Semen quality in adult male survivors 5 years after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

The influence of the Wenchuan earthquake on semen quality of adult male survivors is unclear. We investigated the semen quality included 673 male survivors from the worse-affected counties in the earthquake between Aug 2008 and July 2013. Semen parameters including pH, volume, concentration, motility and morphology were measured according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance was used to examine the statistical differences between years, and a logistic regression was used to analyse the impacts caused by earthquake on the changes of semen quality. We found the medians (5th and 95th) were 2.5 ml (0.6-5.5) for semen volume, 59.0 × 10⁶  ml^-1 [(13.0-133.0)] × 10⁶  ml^-1 for semen concentration, 46% (13-64%) for sperm progressive motility and 3.0% (0-17.5%) for normal morphology for adult male survivors. Semen concentration, the percentage of sperm progressive motility, total motility and sperm normal morphology were all decreased in the first 3 years, and the differences among years 1, 2 and 3 were significant except the percentage of sperm progressive motility (P < 0.05). The casualties and heavy housing damage caused by earthquake had a negative effect on semen quality. The main findings will provide further diagnosis and therapy basis of male fertility by data, for affected populations in the earthquake.

Haploidentical transplant for myelodysplastic syndrome: registry-based comparison with identical sibling transplant

Encouraging results from a small sample of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) undergoing haploidentical donor (HID) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) must be extended. Furthermore, an algorithm derived from a comparison of the outcomes of HID and identical-sibling donor (ISD) HSCT must be established. Therefore, the outcomes of 454 MDS patients who underwent HSCT from HIDs (n=226) or ISDs (n=228) between 2003 and 2013 that were reported to the Chinese Bone Marrow Transplantation Registry were analyzed. Among the 3/6 HID (n=136), 4-5/6 HID (n=90) and ISD patient groups, the 4-year adjusted cumulative incidences of non-relapse mortality were 34, 29 and 16%, respectively (overall P=0.004), and of relapse were 6, 7 and 10%, respectively (overall P=0.36). The 4-year adjusted probabilities of overall survival were 58, 63 and 73%, respectively (overall P=0.07), and of relapse-free-survival were 58, 63 and 71%, respectively (overall P=0.14); pairwise comparison showed that the difference was only statistically significant in the 3/6 HID vs ISD pair. The data suggest that ISDs remain the best donor source for MDS patients while HIDs (perhaps 4-5/6 HID in particular) could be a valid alternative when an ISD is not available; human leukocyte antigen disparity had no effect on survival among the HID patients.

Association between a point mutation at the -743-bp region of the transthyretin (TTR) gene and familial vitreous amyloidosis

The aim of this study was to identify changes in the base sequence of the upstream regulatory region of the transthyretin (TTR) gene. Whole-blood DNA was extracted from ten subjects belonging to a family with familial amyloidosis vitreoretinopathy; the upstream regulatory sequence was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, detected by gel electrophoresis, and sequenced. The DNA sequence of the upstream regulatory region of the TTR gene was successfully sequenced, and a point mutation (-743A→T) was identified in six of the ten blood samples: four patients and two family members without disease incidence. Therefore, a point mutation was identified in the upstream regulatory region of the TTR gene in a Han Chinese family with familial vitreous amyloidosis.

A single fas gene mutation changes lupus onset, severity, location, and molecular abnormalities in mice

Although genetic predisposition plays a major role in the progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its variation in symptoms, the precise relationships between genetic changes and disease status are not well understood. Here, to demonstrate the effect of a single gene mutation on disease etiology, we examined two mouse models of SLE with the same genetic background but different Fas genes. Mice with the Fas(lpr) gene developed severe SLE with renal dysfunction and inflammatory responses in the lung and kidney. By contrast, mice with the Fas(+) gene showed disease-related abnormalities in the liver and joints. Patterns of inflammatory disease markers differed across organs between the two lines of mice. Fas(lpr) mice showed greater MMP signals in the kidney and IL-11 signals in the lung than Fas(+) mice. Fas(+) mice had higher IL-11 signal intensity in the knee region and higher CXCR4 signal intensity in the liver than Fas(lpr) mice. Our results exemplify the complexity of disease and suggest the need for individualized target-specific treatment regimens. Strengths and Limitations of this Study: Fas gene is a well characterized gene in this disease. The molecular components in human disease need more clinical data.

