Predictive Performance of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic and Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Renally Cleared Drugs in Children

Predictive performance of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) and population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) models of drugs predominantly eliminated through kidney in the pediatric population was evaluated. After optimization using adult clinical data, the verified PBPK models can predict 33 of 34 drug clearance within twofold of the observed values in children 1 month and older. More specifically, 10 of 11 of predicted clearance values were within 1.5‐fold of those observed in children between 1 month and 2 years old. The PopPK approach also predicted 19 of 21 drug clearance within twofold of the observed values in children. In summary, our analysis demonstrated both PBPK and PopPK adult models, after verification with additional adult pharmacokinetic (PK) studies and incorporation of known ontogeny of renal filtration, could be applied for dosing regimen recommendation in children 1 month and older for renally eliminated drugs in a first‐in‐pediatric study.

LXW7 ameliorates focal cerebral ischemia injury and attenuates inflammatory responses in activated microglia in rats

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in ischemic stroke, when activated microglia release excessive pro-inflammatory mediators. The inhibition of integrin αvβ3 improves outcomes in rat focal cerebral ischemia models. However, the mechanisms by which microglia are neuroprotective remain unclear. This study evaluated whether post-ischemic treatment with another integrin αvβ3 inhibitor, the cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide-cGRGDdvc (LXW7), alleviates cerebral ischemic injury. The anti-inflammatory effect of LXW7 in activated microglia within rat focal cerebral ischemia models was examined. A total of 108 Sprague-Dawley rats (250–280 g) were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). After 2 h, the rats were given an intravenous injection of LXW7 (100 μg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Neurological scores, infarct volumes, brain water content (BWC) and histology alterations were determined. The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)], and Iba1-positive activated microglia, within peri-ischemic brain tissue, were assessed with ELISA, western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Infarct volumes and BWC were significantly lower in LXW7-treated rats compared to those in the MCAO + PBS (control) group. The LXW7 treatment lowered the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. There was a reduction of Iba1-positive activated microglia, and the TNF-α and IL-1β expressions were attenuated. However, there was no difference in the Zea Longa scores between the ischemia and LXW7 groups. The results suggest that LXW7 protected against focal cerebral ischemia and attenuated inflammation in activated microglia. LXW7 may be neuroprotective during acute MCAO-induced brain damage and microglia-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Centrality Dependence of the Charged-Particle Multiplicity Density at Midrapidity in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The pseudorapidity density of charged particles, dN_{ch}/dη, at midrapidity in Pb-Pb collisions has been measured at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. For the 5% most central collisions, we measure a value of 1943±54. The rise in dN_{ch}/dη as a function of sqrt[s_{NN}] is steeper than that observed in proton-proton collisions and follows the trend established by measurements at lower energy. The increase of dN_{ch}/dη as a function of the average number of participant nucleons, ⟨N_{part}⟩, calculated in a Glauber model, is compared with the previous measurement at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV. A constant factor of about 1.2 describes the increase in dN_{ch}/dη from sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76 to 5.02 TeV for all centrality classes, within the measured range of 0%-80% centrality. The results are also compared to models based on different mechanisms for particle production in nuclear collisions.

Measurement of an Excess in the Yield of J/ψ at Very Low p_{T} in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s]_{NN}=2.76 TeV

We report on the first measurement of an excess in the yield of J/ψ at very low transverse momentum (p_{T}<0.3  GeV/c) in peripheral hadronic Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV, performed by ALICE at the CERN LHC. Remarkably, the measured nuclear modification factor of J/ψ in the rapidity range 2.5<y<4 reaches about 7 (2) in the p_{T} range 0-0.3  GeV/c in the 70%-90% (50%-70%) centrality class. The J/ψ production cross section associated with the observed excess is obtained under the hypothesis that coherent photoproduction of J/ψ is the underlying physics mechanism. If confirmed, the observation of J/ψ coherent photoproduction in Pb-Pb collisions at impact parameters smaller than twice the nuclear radius opens new theoretical and experimental challenges and opportunities. In particular, coherent photoproduction accompanying hadronic collisions may provide insight into the dynamics of photoproduction and nuclear reactions, as well as become a novel probe of the quark-gluon plasma.

Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping and R2* Measured Changes during White Matter Lesion Development in Multiple Sclerosis: Myelin Breakdown, Myelin Debris Degradation and Removal, and Iron Accumulation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Quantitative susceptibility mapping and R2* are sensitive to myelin and iron changes in multiple sclerosis lesions. This study was designed to characterize lesion changes on quantitative susceptibility mapping and R2* at various gadolinium-enhancement stages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 64 patients with MS with different enhancing patterns in white matter lesions: nodular, shell-like, nonenhancing < 1 year old, and nonenhancing 1-3 years old. These represent acute, late acute, early chronic, and late chronic lesions, respectively. Susceptibility values measured on quantitative susceptibility mapping and R2* values were compared among the 4 lesion types. Their differences were assessed with a generalized estimating equation, controlling for Expanded Disability Status Scale score, age, and disease duration.

