Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Prediction of Linezolid and Emtricitabine in Neonates and Infants

INTRODUCTION

Modeling and simulation approaches are increasingly being utilized in pediatric drug development. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling offers an enhanced ability to predict age-related changes in pharmacokinetics in the pediatric population.

METHODS

In the current study, adult PBPK models were developed for the renally excreted drugs linezolid and emtricitabine. PBPK models were then utilized to predict pharmacokinetics in pediatric patients for various age groups from the oldest to the youngest patients in a stepwise approach.

RESULTS

Pharmacokinetic predictions for these two drugs in the pediatric population, including infants and neonates, were within a twofold range of clinical observations. Based on this study, linezolid and emtricitabine pediatric PBPK models incorporating the ontogeny in renal maturation describe the pharmacokinetic differences between adult and pediatric populations, even though the contribution of renal clearance to the total clearance of two drugs was very different (30 % for linezolid vs. 86 % for emtricitabine).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that PBPK modeling may provide one option to help predict the pharmacokinetics of renally excreted drugs in neonates and infants.

Surgical Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma Extending Into Venous System: A 20-Year Experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The purpose of this study is to report our 20-year experience with the surgical management of renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava using a novel classification system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 103 patients (69 males, 34 females, mean age: 52.9 ± 12.6 years) with renal cell carcinoma involving the venous system treated between 1993 and 2014. The inferior vena cava tumor thrombus was classified into five levels: 0 (renal vein, n = 12), 1 (infrahepatic, n = 33), 2a (low retrohepatic, n = 26), 2b (high retrohepatic, n = 19), and 3 (supradiaphragmatic, n = 13). Clinical data were summarized, and overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and disease-free survival were examined by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

All patients underwent radical surgery. Complete resections of the renal tumor and thrombus were achieved in 101 patients (98.1%). Two intraoperative and one postoperative in-hospital deaths (2.9%) occurred. In total, 19 patients (18.8%) had a total of 29 postoperative complications. Mean follow-up time was 46 months (range, 1-239 months). The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 62.9% and 56.0%, respectively. Metastasis, rather than thrombus level, was a significant risk factor associated with overall survival (hazard ratio = 4.89, 95% confidence interval: 2.24-10.67, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our novel classification system can be used to select the optimal surgical approach and method for patients with renal cell carcinoma and venous thrombus. Its use is associated with prolonged survival and relatively few complications. Metastasis is an independent risk factor of overall survival.

Downregulation of miRNA-15a and miRNA-16 promote tumor proliferation in multiple myeloma by increasing CABIN1 expression

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disorder characterized by the neoplastic growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) modulate key regulatory cell pathways via their influence on target genes, and may serve a crucial function in tumorigenesis. Previous studies have indicated that the downregulation of miR-15a and miR-16 contributes to MM pathogenesis. However, the functional mechanisms of miR-15a and miR-16 in MM remain unclear. In the present study, potential target sites for miR-15a and miR-16 were identified on the calcineurin-binding protein 1 (CABIN1) mRNA sequence from analyses of previously published crosslinking, ligation and sequencing of hybrids data. Again-of-function study was also performed, which determined that miR-15a/16 directly targeted CABIN1 mRNA and negatively regulated the expression of CABIN1 at the mRNA and protein level in MM cells. A cell proliferation assay demonstrated that the upregulation of miR-15a and miR-16 inhibited the proliferation of MM cells via targeting CABIN1. miR-15a and miR-16 were significantly decreased in MM specimens, compared with in normal specimens, whereas CABIN1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in MM samples compared with in normal samples. CABIN1 mRNA levels were negatively correlated with miR-15a and miR-16 expression levels in MM tissues, as determined using Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis. The results of the present study indicate that the downregulation of miR-15a and miR-16 promotes tumor proliferation in MM by increasing CABIN1 expression. The present study may aid elucidation of the functions of miR-15a and miR-16 and their function in MM carcinogenesis.

