Functionalization of Polydopamine via the Aza-Michael Reaction for Antimicrobial Interfaces

Polydopamine (pDA) coatings afford tremendous versatility due to their capabilities to provide substrate-independent functionalization with a wide range of amine- and thiol-containing molecules. In this work, we developed a new and facile conjugation approach to the formation of β-amino carbonyl linkages between pDA and acrylate/acrylamide molecules via the aza-Michael reaction. Sulfobetaine acrylamide (SBAA), sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) were employed to graft onto pDA films, giving rise to formation of antifouling coatings. Because of the universal adhesive property of pDA, the coating strategy was applied to different substrates, including TiO2, gold, SiO2, Nitinol alloy, polystyrene, and poly(dimethylsiloxane). The variation of surface chemistry and surface wettability upon pDA modification and subsequent conjugation was monitored with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle measurements. Antifouling properties of coatings were challenged by three common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Cytocompatibility of the coatings with NIH-3T3 fibroblasts was accessed using MTT assay. The results showed that pDA coatings grafted with SBAA exhibited superhydrophilicity and excellent fouling resistance likely due to the high chemical reactivity of acrylamide, leading to high grafting density. In addition, dual functional coatings containing passive and active antibacterial components were constructed through the in situ deposition of antimicrobial agent, silver nanoparticles, in pDA, followed by the grafting of SBAA for bacterial repellence. The composite coatings allowed reducing adsorption of E. coli by >95%, while killing attached bacteria by up to 98% upon the releasing of Ag(+) ions as measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Consequently, this work paves a new avenue to the grafting strategy to engineer pDA and to the functional bioinspired antifouling interfaces in a substrate-independent fashion.

[Quantities and function of NK cells in patients with positive BMMNC-Coombs test and cytopenia]

OBJECTIVE

To test NK cell quantities and function in patients with positive BMMNC-Coombs test (CBCPC) and cytopenia and to explore how NK cell participate in the progress of this disease.

METHODS

The percentage of CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cell in peripheral blood lymphocytes, the expression of activating receptor (NKG2D, NKp46, NKp44), inhibitory receptor (CD158a, CD158b), perforin and granzyme-β were detected by flow cytometry. All samples were taken from 42 patients (22 newly diagnosed and 20 in remission) and 12 healthy volunteers. The correlation between the above parameters and patients' clinical profile were evaluated.

RESULTS

①The percentage of CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cell in new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patients were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(10.04 ± 5.33)% vs (19.94 ± 7.38)%; (11.62 ± 6.80)% vs (19.94 ± 7.38)%, all P<0.01]. ② The expression of activating receptor NKG2D in new diagnosed CBCPC patients was significantly higher than that in remission group and healthy control [(74.03±18.24)% vs (45.97±29.45)%; (74.03±18.24)% vs (41.89± 15.34)% , P <0.01]. ③The expression of inhibitory receptor CD158a in new diagnosed CBCPC patients was significantly lower than that in remission group and healthy control (median: 3.72% vs 16.10%, P= 0.015; 3.72% vs 11.04%, P=0.025). ④The expression of perforin in new diagnosed and remitted CBCPC patients were significantly higher than that in healthy controls [(75.71±10.14) % vs (57.20±18.85)%, P= 0.018; (77.88±22.82)% vs (57.20±18.85)%, P=0.008]. ⑤The product of NK cell percentage and perforin expression in new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patient were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(7.68±4.54)% vs (12.13±5.19)%, P=0.011; (8.24±5.80)% vs (12.13±5.19)%, P=0.023]. The product of NK cell percentage and granzyme-β expression in the new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patient were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(7.83±5.26)% vs (14.79±8.37)%, P=0.008; (8.37 ± 6.83)% vs (14.79±8.37)%, P=0.012].

CONCLUSION

Deceased quantities and impaired total NK function might play a role in pathogenesis of CBCPC.

