NRP-2 in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis

Neuropilin-2 (NRP-2) not only functions as a receptor for semaphorins, a family of neural axon guidance factors, but also interacts with VEGFs, a family of vascular endothelial growth factors. As an independent receptor or a co-receptor, NRP-2 binds to ligands VEGF-C/D, activates the VEGF-C/D-NRP-2 signaling axis, and further regulates lymphangiogenesis-associated factors in both lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and some tumor cells during tumor progression. Via VEGF-C/D-NRP-2 axis, NRP-2 induces LEC proliferation, reconstruction and lymphangiogenesis and subsequently promotes tumor cell migration, invasion and lymphatic metastasis. There are similarities and differences among NRP-1, NRP-2 and VEGFR-3 in chemical structure, ligand specificity, chromosomal location, soluble protein forms, cellular functions and expression profiles. High expression of NRP-2 in LECs and tumor cells has been observed in different anatomic sites, histological patterns and progression stages of various tumors, especially during tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis, and therefore the NRP-2 and VEGF-C/D-NRP-2 axis are closely related to tumor development, progression, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, it is important for prognosis of tumor. The studies on NRP-2 targeted therapy have recently achieved some successes, utilizing NRP-2 blocking antibodies, NRP-2 inhibitory peptides, soluble NRP-2 antagonists, small molecule inhibitors and various NRP-2 gene therapeutic strategies.

Structural stability and magnetic-exchange coupling in Mn-doped monolayer/bilayer MoS2

Ferromagnetic (FM) two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have potential applications in modern electronics and spintronics and doping of TMDs with transition metals can enhance the magnetic characteristics.

The Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Warfarin When Combined with Compound Danshen: A Case Study for Combined Treatment of Coronary Heart Diseases with Atrial Fibrillation

Warfarin is used as anticoagulant and Compound Danshen prescription (CDP) is able to promote blood circulation. The combination might produce a synergic effect for patients of coronary heart diseases (CHDs) with atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether the combination increases the bleeding risk of warfarin is unclear, so the effects of Compound Danshen dripping pill (CDDP) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) profiles of warfarin was investigated in patients. The dose and blood concentrations of warfarin, the four indicators of blood coagulation, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplatin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, and international normalized ratio value were compared when with and without CDDP treatment. The population PK (PPK) and PPK-PD models were established to assess patient demographics, genetic polymorphisms and CDDP as covariates. And the Seattle Angina Questionnaire was used to evaluate clinical efficacy, and the bleeding risk of combination was analyzed. The results indicated that CDDP had little influence on PK and PD profiles of warfarin in most patients and the combination of CCDP and warfarin would be a promising alternative regime for CHD with AF patients. The study was registered on China Clinical Trial Registry with number ChiCTR-ONRC-13003523.

The Efficacy and Safety of Shen Guo Lao Nian Granule for Common Cold of Qi-Deficiency Syndrome: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter, Phase II Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Common cold is one of the most frequently occurring illnesses in primary healthcare services and represents considerable disease burden. Common cold of Qi-deficiency syndrome (CCQDS) is an important but less addressed traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern. We designed a protocol to explore the efficacy, safety, and optimal dose of Shen Guo Lao Nian Granule (SGLNG) for treating CCQDS.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial. A total of 240 eligible patients will be recruited from five centers. Patients are randomly assigned to high-dose group, middle-dose group, low-dose group, or control group in a 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 ratio. All drugs are required to be taken 3 times daily for 5 days with a 5-day follow-up period. Primary outcomes are duration of all symptoms, total score reduction on Jackson's scale, and TCM symptoms scale. Secondary outcomes include every single TCM symptom duration and score reduction, TCM main symptoms disappearance rate, curative effects, and comparison between Jackson's scale and TCM symptom scale.

ETHICS AND TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Clinical Trials and Biomedicine of West China Hospital of Sichuan University (number IRB-2014-12) and registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IPR-15006349).

Metatranscriptomics Reveals the Functions and Enzyme Profiles of the Microbial Community in Chinese Nong-Flavor Liquor Starter

Chinese liquor is one of the world's best-known distilled spirits and is the largest spirit category by sales. The unique and traditional solid-state fermentation technology used to produce Chinese liquor has been in continuous use for several thousand years. The diverse and dynamic microbial community in a liquor starter is the main contributor to liquor brewing. However, little is known about the ecological distribution and functional importance of these community members. In this study, metatranscriptomics was used to comprehensively explore the active microbial community members and key transcripts with significant functions in the liquor starter production process. Fungi were found to be the most abundant and active community members. A total of 932 carbohydrate-active enzymes, including highly expressed auxiliary activity family 9 and 10 proteins, were identified at 62°C under aerobic conditions. Some potential thermostable enzymes were identified at 50, 62, and 25°C (mature stage). Increased content and overexpressed key enzymes involved in glycolysis and starch, pyruvate and ethanol metabolism were detected at 50 and 62°C. The key enzymes of the citrate cycle were up-regulated at 62°C, and their abundant derivatives are crucial for flavor generation. Here, the metabolism and functional enzymes of the active microbial communities in NF liquor starter were studied, which could pave the way to initiate improvements in liquor quality and to discover microbes that produce novel enzymes or high-value added products.

