944 mJ Nd:YAG planar waveguide laser amplifier with the optical to optical efficiency of 52

We demonstrated a quasi-continuous wave (QCW) Nd:YAG planar waveguide laser amplifier with the single pulse output energy of 944 mJ. At the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 100 Hz, 1064 nm seed laser was coupled into the planar waveguide laser amplifier with the single pulse energy of 128 mJ and the pulse duration of 192 μs. With the total pump energy of 1582 mJ, the extracted energy of 816 mJ was obtained, leading to an optical to optical efficiency of 52% and an electrical to optical efficiency of 28%. To the best our knowledge, it is up to now the highest efficiency and output energy in Nd:YAG planar waveguide laser amplifier reported. At the maximum output, the beam quality factors M2 were measured to be 3.44 and 4.81 in the guided direction and unguided direction respectively, and the polarization degree was 98.6%. Higher average power could be obtained with the better performance of seeder oscillator.

The Prevalence, Clinical, and Molecular Characteristics of Congenital Hypothyroidism Caused by DUOX2 Mutations: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Guangzhou

Thyroid dyshormonogenesis (DH) has recently been reported to be more frequently associated with mutations in the dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) gene. The present study was aimed to investigate the prevalence, clinical, and molecular characteristics of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) caused by DUOX2 mutations in Guangzhou. A population-based cohort of 156 patients with CH was recruited based on neonatal screening among 433 578 newborns born in Guangzhou from 2011 to 2012. Genetic analysis of DUOX2 was performed in 96 patients with suspected thyroid dyshormonogenesis (SDH) by PCR-amplified direct sequencing. Apart from 2 cases without ultrasonographic data, 118 (76.6%) of the 156 patients were classified as SDH and 36 (23.4%) as thyroid dysgenesis (TD) according to thyroid ultrasound at diagnosis. Genetic analysis revealed 23 different variants in 60 unrelated individuals (60/96, 62.5%), including 13 novel variants that were absent from HGMD, dbSNP databases, and the 50 normal controls. The novel missense variants were predicted to be pathogenic by SIFT and PolyPhen-2. The p.K530X was the most common mutation. Ninety-three percent of mutant alleles occurred in exons 5, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 25, 27, and 28. There were no significant differences in phenotypes between biallelic and monoallelic variants cases or between with-DUOX2 and non-DUOX2 variants cases. Most patients with DUOX2 defects (78.2%) were transient CH. In conclusion, the prevalence of DUOX2 pathogenic variants was high (62.5%) in this cohort. Thirteen novel probably pathologic variants were reported. The p.K530X was the most common mutation in the Chinese population. There was no correlation between DUOX2 genotypes and clinical phenotypes.

Lubricity of gold nanocrystals on graphene measured using quartz crystal microbalance

In order to test recently predicted ballistic nanofriction (ultra-low drag and enhanced lubricity) of gold nanocrystals on graphite at high surface speeds, we use the quartz microbalance technique to measure the impact of deposition of gold nanocrystals on graphene. We analyze our measurements of changes in frequency and dissipation induced by nanocrystals using a framework developed for friction of adatoms on various surfaces. We find the lubricity of gold nanocrystals on graphene to be even higher than that predicted for the ballistic nanofriction, confirming the enhanced lubricity predicted at high surface speeds. Our complementary molecular dynamics simulations indicate that such high lubricity is due to the interaction strength between gold nanocrystals and graphene being lower than previously assumed for gold nanocrystals and graphite.

Tristetraprolin: a novel mediator of the anticancer properties of resveratrol

Resveratrol is a natural compound that exhibits anticancer properties. Previous studies have proved that it can inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cell lines and upregulate some cytokines such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The initiation and progression of cancer are associated with the abnormal expression of multiple cytokines. Tristetraprolin (TTP), an mRNA-binding protein, is one of the key proteins that participate in regulating cytokine expression. Two different proliferation assays on MCF-7 cells showed that the cell proliferation rate significantly reduced following treatment with resveratrol. Most importantly, we found that resveratrol promoted TTP expression at both the mRNA and protein level in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, the expression of COX-2 and VEGF were significantly suppressed by resveratrol while that of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was upregulated. Lastly, the effects of resveratrol on both MCF-7 proliferation and expression of COX-2, VEGF, and iNOS were significantly inhibited by TTP knockdown, indicating that TTP mediates the anticancer properties of resveratrol. In summary, we conclude that resveratrol inhibits the proliferation of MCF-7 cells by TTP upregulation, which is associated with downregulation of COX-2 and VEGF and upregulation of iNOS.

