of 1.5 KPa from the crown towards the pulp chamber floor. The concentration of leaked glucose was measured at 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 15 and 20 days using a glucose oxidase method and the data evaluated using the rank sum test.

RESULTS

The specimens with larger perforations repaired with composite resin alone had significantly more leakage (P < 0.05). Using calcium sulphate as an artificial floor significantly decreased leakage of smaller perforations (P < 0.05). In groups repaired with calcium sulphate under composite resin, leakage in smaller perforations was markedly lower than that in larger ones (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the specimens with 1 or 1.5 mm perforations repaired with resin alone (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Calcium sulphate significantly improved the sealing ability of 1 mm perforations repaired with composite resin but not for 1.5 mm perforations.

Expression of the novel co-stimulatory molecule B7-H4 by renal tubular epithelial cells

Crosstalk between T cells and renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) in the pathogenesis of tubular lesions, the most important sign of progressive renal diseases, has not been clarified. Previous work has shown that TECs harbor co-stimulatory signals that promote T-cell activation, which induces tubular lesions. Nevertheless, the expression and functional role of B7-H4, a recently identified co-stimulatory ligand of the B7 superfamily, in pathologic human kidneys is unclear. We investigated the expression of B7-H4 on cryostat renal biopsies from patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (n=20), immunoglobulin A nephropathy (n=19), lupus nephritis (n=16), and acute renal allograft rejection (n=15) using immunohistochemistry. In addition, we also analyzed TEC-associated B7-H4 in the regulation of T-cell activation. Immunohistological staining revealed that B7-H4 antigen is restricted to tubular epithelium and that the protein is prominent in sections with severe tubular lesions, although no correlation was observed between tubular B7-H4 expression and levels of serum creatinine, serum urea nitrogen concentration, and 24-h proteinuria in each type of nephropathy. In vitro, mixed lymphocyte reactions revealed that TEC-related B7-H4 promotes cytokine (interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma) production and proliferation of co-cultured T cells. Interestingly, the secretion of interleukin-2 by C10 T cell hybridomas also increased when C10 cells were co-cultured with the B7-H4-transgenic murine TEC line, 3M-1-secreting tubular epithelial cells (MCT) in the presence of the antigen hen egg lysozyme. Our results clearly show that TEC-associated B7-H4 induces T-cell activation and we propose that B7-H4 is a potential activator that promotes tubular lesion.

Enhanced degradation efficiency of toluene using titania/silica photocatalysis as a regeneration process

Three kinds of titania/silica pellets were prepared using the sol-gel method with surface areas of 50.4 m2 g(-1), 421.1 m2 x g(-1) and 89.1 m2 x g(-1). An annular reactor was designed and built to determine the degradation efficiency of toluene and to investigate the relationship between the adsorption and desorption-photocatalytic processes. Surface area is an important factor influencing the adsorption-photocatalytic efficiency. Higher surface areas of pellets contribute to high rates of conversion of toluene. Un-reacted toluene and reaction intermediates accumulating on their surface deactivated the titania/silica catalyst. To overcome this problem, the adsorption and regeneration process were alternated in a dual reactor system. Connecting or disconnecting the toluene feed gas enabled one reactor to adsorb toluene, while the second reactor was regenerated by photocatalysis. Using UV irradiation and titania/silica pellets with high BET surface area (421.1 m2 x g(-1)), the alternating adsorption/regeneration processes kept the degradation efficiency of toluene at 90% after 8 hours operation. By improving the adsorption-photocatalysis efficiency, and minimising the generation and accumulation of intermediate on the surface of pellets, the method extended catalyst life and maintained a high degradation efficiency of toluene.

Differential induction of PPAR-gamma by luminal glutamine and iNOS by luminal arginine in the rodent postischemic small bowel

