Highly stable and tunable white luminescence from Ag-Eu3+ co-doped fluoroborate glass phosphors combined with violet LED

Ag-Eu³⁺ co-doped fluoroborate glass phosphors doped with various Eu³⁺-concentrations were prepared by a melt-quenching technique. The luminescent properties of these glass phosphors were characterized by excitation and emission spectra. Broad excitation and emission bands located, respectively, at 300-450 nm and 390-700 nm originating from silver aggregates were observed. Strong red emissions were detected under 404 nm violet light-emitting diode (LED) excitation for those Ag-Eu³⁺ co-doped samples. It was found that these red emissions of Eu³⁺ well compensated the deficiency of the red spectral components in glasses containing Ag aggregates. In addition, it was confirmed that stable white light could be achieved from the combination of a specific Ag-Eu³⁺ co-doped fluoroborate glass phosphor and LEDs with different output wavelengths. By adjusting the luminescence intensity ratio of the glass phosphor to the 404 nm violet LED, tunable emitting color was realized, and the studied glass phosphors showed excellent emitting color stability toward LED drive currents. Our results demonstrated that this kind of easy fabrication, low-cost, and highly stable Ag-Eu³⁺ co-doped fluoroborate glass phosphors had potential application in white LED.

Abstract TP92: Microglial Kv1.3 Channels Are Rapidly Downregulated Following Transient Ischemic Stroke in Mice

Background: Microglia and CNS-infiltrating macrophages (CNS MPs) perform opposing deleterious pro-inflammatory and protective functions in ischemic stroke. Kv1.3 channels regulate pro-inflammatory microglial functions and are promising therapeutic targets to curb neuroinflammation. Since Kv1.3 channel expression in CNS MPs following ischemic stroke is unknown, we characterized Kv1.3 expression in CNS MPs at different times following ischemic stroke.

Methods: In the 30-min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model, we performed flow cytometric assays of cell surface Kv1.3 expression (fluorescent labeled Kv1.3 blocking peptide ShK-F6CA) and phycoerythrin-microsphere phagocytosis on acutely isolated CNS MPs from ipsi- and contralateral hemispheres (including sham surgery controls) at 30 min, 24h, 48h, 72h and 7d time points. Among CD11b + CNS MPs, resting microglia (CD45 low Ly6c low ), activated microglia (C45 high Ly6c low ) and infiltrating macrophages (CD45 high Ly6c high ) were monitored. By quantitative PCR, we measured Kv1.3, Kir2.1 potassium channel and COX2 gene expression in CD11b + CNS MPs.

Results: After 48h following MCAO, proportions of activated microglia and infiltrating macrophages were increased ipsilaterally. Kv1.3 channels were highly expressed in CD45 high Ly6c low activated microglia at baseline but significantly declined after 48 hours ipsilaterally with same trend contralaterally. Kv1.3 mRNA in CNS MPs also showed an overall decreasing trend ipsilateral to MCAO. No changes in phagocytic properties were observed following MCAO.

Conclusions: Despite increased proportions of activated microglia and infiltrating macrophages, a precipitous downregulation of Kv1.3 channel expression occurs in CD45 high activated microglia after 48 hours following transient cerebral ischemia in mice. Early microglial Kv1.3 channel blockade effects on neuroinflammation following ischemic stroke need to be determined.

Observation of New Properties of Secondary Cosmic Rays Lithium, Beryllium, and Boron by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We report on the observation of new properties of secondary cosmic rays Li, Be, and B measured in the rigidity (momentum per unit charge) range 1.9 GV to 3.3 TV with a total of 5.4×10^{6} nuclei collected by AMS during the first five years of operation aboard the International Space Station. The Li and B fluxes have an identical rigidity dependence above 7 GV and all three fluxes have an identical rigidity dependence above 30 GV with the Li/Be flux ratio of 2.0±0.1. The three fluxes deviate from a single power law above 200 GV in an identical way. This behavior of secondary cosmic rays has also been observed in the AMS measurement of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O but the rigidity dependences of primary cosmic rays and of secondary cosmic rays are distinctly different. In particular, above 200 GV, the secondary cosmic rays harden more than the primary cosmic rays.