Denis RD, Stabile A, Stamen R, Stamm S, Stanecka E, Stanek RW, Stanescu C, Stanitzki MM, Stapf BS, Stapnes S, Starchenko EA, Stark GH, Stark J, Stark SH, Staroba P, Starovoitov P, Stärz S, Staszewski R, Steinberg P, Stelzer B, Stelzer HJ, Stelzer-Chilton O, Stenzel H, Stewart GA, Stockton MC, Stoebe M, Stoicea G, Stolte P, Stonjek S, Stradling AR, Straessner A, Stramaglia ME, Strandberg J, Strandberg S, Strauss M, Strizenec P, Ströhmer R, Strom DM, Stroynowski R, Strubig A, Stucci SA, Stugu B, Styles NA, Su D, Su J, Suchek S, Sugaya Y, Suk M, Sulin VV, Sultan DMS, Sultansoy S, Sumida T, Sun S, Sun X, Suruliz K, Suster CJE, Sutton MR, Suzuki S, Svatos M, Swiatlowski M, Swift SP, Sykora I, Sykora T, Ta D, Tackmann K, Taenzer J, Taffard A, Tafirout R, Taiblum N, Takai H, Takashima R, Takasugi EH, Takeshita T, Takubo Y, Talby M, Talyshev AA, Tanaka J, Tanaka M, Tanaka R, Tanaka S, Tanioka R, Tannenwald BB, Tapia Araya S, Tapprogge S, Tarem S, Tartarelli GF, Tas P, Tasevsky M, Tashiro T, 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M, Wiglesworth C, Wiik-Fuchs LAM, Wildauer A, Wilk F, Wilkens HG, Williams HH, Williams S, Willis C, Willocq S, Wilson JA, Wingerter-Seez I, Winkels E, Winklmeier F, Winston OJ, Winter BT, Wittgen M, Wobisch M, Wolf TMH, Wolff R, Wolter MW, Wolters H, Wong VWS, Worm SD, Wosiek BK, Wotschack J, Wozniak KW, Wu M, Wu SL, Wu X, Wu Y, Wyatt TR, Wynne BM, Xella S, Xi Z, Xia L, Xu D, Xu L, Xu T, Yabsley B, Yacoob S, Yamaguchi D, Yamaguchi Y, Yamamoto A, Yamamoto S, Yamanaka T, Yamatani M, Yamauchi K, Yamazaki Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Yang H, Yang Y, Yang Z, Yao WM, Yap YC, Yasu Y, Yatsenko E, Yau Wong KH, Ye J, Ye S, Yeletskikh I, Yigitbasi E, Yildirim E, Yorita K, Yoshihara K, Young C, Young CJS, Yu J, Yu J, Yuen SPY, Yusuff I, Zabinski B, Zacharis G, Zaidan R, Zaitsev AM, Zakharchuk N, Zalieckas J, Zaman A, Zambito S, Zanzi D, Zeitnitz C, Zemaityte G, Zemla A, Zeng JC, Zeng Q, Zenin O, Ženiš T, Zerwas D, Zhang D, Zhang F, Zhang G, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhang L, Zhang L, Zhang M, Zhang P, Zhang R, Zhang R, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Zhao X, Zhao Y, Zhao Z, Zhemchugov A, Zhou B, Zhou C, Zhou L, Zhou M, Zhou M, Zhou N, Zhu CG, Zhu H, Zhu J, Zhu Y, Zhuang X, Zhukov K, Zibell A, Zieminska D, Zimine NI, Zimmermann C, Zimmermann S, Zinonos Z, Zinser M, Ziolkowski M, Živković L, Zobernig G, Zoccoli A, Zou R, zur Nedden M, Zwalinski L. Measurement of detector-corrected observables sensitive to the anomalous production of events with jets and large missing transverse momentum in p p collisions at s = 13 TeV using the ATLAS detector