Using a rodent model of gut ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), we have previously shown that the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is harmful, whereas the induction of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) is protective. In the present study, we hypothesized that the luminal nutrients arginine and glutamine differentially modulate these molecular events in the postischemic gut. Jejunal sacs were created in rats at laparotomy, filled with either 60 mM glutamine, arginine, or magnesium sulfate (osmotic control) followed by 60 min of superior mesenteric artery occlusion and 6 h of reperfusion, and compared with shams. The jejunum was harvested for histology or myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (inflammation). Heat shock proteins and iNOS were quantitated by Western blot analysis and PPAR-gamma by DNA binding activity. In some experiments, rats were pretreated with the PPAR-gamma inhibitor G9662 or with the iNOS inhibitor N-[3(aminomethyl)benzyl]acetamidine (1400W). iNOS was significantly increased by arginine but not by glutamine following gut I/R and was associated with increased MPO activity and mucosal injury. On the other hand, PPAR-gamma was significantly increased by glutamine but decreased by arginine, whereas heat shock proteins were similarly increased in all experimental groups. The PPAR-gamma inhibitor G9662 abrogated the protective effects of glutamine, whereas the iNOS inhibitor 1400W attenuated the injurious effects of arginine. We concluded that luminal arginine and glutamine differentially modulate the molecular events that regulate injurious I/R-mediated gut inflammation and injury. The induction of PPAR-gamma by luminal glutamine is a novel protective mechanism, whereas luminal arginine appears harmful to the postischemic gut due to enhanced expression of iNOS.

A comparison of dimensional accuracy between three different addition cured silicone impression materials

Ten impressions of a metal implant abutment were made with each of three addition-cured silicone impression materials. Using the technique of co-ordinate metrology, the shoulder region of the abutment and corresponding regions of both impressions and dies made from these impressions were scanned and measured. Comparison of these measurements indicated that the mean dimension measured from the shoulder region for each group of impression materials was significantly different from those taken from the original metal implant abutment. However, when these impressions were cast in a gypsum based die material, none of the measured dimensions taken from the casts were significantly different from those taken from the original metal implant abutment. Thus, any change in measured dimensions occurring during impression making, was compensated for in some way by the casting process.

Reduction of metal leaching in brown coal fly ash using geopolymers

Current regulations classify fly ash as a prescribed waste and prohibit its disposal in regular landfill. Treatment of the fly ash can reduce the leach rate of metals, and allow it to be disposed in less prescribed landfill. A geopolymer matrix was investigated as a potential stabilisation method for brown coal fly ash. Precipitator fly ash was obtained from electrostatic precipitators and leached fly ash was collected from ash disposal ponds, and leaching tests were conducted on both types of geopolymer stabilised fly ashes. The ratio of fly ash to geopolymer was varied to determine the effects of different compositions on leaching rates. Fourteen metals and heavy metals were targeted during the leaching tests and the results indicate that a geopolymer is effective at reducing the leach rates of many metals from the fly ash, such as calcium, arsenic, selenium, strontium and barium. The major element leachate concentrations obtained from leached fly ash were in general lower than that of precipitator fly ash. Conversely, heavy metal leachate concentrations were lower in precipitator fly ash than leached pond fly ash. The maximum addition of fly ash to this geopolymer was found to be 60wt% for fly ash obtained from the electrostatic precipitators and 70wt% for fly ash obtained from ash disposal ponds. The formation of geopolymer in the presence of fly ash was studied using 29Si MAS-NMR and showed that a geopolymer matrix was formed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging showed the interaction of the fly ash with the geopolymer, which was related to the leachate data and also the maximum percentage fly ash addition.

Protein-protein interactions involving inducible nitric oxide synthase

AIM

Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling and effector molecule that contributes to multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes in the kidney, vasculature, and other tissues. High output NO generation by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) participates in host defense against pathogens and contributes to tissue injury during inflammatory states. Because of its potent reactivity and diffusibility, NO generation by iNOS is subject to multiple levels of regulation, including transcriptional, translational, and post-translational controls, including protein-protein interactions. This review examines the experimental basis for these protein-protein interactions and their known and potential importance for kidney and vascular physiology.

METHODS

Analysis of the biomedical literature in the area.

RESULTS

iNOS interacts with the inhibitory molecules Kalirin and NOS-associated protein 1.10 kd (NAP110), which inhibit iNOS homodimerization, as well as activator proteins, the Rac-GTPases. Interactions with caveolin-1 control the intracellular locale and degradation of iNOS in tumor cells. In polarized epithelial cells, associations of iNOS with the scaffolding protein EBP50 position iNOS in the apical membrane near key ion transport proteins that also interact with EPB50. In addition, protein-protein interactions of proteins governing iNOS transcription function to specify activation or suppression of iNOS induction by cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Interactions of iNOS with a diverse group of heterologous proteins provides a selective mechanism to control the activity, spatial distribution, and proximity of iNOS to intended targets, while potentially limiting autotoxicity to the iNOS-expressing cell.