[Effect of chitooligosaccharide on hepatic triglyceride metabolism and related mechanisms]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of chitooligosaccharide (COS) on hepatic triglyceride (TG) metabolism and related mechanisms.

METHODS

The LO2 cells treated by 1 mmol/L fatty acid were used as model group, the cells treated by 1 mmol/L fatty acid and 0.5 mg/ml COS were used as COS group, and the untreated cells were used as control group. The TG content in cells was measured. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and carnitine palmityl transferase 1A (CPT1A) in each group. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control group, high-fat group, and COS group to receive different treatments. Sixteen weeks later, the liver was harvested for HE and oil red O staining to measure the content of TG in the liver. The t-test or one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of data between groups, and the SNK method was used for comparison of data between any two groups.

RESULTS

The LO2 cells in the model group had an increased number of lipid droplets and an increased TG content, and after COS treatment, the TG content was low. The COS group had significantly lower relative mRNA expression of SREBP-1c and FAS compared with the model group (1.135 ± 0.177 vs 2.322 ± 0.198,F= 60.457,P< 0.01; 1.226 ± 0.150 vs 1.801 ± 0.159,F= 24.753,P< 0.01), while compared with the control group, the COS group had significantly higher mRNA expression of CPT1A (1.254 ± 0.156 vs 1.908 ± 0.087,F= 31.734,P< 0.01). The COS group had significantly lower protein expression of SREBP-1c and FAS than the model group (0.161 ± 0.081 vs 0.351±0.016,F= 188.920,P< 0.01; 0.332 ± 0.023 vs 1.238 ± 0.051,F= 624.069,P< 0.01), and significantly higher protein expression of CPT1A than the model group (1.014 ± 0.033 vs 0.561 ± 0.046,F= 193.793,P< 0.01). COS reduced the TG content in the liver in rats on high-fat diet.

CONCLUSION

COS can reduce the accumulation of TG in the hepatocyte model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and in the liver in rats on high-fat diet, and the possible mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of SREBP-1c and downstream FAS, reducing the synthesis of TG, increasing the expression of CPT1A, and accelerating the breakdown of TG.

Differential regulation of LncRNA-SARCC suppresses VHL-mutant RCC cell proliferation yet promotes VHL-normal RCC cell proliferation via modulating androgen receptor/HIF-2α/C-MYC axis under hypoxia

It is well established that hypoxia contributes to tumor progression in a hypoxia inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α)-dependent manner in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), yet the role of long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) involved in hypoxia-mediated RCC progression remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that LncRNA-SARCC (Suppressing Androgen Receptor in Renal Cell Carcinoma) is differentially regulated by hypoxia in a von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-dependent manner both in RCC cell culture and clinical specimens. LncRNA-SARCC can suppress hypoxic cell cycle progression in the VHL-mutant RCC cells while derepress it in the VHL-restored RCC cells. Mechanism dissection reveals that LncRNA-SARCC can post-transcriptionally regulate androgen receptor (AR) by physically binding and destablizing AR protein to suppress AR/HIF-2α/C-MYC signals. In return, HIF-2α can transcriptionally regulate the LncRNA-SARCC expression via binding to hypoxia-responsive elements on the promoter of LncRNA-SARCC. The negative feedback modulation between LncRNA-SARCC/AR complex and HIF-2α signaling may then lead to differentially modulated RCC progression in a VHL-dependent manner. Together, these results may provide us a new therapeutic approach via targeting this newly identified signal from LncRNA-SARCC to AR-mediated HIF-2α/C-MYC signals against RCC progression.

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulation of the effects of stacking faults on the radiation response of 3C-SiC

In this study, an ab initio molecular dynamics method is employed to investigate how the existence of stacking faults (SFs) influences the response of SiC to low energy irradiation. It reveals that the C and Si atoms around the SFs are generally more difficult to be displaced than those in unfaulted SiC, and the corresponding threshold displacement energies for them are generally larger, indicative of enhanced radiation tolerance caused by the introduction of SFs, which agrees well with the recent experiment. As compared with the unfaulted state, more localized point defects are generated in faulted SiC. Also, the efficiency of damage production for Si recoils is generally higher than that of C recoils. The calculated potential energy increases for defect generation in SiC with intrinsic and extrinsic SFs are found to be higher than those in unfaulted SiC, due to the stronger screen-Coulomb interaction between the PKA and its neighbors. The presented results provide a fundamental insight into the underlying mechanism of displacement events in faulted SiC and will help to advance the understanding of the radiation response of SiC with and without SFs.

