Intra-articular delivery of anti-Hif-2α siRNA by chondrocyte-homing nanoparticles to prevent cartilage degeneration in arthritic mice

Hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (Hif-2α) is a potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis (OA), but the application of this target in the delivery of therapeutic agents to chondrocytes remains a challenge. A chondrocyte-targeting vector was constructed in a previous study to enhance transfection efficiency and specificity of chondrocytes in vivo. This study used vectors to deliver small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and silenced Hif-2α expression to prevent cartilage degeneration in OA-affected mice. After siRNA transfection was conducted by cartilage-targeting nanoparticles, the protein levels of Hif-2α, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-13, -9), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS-4, -5), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), type X collagen and nuclear factor (NF)-κB in interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β)-stimulated chondrocytes were determined. Chondrocyte-targeting ability was also determined by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled siRNA tracking under a confocal microscope. OA model was established by surgically destabilizing the knee joints of a mouse. Hif-2α siRNA was then delivered intra-articularly with nanoparticles in vivo. Cartilage degeneration and synovium inflammation in the knee joints were analyzed by histomorphometry. IL-1β levels in the synovial fluid were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro assay results showed that catabolic factors, including Hif-2α, MMP-13 and -9, ADAMTS-4, VEGF, collagen type X and NF-κB, were downregulated after Hif-2α-siRNA transfection by chondrocyte-targeting nanoparticles. In vivo assay results with FITC-labeled siRNA tracking also confirmed that nanoparticles promoted the local concentration and prolonged the retention time of siRNA in the cartilage. Histological analysis results confirmed that nanoparticle-mediated siRNA maintained cartilage integrity and alleviated synovium inflammation. IL-1β levels decreased after siRNA was silenced by nanoparticles. Thus, chondrocyte-targeting nanoparticles could deliver Hif-2α siRNA to cartilage and specifically inhibit the expression of catabolic proteins.

Isosmotic points and their ecological significance for juvenile Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis

Serum osmolality and ion concentrations were measured in juvenile Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis at different salinities to determine the isosmotic point. Isosmotic and isoionic concentrations were calculated from the regressions for serum and ambient osmolality, with Na(+) , Cl(-) and K(+) as salinities 9·19, 8·17, 7·89 and 9·70, respectively. These values were consistent with the salinity of the habitat where juvenile A. sinensis occur in the Yangtze Estuary, suggesting that an isosmotic salinity is an important factor driving their habitat choice.

DACH1 inhibits SNAI1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and represses breast carcinoma metastasis

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has a major role in cancer progression and metastasis. However, the specific mechanism of transcriptional repression involved in this process remains largely unknown. Dachshund homologue 1 (DACH1) expression is lost in invasive breast cancer with poor prognosis, and the role of DACH1 in regulating breast cancer metastasis is poorly understood. In this study, significant correlation between the expression of DACH1 and the morphology of breast cancer cells was observed. Subsequent investigation into the relationship between DACH1 and EMT showed that overexpression of DACH1 in ZR-75-30 cells induced a shift towards epithelial morphology and cell-cell adhesion, as well as increased the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and suppressed cell migration and invasion. In contrast, silencing DACH1 in MCF-7 and T47D cells disrupted the epithelial morphology and cell-cell contact, reduced the expression of E-cadherin, and induced cell migration and invasion. DACH1 also specifically interacted with SNAI1, but not SNAI2, to form a complex, which could bind to the E-box on the E-cadherin promoter in an SNAI1-dependent manner. DACH1 inhibited the transcriptional activity of SNAI1, leading to the activation of E-cadherin in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the level of DACH1 also correlated with the extent of metastasis in a mouse model. DACH1 overexpression significantly decreased the metastasis and growth of 4T1/Luc cells in BALB/c mice. Analysis of tissue samples taken from human breast cancers showed a significant correlation between the expression of DACH1 and E-cadherin in SNAI1-positive breast cancer. Collectively, our data identified a new mechanistic pathway for the regulation of EMT and metastasis of breast cancer cells, one that is based on the regulation of E-cadherin expression by direct DACH1-SNAI1 interaction.

Hypoxia upregulates Rab11-family interacting protein 4 through HIF-1α to promote the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hypoxic microenvironment is a powerful driving force for the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), as a crucial regulator of transcriptional responses to hypoxia, induces the expression of multiple target genes involved in different steps of HCC metastatic process. It is critical to find target genes associated with metastasis under hypoxia for shedding new light on molecular mechanism of HCC metastasis. In this study, we uncovered that hypoxia could induce the upregulation of Rab11-family interacting protein 4 (Rab11-FIP4) and activation of Rab11-FIP4 promoter by HIF-1α. The overexpression of Rab11-FIP4 significantly enhanced the mobility and invasiveness of HCC cells in vitro, also contributed to distant lung metastasis in vivo, whereas silencing of Rab11-FIP4 decreased the ability of migration and invasion in HCC cells in vitro and suppressed lung metastasis in vivo. Rab11-FIP4 facilitated HCC metastasis through the phosphorylation of PRAS40, which was regulated by mTOR. Furthermore, the expression level of Rab11-FIP4 was significantly increased in HCC tissues and high expression of Rab11-FIP4 was closely correlated with vascular invasion and poor prognosis in HCC patients. A markedly positive correlation between the expression of Rab11-FIP4 and HIF-1α was observed in HCC tissues and combination of Rab11-FIP4 and HIF-1α was a more valuable predictor of poor prognosis for HCC patients. In conclusion, Rab11-FIP4 is a target gene of HIF-1α and has a pro-metastatic role in HCC, suggesting that Rab11-FIP4 may be a promising candidate target for HCC treatment.