Ezrin as a possible diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker in mice lymphatic metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks in the top of cancers leading to death. Early diagnosis is the big challenge in the case of HCC. Our in vitro study showed that Ezrin expression in lymphatic metastasis hepatocellular carcinoma (LNM-HCC) was associated with the metastatic rate. Here we aim to evaluate Ezrin expression as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker of LNM-HCC in mice. Chinese inbred 615 mice, Hca-F and Hca-P cell lines were used in the study. Histological changes were determined by Hematoxylin and Eosin, while Ezrin expression was assessed by qRT-PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ezrin expression in this study gives credit to our in vitro study which Ezrin expression was positively correlated with LNM-HCC and negatively with Annexin7 (A7) expression. The highest histological changes were observed in high metastatic primary/secondary tumors combined with high Ezrin expression. Ezrin and A7 are higher in total primary tumors than in total secondary tumors (P = 0.0001, P = 0.021), respectively. Ezrin expression was enhanced in Hca-P A7 down-regulated primary/secondary tumors (P = 0.004), whereas, Ezrin expression was suppressed in Hca-F A7 upregulated primary/secondary tumors. Serum ELISA indicated differential expression of Ezrin among the study groups (P ≤ 0.0001). Ezrin expression was higher in NC-Hca-F than NC-Hca-P (P ≤ 0.0001), suppressed in Hca-F A7 upregulation (P ≤ 0.0001) and in enhanced in Hca-P A7 down-regulation (P = 0.0001). In conclusion, Ezrin level may serve as a differential diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker for high and low LNM-HCC and may be beneficial in the diagnosis of HCC disease. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(5):662-672, 2017.

Risks for Staphylococcus aureus colonization in patients with psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Evidence on whether patients with psoriasis have a higher risk for staphylococcal colonization than healthy controls remains controversial. To synthesize the current literature, we performed a systematic review on the prevalence and relative risk (RR) of Staphylococcus aureus colonization in patients with psoriasis. We modified the QUADAS-2 instrument to assess the reporting quality of individual studies and applied random-effects models in meta-analysis. Overall we identified 21 eligible studies, of which 15 enrolled one or more comparison groups. The pooled prevalence of staphylococcal colonization in patients with psoriasis was 35·3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 25·0-45·6] on lesional skin and 39·2% (95% CI 33·7-44·8) in the nares. Patients with psoriasis were 4·5 times more likely to be colonized by S. aureus than healthy controls were on the skin (RR 5·54, 95% CI 3·21-9·57) and 60% more in the nares (RR 1·60, 95% CI 1·11-2·32). Cutaneous and nasal colonization by meticillin-resistant S. aureus also appeared higher in patients with psoriasis (pooled prevalence 8·6%) than in healthy controls (2·6%), yet the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0·74). In contrast, despite of a similar risk for nasal staphylococcal colonization (RR 0·67, 95% CI 0·38-1·18), patients with psoriasis were less likely to carry S. aureus on lesional skin than atopic patients (RR 0·64, 95% CI 0·40-1·02). In summarizing the current literature, we found that patients with psoriasis were at an increased risk for staphylococcal colonization compared with healthy individuals. Prospective studies on how bacterial loads correlate with disease activity can guide the clinical management of bacterial colonization while preventing the emergence of drug-resistant strains.

Micro-autologous Fat Transplantation (MAFT) for Forehead Volumizing and Contouring

Background

Frontal fullness in Asians is often considered to indicate one’s public popularity and leadership skills. Numerous materials and techniques have been applied clinically to recontour or volumize the frontal area, with variable results. The micro-autologous fat transplantation (MAFT) technique proposed by Lin et al. (2nd academic congress of Taiwan Cosmetic Association Taipei, Taiwan) in 2007 has demonstrated its feasibility in facial rejuvenation. In the present study, we used an innovative instrument to apply the MAFT technique to frontal augmentation with fat grafting and reported the results.

Methods

MAFT was performed on 178 patients (167 female, 11 male) during a 5-year period starting in January 2010. Fat was harvested by liposuction, processed and refined by centrifugation at 1200×g for 3 min. The purified fat was micro-transplanted for frontal contouring with the assistance of an instrument, the MAFT-GUN. The patients were followed up regularly, and photographs were taken for comparison.

Results

On average, the MAFT procedure took 52 min to complete. The average amount of delivered fat was 10.2 mL. The follow-up period was 34 months on average. No complications, including neurovascular injury, skin necrosis, abscess, nodulation, calcification or irregularity, were noted. A patient-rated satisfaction 5-point Likert scale demonstrated that 83.1% of all patients had favorable results (48.3% were satisfied, and 34.8% were very satisfied).

Conclusion

The concept and technique of MAFT has changed fat grafting from an operation with unpredictable clinical results to an easy, reliable and consistent procedure. Furthermore, the use of a precisely controlled instrument enabled surgeons to perform highly accurate micro-fat grafting. In comparison with other strategies for volume restoration, the MAFT procedure demonstrated high patient satisfaction with the long-term results. Therefore, the use of MAFT as an alternative approach to forehead contouring and volumizing was addressed.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00266-017-0883-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[The understanding of Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoproliferative disorder]