Deep RNA sequencing elucidates microRNA-regulated molecular pathways in ischemic cardiomyopathy and nonischemic cardiomyopathy

Deregulation of cardiac miRNA gene-regulatory networks is a feature of different heart diseases, including ischemic (ICM) and nonischemic (NICM) cardiomyopathy. Here, based on the paired miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in ICM and NICM, we identified the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs and the expression signatures distinguishing ICM/NICM from control samples. Furthermore, we constructed a functional miRNA network for each disease. Analysis of the topological features of these networks revealed that the Wnt signaling pathway and cell cycle (de)regulation play critical roles in the development of ICM and NICM. In addition, comparison of the miRNA and mRNA functional profiles revealed that their expression patterns in ICM and NICM differ. These findings revealed hundreds of novel heart-failure-related miRNAs with important regulatory functions. In summary, RNA-seq-based transcriptome profiling in the failing human heart revealed a complex transcriptional regulation associated with the disease. The newly uncovered importance of miRNAs in disease pathogenesis highlights their value as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

[Inhibition of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 on lipopolysaccharide-induced mucin5AC hypersecretion and the mechanism in human bronchial epithelial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the inhibitory role of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mucin5AC (MUC5AC) hypersecretion and the potential mechanism involved in this process.

METHODS

The human bronchial epithelial cells 16HBE were divided into 0, 0.5, 1, 6, 12 and 24 h groups according to the time of LPS challenge. In gain- and loss- of functions experiments, wild-type SOCS1 and SOCS1-targeted siRNA (SOCS1-siRNA) were synthesized to identify the function of SOCS1 in LPS-mediated MUC5AC hypersecretion, and named wild-type SOCS1 group and SOCS1-siRNA group, respectively, and the non-transfected group and non-targeted siRNA group were used as controls. In Filgotinib group, the specific inhibitor of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), Filgotinib, was used to detect the role of JAK1/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling pathway in LPS challenge, and the aqueous physiological buffer group was used as the control. The production of MUC5AC protein was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the amount of MUC5AC protein was normalized to the total protein in cell lysates and was expressed as μg/mg cell lysates. The proteins expressions of SOCS1, phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT1 were measured by Western blot, and the total expression of its protein (for JAK1 and STAT1) or β-actin (for SOCS1) was used as the loading control.

RESULTS

Compared to 0 h group, LPS induced a robust induction in MUC5AC expression, the expression levels of MUC5AC in 0, 0.5, 1, 6, 12 and 24 h groups were (2.86±0.20), (3.42±0.29), (3.43±0.12), (10.22±0.96), (14.56±1.12), (14.15±1.34) μg/mg, in association with a decrease of SOCS1 expression. And in 6 h group, the expressions of MUC5AC and SOCS1 were both medium up-regulated (all P<0.05). Consequently, the application of LPS for 6 h was selected as the optimal responses period in the ensuing experiments. Compared to the expression of MUC5AC protein in non-transfected group, high level of SOCS1 in wild-type SOCS1 group led to a reduced phosphorylation of JAK1/STAT1, as well as Filgotinib did, thereby suppressing excessive MUC5AC production in wild-type SOCS1 group and Filgotinib group [(4.04±0.65), (7.02±0.83) vs (10.37±1.00) μg/mg] (all P<0.05). Conversely, compared to the expression of MUC5AC in non-targeted siRNA group, down-regulation of SOCS1 in SOCS1-siRNA group promoted the phosphorylation of JAK1/STAT1, and then further increased MUC5AC production [(13.69±1.32) vs (11.01±1.41) μg/mg] (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results show that SOCS1 suppresses LPS-promoted MUC5AC hypersecretion through the inhibition of JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway.

A new method for estimating the number of non-differentially expressed genes

Control of the false discovery rate is a statistical method that is widely used when identifying differentially expressed genes in high-throughput sequencing assays. It is often calculated using an adaptive linear step-up procedure in which the number of non-differentially expressed genes should be estimated accurately. In this paper, we discuss the estimation of this parameter and point out defects in the original estimation method. We also propose a new estimation method and provide the error estimation. We compared the estimation results from the two methods in a simulation study that produced a mean, standard deviation, range, and root mean square error. The results revealed that there was little difference in the mean between the two methods, but the standard deviation, range, and root mean square error obtained using the new method were much smaller than those produced by the original method, which indicates that the new method is more accurate and robust. Furthermore, we used real microarray data to verify the conclusion. Finally we provide a suggestion when analyzing differentially expressed genes using statistical methods.

