Hydroxytyrosol Attenuates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice by Regulating Autophagy and Sirtuin Expression

BACKGROUND

Recently, the effects of hydroxytyrosol on autophagy during acute lung injury (ALI) have drawn increasing attention.

OBJECTIVE

We explored the underlying molecular mechanisms by which hydroxytyrosol exerts its anti-inflammatory effects in a murine model of ALI by up-regulating autophagy.

METHODS

Male BALB/c mice, challenged with intranasal instillations of LPS, were treated with or without hydroxytyrosol (HT, 100 mg/kg, intragastrically) 1 h prior to LPS exposure. Twenty-four hours later, lung and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples were obtained for the determination of lung wet to dry weight (W/D) ratios, protein leakage levels, and differential counts of inflammatory cells in BAL fluid. LPS-induced cytokine activity, inflammatory factor levels, sirtuin (SIRT1/3/6) expression, mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, and autophagy marker expression in ALImice were examined by western blotting and staining methods. Molecular docking between HT and SIRT and MAPK was studied with a Sybyl/Surflex module.

RESULTS

LPS-stimulated SIRT inhibition, MAPK phosphorylation, and autophagy suppression were all notably abolished by HT administration. HT treatment significantly attenuated pulmonary edema and inflammatory cell infiltration into lung tissues, accompanied by decreased lung W/D ratios, protein concentrations, and inflammatory cell levels in BAL fluid. LPS driven release of inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and MCP-1, was strongly regulated by HT.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective effect of HT on lung inflammation in ALI mice may be attributed to the promotion of autophagy, which is likely associated with the activation of the SIRT/MAPK signaling pathway. Importantly, this study provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms of HT and its therapeutic potential in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

The fabrication of highly conductive and flexible Ag patterning through baking Ag nanosphere-nanoplate hybrid ink at a low temperature of 100 °C

With the aim of developing highly conductive ink for flexible electronics on heat-sensitive substrates, Ag nanospheres and nanoplates were mixed to synthesize hybrid inks. Five kinds of hybrid ink and two types of pure ink were written to square shape on Epson photo paper using rollerball pens, and sintered at a low temperature (100 °C). The microstructure, electrical resistivity, surface porosity, hardness and flexibility of silver patterns were systematically investigated and compared. It was observed that the optimal mixing ratio of nanospheres and nanoplates was 1:1, which equipped the directly written pattern with excellent electrical and mechanical properties. The electrical resistivity was 0.103 μΩ · m, only 6.5 times that of bulk silver. The enhancement compared to pure silver nanospheres or nanoplates based ink was due to the combined action of nanospheres and nanoplates. This demonstrates a valuable way to prepare Ag nanoink with good performance for printed/written electronics.

Tyrosinase-doped bioink for 3D bioprinting of living skin constructs

Three-dimensional bioprinting is an emerging technology for fabricating living 3D constructs, and it has shown great promise in tissue engineering. Bioinks are scaffold materials mixed with cells used by 3D bioprinting to form a required cell-laden structure. In this paper, a novel bioink made of gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA) and collagen (Col) doped with tyrosinase (Ty) is presented for the 3D bioprinting of living skin tissues. Ty has the dual function of being an essential bioactive compound in the skin regeneration process and also as an enzyme to facilitate the crosslink of Col and GelMA. Further, enzyme crosslinking together with photocrosslinking can enhance the mechanical strength of the bioink. The experimental results show that the bioink is able to form stable 3D living constructs using the 3D bioprinting process. The cell culture shows that three major cell lines: human melanocytes (HEM), human keratinocytes (HaCat) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) exhibit high cell viabilities. The viability of these three cell lines is above 90%. The proliferation and scratching test show that Ty can enhance the proliferation of HEM, inhibit the growth and migration of HDF and not affect HaCat significantly. Animal tests show that the doped bioinks for 3D bioprinting can help form an epidermis and dermis, and thus have high potential as a skin bioink.