Single crystal Er3+ : YAG fibers with tailored refractive index profiles

Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er³⁺:YAG) rods were inserted inside undoped tubes and grown into single-crystal fibers of a diameter of 300 μm using the laser-heated pedestal growth technique. Growth at various rates resulted in radially graded distributions of Er³⁺ dopant ions, as observed using laser-induced fluorescence imaging. Profiles of the refractive index were measured using cross-sectional reflectometry in a microscope. Dopant distributions and the corresponding index profiles were compared with thermal diffusion theory to determine the inter-diffusion coefficient of Y³⁺ and Er³⁺ ions at 2000°C, yielding an estimated value of D=(9.10±0.8)×10^-11  m²/s. This work constitutes a step toward controlled growth of fibers with high thermal conductivities, low Brillouin gain, and waveguiding properties required for high-power optical amplifier and laser applications.

Liveweight gain and urinary nitrogen excretion of dairy heifers grazing perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture, canola, and wheat

This study was carried out to examine liveweight gain (LWG), urinary nitrogen (N) concentration, and urinary N excretion of dairy heifers grazing perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture, dual-purpose wheat and dual-purpose canola. A temporal replicate design with two replicates was used to conduct the study. A total of 24–30 Friesian × Jersey heifers, aged 9–11 months were allocated into three dietary treatment groups (pasture, canola, and wheat) according to their initial LW (184 ± 7.0 kg; mean ± s.d.) and breeding worth (NZ$142 ± 11.3; mean ± s.d.). Feed was allocated every 4 days with allowance calculated according to feed requirement for maintenance plus 0.8 kg LWG/day. The LWG over the 26–28-day experimental period was higher (P < 0.001) for heifers grazing wheat (0.66 kg/day) and canola (0.53 kg/day) than pasture (0.35 kg/day). After the experimental period, heifers were grazed together in one herd on pasture. The LWG over the 28–44-day carryover period was higher (P < 0.001) in canola (0.86 kg/day) than wheat (0.57 kg/day) and pasture (0.61 kg/day). The concentration of urinary N was lower (P = 0.017) in canola (0.21%) and wheat (0.24%) than pasture (0.35%). Estimated urinary N excretion was lower (P < 0.001) in canola (52.5 g/day) and wheat (59.1 g/day) than pasture (98.9 g/day). Data suggest that grazing canola and wheat compared with pasture may improve heifer LWG and potentially reduce N losses to the environment by reducing the N loading of urine patches.

Complement regulatory proteins in kidneys of patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis

The complement system activation is involved in the development of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). The study aimed to investigate the expression of complement regulatory proteins (CRPs) CD46, CD55 and CD59 in kidneys of 51 AVV patients. The expression of CD46, CD55 and CD59 in kidneys was detected by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence staining. The immunohistochemical examination revealed that expression of the three CRPs could be detected in the glomeruli and tubules of both AAV patients and normal controls. The expression levels of the three CRPs in glomeruli of patients with AAV were significantly lower than those of normal controls. The scores of CD46 and CD55 expression in the tubules of AAV patients were significantly lower than those of normal controls, while there was no significant difference between the scores of CD59 expression in tubules of AAV patients and those of normal controls. Among AAV patients, the expression level of CD46 in glomeruli correlated inversely with the proportion of normal glomeruli, while it correlated with tubular atrophy in renal interstitium (r = -0·305, P = 0·026; r = 0·330, P = 0·023, respectively). The expression levels of CD55 and CD59 in glomeruli correlated with the proportion of total crescents (r = 0·384, P = 0·006; r = 0·351, P = 0·011, respectively). Double immunofluorescence staining indicated that all three CRPs were expressed on endothelial cells, podocytes and mesangial cells in glomeruli. The expression levels of the three CRPs were dysregulated in kidneys of patients with AAV. The expression levels of CD46, CD55 and CD59 were associated with the severity of renal injury of AAV patients.

Observation of the Identical Rigidity Dependence of He, C, and O Cosmic Rays at High Rigidities by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We report the observation of new properties of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O measured in the rigidity (momentum/charge) range 2 GV to 3 TV with 90×10^{6} helium, 8.4×10^{6} carbon, and 7.0×10^{6} oxygen nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) during the first five years of operation. Above 60 GV, these three spectra have identical rigidity dependence. They all deviate from a single power law above 200 GV and harden in an identical way.

p38 MAPK inhibits autophagy and promotes microglial inflammatory responses by phosphorylating ULK1

Autophagy can suppress inflammation, and it is unclear how immune cells escape this suppression when necessary. He et al. show that p38α MAPK activated by proinflammatory signals relieves autophagic control of inflammation by phosphorylating and inhibiting ULK1. This mechanism regulates microglial immune responses and may be involved in neuroinflammatory diseases.

