Analysis of gene expression identifies candidate markers and pathways in pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a serious multisystem disorder and causes significant increase in both maternal and foetal morbidity and perinatal mortality globally. Due to the limited understanding of the molecular mechanism of pre-eclampsia, the current study conducted bioinformatic analyses to screen key regulators involved in pre-eclampsia. The gene expression profiling dataset GSE44711 containing 8 early-onset pre-eclampsia placentas and 8 gestational-age-matched control placentas was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by limma software package, which were then subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis on the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery website. Finally, protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database. In total, 192 DEGs including 106 upregulated and 86 downregulated genes were obtained. Proteoglycan 2 and podoplanin were the most significantly up- and downregulated genes, respectively. In addition, three potential pathways and their related DEGs: spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1, amiloride-binding protein 1 and adenosylmethionine decarboxylase 1 were associated with arginine and proline metabolism. Vascular endothelial growth factor C; phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit beta; collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1); and fibronectin 1 (FN1) were associated with focal adhesion. COL6A1 as well as COL1A1 and FN1 were involved in extra-cellular matrix-receptor interaction. The current study identified several potential genes and three pathways which may be considered as candidate targets for diagnosis and therapy of pre-eclampsia.

An antennae-enriched carboxylesterase from Spodoptera exigua displays degradation activity in both plant volatiles and female sex pheromones

Carboxyl/cholinesterase (CCE) is a large gene family of diverse functions, but in insects its function with respect to catabolism of sex pheromone components and plant volatiles is not well understood. In the present study, we cloned and functionally characterized one putative odorant-degrading enzyme (ODE) of the CCE family, SexiCXE14, from Spodoptera exigua. The tissue-temporal expression pattern revealed that the mRNA level of SexiCXE14 is antennae-enriched, sex equivalent and peaks at 3 days after moth eclosion. Functional study using the recombinant enzyme determined that SexiCXE14 has high degrading activity (Vmax) to host plant volatiles, suggesting its role in degradation of these volatiles. In addition, SexiCXE14 may also play a role in the degradation of sex pheromone components, as the Vmax and affinity parameter (Km) values with the sex pheromones are similar to those of reported pheromone degrading enzymes (PDEs). Further analysis of the relationship between substrate structure and enzymatic activity demonstrated that carbon chain length is a major influential factor, while the number of double bonds also affects the enzymatic activity. In addition, SexiCXE14 displays lower activity at acidic pH levels (pH 5.0) than in neutral conditions (pH 6.5). By characterizing this new ODE the present study provides insights in understanding of the high sensitivity of the moth olfactory system.

Epidemiological comparison of clinical manifestations according to HLA-B*27 carrier status of Chinese ankylosing spondylitis patients

The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the clinical manifestations between HLA-B27(+) and HLA-B27(-) ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients in order to obtain knowledge of the impact of HLA-B27 status on AS, and to inform clinical treatment. A nationwide epidemiological investigation was performed from November 2008 to October 2010. The demographic data and clinical characteristics, and the status of HLA-B27 were collected using questionnaires and laboratory assay, respectively. A total of 2144 patients (78.5% males and 78.4% HLA-B27(+) AS patients) participated in this study. The percentages of males, patients with family history, and involvement of lumbar spine, thoracic spine and hip joints, were observed to be significantly higher in the HLA-B27(+) AS patients than in their HLA-B27(-) AS peers.