RESULTS

We analyzed 203 lesions: 80 were nodular-enhancing, of which 77 (96.2%) were isointense on quantitative susceptibility mapping; 33 were shell-enhancing, of which 30 (90.9%) were hyperintense on quantitative susceptibility mapping; and 49 were nonenhancing lesions < 1 year old and 41 were nonenhancing lesions 1-3 years old, all of which were hyperintense on quantitative susceptibility mapping. Their relative susceptibility/R2* values were 0.5 ± 4.4 parts per billion/-5.6 ± 2.9 Hz, 10.2 ± 5.4 parts per billion/-8.0 ± 2.6 Hz, 20.2 ± 7.8 parts per billion/-3.1 ± 2.3 Hz, and 33.2 ± 8.2 parts per billion/-2.0 ± 2.6 Hz, respectively, and were significantly different (P < .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Early active MS lesions with nodular enhancement show R2* decrease but no quantitative susceptibility mapping change, reflecting myelin breakdown; late active lesions with peripheral enhancement show R2* decrease and quantitative susceptibility mapping increase in the lesion center, reflecting further degradation and removal of myelin debris; and early or late chronic nonenhancing lesions show both quantitative susceptibility mapping and R2* increase, reflecting iron accumulation.

Centrality dependence of charged jet production in p-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] = 5.02 TeV

Measurements of charged jet production as a function of centrality are presented for  p-Pb  collisions recorded at [Formula: see text] TeV with the ALICE detector. Centrality classes are determined via the energy deposit in neutron calorimeters at zero degree, close to the beam direction, to minimise dynamical biases of the selection. The corresponding number of participants or binary nucleon-nucleon collisions is determined based on the particle production in the Pb-going rapidity region. Jets have been reconstructed in the central rapidity region from charged particles with the anti-[Formula: see text] algorithm for resolution parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the transverse momentum range 20 to 120 GeV/c. The reconstructed jet momentum and yields have been corrected for detector effects and underlying-event background. In the five centrality bins considered, the charged jet production in  p-Pb   collisions is consistent with the production expected from binary scaling from pp collisions. The ratio of jet yields reconstructed with the two different resolution parameters is also independent of the centrality selection, demonstrating the absence of major modifications of the radial jet structure in the reported centrality classes.

Simulation and Prediction of the Drug-Drug Interaction Potential of Naloxegol by Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling

Naloxegol, a peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation, is a substrate for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/3A5 and the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter. By integrating in silico, preclinical, and clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) findings, minimal and full physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were developed to predict the drug-drug interaction (DDI) potential for naloxegol. The models reasonably predicted the observed changes in naloxegol exposure with ketoconazole (increase of 13.1-fold predicted vs. 12.9-fold observed), diltiazem (increase of 2.8-fold predicted vs. 3.4-fold observed), rifampin (reduction of 76% predicted vs. 89% observed), and quinidine (increase of 1.2-fold predicted vs. 1.4-fold observed). The moderate CYP3A4 inducer efavirenz was predicted to reduce naloxegol exposure by ∼50%, whereas weak CYP3A inhibitors were predicted to minimally affect exposure. In summary, the PBPK models reasonably estimated interactions with various CYP3A modulators and can be used to guide dosing in clinical practice when naloxegol is coadministered with such agents.

Production of K[Formula: see text](892)[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text](1020) in p-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] = 5.02 TeV

The production of K[Formula: see text](892)[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text](1020) mesons has been measured in p-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 5.02 TeV. K[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are reconstructed via their decay into charged hadrons with the ALICE detector in the rapidity range [Formula: see text]. The transverse momentum spectra, measured as a function of the multiplicity, have a p[Formula: see text] range from 0 to 15 GeV/c for K[Formula: see text] and from 0.3 to 21 GeV/c for [Formula: see text]. Integrated yields, mean transverse momenta and particle ratios are reported and compared with results in pp collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 7 TeV and Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 2.76 TeV. In Pb-Pb and p-Pb collisions, K[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] probe the hadronic phase of the system and contribute to the study of particle formation mechanisms by comparison with other identified hadrons. For this purpose, the mean transverse momenta and the differential proton-to-[Formula: see text] ratio are discussed as a function of the multiplicity of the event. The short-lived K[Formula: see text] is measured to investigate re-scattering effects, believed to be related to the size of the system and to the lifetime of the hadronic phase.

Substrate temperature controls molecular orientation in two-component vapor-deposited glasses

Vapor-deposited glasses can be anisotropic and molecular orientation is important for organic electronics applications. In organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), for example, the orientation of dye molecules in two-component emitting layers significantly influences emission efficiency. Here we investigate how substrate temperature during vapor deposition influences the orientation of dye molecules in a model two-component system. We determine the average orientation of a linear blue light emitter 1,4-di-[4-(N,N-diphenyl)amino]styryl-benzene (DSA-Ph) in mixtures with aluminum-tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) (Alq3) by spectroscopic ellipsometry and IR dichroism. We find that molecular orientation is controlled by the ratio of the substrate temperature during deposition and the glass transition temperature of the mixture. These findings extend recent results for single component vapor-deposited glasses and suggest that, during vapor deposition, surface mobility allows partial equilibration towards orientations preferred at the free surface of the equilibrium liquid.

Inclusive quarkonium production at forward rapidity in pp collisions at [Formula: see text]TeV

We report on the inclusive production cross sections of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text](1S), [Formula: see text](2S) and [Formula: see text](3S), measured at forward rapidity with the ALICE detector in [Formula: see text] collisions at a center-of-mass energy [Formula: see text] TeV. The analysis is based on data collected at the LHC and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.23 pb[Formula: see text]. Quarkonia are reconstructed in the dimuon-decay channel. The differential production cross sections are measured as a function of the transverse momentum [Formula: see text] and rapidity y, over the [Formula: see text] ranges [Formula: see text] GeV/c for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] GeV/c for all other resonances, and for [Formula: see text]. The cross sections, integrated over [Formula: see text] and y, and assuming unpolarized quarkonia, are [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] nb, [Formula: see text] nb and [Formula: see text] nb, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second one is systematic. These values agree, within at most [Formula: see text], with measurements performed by the LHCb collaboration in the same rapidity range.

