Molecular inflammation as an underlying mechanism of the aging process and age-related diseases

Aging is a biological process characterized by time-dependent functional declines that are influenced by changes in redox status and by oxidative stress-induced inflammatory reactions. An organism's pro-inflammatory status may underlie the aging process and age-related diseases. In this review, we explore the molecular basis of low-grade, unresolved, subclinical inflammation as a major risk factor for exacerbating the aging process and age-related diseases. We focus on the redox-sensitive transcription factors, NF-κB and FOXO, which play essential roles in the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and anti-oxidant enzymes, respectively. Major players in molecular inflammation are discussed with respect to the age-related up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules, cyclo-oxygenase-2, lipoxygenase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The molecular inflammation hypothesis proposed by our laboratory is briefly described to give further molecular insights into the intricate interplay among redox balance, pro-inflammatory gene activation, and chronic age-related inflammatory diseases. The final section discusses calorie restriction as an aging-retarding intervention that also exhibits extraordinarily effective anti-inflammatory activity by modulating GSH redox, NF-κB, SIRT1, PPARs, and FOXOs.

Variations in the memory capability of nonvolatile memory devices fabricated using hybrid composites of InP nanoparticles and a polystyrene layer due to the scale-down

InP nanoparticles were formed using a solution method, and the InP nanoparticles that were embedded in a polystyrene (PS) layer were formed using the spin-coating method. The transmission electron microscopy images showed that the InP nanoparticles were randomly distributed in the PS layer. The measured capacitance-voltage (C-V) of the Al/InP nanoparticles embedded in the PS layer/PS/p-Si(100) device at 300 K showed a clockwise hysteresis of the C-V curve. Based on the C-V results, the origin of variations in the memory storage of nonvolatile memory devices that were fabricated using InP nanoparticles embedded in a PS layer due to the scale-down was described.

A highly selective and sensitive fluorescence sensing system for distinction between diphosphate and nucleoside triphosphates

Among the numerous chemosensors available for diphosphate (P(2)O(7)(4-), PPi) and nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs), only a few can distinguish between PPi and NTPs. Hence, very few bioanalytical applications based on such selective chemosensors have been realized. We have developed a new fluorescence sensing system for distinction between PPi and NTPs based on the combination of two sensors, a binuclear Zn(II) complex (1·2Zn) and boronic acid (BA), in which one chemosensor (1·2Zn) shows signal changes depending on the PPi (or NTP) concentration, and the other (BA) blocks the signal change caused by NTPs; this system enables the distinction of PPi from NTPs and is sensitive to nanomolar concentrations of PPi. The new sensing system has been successfully used for the direct quantification of RNA polymerase activity.

Abstract P3-10-27: Caspase Variant as Prognostic Marker in Patients with Early Breast Cancer

Background: Since apoptosis induced by caspases may play a role in the prognosis of breast cancer, the present study analyzed the polymorphisms of caspase genes and their impact on the survival of 240 patients with early invasive ductal breast cancer.

Material and Methods: The genomic DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tumor-free tissue or blood, and 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 5 apoptosis-related genes in the apoptosis pathway determined using a Sequenom MassARRAY system. Results: During the median follow-up of 68.6 (range, 36.3-173.1) months, 43 relapses and 25 deaths occurred. Among the target polymorphisms, the caspase 9 gene polymorphism (CASP9 rs4645978) in a dominant model of the A allele was associated with survival in a log-rank test (P < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, the GA+AA genotype of CASP9 rs4645978 was significantly correlated with a better disease-free survival (HR = 0.250; 95% CI = 0.075 - 0.840; P = 0.025), while marginally with distant disease-free or overall survival (HR = 0.360 and 0.337; P = 0.118 and 0.158, respectively). No clinicopathologic difference was observed according to the genotypes of this polymorphism. Discussion: The CASP9 rs4645978 was identified as a possible prognostic factor of survival in patients with operated invasive breast cancer.

Figures available in online version.

Intracranial stenting in patients with atherosclerotic stenosis associated with various aneurysms in the same diseased arterial segment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Aneurysms are rarely associated with symptomatic intracranial stenosis. We report the results of recanalization by stent placement in patients with symptomatic severe intracranial stenosis associated with adjacent aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 139 patients who underwent intracranial stent placement during a 5-year period, 10 (7%) had symptomatic severe intracranial stenosis associated with adjacent aneurysms. Five were in the VA, 3 in the BA, and 2 in M1. The types of aneurysm were atherosclerotic fusiform (n = 5), ulcerative (n = 4), and saccular (n = 1). We analyzed angiographic findings based on biplane and 3D angiograms and assessed patient outcomes and complications after stent placement. The results were compared with those of a control group without aneurysms who underwent stent placement during the same study period.

