A Novel Emulsion-Based Replica Method for the Synthesis of Mesoporous Carbon

We present a novel approach for the synthesis of large-pore mesoporous carbon with a highly porous structure, based on an oil/water (O/W) emulsion templating method. For the formation of oil-in-water emulsions with nanoscale oil droplets, polyvinylpyrrolidone was used as an emulsifier. Mesoporous carbon materials with large mesopores were successfully synthesized via a three-step process: (1) polymerization in the oil-in-water emulsion, (2) filtration, and (3) carbonization. We confirmed that the pore size of the carbon can be significantly reduced through a modified O/W emulsion method. The mesoporous carbon materials prepared without an activation step exhibited an appreciable surface area (705 m2/g) and a noticeable capacitive performance of ∼100 F/g at 2.0 A/g. We believe that the approach presented here can be widely applied to the synthesis of mesoporous carbon using various carbon sources, and the structural properties of the mesoporous carbon can be improved through proper optimization.

Lysophosphatidylserine receptor P2Y10: A G protein-coupled receptor that mediates eosinophil degranulation

BACKGROUND

P2Y10, along with GPR34 and GPR174, is a G protein-coupled receptor that is activated by an endogenous lipid mediator lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS). Its expression pattern and its function are completely unknown. We have previously shown that P2Y10 is one of the highly up-regulated genes at the late differentiation stage during in vitro eosinophilopoiesis.

OBJECTIVE

We explored the expression and functions of P2Y10 in human cord blood (CB)-derived and peripheral blood (PB) eosinophils.

METHODS

Real-time PCR, FACS, Western blot, ELISA, and chemotaxis assays were performed to determine the expression and function of P2Y10.

RESULTS

As CB cells differentiated towards eosinophils, P2Y10 mRNA and protein were abundantly expressed. P2Y10 was the most highly expressed in the granulocytes from PB, to a lesser extent in monocytes, and least in lymphocytes. Further fractionation of granulocytes revealed that eosinophils express P2Y10 much more strongly than do neutrophils. PB eosinophils solely expressed P2Y10 among the three LysoPS receptors, while PB neutrophils expressed the three at comparable levels. LysoPS activated both CB and PB eosinophils to induce a robust ERK phosphorylation. Importantly, LysoPS was capable of triggering degranulation of ECP in PB eosinophils. This response was significantly reduced by pharmacological inhibitors of TNF-alpha-converting enzyme (TACE), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and ERK1/2, which were known to be required in P2Y10-mediated signalling pathways. However, LysoPS had no effect on chemotaxis, differentiation, or eosinophil survival.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

LysoPS provokes eosinophil degranulation through P2Y10. Therefore, P2Y10 is a potential therapeutic target to control eosinophil-associated diseases.

Oral tolerance modulates the skin transcriptome in mice with induced atopic dermatitis

Defective gut immune reactions have been implicated in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD), whereas oral tolerance (OT), that is, the immune unresponsiveness induced by oral antigen administration, protects mice against AD. To investigate this protective role of OT, the transcriptomic profiles of skin were obtained by RNA sequencing from mice that were epicutaneously sensitized, orally tolerized prior to epicutaneous sensitization, or neither (control). Oral tolerance inhibited the upregulation of keratin- and allergic inflammation-associated genes that occurred in the epicutaneously sensitized group. Compared to the controls, mice that were orally tolerized and epicutaneously sensitized showed an upregulation of genes that regulate inflammation or keratinocyte differentiation. Knocking down two of those genes, SCGB1A1 and TSC22D3, upregulated Th2 inflammatory mediators and downregulated a cornified cell envelope-related gene. Based on our findings, OT may protect skin against allergic inflammation by promoting the expression of genes that regulate Th2 inflammatory responses and skin barrier function.

Role of RNA modifications in brain and behavior

Much progress in our understanding of RNA metabolism has been made since the first RNA nucleoside modification was identified in 1957. Many of these modifications are found in noncoding RNAs but recent interest has focused on coding RNAs. Here, we summarize current knowledge of cellular consequences of RNA modifications, with a special emphasis on neuropsychiatric disorders. We present evidence for the existence of an "RNA code," similar to the histone code, that fine-tunes gene expression in the nervous system by using combinations of different RNA modifications. Unlike the relatively stable genetic code, this combinatorial RNA epigenetic code, or epitranscriptome, may be dynamically reprogrammed as a cause or consequence of psychiatric disorders. We discuss potential mechanisms linking disregulation of the epitranscriptome with brain disorders and identify potential new avenues of research.