Anisotropic Flow of Charged Particles in Pb-Pb Collisions at √[s{NN}]=5.02 TeV

We report the first results of elliptic (v_{2}), triangular (v_{3}), and quadrangular (v_{4}) flow of charged particles in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The measurements are performed in the central pseudorapidity region |η|<0.8 and for the transverse momentum range 0.2<p_{T}<5  GeV/c. The anisotropic flow is measured using two-particle correlations with a pseudorapidity gap greater than one unit and with the multiparticle cumulant method. Compared to results from Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV, the anisotropic flow coefficients v_{2}, v_{3}, and v_{4} are found to increase by (3.0±0.6)%, (4.3±1.4)%, and (10.2±3.8)%, respectively, in the centrality range 0%-50%. This increase can be attributed mostly to an increase of the average transverse momentum between the two energies. The measurements are found to be compatible with hydrodynamic model calculations. This comparison provides a unique opportunity to test the validity of the hydrodynamic picture and the power to further discriminate between various possibilities for the temperature dependence of shear viscosity to entropy density ratio of the produced matter in heavy-ion collisions at the highest energies.

Identification of protease m1 zinc metalloprotease conferring resistance to deltamethrin by characterization of an AFLP marker in Culex pipiens pallens

BACKGROUND

Continuous and excessive application of deltamethrin (DM) has resulted in the rapid development of insecticide resistance in Culex pipiens pallens. The quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for resistance to DM had previously been detected in Cx. pipiens pallens. But locating the QTLs on the chromosomes remained difficult. An available approach is to first characterize DNA molecular markers linked with the phenotype, and then identify candidate genes.

METHODS

In this study, the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) marker L3A8.177 associated with the QTL, was characterized. We searched for potential candidate genes in the flank region of L3A8.177 in the genome sequence of the closely related Cx. pipiens quinquefasciatus and conducted mRNA expression analysis of the candidate gene via quantitative real-time PCR. Then the relationship between DM resistance and the candidate gene was identified using RNAi and American CDC Bottle Bioassay in vivo. We also cloned the ORF sequences of the candidate gene from both susceptible and resistant mosquitoes.

RESULTS

The genes CYP6CP1 and protease m1 zinc metalloprotease were in the flank region of L3A8.177 and had significantly different expression levels between susceptible and resistant strains. Protease m1 zinc metalloprotease was significantly up-regulated in the susceptible strains compared with the resistant and remained over-expressed in the susceptible field-collected strains. For deduced amino acid sequences of protease m1 zinc metalloprotease, there was no difference between susceptible and resistant mosquitoes. Knockdown of protease m1 zinc metalloprotease not only decreased the sensitivity of mosquitoes to DM in the susceptible strain but also increased the expression of CYP6CP1, suggesting the role of protease m1 zinc metalloprotease in resistance may be involved in the regulation of the P450 gene expression.

CONCLUSION

Our study represents an example of candidate genes derived from the AFLP marker associated with the QTL and provides the first evidence that protease m1 zinc metalloprotease may play a role in the regulation of DM resistance in Cx. pipiens pallens.

[Binding characteristics of chemosynthetic Ac-SDKP analogue FAM-Aca-SDKP to hepatic stellate cell-T6 cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the binding of the chemosynthetic analogue of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) FAM-Aca-SDKP to hepatic stellate cell-T6 (HSC-T6) cells and basic physical characteristics.

METHODS

The Ac-SDKP analogue short-peptide FAM-Aca-SDKP carrying green fluorescence was synthesized chemically. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to evaluate its effect on the secretion of HSC collagen and verify the consistency in the biological effect between FAM-Aca-SDKP and Ac-SDKP. A fluorescence microscope was used to observe the binding between FAM-Aca-SDKP and HSC-T6, and flow cytometry was used to evaluate the time-concentration effect of the binding between FAM-Aca-SDKP and HSC-T6. The t-test or rank sum test was used for the statistical analysis of different types of data.

RESULTS

After HSC-T6 was incubated with Ac-SDKP or FAM-Aca-SDKP for 24 hours, the expression of type I collagen in HSC-T6 was increased, when the action time was 0.5 hour, Ac-SDKP and FAM-Aca-SDKP caused a 30%-50% reduction in the expression of type I collagen. After HSC-T6 was incubated with FAM-Aca-SDKP, strong green fluorescence was observed on cell surface under a fluorescence microscope, and after Ac-SDKP was added, Ac-SDKP significantly reduced the fluorescence intensity on cell surface due to competitive inhibition. Flow cytometry showed that when the concentration of FAM-Aca-SDKP was 0-50μmol/L, the rate of fluorescence-positive cells rapidly increased from 0 to 12%; when the concentration was 50-100μmol/L, the rate of fluorescence-positive cells only increased from 12% to 14%; co-incubation with Ac-SDKP significantly reduced the rate of fluorescence-positive cells. The number of positive cells reached the peak at the 45-minute point of the incubation and then decreased gradually.

CONCLUSIONS

FAM-Aca-SDKP can bind to the surface of HSC-T6 cells, and this process has ligand-receptor binding characteristics such as competitive inhibition, saturability, and time-concentration effect.

[Efficiency of integrin αvβ3 inhibitor Cilengitide in acute cerebral ischemia in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of the integrin αvβ3 inhibitor Cilengitide on the blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability, brain edema, neuronal cell apoptosis and the relation with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)expression in acute cerebral ischemia rats.