Observables sensitive to the anomalous production of events containing hadronic jets and missing momentum in the plane transverse to the proton beams at the Large Hadron Collider are presented. The observables are defined as a ratio of cross sections, for events containing jets and large missing transverse momentum to events containing jets and a pair of charged leptons from the decay of a Z / γ ∗ boson. This definition minimises experimental and theoretical systematic uncertainties in the measurements. This ratio is measured differentially with respect to a number of kinematic properties of the hadronic system in two phase-space regions; one inclusive single-jet region and one region sensitive to vector-boson-fusion topologies. The data are found to be in agreement with the Standard Model predictions and used to constrain a variety of theoretical models for dark-matter production, including simplified models, effective field theory models, and invisible decays of the Higgs boson. The measurements use 3.2 fb- 1 of proton-proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS experiment at a centre-of-mass energy of 13  TeV and are fully corrected for detector effects, meaning that the data can be used to constrain new-physics models beyond those shown in this paper.

Microbial competition among anammox bacteria in nitrite-limited bioreactors

Phylogenetically diverse anammox bacteria have been detected in most of anoxic natural and engineered ecosystems and thus regarded as key players in the global nitrogen cycle. However, ecological niche differentiation of anammox bacteria remains unresolved despite its ecological and practical importance. In this study, the microbial competitions for a common substrate (nitrite) among three anammox species (i.e. "Candidatus Brocadia sinica", "Candidatus Jettenia caeni" and "Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis") were systematically investigated in nitrite-limited gel-immobilized column reactors (GICR) and membrane bioreactors (MBRs) under different nitrogen loading rates (NLRs). 16 S rRNA gene-based population dynamics revealed that "Ca. J. caeni" could proliferate only at low NLRs, whereas "Ca. B. sinica" outcompeted other two species at higher NLRs in both types of reactors. Furthermore, FISH analysis revealed that "Ca. J. caeni" was mainly present as spherical microclusters at the inner part (low NO₂^- environment), whereas "Ca. B. sinica" was present throughout the gel beads and granules. This spatial distribution supports the outcomes of the competition experiments. However, the successful competition of "Ca. J. caeni" at low NLR could not be explained with the Monod model probably due to inaccuracy of kinetic parameters such as half saturation constant (K_s) for nitrite and a difference in the maintenance rate (m). In addition, the growth of "Ca. K. stuttgartiensis" could not be observed in any experimental conditions, suggesting possible unknown factor(s) is missing. Taken together, NLR was one of factors determining ecological niche differentiation of "Ca. B. sinica" and "Ca. J. caeni".

Circulating cell-free DNA and circulating tumor cells, the "liquid biopsies" in ovarian cancer

Limited understanding of ovarian cancer (OC) genome portrait has hindered the therapeutic advances. The serial monitoring of tumor genotypes is becoming increasingly attainable with circulating cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) emerging as “liquid biopsies”. They represent non-invasive biomarkers and are viable, as they can be isolated from human plasma, serum and other body fluids. Molecular characterization of circulating tumor DNA (ct-DNA) and CTCs offer unique potentials to better understand the biology of metastasis and resistance to therapies. The liquid biopsies may also give innovative insights into the process of rapid and accurate identification, resistant genetic alterations and a real time monitoring of treatment responses. In addition, liquid biopsies are shedding light on elucidating signal pathways involved in invasiveness and metastasis competence; but the detection and molecular characterization of ct-DNA and CTCs are still challenging, since they are rare, and the amount of available samples are very limited. This review will focus on the clinical potential of ct-DNA and CTCs in both the early and advanced diagnosis, prognosis, and in the identification of resistance mutations in OC.

MiR-361-5p inhibits glycolytic metabolism, proliferation and invasion of breast cancer by targeting FGFR1 and MMP-1

Background

MicroRNAs function as key regulators in various human cancers, including breast cancer (BC). MiR-361-5p has been proved to be a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer and gastric cancer in our previous study. In this study, we aim to find out the function of miR-361-5p in breast cancer progression and elaborate the mechanism that miR-361-5p acts its function in breast cancer.