RESULTS

Aneurysm locations were post- (n = 6), in- (n = 2), and pre-stenotic (n = 2). After angioplasty with stent placement and/or aneurysm embolization, there were no lesion-related strokes or deaths during a median follow-up period of 25 months (range, 11-43 months). One patient had asymptomatic restenosis. The final mRS score was good (≤2) in all patients. There were no statistically significant differences in event or restenosis rates compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjacent aneurysms were rarely associated with severe intracranial stenosis but were more common in the posterior circulation. Intracranial stent placement may be performed without additional stroke risk, regardless of the type and location of the aneurysm.

Electronic structure of double perovskite A2FeReO6 (A = Ba and Ca): interplay between spin-orbit interaction, electron correlation, and lattice distortion

We have investigated the electronic structure of double perovskites, Ba(2)FeReO(6) (metallic) and Ca(2)FeReO(6) (insulating) using optical and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. By comparing the experimental results with the density functional theory calculations, we found that the electronic structure of Ba(2)FeReO(6) could be determined from the interaction of the electron correlation and spin-orbit coupling. On the other hand, for Ca(2)FeReO(6), the lattice distortion and electron correlation are important in determining the electronic structure. Additionally, the insulating gap in Ca(2)FeReO(6) is realized by the spin-orbit coupling. Our work shows that the subtle interplay of the spin-orbit interaction, electron correlation, and lattice distortion should be taken into account to understand the electronic structure of the 5d transition metal oxides.

An Arabidopsis F-box protein regulates tapetum degeneration and pollen maturation during anther development

The Arabidopsis anther has a bilateral symmetry with four lobes, each consisting of four distinct layers of somatic cells from the outer to inner side: epidermis, endothecium, middle layer and tapetum. The tapetum is a layer of cells comprising the inner surface of the pollen wall. It plays an important role in anther development by providing enzymes, materials and nutrients required for pollen maturation. Genes and molecular mechanisms underlying tapetum formation and pollen wall biosynthesis have been studied in Arabidopsis. However, tapetum degeneration and anther dehiscence have not been well characterized at the molecular level. Here, we report that an Arabidopsis gene, designated reduced male fertility (RMF), regulates degeneration of tapetum and middle layer during anther development. The Arabidopsis dominant mutant rmf-1D overexpressing the RMF gene exhibited pleiotropic phenotypes, including dwarfed growth with small, dark-green leaves and low male fertility. Tapetum development and subsequent degeneration were impaired in the mutant. Accordingly, pollen maturation was disturbed, reducing the male fertility. In contrast, tapetum degeneration was somewhat accelerated in the RMF RNAi plants. The RMF gene was expressed predominantly in the anther, particularly in the pollen grains. Notably, the RMF protein contains an F-box motif and is localized to the nucleus. It physically interacts with the Arabidopsis-Skp1-like1 protein via the F-box motif. These observations indicate that the RMF gene encodes an F-box protein functioning in tapetum degeneration during anther development.

A transcriptional feedback loop modulating signaling crosstalks between auxin and brassinosteroid in Arabidopsis

Auxin and brassinosteroid (BR) play essential roles in diverse aspects of growth and developmental processes in plants mainly through coordinate regulation of cell division, elongation, and differentiation. Consistent with the overlapped roles, accumulating evidence indicates that the two growth hormones act in a synergistic as well as in an interdependent manner in many cases, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that auxin and BR signaling pathways are interconnected at the transcriptional level via a negative feedback loop. An Arabidopsis activating tagging mutant dlf-1D exhibited dwarfed growth with small, dark-green leaves and reduced fertility. Hormone feeding assays revealed that the mutant phenotype is caused by the reduction of endogenous BR level. Consistent with this, a gene encoding the CYP72C1 enzyme that catabolizes BR was up-regulated. Notably, the transcript level of the ARF8 transcription factor gene, which modulates the expression of auxin-responsive genes, was significantly elevated in the mutant. In addition, the ARF8 gene expression was significantly reduced by BR but induced by brassinazole, a BR biosynthetic inhibitor. On the other hand, two BR catabolic pathway genes, DLF (CYP72C1) and BAS1, were induced by auxin. Our observations indicate that at least part of auxin and BR signaling pathways are unified through a transcriptional feedback control of the DLF and ARF8 genes.