Inflammation and autophagy are two critical cellular processes. The relationship between these two processes is complex and includes the suppression of inflammation by autophagy. However, the signaling mechanisms that relieve this autophagy-mediated inhibition of inflammation to permit a beneficial inflammatory response remain unknown. We find that LPS triggers p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)–dependent phosphorylation of ULK1 in microglial cells. This phosphorylation inhibited ULK1 kinase activity, preventing it from binding to the downstream effector ATG13, and reduced autophagy in microglia. Consistently, p38α MAPK activity is required for LPS-induced morphological changes and the production of IL-1β by primary microglia in vitro and in the brain, which correlates with the p38α MAPK-dependent inhibition of autophagy. Furthermore, inhibition of ULK1 alone was sufficient to promote an inflammatory response in the absence of any overt inflammatory stimulation. Thus, our study reveals a molecular mechanism that enables the initial TLR4-triggered signaling pathway to inhibit autophagy and optimize inflammatory responses, providing new understanding into the mechanistic basis of the neuroinflammatory process.

Multilocus sequence typing-based analysis of Moraxella catarrhalis population structure reveals clonal spreading of drug-resistant strains isolated from childhood pneumonia

This work revealed the drug resistance and population structure of Moraxella catarrhalis strains isolated from children less than three years old with pneumonia. Forty-four independent M. catarrhalis strains were analyzed using broth dilution antimicrobial susceptibility testing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The highest non-susceptibility rate was observed for amoxicillin (AMX), which reached 95.5%, followed by clindamycin (CLI) (n=33; 75.0%), azithromycin (AZM) (61.4%), cefaclor (CEC) (25.0%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) (15.9%), cefuroxime (CXM) (4.5%), tetracycline (TE) (2.3%), and doxycycline (DOX) (2.3%). There was no strain showing non-susceptibility to other six antimicrobials. Using MLST, the 44 M. catarrhalis strains were divided into 33 sequence types (STs). Based on their allelic profiles, the 33 STs were divided into one CC (CC363) and 28 singletons. CC363 contained five STs and ST363 was the founder ST. CC363 contained 63.6%, 33.3%, and 40.7% of CEC non-susceptible, CLI non-susceptible and AZM non-susceptible strains, respectively. The proportions of CEC non-susceptible, CLI non-susceptible and AZM non-susceptible strains in CC363 were higher than that of singletons; these differences were significant for CEC (p=0.002) and AZM (p=0.011). Furthermore, CC363 contained more AMX-CLI-AZM co-non-susceptible and AMX-CEC-CLI-AZM co-non-susceptible strains than the singletons (p=0.007 and p<0.001, respectively). CC363 is a drug-resistant clone of clinical M. catarrhalis strains in China. Expansion of this clone under selective pressure of antibiotics should be noted and long-term monitoring should be established.

Topological-insulator-based terahertz modulator

Three dimensional topological insulators, as a new phase of quantum matters, are characterized by an insulating gap in the bulk and a metallic state on the surface. Particularly, most of the topological insulators have narrow band gaps, and hence have promising applications in the area of terahertz optoelectronics. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate an electronically-tunable terahertz intensity modulator based on Bi_1:5Sb_0:5Te_1:8Se_1:2 single crystal, one of the most insulating topological insulators. A relative frequency-independent modulation depth of ~62% over a wide frequency range from 0.3 to 1.4 THz has been achieved at room temperature, by applying a bias current of 100 mA. The modulation in the low current regime can be further enhanced at low temperature. We propose that the extraordinarily large modulation is a consequence of thermally-activated carrier absorption in the semiconducting bulk states. Our work provides a new application of topological insulators for terahertz technology.

Short-term effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic patients

It has been proved that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) could promote new bone formation. Therefore, we designed an experiment to test the efficiency of ESWT on BMD in postmenopausal osteoporotic patients. The results showed that ESWT could effectively improve the local bone mass of the treated bone area within a short duration.

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluated the short-term effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS

A total of 64 postmenopausal osteoporotic patients were recruited and randomized into 3 groups in 2015. Groups A (n = 20) and B (n = 21) patients received a single-session of low- or high-energy flux density (EFD) ESWT in the left hip, respectively, whereas group C (n = 23) patients served as controls without the ESWT treatment. All patients self-administered alendronate sodium tablets orally for a year. The BMD of the lumbar spine (L2-L4), femoral neck, great tuberosity, and total left hip was measured before ESWT treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

RESULTS

At 12 months, the lumbar spine, femoral neck, great tuberosity, and total left hip BMD in all patients had increased (p < 0.01). The increase in lumbar spine BMD in group A patients was higher than that in group B patients (p = 0.03); other between-group differences were not observed (p = 0.73, group A vs. C; p = 0.06, group B vs. C). The femoral neck, great tuberosity, and total left hip BMD increases in group B patients were higher than that in either group A or C (p < 0.01, group B vs. A; p < 0.01, group A vs. C).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that ESWT could efficiently improve the local BMD; relatively, the high dosage was effective.