Gas Exchange Characteristics in Leaves of the Euphorbiacea Aleurites montana as Consequence of Growth under 700 ppm CO2 in Air A Study on Photosynthesis and Photorespiration in the Chinese Tung-Oil Tree

Three months old plants of the Chinese tung-oil tree Aleurites montana (Euphorbiaceae) were cultivated for 4 months in air containing 700 ppm CO2. These plants, which grow substantially better in the CO2-enriched atmosphere, were analyzed by mass spectrometry for photosynthesis and photorespiration together with control plants grown all the time in normal (350 ppm CO2) air. Thereafter part of the plants was subjected for two weeks to 0.3 ppm SO2 in the atmosphere and again analyzed for photosynthesis and photorespiration. Aleurites montana exhibits a strongly CO2-dependent photosynthesis which partially explains the observed stimulatory effect of 700 ppm CO2 on growth of the plant. In control plants grown in normal air, photorespiration measured simultaneously with photosynthesis via the uptake of l80 2 in the light, is much lower than in C3-plants like tobacco (H e et al., 1995, Z. Naturforsch. 50c, 781-788 ). In Aleurites grown in 700 ppm CO2, however, photorespiration is completely absent in contrast to tobacco when grown under 700 ppm CO2. In tobacco, photorespiration is not inhibited to the extent of the in vitro experiments in which plants grown at 350 ppm CO2 are measured under the increased CO2 content of 700 ppm. Gas exchange measurements carried out by mass spectrometry show that the ratio of O2 evolved to CO2 fixed is about 0.5. Apparently, part of the CO2 fixed is channelled into a metabolic path without concomitant O2-evolution. Although the plant has no succulent appearance (its leaves somehow resemble maple leaves) apparently a Crassulacean type metabolism is performed. When Aleurites plants grown all the time in normal air with 350 ppm, are exposed for two weeks to 0.3 ppm SO2 the treatment completely inhibits this CO2-fixing portion which is tentatively attributed to a Crassulacean type of metabolism. This is demonstrated by a normal C3-type ratio O2 evolved /CO2 fixed of 1. When Aleurites plants, grown for 4 months in a CO2-enriched atmosphere of 700 ppm CO2, are subjected for two weeks to 0.3 ppm SO2, the features of control plants show up again. When these plants are tested under 350 ppm CO2 the Crassulacean type CO2-fixation apparently is not inhibited by SO2. Photorespiration, although low, is present in the same activity as in the controls. Seemingly, an increased level of CO2 in air tends to alleviate the impact of the SO2 at least in the Chinese tung-oil tree.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 inhibitor RO3306 promotes mitotic slippage in paclitaxel-treated HepG2 cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver neoplasm and current systemic chemotherapy are mostly ineffective. Paclitaxel (PTX) has a clinically significant effect on many malignant tumors. Cells treated with PTX undergo reversible mitotic arrest and although high doses can cause side effects it may also induce apoptosis. We investigated the effect of a sequential combination of PTX and RO3306, a cyclin-dependent kinase 1 inhibitor, on the hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line. The sequential drug treatment protocol involved the addition of PTX (0.2 µmol/L) for 18 h followed by RO3306 (2 µmol/L) for a further 6 h. Cell viability and proliferation were measured using tetrazolium dye (MTT) and colony formation assay. Cell cycle profiles were established by flow cytometry. The expression level of protein was examined by immunoblotting. We observed a synergistic effect of PTX and RO3306 treatment on cell growth and proliferation as well as an increased proportion of cells in sub-G1 phase. Expression levels of cyclin B, cyclin E and phosphorylated Histone H3 demonstrated that RO3306 enhanced apoptosis in PTX treated cells by mitotic slippage. Our data suggested that the combination of PTX and RO3306 may be an effective therapeutic combination for the treatment of liver cancer.

Multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of parenterally administered Cefoselis versus Cefepime for the treatment of acute bacterial infections

AIM

This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of intravenous Cefoselis injection for the treatment of acute moderate and severe bacterial infections.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was carried out using Cefepime as control. Patients received 1.0 g of either Cefoselis or Cefepime for moderate infections or 2.0 g for severe infections at an interval of 12 hours for 7 to 14 days. A total of 276 patients (138 with Cefoselis, 138 with Cefepime) with respiratory or urinary tract infections were enrolled in the study. Up to 137 and 124 patients receiving Cefoselis and 132 and 125 patients receiving Cefepime were eligible for the ITT (intent to treat) and PP (per protocol) analyses, respectively.