Ulnar nerve palsy following closed fracture of the distal radius: a report of 2 cases

Ulnar nerve palsy subsequent to a fracture of the distal radius is extremely rare compared to a median nerve injury. The lesion tends to occur in younger patents with a high-energy mechanism of injury and a severe injury pattern consisting of wide displacement, comminution, combined distal ulnar fracture and open fracture. The mechanism of injury can contribute to a direct contusion and traction, compression secondary to prolonged edema and tissue fibrosis, intraneural fibrosis and laceration. We report 2 cases of progressive ulnar nerve palsy subsequent to closed fractures of the distal radius. The neurological symptoms recovered in all cases who underwent nerve decompression and neurolysis at 2 or 3 months after the trauma. It is recommended that cases with high-energy, widely displaced or comminuted fractures of the distal radius be evaluated carefully for ulnar nerve as well as median nerve injury.

Simultaneous bilateral carotid stenting in high-risk patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The safety and efficacy of SBCAS have not been evaluated in detail. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the outcome after SBCAS in high-risk patients compared with unilateral stent placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2002 and October 2008, a total of 205 consecutive high-risk patients underwent CAS at our institution. Of these patients, 30 (14.6%) underwent SBCAS (n = 24) and staged SBCAS (n = 6). Patients who underwent unilateral CAS (n = 175) during the same period served as controls. The stroke risk factors, procedural results, and outcome at 30 days and 6 months, as well as the restenosis rate at 6 months, were compared by using either the chi(2) test or the Kruskal-Wallis equality-of-populations rank test.

RESULTS

Our data revealed no significant differences in the stroke risk factors between the SBCAS and the control group. HPS occurred more commonly in SBCAS (ie, 16.7%, 4/24) compared with 2.9% (5/175) in the control group (P = .014). However, there was no statistical significance between 2 groups in the event rate of stroke (minor and/or major stroke), death, or restenosis at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in outcome at 6 months following stent placement between SBCAS and unilateral CAS in the high-risk patient group, even though HPS occurred more commonly after SBCAS.

Microfluidic synthesis of a cell adhesive Janus polyurethane microfiber

We present a simple synthetic approach for the preparation of cell attachable Janus polyurethane (PU) microfibers in a microfluidic system. The synthesis was performed by using laminar flows of multiple streams with spontaneous formation of carbon dioxide bubbles resulting in an asymmetrically porous PU microfiber. The fabricated asymmetric microfiber (Janus microfiber) provides two distinctive properties: one is a porous region to promote the cellular adhesion and the other is a nonporous region rendering the mechanical strength of the scaffold. The Janus microfibers show dramatic improvement of cell adhesion, proliferation, and viability over a culture period. Cells cultured on the fibers easily bridged gaps between microfibers by joining together to form a cell sheet. The maximum distance between fibers that fibroblasts bridged is approximately 200 microm over 15 days. The Janus microfiber can be used for not only an alternative 2D cell culture plate but also as a novel 3D scaffold for tissue engineering without any need for elegant surface modification for enhancing cell adhesions.

Novel one-pot route to monodisperse thermosensitive hollow microcapsules in a microfluidic system

We present a simple one-pot synthetic approach for the preparation of monodisperse thermo-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microcapsules in a microfluidic system. Based on the mechanism of shear force-driven break-off, aqueous droplets of monomer solution are continuously generated in an immiscible continuous phase containing photoinitiators. Under UV irradiation, activated initiators are diffused into the interface between the continuous phase and the aqueous droplets, which trigger polymerization of NIPAM monomers. The PNIPAM microcapsules produced are hollow microcapsules with a thin shell membrane, high monodispersity, and fast response to environmental temperature. In addition, the size of microcapsules produced can be manipulated by the flow rate of the continuous phase or aqueous phase and different concentrations of surfactant to control interfacial tension between continuous phase and aqueous phase. Furthermore, the versatility of this approach enables the preparation of monodisperse microcapsules having the capability to encapsulate various materials such as proteins and nanoparticles under mild conditions. The in situ microfluidic synthetic method provides a novel approach for the preparation of monodisperse hollow microcapsules via a one-pot route.

HD-ZIP III activity is modulated by competitive inhibitors via a feedback loop in Arabidopsis shoot apical meristem development

Shoot apical meristem (SAM) development is coordinately regulated by two interdependent signaling events: one maintaining stem cell identity and the other governing the initiation of lateral organs from the flanks of the SAM. The signaling networks involved in this process are interconnected and are regulated by multiple molecular mechanisms. Class III homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-ZIP III) proteins are the most extensively studied transcription factors involved in this regulation. However, how different signals are integrated to maintain stem cell identity and to pattern lateral organ polarity remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that a small ZIP protein, ZPR3, and its functionally redundant homolog, ZPR4, negatively regulate the HD-ZIP III activity in SAM development. ZPR3 directly interacts with PHABULOSA (PHB) and other HD-ZIP III proteins via the ZIP motifs and forms nonfunctional heterodimers. Accordingly, a double mutant, zpr3-2 zpr4-2, exhibits an altered SAM activity with abnormal stem cell maintenance. However, the mutant displays normal patterning of leaf polarity. In addition, we show that PHB positively regulates ZPR3 expression. We therefore propose that HD-ZIP III activity in regulating SAM development is modulated by, among other things, a feedback loop involving the competitive inhibitors ZPR3 and ZPR4.