[The effects of PM 2.5 and air quality index on the emergency of otolaryngology]

Objective:To discuss the effects of PM 2.5 and air quality index on the emergency of otolaryngology. Method:Collect in 2015 Beijing tongren hospital emergency department patients with acute otitis media, epistaxis, acute epiglottitis as well as the same time Beijing AQI value and the PM 2.5 density data as the experimental group 1, chooses in 2015 first Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University similar patient as well as the same time Zhangjiakou AQI value and the PM 2.5 density as the experimental group 2. Statistics the quantity of each sickness of two groups, and the relationships with PM 2.5 and AQI value; Group all data by AQI value and statistics the differences in the incidence rates of each group. Result:The number of cases of acute otitis media and epistaxis in the 2 experimental group were all correlated with the change of PM 2.5 and AQI value, and the correlation was positive between the two groups, However, the incidence of acute epiglottitis was not significantly correlated with the concentration of PM 2.5 and AQI, and there was no significant correlation between the two. The air quality when severe and more pollution when the number of the cases of acute otitis media and epistaxis compared with good air quality for the number of P<0.05, the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion:The increase of PM 2.5 concentration and AQI index is a health risk factor for acute otitis media and epistaxis.

A study of the probable transmission routes of MERS-CoV during the first hospital outbreak in the Republic of Korea

Infections caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are a serious health issue due to their prevalence and associated mortality. However, the transmission routes of the virus remain unclear, and thus, the current recommended control strategies are not evidence based. In this study, we investigated the transmission routes of MERS-CoV during the first nosocomial outbreak in the Republic of Korea in May 2015 using a multi-agent modeling framework. We identified seven hypothesized transmission modes based on the three main transmission routes (long-range airborne, close contact, and fomite). The infection risks for each hypothesis were estimated using the multi-agent modeling framework. Least-squares fitting was conducted to compare the distribution of the predicted infection risk in the various scenarios with that of the reported attack rates and to identify the hypotheses with the best fit. In the scenarios in which the index patient was a super-spreader, our model simulations suggested that MERS-CoV probably spread via the long-range airborne route. However, it is possible that the index patient shed an average viral load comparable to the loads reported in the literature, and that transmission occurred via a combined long-range airborne and close contact route.

Characterization of air-liquid interface culture of A549 alveolar epithelial cells

Alveolar epithelia play an essential role in maintaining the integrity and homeostasis of lungs, in which alveolar epithelial type II cells (AECII) are a cell type with stem cell potential for epithelial injury repair and regeneration. However, mechanisms behind the physiological and pathological roles of alveolar epithelia in human lungs remain largely unknown, partially owing to the difficulty of isolation and culture of primary human AECII cells. In the present study, we aimed to characterize alveolar epithelia generated from A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells that were cultured in an air-liquid interface (ALI) state. Morphological analysis demonstrated that A549 cells could reconstitute epithelial layers in ALI cultures as evaluated by histochemistry staining and electronic microscopy. Immunofluorescent staining further revealed an expression of alveolar epithelial type I cell (AECI) markers aquaporin-5 protein (AQP-5), and AECII cell marker surfactant protein C (SPC) in subpopulations of ALI cultured cells. Importantly, molecular analysis further revealed the expression of AQP-5, SPC, thyroid transcription factor-1, zonula occludens-1 and Mucin 5B in A549 ALI cultures as determined by both immunoblotting and quantitative RT-PCR assay. These results suggest that the ALI culture of A549 cells can partially mimic the property of alveolar epithelia, which may be a feasible and alternative model for investigating roles and mechanisms of alveolar epithelia in vitro.

[Comparative results of non-operative and operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the difference between non-operative and operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures.

METHODS

From March 2005 to October 2012, 252 cases of humeral shaft fractures were treated and were adequately followed up. According to the treatment methods, the patients were divided into 2 groups: the non-operative group and the operative group. In the non-operative group, there were 76 cases treated with plaster/small splint fixation,meanwhile there were 176 cases treated with internal fixation either by plating or by nailing in the operative group. The follow-up parameters included: fracture healing rate, fracture union time, complications rate, Constant- Murley shoulder score and Mayo elbow score.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was (31.24±20.06) months (ranging 6 to 103 months). There were no statistical differences in age, open fracture number, fracture site and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification between the non-operative group and the operative group. The fracture healing rate: the non-operative group: 96.1%(72/76), the operative group: 97.7%(172/176), P=0.46; the fracture union time: the non-operative group: (10.24±2.93) weeks, the operative group: (10.69±2.51) weeks, P=0.22; the complication rate: the non-operative group: 5.3%(4/76),the operative group: 15.3%(27/176), P=0.03. The complications included: nonunion: the non-operative group: 3.95%(3/76), the operative group: 2.3%(4/176), P=0.434; radial nerve palsies: the non-operative group: 0%(0/76), the operative group: 5.7%(10/176), P=0.035; bone split: the non-operative group: 0%(0/76), the operative group: 1.7%(3/176), P=0.556; elbow stiffness: the non-operative group:1.3%(1/76), the operative group: 0.6%(1/176), P=1.000; shoulder pain: the non-operative group:0%(0/76), the operative group: 5.1%(9/176), P=0.061. The Constant-Murley shoulder score: the non-operative group: 97.37±4.94, the operative group: 96.34±6.88, P=0.244. The Mayo elbow score: the non-operative group: 99.80±1.72, the operative group: 99.49±2.73,P=0.923.