3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase: an essential actor in the biosynthesis of cantharidin in the blister beetle Epicauta chinensis Laporte

Cantharidin (C(10)H(12)O(4)) is a monoterpene defensive toxin in insects involved in chemical defence as well as in courtship and mating behaviours. It is relatively well known in the medical literature because of its high anticancer activity and as an effective therapy for molluscum contagiosum. However, little is known about its biosynthesis pathway in vivo, and no enzyme involved in cantharidin biosynthesis has been identified. The purpose of this study was to identify the crucial enzyme that is involved in the biosynthesis of cantharidin. Using the homology cloning method, a 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) gene, the rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, was cloned from the blister beetle Epicauta chinensis. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and gas chromatography methods revealed that the HMGR transcripts had a positive correlation with cantharidin production in the beetles (R = 0.891). RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of HMGR mRNA expression was achieved by microinjection of a specific double-stranded RNA with more than 90% RNAi efficiency, and an apparent decrease of cantharidin production was observed. Furthermore, the HMGR mRNA was greatly upregulated by exogenous juvenile hormone III (JH III), and cantharidin production was also raised in males; however, when injecting the JH III with RNAi of HMGR mRNA at the same time, cantharidin production did not rise. These results demonstrate that HMGR is an essential enzyme in cantharidin biosynthesis in the blister beetle E. chinensis, which further verifies previous research results demonstrating that cantharidin is synthesized de novo by the mevalonate pathway in blister beetles.

Effect of steam explosion pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of rice straw

Steam explosion pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of rice straw.

-1195 A/G promoter variants of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene increases the risk of pain occurrence in endometriotic women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between -1195 A/G polymorphism in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene and the risk of pain occurrence in women with endometriosis (EM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

-1195 A/G polymorphism in the promoter region of COX-2 gene was analyzed in 32 EM patients with pain, 28 EM patients without pain, and 29 healthy controls in a Chinese population using a PCR-RFLP assay.

RESULTS

AA homozygote carriers and A allelic frequencies for -1195 A/G polymorphism in COX-2 gene were significantly increased in EM patients compared with the healthy controls (p < 0.001). In addition, further subgroup analysis revealed that the AA genotype and A allele of the -1195 A/G variant were present at a significantly higher frequency in the severe pain group than those in the mild and moderate pain groups. Compared with the controls, the risk of developing EM was 2.86-fold higher in individuals with -1195 AA containing the haplotype, and the risk of developing pain was 2.33-fold higher in EM patients with -1195 AA containing the haplotype.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the -1195 A/G on the promoter region of COX-2 gene may increase the risk of pain occurrence in EM women, possibly by affecting the rate of gene expression, especially in patients with the pain phenotype.

MicroRNA-215 functions as a tumor suppressor and directly targets ZEB2 in human pancreatic cancer

It has been shown that microRNA-215 (miR-215) is dysregulated in several human malignancies, and this correlates with tumor progression. However, its expression and function in pancreatic cancer is still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of miR-215 on pancreatic cancer formation and progression. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we detected miR-215 expression in pancreatic cancer cell lines and primary tumor tissues. The association of miR-215 expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis was also analyzed. We then observed the effects of miR-215 on the biological behavior of pancreatic cancer cells. Lastly, the potential regulatory function of miR-215 on ZEB2 expression was investigated. miR-215 expression levels were significantly downregulated in pancreatic cancer samples and cell lines. Decreased miR-215 expression was significantly associated with large tumor size, advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, vessel invasion, and lower overall survival. Multivariate regression analysis corroborated that downregulation of miR-215 was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor. Overexpression of miR-215 inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration; promoted cell apoptosis in vitro; and suppressed tumorigenicity in vivo. Further, ZEB2 was confirmed as a direct target of miR-215 by using a luciferase reporter assay. These findings indicate that miR-215 may act as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer cells, and could serve as a novel therapeutic target for miR-based therapy.