Effects of kava (Kava-kava, 'Awa, Yaqona, Piper methysticum) on c-DNA-expressed cytochrome P450 enzymes and human cryopreserved hepatocytes

The effects of the herbal product kava (Kava kava, 'Awa, Yaqona, Piper methysticum) on human P450 isoforms were studied in vitro using both cDNA-expressed human enzymes and cryopreserved human hepatocytes. Increasing concentrations of an ethanolic extract of dried kava root and three purified kava lactones (methysticin, desmethoxyyangonin, and yangonin) were tested for their ability to inhibit the catalytic activity of a panel of P450 isoforms (1A2, 2A6, 2C9, C2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4) present as c-DNA expressed-enzymes and in previously cryopreserved human hepatocytes. In addition, the test compounds' effect on hepatocyte viability was evaluated by measuring cellular ATP content. In both models, the kava extract and the three kava lactones were found to be potent inhibitors of CYPs 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2E1, and 3A4 with IC50 values of approximately 10 microM. The test compounds were also moderately cytotoxic to human hepatocytes (EC50 values of approximately 50 microM). Methysticin was the most potent enzyme inhibitor as well as the most cytotoxic, followed by (in order of potency:) the kava root extract, desmethoxyyangonin, and yangonin. Our results suggest that the drug interaction and hepatotoxic potential of kava should be further investigated.

Isolation of fetal nucleated red blood cells from maternal blood

To find a simple, effective method of isolating fetal cells from maternal peripheral blood for prenatal diagnosis, 45 women were studied with their gestation being 6-14 weeks and age 21-30 years. The fetal cells were isolated from maternal blood by using discontinuous density gradient centrifugation. Some of the isolated cells were made smear and counted under the microscope; others were used for predicting fetal sex by PCR amplification of Y chromosome specific DYZ1 gene. The major cells in the upper separation interface were lymphocytes and monocytes, with occasionally seen nucleated red blood cells (NRBC); while those in the middle separation interface were neutrocytes, with NRBC scattering. The ratio of NRBC/nucleated cells was 1.98 +/- 0.28 x 10(-5). There was no significant difference between the first and second trimester (P > 0.05). The amount of isolated fetal cells was sufficient for prenatal genetic diagnosis. Male pregnancy was correctly predicted in 10 out of 13 cases. It is concluded that the method of discontinuous density gradient centrifugation was of considerable importance in the development of non-invasive prenatal genetic diagnosis.

Characterising vehicle emissions from the burning of biodiesel made from vegetable oil

Biodiesel manufactured from canola oil was blended with diesel and used as fuel in two diesel vehicles. This study aimed to test the emissions of diesel engines using blends of 100%, 80%, 60%, 40% , 20% biodiesel and 100% petroleum diesel, and characterise the particulate matter and gaseous emissions, with particular attention to levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are harmful to humans. A real time dust monitor was also used to monitor the continuous dust emissions during the entire testing cycle. The ECE(Euro 2) drive cycle was used for all emission tests. It was found that the particle concentration was up to 33% less when the engine burnt 100% biodiesel, compared to 100% diesel. Particle emission reduced with increased percentages of biodiesel in the fuel blends. Reductions of NOx, HC and CO were limited to about 10% when biodiesel was burned. Levels of CO2 emissions from the use of biodiesel and diesel were similar. Eighteen EPA priority PAHs were targeted, with only 6 species detected in the gaseous phase from the samples. 9 PAHs were detected in particulate phases at much lower levels than gaseous PAHs. Some marked reductions were observed for less toxic gaseous PAHs such as naphthalene when burning 100% biodiesel, but the particulate PAH emissions, which have more implications to adverse health effects, were virtually unchanged and did not show a statistically significant reduction. These findings are useful to gain an understanding of the emissions and environmental impacts of biodiesel.