Improved efficacy of warm-white light-emitting diode luminaires

We present a novel approach to address one of the technical hurdles the current light-emitting diode (LED) lighting field faces: the packaged efficacy of warm-white LEDs is 20%-30% lower than that of cool-white LEDs depending on the color rendering index. With a differentiated luminaire design in combination with a new class of nano materials, we have greatly improved the efficacy of warm white by 15% at the luminaire system level, which translates to less energy being required to achieve the same light output, and thus offers a more energy-efficient solution. Reliability test of the luminaire shows no performance degradation within the tested period of more than 3000 h. A modeling has been developed to predict the optical performance of luminaires incorporating the nano materials, which agrees well with the experimental data and serves as a powerful tool for designing luminaires with targeted performance.

ΛΛ Correlation function in Au+Au collisions at √[S(NN)]=200 GeV

We present ΛΛ correlation measurements in heavy-ion collisions for Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV using the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider. The Lednický-Lyuboshitz analytical model has been used to fit the data to obtain a source size, a scattering length and an effective range. Implications of the measurement of the ΛΛ correlation function and interaction parameters for dihyperon searches are discussed.

Dietary calcium deficiency in laying ducks impairs eggshell quality by suppressing the process of shell biomineralization

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary calcium deficiency on the process of shell formation. Four hundred and fifty female ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) of 22 wk were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Ducks were fed one of two calcium-deficient diets (containing 1.8% or 0.38% calcium, respectively) or a calcium-adequate control diet (containing 3.6% calcium) for 67 d (depletion period), and then ducks of the 3 groups were fed a calcium-adequate diet for an additional 67 d (repletion period). As compared with the calcium-adequate control, the average shell thickness, egg shell weight, breaking strength, mammillae density and mammillary knob thickness of shell from ducks that consumed the diet with 0.38% calcium was significantly decreased (P<0.05) during the depletion period, accompanied by reduced quality of shell and tibia. The mRNA expression of both secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2) in uterus were decreased after feeding calcium-deficient diets (1.8% or 0.38% calcium). Transcripts of calbindin 1 (CALB1), an important protein responsible for calcium transport, and matrix protein gene ovocalyxin-32 (OCX-32) and ovocleidin-116 (OC-116) were reduced in the ducks fed 0.38% calcium but not the 1.8% calcium. Plasma estradiol concentration was decreased by both of the calcium-deficient diets (P<0.05). The impaired shell quality and suppressed functional proteins involved in shell formation could be reversed by repletion of dietary calcium. The results of the present study suggest that dietary calcium deficiency negatively affects the eggshell quality and eggshell microarchitecture probably through suppressing the process of shell biomineralization.

Transient x-ray diffraction with simultaneous imaging under high strain-rate loading

Real time, in situ, multiframe, diffraction, and imaging measurements on bulk samples under high and ultrahigh strain-rate loading are highly desirable for micro- and mesoscale sciences. We present an experimental demonstration of multiframe transient x-ray diffraction (TXD) along with simultaneous imaging under high strain-rate loading at the Advanced Photon Source beamline 32ID. The feasibility study utilizes high strain-rate Hopkinson bar loading on a Mg alloy. The exposure time in TXD is 2-3 μs, and the frame interval is 26.7-62.5 μs. Various dynamic deformation mechanisms are revealed by TXD, including lattice expansion or compression, crystal plasticity, grain or lattice rotation, and likely grain refinement, as well as considerable anisotropy in deformation. Dynamic strain fields are mapped via x-ray digital image correlation, and are consistent with the diffraction measurements and loading histories.

Observation of D0 meson nuclear modifications in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV

We report the first measurement of charmed-hadron (D(0)) production via the hadronic decay channel (D(0) → K(-) + π(+)) in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV with the STAR experiment. The charm production cross section per nucleon-nucleon collision at midrapidity scales with the number of binary collisions, N(bin), from p+p to central Au+Au collisions. The D(0) meson yields in central Au + Au collisions are strongly suppressed compared to those in p+p scaled by N(bin), for transverse momenta p(T) > 3 GeV/c, demonstrating significant energy loss of charm quarks in the hot and dense medium. An enhancement at intermediate p(T) is also observed. Model calculations including strong charm-medium interactions and coalescence hadronization describe our measurements.

Characterizing the dielectric properties of human mesenchymal stem cells and the effects of charged elastin-like polypeptide copolymer treatment

HUMAN MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS (HMSCS) HAVE THREE KEY PROPERTIES THAT MAKE THEM DESIRABLE FOR STEM CELL THERAPEUTICS: differentiation capacity, trophic activity, and ability to self-renew. However, current separation techniques are inefficient, time consuming, expensive, and, in some cases, alter hMSCs cellular function and viability. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a technique that uses alternating current electric fields to spatially separate biological cells based on the dielectric properties of their membrane and cytoplasm. This work implements the first steps toward the development of a continuous cell sorting microfluidic device by characterizing native hMSCs dielectric signatures and comparing them to hMSCs morphologically standardized with a polymer. A quadrapole Ti-Au electrode microdevice was used to observe hMSC DEP behaviors, and quantify frequency spectra and cross-over frequency of hMSCs from 0.010-35 MHz in dextrose buffer solutions (0.030 S/m and 0.10 S/m). This combined approach included a systematic parametric study to fit a core-shell model to the DEP spectra over the entire tested frequency range, adding robustness to the analysis technique. The membrane capacitance and permittivity were found to be 2.2 pF and 2.0 in 0.030 S/m and 4.5 pF and 4.1 in 0.10 S/m, respectively. Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP-) polyethyleneimine (PEI) copolymer was used to control hMSCs morphology to spheroidal cells and aggregates. Results demonstrated that ELP-PEI treatment controlled hMSCs morphology, increased experiment reproducibility, and concurrently increased hMSCs membrane permittivity to shift the cross-over frequency above 35 MHz. Therefore, ELP-PEI treatment may serve as a tool for the eventual determination of biosurface marker-dependent DEP signatures and hMSCs purification.