METHODS

A rat focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion, in accordance with the random number table, were divided into four groups: (1) the rats in Cilengitide group A (n=30) were treated with Cilengitide at a dose of 100 μg/kg; (2) the rats in Cilengitide group B (n=28) were treated with Cilengitide at a dose of 200 μg/kg; (3) the rats in sham group (n=31), without inserting thread into middle cerebral artery, were treated with normal saline; (4) the rats in control group (n=27) were treated with normal saline.All rats were treated with Cilengitide or saline 1 hour after infarction, given reperfusion 2 hours after infarction and were sacrificed 22 hours after reperfusion.The brain-water content was measured by dry/wet weight method. The permeability of BBB was measured by quantifying Evans Blue. The infarction volume was measured by 2, 3, 5-tripheyl tetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining. Expression level of VEGF, P-Flk, Cleaved-Caspase-3 was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively.The neuronal cell apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferased UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL).

RESULTS

Compared with Control group, treatment groups with cilengitide at the dose of 100 μg/kg and 200 μg/kg reduced brain-water content [(80.8±1.1)% vs (84.8±1.4)%, (81.0±1.4)% vs (84.8±1.4)%, P<0.05], reduced exudation of Evans blue[(9.2±1.1) μg/g vs (12.2±0.8) μg/g, (8.6±0.6) μg/g vs (12.2±0.8) g/g, P<0.05], reduced infarction volume[(31.9±4.9) mm(3) vs(43.0±2.2) mm(3), (29.2±3.5) mm(3) vs(43.0±2.2) mm(3), P<0.05] , reduced neuronal cell apoptosis [(36±4)vs(69±6)、(35±3)vs (69±6), P<0.05]. Compared with sham group, Cilengitide group A and Cilengitide group B had lower brain-water content, permeability of BBB, infarction volume, expression level of VEGF, P-Flk, Cleaved-Caspase-3 and neuronal cell apoptosis (P<0.05). When Cilengitide group A was compared with Cilengitide group B, there were no significant differences in brain-water content, permeability of BBB, infarction volume, expression level of VEGF, P-Flk, Cleaved-Caspase-3 and neuronal cell apoptosis (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The integrin αvβ3 inhibitor Cilengitide improves outcomes in the MCAO model by preserving the blood-brain barrier, attenuating brain edema and inhibiting neuronal cell apoptosis, which may occur in a VEGF-and VEGF-receptor-dependent manner, with the same efficacy between Cilengitide 100 μg/kg and 200 μg/kg after 23 hours treatment.

Multiplicity and transverse momentum evolution of charge-dependent correlations in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC

We report on two-particle charge-dependent correlations in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions as a function of the pseudorapidity and azimuthal angle difference, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively. These correlations are studied using the balance function that probes the charge creation time and the development of collectivity in the produced system. The dependence of the balance function on the event multiplicity as well as on the trigger and associated particle transverse momentum ([Formula: see text]) in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] 7, 5.02, and 2.76 TeV, respectively, are presented. In the low transverse momentum region, for [Formula: see text] GeV/c, the balance function becomes narrower in both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] directions in all three systems for events with higher multiplicity. The experimental findings favor models that either incorporate some collective behavior (e.g. AMPT) or different mechanisms that lead to effects that resemble collective behavior (e.g. PYTHIA8 with color reconnection). For higher values of transverse momenta the balance function becomes even narrower but exhibits no multiplicity dependence, indicating that the observed narrowing with increasing multiplicity at low [Formula: see text] is a feature of bulk particle production.

Enhancement of Electrical Properties of Nanostructured Polysilicon Layers Through Hydrogen Passivation

The light absorption of polysilicon planar junctions can be improved using nanostructured top surfaces due to their enhanced light harvesting properties. Nevertheless, associated with the higher surface, the roughness caused by plasma etching and defects located at the grain boundary in polysilicon, the concentration of the recombination centers increases, leading to electrical performance deterioration. In this work, we demonstrate that wet oxidation combined with hydrogen passivation using SiN(x):H are the key technological processes to significantly decrease the surface recombination and improve the electrical properties of nanostructured n(+)-i-p junctions. Nanostructured surface is fabricated by nanosphere lithography in a low-cost and controllable approach. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the successive annealing of silicon nitride films has significant effect on the passivation quality, resulting in some improvements on the efficiency of the Si nanostructure-based solar cell device.

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: clinical characteristics, predictors of outcome and the knowledge gap in southwest China

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim was to analyse the clinical profiles and outcomes of patients with anti- N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis in China.

METHODS

A retrospective study of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in China was performed between June 2011 and June 2014. The clinical characteristics and predictors of poor outcome were determined.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients with a definitive diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis were included in this study. Four of them were surgically confirmed to have a neoplasm. Thirty-two patients, amongst whom 24 were female, presented with psychiatric disorder as the initial symptom, whereas 14 patients, of whom nine were male, presented with seizure as the initial symptom (P = 0.011). Twenty-nine patients (56.86%) were initially misdiagnosed with psychosis, viral encephalitis or other diseases, and 58.8% of the patients experienced at least one type of complication. It typically took 3 weeks before these patients were admitted to our hospital and another 2 weeks before the correct diagnosis was made. Forty-one patients (80%) reached a good outcome; 10 patients (20%) had a poor outcome. Older age, extended hospital stay, memory deficits, decreased consciousness, central hypoventilation, complications and abnormal cerebrospinal fluid results were associated with poor outcome (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Female patients more frequently initially present with psychiatric disorder but male patients more frequently initially present with seizure. Patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis in China have a lower incidence of neoplasm. Nevertheless, this study reveals several challenges in treating anti-NMDAR encephalitis in China that may contribute to poor outcome.