Transcriptome sequencing based annotation and homologous evidence based scaffolding of Anguilla japonica draft genome

Background

Anguilla japonica (Japanese eel) is currently one of the most important research subjects in eastern Asia aquaculture. Enigmatic life cycle of the organism makes study of artificial reproduction extremely limited. Henceforth genomic and transcriptomic resources of eels are urgently needed to help solving the problems surrounding this organism across multiple fields. We hereby provide a reconstructed transcriptome from deep sequencing of juvenile (glass eels) whole body samples. The provided expressed sequence tags were used to annotate the currently available draft genome sequence. Homologous information derived from the annotation result was applied to improve the group of scaffolds into available linkage groups.

Results

With the transcriptome sequence data combined with publicly available expressed sequence tags evidences, 18,121 genes were structurally and functionally annotated on the draft genome. Among them, 3,921 genes were located in the 19 linkage groups. 137 scaffolds covering 13 million bases were grouped into the linkage groups in additional to the original partial linkage groups, increasing the linkage group coverage from 13 to 14 %.

Conclusions

This annotation provide information of the coding regions of the genes supported by transcriptome based evidence. The derived homologous evidences pave the way for phylogenetic analysis of important genetic traits and the improvement of the genome assembly.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-2306-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Recycling agriculture wastes of ramie stalk as bioadsorbents for Cd(2+) removal: a kinetic and thermodynamic study

In this study, we exhibit the recycling of agriculture wastes of ramie stalk as bioadsorbents for Cd(2+) removal. Based on our experimental results, it is realized that Cd(2+) adsorption to ramie stalk is highly pH sensitive, indicating the adsorption is driven by surface complexation reaction. The high adsorption capacity of ramie stalk toward Cd(2+) (qm = 10.33 mg g(-1), 0.09 mol-Cd g(-1)), which corresponds to around 21.95% of active adsorption sites available of ramie stalk, is believed to be closely related to its high cellulose and lignin content. The inhomogeneous surface of ramie stalk due to the high cellulose and lignin content also accounts for the observation that the adsorption kinetic is described well by the pseudo second order kinetic model. Results from thermodynamic studies suggest that the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. All these properties demonstrate the potential of ramie stalk as a low cost bioadsorbent for the application of heavy metal removal.

Effect of siRNA targeting HER2/neu on the proliferation and viability of prostate cancer PC-3M cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) on the proliferation and viability of prostate cancer PC-3M cells. Chemically synthesized siRNA targeting HER2/neu was transfected into PC-3M cells by using liposomes, and cells transfected with empty liposomes, a negative siRNA sequence, or nothing (untransfected) were used as controls. mRNA and protein levels of HER2/neu were detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. The inhibitory action of HER2/neu siRNA on the in vitro growth of PC-3M cells was assessed by the cholecystokinin 8 assay and apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. Cells transfected with HER2/neu siRNA showed decreased mRNA and protein levels of HER2/neu compared to control groups (P < 0.05). The survival rate of PC-3M cells decreased significantly after transfection with HER2/neu siRNA compared to that of untransfected cells (55.39 ± 1.60 and 81.42 ± 0.80%, respectively; P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate in cells transfected with HER2/neu siRNA was quite high (45.60 ± 0.70%) compared to that of blank control, empty liposome, and negative siRNA sequence groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, siRNA targeting HER2/neu inhibits HER2/neu expression in PC-3M cells, resulting in an inhibition in proliferation and an induction of apoptosis.

Effect of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 genetic polymorphisms on bone tumor susceptibility

Tumor gene polymorphisms are often associated with individual susceptibility to genetic diseases. Cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) and glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) gene polymorphisms are closely related to the susceptibility of the body to chemical carcinogens in the environment. Therefore, we explored the relationship between CYP1A1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to bone tumors. Multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), allelic-specific PCR, and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques were used to analyze CYP1A1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms in 52 bone tumor patients and 100 healthy subjects. The allelic variation frequency of the CYP1A1 gene at exon 7 (Ile 462 Val) in bone tumor patients was 0.462, which was significantly higher than that in the normal controls (0.223). The frequency of the absence of the GSTM1 homozygous genotype in the patients (0.65) was also markedly higher than that in the control group (0.41). Subjects with CYP1A1 Val/Val homozygous mutations and absence of the GSTM1 homozygous genotype were at markedly increased risk of developing bone tumors [ORs 4.15 (95%CI: 1.268-13.30) and 2.35 (95%CI: 1.15-4.85), respectively]. The OR for the combined effect of the CYP1A1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms was 8.55 (95%CI: 1.75-41.50). CYP1A1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms are genetic risk factors in patients with bone tumors, and the allelic variation of these genes increases the risk of bone tumor occurrence.