CONCLUSION

The results of non-operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures appeared with excellent results with lower complications rate compared with that of the operative treatment.

[Value of endoscopic ultrasound in early diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis]

Objective: To investigate the value of endoscopic ultrasound in the early diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: A total of 74 patients with liver cirrhosis who were not found to have esophageal or gastric varices by conventional endoscopic examination were enrolled. Endoscopic ultrasound was performed to evaluate its value in the early diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-parametric data between groups, and a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups; the Pearson simple correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis. Results: Among the 74 patients with liver cirrhosis, 3(4.1%)were not found to have esophageal and gastric submucosal varices, peripheral varices, or perforating branches by endoscopic ultrasound. Among the 71 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent endoscopic ultrasound, 16(22.5%)had esophageal submucosal varices, and 22(31.0%)had gastric submucosal varices; 58 patients(81.7%)were found to have at least one type of esophageal peripheral varices. The numbers of patients detected to have paraesophageal varices, periesophageal varices, paragastric varices, and perigastric varices were 29(40.8%), 24(33.8%), 28(39.4%), and 22(31.0%), respectively, which were significantly different from the number in patients with chronic liver diseases(P < 0.05). Among the 71 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent endoscopic ultrasound, 20(28.2%)were found to have perforating branches with esophageal and gastric submucosal varices or peripheral varices, which showed a significant difference from the number in patients with chronic liver diseases(P < 0.05). In patients with liver cirrhosis, esophageal and gastric peripheral varices were associated with esophageal and gastric submucosal varices(P < 0.05). Conclusion: Endoscopic ultrasound has a certain value in the early diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes co-cultured with PBMC increased peripheral CD4+ CXCR5+ ICOS+ T cell numbers

'Circulating' T follicular helper cells (Tfh), characterized by their surface phenotypes CD4⁺ chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5)⁺ inducible co-stimulatory molecule (ICOS)⁺ , have been identified as the CD4⁺ T cell subset specialized in supporting the activation, expansion and differentiation of B cells. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are critical in promoting inflammation and cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the interaction between FLS and T cells is considered to facilitate FLS activation and T cell recruitment. However, it remains unknown whether RA-FLS co-cultured with activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) has immunoregulatory effects on peripheral Tfh. In the present study, we co-cultured RA-FLS with or without anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated PBMC. The results showed that RA-FLS co-cultured with stimulated PBMC could increase the numbers of CD4⁺ CXCR5⁺ ICOS⁺ T cells of RA PBMC possibly via the production of interleukin (IL)-6, a critical cytokine involved in the differentiation of Tfh cells. We also observed increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the co-culture system of RA-FLS and PBMC. The percentage of CD4⁺ CXCR5⁺ ICOS⁺ T cells was decreased when ROS production was inhibited by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a specific inhibitor which can decrease ROS production. In addition, we showed that the higher levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β in the co-culture system and the blocking of TNF receptor 2 (TNF-R2) and IL-1β receptor (IL-1βR) both decreased the numbers of CD4⁺ CXCR5⁺ ICOS⁺ T cells. Our study reveals a novel mechanistic insight into how the interaction of RA-FLS and PBMC participates in the RA pathogenesis, and also provides support for the biologicals application for RA.

A magnetic topological semimetal Sr1-yMn1-zSb2 (y, z < 0.1)

Weyl (WSMs) evolve from Dirac semimetals in the presence of broken time-reversal symmetry (TRS) or space-inversion symmetry. The WSM phases in TaAs-class materials and photonic crystals are due to the loss of space-inversion symmetry. For TRS-breaking WSMs, despite numerous theoretical and experimental efforts, few examples have been reported. In this Article, we report a new type of magnetic semimetal Sr_1-yMn_1-zSb₂ (y, z < 0.1) with nearly massless relativistic fermion behaviour (m^∗ =  0.04 - 0.05m₀, where m₀ is the free-electron mass). This material exhibits a ferromagnetic order for 304 K  <  T  <  565 K, but a canted antiferromagnetic order with a ferromagnetic component for T  <  304 K. The combination of relativistic fermion behaviour and ferromagnetism in Sr_1-yMn_1-zSb₂ offers a rare opportunity to investigate the interplay between relativistic fermions and spontaneous TRS breaking.