First Report of Peanut mottle virus Infecting Soybean in South Korea

In July 2013, soybean (Glycine max) plants at the research field in Daegu, South Korea, showed virus-like symptoms, such as mosaic, mottle, yellowing, and stunting. Overall, there were approximately 1% of soybean plants that showed these symptoms. Sixteen soybean samples were collected based on visual symptoms and subjected to laboratory characterization. Total RNA was extracted from each sample with the Tri Reagent (Molecular Research Center, Cincinnati, OH) and cDNA was synthesized using random N25 primer with RevertAid Reverse Transcriptase (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA), according to the manufacturers' instructions. All samples were tested by PCR with Prime Taq Premix (2X) (GeNet Bio, Daejeon, Korea) and primer sets specific to Soybean mosaic virus (SMV; 5'-CATATCAGTTTGTTGGGCA-3' and 5'-TGCCTATACCCTCAACAT-3'), Peanut stunt virus (PSV; 5'-TGACCGCGTGCCAGTAGGAT-3' and 5'-AGGTDGCTTTCTWTTGRATTTA-3'), Soybean yellow mottle mosaic virus (SYMMV; 5'-CAACCCTCAGCCACATTCAACTAT-3' and 5'-TCTAACCACCCCACCCGAAGGATT-3'), and Soybean yellow common mosaic virus (SYCMV; 5'-TTGGCTGAGAGGAGTGGCTT-3' and 5'-TGCGGTCGTGTAGTCAGTG-3'). Among 16 samples tested, five were positive for SMV and two for SYMMV. Three samples were found infected by both SMV and SYMMV and four by both SMV and PSV. Since two of the symptomatic samples were not infected by viruses described above, a pair of primers specific to Peanut mottle virus (PeMoV; 5'-GCTGTGAATTGTTGTTGAGAA-3' and 5'-ACAATGATGAAGTTCGTTAC-3') was tested (1). All 16 samples were subjected to RT-PCR with primers specific to PeMoV. Four were found positive for PeMoV. Two of them were already found infected with SYMMV. In order to identify the complete nucleotide sequences of PeMoV coat protein (CP), another primer set (5'-TGAGCAGGAAAGAATTGTTTC-3' and 5'-GGAAGCGATATACACACCAAC-3') was used. RT-PCR product was cloned into RBC TA Cloning Vector (RBC Bioscience, Taipei, Taiwan) and the nucleotide sequence of the insert was determined by Macrogen (Seoul, Korea). CP gene of the PeMoV (GenBank Accession No. KJ664838) showed the highest nucleotide sequence identity with PeMoV isolate Habin (KF977830; 99% identity), and the highest amino acid identity with GenBank Accession No. ABI97347 (100% identity). In order to fulfill Koch's postulates, several G. max cv. Williams 82 were inoculated with the extracts of PeMoV-infected leaf tissue. At 14 days post-inoculation, plants showed systemic mottle symptoms. These symptomatic plants were subjected to RT-PCR, and the nucleotide sequences of the PCR product were found identical to that of the virus in the inoculum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of soybean-infecting PeMoV, a member of the genus Potyvirus in the family Potyviridae, in South Korea. Reference: (1) R. G. Dietzgen et al. Plant Dis. 85:989, 2001.

Beam energy dependence of moments of the net-charge multiplicity distributions in Au+Au collisions at RHIC

We report the first measurements of the moments--mean (M), variance (σ(2)), skewness (S), and kurtosis (κ)--of the net-charge multiplicity distributions at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at seven energies, ranging from sqrt[sNN]=7.7 to 200 GeV, as a part of the Beam Energy Scan program at RHIC. The moments are related to the thermodynamic susceptibilities of net charge, and are sensitive to the location of the QCD critical point. We compare the products of the moments, σ(2)/M, Sσ, and κσ(2), with the expectations from Poisson and negative binomial distributions (NBDs). The Sσ values deviate from the Poisson baseline and are close to the NBD baseline, while the κσ(2) values tend to lie between the two. Within the present uncertainties, our data do not show nonmonotonic behavior as a function of collision energy. These measurements provide a valuable tool to extract the freeze-out parameters in heavy-ion collisions by comparing with theoretical models.

Measurement of longitudinal spin asymmetries for weak boson production in polarized proton-proton collisions at RHIC

We report measurements of single- and double-spin asymmetries for W^{±} and Z/γ^{*} boson production in longitudinally polarized p+p collisions at sqrt[s]=510  GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The asymmetries for W^{±} were measured as a function of the decay lepton pseudorapidity, which provides a theoretically clean probe of the proton's polarized quark distributions at the scale of the W mass. The results are compared to theoretical predictions, constrained by polarized deep inelastic scattering measurements, and show a preference for a sizable, positive up antiquark polarization in the range 0.05<x<0.2.

Beam-energy dependence of charge separation along the magnetic field in Au+Au collisions at RHIC

Local parity-odd domains are theorized to form inside a quark-gluon plasma which has been produced in high-energy heavy-ion collisions. The local parity-odd domains manifest themselves as charge separation along the magnetic field axis via the chiral magnetic effect. The experimental observation of charge separation has previously been reported for heavy-ion collisions at the top RHIC energies. In this Letter, we present the results of the beam-energy dependence of the charge correlations in Au+Au collisions at midrapidity for center-of-mass energies of 7.7, 11.5, 19.6, 27, 39, and 62.4 GeV from the STAR experiment. After background subtraction, the signal gradually reduces with decreased beam energy and tends to vanish by 7.7 GeV. This implies the dominance of hadronic interactions over partonic ones at lower collision energies.