Platelet parameters and expression of platelet membrane glycoprotein in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Platelet activation and functional changes were investigated in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to provide the basis for early diagnosis and evaluation of curative effect. Platelet parameters, immature platelet fraction (IPF%), immature platelet count (IPC), P-selectin (CD62p) (PAC-1) expression were detected in ALL, ALL-complete remission-induced (CR1), and normal groups with an automatic blood cell analyzer and flow cytometer. CD62p and PAC-1 were higher in the ALL group before adenosine-5-diphosphate (ADP) activation than in the normal group (P < 0.05); PAC-1 expression was higher and lower in the ALL-CR1 group than in normal and ALL groups (P < 0.05), respectively. CD62p and PAC-1 expression was lower in the ALL group than in the normal group after ADP activation (P < 0.05); PAC-1 expression was lower and higher in the ALL-CR1 group than in normal and ALL groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet hematocrit (PCT), and platelet distribution width (PDW) were lower in the ALL group than in the ALL-CR1 group (P < 0.05). PLT, MPV, and PCT did not differ between the ALL-CR1 group and the normal group (P > 0.05). PDW did not differ statistically among all groups (P > 0.05). IPF% and IPC values were higher and lower in the ALL group than in normal and ALL-CR1 groups (P < 0.05), respectively. These did not differ significantly between the normal group and the ALL-CR1 group (P > 0.05). Therefore, ALL patients demonstrate platelet activation and platelet dysfunction; platelet parameters and membrane glycoprotein expression can be used to evaluate the effect of ALL.

A Chinese Decoction, Kuan-Sin-Yin, Improves Autonomic Function and Cancer-Related Symptoms of Metastatic Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND

Kuan-Sin-Yin (KSY) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction, which has been shown to have cytostatic effects on cancer cells and involved in the TCM theory of promoting yin-yang balance.Sonce many cancer patients suffer from autonomic dysfunction (AD), which correspond to yin-yang imbalance in TCM. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible effect of KSY in metastatic colon cancer (mCRC) patients with AD.

METHODS

We conducted a single-group experiment. Total 52 qualified patients were enrolled. Participants took the KSY daily for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was KSY efficacy as reflected in the heart rate variability (HRV) and electrical conductivity (µA) over 12 meridian points. Autonomic function was examined before and after the KSY intervention. The vagal and sympathetic tone were recorded by HRV; 12 meridian energies were measured using a meridian energy analysis device. Secondary outcomes were cancer-related symptoms and patient quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS

The results showed that the KSY intervention improved AD via increasing the vagal tone (HF: P = .041), but not the sympathetic tone (LF: P = .154); total autonomic activity was significantly enhanced (HRV activity: P = .013). Intriguingly, energy increased more over the yin meridian (P = .010) than over the yang meridian (P = .015). Cancer-related symptoms and QoL were significantly improved (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The safety and effectiveness of KSY in improving AD in mCRC patients are through regulating the vagal-sympathetic dynamic balance, which correspond to the TCM yin-yang concept of energy.

Proliferation and differentiation of human osteoblasts from a type 2 diabetic patient in vitro

We investigated the proliferation and differentiation potential of human osteoblasts from a type 2 diabetic patient in vitro. Human osteoblasts were obtained from a healthy subject and a type 2 diabetic patient and were cultured in vitro using the tissue explant adherent method. Differences in cell morphology were observed under a phase contrast microscope. The osteogenic differentiation capacity was evaluated by alizarin red staining, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, and detection of bone Gla-protein (BGP) and Col-1. Expression of Runx-2 and Col-1 was detected using RT-PCR and western blot. Our data indicated that alveolar bone osteoblasts from the type 2 diabetic patient exhibited poorer growth, smaller calcium nodule formation, slower proliferation, and lower ALP, BGP, and Col-1 concentrations in the cell culture supernatant, as compared to control cells (P < 0.05). Combined, our study indicated that alveolar bone osteoblasts from a type 2 diabetic patient exhibited slower proliferation and decreased differentiation, as compared to healthy control, when cultured in vitro.