Overall survival in EGFR mutated non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with afatinib after EGFR TKI and resistant mechanisms upon disease progression

PURPOSE

To determine survival in afatinib-treated patients after treatment with first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and to study resistance mechanisms in afatinib-resistant tumors.

METHODS

Characteristics and survival of patients treated with afatinib after resistance to erlotinib or gefitinib in two large Dutch centers were collected. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and pathway analysis was performed on available pre- and post-afatinib tumor biopsies and normal tissue.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients were treated with afatinib. T790M mutations were identified in 22/29 (76%) pre-afatinib treatment tumor samples. No difference in median progression-free-survival (2.8 months (95% CI 2.3-3.3) and 2.7 months (95% CI 0.9-4.6), p = 0.55) and median overall-survival (8.8 months (95% CI 4.2-13.4) and 3.6 months (95% CI 2.3-5.0), p = 0.14) were observed in T790M+ patients compared to T790M- mutations. Somatic mutations in TP53, ADAMTS2, CNN2 and multiple genes in the Wnt and PI3K-AKT pathway were observed in post-afatinib tumors of six afatinib-responding and in one non-responding patient. No new EGFR mutations were found in the post-afatinib samples of the six responding patients. Further analyses of post-afatinib progressive tumors revealed 28 resistant specific mutations in six genes (HLA-DRB1, AQP7, FAM198A, SEC31A, CNTLN, and ESX1) in three afatinib responding patients. No known EGFR-TKI resistant-associated copy number gains were acquired in the post-afatinib samples.

CONCLUSION

No differences in survival were observed in patients with EGFR-T790M treated with afatinib compared to those without T790M. Tumors from patients who had progressive disease during afatinib treatment were enriched for mutations in genes involved in Wnt and PI3K-AKT pathways.

Thermal conductivities of phosphorene allotropes from first-principles calculations: a comparative study

Phosphorene has attracted tremendous interest recently due to its intriguing electronic properties. However, the thermal transport properties of phosphorene, especially for its allotropes, are still not well-understood. In this work, we calculate the thermal conductivities of five phosphorene allotropes (α-, β-, γ-, δ- and ζ-phase) by using phonon Boltzmann transport theory combined with first-principles calculations. It is found that the α-phosphorene exhibits considerable anisotropic thermal transport, while it is less obvious in the other four phosphorene allotropes. The highest thermal conductivity is found in the β-phosphorene, followed by the δ-, γ- and ζ-phase. The much lower thermal conductivity of the ζ-phase can be attributed to its relatively complex atomic configuration. It is expected that the rich thermal transport properties of phosphorene allotropes can have potential applications in the thermoelectrics and thermal management.

Effects of freeze-thawing cycles on desorption behaviors of PAH-contaminated soil in the presence of a biosurfactant: a case study in western Canada

Many regions in Canada are facing increasing environmental threats posed by oil and gas exploitation and transportation. These contaminated lands are inevitably subjected to seasonal and diurnal freeze-thawing cycles (FTCs). However, knowledge about the effect of FTCs on the behaviours of hydrophobic contaminants during the aging process of soil is limited. This study investigated the desorption characteristics of phenanthrene in aging soils in the presence of the biosurfactant rhamnolipid under diurnal and seasonal FTC treatments. It was found that the presence of rhamnolipid in soil during the aging process was able to increase the desorption efficiency of phenanthrene. In the presence of rhamnolipid above 100 mg L^-1, FTCs could inhibit the sequestration of phenanthrene. Soil moisture and rhamnolipid concentration are two major factors affecting this effect. High moisture content and FTC frequency could lead to lower desorption in the early stage of FTCs due to the increased specific surface area. The sequestration of phenanthrene was less effectively hindered under seasonal FTCs than diurnal FTCs. The results from this study have important implications for understanding the role of surfactants in cold-region soil aging, and for the improvement of site remediation strategies of PAH contaminated soil in cold regions.