In recent years, there are increasing articles concerning Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV+ LPD), and the name of EBV+ LPD is used widely. However, the meaning of EBV+ LPD used is not the same, which triggered confusion of the understanding and obstacles of the communication. In order to solve this problem. Literature was reviewed with combination of our cases to clarify the concept of EBV+ LPD and to expound our understanding about it. In general, it is currently accepted that EBV+ LPD refers to a spectrum of lymphoid tissue diseases with EBV infection, including hyperplasia, borderline lesions, and neoplastic diseases. According to this concept, EBV+ LPD should not include infectious mononucleosis (IM) and severe acute EBV infection (EBV+ hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, fatal IM, fulminant IM, fulminant T-cell LPD), and should not include the explicitly named EBV+ lymphomas (such as extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, aggressive NK cell leukemia, Burkitt lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma, etc.) either. EBV+ LPD should currently include: (1) EBV+ B cell-LPD: lymphomatoid granulomatosis, EBV + immunodeficiency related LPD, chronic active EBV infection-B cell type, senile EBV+ LPD, etc. (2) EBV+ T/NK cell-LPD: CAEBV-T/NK cell type, hydroa vacciniforme, hypersensitivity of mosquito bite, etc. In addition, EBV+ LPD is classified, based on the disease process, pathological and molecular data, as 3 grades: grade1, hyperplasia (polymorphic lesions with polyclonal cells); grade 2, borderline (polymorphic lesions with clonality); grade 3, neoplasm (monomorphic lesions with clonality). There are overlaps between EBV+ LPD and typical hyperplasia, as well as EBV+ LPD and typical lymphomas. However, the most important tasks are clinical vigilance, early identification of potential severe complications, and treating the patients in a timely manner to avoid serious complications, as well as the active treatment to save lives when the complications happened.

[Efficacy of PVD regimen combined with IMRT for early-stage extranodal nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of PVD chemo-regimen (Pegaspargase, vincristine and dexamethasone) combined with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for patients with early-stage extranodal nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL). Methods: Clinical data of 52 patients with early-stage ENKL were collected during May 2010 and June 2015 in Department of Lymphoma, Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, and these patients firstly received a concurrent chemoradiotherapy of two-cycle of PVD and IMRT (gross tumor volume primary: 12.6-59.4 Gy) and then 2 to 4 cycles of PVD as subsequent chemotherapy, the efficacy and adverse responses were retrospectively analyzed and observed. Results: Follow-up stopped until December 2015, complete remission was seen in 44 cases (84.6%) and partial remission 7 cases (13.5%), out of 52 cases. A total of 1 case died of progression disease during treatment and within 1 year after treatment, 1 case died of pulmonary infection within 1 week after treatment, 2 cases survived with tumor; so the objective response rate and clinical benefit rate were both 98.1%, 1-year, 2-year and 3-year overall survival rates and progression free survival rates were all 93.6%, 1-year and 2-year disease free survival rates were both 90.3%; the correlation analysis showed that the radiotherapy dose was related to the curative effect (P<0.05). Short term adverse responses were observed in 6 cases (11.5%) with grade 3 leucocytopenia, in 5 cases (9.6%) with grade 3-4 dyslipidemia and in 2 cases (3.8%) with grade 3 hypoalbuminemia during chemoradiotherapy. All the patients had different degrees of radiation oral mucositis and radiation dermatitis. Conclusion: For early-stage ENKL, a concurrent chemoradiotherapy of PVD regimen and IMRT have a good therapeutic effect and adverse response can be tolerated.

Single-photon avalanche diodes in 0.18-μm high-voltage CMOS technology

We have designed and fabricated high-performance single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) by using 0.18-µm high-voltage CMOS technology. Without any technology customization, the SPADs have low dark-count rate, high photon-detection probability, low afterpulsing probability, and acceptable timing jitter and breakdown voltage. Our design provides a low-cost and high-performance SPAD for various applications.

[Correlation between anatomical factors of spermatic vessels and varicocele]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between anatomy of spermatic vessels and varicocele, providing reference for the preoperative assessment and treatment of varicocele. Methods: A total of 156 patients who underwent microsurgical left subinguinal varicocelectomy at Shanghai General Hospital between May 2015 and July 2016 were included in this study. The severity of varicocele and number of spermatic vessels detected in operations were recorded. According to the number of internal spermatic arteries (ISAs), the patients were divided into three groups: single-ISA group (55 cases), double-ISAs group (63 cases) and multi-ISAs group (38 cases), to analyze the correlation among spermatic vessels and to compare varicocele grade, the volume of testes, the parameter of semen analysis, serum reproductive hormone, surgery time, and hospital stay among the three groups. Results: The number of ISAs was positively correlated with the ipsilateral internal spermatic veins (ISVs) (r=0.210; P=0.008)and lymphatic vessels (r=0.224; P=0.005); the number of lymphatic vessels was positively correlated with the ipsilateral gubernacular veins (r=0.172; P=0.032)and ISVs (r=0.296; P=0.000) . The number of ISVs in the multi-ISAs group (10.58±4.28) was significantly larger than that in the single-ISA group (8.22±3.10, P=0.003). The number of lymphatic vessels in the multi-ISAs group(4.11±1.90)was also significantly larger than that in the double-ISA group(3.76±1.40, P=0.020) and the single-ISA group(3.13±1.52, P=0.007). The number of ISVs in grade 2 varicocele patients (9.74±3.90) was significantly higher than that in grade 3 varicocele patients (8.33±3.10, P=0.013). No significant differences in varicocele grade, change of pre- and post-operative semen analysis, serum reproductive hormone, the volume of ipsilateral testes, surgery time, and hospital stay were observed among the three groups. Conclusions: There is a correlation among various kinds of spermatic vessels. Patients with grade 2 varicocele, especially who have multiple ISAs, are likely to have more ISVs and lymphatic vessels. For these patients, surgeons should pay more attention to protect spermatic arteries and lymphatics carefully while ligating varicose veins completely to prevent recurrence and complications.