Taking Root: a grounded theory on evidence-based nursing implementation in China

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based nursing is widely recognized as the critical foundation for quality care.

AIM

To develop a middle-range theory on the process of evidence-based nursing implementation in Chinese context.

METHODS

A grounded theory study using unstructured in-depth individual interviews was conducted with 56 participants who were involved in 24 evidence-based nursing implementation projects in Mainland China from September 2015 to September 2016.

RESULTS

A middle-range grounded theory of 'Taking Root' was developed. The theory describes the evidence implementation process consisting of four components (driving forces, process, outcome, sustainment/regression), three approaches (top-down, bottom-up and outside-in), four implementation strategies (patient-centred, nurses at the heart of change, reaching agreement, collaboration) and two patterns (transformational and adaptive implementation).

LIMITATIONS

Certain perspectives may have not been captured, as the retrospective nature of the interviewing technique did not allow for 'real-time' assessment of the actual implementation process. The transferability of the findings requires further exploration as few participants with negative experiences were recruited.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that explored evidence-based implementation process, strategies, approaches and patterns in the Chinese nursing practice context to inform international nursing and health policymaking. The theory of Taking Root described various approaches to evidence implementation and how the implementation can be transformational for the nurses and the setting in which they work.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

Nursing educators, managers and researchers should work together to improve nurses' readiness for evidence implementation. Healthcare systems need to optimize internal mechanisms and external collaborations to promote nursing practice in line with evidence and achieve clinical outcomes and sustainability.

Sediment and salinity effects on the bioaccumulation of sulfamethoxazole in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The dynamic distribution of a widely used antibiotic sulfamethoxazole between water, sediment and aquatic organisms (zebrafish) was studied in microcosms. Sulfamethoxazole concentrations in water were gradually reduced, while in sediment and zebrafish gradually increased, suggesting active adsorption and bioaccumulation processes occurring. The presence of sediment particles and their interactions with water reduced the bioaccumulation of sulfamethoxazole in zebrafish by 13-28%. The sediment of smaller particle size with more organic carbon content and higher surface area, adsorbed sulfamethoxazole more extensively and decreased its bioaccumulation most significantly. The effect became more severe with increasing salinity in water due to the salting out of sulfamethoxazole, resulting in 24-33% reduction in bioaccumulation. At equilibrium, the distribution of sulfamethoxazole in different phases was quantified, with most sulfamethoxazole being associated with water (97.3%), followed by sedimentary phase (2.7%) and finally zebrafish (0.05%). The findings provided important data for further research into antibiotics fate and bio-uptake in aquatic organisms, and subsequent ecotoxicity.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor BMS-986142 in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis enhances efficacy of agents representing clinical standard-of-care

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) regulates critical signal transduction pathways involved in the pathobiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune disorders. BMS-986142 is a potent and highly selective reversible small molecule inhibitor of BTK currently being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of both RA and primary Sjögren’s syndrome. In the present report, we detail the in vitro and in vivo pharmacology of BMS-986142 and show this agent provides potent and selective inhibition of BTK (IC50 = 0.5 nM), blocks antigen receptor-dependent signaling and functional endpoints (cytokine production, co-stimulatory molecule expression, and proliferation) in human B cells (IC50 ≤ 5 nM), inhibits Fcγ receptor-dependent cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and blocks RANK-L-induced osteoclastogenesis. Through the benefits of impacting these important drivers of autoimmunity, BMS-986142 demonstrated robust efficacy in murine models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA). In both models, robust efficacy was observed without continuous, complete inhibition of BTK. When a suboptimal dose of BMS-986142 was combined with other agents representing the current standard of care for RA (e.g., methotrexate, the TNFα antagonist etanercept, or the murine form of CTLA4-Ig) in the CIA model, improved efficacy compared to either agent alone was observed. The results suggest BMS-986142 represents a potential therapeutic for clinical investigation in RA, as monotherapy or co-administered with agents with complementary mechanisms of action.