Point-by-point femtosecond laser micro-processing of independent core-specific fiber Bragg gratings in a multi-core fiber

Four 3rd order fiber Bragg gratings were inscribed into separate cores of a 7 core multi-core fiber using the point-by-point inscription technique. A 1030 nm, 206 ± 5 fs laser was used, operating at a frequency of 1 kHz and pulse energy of 2.1 ± 0.2 µJ. Independent Bragg resonances at λ_B = 1541.01 ± 0.02, 1547.82 ± 0.02, 1532.66 ± 0.02, and 1537.42 ± 0.02 nm and extinction ratios of 13.97 ± 0.4, 16.02 ± 0.4, 10.08 ± 0.4 and 13.40 ± 0.4 dB were recorded. Our data analysis shows that refractive index changes, Δn, of the order 10^-3 were induced. Core-specific inscription of fiber Bragg gratings in a multi-core fiber can provide a flexible and versatile platform to address the needs of recent space division multiplexed transmission and optical sensor networks.

In Situ Synthesis of Graphene Nanosheet/MoS₂ Composite Electrodes and Their Electrochemical Performance for Lithium Secondary Cells

Graphene nanosheet (GNS)/Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)-sulfur composites were prepared by an In Situ solution-phase synthesis method. The practical implementation of lithium sulfur battery has not been realized by low discharge capacity and fast capacity decay during cycling owing to dissolution of lithium polysulfide into the electrolyte. In this work, we found that the GNS/MoS2 composites could mitigate the polysulfide dissolution and enhance the cycling stability via the MoS2 interaction. Electrochemical performances of prepared composites were evaluated in lithium batteries by galvanostatic cycling and cyclic voltammetry. When applied as the cathode in lithium sulfur batteries, GNS/MoS2 composites exhibited a high reversible capacity of 1143.4 mAh g-1 at the first cycle and maintain a satisfactory cyclability.

Preparation and Electrochemical Behaviors of Sulfur-Containing Electrodes as a Function of Thermal Treatment Temperature

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-sulfur composites were synthesized by a simple solvothermal reaction. Furthermore, following thermal treatment enable electrochemical properties to be improved. In order to investigate optimal temperature, we conducted thermal treatment as a function of different temperature. The morphology of the composites was examined by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy. Electrochemical characterizations were also conducted by cyclic voltammetry and Galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. Based on these electrochemical experiments, the sample treated at 900 °C indicated the highest initial specific capacity and retention property in this study. From the results of this study, sulfurcontaining composite treated at higher temperature showed the better characteristics of electrochemical performance.

Complexes of lutein with bovine and caprine caseins and their impact on lutein chemical stability in emulsion systems: Effect of arabinogalactan

Lutein is an important xanthophyll carotenoid with many benefits to human health. Factors affecting the application of lutein as a functional ingredient in low-fat dairy-like beverages (pH 6.0-7.0) are not well understood. The interactions of bovine and caprine caseins with hydrophobic lutein were studied using UV/visible spectroscopy as well as fluorescence. Our studies confirmed that the aqueous solubility of lutein is improved after binding with bovine and caprine caseins. The rates of lutein solubilization by the binding to bovine and caprine caseins were as follows: caprine α_S1-II-casein 34%, caprine α_S1-I-casein 10%, and bovine casein 7% at 100 μM lutein. Fluorescence of the protein was quenched on binding supporting complex formation. The fluorescence experiments showed that the binding involves tryptophan residues and some nonspecific interactions. Scatchard plots of lutein binding to the caseins demonstrated competitive binding between the caseins and their sites of interaction with lutein. Competition experiments suggest that caprine α_S1-II casein will bind a larger number of lutein molecules with higher affinity than other caseins. The chemical stability of lutein was largely dependent on casein type and significant increases occurred in the chemical stability of lutein with the following pattern: caprine α_S1-II-casein > caprine α_S1-I-casein > bovine casein. Addition of arabinogalactan to lutein-enriched emulsions increases the chemical stability of lutein-casein complexes during storage under accelerated photo-oxidation conditions at 25°C. Therefore, caprine α_S1-II-casein alone and in combination with arabinogalactan can have important applications in the beverage industry as carrier of this xanthophyll carotenoid (lutein).

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk of open-angle glaucoma development in Koreans: An 11-year nationwide propensity-score-matched study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) development in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

METHODS

In this 11-year longitudinal study based on the Korean National Health Insurance research database, the data collected comprised 1,025,340 (2.2%) participants who were randomly selected from 46,605,433 Korean residents in 2002. The database was analyzed to identify participants with an initial diagnosis of T2DM in 2003-2004. The control group was composed of participants without T2DM who were propensity-score-matched, five controls per T2DM patient, according to age, gender, household income, residential area and underlying diseases, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and thyroid disease. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to calculate the overall hazard ratios (HRs) in participants with and without T2DM for development of POAG before and after adjusting for confounding factors.