Mutation analysis of four Chinese families with pure hereditary spastic paraplegia: pseudo- X-linked dominant inheritance and male lethality due to a novel ATL1 mutation

We studied four Chinese families with pure hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) to investigate the clinical features and associated genetic mutations. Linkage analysis was performed for all families to map the disease locus onto autosomal chromosomes, and related loci involved in HSP on the X chromosome were also examined. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing was used to detect gene mutations. To confirm the influence of a splice-site mutation on mRNA, we used reverse transcription-PCR and direct sequencing. Linkage analysis and ATL1 gene sequencing of amniocytes were performed for prenatal genetic diagnosis. One missense variant (c.1517T>A) and a splice-site mutation (c.1245+1G>A) in SPAST, and two missense variants (c.715C>T, c.1204T>G) in ATL1 were identified. The c.1245+1G>A mutation caused a deletion of exon 9 in the SPAST gene. Prenatal genetic diagnosis showed that fetus did not carry the ALT1 c.1204T>G mutation. Follow-up was maintained for 5 years, and the negative result was confirmed by evidence of a healthy growing boy. We identified two novel mutations and two previously reported mutations in SPAST and ATL1, respectively. The family with the ATL1 c.1204T>G mutation exhibited male-lethality, female infancy-onset, and pseudo- X-linked dominant transmission, which had never been previously reported for HSP. Characteristic facial features were also noticed. The boy on whom prenatal gene diagnosis was performed is healthy and without unusual facies, suggesting that the c.1204T>G mutation might be related to these features. The results extend the genetic spectrum of HSP and suggest that linkage analysis remains a powerful tool in gene discovery studies.

Note: Upgrade of electron cyclotron emission imaging system and preliminary results on HL-2A tokamak

The electron cyclotron emission imaging system on the HL-2A tokamak has been upgraded to 24 (poloidally) × 16 (radially) channels based on the previous 24 × 8 array. The measurement region can be flexibly shifted due to the independence of the two local oscillator sources, and the field of view can be adjusted easily by changing the position of the zoom lenses. The temporal resolution is about 2.5 μs and the achievable spatial resolution is 1 cm. After laboratory calibration, it was installed on HL-2A tokamak in 2014, and the local 2D mode structures of MHD activities were obtained for the first time.

IL-17A and IL-17F polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk: a meta-analysis

We conducted a meta-analysis of eligible studies to estimate the association between gastric cancer risk and rs2275913G>A IL-17A and rs763780T>C IL-17F polymorphisms. We searched the relevant studies in both Chinese and English through PubMed, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE up to January 1, 2014, including 3939 cases and 5407 controls. Seven eligible case-control studies were selected, including seven studies on rs2275913G>A IL-17A and four studies on rs763780T>C IL-17F. The rs2275913 AG [odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.04-2.15] and GG (OR = 1.40, 95%CI = 1.00-1.96) genotypes were significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer compared with the AA genotype. The rs763780 TC (OR = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.32-1.64) and TT (OR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.11-1.99) gen-otypes can influence gastric cancer risk. Subgroup analysis showed that rs2275913 GG (OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.05-1.73) and rs763780 TC (OR= 1.44, 95%CI = 1.20-1.75) genotypes were not significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer in Japanese populations. Our meta-analysis is the first to indicate that the rs2275913G>A and rs763780T>C polymor-phisms are risk factors for gastric cancer development.

Inflammatory Responses, Spirometry, and Quality of Life in Subjects With Bronchiectasis Exacerbations

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis exacerbations are critical events characterized by worsened symptoms and signs (ie, cough frequency, sputum volume, malaise).

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to examine variations in airway and systemic inflammation, spirometry, and quality of life during steady state, bronchiectasis exacerbations, and convalescence (1 week following a 2-week antibiotic treatment) to determine whether potentially pathogenic microorganisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were associated with poorer conditions during bronchiectasis exacerbations.

METHODS

Peripheral blood and sputum were sampled to detect inflammatory mediators and bacterial densities. Spirometry and quality of life (St George Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ]) were assessed during the 3 stages.

RESULTS

Forty-eight subjects with bronchiectasis (43.2 ± 14.2 y of age) were analyzed. No notable differences in species and density of potentially pathogenic microorganisms were found during bronchiectasis exacerbations. Except for CXCL8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), serum inflammation was heightened during bronchiectasis exacerbations and recovered during convalescence. Even though sputum TNF-α was markedly higher during bronchiectasis exacerbations and remained heightened during convalescence, the variations in miscellaneous sputum markers were unremarkable. Bronchiectasis exacerbations were associated with notably higher SGRQ symptom and total scores, which recovered during convalescence. FVC, FEV1, and maximum mid-expiratory flow worsened during bronchiectasis exacerbations (median change from baseline of -2.2%, -0.8%, and -1.3%) and recovered during convalescence (median change from baseline of 0.6%, 0.7%, and -0.7%). Compared with no bacterial isolation, potentially pathogenic microorganism or P. aeruginosa isolation at baseline did not result in poorer clinical condition during bronchiectasis exacerbations.