The effect of quinidine, a strong P-glycoprotein inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics and central nervous system distribution of naloxegol

Naloxegol is a PEGylated, oral, peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist approved in the United States for treatment of opioid-induced constipation in patients with noncancer pain. Naloxegol is metabolized by CYP3A, and its properties as a substrate for the P-glycoprotein (PGP) transporter limit its central nervous system (CNS) permeability. This double-blind, randomized, 2-part, crossover study in healthy volunteers evaluated the effect of quinidine (600 mg PO), a CYP3A/PGP transporter inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics and CNS distribution of naloxegol (25 mg PO). In addition, the effects of quinidine on morphine (5 mg/70 kg IV)-induced miosis and exposure to naloxegol were assessed. Coadministration of quinidine and naloxegol increased naloxegol's AUC 1.4-fold and Cmax 2.5-fold but did not antagonize morphine-induced miosis, suggesting that PGP inhibition does not increase the CNS penetration of naloxegol. Naloxegol pharmacokinetics was unaltered by coadministration of morphine and either quinidine or placebo; conversely, pharmacokinetics of morphine and its metabolites (in the presence of quinidine) were unaltered by coadministration of naloxegol. Naloxegol was safe and well tolerated, alone or in combination with quinidine, morphine, or both. The observed increase in exposure to naloxegol in the presence of quinidine is primarily attributed to quinidine's properties as a weak CYP3A inhibitor.

Attenuation of hind-limb suspension-induced bone loss by curcumin is associated with reduced oxidative stress and increased vitamin D receptor expression

Treatment with curcumin attenuated modeled microgravity-induced bone loss, possibly through abating oxidative stress and activating vitamin D receptor. Curcumin might be an effective countermeasure for microgravity-induced bone loss but remains to be tested in humans.

INTRODUCTION

Bone loss is one of the most important complications for human crewmembers who are exposed to long-term microgravity in space and also for bedridden people. The aim of the current study was to elucidate whether treatment with curcumin attenuated bone loss induced by microgravity.

METHODS

We used hind-limb suspension (HLS) and rotary wall vessel bioreactor (RWVB) to model microgravity in vivo and in vitro, respectively. We investigated the effects of curcumin consumption (40 mg kg(-1) body weight day(-1), via daily oral gavages) on Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats exposed to HLS for 6 weeks. Then, we investigated the effects of incubation with curcumin (4 μM) on MC3T3-E1 and RAW264.7 cells cultured in RWVB.

RESULTS

Curcumin alleviated HLS-induced reduction of bone mineral density in tibiae and preserved bone structure in tibiae and mechanical strength in femurs. Curcumin alleviated HLS-induced oxidative stress marked by reduced malondialdehyde content and increased total sulfhydryl content in femurs. In cultured MC3T3-E1 cells, curcumin inhibited modeled microgravity-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and enhanced osteoblastic differentiation. In cultured RAW264.7 cells, curcumin reduced modeled microgravity-induced ROS formation and attenuated osteoclastogenesis. In addition, curcumin upregulated vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression in femurs of rats exposed to HLS and MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to modeled microgravity.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin alleviated HLS-induced bone loss in rats, possibly via suppressing oxidative stress and upregulating VDR expression.

Morphological and structural plasticity of grassland species in response to a gradient in saline-sodic soils

The abundance and distribution of species can be ascribed to both environmental heterogeneity and stress tolerance, with the latter measure sometimes associated with phenotypic plasticity. Although phenotypic plasticity varies predictably in response to common forms of stress, we lack a mechanistic understanding of the response of species to high saline-sodic soils. We compared the phenotypic plasticity of three pairs of high and low saline-sodic tolerant congeners from the families Poaceae (Leymus chinensis versus L. secalinus), Fabaceae (Lespedeza davurica versus L. bicolor) and Asteraceae (Artemisia mongolica versus A. sieversiana) in a controlled pot experiment in the Songnen grassland, China. The low tolerant species, L. secalinus and A. sieversiana exhibited higher plasticity in response to soil salinity and sodicity than their paired congeners. Highly tolerant species, L. chinensis and A. mongolica, had higher values for several important morphological traits, such as shoot length and total biomass under the high saline-sodic soil treatment than their paired congeners. In contrast, congeners from the family Fabaceae, L. davurica and L. bicolor, did not exhibit significantly different plasticity in response to soil salinity and sodicity. All species held a constant reproductive effort in response to saline-sodic soil stress. The different responses between low and high tolerant species offer an explanation for the distribution patterns of these species in the Songnen grassland. Highly tolerant species showed less morphological plasticity over a range of saline-sodic conditions than their paired congeners, which may manifest as an inability to compete with co-occurring species in locations where saline-sodic soils are absent.