RESULTS

There were 12,657 participants with T2DM and 63,285 propensity-score-matched controls without T2DM. POAG developed in 413 (3.3%) and 1188 (1.9%) participants in the T2DM and control groups, respectively. T2DM was associated with an increased risk of POAG development [HR: 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58-2.04] after adjusting for age, gender, household income and other potential confounders.

CONCLUSION

T2DM was significantly associated with the development of POAG after adjusting for potential confounders in the Korean population.

Biochemical Changes in the Niche Following Tumor Cell Invasion

Metastatic cancer is the leading cause of all cancer related deaths. Prostate cancer (PCa) metastasizes preferentially to the bone marrow, specifically within the endosteal niche. Endosteal cells secrete homing molecules that may recruit PCa cells to the bone marrow. Once there, the biochemical signature of this niche regulates PCa fate including cellular dormancy or cell cycle arrest, reactivation and resistance to chemotherapeutics. Growth factors, interleukins, adhesion molecules, as well as extra-cellular matrix proteins can collectively change the phenotype of PCa cells. Understanding the biochemical signature of endosteal niche parasitism by PCa is imperative for the establishment of new and innovative therapeutic strategies. This review seeks to summarize these important niche signatures and the potential therapeutic approaches to target metastatic PCa within the bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1956-1964, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Oral tolerance inhibits atopic dermatitis-like type 2 inflammation in mice by modulating immune microenvironments

BACKGROUND

Oral tolerance is immune unresponsiveness induced by oral administration of innocuous antigens. Oral administration of allergens has been shown to be effective for suppressing IgE production in allergic responses. However, whether oral tolerance has a role in protection from allergic skin inflammation has not been fully investigated. Here, we evaluated the potential protective role of oral tolerance in a murine model of atopic dermatitis (AD) and investigated the underlying immunologic mechanisms.

METHODS

Mice were fed with ovalbumin (OVA) in drinking water then epicutaneously sensitized by repeated application of OVA to tape-stripped skin. Skin biopsies were analyzed for immunohistopathologic features. Levels of antibodies in sera and intestinal washes were measured by ELISA. Flow cytometry and real-time PCR analysis of the skin and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were performed to investigate the immunologic effects of oral tolerance in epicutaneous (EC) sensitization-induced allergic responses.

RESULTS

Induction of oral tolerance effectively inhibited inflammatory responses provoked by EC sensitization. Tolerogenic immune mediators were significantly increased in the skin and MLN of EC-sensitized mice following induction of oral tolerance. A marked increase in Il5 and Il13 expression and infiltration of eosinophils and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in the skin of EC-sensitized mice were significantly inhibited by oral tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral tolerance plays a protective role in the development of AD in a murine model by modulating immune microenvironments to be more favorable for immune regulation. This modulation involves inhibition of ILC2 infiltration in skin lesions.

Effective therapeutic strategy for massive retroperitoneal hematoma after conization: arterial embolization and pigtail catheter insertion

The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is commonly used to remove cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) because of its safety profile and likelihood of fewer complications. The authors report a rare case of massive retroperitoneal bleeding combined with hypovolemic shock after LEEP conization. Vessel injury was detected by angiographic computed tomography (CT) and embolization of the uterine artery was successfully performed to achieve hemostasis by an intervention radiologist. A pigtail catheter was subsequently inserted for the drainage of the large retroperitoneal hematoma. The patient did not show any further hemorrhage and recovered safely from hypovolemic shock. Th present case demonstrates a successful multidisciplinary and minimal invasive approach to manage retroperitoneal bleeding with uterine artery embolization. Thus, it should be considered a potential treatment option for hemostasis.

Inter-modal four-wave mixing study in a two-mode fiber

We demonstrate efficient four-wave mixing among different spatial modes in a 1-km long two-mode fiber at telecommunication wavelengths. Two pumps excite the LP₀₁ and LP₁₁ modes, respectively, while the probe signal excites the LP₀₁ mode, and the phase conjugation (PC) and Bragg scattering (BS) idlers are generated in the LP₁₁ mode. For these processes we experimentally characterize their phase matching efficiency and bandwidth and find that they depend critically on the wavelength separation of the two pumps, in good agreement with the numerical study we carried out. We also confirm experimentally that BS has a larger bandwidth than PC for the optimum choice of the pump wavelength separation.