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchiectasis exacerbations are characterized by heightened inflammatory responses and poorer quality of life and spirometry, but not by increased bacterial density, which applies for subjects with and without potentially pathogenic microorganism isolation when clinically stable. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT01761214.).

Gate-controlled generation of optical pulse trains using individual carbon nanotubes

In single-walled carbon nanotubes, electron–hole pairs form tightly bound excitons because of limited screening. These excitons display a variety of interactions and processes that could be exploited for applications in nanoscale photonics and optoelectronics. Here we report on optical pulse-train generation from individual air-suspended carbon nanotubes under an application of square-wave gate voltages. Electrostatically induced carrier accumulation quenches photoluminescence, while a voltage sign reversal purges those carriers, resetting the nanotubes to become luminescent temporarily. Frequency-domain measurements reveal photoluminescence recovery with characteristic frequencies that increase with excitation laser power, showing that photoexcited carriers provide a self-limiting mechanism for pulsed emission. Time-resolved measurements directly confirm the presence of an optical pulse train synchronized to the gate voltage signal, and flexible control over pulse timing and duration is also demonstrated. These results identify an unconventional route for optical pulse generation and electrical-to-optical signal conversion, opening up new prospects for controlling light at the nanoscale.

The photocurrent and luminescence of carbon nanotubes is governed by excitonic processes with diverse uses in nano-photonics. Here, Jiang et al. generate optical pulses from individual air-suspended carbon nanotubes under an application of square-wave gate voltages with control over pulse timing and duration.

Folic acid inhibits tau phosphorylation through regulation of PP2A methylation in SH-SY5Y cells

OBJECTIVES

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which are composed of intracellular filamentous aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, are one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because tau phosphorylation is regulated by phosphatases, abnormal metabolism of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) has been proposed to be a contributing factor to the disease process.

RESULTS

To determine the function of folic acid on tau phosphorylation, an in vitro model of human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) were exposed to folic acid (0-40 μmol/L) for 96 h, in the presence or absence of the phosphoesterase inhibitor okadaic acid (OA) (10 nmol/L) for 9 h. The data of western blot showed tau phosphorylation at the Ser396 site in OA-incubated SH-SY5Y cells was inhibited by folic acid in a concentration-dependent manner, with the folic acid concentration of 40 μmol/L providing maximal inhibition. Folic acid can downregulate tau protein phosphorylation by inhibiting the demethylation reactions of PP2A. High folic acid concentrations (20 and 40 μmol/L) increased SAM:SAH ratios and cell viability.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, we can speculate that folate deficiency may be a cause of PP2A deregulation, which can in turn lead to expression of the abnormal hyperphosphorylated form of tau.

Trial of LVDP regimen (L-asparaginase, etoposide, dexamethasone, and cisplatin, followed by radiotherapy) as first-line treatment for newly diagnosed, stage III/IV extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma

Stage III/IV extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma (ENKL) has a poor response and poor survival. Given the sensitivity of ENKL to radiotherapy and the fact that there is no consensus on standard chemotherapy, we conducted a clinical trial of LVDP regimen, combining LVDP chemotherapy (containing etoposide, dexamethasone, L-asparaginase, and cisplatin), followed by radiotherapy as a consolidation therapy regimen, for newly diagnosed patients with stage III/IV ENKL to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this regimen. The primary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and survival [overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS)] at 1 or 2 years, while the secondary endpoints were toxicity and adverse effects. In total, 18 patients were enrolled in this trial from July 2010 to September 2013. The mean completed cycles of chemotherapy was 4.04 (range 1-8 cycles), and the ORR was 50 %. During a mean follow-up of 21.8 months (range 2-51 months), the 1-year OS and PFS rates were 72.2 and 50.0 %, respectively, the 2-year OS and PFS rates were 33.3 and 22.2 %, respectively, and the median OS and PFS were 23.0 and 10.5 months, respectively. Severe adverse effects during therapy included six cases of grade 3/4 bone marrow suppression and one case of grade 3 transaminase increase. Sex, eastern cancer oncology group, performance status, Korean Prognostic Index, International Prognostic index, and bone marrow infiltration may influence the prognosis of advanced-stage ENKL.