Treatment of seawater immersion-complicated open-knee joint fracture

The current study aimed to select suitable remedies for seawater immersion-complicated open-knee joint fracture by exploring the effects of different treatment methods. Forty adult rabbits weighing 2.20 ± 0.25 kg were divided equally into internal fracture fixation group (A), seawater-immersed group with primary internal fixation (B), seawater-immersed group with secondary internal fixation (C), and seawater-immersed group with external fixation (D), using the random-digit table method. Open-femoral internal condylar fracture models were established. Group A was left untreated for 2 h, whereas the other three groups were subjected to seawater immersion for 2 h. Afterwards, groups A and B underwent debridement and steel plate and screw internal fixation. Group C underwent debridement and external fixation, which was followed by secondary steel plate and screw internal fixation after the wound healed. Group D underwent transarticular arthrodesis. Wound infection, joint functional rehabilitation, and radiological and histopathological changes in fracture healing in each group were assessed. The results showed that delayed internal fixation effectively reduces the infection rate of seawater immersion-complicated open fracture and benefits joint function rehabilitation.

Dielectron mass spectra from Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV

We report the STAR measurements of dielectron (e(+)e(-)) production at midrapidity (|y(ee)|<1) in Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200  GeV. The measurements are evaluated in different invariant mass regions with a focus on 0.30-0.76 (ρ-like), 0.76-0.80 (ω-like), and 0.98-1.05 (ϕ-like)   GeV/c(2). The spectrum in the ω-like and ϕ-like regions can be well described by the hadronic cocktail simulation. In the ρ-like region, however, the vacuum ρ spectral function cannot describe the shape of the dielectron excess. In this range, an enhancement of 1.77±0.11(stat)±0.24(syst)±0.33(cocktail) is determined with respect to the hadronic cocktail simulation that excludes the ρ meson. The excess yield in the ρ-like region increases with the number of collision participants faster than the ω and ϕ yields. Theoretical models with broadened ρ contributions through interactions with constituents in the hot QCD medium provide a consistent description of the dilepton mass spectra for the measurement presented here and the earlier data at the Super Proton Synchrotron energies.

Effects of cryopreservation on motility characteristics and enzyme activity of sperm in a Chinese fish Nibea albiflora

BACKGROUND

Growing evidence suggests that among the causes which deteriorate qualitative and functional characteristics of sperm after freezing and thawing, there are those linked to decrease of sperm motility and release of various enzymes in the cells and seminal plasma.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, the motility, fertilization and enzyme activity of sperm were analyzed after cryopreservation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Computer-assisted sperm motility analysis (CASA) was used to evaluate the effect of cryopreservation on sperm motility of Nibea albiflora.

RESULTS

The activities of total adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), creatine kinase (CK), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GR) in fresh and frozen seminal plasma and spermatozoa were measured respectively. Cryopreservation led to a decline in the percentage of motile sperm, moreover, other parameters of sperm motion, curvilinear and straight line velocities, linearity were changed observably (p < 0.05), the fertilizing capacity of post-thaw sperm was lower than that of the fresh sperm significantly. After cryopreservation, the activities of total ATPase, CK, SDH, LDH, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px increased in seminal plasma and decreased in spermatozoa respectively, but GR activity varied contrarily, GR activity dropped in seminal plasma and increased in spermatozoa.

CONCLUSION

Cryopreservation had significant effects on the motility characteristics, fertilization ability and enzyme activity of the sperm of Nibea albiflora.

Schistosoma japonicum: susceptibility of neonate mice born to infected and noninfected mothers following subsequent challenge

This study was to investigate the differences between neonate mice born to Schistosoma japonicum-infected mothers and those born to noninfected mothers in subsequent challenge. The intensity of infection (evidenced by worm burden and liver egg burden) and liver immunopathology (number and size of liver granulomas) were significantly reduced in neonates from infected mothers (I.M.) compared with neonates from noninfected mothers (N.M.). Anti-soluble worm antigen of S. japonicum (SWA) IgG could be detected in sera of neonates from I.M. (N.N./I.M.) at 1 week after delivery, remained a plateau for 2 weeks and gradually decreased until 8 weeks of age. Parasite-specific IgM was not detected in sera from N.N./I.M. at any time after delivery. At 6 weeks after infection, the level of anti-SWA IgG in infected neonates from I.M. (I.N./I.M.) was significantly higher than that of infected neonates from N.M. (I.N./N.M.). In addition, production of IFN-γ, IL-12 and TGF-β by cultured splenocytes from I.N./I.M. was significantly increased, while the level of IL-4 was significantly decreased when compared to those from I.N./N.M.. These data demonstrate that congenital exposure to schistosomiasis japonica may render neonatal mice born to I.M. less susceptible to subsequent challenge and result in down-regulation of both infection intensity and immunopathology.

Optimization of culture medium for anaerobic production of rhamnolipid by recombinant Pseudomonas stutzeri Rhl for microbial enhanced oil recovery

Response surface methodology was employed to enhance the anaerobic production of rhamnolipid by recombinant Pseudomonas stutzeri Rhl. Glycerol is a promising carbon source used to anaerobically produce rhamnolipid. In a Plackett-Burman design, glycerol, KH2 PO4 and yeast extract were significant factors. The proposed optimized medium contained the following: 46·55 g l(-1) glycerol; 3 g l(-1) NaNO3 ; 5·25 g l(-1) K2 HPO4 ·3H2 O; 5·71 g l(-1) KH2 PO4 ; 0·40 g l(-1) MgSO4 ·7H2 O; 0·13 g l(-1) CaCl2 ; 1·0 g l(-1) KCl; 1·0 g l(-1) NaCl; and 2·69 g l(-1) yeast extract. Using this optimized medium, we obtained an anaerobic yield of rhamnolipid of 3·12 ± 0·11 g l(-1) with a 0·85-fold increase. Core flooding test results also revealed that Ps. stutzeri Rhl grown in an optimized medium enhanced the oil recovery efficiency by 15·7%, which was 6·6% higher than in the initial medium. Results suggested that the optimized medium is a promising nutrient source that could effectively mobilize oil by enhancing the in situ production of rhamnolipid.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The ex situ application of rhamnolipid for microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) is costly and complex in terms of rhamnolipid production, purification and transportation. Compared with ex situ applications, the in situ production of rhamnolipid in anaerobic oil reservoir is more advantageous for MEOR. This study is the first to report the anaerobic production optimization of rhamnolipid. Results showed that the optimized medium enhanced not only the anaerobic production of rhamnolipid but also crude oil recovery.