Myeloid Bmal1 deletion increases monocyte recruitment and worsens atherosclerosis

BMAL1, the nonredundant transcription factor in the core molecular clock, has been implicated in cardiometabolic diseases in mice and humans. BMAL1 controls the cyclic trafficking of Ly6chi monocytes to sites of acute inflammation. Myeloid deficiency of Bmal1 also worsens chronic inflammation in diet-induced obesity. We studied whether myeloid Bmal1 deletion promotes atherosclerosis by enhancing monocyte recruitment to atherosclerotic lesions. By generating Bmal1FloxP/FloxP;LysMCre mice on the Apoe-/- background, we showed that Bmal1 deletion in myeloid cells increased the size of atherosclerotic lesions. Bmal1 deficiency in monocytes and macrophages resulted in an increased total number of lesional macrophages in general and Ly6chi infiltrating monocyte-macrophages in particular, accompanied by skewed M2 to M1 macrophage phenotype. Ly6chi and/or Ly6clo monocyte subsets in blood, spleen, and bone marrow were not altered. Cell tracking and adoptive transfer of Ly6chi monocytes showed Bmal1 deficiency induced more trafficking of Ly6chi monocytes to atherosclerotic lesions, preferential differentiation of Ly6chi monocytes into M1 macrophages, and increased macrophage content and lesion size in the carotid arteries. We demonstrated that Bmal1 deficiency in macrophages promotes atherosclerosis by enhancing recruitment of Ly6chi monocytes to atherosclerotic lesions.-Huo, M., Huang, Y., Qu, D., Zhang, H., Wong, W. T., Chawla, A., Huang, Y., Tian, X. Y. Myeloid Bmal1 deletion increases monocyte recruitment and worsens atherosclerosis.

[Epidemiological pattern of abnormal urinary fluoride rates in population with occupational fluoride exposure in Shanghai]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological features of abnormal urinary fluoride rates in population with occupational exposure, and its relationships with age, work years and gender in Shanghai. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted respectively in 4 999 exposed workers and 283 non-exposed people during 2012-2015. Their urine samples were collected in plastic bottles and the fluoride ion selective electrode method was used for urinary fluoride level analysis. Logistic regression model was used to estimate associations between the abnormal rates and demographic/socioeconomic status of the study subjects. Results: In the past 4 years, the abnormal urinary fluoride rates (≥1.6 mg/L) in the population with occupational exposure was about 14.38%, it was about 1.43% in the control groups without occupational exposure. Their geometric mean of urinary fluoride content was 0.95 mg/L and 0.46 mg/L, respectively. The incidences of the abnormal rates in those aged ≥50 years and 34-39 years were 19.15% and 22.39%, respectively. The abnormal rate in males was 16.87%, much higher than that in females (6.85%). The abnormal rate had an upward trend along with the increased work years, especially in those with work years of ≥20 years. The abnormal rate was 23.28% in those with work years of ≥20 years and 13.29% in those with work years of <4 years. The relative risk for abnormal urinary fluoride rates was higher in male group, older age group and longer work year group, the odds ratio was 2.28, 1.10 and 1.13, respectively. Conclusions: Serious challenges exist in occupational health supervision. The relevant national standards should be updated as soon as possible. Males, those aged >50 years, and those with longer work years are the risk groups for intervention measures. More efforts are needed, such as strengthening the innovative application of health examination data and the equalization of basic public health service with comprehensive occupational health supervision programs among off-farm workers in the new medical reform.

New insights into the electronic structures and optical properties in the orthorhombic perovskite MAPbI3: a mixture of Pb and Ge/Sn

The photovoltaic performance of the organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite MAPbI₃can be significantly improved by the substitution of Ge/Sn for Pb.

Thermoelectric properties of DO3 V3Al using first principles calculations

The calculated thermoelectric figure of merit ZT as a function of temperature for n-type antiferromagnetic DO₃ V₃Al and p-type antiferromagnetic DO₃ V₃Al is investigated.

A two-dimensional layered CdS/C2N heterostructure for visible-light-driven photocatalysis

A CdS/C₂N heterojunction possesses a type-II band alignment with respect to the standard hydrogen electrode potentials.

Circular torsion induced fan-blade shaped wrinkling in two-dimensional nano-rings

Fan-blade shaped wrinkling with a strain vortex is induced in 2D nano-rings to enhance the pseudomagnetic fields and optical funnel effect.

[Clinical research of differences of volume of pharyngeal cavity between normal healthy subjects and patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome]

Objective:To investigate the differences of volume of pharyngeal cavity between normal healthy subjects and patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)before and after surgery and its application value in assessment of surgical curative effect.Method:Forty-four healthy male adults were included in normal group.Thirty-eight patients with severe OSAHS diagnosed by polysomnography were included in experimental group(OSAHS group). Volume of pharyngeal cavity, oropharynx and laryngopharynx measured by acoustic pharyngealmetry and AHI, obstructive apnea frequency and the lowest oxygen saturation recorded by PSG monitor were all obtained in normal groups and experimental groups before and 3 months after the surgery. All the data are statistically analyzed. Result:Volume of pharyngeal cavity,AHI,obstructive apnea frequency and lowest oxygen saturation of patients in experimental group were all improved after surgery compared with pre-operation(P<0.01). Conclusion: The measurement of pharyngeal cavity volume is helpful to the quantitative analysis of upper airway structure and determine the stenosis location, it is also useful to guide surgery and evaluate the curative effect of the surgery.