Methods and results

Here we reported that miR-361-5p was down-regulated in breast cancer tissue compared with normal breast tissue and the expression of miR-361-5p was positively associated with prognosis in BC patients. Functional studies showed that overexpression of miR-361-5p suppressed the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that miR-361-5p inhibited the proliferation of BC cells by suppressing glycolysis. FGFR1, a promoter of glycolysis-related enzyme, was identified as the target of miR-361-5p that promoted glycolysis and repressed oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-361-5p inhibited breast cancer cells invasion and metastasis by targeting MMP-1. An inverse expression pattern was also found between miR-361-5p and FGFR1 or MMP-1 in a cohort of 60 BC tissues.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that miR-361-5p inhibits breast cancer cells glycolysis and invasion by respectively repressing FGFR1 and MMP-1, suggesting that miR-361-5p and its targets may serve as therapeutic targets in breast cancer treatment.

[Diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath for peripheral pulmonary ground glass opacity]

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) for peripheral pulmonary ground glass opacity (GGO). Methods: The clinical data of 27 consecutive patients with 27 GGOs diagnosed by EBUS-GS between November 2014 to December 2015 in our Cancer Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The average age of these 27 patients, including 9 males and 18 females, was 59±11 years. The median lesion size of the 27 GGOs was 2.9±1.2 cm, including 24 mixed GGOs and 3 pure GGOs. EBUS images of all 27 GGOs were evaluated, cytological, histological and combination diagnosis analyzed, and complications observed. Results: Under thin bronchoscope, 2 out of 27 cases showed bronchial stenosis, 1 showed bronchial stenosis with mucosal swelling, and the other 24 did not show abnormalities. Twenty-five out of 27 GGOs were found by EBUS, including 22 cases of mGGO and 3 of pGGO. In these ultrasonic images of 22 mGGOs, 18 showed mixed blizzard sign, 3 showed diffusely heterogeneous acoustic shadow and 1showed blizzard sign. Ultrasonic images of 3 pGGOs all appeared as blizzard sign. Twenty-six cytological specimens were obtained, and 16 were diagnosed clearly. All 27 histological specimens were collected, and 18 were diagnosed clearly. Nineteen of 27 cases were diagnosed by combination of cytological and histological specimens. One complication of EBUS-GS with mild bleeding was observed, and hemorrhage was terminated by conservative treatment. Conclusions: EBUS-GS is valuable for GGO diagnosis with less complications and higher safety. GGO ultrasonic image manifested as mixed blizzard sign, blizzard sign or diffusely heterogeneous acoustic shadow.

MIAT promotes proliferation and hinders apoptosis by modulating miR-181b/STAT3 axis in ox-LDL-induced atherosclerosis cell models

BACKGROUND

Plenty of lncRNAs and microRNAs have been identified to be critical mediators in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) were aberrantly high expressed and closely associated with the pathogenesis of AS. However, its molecular mechanism has not been well characterized.

METHODS

The expression patterns of MIAT and microRNA-181b (miR-181b) in clinical samples and cells were measured by RT-qPCR assays. Luciferase reporter assay and RIP assays were used to manifest the potential interaction between MIAT, miR-181b and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Propidium Iodide (PI) staining, Terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and western blot assays were carried out to detect cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and STAT3 protein level, respectively.

RESULTS

MIAT expression was up-regulated and miR-181b expression was down-regulated in AS patients serum and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced AS cells model. MIAT facilitated cell proliferation, accelerated cell cycle progression and inhibited apoptosis in ox-LDL-induced AS cell lines, while this effect was partly reversed by miR-181b overexpression. Moreover, MIAT enhanced STAT3 expression through sequestering miR-181b as a molecular sponge. Furthermore, MiR-181b hindered cell growth, induced cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis by directly targeting STAT3.

CONCLUSION

MIAT performed as an induction factor of AS by regulating miR-181b/STAT3 axis in ox-LDL-induced AS cell lines, offering a new insight into the potential application of MIAT in AS treatment.