Beam-energy dependence of the directed flow of protons, antiprotons, and pions in Au+Au collisions

Rapidity-odd directed flow (v1) measurements for charged pions, protons, and antiprotons near midrapidity (y=0) are reported in sNN=7.7, 11.5, 19.6, 27, 39, 62.4, and 200 GeV Au+Au collisions as recorded by the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. At intermediate impact parameters, the proton and net-proton slope parameter dv1/dy|y=0 shows a minimum between 11.5 and 19.6 GeV. In addition, the net-proton dv1/dy|y=0 changes sign twice between 7.7 and 39 GeV. The proton and net-proton results qualitatively resemble predictions of a hydrodynamic model with a first-order phase transition from hadronic matter to deconfined matter, and differ from hadronic transport calculations.

Jet-hadron correlations in √[s(NN)]=200 GeV p+p and central Au+Au collisions

Azimuthal angular correlations of charged hadrons with respect to the axis of a reconstructed (trigger) jet in Au+Au and p+p collisions at √[s(NN)]=200  GeV in STAR are presented. The trigger jet population in Au+Au collisions is biased toward jets that have not interacted with the medium, allowing easier matching of jet energies between Au+Au and p+p collisions while enhancing medium effects on the recoil jet. The associated hadron yield of the recoil jet is significantly suppressed at high transverse momentum (pTassoc) and enhanced at low pTassoc in 0%-20% central Au+Au collisions compared to p+p collisions, which is indicative of medium-induced parton energy loss in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions.

Differential influence of vemurafenib and dabrafenib on patients' lymphocytes despite similar clinical efficacy in melanoma

BACKGROUND

Since the majority of melanomas eventually become resistant and progress, combining selective BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) with immunotherapies has been proposed to achieve more durable treatment responses. Here, we explored the impact of selective BRAFi on the hosts' immune system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data, whole blood counts (WBC) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of 277 vemurafenib- and 65 dabrafenib-treated melanoma patients were evaluated. The frequency and phenotype of lymphocyte subpopulations were determined by flow cytometry while T cell cytokine secretion was measured by multiplex assays.

RESULTS

Progression-free survival (PFS) as well as overall survival (OS) were similar in patients treated with either BRAFi. High pretreatment LDH was associated with shorter PFS and OS in both groups. During therapy, peripheral lymphocytes decreased by 24.3% (median, P < 0.0001) in vemurafenib-treated patients but remained unchanged in dabrafenib-treated patients (+1.2%, P = 0.717). Differentiation of peripheral lymphocytes of vemurafenib-treated patients showed a significant decrease in CD4(+) T cells (P < 0.05). Within CD4(+) T cells obtained during treatment, an increase in CCR7(+)CD45RA(+) (naïve) and a decrease in CCR7(+)CD45RA(-) (central memory) populations were found (P < 0.01 for both). Furthermore, secretion of interferon-γ and interleukin-9 by CD4(+) T cells was significantly lower in samples obtained during vemurafenib treatment compared with baseline samples.

CONCLUSION

While both compounds have comparable clinical efficacy, vemurafenib but not dabrafenib decreases patients peripheral lymphocyte counts and alters CD4(+) T cell phenotype and function. Thus, selective BRAFi can significantly affect patients' peripheral lymphocyte populations. Fully understanding these effects could be critical for successfully implementing combinatorial therapies of BRAFi with immunomodulatory agents.

Developing a computer-controlled simulated digestion system to predict the concentration of metabolizable energy of feedstuffs for rooster

Four experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-controlled simulated digestion system (CCSDS) for predicting apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and true metabolizable energy (TME) using in vitro digestible energy (IVDE) content of feeds for roosters. In Exp. 1, the repeatability of the IVDE assay was tested in corn, wheat, rapeseed meal, and cottonseed meal with 3 assays of each sample and each with 5 replicates of the same sample. In Exp. 2, the additivity of IVDE concentration in corn, soybean meal, and cottonseed meal was tested by comparing determined IVDE values of the complete diet with values predicted from measurements on individual ingredients. In Exp. 3, linear models to predict AME and TME based on IVDE were developed with 16 calibration samples. In Exp. 4, the accuracy of prediction models was tested by the differences between predicted and determined values for AME or TME of 6 ingredients and 4 diets. In Exp. 1, the mean CV of IVDE was 0.88% (range = 0.20 to 2.14%) for corn, wheat, rapeseed meal, and cottonseed meal. No difference in IVDE was observed between 3 assays of an ingredient, indicating that the IVDE assay is repeatable under these conditions. In Exp. 2, minimal differences (<21 kcal/kg) were observed between determined and calculated IVDE of 3 complete diets formulated with corn, soybean meal, and cottonseed meal, demonstrating that the IVDE values are additive in a complete diet. In Exp. 3, linear relationships between AME and IVDE and between TME and IVDE were observed in 16 calibration samples: AME = 1.062 × IVDE - 530 (R(2) = 0.97, residual standard deviation [RSD] = 146 kcal/kg, P < 0.001) and TME = 1.050 × IVDE - 16 (R(2) = 0.97, RSD = 148 kcal/kg, P < 0.001). Differences of less than 100 kcal/kg were observed between determined and predicted values in 10 and 9 of the 16 calibration samples for AME and TME, respectively. In Exp. 4, differences of less than 100 kcal/kg between determined and predicted values were observed in 3 and 4 of the 6 ingredient samples for AME and TME, respectively, and all 4 diets showed the differences of less than 25 kcal/kg between determined and predicted AME or TME. Our results indicate that the CCSDS is repeatable and additive. This system accurately predicted AME or TME on 17 of the 26 samples and may be a promising method to predict the energetic values of feed for poultry.