47kDa isoform of Annexin A7 affecting the apoptosis of mouse hepatocarcinoma cells line

Our previous studies have shown that Annexin A7 is associated with the cell proliferation and apoptosis. Both the isoforms 47kDa and 51kDa of Annexin A7 are expressed in liver cancer cells. This study aimed at elucidating which isoform of Annexin A7 affects the cell apoptosis and how to affect in the hepatocarcinoma cell line. The results showed that Annexin A7 co-immunoprecipitated with Bcl2 and co-located in the cytoplasm and the mitochondria. Therein, the regulated 47kDa isoform of Annexin A7 altered the expression of Bcl2 and the mitochondrial membrane potential. These results indicate that 47kDa isoform of Annexin A7 could associated with the apoptosis of Hca-P cells through its interaction with Bcl2.

Pathway-related molecules of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis

Precondition for tumor lymphatic metastasis is that tumor cells induce formation of original and newborn lymphatic vessels and invade surrounding lymphatic vessels in tumor stroma, while some pathway-related molecules play an important role in mechanisms associated with proliferation and migration of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and tumor cells. In lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis, the pathway-related molecules of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis, such as Furin-like enzyme, CNTN1, Prox1, LYVE-1, Podoplanin, SOX18, SDF1 and CXCR4, are direct constitutors as a portion of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis, and their biological activities rely on this ligand-receptor system. These axis-related signal molecules could gradually produce waterfall-like cascading effects, mediate differentiation and maturation of LECs, remodel original and neonatal lymphatic vessels, as well as ultimately promote tumor cell chemotaxis, migration, invasion and metastasis to lymphoid tracts. This review summarizes the structure and function features of pathway-related molecules of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis, the expression changes of these molecules in different anatomic organs or histopathologic types or development stages of various tumors, the characteristics of transduction, implementation, integration of signal networks, the interactive effects on biological behaviors between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells, and their molecular mechanisms and significances in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis.

[Increased expressions of Blimp-1 and Bcl-6 in the deciduas of patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion]

Objective To oberseve the expressions of B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6) and B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp-1) in the decidua of patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA), and investigate the roles that Bcl-6 and Blimp-1 act in URSA. Methods Decidual tissues were collected from patients with URSA (URSA group) and normal pregnant women (control group). Then, we detected the expressions of Bcl-6 and Blimp-1 in the deciduas of the two groups using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. The relationship between Blimp-1 and Bcl-6 was estimated by Pearson's correlation analysis. Results Compared with the control group, the levels of Blimp-1 mRNA and protein, Bcl-6 mRNA significantly increased in the URSA group. However, Bcl-6 protein was raised insignificantly in URSA group. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between Bcl-6 and Blimp-1 at the level of mRNA. Conclusion The expressions of Bcl-6 and Blimp-1 are enhanced in the deciduas of URSA patients.

Abstract 22: Absence of Circadian Gene Bmal in Macrophage Enhances Atherosclerosis

Backgrounds: Peripheral cell-intrinsic clock is present in all types of cells and is important for synchronization of physiological function in response to changes of environment. Bmal (encoded by Arntl gene) is a transcription factor that forms complex with Clock and induces rhythmic transcription. Peripheral clock has been demonstrated in monocyte to regulate inflammatory responses. In this regards, we hypothesize that disruption of circadian rhythm in myeloid cells enhances atherosclerosis in Apoe -/- mice.

Methods and Results: Apoe -/- mice housed under weekly switch between regular (ZT12-ZT0: dark) and inverted (ZT12-ZT0: light) ligh/dark cycle developed more atherosclerotic lesion than Apoe-/- mice housed under regular L/D cycle. Myeloid cell-specific Bmal knockout mice ( Arntl LoxP/LoxP Lyz2 Cre ) as Bmal MKO and Bmal wild type ( Arntl LoxP/ LoxP ) as Bmal MWT were crossbred with Apoe-/- to generate Apoe-Bmal MKO and Apoe-Bmal MWT mice. Mice with disruption of myeloid circadian rhythm (Apoe-Bmal MKO ) on Western diet showed enhanced atherosclerotic plaque formation by en face oil red o staining, compared with their WT control. Flow cytometry showed more infiltrating macrophages within the plaque of Apoe-Bmal MKO mice, accompanied with upregulation of proinflammatory genes Tnf, Il1b, Nos2, S100a8; chemokines and adhesion molecules Vcam1, Icam1, Sele, Ccl2, Ccl8; and downregulation of anti-inflammatory genes. Aortic root staining showed more macrophages by CD68 staining, more CD11c + pro-inflammatory macrophages, and more Ly6c + infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages in Apoe-Bmal MKO mice. In vitro culture of bone marrow derived macrophage from Apoe-Bmal MKO and Apoe-Bmal MWT mice demonstrated that deletion of myeloid Bmal impaired rhythmic transcription of Ccl2 and Ccl8, causing higher expressions. Meanwhile, lipid profile and endothelial function were unaltered in Apoe-Bmal MKO compared with Apoe-Bmal MWT mice.

Conclusions: Our data showed disruption of myeloid circadian rhythm increased inflammation and enhanced atherosclerosis

[Expression and significance of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell cacinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the differences among the expressions of p38 mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), phospho-p38MAPK and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).

