Spontaneous Rupture of Splenic Varices: A Rare but Lethal Complication of Portal Hypertension from Cirrhosis

Intra-abdominal varices rupture is a rare but catastrophic complication in cirrhosis. We report our near-miss experience in a woman presenting with acute abdominal pain and shock. This 55-year-old cirrhotic woman presented with sudden onset of epigastric pain. On arrival, her blood pressure was 57/49 mmHg and physical examination revealed epigastric tenderness without rebounding tenderness. Emergency ultrasonography (EUS) showed intra-abdominal haemorrhage. Computed tomography revealed haemoperitoneum but no extravasation of contrast medium. She received conservative treatment first but laparotomy later for ongoing bleeding. Surgeon identified and ligated a ruptured splenic varix and she was discharged home after nine days of hospitalisation. This case report illustrates the use of bedside EUS in cirrhotic patients presenting with acute abdominal pain. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:120-123)

Systematic analysis reveals tumor-enhancing and -suppressing microRNAs in Drosophila epithelial tumors

Despite their emergence as an important class of noncoding RNAs involved in cancer cell transformation, invasion, and migration, the precise role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumorigenesis remains elusive. To gain insights into how miRNAs contribute to primary tumor formation, we conducted an RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of Drosophila wing disc epithelial tumors induced by knockdown of a neoplastic tumor-suppressor gene (nTSG) lethal giant larvae (lgl), combined with overexpression of an active form of oncogene Ras (Ras^V12 ), and identified 51 mature miRNAs that changed significantly in tumorous discs. Followed by in vivo tumor enhancer and suppressor screens in sensitized genetic backgrounds, we identified 10 tumor-enhancing (TE) miRNAs and 11 tumor-suppressing (TS) miRNAs that contributed to the nTSG defect-induced tumorigenesis. Among these, four TE and three TS miRNAs have human homologs. From this study, we also identified 29 miRNAs that individually had no obvious role in enhancing or alleviating tumorigenesis despite their changed expression levels in nTSG tumors. This systematic analysis, which includes both RNA-Seq and in vivo functional studies, helps to categorize miRNAs into different groups based on their expression profile and functional relevance in epithelial tumorigenesis, whereas the evolutionarily conserved TE and TS miRNAs provide potential therapeutic targets for epithelial tumor treatment.

Drivers of green supply chain initiatives and performance

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how internal and external factors simultaneously drive firms to adopt green supply chain (GSC) initiatives and to construct a comprehensive research model by drawing upon institutional theory, stewardship theory, and view of performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected from 380 manufacturers in the electrical and electronics industries in Taiwan were analyzed via structural equation modeling and bootstrapping.

Findings

First, institutional pressures affect the GSC initiatives of firms. Second, institutional pressures influence the environmental stewardship behaviors (ESBs) of managers. Third, the ESBs of managers affect the GSC initiatives of firms. Fourth, the GSC initiatives of firms influence their environmental performance, economic performance, and competitiveness. Fifth, the bootstrapping results reveal that institutional pressures indirectly affect the GSC initiatives of firms through the ESBs of managers.

Research limitations/implications

Environmental sustainability has intensified the need for firms to develop a corporate culture. Future research can investigate the relationship among the institutional pressures, greening corporate culture, and GSC initiatives of firms.

Practical implications

Those managers facing institutional pressures must continually focus on the effects of external factors on the GSC initiatives of their firms. They must also increase their commitment and support to such initiatives to attain favorable levels of environmental performance, economic performance, and competitiveness.

Originality/value

This study integrates four streams of literature on institutional theory, stewardship theory, GSC initiatives, and view of performance. Apart from analyzing field- and organization-level data simultaneously, this paper is also the first to demonstrate the relationships among institutional pressures, ESBs of managers, GSC initiatives, and firm performance.