MicroRNA-193a-3p and -5p suppress the metastasis of human non-small-cell lung cancer by downregulating the ERBB4/PIK3R3/mTOR/S6K2 signaling pathway

The metastatic cascade is a complex and multistep process with many potential barriers. Recent evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, by comparing the miRNA expression profiles of SPC-A-1sci (high metastatic) and SPC-A-1 (weakly metastatic) cells, we demonstrated that the downregulation and function of miR-193a-3p and miR-193a-5p in NSCLC metastasis and the expression of these miRNAs was suppressed in NSCLC compared with corresponding non-tumorous tissues. Decreased miR-193a-3p/5p expression was significantly associated with tumor node metastasis (TNM) and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, functional assays showed that the overexpression of miR-193a-3p/5p inhibited NSCLC cell migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and lung metastasis formation in vivo. In addition, we discovered that ERBB4 and S6K2 were the direct targets of miR-193a-3p and that PIK3R3 and mTOR were the direct targets of miR-193a-5p in NSCLC. We also observed that miR-193a-3p/5p could inactivate the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Thus, miR-193a-3p/5p functions as a tumor suppressor and has an important role in NSCLC metastasis through ERBB signaling pathway.

Energy dependence of moments of net-proton multiplicity distributions at RHIC

We report the beam energy (sqrt[sNN]=7.7-200  GeV) and collision centrality dependence of the mean (M), standard deviation (σ), skewness (S), and kurtosis (κ) of the net-proton multiplicity distributions in Au+Au collisions. The measurements are carried out by the STAR experiment at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) and within the transverse momentum range 0.4<pT<0.8  GeV/c in the first phase of the Beam Energy Scan program at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. These measurements are important for understanding the quantum chromodynamic phase diagram. The products of the moments, Sσ and κσ2, are sensitive to the correlation length of the hot and dense medium created in the collisions and are related to the ratios of baryon number susceptibilities of corresponding orders. The products of moments are found to have values significantly below the Skellam expectation and close to expectations based on independent proton and antiproton production. The measurements are compared to a transport model calculation to understand the effect of acceptance and baryon number conservation and also to a hadron resonance gas model.

Cortical glutamate levels decrease in a non-human primate model of dopamine deficiency

While Parkinson's disease is the result of dopaminergic dysfunction of the nigrostriatal system, the clinical manifestations of Parkinson's disease are brought about by alterations in multiple neural components, including cortical areas. We examined how 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration affected extracellular cortical glutamate levels by comparing glutamate levels in normal and MPTP-lesioned nonhuman primates (Macaca mulatta). Extracellular glutamate levels were measured using glutamate microelectrode biosensors. Unilateral MPTP-administration rendered the animals with hemiparkinsonian symptoms, including dopaminergic deficiencies in the substantia nigra and the premotor and motor cortices, and with statistically significant decreases in basal glutamate levels in the primary motor cortex on the side ipsilateral to the MPTP-lesion. These results suggest that the functional changes of the glutamatergic system, especially in the motor cortex, in models of Parkinson's disease could provide important insights into the mechanisms of this disease.

Creatinine clearance rate and serum creatinine concentration are related to delayed methotrexate elimination in children with lymphoblastic malignancies

Methotrexate (MTX) is an effective treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL); however, toxicity can arise with high doses MTX (HDMTX), especially in patients with delayed MTX elimination. Routine monitoring of plasma MTX concentrations is clinically important, but unfortunately is not always feasible. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between MTX elimination and renal function to identify parameters that may be useful for predicting delayed MTX elimination in Chinese children with ALL and NHL. A total of 105 children with ALL and NHL were included in the study. Each patient received HDMTX (3 or 5 g/m2) over 24 hours. Plasma MTX concentrations were measured at 24, 48, and 96 hours. Delayed elimination was indicated by plasma MTX concentrations ≥1.0 at 48 hours or ≥0.1 μmol/L at 96 hours. Creatinine clearance rate (CCr) and serum Cr concentrations were measured at 0, 24, and 48 hours. There were 39 patients (37.1%) with delayed MTX elimination. For patients with delayed MTX elimination, the 24 hour plasma MTX concentration was negatively correlated with the 24 hour CCr (P=0.019). The 48 hour plasma MTX concentration was positively correlated with 24 and 48 hour serum Cr concentrations (P=0.001 and P<0.001, respectively), and negatively correlated with the 24 and 48 CCr (both P<0.001). Both MTX concentrations and elimination time decreased with increasing CCr (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that the best predictors of delayed MTX elimination were 24 hour CCr 36 mmol/L (sensitivity: 64.7%; specificity: 77.4%) (both P < 0.001). CCr and serum Cr concentration may be useful for monitoring plasma MTX concentrations in children receiving HDMTX for ALL and NHL and for predicting delayed MTX elimination.