[Evaluation on efficacy of corticotomy-facilitated treatment in skeletal class Ⅱ patients]

Objective: To investigate the effect of corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics on the treatment time and final outcome in skeletal class Ⅱ division 1 patients. Methods: Twenty adult skeletal class Ⅱ division 1 patients treated with two maxillary first premolar extractions were included and randomly divided into two groups (the corticotomy group and the control group). The treatment time was recorded and the changes of soft and hard tissue were compared by using three-dimensional measurement and analysis of cone-beam CT images before and after treatment. Results: There was no significant difference in the alignment time between two groups, while the time of maxillary space closure and the total treatment time in corticotomy group ([5.8±1.3] and [24.9±5.1] months, respectively) were shorter than that in the control group ([9.9±1.1] and [30.8±4.6] months, respectively) and the differences were significant (P<0.01). In the corticotomy group, the retraction amount of the upper central in cisal margin, apical tip, supradentale, labrale superius and the increase of nasolabial angle were greater than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: In patients with mild to moderate skeletal class Ⅱ division 1 malocclusion, corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics can not only shorten the treatment time, but is more conductive to the retraction of upper anterior teeth and improvement of the profile.

Thermal conductivities of phosphorene allotropes from first-principles calculations: a comparative study

Phosphorene has attracted tremendous interest recently due to its intriguing electronic properties. However, the thermal transport properties of phosphorene, especially for its allotropes, are still not well-understood. In this work, we calculate the thermal conductivities of five phosphorene allotropes (α-, β-, γ-, δ- and ζ-phase) by using phonon Boltzmann transport theory combined with first-principles calculations. It is found that the α-phosphorene exhibits considerable anisotropic thermal transport, while it is less obvious in the other four phosphorene allotropes. The highest thermal conductivity is found in the β-phosphorene, followed by the δ-, γ- and ζ-phase. The much lower thermal conductivity of the ζ-phase can be attributed to its relatively complex atomic configuration. It is expected that the rich thermal transport properties of phosphorene allotropes can have potential applications in the thermoelectrics and thermal management.

Study of three types of desensitizers in dentin bonding strength

One hundred and twenty human molars without decay (premolars and complete third molars) freshly extracted for orthodontic purposes were used in the study to explore the impact of application of three kinds of desensitizers on self-etching/all-etching bond strength of dentin. The roots were ground along the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), the residual crowns were divided into two parts along mesial and distal direction, and the enamel layer was removed. The dentin was ground into standard pieces of 3x3x3 mm and then polished using alumina waterproof abrasive paper. Two hundred and forty specimens were divided into two groups according to self-etching bond (OptiBond, iBond, XenoIV) and all-etching bond (OptiBond, iBond, Probond). Each of the two groups were subdivided into three groups with different brands, and then further subdivided into three experimental groups and a control group (10 samples in each final group). The surface of dentin coated with desensitizer was examined using scanning electron microscope. Results showed that only the shear strength of iBond + Ddes + Z100 resin group was lower compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The comparison of the resin shear strength in other experimental groups with the control groups demonstrated no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). The shear strength of Optibond + Gluma, Optibond + Ddes, iBond + Ddes + Z100 resin group in all-etching bond group and the experimental groups in Probond group was lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). The resin shear strength in other groups did not differ from the controls (P > 0.05).

Developing a New Generation of Antimicrobial and Bioactive Dental Resins

Dental caries is prevalent, and secondary caries causes restoration failures. This article reviews recent studies on developing a new generation of bioactive resins with anticaries properties. Extensive effects were made to develop new antimicrobial composites, bonding agents, and other resins containing quaternary ammonium methacrylates to suppress plaque buildup and bacterial acid production. The effects of alkyl chain length and charge density and the antimicrobial mechanisms for chlorhexidine, nano-silver, quaternary ammonium methacrylates, and protein-repellent agents were discussed. Synergistic effects of contact-killing and protein-repellent properties were shown to yield the greatest biofilm-inhibition effects. The combination of antimicrobial, protein-repellent, and calcium phosphate nanoparticle remineralization was suggested to provide maximal anticaries effects. In addition, for use orally, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility were important considerations for the new bioactive materials. Furthermore, rather than kill all bacteria, it would be more desirable to modulate the oral biofilm compositions via bioactive resins to suppress cariogenic/pathogenic species and promote benign species. For widespread clinical use of the new antimicrobial and therapeutic materials, whether they would induce bacterial drug resistance needs to be determined, which requires further study. Nonetheless, the new generation of bioactive anticaries resins with therapeutic and biofilm acid-inhibiting properties has the potential to substantially benefit oral health.