The m6A pathway facilitates sex determination in Drosophila

The conserved modification N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modulates mRNA processing and activity. Here, we establish the Drosophila system to study the m⁶A pathway. We first apply miCLIP to map m⁶A across embryogenesis, characterize its m⁶A ‘writer’ complex, validate its YTH ‘readers’ CG6422 and YT521-B, and generate mutants in five m⁶A factors. While m⁶A factors with additional roles in splicing are lethal, m⁶A-specific mutants are viable but present certain developmental and behavioural defects. Notably, m⁶A facilitates the master female determinant Sxl, since multiple m⁶A components enhance female lethality in Sxl sensitized backgrounds. The m⁶A pathway regulates Sxl processing directly, since miCLIP data reveal Sxl as a major intronic m⁶A target, and female-specific Sxl splicing is compromised in multiple m⁶A pathway mutants. YT521-B is a dominant m⁶A effector for Sxl regulation, and YT521-B overexpression can induce female-specific Sxl splicing. Overall, our transcriptomic and genetic toolkit reveals in vivo biologic function for the Drosophila m⁶A pathway.

N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is a conserved RNA modification that has recently emerged as an important regulator of messenger RNA processing and activity. Here, the authors provide evidence that m6A pathway facilitates female-specific splicing of Sxl, regulating sex determination in Drosophila.

ERF73/HRE1 is involved in H2O2 production via hypoxia-inducible Rboh gene expression in hypoxia signaling

Hypoxia deprives cells of energy and induces severe physical damage in embryophytes. Under hypoxia, the equilibrium between ethylene and H₂O₂ affects the response of the transcription factor AtERF73/HRE1. To evaluate the role of AtERF73/HRE1 during hypoxia signaling, we used three independent AtERF73/HRE1 knockout lines to detect H₂O₂ accumulation. The results revealed that under hypoxia, H₂O₂ accumulation in the AtERF73/HRE1 knockout lines decreased, indicating that AtERF73/HRE1 uses a negative feedback regulation mechanism to influence the production of H₂O₂ induced through hypoxia signal transduction. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed that oxygen deficiency had different effects on the expression of the hypoxia-induced genes Rboh B, D, G, and I in the AtERF73/HRE1 knockout lines. In particular, Rboh B and D expression were increased, whereas Rboh G expression was decreased. The expression of Rboh I was increased at 1 h but decreased at 3 h during hypoxia treatment in the AtERF73/HRE1 knockout lines. Similarly, the transcript levels of antioxidant and hypoxia-induced/ethylene response genes in the AtERF73/HRE1 knockout lines were affected by hypoxic stress, indicating that AtERF73/HRE1 is essential to hypoxia signal transduction in embryophytes. Additionally, in histochemical analysis, AtERF73/HRE1 promoter-induced GUS expression was detected in various plant parts throughout the plant growth process (e.g., leaves, inflorescences, siliques), particularly in the edges of mature leaves and guard cells. Taken together, our results confirm that AtERF73/HRE1 plays a role in H₂O₂ production by affecting the hypoxia-induced expression of Rboh genes in hypoxia signal transduction.

Layer-dependent electronic properties of phosphorene-like materials and phosphorene-based van der Waals heterostructures

Black phosphorus is a layered semiconducting allotrope of phosphorus with high carrier mobility. Its monolayer form, phosphorene, is an extremely fashionable two-dimensional material which has promising potential in transistors, optoelectronics and electronics. However, phosphorene-like analogues, especially phosphorene-based heterostructures and their layer-controlled electronic properties, are rarely systematically investigated. In this paper, the layer-dependent structural and electronic properties of phosphorene-like materials, i.e., mono- and few-layer MXs (M = Sn, Ge; X = S, Se), are first studied via first-principles calculations, and then the band edge position of these MXs as well as mono- and few-layer phosphorene are aligned. It is revealed that van der Waals heterostructures with a Moiré superstructure formed by mutual coupling among MXs and among MXs and few-layer phosphorene are able to show type-I or type-II characteristics and a I-II or II-I transition can be induced by adjusting the number of layers. Our work is expected to yield a new family of phosphorene-based semiconductor heterostructures with tunable electronic properties through altering the number of layers of the composite.