Value of the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) in predicting the proton pump inhibitor response in coronary artery disease patients with gastroesophageal reflux-related chest pain

Chest pain experienced by patients with coronary artery disease can be partly due to gastroesophageal reflux-induced chest pain (GERP). Empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy has been recommended as an initial clinical approach for treating GERP. However, PPI use may lead to some health problems. The Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) may represent a noninvasive and cost-effective approach for avoiding PPI misuse and for identifying the appropriate patients for the PPI trial test. The aim of this pilot study was to prospectively evaluate the association between GerdQ scores and PPI response in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and GERP to determine whether the GerdQ predicts the PPI response in patients with CAD and GERP and to further validate the clinical application value of the GerdQ. A total of 154 consecutive patients with potential GERP were recruited to complete a GerdQ with subsequent PPI therapy. Based on the PPI trial result, patients were divided into a PPI-positive response group and a PPI-negative response group. The difference in the GerdQ scores between the two groups was assessed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of GerdQ score was drawn according to the PPI response as the gold standard. The ability of GerdQ to predict the PPI response was assessed. A total of 96 patients completed the entire study; 62 patients (64.6%) were assigned to the PPI-positive response group, and 34 patients (35.4%) to the PPI-negative response group. The GerdQ score of the PPI-positive response group (8.11 ± 3.315) was significantly higher than that of the PPI-negative response group (4.41 ± 2.743), and the difference was statistically significant (t = 5.863, P = 0.000). The ROC curve was drawn according to a PPI response assessment result with a score above 2 as the gold standard. The area under curve was 0.806. When the critical value of GerdQ score was 7.5, Youden index was up to 0.514, the diagnostic sensitivity was 0.661, and the diagnostic specificity was 0.853. A GerdQ score greater than 7.5 better predicts the response to the PPI trial therapy. There is a strong association between the GerdQ score and the response to PPI therapy. Higher GerdQ scores were predictive of a positive PPI response in CAD patients with GERP. The GerdQ may be a reasonable screening tool for GERP in patients with CAD who are prepared to accept PPI therapy.

Interaction of an Ultrarelativistic Electron Bunch Train with a W-Band Accelerating Structure: High Power and High Gradient

Electron beam interaction with high frequency structures (beyond microwave regime) has a great impact on future high energy frontier machines. We report on the generation of multimegawatt pulsed rf power at 91 GHz in a planar metallic accelerating structure driven by an ultrarelativistic electron bunch train. This slow-wave wakefield device can also be used for high gradient acceleration of electrons with a stable rf phase and amplitude which are controlled by manipulation of the bunch train. To achieve precise control of the rf pulse properties, a two-beam wakefield interferometry method was developed in which the rf pulse, due to the interference of the wakefields from the two bunches, was measured as a function of bunch separation. Measurements of the energy change of a trailing electron bunch as a function of the bunch separation confirmed the interferometry method.

Association between genetic variants of EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein1 gene and sporadic breast cancer in a Chinese Han population

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Genetic susceptibility of breast cancer has been shown to be modulated by inheritance of polymorphic genes. EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) gene played an important role in many tumors, including lung cancer, hepatic carcinoma, and prostate cancer. In addition, it was importantly downexpressed in breast cancer. The present research aimed to assess the association between genetic variations of EFEMP1 and breast cancer risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors genotyped 11 common tagging SNPs with an array platform including 960 cases and 972 cancer-free controls of Chinese women, according to the HapMap database based on the pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) r² threshold of 0.8, minor allele frequency of 0.05.

RESULTS

Three SNPs were significant associated with breast cancer (rs3791679, p = 0.016, OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.04-1.41; rs1346786, p = 0.005, OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.08 -1.59; rs727878, p = 0.002, OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.10-1.51). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared with wild-type carriers in a dominant model, a significantly increased breast cancer risk was associated with the three identified risk SNPs. Among the selected tagging SNPs, three haplotype blocks were identified, and the results of haplotype analysis were consistent with the single-locus analysis. The haplotype 'GG' in block 1 and haplotype 'AG' in block 2 were significantly associated with breast cancer, and had a 54% and 28% increased breast cancer risk respectively, compared with their corresponding noncarriers.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results suggested that the polymorphisms of EFEMP1 gene were associated with breast cancer and might contribute to the susceptibility of the progression of breast cancer in Chinese Han women. Individuals with the risk alleles might increase the risk of breast cancer.