Multimodal Regulation Orchestrates Normal and Complex Disease States in the Retina

Regulation of biological processes occurs through complex, synergistic mechanisms. In this study, we discovered the synergistic orchestration of multiple mechanisms regulating the normal and diseased state (age related macular degeneration, AMD) in the retina. We uncovered gene networks with overlapping feedback loops that are modulated by nuclear hormone receptors (NHR), miRNAs, and epigenetic factors. We utilized a comprehensive filtering and pathway analysis strategy comparing miRNA and microarray data between three mouse models and human donor eyes (normal and AMD). The mouse models lack key NHRS (Nr2e3, RORA) or epigenetic (Ezh2) factors. Fifty-four total miRNAs were differentially expressed, potentially targeting over 150 genes in 18 major representative networks including angiogenesis, metabolism, and immunity. We identified sixty-eight genes and 5 miRNAS directly regulated by NR2E3 and/or RORA. After a comprehensive analysis, we discovered multimodal regulation by miRNA, NHRs, and epigenetic factors of three miRNAs (miR-466, miR1187, and miR-710) and two genes (Ell2 and Entpd1) that are also associated with AMD. These studies provide insight into the complex, dynamic modulation of gene networks as well as their impact on human disease, and provide novel data for the development of innovative and more effective therapeutics.

Identification of imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine TYK2 pseudokinase ligands as potent and selective allosteric inhibitors of TYK2 signalling

As a member of the Janus (JAK) family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases, TYK2 mediates the signaling of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-12, IL-23 and type 1 interferon (IFN), and therefore represents an attractive potential target for treating the various immuno-inflammatory diseases in which these cytokines have been shown to play a role. Following up on our previous report that ligands to the pseudokinase domain (JH2) of TYK2 suppress cytokine-mediated receptor activation of the catalytic (JH1) domain, the imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine (IZP) 7 was identified as a promising hit compound. Through iterative modification of each of the substituents of the IZP scaffold, the cellular potency was improved while maintaining selectivity over the JH1 domain. These studies led to the discovery of the JH2-selective TYK2 inhibitor 29, which provided encouraging systemic exposures after oral dosing in mice. Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) was identified as an off-target and potential liability of the IZP ligands, and selectivity for TYK2 JH2 over this enzyme was obtained by elaborating along selectivity vectors determined from analyses of X-ray co-crystal structures of representative ligands of the IZP class bound to both proteins.

[Reconstruction of tissue defects after resection of tonsillar cancer by mandibular swing approach]

Objective:To explore the reconstruction methods of oropharyngeal defects after resection of tonsillar cancer by mandibular swing approach.Method:Twenty four cases of patients with tonsillar carcinoma hospitalized in our institution from January, 2010 to December, 2015 were analyzed. Based on the degree and extent of tissue defects, they were divided into three categories.①Small defects, including loss of tonsillar fossa and pharyngeal arches; ②Moderate defects, including small defects of soft palate or tongue root besides lateropharyngeal defects; ③Large defects, including large defects of soft palate and tongue root besides lateropharyngeal defects. The tissue defects of 8 patients belonged to small defects, of whom 4 cases were repaired with mid-thick skin and the others were restored by radial forearm flaps. There were 5 cases of patients with moderate oropharyngeal defects after surgery of tonsillar carcinoma. These defects were reconstructed by radial forearm flaps(2 cases) and anterolateral femoral skin flaps (3 cases) respectively, while the remaining large defects of 11 patients were renovated using pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps(9 cases) and anterolateral femoral skin flaps(2 cases). Result:All the patients healed by first intention after surgery.Four transplanted skin grafts on the regions of small defects survived completely.5 cases of radial forearm flaps and anterolateral femoral skin flaps also survived well, whereas only one radial forearm flap suffered from vascular crisis leading to failure at 5 days postoperatively. The necrotic flaps were then removed by submaxillary space and oral cavity and the wounds were self-healed. The tissue defects were successfully repaired by pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps. Although the surgical wounds swelled, they were obviously relieved half a year later. In the tonsillar cancer patients encroached on soft palates, one occurred nasopharyngeal reflux and 3 spoke vaguely but understandably. The other patients' function of chewing, deglutition, respiration and speech were restored well. Conclusion:Small defects after resection by mandibular swing approach could be repaired by mid-thick skin or radial forearm flaps. Moderate defects of T3 tonsillar cancer could be restored using radial forearm flaps or anterolateral femoral skin flaps, while anterolateral femoral skin flaps or pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps could reconstructed the large defects of T3 or T4 tonsillar cancer.