The Role of ENHANCED RESPONSES TO ABA1 (ERA1) in Arabidopsis Stomatal Responses Is Beyond ABA Signaling

Proper stomatal responses are essential for plant function in an altered environment. The core signaling pathway for abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure involves perception of the hormone that leads to the activation of guard cell anion channels by the protein kinase OPEN STOMATA1. Several other regulators are suggested to modulate the ABA signaling pathway, including the protein ENHANCED RESPONSE TO ABA1 (ERA1), that encodes the farnesyl transferase β-subunit. The era1 mutant is hypersensitive to ABA during seed germination and shows a more closed stomata phenotype. Using a genetics approach with the double mutants era1 abi1-1 and era1 ost1, we show that while era1 suppressed the high stomatal conductance of abi1-1 and ost1, the ERA1 function was not required for stomatal closure in response to ABA and environmental factors. Further experiments indicated a role for ERA1 in blue light-induced stomatal opening. In addition, we show that ERA1 function in disease resistance was independent of its role in stomatal regulation. Our results indicate a function for ERA1 in stomatal opening and pathogen immunity.

USP5/Leon deubiquitinase confines postsynaptic growth by maintaining ubiquitin homeostasis through Ubiquilin

Synapse formation and growth are tightly controlled processes. How synaptic growth is terminated after reaching proper size remains unclear. Here, we show that Leon, the Drosophila USP5 deubiquitinase, controls postsynaptic growth. In leon mutants, postsynaptic specializations of neuromuscular junctions are dramatically expanded, including the subsynaptic reticulum, the postsynaptic density, and the glutamate receptor cluster. Expansion of these postsynaptic features is caused by a disruption of ubiquitin homeostasis with accumulation of free ubiquitin chains and ubiquitinated substrates in the leon mutant. Accumulation of Ubiquilin (Ubqn), the ubiquitin receptor whose human homolog ubiquilin 2 is associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also contributes to defects in postsynaptic growth and ubiquitin homeostasis. Importantly, accumulations of postsynaptic proteins cause different aspects of postsynaptic overgrowth in leon mutants. Thus, the deubiquitinase Leon maintains ubiquitin homeostasis and proper Ubqn levels, preventing postsynaptic proteins from accumulation to confine postsynaptic growth.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.26886.001

The SWI/SNF Complex Protein Snr1 Is a Tumor Suppressor in Drosophila Imaginal Tissues

Components of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex are among the most frequently mutated genes in various human cancers, yet only SMARCB1/hSNF5, a core member of the SWI/SNF complex, is mutated in malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT). How SMARCB1/hSNF5 functions differently from other members of the SWI/SNF complex remains unclear. Here, we use Drosophila imaginal epithelial tissues to demonstrate that Snr1, the conserved homolog of human SMARCB1/hSNF5, prevents tumorigenesis by maintaining normal endosomal trafficking-mediated signaling cascades. Removal of Snr1 resulted in neoplastic tumorigenic overgrowth in imaginal epithelial tissues, whereas depletion of any other members of the SWI/SNF complex did not induce similar phenotypes. Unlike other components of the SWI/SNF complex that were detected only in the nucleus, Snr1 was observed in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Aberrant regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including Notch, JNK, and JAK/STAT, was responsible for tumor progression upon snr1-depletion. Our results suggest that the cytoplasmic Snr1 may play a tumor suppressive role in Drosophila imaginal tissues, offering a foundation for understanding the pivotal role of SMARCB1/hSNF5 in suppressing MRT during early childhood. Cancer Res; 77(4); 862-73. ©2017 AACR.