Development of a new benazepril hydrochloride chewable tablet and evaluation of its bioequivalence for treatment of heart failure in dogs

The aim of the study was to develop a new chewable benazepril hydrochloride(BH) tablet, investigate its physical properties, and evaluate its bioequivalence with the branded formulation (Fortekor). A corrective agent was included in the formula to improve its palatability and convenience for administration to dogs. The tablet remained stable in light, heat, and humidity tests, and its physical properties such as hardness, uniformity of content, and dissolution rate were highly consistent with the technical standards. After single and repeated administrations to eight beagles and single dose to 14 mongrel dogs (0.5 mg/kg p.o.), plasma BH and its active metabolite, benazeprilat (BZ), were detected. There was no significant difference in the major pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax , Tmax, and AUC₀₋₂₄) between the two formulations. The 90% confidence intervals calculated for the ratios of area under the time-concentration curve (AUC₀₋₂₄) were 92.4-116.3% for BH and 89.9-102.3% for BZ, within the accepted range for bioequivalence of 80-125%. The results showed our new chewable tablet is bioequivalent to the commercial product and suitable for addition to the benazepril product family for the treatment of heart failure in dogs.

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to predict complex drug-drug interactions: a case study of AZD2327 and its metabolite, competitive and time-dependent CYP3A inhibitors

4-{(R)-(3-Aminophenyl)[4-(4-fluorobenzyl)-piperazin-1-yl]methyl}-N,N-diethylbenzamide (AZD2327) is a highly potent and selective agonist of the δ-opioid receptor. AZD2327 and N-deethylated AZD2327 (M1) are substrates of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A4) and comprise a complex multiple inhibitory system that causes competitive and time-dependent inhibition of CYP3A4. The aim of the current work was to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to predict quantitatively the magnitude of CYP3A4 mediated drug-drug interaction with midazolam as the substrate. Integrating in silico, in vitro and in vivo PK data, a PBPK model was successfully developed to simulate the clinical accumulation of AZD2327 and its primary metabolite. The inhibition of CYP3A4 by AZD2327, using midazolam as a probe drug, was reasonably predicted. The predicted maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) for midazolam were increased by 1.75 and 2.45-fold, respectively, after multiple dosing of AZD2327, indicating no or low risk for clinically relevant drug-drug interactions (DDI). These results are in agreement with those obtained in a clinical trial with a 1.4 and 1.5-fold increase in Cmax and AUC of midazolam, respectively. In conclusion, this model simulated DDI with less than a two-fold error, indicating that complex clinical DDI associated with multiple mechanisms, pathways and inhibitors (parent and metabolite) can be predicted using a well-developed PBPK model.

Large-scale detection and application of expressed sequence tag single nucleotide polymorphisms in Nicotiana

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are widespread in the Nicotiana genome. Using an alignment and variation detection method, we developed 20,607,973 SNPs, based on the expressed sequence tag sequences of 10 Nicotiana species. The replacement rate was much higher than the transversion rate in the SNPs, and SNPs widely exist in the Nicotiana. In vitro verification indicated that all of the SNPs were high quality and accurate. Evolutionary relationships between 15 varieties were investigated by polymerase chain reaction with a special primer; the specific 302 locus of these sequence results clearly indicated the origin of Zhongyan 100. A database of Nicotiana SNPs (NSNP) was developed to store and search for SNPs in Nicotiana. NSNP is a tool for researchers to develop SNP markers of sequence data.

Super-refractory status epilepticus in West China

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the general frequency, mortality, and risk factors of super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) versus non-refractory status epilepticus (NRSE) and refractory status epilepticus (RSE).

METHODS

This work is a retrospective study. Clinical data of patients who were diagnosed with status epilepticus (SE) in the neurological ward and neuro-intensive care unit of West China Hospital from January 2009 to December 2012 were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 98 patients were included in the study. The percentages of NRSE, RSE, and SRSE were 67.3%, 20.4%, and 12.2%, respectively. Convulsive SE was the main seizure type among the three groups. The most common cause of NRSE was related to epilepsy (EP). However, 67.7% of SRSE cases were caused by acute encephalitis. Moreover, 47% of SE and 40% of RSE cases had a history of EP, whereas only 8.3% of SRSE cases had such history (P < 0.01). The percentage of patients with STESS ≤2 was lowest in the SRSE group without statistical significance (P > 0.05). The general mortality of SE was 7.1%, whereas that of SRSE was 50%. During follow-up, most SRSE patients who survived have developed symptomatic EP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study was the first to use the statistical percentage of SRSE. Approximately 12.2% of SE cases will result in SRSE, which is a challenging medical situation for doctors. Patients with first episodes and acute encephalitis were also prone to develop SRSE.

Contribution of Clostridium difficile infection to the development of lower gastrointestinal adverse events during autologous stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Lower gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (LGAE) are common afflictions of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT). Unfortunately, the pathophysiology remains poorly characterized. Emerging data suggest a prominent role of intestinal microbiota; however, contributions of pathogenic gut microbiota such as Clostridium difficile are not well defined. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to investigate clinical and genetic factors associated with development of LGAE.

METHODS

A total of 972 patients undergoing autologous SCT were graded for LGAE based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (v 4.0). Germline DNA material was obtained from leukapharesis products and genotyped using Illumina(®) Whole Genome Genotyping Infinium chemistry and HumanOmni1-Quad Bead chips containing over 1.1 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (Illumina, San Diego, California, USA). Statistical models incorporating clinical factors, genetic factors, and a combination of clinical plus genetic factors were utilized to compare patients who developed severe LGAE (grade 2 or above) and others.

RESULTS

Among 972 patients, 459 (47.2%) developed severe LGAE. Baseline hemoglobin and hematocrit, estimated glomerular filtration rate, β2-microglobulin, protocol type, and C. difficile infection (CDI) were associated with severe LGAE on univariate analysis, Genomic comparisons between groups did not reveal any SNPs associated with severe LGAE and neither did incorporation of genetic factors into the clinical model. In addition, 11 candidate SNPs associated with upper GI mucositis were evaluated, alongside clinical factors in a multivariate model. Only CDI was found to be associated with severe LGAE in all models.