Modified closed-loop double-endobutton technique for repair of rockwood type III acromioclavicular dislocation

Acromioclavicular dislocation (ACD) is a common injury. According to the Rockwood classification, ACD is classified into six types (type I–VI); however, for type III injuries, it remains controversial whether or not operative treatment should be applied. Numerous studies have advocated early surgical treatment to ensure early rehabilitation activities. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate a modified closed-loop double-endobutton technique (MCDT), that may be used to repair Rockwood type III ACD. In the current study, 61 patients with Rockwood type III ACD were enrolled during a period of 5 years at the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University. Patients were divided into three groups according to the surgical method used, the MCDT group (n=20), the common closed-loop double-endobutton technique (CCDT) group (n=21), and the clavicular hook plate fixation (CHPF) group (n=20). Preoperative and intraoperative information were recorded. Furthermore, the functional scores of injured shoulder were evaluated prior to surgery and following surgery with a 1-year follow-up. Among the three groups, postoperative functional scores were significantly more improved compared with those prior to surgery (P<0.05), and no significant difference was observed regarding the coracoclavicular interval with the 1-year follow-up (P>0.05). Postoperative functional scores in the MCDT and CCDT groups were significantly more improved compared those in the CHPF group (P<0.05). In addition, the duration of surgery in the MCDT group was significantly shorter compared with that in the CCDT group (P<0.05). Furthermore, compared with the CHPF group, the incision length was significantly shorter with reduced hemorrhage in the MCDT group (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results of the current study suggest that MCDT is more simple, convenient and efficient compared with CCDT, and is worth popularizing.

Search for Heavy Higgs Bosons A/H Decaying to a Top Quark Pair in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

A search for heavy pseudoscalar (A) and scalar (H) Higgs bosons decaying into a top quark pair (tt[over ¯]) has been performed with 20.3  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=8  TeV. Interference effects between the signal process and standard model tt[over ¯] production, which are expected to distort the signal shape from a single peak to a peak-dip structure, are taken into account. No significant deviation from the standard model prediction is observed in the tt[over ¯] invariant mass spectrum in final states with an electron or muon, large missing transverse momentum, and at least four jets. The results are interpreted within the context of a type-II two-Higgs-doublet model. Exclusion limits on the signal strength are derived as a function of the mass m_{A/H} and the ratio of the vacuum expectation values of the two Higgs fields, tanβ, for m_{A/H}>500  GeV.

High-power continuous-wave narrow-linewidth 253.7 nm deep-ultraviolet laser

A 760 mW stable continuous-wave narrow-linewidth 253.7 nm deep-ultraviolet laser is developed for laser cooling of mercury atoms. It is based on a high-power 1014.8 nm room-temperature fiber laser amplifier and two cascaded efficient frequency-doubling stages. The saturated absorption spectrum of Hg202 on the 6S₀1-6P₁3 transition is demonstrated with a high signal-to-noise ratio. This deep-ultraviolet laser has significant applications in quantum optics and laser cooling of mercury atoms in 2D and 3D magneto-optical traps.

The KLF14 transcription factor regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis in mice

Krüppel-like factor 14 (KLF14) is a member of the Cys₂/His₂ zinc-finger DNA-binding proteins. Despite strong evidence showing that a polymorphism in the Klf14 gene is closely linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, the physiological and metabolic functions of KLF14 still remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of KLF14 in the regulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis. Adenoviruses expressing KLF14 (Ad-Klf14) or KLF14-specific shRNAs (Ad-shKlf14) were injected into normal C57BL/6J, db/db diabetic, or high-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Gene expression, hepatic glucose production, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance were tested in C57BL/6J, db/db, and DIO mice and primary hepatocytes. Our results demonstrate that KLF14 expression is induced in the livers of normal C57BL/6J mice upon fasting and significantly up-regulated in the livers of db/db mice, suggesting a physiological link between KLF14 and gluconeogenesis. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of KLF14 in primary hepatocytes increased both the mRNA and protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (Pgc-1α, also known as Ppargc1a), thereby stimulating cellular glucose production. Conversely, knockdown of KLF14 expression led to a reduction in PGC-1α, subsequently inhibiting glucose output in primary hepatocytes. Finally, forced expression of KLF14 in the livers of normal mice increased the plasma glucose levels and impaired glucose tolerance; in contrast, KLF14 knockdown in diabetic mouse livers improved glucose tolerance. Taken together, our data strongly indicate that KLF14 modulates hepatic gluconeogenesis.