[Estradiol stimulates the growth and biofilm formation of clinical Staphylococcus epidermidis]

Objective: To investigate the effect of steroid hormones on the growth and biofilm formation of S. epidermidis. Methods: In all experiments, two S. epidermidis standard strains (ATCC12228 and ATCC35984) and two S. epidermidis clinical strains (SE101 and SE40) were incubated on the surface of silica gel in estradiol concentrations of 0, 50, 125, 250 and 500 pmol/L at 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Growth curve were drawn by means of the OD value. Formed biofilms were assessed by crystal violet staining methods. In order to observe the processes and structures of biofilm, the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used. Results: All of the four strains which were incubated with the concentrations of 125 pmol/L of estradiol had entered the logarithmic growth stage ahead of the blank control (3 h and 4 h). Crystal violet staining indicated that there was no biofilm for ATCC12228. Improved primary attachment abilities were found for ATCC35984 and SE101 in the presence of estradiol, and the OD values were 0 pmol/L (0.081±0.015 and 0.082±0.011), 50 pmol /L (0.087±0.013 and 0.088±0.010), 125 pmol/L (0.175±0.052 and 0.091±0.012), 250 pmol/L (0.153±0.036 and 0.090±0.006), 500 pmol/L (0.157±0.050 and 0.082±0.032), respectively. The thickness of biofilm reached the peak in 125 pmol/L estradiol at 24 h. CLSM and SEM found estradiol promoted the biofilm maturity and the biofilm of 125 pmol/L group was denser and thicker than that of the other concentration groups. Conclusions: Our in vitro experiments indicate that estradiol could promote the growth of S. epidermidis which exit on the surface of silica gel, and improve the ability of biofilm formation of S. epidermidis.

The effect of internal factors and family influence on firms’ adoption of green product innovation

Purpose

Little research has been conducted on the internal factors that drive green product (GP) innovation and how family influence affects firm adoption of GP innovation. This study aims to apply multiple perspectives to bridge this research gap, adopting the resource-based view (RBV) to examine what and how internal factors affect firm adoption of GP innovation, and using the behavioral theory of family firms to investigate whether family influence fosters or hinders firm adoption of GP innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a multichannel approach and adopted content analysis to collect and evaluate data on listed Taiwanese firms and used cross-sectional regression analysis to examine the effect of internal factors and family influence on firm adoption of GP innovation.

Findings

The results showed that the internal factors of green capabilities, R&D intensity and firm size significantly and positively affected firm adoption of GP innovation separately. Furthermore, the study found that family influence (ownership and control) significantly and negatively affects firm adoption of GP innovation separately.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the academic research of innovation management, green management and family firms in several aspects, but also has some limitations. This study examined only the relationship between a firm’s internal factors and GP innovation. Future research might test the relationship between a firm’s internal factors and adoption of green process innovation. In addition, such research can explore how integrated internal and external factors influence firm adoption of GP innovation.

Practical implications

From the RBV, the internal factors of green capabilities, R&D intensity and firm size that can exert crucial effects on firm engage in firm’s adoption of GP innovation. This study suggests that top managers in family-influenced businesses should maintain appropriate commitment and support for fostering and facilitating firm GP innovation.

Social implications

From the RBV, this study examined how internal factors affect firm adoption of GP innovation. Moreover, based on the behavioral theory of family firms, this study further examined how family influence (ownership and control) affects firm adoption of GP innovation. This paper extended both perspectives to examine green issues.

Originality/value

From the RBV, this study examined how internal factors affect firms’ GP innovation. Moreover, based on institutional theory, this study further examines how a family firm moderates the relationship between a firm’s internal factors and GP innovation. The paper extended both perspectives to probe further the green issues.