CONCLUSION

CDI is a prominent factor in the development of LGAE in patients undergoing autologous SCT.

Results from a multicenter, open-label, pivotal phase II study of chidamide in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Chidamide is a novel benzamide type of subtype-selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor with unique mechanisms of action compared with marketed HDAC inhibitors. This phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of chidamide in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) in Chinese population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL of different subtypes received chidamide of 30 mg orally twice per week. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR). Responding patients should be confirmed at least 4 weeks after the criteria of the response were first met, and were reviewed by an independent review committee.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients were enrolled and 79 patients with eligible PTCL histology were for efficacy assessments. Patients enrolled over 10% were with subtypes of PTCL not otherwise specified (34%), anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (22%), extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (20%), or angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL, 13%). The ORR was 28% (22 of 79) including 14% (11 of 79) with complete response/unconfirmed complete response (CR/CRu). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 2.1 and 21.4 months, respectively. AITL patients tended to have higher ORR (50%) and CR/CRu rate (40%), as well as more durable responses, to chidamide treatment. Most adverse events (AEs) were grade 1 or 2, and AEs ≥grade 3 that occurred in ≥10% patients were thrombocytopenia (22%), leucopenia (13%) and neutropenia (11%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Chidamide represents a novel oral benzamide class of HDAC inhibitor with significant single-agent activity and manageable toxicity in relapsed or refractory PTCL, and provides a much needed treatment option in this indication in China. Results led to China Food and Drug Administration approval of chidamide in this indication.

Al(OH)3 facilitated synthesis of water-soluble, magnetic, radiolabelled and fluorescent hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

Magnetic and fluorescent hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were synthesised using Al(OH)3-stabilised MnFe2O4 or Fe3O4 nanoparticles as precursors. They were readily and efficiently radiolabelled with (18)F. Bisphosphonate polyethylene glycol polymers were utilised to endow the nanoparticles with excellent colloidal stability in water and to incorporate cyclam for high affinity labelling with (64)Cu.

Effect of multiple intravenous doses of lanicemine (AZD6765) on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam in healthy subjects

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate safety and tolerability as well as the effects of multiple doses of lanicemine on the pharmacokinetics of a CYP3A substrate, midazolam. A total of 46 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the open-label, fixed-sequence, nonrandomized study. All volunteers received an oral dose of 5 mg of midazolam alone or after 6 days of 150 mg daily intravenous infusion of lanicemine. Lanicemine reached a plasma Cmax of 1.51 μg/mL after 150 mg daily dosing to steady state. The geometric mean CL, Vss, and t1/2 of lanicemine were 8.1 L/h, 122.0 L, and 10.4 hours, respectively. The geometric least-squares mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals for midazolam AUC0- ∞ , and Cmax were within the 80% to 125% limits when lanicemine plus midazolam treatment was compared with midazolam alone, demonstrating that daily dosing with 150 mg of lanicemine for 6 days had no effect on CYP3A activity. Comprehensive physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling using in vitro and in silico findings also indicated lanicemine would have little impact on the pharmacokinetics of CYP3A substrate, such as midazolam. In addition, lanicemine and midazolam administered alone or in combination were generally safe and well tolerated.

Measurement of pion, kaon and proton production in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] TeV

The measurement of primary [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] production at mid-rapidity ([Formula: see text] 0.5) in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 7 TeV performed with a large ion collider experiment at the large hadron collider (LHC) is reported. Particle identification is performed using the specific ionisation energy-loss and time-of-flight information, the ring-imaging Cherenkov technique and the kink-topology identification of weak decays of charged kaons. Transverse momentum spectra are measured from 0.1 up to 3 GeV/[Formula: see text] for pions, from 0.2 up to 6 GeV/[Formula: see text] for kaons and from 0.3 up to 6 GeV/[Formula: see text] for protons. The measured spectra and particle ratios are compared with quantum chromodynamics-inspired models, tuned to reproduce also the earlier measurements performed at the LHC. Furthermore, the integrated particle yields and ratios as well as the average transverse momenta are compared with results at lower collision energies.

Population pharmacokinetic modeling of quetiapine after administration of seroquel and seroquel XR formulations to Western and Chinese patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder

A population model describing quetiapine pharmacokinetics (PK) in Western and Chinese patients following oral administration of immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) formulations was developed using plasma concentrations in 127 patients from 5 studies with quetiapine IR and/or XR in Western patients and 1 study with quetiapine XR in Chinese patients. A 1-compartmental model with first-order absorption and first-order elimination adequately described the quetiapine PK. The typical apparent volume of distribution and elimination rate constant of quetiapine were 574 L and 0.12 h(-) (1) , respectively. The estimated population absorption rate constants were 1.46 and 0.10 h(-1) for quetiapine IR and XR, respectively. Covariate analysis revealed that race was not a significant covariate influencing the PK of quetiapine. Simulation conducted with the final quetiapine population PK model predicted that the administration of a 200-mg twice-daily dose of quetiapine IR in Chinese patients would achieve a steady-state AUC (AUCss ) ± standard deviation of 3087 ± 1480 ng · h/mL, which is in close agreement with the reported value (3538 ± 1728 ng · h/mL). The model also predicted that once-daily administration of 300 mg quetiapine IR or XR would achieve similar exposure in terms of AUCss in Chinese patients.