Geographic distribution of porcelain veneer preparation depth with various clinical techniques

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Various clinical techniques have been advocated for uniform reduction of the tooth surface before a porcelain veneer restoration. Often these techniques do not produce a consistently uniform labial reduction.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify the degree of inconsistency on a geographic scale in the depth of labial reduction for porcelain veneers, resulting from the use of 3 clinical techniques. The technique of co-ordinate metrology was used to map the variations in the depth of the preparation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single operator using 3 techniques (dimples as depth guides, freehand, or depth grooves as depth guides) prepared 90 noncarious, unrestored extracted teeth to receive porcelain veneers (n=30). Impressions of the prepared and unprepared teeth were scanned with a co-ordinate measuring machine. In-house software was used to color-code the plotted images on the basis of the depth of preparation. Profile measurements were also made along the mid-labial sagital plane at the mid-labial, incisal, and cervical regions, as well as along the mesial proximal and distal proximal areas along the mid-labial horizontal plane. The ideal depth range for the labial reduction was chosen to be 0.4 to 0.6 mm. One-way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni test were performed to determine the significance (P<.05) in the difference between the means of reductions achieved with the 3 techniques.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the mean percentage area prepared to the ideal depth range (0.4 mm-0.6 mm), between dimple (44.59%), freehand (36.35%), and depth groove (38.43%) techniques. The difference in the mean percentage area of reduction greater than 0.6 mm between dimple (12.98%), freehand (29.66%), and dimple and depth groove (37.32%) techniques were statistically significant (P=.0000), but not between freehand and depth groove techniques. With the profile measurements it was seen that there were statistically significant differences in the mean depth between dimple (0.45 mm) and depth groove (0.63 mm), and freehand (0.51 mm) and depth groove in the mid-buccal (P<.0004) and cervical (dimple = 0.48 mm, freehand = 0.52 mm, depth groove = 0.63 mm) (P<.0005) regions. There was statistically significant difference (P<.0000) in the mean depth between the dimple (0.39 mm) and freehand (0.30 mm), dimple and depth groove (0.50 mm), and freehand and depth groove techniques in the incisal area. In the mesial proximal region statistically significant difference (P<.0034) in the mean depth was found between the dimple (0.52 mm) and freehand (0.68 mm), and dimple and depth groove (0.64 mm) techniques only. In the distal proximal region, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean depth between dimple (0.55 mm), freehand (0.66 mm), and depth groove (0.64 mm) techniques.

CONCLUSION

The use of dimple technique showed a trend to greater consistency and fidelity in labial reduction to a depth of 0.4 to 0.6 mm. The 3 techniques for veneer preparations studied were associated with varying degrees of inconsistency in the distribution of depth of preparation within a tooth and between teeth in the same technique group.

Effects of herbal components on cDNA-expressed cytochrome P450 enzyme catalytic activity

We evaluated the effects of 25 purified components of commonly used herbal products on the catalytic activity of cDNA-expressed cytochrome P450 isoforms in in vitro experiments. Increasing concentrations of the compounds were incubated with a panel of recombinant human CYP isoforms (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4) and their effects on the conversion of specific surrogate substrates measured fluorometrically in a 96-well plate format. For each test substance, the IC50 (the concentration required to inhibit metabolism of surrogate substrates by 50%) was estimated and compared with IC50's for the positive control inhibitory drugs furafylline, sulfaphenazole, tranylcypromine, quinidine, and ketoconazole. Constituents of Ginkgo biloba (ginkgolic acids I and II), kava (desmethoxyyangonin, dihydromethysticin, and methysticin), garlic (allicin), evening primrose oil (cis-linoleic acid), and St. John's wort (hyperforin and quercetin) significantly inhibited one or more of the cDNA human P450 isoforms at concentrations of less than 10 uM. Some of the test compounds (components of Ginkgo biloba, kava, and St. John's wort) were more potent inhibitors of the isoforms 1A2, 2C19, and 2C19 than the positive controls used in each assay (furafylline, sulfaphenazole, and tranylcypromine, respectively), which are known to produce clinically significant drug interactions. The enzyme most sensitive to the inhibitory of effects of these compounds was CYP2C19, while the isoform least effected was CYP2D6. These data suggest that herbal products containing evening primrose oil, Ginkgo biloba, kava, and St. John's Wort could potentially inhibit the metabolism of co-administered medications whose primary route of elimination is via cytochrome P450.

[Traumatic retina detachment and forensic medical identification]

It is reported the result of the examination and identification of 6 cases with retina detachment. The reasons, characteristics of the traumatic retina detachment and the problems about forensic medical identification were discussed.