[Retrospective study on the efficacy of different chemotherapy regimens concurrently combined with intensity modulated radiation therapyin treatment of Ⅲ-Ⅳa stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective:To compare the near and long term efficacy and safety of paclitaxel(TAX) plus cisplatin(DDP) (TP regimen) and DDP plus 5-FU(PF regimen) concurrently combined with IMRT in treatment of patients with advanced NPC.Method: A retrospective analysis on 108 advanced NPC cases from January 2010 to December 2012 was conducted. The patients were divided into TP group(57 cases) and PF group(51 cases) according to therapy regimen. TP group received IMRT combined with TP therapy, and PF group received IMRT combined with PF regimen, two groups were both used 4 cycles of chemotherapy, toxicity reactions during concurrent radiochemotherapy were noted. Two months after treatment, near clinical efficacies of the two groups were determined, and then, a three years followingup was conducted, during which recurrence ratio, metastasis ratio, local control ratio and survival rate were analyzed. Result: Two months after treatment, the total effective ratio of TP group(84.2% vs.76.5%) was higher than PF group,however, the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). Gastrointestinal reaction(70.2% vs.66.7%), marrow inhibition(75.4% vs.82.4%), liver function damage(12.3% vs.13.7%), radioactive oral and pharyngeal injury(91.2% vs.98.0%)， hearing damage(15.8% vs.15.7%) in the two groups during chemoradiotherapy had no significant differences(P>0.05). During followingup, the recurrence and metastasis ratio in TP group(33.3% vs.47.1%) was lower than PF group(χ²=2.116,P=0.146). TP group with The local control rate(73.7% vs.68.5%) and survival rate(84.2% vs.78.4%) after three years treatment in TP group were higher than PF group(χ²=0.336,P=0.562；χ²=0.596,P=0.440). Conclusion: IMRT concurrently combined with TP and PF respectively are both effective methods for treatment of advanced NPC. In this study, IMPT plus TP concurrent chemoradiotherapy has a certain superiority in near and long term clinical treatment efficacy and safety.

Development of a millimetrically scaled biodiesel transesterification device that relies on droplet-based co-axial fluidics

In this study, we investigated a fluidic system that adheres to new concepts of energy production. To improve efficiency, cost, and ease of manufacture, a millimetrically scaled device that employs a droplet-based co-axial fluidic system was devised to complete alkali-catalyzed transesterification for biodiesel production. The large surface-to-volume ratio of the droplet-based system, and the internal circulation induced inside the moving droplets, significantly enhanced the reaction rate of immiscible liquids used here – soybean oil and methanol. This device also decreased the molar ratio between methanol and oil to near the stoichiometric coefficients of a balanced chemical equation, which enhanced the total biodiesel volume produced, and decreased the costs of purification and recovery of excess methanol. In this work, the droplet-based co-axial fluidic system performed better than other methods of continuous-flow production. We achieved an efficiency that is much greater than that of reported systems. This study demonstrated the high potential of droplet-based fluidic chips for energy production. The small energy consumption and low cost of the highly purified biodiesel transesterification system described conforms to the requirements of distributed energy (inexpensive production on a moderate scale) in the world.

The Arabidopsis Malectin-Like/LRR-RLK IOS1 Is Critical for BAK1-Dependent and BAK1-Independent Pattern-Triggered Immunity

Plasma membrane-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as FLAGELLIN SENSING2 (FLS2), EF-TU RECEPTOR (EFR), and CHITIN ELICITOR RECEPTOR KINASE1 (CERK1) recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) to activate pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). A reverse genetics approach on genes responsive to the priming agent β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) revealed IMPAIRED OOMYCETE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 (IOS1) as a critical PTI player. Arabidopsis thaliana ios1 mutants were hypersusceptible to Pseudomonas syringae bacteria. Accordingly, ios1 mutants showed defective PTI responses, notably delayed upregulation of the PTI marker gene FLG22-INDUCED RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE1, reduced callose deposition, and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation upon MAMP treatment. Moreover, Arabidopsis lines overexpressing IOS1 were more resistant to bacteria and showed a primed PTI response. In vitro pull-down, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, coimmunoprecipitation, and mass spectrometry analyses supported the existence of complexes between the membrane-localized IOS1 and BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1-ASSOCIATED KINASE1 (BAK1)-dependent PRRs FLS2 and EFR, as well as with the BAK1-independent PRR CERK1. IOS1 also associated with BAK1 in a ligand-independent manner and positively regulated FLS2-BAK1 complex formation upon MAMP treatment. In addition, IOS1 was critical for chitin-mediated PTI. Finally, ios1 mutants were defective in BABA-induced resistance and priming. This work reveals IOS1 as a novel regulatory protein of FLS2-, EFR-, and CERK1-mediated signaling pathways that primes PTI activation.