Generation of monodisperse alginate microbeads and in situ encapsulation of cell in microfluidic device

A microfluidic method for the in situ production of monodispersed alginate hydrogels using chaotic mixing is described. Aqueous droplets comprising of alginate and calcium as a cross-linking agent were formed as an immiscible continuous phase, and then the alginate and calcium in the droplet came into contact and were rapidly mixed. Gelation of the hydrogel was achieved in situ by the chaotic mixing of the droplets in the microfluidic device. Important operating parameters included: the capillary number (Ca) and the flow rate of the continuous phase, which mainly influenced the formation of three distinctive flow regimes, such as fluctuation, stable droplets, and laminar flow. Under the stable formation of droplets regime, monodispersed alginate microbeads having a narrow size distribution (below 3% of CV) were produced in the microfluidic device and the size of the microbeads, ranging from 60 to 95 microm, could be easily modulated by varying the flow rate, viscosity, and interfacial tension. In addition, this approach can be applied to the encapsulation of yeast cells in alginate hydrogels with a high monodispersity. This simple microfluidic technique for the production of monodispersed hydrogels and encapsulation of biomolecules shows strong potential for use in biosensors, cell sensors, drug delivery systems, and cell transplantation applications.

The GIGANTEA-regulated microRNA172 mediates photoperiodic flowering independent of CONSTANS in Arabidopsis

Regulated RNA metabolism appears to be a critical component of molecular mechanisms directing flowering initiation in plants. A group of RNA binding proteins exerts their roles through the autonomous flowering pathway. Posttranscriptional mechanisms regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) also play a key role in flowering-time control. Here, we demonstrate that the GIGANTEA (GI)-regulated miR172 defines a unique genetic pathway that regulates photoperiodic flowering by inducing FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) independent of CONSTANS (CO). A late-flowering mutant in which a miR172 target gene, TARGET OF EAT1, is constitutively activated by the nearby insertion of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S enhancer normally responded to vernalization and gibberellic acid treatments. By contrast, its response to daylength changes was severely disrupted. In the mutant, FT was significantly repressed, but other flowering genes were unaffected. Notably, miR172 abundance is regulated by photoperiod via GI-mediated miRNA processing. Accordingly, miR172-overproducing plants exhibit early flowering under both long days and short days, even in the absence of functional CO, indicating that miR172 promotes photoperiodic flowering through a CO-independent genetic pathway. Therefore, it appears that GI-mediated photoperiodic flowering is governed by the coordinated interaction of two distinct genetic pathways: one mediated via CO and the other mediated via miR172 and its targets.

An Arabidopsis GH3 gene, encoding an auxin-conjugating enzyme, mediates phytochrome B-regulated light signals in hypocotyl growth

An Arabidopsis GH3 gene WES1 encodes an auxin-conjugating enzyme that plays a role in stress responses by modulating endogenous levels of active auxin through a negative feedback regulation. Here, we report a photomorphogenic role for WES1 in hypocotyl growth. Hypocotyls of the WES1-overexpressing wes1-D and the knockout wes1 mutants were similar to control hypocotyls in darkness. However, the wes1-D hypocotyls were significantly shorter but the wes1 hypocotyls were longer than control hypocotyls under red light. Accordingly, WES1 transcription was up-regulated in a phytochrome B mutant. These results provide support for WES1 regulating hypocotyl growth by mediating phytochrome B-perceived light signals.

An Arabidopsis GH3 gene, encoding an auxin-conjugating enzyme, mediates phytochrome B-regulated light signals in hypocotyl growth

An Arabidopsis GH3 gene WES1 encodes an auxin-conjugating enzyme that plays a role in stress responses by modulating endogenous levels of active auxin through a negative feedback regulation. Here, we report a photomorphogenic role for WES1 in hypocotyl growth. Hypocotyls of the WES1-overexpressing wes1-D and the knockout wes1 mutants were similar to control hypocotyls in darkness. However, the wes1-D hypocotyls were significantly shorter but the wes1 hypocotyls were longer than control hypocotyls under red light. Accordingly, WES1 transcription was up-regulated in a phytochrome B mutant. These results provide support for WES1 regulating hypocotyl growth by mediating phytochrome B-perceived light signals.