The novel Aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibitor biseugenol inhibits gastric tumor growth and peritoneal dissemination

Biseugenol (Eug) is known to antiproliferative of cancer cells; however, to date, the antiperitoneal dissemination effects have not been studied in any mouse cancer model. In this study, Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression was associated with lymph node and distant metastasis in patients with gastric cancer and was correlated with clinicolpathological pattern. We evaluated the antiperitoneal dissemination potential of knockdown AhR and Biseugenol in cancer mouse model and assessed mesenchymal characteristics. Our results demonstrate that tumor growth, peritoneal dissemination and peritoneum or organ metastasis implanted MKN45 cells were significantly decreased in shAhR and Biseugenol-treated mice and that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was caused. Biseugenol-exposure tumors showed acquired epithelial features such as phosphorylation of E-cadherin, cytokeratin-18 and loss mesenchymal signature Snail, but not vimentin regulation. Snail expression, through AhR activation, is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) determinant. Moreover, Biseugenol enhanced Calpain-10 (Calp-10) and AhR interaction resulted in Snail downregulation. The effect of shCalpain-10 in cancer cells was associated with inactivation of AhR/Snail promoter binding activity. Inhibition of Calpain-10 in gastric cancer cells by short hairpin RNA or pharmacological inhibitor was found to effectively reduced growth ability and vessel density in vivo. Importantly, knockdown of AhR completed abrogated peritoneal dissemination. Herein, Biseugenol targeting ER stress provokes Calpain-10 activity, sequentially induces reversal of EMT and apoptosis via AhR may involve the paralleling processes. Taken together, these data suggest that Calpain-10 activation and AhR inhibition by Biseugenol impedes both gastric tumor growth and peritoneal dissemination by inducing ER stress and inhibiting EMT.

Non-HDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio as an independent risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Dyslipidemia contributes to the development and progression of renal disease. The objective of this study was to investigate whether an elevated non-HDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio (NonHDLc/HDLc) predicts new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We followed 1891 Chinese adults with normal or near-normal kidney function at baseline who participated in an annual health checkup program for the occurrence of new-onset CKD [defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (low eGFR) and/or proteinuria (defined as urinary protein ≥1 + on dipstick testing)] or low eGFR. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the independent relationship between the plasma NonHDLc/HDLc ratio and new-onset CKD. During a median follow-up period of 2.8 years, 3% (n = 57) of participants developed new-onset CKD. Compared with patients in the lowest tertile, patients with NonHDLc/HDLc ratios in the highest tertile had a 1.45-fold higher risk of new-onset CKD (hazard ratio [HR], 2.45; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.07 to 5.61; P = 0.035) after adjustment for potential confounders. There was a marginally significant association with low eGFR (tertile 3 versus tertile 1: HR, 2.94; 95% CI, 0.98 to 8.82; P = 0.054).

CONCLUSIONS

NonHDLc/HDLc ratio is an independent risk factor for the development of CKD. Assessment of NonHDLc/HDLc ratio may help identify high risk groups with chronic kidney disease.

Therapeutic effect of high-dose green tea extract on weight reduction: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To examine the effect and safety of high-dose green tea extract (Epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG) at a daily dosage of 856.8 mg on weight reduction and changes of lipid profile and obesity-related hormone peptides in women with central obesity.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind trial registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT02147041. A total of 115 women with central obesity were screened at our clinic. 102 of them with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m(2) and a waist circumference (WC) ≥ 80 cm were eligible for the study. These women were randomly assigned to either a high-dose green tea group or placebo group. The total treatment time was 12 weeks. The main outcome measures were anthropometric measurements, lipid profiles, and obesity related hormone peptides including leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, and insulin.