Characterization and identification of streptococci from golden pompano in China

Streptococcal infections cause significant mortality and high economic losses in the fish farm industry worldwide, including in the culture of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus L., a species gaining popularity in China. A total of 9 streptococcal strains were isolated from cage-cultured diseased golden pompano in Beihai, Zhanjing, and Shenzhen, China, between 2012 and 2014. Conventional and rapid identification systems were used to determine that the isolates were Streptococcus agalactiae, S. iniae, and S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae. All isolates were gram-positive cocci cells in pairs or short-chain, non-motile, catalase negative, α or β hemolytic cocci. The results of multiplex PCR assays and 16S rRNA BLAST analysis also showed that the β hemolytic strains were S. agalactiae and S. iniae and the α hemolytic strain was S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae, respectively. Pathogenicity assays revealed that S. agalactiae (lethal dose [LD50]: 6.38 × 10(4) CFU ml(-1)) was more virulent for golden pompano than S. iniae (LD50: 1.47 × 10(7) CFU ml(-1)) and S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae (LD50: 2.57 × 10(6) CFU ml(-1)) when they were challenged by intraperiotoneal (i.p.) injection. The results of antibiotic susceptibility showed that all strains were extremely susceptible to cefradine, erythromycin, and cefotaxime but resistant to gentamicin, penicillin G, novobiocin, neomycin, ciprofloxacin, roxithromycin, furazolidone, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, kanamycin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and vancomycin This is the first report of a phenomenon of golden pompano coinfection with S. agalactiae and S. iniae, which will contribute to the diagnosis and prevention of streptococcicosis.

RNA helicase Belle/DDX3 regulates transgene expression in Drosophila

Belle (Bel), the Drosophila homolog of the yeast DEAD-box RNA helicase DED1 and human DDX3, has been shown to be required for oogenesis and female fertility. Here we report a novel role of Bel in regulating the expression of transgenes. Abrogation of Bel by mutations or RNAi induces silencing of a variety of P-element-derived transgenes. This silencing effect depends on downregulation of their RNA levels. Our genetic studies have revealed that the RNA helicase Spindle-E (Spn-E), a nuage RNA helicase that plays a crucial role in regulating RNA processing and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) biogenesis in germline cells, is required for loss-of-bel-induced transgene silencing. Conversely, Bel abrogation alleviates the nuage-protein mislocalization phenotype in spn-E mutants, suggesting a competitive relationship between these two RNA helicases. Additionally, disruption of the chromatin remodeling factor Mod(mdg4) or the microRNA biogenesis enzyme Dicer-1 (Dcr-1) also alleviates the transgene-silencing phenotypes in bel mutants, suggesting the involvement of chromatin remodeling and microRNA biogenesis in loss-of-bel-induced transgene silencing. Finally we show that genetic inhibition of Bel function leads to de novo generation of piRNAs from the transgene region inserted in the genome, suggesting a potential piRNA-dependent mechanism that may mediate transgene silencing as Bel function is inhibited.