Toll-like receptor-mediated immune responses are attenuated in the presence of high levels of hepatitis B virus surface antigen

It has been recently shown that Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling in murine nonparenchymal liver cells (NPCs) is suppressed in the presence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). It is not clear, however, whether this is also relevant for the adaptive immune responses and how this effect is mediated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients and controls were stimulated by TLR ligands in the absence or presence of autologous serum. Interestingly, TLR-mediated cytokine expression (Interleukin-6 and -10) as well as TLR3-induced interferon (IFN) expression in PBMCs of HBV patients was significantly higher than in the healthy volunteers, showing a negative correlation with the levels of HBsAg. In addition, TLR3-mediated IFN-γ production was inhibited in the presence of HBV-containing serum. To mechanistically analyse this observation, murine Kupffer cells (KCs) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) were stimulated with TLR3 ligands in the presence or absence of HBsAg. Mixed lymphocyte reactions were performed to study T-cell activation induced by TLR-stimulated NPCs. Gene expression of cytokines and TLR3 was analysed by quantitative rt-PCR, and activation of transcription factors was assessed by Western blot or reporter gene assays. TLR-induced expression of interferon γ, interferon sensitive genes and proinflammatory cytokines in murine KCs and LSECs was efficiently suppressed in the presence of HBsAg, whereas the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines was enhanced. Activation of NFκB, IRF-3 and MAPKs in these liver cells was potently suppressed by HBsAg. T-cell activation mediated through TLR3-stimulated KCs or LSECs was suppressed by HBsAg which could be reverted by anti-IL-10 antibodies. These findings may, at least in part, explain how HBV evades innate and adaptive immune responses to maintain a persistent infection.

Toll-like receptor-mediated immune responses are attenuated in the presence of high levels of hepatitis B virus surface antigen

It has been recently shown that Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling in murine nonparenchymal liver cells (NPCs) is suppressed in the presence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). It is not clear, however, whether this is also relevant for the adaptive immune responses and how this effect is mediated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients and controls were stimulated by TLR ligands in the absence or presence of autologous serum. Interestingly, TLR-mediated cytokine expression (Interleukin-6 and -10) as well as TLR3-induced interferon (IFN) expression in PBMCs of HBV patients was significantly higher than in the healthy volunteers, showing a negative correlation with the levels of HBsAg. In addition, TLR3-mediated IFN-γ production was inhibited in the presence of HBV-containing serum. To mechanistically analyse this observation, murine Kupffer cells (KCs) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) were stimulated with TLR3 ligands in the presence or absence of HBsAg. Mixed lymphocyte reactions were performed to study T-cell activation induced by TLR-stimulated NPCs. Gene expression of cytokines and TLR3 was analysed by quantitative rt-PCR, and activation of transcription factors was assessed by Western blot or reporter gene assays. TLR-induced expression of interferon γ, interferon sensitive genes and proinflammatory cytokines in murine KCs and LSECs was efficiently suppressed in the presence of HBsAg, whereas the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines was enhanced. Activation of NFκB, IRF-3 and MAPKs in these liver cells was potently suppressed by HBsAg. T-cell activation mediated through TLR3-stimulated KCs or LSECs was suppressed by HBsAg which could be reverted by anti-IL-10 antibodies. These findings may, at least in part, explain how HBV evades innate and adaptive immune responses to maintain a persistent infection.

Diagnostics for energetic particle studies on the HL-2A tokamak

About 13 kinds of diagnostics for energetic particle physics studied on the HuanLiuqi-2A (commonly referred to as HL-2A) tokamak are described in this paper. Their measurement ranges, resolutions, and arrangement are presented. Three under-construction diagnostics including imaging fast ion D-alpha, scintillator matrix (for hard X-ray detection), and bundle fission chamber are described in detail.

Identification of Malassezia species in the facial lesions of Chinese seborrhoeic dermatitis patients based on DNA sequencing

The genus Malassezia is important in the aetiology of facial seborrhoeic dermatitis (FSD), which is the most common clinical type. The purpose of this study was to analyse the distribution of Malassezia species in the facial lesions of Chinese seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) patients and healthy individuals. Sixty-four isolates of Malassezia were isolated from FSD patients and 60 isolates from healthy individuals. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was used to identify the isolates. The most frequently identified Malassezia species associated with FSD was M. furfur (76.56%), followed by M. sympodialis (12.50%) and M. japonica (9.38%). The most frequently isolated species in healthy individuals were M. furfur (61.67%), followed by M. sympodialis (25.00%), M. japonica (6.67%), M. globosa (3.33%), and M. obtusa (3.33%). Overall, our study revealed that while M. furfur is the predominant Malassezia species in Chinese SD patients, there is no significant difference in the distribution of Malassezia species between Chinese SD patients and healthy individuals.