Effect and mechanism of dihydroartemisinin on proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells

Osteosarcoma represents an aggressive type of bone malignancy that poses a significant health threat. The objective of the current study was to analyze the effect and mechanism of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on the proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells. A gradient concentration of DHA (15, 25 and 35 μmol.L-1) was used to stimulate the cells, along with control and Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The phenotypic outcomes were characterized using MTT assay, clone formation assay, Hoechst 33258 staining assay, luciferase reporter plasmid assay, Western blot and wound healing assay. In addition, IBM SPSS Statistics 18.0 software was applied for statistical analysis and all experimental data were expressed as mean ± s.d. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to compare the differences among multiple groups. Our results demonstrated that DHA inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells and promoted the apoptosis in the cytomorphosis.

Serum level of proximal renal tubular epithelial cell-binding immunoglobulin G in patients with lupus nephritis

In vitro data showed that immunoglobulin G (IgG) from lupus nephritis (LN) patients could bind to proximal renal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC), but the clinical relevance of such binding remained unclear. Binding of IgG and subclasses to PTEC was measured by cellular ELISA (expressed as OD index) in 189 serial serum samples from 23 Class III/IV ± V LN patients who had repeated renal flares (48 during renal flares, 141 during low level disease activity (LLDA)), and compared with 64 patients with non-lupus glomerular diseases (NLGD) and 23 healthy individuals. Total IgG PTEC-binding index was 0.34 ± 0.16, 0.29 ± 0.16, 0.62 ± 0.27 and 0.83 ± 0.38 in healthy controls, NLGD, LN patients during LLDA, and LN patients during nephritic flare, respectively (p < 0.001, LLDA vs. renal flare; p < 0.001, healthy controls or NLGD vs. LN during LLDA or renal flare). PTEC-binding index for IgG1 was 0.09 ± 0.05, 0.16 ± 0.12, 0.44 ± 0.34 and 0.71 ± 0.46 for the corresponding groups (p < 0.001, LLDA vs. renal flare; p < 0.001, healthy controls or NLGD vs. LN during LLDA or renal flare). Sixteen of 48 episodes (33.3%) of nephritic flare showed persistent PTEC-binding IgG seropositivity for more than 9.4 ± 3.1 months, despite clinical response to immunosuppressive treatment. Total IgG and IgG1 PTEC-binding correlated with anti-dsDNA level (r = 0.34 and 0.52, respectively, p < 0.001 for both), and inversely with C3 level (r = -0.26 and -0.50, respectively, p = 0.002 and<0.001). Sensitivity/specificity of PTEC-binding index in detecting renal flares was 45.8%/80.1% for total IgG (ROC AUC 0.630, p = 0.007) and 87.5%/35.5% for IgG1 (ROC AUC 0.615, p = 0.018). IgG1 PTEC-binding index correlated with tubulo-interstitial inflammation score in renal biopsy from corresponding patients. Our data suggested that total IgG and IgG1 PTEC-binding index in serum of LN patients correlate with serological activity, and in combination could predict renal flares. The correlation between IgG1 PTEC-binding and tubulo-interstitial inflammation suggests potential pathogenetic significance.

CORRELATION BETWEEN CLINICAL PATHOLOGY OF LUMINAL B BREAST CANCER AND DETERMINATION OF ESTROGEN RECEPTOR, PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR AND HER2 EXPRESSION COMBINED WITH NUCLEAR MORPHOLOGY

Breast cancer, one of the most common malignant tumors in females, draws little attention because of its untypical symptoms and signs, so the disease is usually confirmed too late, in an advanced stage. Based on the detection of nuclear morphology parameters of luminal B breast cancer, this study explored how pathological features relate to estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2). A quantity of 354 breast cancer specimens with follow-up records from the department of pathology in the First People’s Hospital of Nantong and the Tumor Hospital of Nantong were selected as research subjects. Nuclear parameters of specimens stained by hematoxylin and eosin were measured by imaging analysis software. It was found that breast cancer can be divided into four types, luminal B, luminal A, HER2 over-expression and basal-like type based on immunohistochemical results of three antibodies, i.e, ER, PR and HER2. A total of 113 patients (31.8%) were confirmed with luminal B breast cancer, mostly in histological stage II; the difference of nuclear morphology was of statistical significance between ER+/PR+ and ER-/PR- (P<0.05), and most ER-/PR- was histologically confirmed as stage III, with lower survival rate than ER+/PR+ (P<0.05). Among these four subtypes of breast cancer, luminal B had the lowest brain metastasis rate, while HER2 over-expression subtype was found with the highest rate of lung and pleura metastasis. Besides, luminal B possessed longer disease-free survival (DFS) than basal-like (P<0.05) and longer total survival (OS) than HER2 over-expression (P<0.05) and basal-like subtypes (P<0.05). It can be concluded that detection of ER, PR and HER2 in combination with nuclear morphology is beneficial to evaluate treatment and prognosis of breast cancer.

SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling protects hepatocytes against mitochondrial oxidative stress induced by bile acids

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are hypothesized to contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic cholestatic liver diseases. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) attenuates oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial biogenesis in numerous mitochondrial-related diseases; however, a functional role for SIRT1 in chronic liver cholestasis, characterized by increased levels of toxic bile acids, remains unknown. We show decrease in SIRT1 levels and its activity and impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis in the liver of patients with extrahepatic cholestasis. Moreover, we found that glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) stimulated cytotoxicity, disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential, increased reactive oxygen species production, and decreased mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial DNA content in L02 cells. Consistent with this finding, GCDCA was found to decrease SIRT1 protein expression and activity, thus promoting the deacetylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α), a key enzyme involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Conversely, GCDCA-induced mitochondrial injury was efficiently attenuated by SIRT1 overexpression. In summary, these findings indicate that the loss of SIRT1 may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of liver damage observed in patients with extrahepatic cholestasis. The findings also indicate that genetic supplementation of SIRT1 can ameliorate GCDCA-induced hepatotoxicity through the activation of PGC-1α-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis.

Sonic hedgehog through Gli2 and Gli3 is required for the proper development of placental labyrinth

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) functions as a conserved morphogen in the development of various organs in metazoans ranging from Drosophila to humans. Here, we have investigated the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of Shh signaling in murine placentation. Immunostaining revealed the abundant expression of the main components of Shh pathway in both the trophectoderm of blastocysts and developing placentas. Disruption of Shh led to impaired vascularogenesis of yolk sac, less branching and malformation of placental labyrinth, thereby leading to a robust decrease in capacity of transplacental passages. Moreover, placenta-specific gene incorporation by lentiviral transduction of mouse blastocysts and blastocyst transplantation robustly knocked down the expression of Gli3 and Gli2 in placenta but not in embryos. Finally, Gli3 knockdown in Shh^−/− placentas partially rescued the defects of both yolk sac and placental labyrinth, and robustly restored the capacity of transplacental passages. Gli2 knockdown in Shh^+/− placentas affected neither the capacity of tranplacental passages nor the vascularogenesis of yolk sac, however, it partially phenocopied the labyrinthine defects of Shh^−/− placentas. Taken together, these results uncover that both Shh/Gli2 and Shh/Gli3 signals are required for proper development of murine placentas and are possibly essential for pregnant maintenance.

NAMPT inhibitor and metabolite protect mouse brain from cryoinjury through distinct mechanisms

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). In the brain, NAMPT is primarily expressed in neurons and can prevent neuronal degeneration. NAMPT is also highly expressed in inflammatory cells, and is responsible for their activation. Since inflammation following traumatic brain injury enhances neuronal damage, we assessed the effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), the direct NAMPT metabolite, and FK866, a potent NAMPT inhibitor, on brain injury in a cryoinjury mouse model. Twenty-four hours after brain cryoinjury, the density of neuron and the level of NAD decreased. Both NMN and FK866 alleviated the neuronal loss and decreased the lesion volume. NMN prevented the cryoinjury-induced decrease of NAD level, and FK866 decreased it further. On day 14 after cryoinjury, further neuronal loss occurred, astrocytes and Iba1-positive macrophage/microglia activated, and the NAD level increased. At this time-point, NAMPT expression was strongly induced in Iba1-positive macrophages/microglia in the lesion core. NMN and FK866 also alleviated the neuronal loss and decreased the lesion volume. In addition, FK866 significantly attenuated the activation of astrocytes and Iba1-positive macrophages/microglia, and decreased the NAD, while NMN had no such effects. Taken together, both FK866 and NMN attenuate traumatic brain injury. However, FK866 acts via the inhibition of the NAMPT activity in inflammatory cells resulting in the inhibition of inflammation, whereas NMN is effective via replenishing NAD.