Rutin improves endotoxin-induced acute lung injury via inhibition of iNOS and VCAM-1 expression

Endotoxins exist anywhere including in water pools, dust, humidifier systems, and machining fluids. The major causal factor is endotoxins in many serious diseases, such as fever, sepsis, multi-organ failure, meningococcemia, and severe morbidities like neurologic disability, or hearing loss. Endotoxins are also called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and are important pathogens of acute lung injury (ALI). Rutin has potential beneficial effects including anti-inflammation, antioxidation, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-platelet aggregation. Pre-treatment with rutin inhibited LPS-induced neutrophil infiltration in the lungs. LPS-induced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was suppressed by rutin, but there was no influence on expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, activation of the nuclear factor (NF)κB was reduced by rutin. Furthermore, we found that the inhibitory concentration of rutin on expression of VCAM-1 and iNOS was similar to NFκB activation. In conclusion, rutin is a potential protective agent for ALI via inhibition of neutrophil infiltration, expression of VCAM-1 and iNOS, and NFκB activation.

BisGMA-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in macrophages are attenuated by wogonin via reduction of intrinsic caspase pathway activation

Bisphenol-A-glycidyldimethacrylate (BisGMA) is a frequently used monomer in dental restorative resins. However, BisGMA could leach from dental restorative resins after polymerization leading to inflammation in the peripheral environment. Wogonin, a natural flavone derivative, has several benefits, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Pretreatment of macrophage RAW264.7 cells with wogonin inhibited cytotoxicity which is induced by BisGMA in a concentration-dependent manner. BisGMA induced apoptotic responses, such as redistribution of phosphatidylserine from the internal to the external membrane and DNA fragmentation, were decreased by wogonin in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, BisGMA-induced genotoxicity, which detected by cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus and single-cell gel electrophoresis assays, were inhibited by wogonin in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, wogonin suppressed BisGMA-induced activation of intrinsic caspase pathways, such as caspases-3 and -8. Parallel trends were observed in inhibition of caspase-3 and -8 activities, apoptosis, and genotoxicity. These results indicate wogonin suppressed the BisGMA-induced apoptosis and genotoxicity mainly via intrinsic caspase pathway in macrophages.

A Smart CMOS Assay SoC for Rapid Blood Screening Test of Risk Prediction

A micro-controller unit (MCU) assisted immunoassay lab-on-a-chip is realized in 0.35 μm CMOS technology. The MCU automatically controls the detection procedure including blood filtration through a nonporous aluminum oxide membrane, bimolecular conjugation with antibodies attached to magnetic beads, electrolytic pumping, magnetic flushing and threshold detection based on Hall sensor array readout analysis. To verify the function of this chip, in-vitro Tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) tests are performed by this 9 mm(2)-sized single chip. The cost, efficiency and portability are considerably improved compared to the prior art.

Salient stakeholder voices: Family business and green innovation adoption

One striking finding from recent natural environmental management research is that family firms are more likely to engage in environmentally friendly practices. However, the source of such difference is less clear. The primary objective of our research is to investigate if family firms react to stakeholder pressures differently when making natural environmental management decisions. We survey 235 manufacturing firms from the chemical, and the electronic and information technology industries in Taiwan to test our hypotheses. The results of regression analysis show that family firms pay much more attention to their internal stakeholders than non-family firms. This finding complements the current discussions on family business uniqueness. It also contributes to provide a more comprehensive framework of stakeholder salience.

Physiology-based diagnosis algorithm for arteriovenous fistula stenosis detection

In this paper, a diagnosis algorithm for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis is developed based on auscultatory features, signal processing, and machine learning. The AVF sound signals are recorded by electronic stethoscopes at pre-defined positions before and after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) treatment. Several new signal features of stenosis are identified and quantified, and the physiological explanations for these features are provided. Utilizing support vector machine method, an average of 90% two-fold cross-validation hit-rate can be obtained, with angiography as the gold standard. This offers a non-invasive easy-to-use diagnostic method for medical staff or even patients themselves for early detection of AVF stenosis.