RESULTS

Significant weight loss, from 76.8 ± 11.3 kg to 75.7 ± 11.5 kg (p = 0.025), as well as decreases in BMI (p = 0.018) and waist circumference (p = 0.023) were observed in the treatment group after 12 weeks of high-dose EGCG treatment. This study also demonstrated a consistent trend of decreased total cholesterol, reaching 5.33%, and decreased LDL plasma levels. There was good tolerance of the treatment among subjects without any side effects or adverse events. Significantly lower ghrelin levels and elevated adiponectin levels were detected in the study group than in the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

12 weeks of treatment with high-dose green tea extract resulted in significant weight loss, reduced waist circumference, and a consistent decrease in total cholesterol and LDL plasma levels without any side effects or adverse effects in women with central obesity. The antiobestic mechanism of high-dose green tea extract might be associated in part with ghrelin secretion inhibition, leading to increased adiponectin levels.

Acupuncture for treating aromatase inhibitor-related arthralgia in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Acupuncture has been used as a complementary medical treatment for arthralgia and other types of pain. The objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of arthralgia in patients with breast cancer who were treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs).

METHODS

A literature search was performed, without language restrictions, of 10 databases from their inception through February 2014. The literature reviewed included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and clinical trials that compared real versus sham acupuncture for the treatment of AI-related musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS). The methodologic quality of these trials was assessed by using the modified Jadad Quality Scale. Meta-analytic software (RevMan 5.0) was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Five To compare the effects of real versus sham acupuncture, five RCTs were assessed by meta-analysis and quality analysis. Three of the RCTs reported favorable effects with regard to use of acupuncture in reducing pain and joint-related symptoms, while the other two RCTs did not. The meta-analysis showed trends toward reduced pain and stiffness in patients given acupuncture compared with those who received sham treatment (n=82; pain, mean difference: -2.07 [95% confidence interval (CI), -4.72 to 0.57]; p=0.12; stiffness, mean difference: -86.10 [95% CI, -249.11 to 76.92]; p=0.30), although these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Acupuncture has been reported as a safe and promising treatment for AIMSS, but the present analysis indicated that the effects were not statistically significant. Other outcome measurements, such as imaging studies, would be worth including in future studies to further confirm the efficacy of acupuncture in AIMSS.

Oxytocin-induced membrane hyperpolarization in pain-sensitive dorsal root ganglia neurons mediated by Ca(2+)/nNOS/NO/KATP pathway

Oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in pain modulation and antinociception in the central nervous system. However, little is known about its peripheral effects. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of OT on the electrical properties of neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the underlying mechanisms. DRG neurons from adult rats were acutely dissociated and cultured. Intracellular Ca(2+) was determined by fluorescent microscopy using an indicator dye. The electrical properties of DRG neurons were tested by patch-clamp recording. The oxytocin receptor (OTR) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) on DRG neurons were assessed with immunofluorescence assays. OTR co-localized with nNOS in most of Isolectin B4 (IB4)-binding cultured DRG neurons in rats. OT decreased the excitability, increased the outward current, and evoked the membrane hyperpolarization in cultured DRG neurons. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the donor of nitric oxide (NO), exerted similar effects as OT on the membrane potential of cultured DRG neurons. OT increased the production of NO in DRGs and cultured DRG neurons. Pre-treatment of the OTR antagonist atosiban or the selective nNOS inhibitor N-Propyl-l-arginine (NPLA) significantly attenuated the hyperpolarization effect evoked by OT. OT produced a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular Ca(2+) in DRG neurons that responds to capsaicin, which can be attenuated by atosiban, but not by NPLA. OT-evoked membrane hyperpolarization and increase of outward current were distinctly attenuated by glibenclamide, a blocker of ATP-sensitive K(+) (KATP) channel. OT might be an endogenous antinociceptive agent and the peripheral antinociceptive effects of OT are mediated by activation of the Ca(2+)/nNOS/NO/KATP pathway in DRG neurons.