IODNE: An integrated optimization method for identifying the deregulated subnetwork for precision medicine in cancer

Subnetwork analysis can explore complex patterns of entire molecular pathways for the purpose of drug target identification. In this article, the gene expression profiles of a cohort of patients with breast cancer are integrated with protein‐protein interaction (PPI) networks using, simultaneously, both edge scoring and node scoring. A novel optimization algorithm, integrated optimization method to identify deregulated subnetwork (IODNE), is developed to search for the optimal dysregulated subnetwork of the merged gene and protein network. IODNE is applied to select subnetworks for Luminal‐A breast cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. A large fraction of cancer‐related genes and the well‐known clinical targets, ER1/PR and HER2, are found by IODNE. This validates the utility of IODNE. When applying IODNE to the triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype data, we identified subnetworks that contain genes such as ERBB2, HRAS, PGR, CAD, POLE, and SLC2A1.

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 functions as an epigenetic activator of the androgen receptor to promote prostate cancer cell growth

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is an emerging epigenetic enzyme that mainly represses transcription of target genes via symmetric dimethylation of arginine residues on histones H4R3, H3R8 and H2AR3. Accumulating evidence suggests that PRMT5 may function as an oncogene to drive cancer cell growth by epigenetic inactivation of several tumor suppressors. Here, we provide evidence that PRMT5 promotes prostate cancer cell growth by epigenetically activating transcription of the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer cells. Knockdown of PRMT5 or inhibition of PRMT5 by a specific inhibitor reduces the expression of AR and suppresses the growth of multiple AR-positive, but not AR-negative, prostate cancer cells. Significantly, knockdown of PRMT5 in AR-positive LNCaP cells completely suppresses the growth of xenograft tumors in mice. Molecular analysis reveals that PRMT5 binds to the proximal promoter region of the AR gene and contributes mainly to the enriched symmetric dimethylation of H4R3 in the same region. Mechanistically, PRMT5 is recruited to the AR promoter by its interaction with Sp1, the major transcription factor responsible for AR transcription, and forms a complex with Brg1, an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler, on the proximal promoter region of the AR gene. Furthermore, PRMT5 expression in prostate cancer tissues is significantly higher than that in benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues, and PRMT5 expression correlates positively with AR expression at both the protein and mRNA levels. Taken together, our results identify PRMT5 as a novel epigenetic activator of AR in prostate cancer. Given that inhibiting AR transcriptional activity or androgen synthesis remains the major mechanism of action for most existing anti-androgen agents, our findings also raise an interesting possibility that targeting PRMT5 may represent a novel approach for prostate cancer treatment by eliminating AR expression.

Lindersin B from Lindernia crustacea induces neuritogenesis by activation of tyrosine kinase A/phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF) play important roles in nervous system. NGF is a potential therapeutic drug for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, because of physicochemical property, NGF cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Hence, small molecules which exhibit NGF-mimic activity and can pass through the BBB are considered to be promising drug candidates for treatment of such diseases.

PURPOSE

The present study was designed to isolate NGF-mimic substance from extract of natural products, determine their structures and investigate mechanism of action of the active substance.

METHODS

Extract of Lindernia crustacean was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate to obtain water layer and ethyl acetate layer samples, respectively, and then evaluated their neuritogenic activity in PC12 cells. The active sample was separated by open columns, followed by HPLC purification to obtain active compound. Then, specific inhibitors were used to investigate signaling pathway of neurite outgrowth induced by the active compound. Finally, western blot analysis was performed to confirm the pathway proposed by inhibitor experiments.

RESULTS

The ethyl acetate layer sample of extract of Lindernia crustacea exhibited significant neuritogenic activity. Two new compounds, named as linderside A and lindersin B, were isolated; their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical derivatization methods. Linderside A is a cucurbitane glycoside, whereas lindersin B is a cucurbitane triterpenoid. Each compound has an unusual isopentene unit, namely, a double bond bound to an unmodified isopropyl group at the end of cucurbitane triterpenoid side chain. Among them, lindersin B induced significant neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, while linderside A was inactive against PC12 cells. Western blotting analysis results showed that lindersin B-induced neuritogenic activity depended on the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Moreover, tyrosine kinase A (TrKA) and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) were also involved in the signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Two new cucurbitane triterpenoids, linderside A and lindersin B, were isolated from Lindernia crustacean. Neurite outgrowth induced by lindersin B in PC12 cells depends on activation of TrkA/PI3K/ERK signaling pathway.

Osteoinduction of Calcium Phosphate Ceramics in Four Kinds of Animals for 1 Year: Dog, Rabbit, Rat, and Mouse

INTRODUCTION

Bone grafts are in great demand. Synthetic materials have been extensively studied as substitutes for autografts. Calcium phosphate ceramics are promising synthetic bone replacement materials. Because they share chemical similarities with human bone mineral, they show excellent biocompatibility and osteoinductivity.

OBJECTIVE

Calcium phosphate ceramics have been used to fill bone defects in preclinical study in a variety of animals. This study aimed to investigate the osteogenesis ability of calcium phosphate ceramics in 4 kinds of animals.

METHODS

Φ3 × 5 mm hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate (HA/β-TCP) cylinders were implanted into the dorsal muscle of rats and mice, whereas Φ5 × 10 mm cylinders were implanted into the dorsal muscle of dogs and rabbits. One year after implantation, the ceramics were harvested to perform hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson-trichrome staining. The new bone tissues were observed and the area percentage of new bone was compared in the 4 kinds of animals.

RESULTS

A large number of new bone and bone marrow tissues were observed in dogs, rabbits, and mice, but not in rats; and the area percentage of new bone in mice was significantly higher than that in dogs and rabbits (P < .05). Calcium phosphate ceramics have good biocompability and biological safety, and the degree of ease of osteogenesis was as follows: mouse > dog > rabbit > rat.

CONCLUSION

To achieve better effects for bone transplantation, mouse should be chosen as the preferred experimental model based on these advantages: economic, convenience, and osteogenesis ability.

Osteogenesis-promoting activity of composites SBA-15 mesoporous particles carrying oxytocin in vitro and in vivo

This study analyzes the performance of SBA-15 mesoporous particles carrying oxytocin (OT) in promoting osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The SBA-15 particles synthesized in the previous studies (about 30 μm in diameter and containing 10 nm deep pores) were loaded with the drug oxytocin and cultured with human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line in vitro. The influence of particles on cell proliferation was studied. The level of the osteogenic marker (alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen) was measured. For in vivo studies, the connectivity defects of rabbit skull were prepared, and SBA-15 suspensions were regularly injected at the defect sites. The changes in the defect site calcium salt deposition were measured, and morphological changes were observed by microscopy. The material had to promote effect on osteogenesis-related indicators such as alkaline phosphatase and collagen I in bone sarcoma cell line MG-63. In vivo, the calcium salt deposition in OT/SBA-15 group was significantly higher than in the blank group. SBA-15 carriers appeared to persist in the region of the defect after the injection and release the drugs slowly, thus playing a more distinct role in promoting bone repair of local bone defects. The results showed that SBA-15 particles with OT could slow the release drugs and could help in promoting osteogenesis.

Understanding the electronic and phonon transport properties of a thermoelectric material BiCuSeO: a first-principles study

Using the first-principles pseudopotential method and Boltzmann transport theory, we give a comprehensive understanding of the electronic and phonon transport properties of a thermoelectric material BiCuSeO.

The combination of glass dust and glass fiber as fluxing agents for ceramifiable silicone rubber composites

A novel ceramifying silicone rubber composite filled with mica powder, glass dust and glass fiber was prepared for high-temperature applications.

Low Serum Levels of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Are Associated with Stroke Recurrence and Poor Functional Outcomes in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between serum 25(OH) D levels and functional outcome and stroke recurrence events in a 6-month follow-up study in a cohort of patients with an acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

From March 2014 to August 2015, consecutive first-ever AIS patients admitted to the Department of Emergency of our hospital were identified. Serum 25(OH) D levels were measured at admission. Functional outcome was evaluated at 6-month using the modified Rankin scale (m-Rankin). We used logistic regression models to assess the relationship between 25(OH) levels and risk of recurrent stroke or functional outcome.

RESULTS

We recorded 277 stroke patients. There were significantly negative correlation between levels of 25(OH) D and NHISS (P<0.001), and the infarct volume (P< 0.001). Thirty-one patients (11.9%) had a stroke recurrence, while 82 patients (29.6) were with poor functional outcomes. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, serum 25(OH) D level was an independent marker of poor functional outcome and stroke recurrence [odds ratio (OR) 2.55 (1.38-3.96) and 3.03(1.65-4.12), respectively, P<0.001 for both, adjusted for NHISS, other predictors and vascular risk factors] in patients with AIS.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that low 25(OH) D levels are associated with stroke recurrence and support the hypothesis that 25(OH) D may serve as a biomarker of poor functional outcome after stroke.

Concentration-dependent spectroscopic properties and temperature sensing of YNbO4:Er3+ phosphors

Er³⁺ concentration had significant influences on temperature sensitivity. The sample with a low concentration of Er³⁺ had high temperature sensitivity.