Partial nephrectomy for T3aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma: shall we step forward?

Objectives:

To evaluate the prognosis of non-metastatic T3a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with partial nephrectomy (PN).

Patients and Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated 125 patients with non-metastatic T3a RCC. Patients undergoing PN and radical nephrectomy (RN) were strictly matched by clinic-pathologic characteristics. Log-rank test and Cox regression model were used for univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results:

18 pair patients were matched and the median follow-up was 35.5 (10-86) months. PN patients had a higher postoperative eGFR than RN patients (P=0.034). Cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) did not differ between two groups (P=0.305 and P=0.524). On multivariate analysis, CSS decreased with positive surgical margin and anemia (both P <0.01) and RFS decreased with Furhman grade, positive surgical margin, and anemia (all P<0.01).

Conclusions:

For patients with non-metastatic pT3a RCC, PN may be a possible option for similar oncology outcomes and better renal function.

Gold nanoshurikens with uniform sharp tips for chemical sensing by the localized surface plasmon resonance

Creation of uniform sharp tips in noble metal nanostructures is highly desirable for chemical sensing applications that rely on their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), while it remains a great challenge as typically it is not energetically favorable. Herein, we report a robust synthesis route to a novel family of unique shuriken-shaped Au nanostructures with four in-plane sharp tips in high yield and uniformity. The success of the synthesis relies on the anisotropic crystal growth of quasi-planar Au seeds by taking advantage of the capping effect of a ligand on the specific facets, as well as the predominant deposition of Au over its surface diffusion that accounts for the formation of the sharp tips. The resulting Au nanoshurikens show remarkable LSPR in the near-infrared range of the spectrum, which proves to be sensitive to a minor change in the sharp tips, thus enabling superior chemical sensing activity, as demonstrated by detection of mercury of ultralow concentrations. This novel nanostructure promises not only great potential in monitoring mercury in aquatic ecosystems, but also wide applicability to many other sensing scenarios, such as analyzing various chemicals and biologically active species, with excellent sensitivity.

Cell contact and pressure control of YAP localization and clustering revealed by super-resolution imaging

Yes-associated protein (YAP) is well known for being an effecter of the Hippo signaling cascade that plays a critical role in organ size control, tumorigenesis, and regeneration. As YAP is a transcriptional coactivator, nuclear accumulation is a crucial determinant of its function. Numerous investigations have provided insights into the regulation of YAP, such as upstream molecules of the Hippo pathway, cell contact inhibition, and mechanical forces. However, detailed information regarding YAP spatial localization and organization in cells remains uncertain, and how mechanical signals control YAP distribution and function is not fully known. Therefore, we used one of the super-resolution imaging techniques, direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM), combined with confocal microscopy, to solve these problems. We found that YAP is mainly distributed in clusters in the cells, and that both cell contact and pressure on cell surfaces promote the nuclear-to-cytoplasm translocation of YAP and its phosphorylation, but weaken the clustering of nuclear YAP and its transcriptional activity. Moreover, we found that pressure regulation may be more effective on YAP from cancer cells as compared to normal cells, which could help open a door to target YAP for anticancer drug design.