METHODS

In the study, 53 cases of OLP, 45 of OSCC, and 18 controls were obtained and 4-μm-thick histological sections were prepared from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks.The expressions of p38MAPK,phospho-p38MAPK and NF-κB were detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Furthermore, the expressions of p38MAPK and phospho-p38MAPK were detected using Western blotting analyses in the fresh tissues from 11 cases of OLP, 5 cases of OSCC, and 7 cases of the controls.

RESULTS

p38MAPK was over-expressed in the lamina propria, but lowly expressed in the epithelium in OLP group. Phospho-p38MAPK was lower expressed in OLP group than in OSCC and control groups.NF-κB was found over-expressed in the lamina propria in OLP group.p38MAPK was found expressed in all the samples in the 3 groups. The expression of phospho-p38MAPK was observed in 8 (8/11) OLP samples, 5 (5/5) OSCC samples and 4 (4/7) controls by Western blotting, but no significant differences were found within the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

p38MAPK can be detected in normal oral mucosa, OLP and OSCC. Phospho-p38MAPK may be related to the onset and progression of OSCC. The role of p38MAPK in OLP is yet to be revealed.

Pharmacokinetics and disposition of monoterpene glycosides derived from Paeonia lactiflora roots (Chishao) after intravenous dosing of antiseptic XueBiJing injection in human subjects and rats

AIM

Monoterpene glycosides derived from Paeonia lactiflora roots (Chishao) are believed to be pharmacologically important for the antiseptic herbal injection XueBiJing. This study was designed to characterize the pharmacokinetics and disposition of monoterpene glycosides.

METHODS

Systemic exposure to Chishao monoterpene glycosides was assessed in human subjects receiving an intravenous infusion and multiple infusions of XueBiJing injection, followed by assessment of the pharmacokinetics of the major circulating compounds. Supportive rat studies were also performed. Membrane permeability and plasma-protein binding were assessed in vitro.

RESULTS

A total of 18 monoterpene glycosides were detected in XueBiJing injection (content levels, 0.001-2.47 mmol/L), and paeoniflorin accounted for 85.5% of the total dose of monoterpene glycosides detected. In human subjects, unchanged paeoniflorin exhibited considerable levels of systemic exposure with elimination half-lives of 1.2-1.3 h; no significant metabolite was detected. Oxypaeoniflorin and albiflorin exhibited low exposure levels, and the remaining minor monoterpene glycosides were negligible or undetected. Glomerular-filtration-based renal excretion was the major elimination pathway of paeoniflorin, which was poorly bound to plasma protein. In rats, the systemic exposure level of paeoniflorin increased proportionally as the dose was increased. Rat lung, heart, and liver exposure levels of paeoniflorin were lower than the plasma level, with the exception of the kidney level, which was 4.3-fold greater than the plasma level; brain penetration was limited by the poor membrane permeability.

CONCLUSION

Due to its significant systemic exposure and appropriate pharmacokinetic profile, as well as previously reported antiseptic properties, paeoniflorin is a promising XueBiJing constituent of therapeutic importance.

Process of Bipolaris sorghicola invasion of host cells

Target leaf spot is a sorghum leaf disease caused by Bipolaris sorghicola, a species of fungus with a global distribution. In this study, we investigated the process by which B. sorghicola invades cells of barley, onion, Arabidopsis thaliana species, and sorghum. The results showed that within 8 h of coming into contact with host cells, the hyphal ends of B. sorghicola expand and form a uniform infective penetration pegbolt-like structure; a primary infection mycelium can be formed inside host cells within 24 h after contact, which can infect closed cells after 48 h. A mycelium can grow within the gap between cells and form infective hyphae. The pathogen infection process was the same in different host cells. B. sorghicola can affect root cells through soil infection, indicating that it may also have characteristics of soil-borne pathogens.

Microbial decomposition of keratin in nature-a new hypothesis of industrial relevance

Discovery of keratin-degrading enzymes from fungi and bacteria has primarily focused on finding one protease with efficient keratinase activity. Recently, an investigation was conducted of all keratinases secreted from a fungus known to grow on keratinaceous materials, such as feather, horn, and hooves. The study demonstrated that a minimum of three keratinases is needed to break down keratin, an endo-acting, an exo-acting, and an oligopeptide-acting keratinase. Further, several studies have documented that disruption of sulfur bridges of the keratin structure acts synergistically with the keratinases to loosen the molecular structure, thus giving the enzymes access to their substrate, the protein structure. With such complexity, it is relevant to compare microbial keratin decomposition with the microbial decomposition of well-studied polymers such as cellulose and chitin. Interestingly, it was recently shown that the specialized enzymes, lytic polysaccharide monoxygenases (LPMOs), shown to be important for breaking the recalcitrance of cellulose and chitin, are also found in keratin-degrading fungi. A holistic view of the complex molecular self-assembling structure of keratin and knowledge about enzymatic and boosting factors needed for keratin breakdown have been used to formulate a hypothesis for mode of action of the LPMOs in keratin decomposition and for a model for degradation of keratin in nature. Testing such hypotheses and models still needs to be done. Even now, the hypothesis can serve as an inspiration for designing industrial processes for keratin decomposition for conversion of unexploited waste streams, chicken feather, and pig bristles into bioaccessible animal feed.