Analysis of Cell Cycle Switches in Drosophila Oogenesis

The study of Drosophila oogenesis provides invaluable information about signaling pathway regulation and cell cycle programming. During Drosophila oogenesis, a string of egg chambers in each ovariole progressively develops toward maturity. Egg chamber development consists of 14 stages. From stage 1 to stage 6 (mitotic cycle), main-body follicle cells undergo mitotic divisions. From stage 7 to stage 10a (endocycle), follicle cells cease mitosis but continue three rounds of endoreduplication. From stage 10b to stage 13 (gene amplification), instead of whole genome duplication, follicle cells selectively amplify specific genomic regions, mostly for chorion production. So far, Drosophila oogenesis is one of the most well studied model systems used to understand cell cycle switches, which furthers our knowledge about cell cycle control machinery and sheds new light on potential cancer treatments. Here, we give a brief summary of cell cycle switches, the associated signaling pathways and factors, and the detailed experimental procedures used to study the cell cycle switches.

A remotely-controlled locomotive IC driven by electrolytic bubbles and wireless powering

A batteryless remotely-controlled locomotive IC utilizing electrolytic bubbles as propelling force is realized in 0.35 μm CMOS technology. Without any external components, such as magnets and on-board coils, the bare IC is wirelessly powered and controlled by a 10 MHz ASK modulated signal with RS232 control commands to execute movement in four moving directions and with two speeds. The receiving coil and electrolysis electrodes are all integrated on the locomotive chip. The experiment successfully demonstrated that the bare IC moved on the surface of an electrolyte with a speed up to 0.3 mm/s and change moving directions according to the commands. The total power consumptions of the chip are 207.4 μW and 180 μ W while the output electrolysis voltages are 2 V and 1.3 V, respectively.

The COP9 signalosome converts temporal hormone signaling to spatial restriction on neural competence

During development, neural competence is conferred and maintained by integrating spatial and temporal regulations. The Drosophila sensory bristles that detect mechanical and chemical stimulations are arranged in stereotypical positions. The anterior wing margin (AWM) is arrayed with neuron-innervated sensory bristles, while posterior wing margin (PWM) bristles are non-innervated. We found that the COP9 signalosome (CSN) suppresses the neural competence of non-innervated bristles at the PWM. In CSN mutants, PWM bristles are transformed into neuron-innervated, which is attributed to sustained expression of the neural-determining factor Senseless (Sens). The CSN suppresses Sens through repression of the ecdysone signaling target gene broad (br) that encodes the BR-Z1 transcription factor to activate sens expression. Strikingly, CSN suppression of BR-Z1 is initiated at the prepupa-to-pupa transition, leading to Sens downregulation, and termination of the neural competence of PWM bristles. The role of ecdysone signaling to repress br after the prepupa-to-pupa transition is distinct from its conventional role in activation, and requires CSN deneddylating activity and multiple cullins, the major substrates of deneddylation. Several CSN subunits physically associate with ecdysone receptors to represses br at the transcriptional level. We propose a model in which nuclear hormone receptors cooperate with the deneddylation machinery to temporally shutdown downstream target gene expression, conferring a spatial restriction on neural competence at the PWM.

A critical step in building a functional nervous system is to generate neurons at the appropriate locations. Neural competence is acquired at the precursor stage with the expression of specific transcription factors. One such critical factor is Senseless (Sens), as precursors lacking Sens fail to develop to neurons. Here we describe the critical role of protein complex COP9 signalosome (CSN) that regulates Sens expression by integrating temporal and spatial information. This was studied in developing Drosophila wing tissues, in which the anterior wing margin develops neuron-innervated bristles, while the posterior wing margin develops non-innervated bristles. The CSN complex is required for the anterior-posterior difference in spatial patterning of neuron formation, and posterior cells lacking CSN develop innervated bristles like anterior cells. CSN accomplishes this by transforming the temporal hormonal ecdysone signaling from activation to repression of downstream target BR-Z1. As BR-Z1 itself is a transcription activator, repression of BR-Z1 in turn leads to repression of Sens in posterior wing margin, eventually terminating the neural competence. Repression of BR-Z1 expression requires the interaction between the CSN complex and the ecdysone receptors. Our results suggest a novel CSN-mediated regulation that converts temporal hormone signaling to the patterning of neurons at the right place.