Characteristic features of the adenomatoid odontogenic tumour on cone beam CT

OBJECTIVES

To illustrate characteristic features of adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (AOT) on CBCT.

METHODS

The archived CBCT and panoramic radiographs of eight patients histopathologically diagnosed as AOT were analysed. The radiographic features displayed on both radiographic images were carefully described and compared.

RESULTS

All eight AOT cases presented as unilocular and well-demarcated lesions on both CBCT and panoramic images. CBCT images displayed three-dimensional interpretation of AOT lesions, especially the detailed intralesional radiopacities. Numerous discrete radiopaque foci scattered in the lesion with evident contrast to the radiolucent background could be considered as one of the characteristic features of AOT on CBCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with panoramic radiography, CBCT seems to possess better potential in diagnosing AOT.

Synchronization of time-delayed chemically coupled burst-spiking neurons with correlated noises

Synchronization of two time-delayed chemically coupled neurons with burst-spiking states is studied. Different from the previous study by N. Buric et al. (Phys. Rev. E 78, 036211 (2008)), it is found that exactly synchronous burst-spiking dynamics can occur for small coupling strengths and time delays. The results are confirmed by common time delays and non-equal time delays. When common noise is added to the two neurons, synchronization is enhanced as noise strength is increased. But the results are different for larger time delay and smaller time delay. When noises are correlated, it is found that only strong noises with large correlation coefficient can induce exact synchronization. Even one percent of independent noises can influence synchronization much.

Calibration of a 32 channel electron cyclotron emission radiometer on the HL-2A tokamak

A novel 32-channel electron cyclotron emission radiometer has been designed and tested for the measurement of electron temperature profiles on the HL-2A tokamak. This system is based on the intermediate frequency filter detection technique, and has the features of wide working frequency range and high spatial resolution. Two relative calibration methods have been investigated: sweeping the toroidal magnetic field and hopping the output frequency of the local oscillator. Preliminary results show that both methods can ensure reasonable profiles.

MicroRNA-155 controls Toll-like receptor 3- and hepatitis C virus-induced immune responses in the liver

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) establishes persistent infections despite strong activation of the innate immune system through TLR3 and other sensors. Therefore, we analysed regulatory mechanisms of TLR3-induced immune responses in nonparenchymal liver cells (NPCs). Effects of Interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and immunoregulatory miR-155 on poly I:C-activated murine (C57BL/6) Kupffer cells (KC) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) were assessed in vitro. NPCs were assayed for inflammatory and antiviral cytokines and T-cell (Balb/c)-activating factors. Gene expression of miR-155, IL-10, TGF-β and interferon sensitive genes (ISGs) in biopsies of patients with HCV was determined by qrt-PCR. TLR3-induced antiviral activity in murine NPCs was potently suppressed by IL-10 and TGF-β which correlated with decreased TLR3 expression and inhibition of NF-κB and IRF-3 activation. T-cell activation, induced by TLR3-activated NPCs, was also suppressed by IL-10 and TGF-β, which was associated with a down-regulation of CD80 and CD86. Pretreatment with IL-10 or TGF-β suppressed TLR3-induced miR-155 expression, which itself positively regulated poly I:C-mediated immune responses, thus counteracting IL-10 or TGF-β-induced immunosuppression. In addition, hepatic expression of miR-155 was elevated in chronically infected patients with HCV, was associated with an IL-28B SNP (rs12979860) and was inversely correlated with HCV serum load and ISG expression levels. As miR-155 is a key regulator of anti-inflammatory mechanisms that control innate and adaptive hepatic immune responses during HCV infection, miR-155 based therapies may represent a novel mechanism to control HCV in the future.