Honokiol confers immunogenicity by dictating calreticulin exposure, activating ER stress and inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Peritoneal dissemination is a major clinical obstacle in gastrointestinal cancer therapy, and it accounts for the majority of cancer-related mortality. Calreticulin (CRT) is over-expressed in gastric tumors and has been linked to poor prognosis. In this study, immunohistochemistry studies revealed that the up-regulation of CRT was associated with lymph node and distant metastasis in patients with gastric cancer specimens. CRT was significantly down-regulated in highly metastatic gastric cancer cell lines and metastatic animal by Honokiol-treated. Small RNA interference blocking CRT by siRNA-CRT was translocated to the cells in the early immunogenic response to Honokiol. Honokiol activated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and down-regulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) activity resulting in PPARγ and CRT degradation through calpain-II activity, which could be reversed by siRNA-calpain-II. The Calpain-II/PPARγ/CRT axis and interaction evoked by Honokiol could be blocked by gene silencing or pharmacological agents. Both transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) induced cell migration, invasion and reciprocal down-regulation of epithelial marker E-cadherin, which could be abrogated by siRNA-CRT. Moreover, Honokiol significantly suppressed MNNG-induced gastrointestinal tumor growth and over-expression of CRT in mice. Knockdown CRT in gastric cancer cells was found to effectively reduce growth ability and metastasis in vivo. The present study provides insight into the specific biological behavior of CRT in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. Taken together, our results suggest that the therapeutic inhibition of CRT by Honokiol suppresses both gastric tumor growth and peritoneal dissemination by dictating early translocation of CRT in immunogenic cell death, activating ER stress, and blocking EMT.

Differential expression proteins associated with bud dormancy release during chilling treatment of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa)

Endo-dormant flower buds of tree peony must have sufficient chilling duration to reinitiate growth, which is a major obstacle to the forcing culture of tree peony in winter. We used a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight/time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS) to identify the differentially expressed proteins of tree peony after three different chilling treatments: endo-dormancy, endo-dormancy release and eco-dormancy stages. More than 200 highly reproducible protein spots were detected, and 31 differentially expressed spots (P < 0.05) were selected for further analysis. Finally, 20 protein spots were confidently identified from databases, which were annotated and classified into seven functional categories: response to abiotic or biotic stimulus (four), metabolic processes (four), other binding (three), transcription or transcription regulation (two), biological processes (one), cell biogenesis (one) and unclassified (five). The results of qPCR of five genes were mainly consistent with that of the protein accumulation analysis as determined by 2-DE. This indicated that most of these genes were mainly regulated at transcriptional level. The activity of nitrate reductase and pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 was consistent with the 2-DE results. The proteomic profiles indicated activation of citrate cycle, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, energy production, calcium signalling and cell growth processes by chilling fulfilment to facilitate dormancy release in tree peony. Analysis of functions of identified proteins will increase our knowledge of endo-dormancy release in tree peony.

Photodegradation of sulfonamide antimicrobial compounds (sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole and sulfathiazole) in various UV/oxidant systems

This study used Na₂S₂O₈, NaBrO8 and H₂O₂to degrade sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfamethizole (SFZ), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and sulfathiazole (STZ) under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The initial concentration of sulfonamide and oxidant in all experiments was 20 mg/L and 5 mM, respectively. The degradation rate for sulfonamides satisfies pseudo-first-order kinetics in all UV/oxidant systems. The highest degradation rate for SDZ, SFZ, SMX and STZ was in the UV/Na₂S₂O₈, UV/NaBrO₃, UV/Na₂S₂O₈ and UV/H₂O₂ system, respectively. In the UV/Na₂S₂O₈ system, the photodegradation rate of SDZ, SFZ, SMX and STZ was 0.0245 min⁻¹, 0.0096 min⁻¹, 0.0283 min⁻¹ and 0.0141 min⁻¹, respectively; moreover, for the total organic carbon removal rate for SDZ, SFZ, SMX and STZ it was 0.0057 min⁻¹, 0.0081 min⁻¹, 0.0130 min⁻¹ and 0.0106 min⁻¹, respectively. Experimental results indicate that the ability of oxidants to degrade sulfonamide varied with pollutant type. Moreover, UV/Na₂S₂O₈ had the highest mineralization rate for all tested sulfonamides.

[Eisenmenger's syndrome in pregnancy: a case report and literature review]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of the Eisenmenger's syndrome in pregnancy.

METHODS

One case of Eisenmenger's syndrome in pregnancy in our hospital was retrospectively analyzed and the literature reviewed.