Metal-polydopamine frameworks and their transformation to hollow metal/N-doped carbon particles

We present a new strategy for in situ transformation of metal-organic framework (MOF) crystals to hollow metal-organic structures through polycondensation of dopamine. The hollow metal-polydopamine (PDA) particles are formed by a coordination assembly of metal ions (Co and Zn) and PDA, inheriting the morphology of MOF (ZIF-67 and ZIF-8) crystals. The hollow porous metal/N-carbon particles morphosynthetically transformed from hollow metal-PDA particles exhibit excellent oxygen reduction electrocatalytic activity. The strategy presented here is promising for synthesizing hollow metal-organic polymer (metal-carbon) particles with diverse morphologies for energy and environmental applications.

Hormone therapy for premature ovarian insufficiency patients with malignant hematologic diseases

OBJECTIVES

The current usage of hormone therapy (HT) among perimenopausal women is low in China, especial in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) with malignant hematologic diseases. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of HT in POI patients with malignant hematologic diseases who have received myeloablative chemotherapy and hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

METHODS

Patients who had POI after myeloablative chemotherapy and HSCT for malignant hematologic diseases were enrolled. Questionnaires with information about characteristics, menstrual status, sex hormone levels and menopausal symptoms were used to evaluate the relief from menopausal symptoms and safety of HT.

RESULTS

Among 130 cases, 103 (79.2%) patients had perimenopausal symptoms. The mean total Kupperman menopausal index score changed significantly from 13.50 ± 7.128 to 6.13 ± 5.97 after HT for 24 months. Among the 118 patients who received estrogen/progestin cyclic sequential therapy, 89 (75.4%) had withdrawal bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Myeloablative chemotherapy against leukemia may cause POI. HT may relieve perimenopausal symptoms after myeloablative chemotherapy and HSCT. HT was safe and no excessive recurrences or mortality were seen in the hormone-treated group for patients who survived from malignant hematologic diseases and who received HSCT.

Students’ Value Orientations in Contemporary China: Analysis of Measurement Invariance and Latent Mean Differences in Comparison With Students From Germany and Russia

The present study examined Chinese students’ personal value orientations according to the Schwartz value theory in comparison with students from Germany and Russia. The theory postulates 10 value orientations grouped into four higher-order factors: conservation versus openness to change and self-transcendence versus self-enhancement. Schwartz’ value orientations have been extensively investigated in Europe but less in East Asian countries such as China. We hypothesized that Chinese students would score higher on conservation and self-enhancement than German and Russian students, but lower on self-transcendence. Regarding openness to change, a null hypothesis was formulated. Students from China ( n = 9,601), Germany ( n = 1,118), and Russia ( n = 3,890) completed the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ-21). To ensure methodological preconditions for cross-cultural comparison, measurement invariance of the PVQ-21 was tested. In a first step, confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted separately for each country. Due to the high correlation between the 10 values, the four higher-order dimensions were studied separately. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance models were tested using multigroup CFA. Full metric and partial scalar invariance models held for all higher-order factors. Thereafter, latent means of values were compared across samples. As a result, Chinese students scored highest on the four higher-order dimensions when compared with Russian and German samples, thus the hypotheses were only partly confirmed. Results of this study could reflect the value conflicts emerging from various cultural influences in contemporary China: Young people are confronted with daily negotiation between Confucian tradition and the rapid economic development.

Characterization and expression of Megalobrama amblycephala toll-like receptor 22 involved in the response to Aeromonas hydrophila

The toll-like receptors (TLR) tlr22 was identified and characterized for the first time in one of the economically most important freshwater fish species in China, Megalobrama amblycephala. The full-length cDNA (4039 bp) of M. amblycephala tlr22 contains an open reading frame of 2706 bp, encoding a 901 amino-acid long polypeptide. The putative polypeptide contains 16 leucine-rich repeat (LRR) motifs, an LRR C-terminal, a transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic toll-interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that M. amblycephala Tlr22 shared the closest relationship with a grass carp ortholog. tlr22 was constitutively expressed in nine tissues and during 10 developmental stages studied, albeit with varying expression levels. Along with many pathological changes observed after Aeromonas hydrophila bacterium infection, tlr22 and myd88 mRNA were significantly upregulated in blood, head kidney, spleen and intestine, indicating that tlr22 is involved in the immune response. These results provide an insight into tlr22 regulation mechanisms in the innate immune response to bacterial infection.