Abstract P2-09-03: Antitumor activity of the glutaminase inhibitor, CB-839, in triple-negative breast cancer

Glutamine (Gln) serves as an important source of energy and building blocks for many tumor cells. The first step in Gln utilization is its conversion to glutamate (Glu) by the mitochondrial enzyme glutaminase. CB-839 is a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of both splice variants of glutaminase (KGA and GAC). CB-839 inhibits recombinant GAC with an IC50 of &lt;15 nM. Treatment of the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231 in vitro with CB-839 reduced cell viability and suppressed cellular Glu pools with comparable potency (IC50 ∼15 nM). TNBC breast cancer cell lines have been reported to have a heightened dependence on exogenous Gln for growth relative to estrogen receptor (ER) positive cells (Kung et al, 2011). Consistent with this observation, an analysis of 58 breast cancer cell lines in the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia revealed that low ER and/or Her2 expression is correlated with high glutaminase expression (particularly the GAC isoform) and low expression of glutamine synthetase (GLUL), an enzyme that converts Glu to Gln. This reciprocal pattern of GAC and GLUL expression suggests that TNBC may be particularly sensitive to glutaminase inhibition. To test this hypothesis, the anti-tumor activity of CB-839 was evaluated on a panel of breast tumor cell lines (n&gt;25) that included a mixture of TNBC and ER/Her2-positive subtypes. The TNBC subtype displayed the greatest sensitivity to CB-839 treatment (IC50s ranging from 5-100 nM) and this sensitivity was correlated with: i) dependence on extracellular Gln for growth (r = 0.83, p&lt;0.0001); ii) GAC (but not KGA) expression (r = -0.76, p&lt;0.0001); iii) glutaminase activity in cell lysates (r = -0.75, p = 0.0002); and iv) the ratio of cellular Glu to Gln (r = 0.53, p = 0.014) indicative of efficient Gln to Glu conversion. CB-839 also displayed significant anti-tumor activity in two TNBC xenograft models: 1) as a single agent in a patient-derived tumor chosen based on Gln utilization biomarkers and 2) in a cell line model (JIMT1) both as a single agent and in combination with paclitaxel. To determine if potential markers of Gln utilization and CB-839 sensitivity are reflected in primary tumors, an analysis of large mRNA expression and metabolomic datasets was undertaken. Consistent with the observations in cell lines, there was significantly elevated expression of GAC and reduced expression of GLUL in TNBC tumors relative to the ER+ population in The Cancer Genome Atlas mRNA expression dataset (n = 756). Likewise, analysis of the metabolite levels in 262 primary breast tumors showed that the Glu to Gln ratio in the ER- populations was significantly elevated relative to the ER+ population (fold increase = 3.2, p = 8.0E-09). This elevated metabolite ratio in the ER- population was also significantly correlated with the mRNA expression level of GLUL (r = -0.27, p = 0.001). These observations suggest that biomarkers of Gln utilization and CB-839 sensitivity extend to primary TNBC tumors. Together with the in vitro and in vivo preclinical anti-tumor activity of CB-839 in TNBC models, this primary tumor biomarker evaluation provides a strong rationale for the clinical investigation of CB-839 as a targeted therapeutic in TNBC patients.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-09-03.

Adrenomedullin and adrenotensin regulate collagen synthesis and proliferation in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

To understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation and extracellular-matrix accumulation in the development of pulmonary hypertension and remodeling, this study determined the effects of different doses of adrenomedullin (ADM) and adrenotensin (ADT) on PASMC proliferation and collagen synthesis. The objective was to investigate whether extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling was involved in ADM- and ADT-stimulated proliferation of PASMCs in 4-week-old male Wistar rats (body weight: 100-150 g, n=10). The proliferation of PASMCs was examined by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation. A cell growth curve was generated by the Cell Counting Kit-8 method. Expression of collagen I, collagen III, and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) was evaluated by immunofluorescence. The effects of different concentrations of ADM and ADT on collagen I, collagen III, and p-ERK1/2 protein expression were determined by immunoblotting. We also investigated the effect of PD98059 inhibition on the expression of p-ERK1/2 protein by immunoblotting. ADM dose-dependently decreased cell proliferation, whereas ADT dose-dependently increased it; and ADM and ADT inhibited each other with respect to their effects on the proliferation of PASMCs. Consistent with these results, the expression of collagen I, collagen III, and p-ERK1/2 in rat PASMCs decreased after exposure to ADM but was upregulated after exposure to ADT. PD98059 significantly inhibited the downregulation by ADM and the upregulation by ADT of p-ERK1/2 expression. We conclude that ADM inhibited, and ADT stimulated, ERK1/2 signaling in rat PASMCs to regulate cell proliferation and collagen expression.

Wilms' tumor suppressor gene mutations in girls with sporadic isolated steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

Mutations in the Wilms' tumor suppressor gene (WT1) can lead to syndromic forms of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) such as Denys-Drash or Frasier syndrome and can cause isolated SRNS. A mutation within WT1 is a frequent cause of sporadic isolated SRNS in girls. In a worldwide cohort of girls, the rate of occurrence was 10.8%. Previous reports have indicated that in Chinese girls, the detection rate of WT1 mutations is 16.7% for early onset isolated nephrotic syndrome. The detection rate of WT1 mutations in Chinese girls with sporadic isolated SRNS is unknown. We examined WT1 mutations in 14 Chinese girls with sporadic isolated SRNS using polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing and studied a control group of 38 boys with sporadic isolated SRNS. We identified a WT1 mutation in 1 of 14 (7.1% detection rate) Chinese girls with sporadic isolated SRNS. No mutations occurred in WT1 in the remaining 13 girls or the control group. Our investigation supports the necessity of genetic examination for mutations in WT1 in girls with sporadic isolated SRNS.

ESAT-6-gpi DNA vaccine augmented the specific antitumour efficacy induced by the tumour vaccine B16F10-ESAT-6-gpi/IL-21 in a mouse model

In this study, we hypothesized that the mice immunized with the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored 6-kDa early-secreted antigenic target (ESAT-6) DNA vaccine (ESAT-6-gpi) and the tumour vaccine B16F10-ESAT-6-gpi/IL-21 might significantly enhance immune responses and antimelanoma efficacy. Our experimental results indicated that the anti-ESAT-6 antibody induced by the DNA vaccine ESAT-6-gpi bound ESAT-6 to the surface of tumour vaccine to activate a complement classical pathway and resulted in the B16F10 tumour cell lysis and apoptosis, which served as a potential trigger for breaking melanomatous immune tolerance to elicit an initiation of natural antimelanoma immunity. Our innovative approach of using the DNA vaccine ESAT-6-gpi priming and the tumour vaccine B16F10-ESAT-6-gpi/IL-21 boosting induced strong antimelanoma immunity that inhibited melanomatous growth. These findings highlighted the DNA vaccine ESAT-6-gpi as an immune enhancer to augment the immune efficacy of the tumour vaccine B16F10-ESAT -6-gpi/IL-21 against melanoma in a mouse model.