MIR166/165 genes exhibit dynamic expression patterns in regulating shoot apical meristem and floral development in Arabidopsis

The miR166/165 group and its target genes regulate diverse aspects of plant development, including apical and lateral meristem formation, leaf polarity, and vascular development. We demonstrate here that MIR166/165 genes are dynamically controlled in regulating shoot apical meristem (SAM) and floral development in parallel to the WUSCHEL (WUS)-CLAVATA (CLV) pathway. Although miR166 and miR165 cleave same target mRNAs, individual MIR166/165 genes exhibit distinct expression domains in different plant tissues. The MIR166/165 expression is also temporarily regulated. Consistent with the dynamic expression patterns, an array of alterations in SAM activities and floral architectures was observed in the miR166/165-overproducing plants. In addition, when a MIR166a-overexpressing mutant was genetically crossed with mutants defective in the WUS-CLV pathway, the resultant crosses exhibited additive phenotypic effects, suggesting that the miR166/165-mediated signal exerts its role via a distinct signaling pathway.

Application of iron-coated sand and manganese-coated sand on the treatment of both As(III) and As(V)

In this study, manganese-coated sand (MCS) and iron-coated sand (ICS) were applied in the oxidation of As(III) and adsorption of As(V), respectively. ICS and MCS were prepared by mixing FeCl3 and Mn(NO3)2, respectively, with Joomoonjin sand at 150 degrees C. In the batch adsorption isotherms, adsorption of As(III) and As(V) onto ICS followed a Langmuir type. ICS showed a greater capacity in the removal of As(V) than As(III) and also in the removal of As(V) compared with MCS. Three different configurations of ICS and MCS were used to investigate the oxidation of As(III) and adsorption of As(V) in a column. In the homogenised system, arsenic breakthrough was approximately two-times delayed compared with the separately packed systems. After breakthrough of arsenic, concentration of As(III) in the effluents was below 40 ppb for the entire reaction period in all configurations, and most arsenic was identified as As(V) owing to near complete conversion of As(III) to As(V) by MCS. The catalytic activity of MCS on the oxidation of As(III) was maintained up to 700 pore volumes, which corresponds to the treatment of at least 300 mg As(III) based on the 1 kg MCS. Compared with the homogenised column, the released Mn(II) concentration from two-staged and four-staged columns was great for the entire reaction period. In the case where the same amount of ICS and MCS was packed in a filtration system, the homogenised column was identified as a better configuration compared with the two-staged and four-staged columns when considering the arsenic breakthrough time as well as the released concentration of Fe(III) and Mn(II).

Effect of orbital rotation and mixing on the optical properties of orthorhombic RMnO3 (R=La, Pr, Nd, Gd, and Tb)

We investigated the ab-plane absorption spectra of RMnO3 (R=La, Pr, Nd, Gd, and Tb) thin films. As the ionic radius of the R ion decreases, we observed a drastic suppression of the 2 eV peak, i.e., the intersite optical transition between spin- and orbital-aligned states across the Mott gap. We found that, in addition to orbital rotation, orbital mixing in the orbital-ordered state should play an important role in the suppression of 2 eV peak. We also found that the spectral weight of 2 eV peak is proportional to the A-type antiferromagnetic ordering temperature, which suggests that the magnetic interaction should be sensitively coupled to the orbital degree of freedom.

A white blood cell count in the normal concentration range is independently related to cardiorespiratory fitness in apparently healthy Korean men

Despite the documented health benefits of physical activity, the mechanism whereby physical activity prevents cardiovascular disease is incompletely understood. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between white blood cell (WBC) count and cardiorespiratory fitness (V o(2)max) after adjusting for several well-known cardiovascular risk factors. Subjects who visited our health promotion center for a medical checkup and treadmill test (n=8241; age: median, 48 years; range, 16-79 years) were classified into 3 groups based on their WBC counts (group 1, 2200-5300 microL, n=2823; group 2, 5301-6500 microL, n=2709; group 3, 6501-10000 microL, n=2709). After adjusting for age, body mass index, body fat percentage, smoking history, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum lipid profile, and fasting plasma glucose, V o(2)max still showed a significant association with WBC count (partial r=-0.11, P<.001). In logistic regression analyses, subjects in the highest WBC tertile showed lower V o(2)max compared with those in the lowest WBC tertile after adjusting for age and cardiovascular risk factors (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.49 for the highest V o(2)max tertile). These results suggest that a WBC count in the normal concentration range is independently related to cardiorespiratory fitness in Korean men.