Fibronectin chorused cohesion between endothelial progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells of mouse bone marrow

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) could function as niche cells to promote self&mdash;renewal of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the mouse bone marrow. Cohesion was the basis of the two cells to display their biological functions to each other. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of cohesion between MSCs and EPCs. And demonstrated that fibronectin (FN) in EPCs activated the integrin &#945;5&#946;1 of MSCs and further mediated cell-cell cohesion. Integrin &#945;5&#946;1 and its FN ligand played critical roles not only in single&mdash;cell line adhesion, but also in adhesion between stem and niche cells. This novel finding is important to understand the cross&mdash;talk between MSCs and their niche cells.

Adenovirus-mediated artificial MicroRNAs targeting matrix or nucleoprotein genes protect mice against lethal influenza virus challenge

Influenza virus (IV) infection is a major public health problem, causing millions of cases of severe illness and as many as 500 000 deaths each year worldwide. Given the limitations of current prevention or treatment of acute influenza, novel therapies are needed. RNA interference (RNAi) through microRNAs (miRNA) is an emerging technology that can suppress virus replication in vitro and in vivo. Here, we describe a novel strategy for the treatment of infuenza based on RNAi delivered by a replication-defective adenovirus (Ad) vector, derived from chimpanzee serotype 68 (AdC68). Our results showed that artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs) specifically targeting conserved regions of the IV genome could effectively inhibit virus replication in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Moreover, our results demonstrated that prophylactic treatment with AdC68 expressing amiRNAs directed against M1, M2 or nucleoprotein genes of IV completely protected mice from homologous A/PR8 virus challenge and partially protected the mice from heterologous influenza A virus strains such as H9N2 and H5N1. Collectively, our data demonstrate that amiRNAs targeting the conserved regions of influenza A virus delivered by Ad vectors should be pursued as a novel strategy for prophylaxis of IV infection in humans and animals.

Optimization of Chlorella vulgaris and bioflocculant-producing bacteria co-culture: enhancing microalgae harvesting and lipid content

Microalgae are a sustainable bioresource, and the biofuel they produce is widely considered to be an alternative to limited natural fuel resources. However, microalgae harvesting is a bottleneck in the development of technology. Axenic Chlorella vulgaris microalgae exhibit poor harvesting, as expressed by a flocculation efficiency of 0·2%. This work optimized the co-culture conditions of C. vulgaris and bioflocculant-producing bacteria in synthetic wastewater using response surface methodology (RSM), thus aiming to enhance C. vulgaris harvesting and lipid content. Three significant process variables- inoculation ratio of bacteria and microalgae, initial glucose concentration, and co-culture time- were proposed in the RSM model. F-values (3·98/8·46) and R(2) values (0·7817/0·8711) both indicated a reasonable prediction by the RSM model. The results showed that C. vulgaris harvesting efficiency reached 45·0-50·0%, and the lipid content was over 21·0% when co-cultured with bioflocculant-producing bacteria under the optimized culture conditions of inoculation ratio of bacteria and microalgae of 0·20-0·25, initial glucose concentration of <1·5 kg m(-3) and co-culture time of 9-14 days. This work provided new insights into microalgae harvesting and cost-effective microalgal bioproducts, and confirmed the promising prospect of introducing bioflocculant-producing bacteria into microalgae bioenergy production.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This work optimized the co-culture conditions of microalgae (C. vulgaris) and bioflocculant-producing bacteria (F2, Rhizobium radiobacter) in synthetic wastewater using response surface methodology, aiming to enhance C. vulgaris harvesting and lipid produced content. Bioflocculant-producing microbes are environmentally friendly functional materials. They avoid the negative effects of traditional chemical flocculants. This work provided new insights into microalgae harvesting and cost-effective production of microalgal bioproducts, and confirmed the promising prospect of introducing bioflocculant-producing bacteria into microalgae bioenergy production.

Production of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] 7 TeV

The production of the strange and double-strange baryon resonances ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) has been measured at mid-rapidity ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]) in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 7 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. Transverse momentum spectra for inelastic collisions are compared to QCD-inspired models, which in general underpredict the data. A search for the [Formula: see text] pentaquark, decaying in the [Formula: see text] channel, has been carried out but no evidence is seen.

Altered iPSC-derived neurons' sodium channel properties in subjects with Monge's disease

Monge's disease, also known as chronic mountain sickness (CMS), is a disease that potentially threatens more than 140 million highlanders during extended time living at high altitudes (over 2500m). The prevalence of CMS in Andeans is about 15-20%, suggesting that the majority of highlanders (non-CMS) are rather healthy at high altitudes; however, CMS subjects experience severe hypoxemia, erythrocytosis and many neurologic manifestations including migraine, headache, mental fatigue, confusion, and memory loss. The underlying mechanisms of CMS neuropathology are not well understood and no ideal treatment is available to prevent or cure CMS, except for phlebotomy. In the current study, we reprogrammed fibroblast cells from both CMS and non-CMS subjects' skin biopsies into the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), then differentiated into neurons and compared their neuronal properties. We discovered that CMS neurons were much less excitable (higher rheobase) than non-CMS neurons. This decreased excitability was not caused by differences in passive neuronal properties, but instead by a significantly lowered Na(+) channel current density and by a shift of the voltage-conductance curve in the depolarization direction. Our findings provide, for the first time, evidence of a neuronal abnormality in CMS subjects as compared to non-CMS subjects, hoping that such studies can pave the way to a better understanding of the neuropathology in CMS.