Short-range airborne transmission of expiratory droplets between two people

The occurrence of close proximity infection for many respiratory diseases is often cited as evidence of large droplet and/or close contact transmission. We explored interpersonal exposure of exhaled droplets and droplet nuclei of two standing thermal manikins as affected by distance, humidity, ventilation, and breathing mode. Under the specific set of conditions studied, we found a substantial increase in airborne exposure to droplet nuclei exhaled by the source manikin when a susceptible manikin is within about 1.5 m of the source manikin, referred to as the proximity effect. The threshold distance of about 1.5 m distinguishes the two basic transmission processes of droplets and droplet nuclei, that is, short-range modes and the long-range airborne route. The short-range modes include both the conventional large droplet route and the newly defined short-range airborne transmission. We thus reveal that transmission occurring in close proximity to the source patient includes both droplet-borne (large droplet) and short-range airborne routes, in addition to the direct deposition of large droplets on other body surfaces. The mechanisms of the droplet-borne and short-range airborne routes are different; their effective control methods also differ. Neither the current droplet precautions nor dilution ventilation prevents short-range airborne transmission, so new control methods are needed.

Role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in regulating erythropoietin-induced activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

AIMS

Erythropoietin (EPO), the key hormone involved in erythropoiesis, beneficially affects endothelial cells (ECs), but the detailed mechanisms are yet to be completely understood. In this study, we investigated the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), a ligand-gated non-selective calcium (Ca²⁺ ) channel, in EPO-mediated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and angiogenesis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In ECs, EPO time dependently increased intracellular levels of calcium; this increase was abrogated by the Ca²⁺ chelators and pharmacological inhibitors of TRPV1 in bovine aortic ECs (BAECs) and TRPV1-transfected HEK293 cells. In addition, EPO-induced nitrite oxide (NO) production, phosphorylation of eNOS, Akt and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the formation of TRPV1-Akt-AMPK-eNOS complex as well as tube formation were diminished by the pharmacological inhibition of TRPV1 in BAECs. Moreover, EPO time dependently induced the phosphorylation of phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1). Inhibition of PLC-γ1 activity blunted the EPO-induced Ca²⁺ influx, eNOS phosphorylation, TRPV1-eNOS complex formation and NO production. The phosphorylated level of eNOS increased in the aortas of EPO-treated wild-type (WT) mice or EPO-transgenic (Tg) mice but not in those of EPO-treated TRPV1-deficient (TRPV1^-/- ) mice or EPO-Tg/TRPV1^-/- mice. Matrigel plug assay showed that EPO-induced angiogenesis was abrogated in TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine-treated WT mice and TRPV1^-/- mice.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate the EPO-induced Ca²⁺ influx via the activation of the PLC-γ1 signalling pathway, which leads to TRPV1 activation and consequently increases the association of the TRPV1-Akt-AMPK-eNOS complex, eNOS activation, NO production and angiogenesis.

Critical roles of conventional dendritic cells in promoting T cell-dependent hepatitis through regulating natural killer T cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) play critical roles in initiating and regulating innate immunity as well as adaptive immune responses. However, the role of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in concanavalin A (ConA)-induced fulminant hepatitis is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that depletion of cDCs using either CD11c-diphtheria toxin receptor transgenic mice (DTR Tg) mice or anti-CD11c antibody reduced the severity of liver injury significantly, indicating a detrimental role of cDCs in ConA-induced hepatitis. We elucidated further the pathological role of cDCs as being the critical source of interleukin (IL)-12, which induced the secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ by natural killer (NK) T cells. Reconstitution of cDCs-depleted mice with IL-12 restored ConA-induced hepatitis significantly. Furthermore, we determined that NK T cells were the target of DC-derived IL-12, and NK T cells contributed to liver inflammation and injury through production of IFN-γ. In summary, our study demonstrated a novel function of cDCs in mediating ConA-induced hepatitis through regulating IFN-γ secretion of NK T cells in an IL-12-dependent fashion. Targeting cDCs might provide potentially therapeutic applications in treating autoimmune related liver diseases.

Evaporation and dispersion of respiratory droplets from coughing

Understanding how respiratory droplets become droplet nuclei and their dispersion is essential for understanding the mechanisms and control of disease transmission via droplet-borne and airborne routes. A theoretical model was developed to estimate the size of droplet nuclei and their dispersion as a function of the ambient humidity and droplet composition. The model-predicted dried droplet nuclei size was 32% of the original diameter, which agrees with the maximum residue size in the classic study by Duguid, 1946, Edinburg Med. J., 52, 335 and the validation experiment in this study, but is smaller than the 50% size predicted by Nicas et al., 2005, J. Occup. Environ. Hyg., 2, 143. The droplet nuclei size at a relative humidity of 90% (25°C) could be 30% larger than the size of the same droplet at a relative humidity of less than 67.3% (25°C). The trajectories of respiratory droplets in a cough jet are significantly affected by turbulence, which promotes the wide dispersion of droplets. We found that medium-sized droplets (e.g., 60 μm) are more influenced by humidity than are smaller and larger droplets, while large droplets (≥100 μm), whose travel is less influenced by humidity, quickly settle out of the jet.

Understanding the electronic and phonon transport properties of a thermoelectric material BiCuSeO: a first-principles study

Using the first-principles pseudopotential method and Boltzmann transport theory, we give a comprehensive understanding of the electronic and phonon transport properties of a thermoelectric material BiCuSeO.

Cellular and molecular basis for stress-induced depression

Chronic stress has a crucial role in the development of psychiatric diseases, such as anxiety and depression. Dysfunction of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been linked to the cognitive and emotional deficits induced by stress. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular determinants in mPFC for stress-associated mental disorders. Here we show that chronic restraint stress induces the selective loss of p11 (also known as annexin II light chain, S100A10), a multifunctional protein binding to 5-HT receptors, in layer II/III neurons of the prelimbic cortex (PrL), as well as depression-like behaviors, both of which are reversed by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the tricyclic class of antidepressant (TCA) agents. In layer II/III of the PrL, p11 is highly concentrated in dopamine D2 receptor-expressing (D2⁺) glutamatergic neurons. Viral expression of p11 in D2⁺ PrL neurons alleviates the depression-like behaviors exhibited by genetically manipulated mice with D2⁺ neuron-specific or global deletion of p11. In stressed animals, overexpression of p11 in D2⁺ PrL neurons rescues depression-like behaviors by restoring glutamatergic transmission. Our results have identified p11 as a key molecule in a specific cell type that regulates stress-induced depression, which provides a framework for the development of new strategies to treat stress-associated mental illnesses.

93 BLASTOCYST BISECTION TO MULTIPLY BIOPSIED AND VITRIFIED BOVINE EMBRYOS

Dairy cattle breeding schemes increasingly integrate embryo-based genomic selection to accelerate genetic gain. In contrast to the single offspring produced with conventional animal-based genomic selection, multifactorial IVF between elite parents increases genotypes for selection. Genetically superior embryos are identified from biopsies, and only those with the desired genotypes are transferred. To manage the logistics of such schemes, and enable seasonally born progeny, the cryo-preservation of embryos after biopsy and before embryo transfer is critical. Here, we compare 2 methods of cryo-preserving biopsied Day 7 blastocysts and report results from bisecting blastocysts to increase the number of selected embryos for transfer. Abattoir-sourced oocytes were matured in vitro and fertilized with sperm from a single sire. Embryos were cultured for 7 days in a modified Synthetic Oviduct Fluid medium. Approximately 15 cells were biopsied from the mural trophectoderm of grade 1 and 2 blastocysts in Embryo Hold medium minus BSA, using a micro-surgical blade (Bioniche Animal Health, Athens, GA, USA). Following biopsy, each blastocyst was cultured in Embryo Hold with 3 mg mL−1 BSA for ~2 h at 38.5°C to allow for re-expansion. In Experiment 1, embryos were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 cryo-preservation treatments: conventional slow freezing or the Cryologic vitrification method (CVM). Slow freezing entailed freezing in 1.5 M ethylene glycol and 0.1 M sucrose. The CVM involved a 2-step vitrification protocol, with 15% of both ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulphoxide in the final solution comprising Embryo Hold, 20% FCS, 1 M sucrose, and 0.1 mM Ficoll (GE Healthcare). Selected embryos were thawed/warmed and transferred in pairs to the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum of each synchronized recipient heifer. In Experiment 2, each biopsied blastocyst was individually vitrified using CVM. Following warming, blastocysts were bisected into approximately equal halves. After ~2 h recovery, pairs of demi-embryos were transferred to recipients categorized with either normal (>2.5, <7 ng mL−1) or low (≥2, <2.5 ng mL−1) plasma progesterone concentrations on Day 5 after oestrus. Embryo survival in both experiments was monitored by ultrasonography of fetal heartbeats up to Day 65 of gestation. Statistical significance was determined using Fisher’s exact test. In Experiment 1, embryo survival on Day 65 was significantly greater with CVM than slow freezing (25/54 = 46% v. 9/54 = 17%; P = 0.002). In Experiment 2, there was no significant difference in the number of fetuses as a percentage of original blastocysts, regardless of normal versus low progesterone levels (13/22 = 59% v. 4/9 = 44%, respectively). In conclusion, vitrification is superior for cryo-preserving biopsied blastocysts, possibly reducing cryo-damage compared with conventional slow freezing, and achieves rates of in vivo development similar to fresh IVF embryos. Embryo bisection potentially provides only a modest increase in the probability of generating a calf from each valuable, genomically selected embryo. Improving embryo competency and other methods of multiplication may maximize this likelihood.

Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope Predicts Major Cardiac Events in Patients With End-Stage Heart Failure

INTRODUCTION

Oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) has been shown as a predictor of stable heart failure (HF) survival. However, there is a lack of evidence for end-stage HF.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of OUES in end-stage HF patients.

METHODS

The study design was a retrospective cohort. End-staged HF patients who had cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) for evaluation between 2004 and 2009 were included. The primary outcomes were cardiac death and heart transplantation. The independent survival predictors were determined using Cox regression hazard model adjusted for demographics, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, medication, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test were used. Probability values less than .05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Mean age of the 128 patients was 50 ± 12 years and 93 were male. Mean LVEF was 23% ± 9%. Forty-three subjects suffered cardiac events (5 cardiac deaths and 38 urgent heart transplantations) during the 2-year follow-up period. Cox regression indicated that OUES and diuretics were significant predictors of 2-year survival, although peak oxygen uptake and ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide were not. Patients with high OUES (≥1.6) had a higher survival rate (P < .001; odds ratio [OR], 13.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.30-58.63). The Kaplan-Meier curves show survival was significantly higher in those with OUES ≥1.6.

CONCLUSIONS

OUES might be an aid in prognosis of patients with end-stage HF and useful in the assessment of patients unable to perform maximal exercise testing.

[Chinese multicenter randomized trial of customized chemotherapy based on BRCA1 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 1)-RAP80 (receptor-associated protein 80) mRNA expression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients]

Objective: BRCA1 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 1) and RAP80 (receptor-associated protein 80) play key roles in predicting chemosensitivity of platinum and taxanes. A randomized trial was carried out to compare non-selected cisplatin-based chemotherapy with therapy customized according to BRCA1 and RAP80 expression. Methods: Advanced stage NSCLC patients whose tumor specimen was sufficient for molecular analysis were randomized (1∶3) to the control or experimental arm. Patients in the control arm received docetaxel/cisplatin; in the experimental arm, patients with low RAP80 expression received gemcitabine/cisplatin (Arm 1), those with intermediate/high RAP80 expression and low/intermediate BRCA1expression received docetaxel/cisplatin (Arm 2), and those with intermediate/high RAP80 expression and high BRCA1 expression received docetaxel alone (Arm 3). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: 226 patients were screened and 124 were randomized in this trial. ORR in the four subgroups was 22.6%, 48.4%, 30.3% and 19.2%, respectively (P=0.08); PFS was 4.74, 5.59, 3.78 and 2.73 months, respectively (P=0.55); and OS was 10.82, 14.44, 10.86 and 10.86 months, respectively (P=0.84). The common adverse effects included neutropenia, nausea, anemia and fatigue. Conclusions: No statistically significant difference of ORR, PFS or OS is observed in the experimental arms compared with the control arm. Patients with low RAP80 mRNA levels have a trend of better survival and higher response rate to gemcitabine/cisplatin chemotherapy.

Investigation of the size effect for photonic crystals

Three types of photonic crystal (PC) thin films have been prepared for the investigation of their deformation behaviors by nanoindentation tests at the microscale and nanoscale. Each type of PC thin film was composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles with a uniform size. Another type of thin film was prepared by assembling nanoparticles with three different sizes. It was exciting to observe that the hardness and Young's modulus were significantly improved (more than 15 times) in well-ordered PC thin films than disordered ones. Furthermore, size-dependent mechanical properties were observed for the three types of PCs. Such a size effect phenomenon can be attributed to the special polycrystalline material having a periodical face-centered cubic structure of PC thin films. Furthermore, the indentation size effect that shows that the indentation hardness decreases with an increasing indentation depth has also been observed for all four types of thin films. It is conjectured that the application of the PC structure to other functional materials may enhance their mechanical properties.