RESULTS

This patient who received antenatal care irregularly in other hospital was diagnosed with Eisenmenger's syndrome with the symptoms of chest distress. The other hospital suggested her to terminate pregnancy, but the patient refused. She was admitted to our hospital in her late pregnancy, received the treatment of rest, oxygen, blood gas and pulmonary artery pressure monitoring. Considering perioperative pulmonary hypertension crisis likely to occur, pulmonary artery catheter was placed preoperatively. In general anesthesia, the cesarean was performed. After operation, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, with the treatment of expanding blood vessels, reducing pulmonary artery pressure, administering anticoagulation and preventing infection. One week later, the patient was discharged from hospital with smooth condition.

CONCLUSION

Eisenmenger's syndrome in pregnancy is associated with extremely poor maternal and fetal outcome. Termination of pregnancy should be offered to such patients. When interruption of pregnancy is refused, the early hospital admission is needed. The patients should be managed in a high-risk pregnancy unit by a multidisciplinary team from obstetrics, cardiology, anesthesia and pediatrics for improving pregnancy outcomes.

YM155 down-regulates survivin and XIAP, modulates autophagy and induces autophagy-dependent DNA damage in breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the potency and molecular mechanism of action of YM155, a first-in-class survivin inhibitor that is currently under phase I/II clinical investigations, in various drug-resistant breast cancers including the oestrogen receptor positive (ER(+) ) tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer and the caspase-3-deficient breast cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The potency of YM155 in SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-231, MCF7 and its tamoxifen-resistant sublines, TamR6, TamR7, TamR8, TamC3 and TamC6, were determined by MTT assay. Western blot analysis, flow cytometric analysis, reverse transcription-PCR, fluorescent microscopy and comet assay were used to determine the molecular mechanism of action of YM155 in different breast cancer cell lines.

KEY RESULTS

YM155 was equally potent towards the parental ER(+) /caspase-3-deficient MCF7 breast cancer cells and its tamoxifen-resistant sublines in vitro. The ER(-) /HER2(+) SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells and the triple-negative/caspase-3-expressing metastatic aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were also sensitive to YM155 with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range. Targeting survivin by YM155 modulated autophagy, induced autophagy-dependent caspase-7 activation and autophagy-dependent DNA damage in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, YM155 also induced XIAP degradation and the degradation of XIAP might play an important role in YM155-induced autophagy in breast cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

YM155 is a potent survivin inhibitor that has potential for the management of various breast cancer subtypes regardless of the expression of ER, HER2 and caspase-3. Importantly, this study provides new insights into YM155's molecular mechanism of action and therapeutic potential in the treatment of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer.

Bacterial communities in semen from men of infertile couples: metagenomic sequencing reveals relationships of seminal microbiota to semen quality

Some previous studies have identified bacteria in semen as being a potential factor in male infertility. However, only few types of bacteria were taken into consideration while using PCR-based or culturing methods. Here we present an analysis approach using next-generation sequencing technology and bioinformatics analysis to investigate the associations between bacterial communities and semen quality. Ninety-six semen samples collected were examined for bacterial communities, measuring seven clinical criteria for semen quality (semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, Kruger's strict morphology, antisperm antibody (IgA), Atypical, and leukocytes). Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was also performed. Results showed that the most abundant genera among all samples were Lactobacillus (19.9%), Pseudomonas (9.85%), Prevotella (8.51%) and Gardnerella (4.21%). The proportion of Lactobacillus and Gardnerella was significantly higher in the normal samples, while that of Prevotella was significantly higher in the low quality samples. Unsupervised clustering analysis demonstrated that the seminal bacterial communities were clustered into three main groups: Lactobacillus, Pseudomonas, and Prevotella predominant group. Remarkably, most normal samples (80.6%) were clustered in Lactobacillus predominant group. The analysis results showed seminal bacteria community types were highly associated with semen health. Lactobacillus might not only be a potential probiotic for semen quality maintenance, but also might be helpful in countering the negative influence of Prevotella and Pseudomonas. In this study, we investigated whole seminal bacterial communities and provided the most comprehensive analysis of the association between bacterial community and semen quality. The study significantly contributes to the current understanding of the etiology of male fertility.