Development of frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer for electron density profile measurement on the HL-2A tokamak

The frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer was developed for the first time on the HL-2A tokamak. The system utilizes a voltage controlled oscillator and an active multiplier for broadband coverage and detects as heterodyne mode. Three reflectometers have been installed and operated in extraordinary mode polarization on HL-2A to measure density profiles at low field side, covering the Q-band (33-50 GHz), V-band (50-75 GHz), and W-band (75-110 GHz). For density profile reconstruction from the phase shift of the probing wave, a corrected phase unwrapping method is introduced in this article. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated. The density profile behavior of a fast plasma event is presented and it demonstrates the capability of the reflectometer. These diagnostics will be contributed to the routine density profile measurements and the plasma physics study on HL-2A.

Superposed pulse amplitude modulation for visible light communication

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel modulation scheme called superposed pulse amplitude modulation (SPAM) which is low-cost, insensitive to non-linearity of light emitting diode (LED). Multiple optical pulses transmit parallelly from different spatial position in the LED array and overlap linearly in free space to realize SPAM. With LED arrangement, the experimental results show that using the modulation we proposed the data rate of 120 Mbit/s with BER 1 × 10(-3) can be achieved with an optical blue filter and RC post-equalization.

Abstract P2-09-21: Teriflunomide, an immunomodulatory drug, exerts anticancer activity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells via modulation of multiple cell signal pathways

Background: Breast cancer is the most diagnosed female cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a special subtype, defined as breast cancer lacking estrogen, progesterone and HER-2 receptors, showed clinically aggressive features and was associated with poor prognosis. TNBC is resistant to endocrine or HER-2 targeted therapies, and only conventional chemotherapeutic regimens were accepted as the treatment guidelines. Therefore, searching for novel pharmaceutical agents for TNBC is urgent and a hot spot in present clinical research. Teriflunomide, an orally available immunomodulatory drug, approved for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) by FDA, has demonstrated the potential application in cancer therapy, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), prostate cancer and melanoma. Therefore, we assessed the therapeutic value of teriflunomide in TNBC cells.

Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study, we showed that teriflunomide treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of proliferation in three TNBC cell lines: MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and BT549. Meanwhile, the agent could also induce loss of clonogenic survival in dose-dependent fashion in TNBC cells. The analysis of cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry revealed that teriflunomide for 48 h entrapped TNBC cells in S-phase with concomitant reduction in both G1- and G2/M-phase. Furthermore, by Annexin-V/PI staining, we showed high doses of teriflunomide for 2 days led to significant necrosis and minor apoptosis in TNBC cells. Additionally, the effect of teriflunomide on TNBC cell migration and invasion was also tested using Boyden chamber assays. Short-term treatment of teriflunomide decreased the cell motility and invasiveness considerably in a concentration-dependent manner. When evaluated for underlying mechanisms, teriflunomide was found to modulate multiple cell signaling pathways in three TNBC cell lines. First, teriflunomide inhibited expression of proteins linked to cell proliferation, such as cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Second, teriflumomide delayed cell cycle transition by up-regulating cyclin A, along with p27 down-regulation and unchanged cyclin B1. Third, teriflunomide regulated the cell survival proteins, such as up-regulation of BAX and down-regulation of Bcl-Xl, by activation of MAPK pathway. Fourth, teriflunomide suppressed the marker signals involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition(EMT) and invasion and inhibited activation of FAK/Src complex. Fifth, teriflunomide down-regulated growth factor receptors involved in TNBC growth maintenance, such as EGFR, IGF1R and FGFR4.

Conclusion/Significance: Teriflunomide, although an anti-inflammatory agent, is a potent inhibitor of TNBC cells through modulation of multiple signaling pathways and may be of therapeutic benefit for TNBC in clinical practice.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-09-21.

Development of electron cyclotron emission imaging system on the HL-2A tokamak

A 2D electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) system has been developed for measurement of electron temperature fluctuations in the HL-2A tokamak. It is comprised of a front-end 24 channel heterodyne imaging array with a tunable RF range spanning 75-110 GHz, and a set of back-end ECEI electronics that together generate 24 × 8 = 192 channel images of the 2nd harmonic X-mode electron cyclotron emission from the HL-2A plasma. The simulated performance of the local oscillator (LO) optics and radio frequency (RF) optics is presented, together with the laboratory characterization results. The Gaussian beams from the LO optics are observed to properly cover the entire detector array. The ECE signals from the plasma are mixed with the LO signal in the array box, then delivered to the electronics system by low-loss microwave cables, and finally to the digitizers. The ECEI system can achieve temporal resolutions of ~μs, and spatial resolutions of 1 cm (radially) and 2 cm (poloidally).