RESULTS

At the end of the treatment, the cure rates and effective rates were 59.68% (74/124) and 93.55% (116/124) with Cefoselis, and 56.00% (74/124) and 90.40% (116/124) with Cefepime. The bacterial eradication rates of the two groups were 90.32% and 93.85%, respectively. No statistical differences were observed on the above-mentioned parameters between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Adverse events, mainly mild aminotransferase elevation and mild leukopenia, were observed in 11.59% (16/138) and 13.77% (19/138) of patients with Cefoselis and Cefepime, respectively (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cefoselis is an effective and safe choice against acute moderate and severe respiratory infections and UTI (urinary tract infection).

Model simulation of inflow water to the Baltic Sea based on ¹²⁹I

The semi-enclosed Baltic Sea represents a vital economic and recreational resource for more than 90 million people inhabiting its coasts. Extensive contamination of this sea by a variety of anthropogenic pollutants has raised the concern of the people in the region. Quantifying seawater inflow is crucial for estimating potential environmental risks as well as to find the best remedial strategy. We present here a model to estimate water inflow from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea by utilizing ¹²⁹I as a tracer. The results predicted inflow range of 230-450 km³/y with best fit value around 330 km³/y from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea during 1980-1999. Despite limited time series data on ¹²⁹I, the model presented here demonstrates a new management tool for the Baltic Sea to calculate inflow water compared to conventional methods (such as salinity, temperature and hydrographic models).

Blood pressure reducing effects of piromelatine and melatonin in spontaneously hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND

Recently, widespread interest has grown regarding melatonin treatment of hypertension including its cardioprotective effects. Studies in rodents indicate that melatonin plays a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in rats with metabolic syndrome. Piromelatine, a melatonin agonist, serotonin 5-HT-1A and 5-HT-1D agonist and serotonin 5-HT2B antagonist is a multimodal agent with sleep promoting, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-neurodegenerative, anxiolytic and antidepressant potential, currently in development for the treatment of insomnia.

AIM

In this report we assessed the effects of piromelatine and melatonin treatment on blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five groups of 12-wk-old rats (10/group) were treated for 5 weeks with a vehicle, piromelatine (5, 15 and 50 mg/kg BW) and melatonin (10 mg/kg BW) and an age-matched WKY control group. Systolic blood pressure (tail-cuff method) was measured weekly at 9:00 a.m. and at 9:00 p.m. The rats body weight, plasma glucose, insulin, triglyceride, adiponectin, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL/VLDL cholesterol were also measured.

RESULTS

Our results showed that both piromelatine and melatonin reduced SHR blood pressure significantly both during the morning and the evening. Piromelatine, but not melatonin, also reduced SHR body weight gain and both significantly decreased plasma glucose and insulin levels and increased adiponectin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Piromelatine, similar to melatonin, has an antihypertensive effect and also attenuates body weight, improves metabolic profiles and might be useful in the treatment of hypertension and the metabolic syndrome.

129I in the Baltic Proper and Bothnian Sea: application for estimation of water exchange and environmental impact

We report here new data and a mass balance model for (129)I in the Baltic Proper and the Bothnian Sea covering the period from November-December 2009. The results showed that the general (129)I concentrations in the Bothnian Sea were two-four folds lower than in the Baltic Proper for both surface and deep water. Water exchange between the two basins based on the (129)I mass balance model suggests fluxes from the Baltic Proper to the Bothnian Sea and vice versa at 980 km(3)/y (600-1400 km(3)/y) and 1180 km(3)/y (780-1600 km(3)/y) respectively. Water retention time (residence time) in the Bothnian Sea was estimated at up to 4 years. Applying the (129)I exchange model, an estimate of total phosphorus and nitrogen inflow from the Baltic Proper to the Bothnian Sea indicates values of 20 ± 7 × 10(3) tons/y and 300 ± 50 × 10(3) tons/y respectively. The values for the outflow from the Bothnian Sea to the Baltic Proper hold 12 ± 3 × 10(3) tons/y for total phosphorus and 283 ± 55 × 10(3) tons/y for total nitrogen. These data and application of (129)I as a tracer of water masses provide information on small scale salinity changes which are vital for accurate understanding of the Baltic Sea ecosystems evolution through time.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi plasmid pR ST98 -mediated inhibition of autophagy promotes bacterial survival in infected fibroblasts