A cluster of Mycobacterium massiliense keratitis in foundry workers

Three consecutive workers from the same foundry had Mycobacterium massiliense keratitis. The strains isolated from each patient were identical. This is the first report of a non-surgery-related outbreak of non-tuberculous mycobacterial ocular infection. An investigation revealed that injured cornea with exposure to aerosolized non-tuberculous mycobacteria might account for this outbreak.

Energy dissipation in mechanical loading of nano-grained graphene sheets

Loading and unloading behavior of nanocrystalline graphene are studied by MDs. The energy dissipation in one loading circle are counted. The energy dissipation increases as the grain size decreases.

Effective charge separation and enhanced photocatalytic activity by the heterointerface in MoS2/reduced graphene oxide composites

The MoS₂/rGO exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of RhB due to effective separation of photo-generated electron–hole pairs by heterointerface.

BiOX/BiOY (X, Y = F, Cl, Br, I) superlattices for visible light photocatalysis applications

BiOF/BiOI, BiOCl/BiOBr, BiOCl/BiOI, and BiOBr/BiOI superlattices are suitable for visible light photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.

Electronic transport in NbSe₂ two-dimensional nanostructures: semiconducting characteristics and photoconductivity

The electronic transport properties of two-dimensional (2D) niobium diselenide (NbSe2) layer materials with two-hexagonal single-crystalline structures grown by chemical vapor transport were investigated. Those NbSe2 nanostructures isolated simply using mechanical exfoliation were found to exhibit lower conductivity and semiconducting properties, compared with their bulk metallic counterparts. Benefiting from lower dark conductivity, NbSe2 nanoflakes exhibit a remarkable photoresponse under different wavelengths and intensity excitations. The photocurrent responsivity and photoconductive gain can reach 3.8 A W(-1) and 300, respectively; these values are higher than those of graphene and MoS2 monolayers and are comparable with those of GaS and GaSe nanosheets. The presence of electron trap states at the surface was proposed as an explanation for the reduced dark conductivity and enhanced photoconductivity in the 2D NbSe2 nanostructures. This work identifies another possibility for the application of a metallic layer material as an optoelectronic component in addition to an ultrathin transparent conducting material.

Combination of RNA sequencing and metabolite data to elucidate improved toxic compound tolerance and butanol fermentation of Clostridium acetobutylicum from wheat straw hydrolysate by supplying sodium sulfide

Sodium sulfide (SS) was added to the non-detoxified wheat straw hydrolysate for ABE fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum CICC8012. Biochemical measurements demonstrated that supplementation with SS promoted earlier and enhanced conversion of acid to ABE and led to a 27.48% improvement in sugar consumption, a 20.48% improvement in the sugar-based ABE yield, a 47.63% improvement in the butanol titer, and a 53.50% improvement in the ABE concentration. The response of C. acetobutylicum CICC8012 at the mRNA level was examined by a transcriptional analysis performed with RNA sequencing. The expression of genes involved in the membrane transport of carbohydrates, glycolysis, and ABE formation increased following SS-supplemented fermentation, whereas the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in acid formation decreased, which indicates that supplemental SS affected the central fermentative pathway, down-regulated the metabolic flux toward the acid formation branches, and up-regulated the metabolic flux toward the ABE formation branches.

Local dynamic range compensation for scanning electron microscope imaging system

This is the extended project by introducing the modified dynamic range histogram modification (MDRHM) and is presented in this paper. This technique is used to enhance the scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging system. By comparing with the conventional histogram modification compensators, this technique utilizes histogram profiling by extending the dynamic range of each tile of an image to the limit of 0-255 range while retains its histogram shape. The proposed technique yields better image compensation compared to conventional methods.

Suppression of lentivirus-mediated transgenic dendritic cells in graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in mice

We determined whether genetically engineered immature dendritic cells (imDCs) mediated by lentiviral vectors alleviate acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) in mice. We introduced the mouse chemokine receptor 7 (Ccr7) gene into the bone marrow-derived imDCs of C57BL/6 mice to construct genetically engineered imDCs. A 1:1 mixture of bone marrow and spleen cells from the donors was injected into the recipients, which were divided into four groups: radiation, transplantation, empty vector, and transgenic imDC groups. Symptoms, clinical scores, GVHD pathological changes, and survival times and rates of recipients were recorded; secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4, and allogeneic chimerism rates were detected. The survival time of the transgenic imDC group (27.5 ± 7.55 days) was significantly longer than in the other three groups (P < 0.01). The GVHD score of the imDC group mice was significantly lower than in the transplantation and empty vector groups (P < 0.05), which meant that mice in the transgenic imDC group had the lightest pathology damage in the target organs. In the transplantation group, IFN-γ increased while IL-4 decreased. In contrast, IFN-γ decreased and IL-4 increased in both empty vector and trans-imDC groups, and the difference was significant in the latter (P < 0.01). Thirty days or more following transplantation, the allogeneic chimerism rate was still 95-100%, suggesting complete donor type implantation. Ccr7 transfection into imDCs suppressed occurrence and severity of acute GVHD after allo-BMT in mice; the mechanism might be associated with IFN-γ decrease and IL-4 increase.

Annexin A7 modulates BAG4 and BAG4-binding proteins in mitochondrial apoptosis

Annexin A7 caused an anti-apoptosis phenotype in mouse hepatocarcinoma cells. Yet, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we found that Annexin A7 had an inhibitory effect on the mitochondrial Cytochrome C release and Caspase-3 cleavage. Furthermore, Annexin A7 was identified to form a complex with BAG4 which is a negative regulator of apoptosis. Moreover, Annexin A7 was positively correlated with the protein levels of BAG4, Hsp70 and Bcl-2. Both Hsp70 and Bcl-2 bind BAG4 and inhibit Cytochrom C dependent activation of Caspase-3. Taken together, our study indicated Annexin A7 modulated BAG4 and BAG4-binding proteins in mitochondrial apoptosis.

Genome and secretome analyses provide insights into keratin decomposition by novel proteases from the non-pathogenic fungus Onygena corvina

Poultry processing plants and slaughterhouses produce huge quantities of feathers and hair/bristle waste annually. These keratinaceous wastes are highly resistant to degradation. Onygena corvina, a non-pathogenic fungus, grows specifically on feathers, hooves, horn, and hair in nature. Hence, the proteases secreted by O. corvina are interesting in view of their potential relevance for industrial decomposition of keratinaceous wastes. We sequenced and assembled the genome of O. corvina and used a method called peptide pattern recognition to identify 73 different proteases. Comparative genome analysis of proteases in keratin-degrading and non-keratin-degrading fungi indicated that 18 putative secreted proteases from four protease families (M36, M35, M43, and S8) may be responsible for keratin decomposition. Twelve of the 18 predicted protease genes could be amplified from O. corvina grown on keratinaceous materials and were transformed into Pichia pastoris. One of the recombinant proteases belonging to the S8 family showed high keratin-degrading activity. Furthermore, 29 different proteases were identified by mass spectrometry in the culture broth of O. corvina grown on feathers and bristle. The culture broth was fractionated by ion exchange chromatography to isolate active fractions with five novel proteases belonging to three protease families (S8, M28, and M3). Enzyme blends composed of three of these five proteases, one from each family, showed high degree of degradation of keratin in vitro. A blend of novel proteases, such as those we discovered, could possibly find a use for degrading keratinaceous wastes and provide proteins, peptides, and amino acids as valuable ingredients for animal feed.

Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of a Doublesex gene from Daphnia carinata (Crustacea: Cladocera) during different reproductive stages

To better understand the reproductive transformation mechanism of Daphnia carinata, a Doublesex (Dsx) gene was cloned based on rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), and was designated DapcaDsx2. Next, we compared similarities and assumed homology based on deduced amino acid sequences. It showed 97.52, 87.94, and 85.11% identity to orthologous genes in D. magna, D. pulex, and D. galeata respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that DapcaDsx2 clustered in the same class, and was evolutionarily more distant to sequences from other species. qRT-PCR showed that DapcaDsx2 was most abundantly expressed during sexual reproduction (P < 0.05). Using digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes, we studied DapcaDsx2 expression in parthenogenetic and sexual females by whole-mount in situ hybridization. The results revealed that DapcaDsx2 was mainly expressed in the second antennae and several sites of the ventral carapace, whereas higher expression levels were found in sexual than in parthenogenetic females. This suggests that the DapcaDsx2 gene is involved in switching modes of reproduction and in sexual differentiation.

Establishment of a new cell line from the heart of giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus (Bloch), and its application in toxicology and virus susceptibility

A new marine fish cell line, derived from the heart of giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus (Bloch), was established and characterized. The cell line was designated as ELGH and subcultured with more than 60 passages. The ELGH cells were mainly composed of fibroblast-like cells and multiplied well in Leibovitz's L-15 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) at 28 °C. Chromosome analysis indicated that the modal chromosome number was 48. The fluorescent signals were detected in ELGH when transfected with green fluorescent protein reporter plasmids. The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50 ) of the extracellular products (ECPs) from Streptococcus iniae and Vibrio alginolyticus E333 on ELGH cells was 60.02 and 12.49 μg mL(-1), respectively. Moreover, the ELGH cells showed susceptibility to Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), but not to soft-shelled turtle iridovirus (STIV), red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) and spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV), which was demonstrated by the presence of a severe cytopathic effect (CPE) and increased viral titres. In addition, electron microscopy observation showed that abundant virus particles were present in the infected cells. Taken together, our data above provided the potential utility of ELGH cells for transgenic and genetic manipulation, as well as cytotoxicity testing and virus pathogenesis.

Effects of conservative laparoscopic endometrial cystectomy and use of kidney-reinforcing and blood activating traditional Chinese medicine on ovarian functions

This study investigated functional changes in the ovaries of women who have had conservative laparoscopic endometrial cystectomy and the effects of traditional kidney-reinforcing and blood-activating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on ovarian function. Seventy female patients who underwent laparoscopic endometrial cystectomy were randomized into two groups: TCM group receiving kidney-reinforcing and blood-activating Chinese medicine (N = 35) and control group receiving only routine follow-up (N = 35). The serum levels of all study participants were measured for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and inhibin B (INHB) prior to and after endometrial surgery. Postoperative menstruation conditions were also assessed. Compared to preoperative conditions, both LH and FSH levels during the postoperative 1st month increased in both groups, while E2 and INHB levels decreased (P < 0.05). In the TCM group, in contrast to the control group and the postoperative 1st month, we observed a decrease in LH and FSH levels during the postoperative 4th month, while E2 and INHB levels increased (P < 0.05). In this study, we found that certain TCM prescriptions lowered postoperative serum FSH and LH levels and increased the serum INHB and basal E2 levels, thereby improving the ovarian reserve.