[Research advances in indices and methods for nutritional status evaluation in patients with liver cirrhosis]

In recent years, malnutrition in patients with liver cirrhosis has been taken more and more seriously in clinical physicians, and patients' nutritional status is closely associated with prognosis. At present, there are many methods for the evaluation of nutritional status in patients with liver cirrhosis, but there are still no unified standards. This article reviews the common evaluation indices and methods used in clinical practice in China and foreign countries, in order to provide a basis for accurately evaluating nutritional status and guiding nutritional therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Effect of MAH-g-PLA on the Properties of Wood Fiber/Polylactic Acid Composites

Maleic anhydride (MAH) was used as the grafting monomer, which was prepared by melt grafting reaction in the twin screw extruder with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as the initiator, polylactic acid grafted with maleic anhydride (MAH-g-PLA) was successfully prepared as the interface compatibilizer. The PLA/Wood fiber/MAH-g-PLA composites were prepared by melt blending and injection molding with different proportions of compatibilizer added, within which PLA was for the matrix phase and wood fiber was for the reinforcing phase. The crystallinity, microstructure, thermal stability and dynamic thermomechanical property of the composites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermo gravimetric analyzer (TGA) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA). Furthermore, the mechanical and water absorption properties of the composites were also characterized. Results showed that the tensile strength and flexural strength of the composites attained the highest at 30% MAH-g-PLA added, where the crystallinity of the composites also showed the highest value. DMA results showed that the addition of MAH-g-PLA interfacial compatibilizer increased the loss modulus of the composites and improved the toughness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that when the MAH-g-PLA was used, wood fiber is well dispersed in the PLA matrix phase, and that the interfacial compatibility between the matrix and the enhanced phase was improved. Therefore, the addition of MAH-g-PLA could improve the interfacial compatibility of PLA/Wood fiber composites and improve the mechanical properties of the composites.

A novel triplex isobaric termini labeling quantitative approach for simultaneously supplying three quantitative sources

Benefiting from high sensitivity and great ability to measure multiple samples simultaneously, isobaric tandem Mass spectrometry (MS2) quantification has been widely applied for protein biomarker screening. Here, a newly developed isobaric MS2 quantification method named triplex quantification by isobaric termini labeling (Triplex-QITL) was established. This method enables the accurate comparison of various fragment ions (reporter ions, amino acid fragments and N-/C-terminal fragments) based quantification to be operated in a single run. To our knowledge, this is the first time that this kind of comparison is achieved. In Triplex-QITL, proteins were first digested with Lys-C to produce peptides with lysine (K) at the C-termini, then dimethylation reagents and mTRAQ reagents were used to label the N-termini and C-termini of the peptides respectively. N- and C-terminal fragment ion pairs, reporter ions from mTRAQ (113,117,121) and a₁ ion pairs were simultaneously generated in MS2 spectra. In simple sample experiment, not much difference in using various fragment ions for quantification was observed. When analyzing SW480 cell lysate, comparing with a1 ions, about two times of reproducible quantification results were achieved by reporter ions and N- and C-terminal ions. Meanwhile the measured quantification results were much closer to the expected results even in large ratios (1:10:10) using N- and C-terminal ions. Finally, Triplex-QITL was successfully applied to profile metastatic differences of three hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. In all, Triplex-QITL shows a promising future in quantitative proteomics.

Effects of Concentration and Surface Pressure on MBP Interaction with Cholesterol in Langmuir Films

Predicting the mechanism of MBP binding to cholesterol is meaningful in understanding how MBP participate in lateral membrane organization. The interaction of MBP with cholesterol monolayer was investigated at three surface pressures on 10 mM Tris-HCl buffer with the different concentrations of MBP. The results show that π-A isotherms shift to larger molecular area at all pressures. By means of analyzing π-T curves, a surface pressure increase was obtained. Results indicated that the greater the protein concentration in the subphase, the larger the increase of surface pressure. In addition, changes in monolayer surface morphology and domain formation were performed by AFM. These results provide more direct and convincing evidence for the MBP interaction with cholesterol. The MBP-cholesterol interaction suggests a significant concentrations and surface pressure dependence and is probably governed by hydrogen bonds. The date presented could help to understand at least one of the molecular mechanisms through which MBP affects lateral organization of the cholesterol membrane.