pR (ST98) is a chimeric plasmid isolated from Salmonella enterica serovar typhi (S. typhi) and mediates both drug-resistance and virulence of S. typhi. Autophagy has been recently reported as an important component of the innate immune response against intracellular pathogen. In this study, we investigated the effect of pR (ST98) on cellular autophagy, apoptosis and bacterial survival in infected fibroblasts. S. typhi strain ST 8 carrying pR (ST98) , Salmonella typhimurium strain SR-11 carrying a 100 Kb virulent plasmid, and avirulent S. typhi strain ST(10) without plasmid were tested in this experiment. Results showed that embryonic fibroblasts infected with ST(8) containing pR (ST98) had decreased autophagy accompanied by increased bacterial survival and apoptosis. Further study showed that autophagy inducer rapamycin reversed pR (ST98) -mediated inhibition of autophagy and reduced apoptosis in infected fibroblasts. Our data indicate that pR (ST98) can inhibit autophagy, thus facilitating S. typhi survival and promoting apoptosis of host cells. This study contributes to understanding the underlying mechanism of pR (ST98) -mediated virulence in S. typhi.

Quadratic scaling of intrinsic Gilbert damping with spin-orbital coupling in L10 FePdPt films: experiments and Ab initio calculations

The dependence of the intrinsic Gilbert damping parameter α(0) on the spin-orbital coupling strength ξ is investigated in L1(0) ordered FePd(1-x) Pt(x) films by time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements and spin-dependent ab initio calculations. Continuous tuning of α(0) over more than one order of magnitude is realized by changing the Pt/Pd concentration ratio showing that α(0) is proportional to ξ(2) as changes of other leading parameters are found to be negligible. The perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is shown to have a similar variation trend with x. The present results may facilitate the design and fabrication of new magnetic alloys with large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and tailored damping properties.

Dual-frequency High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Accelerating Therapy

By cutting a spherical focused transducer into two coaxial and confocal transducer elements, a confocal complex transducer used in dual-frequency HIFU system was obtained. The lesion induced by dual-frequency HIFU in freshly excised porcine livers were obviously larger than that induced by conventional single-frequency HIFU at the same exposure conditions. The experiment results have also shown that injecting ultrasound contrast agents to the tissue or selecting appropriate difference frequency could further improve the lesioning effect. The dual-frequency HIFU would bring a new approach to accelerate ablating large tumor with HIFU and also provide a new method to miniaturize the conventional HIFU apparatus.

Chemical composition tuning of the anomalous Hall effect in isoelectronic L10FePd(1-x)Pt(x) alloy films

The anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in L1(0)FePd(1-x)Pt(x) alloy films is studied both experimentally and theoretically. We find that the intrinsic contribution (σ(AH)(int)) to the AHE can be significantly increased, whereas the extrinsic side-jump contribution (σ(AH)(sj)) can be continuously reduced from being slightly larger than σ(AH)(int) in L1(0) FePd to being much smaller than σ(AH)(int) in L1(0) FePt, by increasing the Pt composition x. We show that this chemical composition tuning of the intrinsic contribution is afforded by the stronger spin-orbit coupling strength on the Pd/Pt site when the lighter Pd atoms are replaced by the heavier Pt atoms. Our results provide a means of manipulating the competing AHE mechanisms in ferromagnetic alloys for fully understanding the AHE and also for technological applications of ferromagnetic alloys.