The neuroprotective role and mechanisms of TERT in neurons with oxygen-glucose deprivation

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is reported to protect neurons from apoptosis induced by various stresses including hypoxia-ischemia (HI). However, the mechanisms by which TERT exerts its anti-apoptotic role in neurons with HI injury remain unclear. In this study, we examined the protective role and explored the possible mechanisms of TERT in neurons with HI injury in vitro. Primary cultured neurons were exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) for 3h followed by reperfusion to mimic HI injury in vivo. Plasmids containing TERT antisense, sense nucleotides, or mock were transduced into neurons at 48h before OGD. Expression and distribution of TERT were measured by immunofluorescence labeling and western blot. The expression of cleaved caspase 3 (CC3), Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by western blot. Neuronal apoptosis was measured with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL). The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by MitoSOX Red staining. Fluorescent probe JC-1 was used to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). We found that TERT expression increased at 8h and peaked at 24h in neurons after OGD. CC3 expression and neuronal apoptosis were induced and peaked at 24h after OGD. TERT inhibition significantly increased CC3 expression and neuronal apoptosis after OGD treatment. Additionally, TERT inhibition decreased the expression ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, and enhanced ROS production and ΔΨm dissipation after OGD. These data suggest that TERT plays a neuroprotective role via anti-apoptosis in neurons after OGD. The underlying mechanisms may be associated with regulating Bcl-2/Bax expression ratio, attenuating ROS generation, and increasing mitochondrial membrane potential.

Observation of photorefractive surface waves in self-defocusing LiNbO3:Fe crystal

Photorefractive (PR) surface waves (SWs) in self-defocusing LiNbO(3):Fe are studied theoretically and experimentally. We demonstrate that SWs can also be formed in a self-defocusing nonlinear medium and that the nonlocal nonlinearity (such as the diffusion component of PR nonlinearity in this Letter) is the essential cause. The forming process of PR SWs with a self-deflection course of light beams has been observed. The results indicate the possibility of concentrating light energy in self-defocusing media, taking advantage of SWs.

Measurement of J/ψ azimuthal anisotropy in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV

The measurement of J/ψ azimuthal anisotropy is presented as a function of transverse momentum for different centralities in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The measured J/ψ elliptic flow is consistent with zero within errors for transverse momentum between 2 and 10 GeV/c. Our measurement suggests that J/ψ particles with relatively large transverse momenta are not dominantly produced by coalescence from thermalized charm quarks, when comparing to model calculations.

Factors influencing exercises in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

The purpose of this article is to explore factors influencing adherence to exercise in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The findings can be used to explain exercise behaviours and develop interventions to improve the level of adherence to exercise.

METHODS

A qualitative approach was used in this study. Data were collected at Nantong City, China. A purposive sampling scheme was used to recruit people with T2D for in-depth semi-structured interviews. Potential patients chosen from the case records in one teaching hospital were screened by telephone for eligibility. Inclusion criteria for recruiting participants were: diagnosis with T2D for at least 6 months; a treatment plan that recommends exercises; and ≥20 years of age. Exclusion criteria included: type 1 diabetes; severe complications of T2D; and cognitive impairment. Each interview was audio-recorded. Recruitment efforts were suspended when the data reached saturation. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes influencing factors from collected data.

RESULTS

Seventeen participants were recruited for interviews when data reached saturation. Six themes were identified after thematic analysis: 'beliefs about disease', 'health communication', 'feasibility of regimen', 'conducting skills', 'environmental support' and 'perceived benefits'.

CONCLUSION

The influencing factors should be comprehensively considered when explaining behaviour relating to exercises or designing health-promotional and health-educational interventions to improve the level of adherence to exercise. This study suggests that health professionals need to pay attention to the patient preferences during health communication to design a feasible exercise regimen in a collaborative way. Non-adherence to exercise cannot be attributed to patients only. Patients should be supported, not blamed.

LIMITATION

The recruitment of participants from one city might limit the generalizations of the findings to larger areas of China and other ethnic groups. Gender differences related to factors influencing exercises need further consideration.

Preparations of Novel Flocculants and its Applications in the Paper-making Wastewater

Functional monomer [N-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)acrylamide] was synthesized and characterized by MS and NMR. A series of high molecular weight cationic polyacrylamides were prepared with N-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)acrylamide, acrylamide and methacryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride by copolymerization using complex initiation systems as catalysts in aqueous solution. Then they used as flocculants to treat the paper-making wastewater. The removal of the colour and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the treated waste water samples were determined. Results showed that flocculants could efficiently remove the color and the COD. The overall color and COD removal efficiencies reached as high as 80% and 85%, respectively.

Observation of an energy-dependent difference in elliptic flow between particles and antiparticles in relativistic heavy ion collisions

Elliptic flow (v(2)) values for identified particles at midrapidity in Au + Au collisions, measured by the STAR experiment in the beam energy scan at RHIC at sqrt[s(NN)] = 7.7-62.4 GeV, are presented. A beam-energy-dependent difference of the values of v(2) between particles and corresponding antiparticles was observed. The difference increases with decreasing beam energy and is larger for baryons compared to mesons. This implies that, at lower energies, particles and antiparticles are not consistent with the universal number-of-constituent-quark scaling of v(2) that was observed at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV.