Suitability of the CellientTM cell block method for diagnosing soft tissue and bone tumors

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of tumors of soft tissue and bone (STB) heavily relies on histological biopsies, whereas cytology is not widely used. Cellient^TM cell blocks often contain small tissue fragments. In addition to Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) interpretation of histological features, immunohistochemistry (IHC) can be applied after optimization of protocols. The objective of this retrospective study was to see whether this cytological technique allowed us to make a precise diagnosis of STB tumors.

METHODS

Our study cohort consisted of 20 consecutive STB tumors, 9 fine-needle aspiration (FNAC) samples, and 11 endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) FNACs and included 8 primary tumors and 12 recurrences or metastases of known STB tumors.

RESULTS

In all 20 cases, H&E stained sections revealed that diagnostically relevant histological and cytological features could be examined properly. In the group of 8 primary tumors, IHC performed on Cellient^TM material provided clinically important information in all cases. For instance, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) was positive for CD117 and DOG-1 and a PEComa showed positive IHC for actin, desmin, and HMB-45. In the group of 12 secondary tumors, SATB2 was visualized in metastatic osteosarcoma, whereas expression of S-100 was present in 2 secondary chondrosarcomas. Metastatic chordoma could be confirmed by brachyury expression. Two metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas were myf4 positive, a metastasis of a gynecologic leiomyosarcoma was positive for actin and estrogen receptor (ER) and a recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans expressed CD34.

CONCLUSION

In the proper clinical context, including clinical presentation with imaging studies, the Cellient^TM cell block technique has great potential for the diagnosis of STB tumors.

Carbonate-mediated Mars–van Krevelen mechanism for CO oxidation on cobalt-doped ceria catalysts: facet-dependence and coordination-dependence

A facet-dependent carbonate-mediated CO oxidation mechanism is proposed.

Enhancing the low temperature NH3-SCR activity of FeTiOx catalysts via Cu doping: a combination of experimental and theoretical study

A series of Fe_αCu_1−αTiO_x catalysts with variable Cu doping amounts was directly synthesized by the sol–gel method and their catalytic performances were tested for the selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia. The highest activity was achieved on Fe_0.9Cu_0.1Ti catalyst. NO conversion was above 80% and N₂ selectivity exceeded 90% on this catalyst in the temperature range of 200–375 °C. High NO and NH₃ oxidation activities facilitated the high NH₃-SCR activities of the catalysts in the low temperature range, while too strong NH₃ oxidation ability resulted in the decline of NH₃-SCR activity. DFT calculations based on the Fe and Cu co-doping TiO₂ model showed that the barrier of NH₃ activation is dramatically reduced as compared to pure Fe doping. This is due to the lowered p-band of lattice O. However, such activated O will also strongly decrease the barrier for the dissociation of NH₂ to NH species, which will lead to the formation of N₂O. Both Brønsted and Lewis acid sites over Fe_0.9Cu_0.1Ti catalyst are involved in the NH₃-SCR reaction. The adsorption of NO_x is strong in the low temperature range, and large amounts of nitrates were decomposed on the catalyst surface in the high temperature range.

A series of Fe_αCu_1−αTiO_x catalysts with variable Cu doping amounts was directly synthesized by the sol–gel method and their catalytic performances were tested for the selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia.

Identification of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) chromosomes using the BAC-FISH system

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.; Pedaliaceae) is a commercially valuable oilseed crop with high oil content. Its small genome size favours the genomic analysis of key biological processes, such as oil synthesis and metabolism. However, the 13 chromosome pairs of sesame have not been characterised because of technological limitations and their small size. We constructed a BAC library comprising 57,600 BAC clones for sesame. The estimated genome coverage of the sesame BAC library was 13.8×. The successive double colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) for sesame was established in this study. Subsequently, the 13 sesame chromosome pairs were individually differentiated using 17 specific BACs for the first time. The schematic of the sesame chromosome set was drawn according to the chromosome relative length and relative position of the BAC signal. The cytogenetic characteristics of sesame chromosomes were also explored. The results provide the technical background required for further cytogenetic map construction, genome assembly and localisation of the DNA sequence in sesame.

Effects of Resistance Exercise Training on Cognitive Function and Physical Performance in Cognitive Frailty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Cognitive frailty is defined as the presence of both physical frailty and cognitive impairment (clinical dementia rating score = 0.5), in the absence of dementia. It is characterized by concurrent physical frailty and potentially reversible cognitive impairment. In this study, we sought to elucidate the effects of high-speed resistance exercise training on cognitive function and physical performance in older adults with cognitive frailty.

METHODS

We conducted a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial involving community-living older adults with cognitive frailty. The participants' mean age was 73.9 (± 4.3 SD) years, and 69.8% (n=30) were female. Two different 4-month interventions included high-speed resistance exercise training group (n=22) and a control group (balance and band stretching, n=23). Frailty score, cognitive function (memory, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, working memory, executive function), physical function (SPPB, TUG, gait speed), and muscle strength (grip strength, knee extension strength) were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed that exercise improved performance significantly in the tests for cognitive function (processing speed and executive function, both p < 0.05), physical function (SPPB, TUG, gait speed, both p < 0.05), and muscle strength (grip strength, knee extension strength, both p < 0.05). However, no significant changes in frailty score were observed between intervention and either control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our findings indicate that high-speed resistance exercise training approaches are effective in improving cognitive function and physical performance in older adults with cognitive frailty. This study shows that it is feasible to identify older adults with cognitive frailty in the community and primary care setting for effective intervention to reduce their level of frailty and cognitive impairment.

A Prospective Investigation into the Epidemiology of In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Using the International Utstein Reporting Style

Introduction

The Utstein template has been used to guide the assessment and study of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in many countries. This article used the Utstein templates for cardiac arrest and resuscitation registries to evaluate outcomes of CPR at Hainan Provincial People's Hospital (HPPH), China.

Methods

A prospective observational study using Utstein CPR registry form to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of 511 resuscitation cases in the emergency department, HPPH.

Results

A total of 511 CPR patients registered were studied. Higher cardiac arrest rates were observed for the group of patients who were 40-70 years old. In preexisting chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases (190, 37.2%) cerebrovascular diseases (48, 9.4%) and respiratory diseases (39, 7.6%) were common in the recruited patients. (173, 33.9%) of the cardiac arrest patients had underlying cardiac causes, of which 109 (21.3%) had acute myocardial infarct (AMI). Eighty (15.7%) patients had ventricular fibrillation as the first witnessed arrest rhythm. The return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to discharge rates were 47.0% and 13.5% in the in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) group but 16.7% and 4.7% in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) group (p<0.01) respectively.

Conclusions

This study indicated that the cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases were the most common preexisting chronic diseases. Myocardial infarct, stroke and trauma were the most common precipitation cause of cardiac arrest in the recruited patients. The rate of ROSC and survival to discharge for the patients with IHCA were higher than the ones with OHCA, but figures were still low. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2011;18:391-396)

Effects of remote ischemic preconditioning on myocardial injury and endothelial function and prognosis after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of remote ischemic preconditioning on myocardial injury and prognosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was a single center, prospective, randomized, controlled study. A total of 184 patients with unstable angina undergoing elective PCI were randomly assigned to remote ischemic preconditioning group (induced by four times of 5-min inflations of a blood pressure cuff to 200 mmHg around the upper arm, followed by 5-min intervals of reperfusion at 1 h before PCI therapy) or control group (an uninflated cuff around the arm). Successful completion of the PCI eventually included 130 cases of patients, including 72 cases in the remote ischemic preconditioning group and 58 cases in the control group. CK-MB, cTnI, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and Hs-CRP levels were measured at 6 am. of the day operating PCI and at 24 h after PCI in the two groups. Major adverse cardiac events were recorded of two groups of patients in the postoperative 6 months. (MACE, including recurrence of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and death).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in baseline indicators between the 2 groups. CK - MB, cTnI, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and Hs-CRP levels in patients with remote ischemic preconditioning group were significantly lower than those form the control group after PCI (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the occurrence of MACE in the postoperative 6 months (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Remote ischemic preconditioning can reduce PCI related myocardial injury and protect vascular endothelial function.

First-line icotinib versus cisplatin/pemetrexed plus pemetrexed maintenance therapy for patients with advanced EGFR mutation-positive lung adenocarcinoma (CONVINCE): a phase 3, open-label, randomized study

BACKGROUND

Icotinib has been previously shown to be non-inferior to gefitinib in non-selected advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients when given as second- or further-line treatment. In this open-label, randomized, phase 3 CONVINCE trial, we assessed the efficacy and safety of first-line icotinib versus cisplatin/pemetrexed plus pemetrexed maintenance in lung adenocarcinoma patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible participants were adults with stage IIIB/IV lung adenocarcinoma and exon 19/21 EGFR mutations. Participants were randomly allocated (1 : 1) to receive oral icotinib or 3-week cycle of cisplatin plus pemetrexed for up to four cycles; non-progressive patients after four cycles were maintained with pemetrexed until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by independent response evaluation committee. Other end points included overall survival (OS) and safety.

RESULTS

Between January 2013 and August 2014, 296 patients were randomized, and 285 patients were treated (148 to icotinib, 137 to chemotherapy). Independent response evaluation committee-assessed PFS was significantly longer in the icotinib group (11.2 versus 7.9 months; hazard ratio, 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.43-0.87; P = 0.006). No significant difference for OS was observed between treatments in the overall population or in EGFR-mutated subgroups (exon 19 Del/21 L858R). The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) in the icotinib group were rash (14.8%) and diarrhea (7.4%), compared with nausea (45.9%), vomiting (29.2%), and neutropenia (10.9%) in the chemotherapy group. AEs (79.1% versus 94.2%; P < 0.001) and treatment-related AEs (54.1% versus 90.5%; P < 0.001) were significantly fewer in the icotinib group than in the chemotherapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

First-line icotinib significantly improves PFS of advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutation with a tolerable and manageable safety profile. Icotinib should be considered as a first-line treatment for this patient population.

[Observation on intestinal viral shedding time of hand, foot and mouth disease induced by coxsackievirus A6]

Objective: To observe the intestinal viral shedding time in patients with hand, food and mouth disease (HFMD) induced by coxsackievirus A6 (CA6). Method: Throat swab specimens and stool specimens of HFMD children were collected from those admitted to Hangzhou Children's Hospital between May and October 2015, while fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the viral load.Eeighteen cases of HFMD children were followed up, who were confirmed as CA6 infection via laboratory tests.Stool specimen was collected every 4-7 days, and fluorescence PCR was used for virus nucleic acid detection until the stool viral nucleic acids of infected children turned to be negative.The intestinal virus shedding time of CA6-infected HFMD was compared with the intestinal virus shedding time of 65 children with enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection and 44 children with coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) infection of the previous studies (from May to September 2012). Result: The median stool viral load was 25×10(5) copies/ml (55×10(4) copies/mL, 9×10(6) copies/ml) in CA6-infected children.The numbers of stool virus nucleic acid turning negative were 0 case, 4 cases, 9 cases, 3 cases and 2 cases in 18 children at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th weeks. At 5th week, the stool virus nucleic acid of children in CA6 group all turned to be negative.The positive rates of stool virus nucleic acid in EV71 group and CA16 group at the 5th week, however, were 31% and 27% respectively.There were statistically significant differences in distribution of positive rate of stool virus nucleic acid between CA6 infected children with EV71 and CA16 infected children (χ(2)=13.894, 10.698, P<0.05). Conclusion: The longest intestinal virus shedding time for CA6-infected HFMD children was 5 weeks, which is obviously shorter than that of EV71- infected children and CA16-infected children.

[Activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and its effect on osteogenic differentiation induced by micropit/nanotube topography]

Objective: To explore the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) and its effect on osteogenic differentiation induced by micropit/nanotube topography (MNT), so as to provide guidance for the topography design of biomaterials. Methods: Four sample groups were fabricated: polishing control group (polished titanium, PT, no treatment), thapsigargin treatment (TG, 0.1 μmol/L TG treated for 9 h), MNT5 and MNT20 (anodized at 5 V and 20 V after acid etching). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the topography of Ti samples. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production, collagen secretion and extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization of BMMSC (osteogenic induced for 7, 14 and 21 d) on Ti samples were detected to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation. After 12 h incubation, the shape and size of ER was examined using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), and ERS-related genes including immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP), protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: After 7, 14 and 21 d of induction, the ALP production, collagen secretion and ECM mineralization in TG and MNT20 all significantly increased compared to PT (P<0.05). The cells grown on TG, MNT5 and MNT20 surfaces displayed gross distortions of the ER. Compared to PT, BiP, PERK, ATF4 mRNA expression in TG was respectively 1.87±0.10, 2.24±0.35, 1.85±0.14; BiP, ATF4 mRNA expression in MNT5 were respectively 1.27±0.09, 1.25±0.04; BiP, PERK, ATF4 mRNA expression in MNT20 were respectively 1.44±0.09, 2.40±0.60, 1.48±0.05 (P<0.05). Conclusions: MNT triggered different degree of ERS, and the activated ERS may promote MNT-induced osteogenic differentiation.

Reversible light-dependent molecular switches on Ag/AgCl nanostructures

Nanostructured Ag/AgCl substrates were used to generate reversible and highly efficient light-dependent chemical switches based on adsorbed 4,4'-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB). DMAB was formed in situ via laser-induced dimerization either from 4-nitrothiophenol (4-NTP) or 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP). The subsequent reaction pathways of DMAB, however, were quite different as monitored by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In the 4-NTP/DMAB system, AgCl catalyses the reversal of the dimerization. Conversely, irradiation of adsorbed 4-ATP first generated cis-DMAB attached to the surface via two Ag-S bonds, followed by AgCl-catalysed cleavage of one Ag-S bond and cis → trans photoisomerisation of DMAB. In the dark, the trans-isomer thermally reverts to cis-DMAB. The here presented light-dark chemical switches, which work without changing other parameters (e.g., pH, anaerobic vs. aerobic), are based on the (photo)catalytic properties of the Ag/AgCl substrate and do not function on pure metal surfaces.

Targeting EphA2 impairs cell cycle progression and growth of basal-like/triple-negative breast cancers

Basal-like/triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are among the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, and disproportionally affects young premenopausal women and women of African descent. Patients with TNBC suffer a poor prognosis due in part to a lack of molecularly targeted therapies, which represents a critical barrier for effective treatment. Here, we identify EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase as a clinically relevant target for TNBC. EphA2 expression is enriched in the basal-like molecular subtype in human breast cancers. Loss of EphA2 function in both human and genetically engineered mouse models of TNBC reduced tumor growth in culture and in vivo. Mechanistically, targeting EphA2 impaired cell cycle progression through S-phase via downregulation of c-Myc and stabilization of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27/KIP1. A small molecule kinase inhibitor of EphA2 effectively suppressed tumor cell growth in vivo, including TNBC patient-derived xenografts. Thus, our data identify EphA2 as a novel molecular target for TNBC.

Simultaneous NO x and Particulate Matter Removal from Diesel Exhaust by Hierarchical Fe-Doped Ce-Zr Oxide

Particulate matter and NO x emissions from diesel exhaust remains one of the most pressing environmental problems. We explore the use of hierarchically ordered mixed Fe-Ce-Zr oxides for the simultaneous capture and oxidation of soot and reduction of NO x by ammonia in a single step. The optimized material can effectively trap the model soot particles in its open macroporous structure and oxidize the soot below 400 °C while completely removing NO in the 285-420 °C range. Surface characterization and DFT calculations emphasize the defective nature of Fe-doped ceria. The isolated Fe ions and associated oxygen vacancies catalyze facile NO reduction to N2. A mechanism for the reduction of NO with NH3 on Fe-doped ceria is proposed involving adsorbed O2. Such adsorbed O2 species will also contribute to the oxidation of soot.

Novel microsatellite markers for the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and effects of null alleles on population genetics analyses

The oriental fruit moth (OFM) Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is an important economic pest of stone and pome fruits worldwide. We sequenced the OFM genome using next-generation sequencing and characterized the microsatellite distribution. In total, 56,674 microsatellites were identified, with 11,584 loci suitable for primer design. Twenty-seven polymorphic microsatellites, including 24 loci with trinucleotide repeat and three with pentanucleotide repeat, were validated in 95 individuals from four natural populations. The allele numbers ranged from 4 to 40, with an average value of 13.7 per locus. A high frequency of null alleles was observed in most loci developed for the OFM. Three marker panels, all of the loci, nine loci with the lowest null allele frequencies, and nine loci with the highest null allele frequencies, were established for population genetics analyses. The null allele influenced estimations of genetic diversity parameters but not the OFM's genetic structure. Both a STRUCTURE analysis and a discriminant analysis of principal components, using the three marker panels, divided the four natural populations into three groups. However, more individuals were incorrectly assigned by the STRUCTURE analysis when the marker panel with the highest null allele frequency was used compared with the other two panels. Our study provides empirical research on the effects of null alleles on population genetics analyses. The microsatellites developed will be valuable markers for genetic studies of the OFM.

Selective targeting p53WT lung cancer cells harboring homozygous p53 Arg72 by an inhibitor of CypA

TP53 plays essential roles in tumor initiation and progression, and is frequently mutated in cancer. However, pharmacological stabilization and reactivation of p53 have not been actively explored for targeted cancer therapies. Herein, we identify a novel Cyclophilin A (CypA) small molecule inhibitor (HL001) that induces non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via restoring p53 expression. We find that HL001 stabilizes p53 through inhibiting the MDM2-mediated p53 ubiquitination. Further mechanistic studies reveal that the downregulation of G3BP1 and the induction of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage by HL001 contribute to p53 stabilization. Surprisingly, HL001 selectively suppresses tumor growth in p53 wild-type NSCLC harboring Arg72 homozygous alleles (p53-72R) through disrupting interaction between MDM2 and p53-72R in a CypA-dependent manner. Moreover, combining HL001 with cisplatin synergistically enhance tumor regression in orthotopic NSCLC mouse model. Collectively, this study demonstrates that pharmacologic inhibition of CypA offers a potential therapeutic strategy via specific activation of p53-72R in NSCLC.

Identification of significant pathway cross-talk in rheumatoid arthritis by the Monte Carlo cross-validation method

We attempted to identify significant pathway cross-talk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by the Monte Carlo cross-validation (MCCV) method. We therefore obtained and preprocessed the gene expression profile of RA. MCCV involves identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs), identifying differential pathways (DPs), calculating the discriminating score (DS) of the pathway cross-talk, and random forest (RF) classification. We carried out 50 bootstrap iterations of MCCV to identify the key instances of pathway cross-talk involved in RA. We identified a total of 17 significant DEGs and 15 significant DPs by comparing RA samples and normal controls. We found the most significant difference between RA and the normal controls in the eIF4 and p70S6K signaling regulation pathway. Furthermore, we identified 10 instances of pathway cross-talk with the best classification performance for RA and normal controls, using the RF classification model. All of the top 10 pathway pairs involved cross-talk with eIF4 and p70S6K signaling regulation, and the other 10 pathways were immune-related. By MCCV, we identified one critical DP and 10 significant instances of pathway cross-talk in RA. We propose that the eIF4 and p70S6K signaling regulation pathway and the other significant instances of pathway cross-talk play key roles in the occurrence and development of RA, and are potential predictive and prognostic markers for RA.

Inductive expression of the NOD1 signalling pathway in chickens infected with Salmonella pullorum

1. The aim of this study was to describe the role of Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1) receptor signalling in chicken. 2. Tissue-specific expression analysis of NOD1, receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinase 2 (RIPK2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 11 (MAPK11 or p38) by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed their wide distribution in various organs and tissues. 3. Salmonella pullorum infection activated NOD1 receptor signalling in vivo and in vitro, resulting in significant induction of downstream signalling molecules RIPK2, NF-κB/p65, MAPK11/p38 and the effector molecules IL-1b and IL-8. 4. Activation of NOD1 by its agonist bacterial γ-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP) in HD11 cells induced the adapter molecular RIPK2 and activated the NF-κB/p65 and MAPK11/p38 pathways, resulting in an increase in IL-8 but not IL-1β. Additionally, inhibition of NOD1 using NOD1-shRNA resulted in downregulation of RIPK2, MAPK11 and IL-8, while NF-κB/p65 and IL-1β were unaltered. 5. These results highlight the important role of NOD1 receptors in eliciting the innate immune response following pathogenic invasion in chicken.

Study on correlation between PKIB and pAkt expression in breast cancer tissues

OBJECTIVE

This study is to explore the expression of cyclic AMP (cAMP) dependent protein kinase inhibitor (PKIB) in human breast cancer and the correlation with phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAkt) expression in the tumor tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Surgical removal of the tissue samples from 148 patients with primary breast cancer from 2011-2015 were selected, and then we detected the PKIB, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and proto oncogene (HER2) by using immunohistochemical technique and the Allred score classification standard. The clinical pathological factors such as tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis and tumor stage, etc. were analyzed statistically. Then we detected that the PKIB and pAkt respectively of immunohistochemical expression and cellular localization of four subtypes in patients which were luminal A, luminal B, HER2+/ER-type and triple negative breast cancer type.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry staining showed when pAkt was positive and there were significant correlations with the expression of PKIB (p<0.05). Both positive staining reactions occurred in the cytoplasm of the tumor. Histopathological type, tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, tumor stage and other clinical pathological factors were not significantly associated with the expression of PKIB. In addition, the expression of PKIB was also significantly associated with the triple negative breast cancer in the four subtypes (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of PKIB in the cytoplasm of tumor is closely related to pAkt and the triple negative breast cancer. It was concluded that the PKIB promoted the occurrence and development of breast tumors by regulating the Akt signaling pathway. PKIB will be a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of triple negative breast cancer.

Structural and magnetic properties and DFT analysis of ZnO:(Al,Er) nanoparticles

The structural and magnetic properties of the investigated ZnO : (Al, Er) nanoparticle powders synthesized by hydrothermal method.

Direct regeneration of cathode materials from spent lithium iron phosphate batteries using a solid phase sintering method

A direct regeneration of cathode materials from spent LiFePO₄ batteries using a solid phase sintering method has been proposed in this article.

Simultaneous removal of PM and NOx over highly efficient 3DOM W/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 catalysts

Herein, three-dimensional ordered macropore (3DOM) x% W/Ce_0.8Zr_0.2O₂ (x = 0.5, 0.8, 1, 3) catalysts were prepared and employed for the simultaneous removal of PM (particulate matter) and NO_x from diesel engine exhaust.

The catalytic performances and reaction mechanism of nanoparticle Cd/Ce–Ti oxide catalysts for NH3-SCR reaction

Ce_0.3–TiO_xnanoparticle carrier was prepared by the sol–gel method, and a series of Cd–Ce–Ti nanoparticle catalysts with variable Cd contents were prepared by the means of an improved incipient-wetness impregnation.

Selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 over Mo–Fe/beta catalysts: the effect of Mo loading amounts

The addition of Mo showed a promoting effect on the activity of Fe/beta for NH₃-SCR in a wide temperature range.

Mesoporous Co3O4 supported Pt catalysts for low-temperature oxidation of acetylene

0.6Pt/meso-Co₃O₄ exhibits the highest catalytic activity of acetylene oxidation at 120 °C and good stability for at least 60 h.

RESEARCH ARTICLE Molecular cloning and expression analysis of a matrix Gla protein gene in the spinyhead croaker, Collichthys lucidus

The matrix Gla (gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-rich) protein (MGP), a vitamin K-dependent and Gla-containing protein, is a calcification inhibitor that mainly functions in tissue calcification and mineralization. In this study, we obtained the complete cDNA sequence of MGP from the spinyhead croaker (Collichthys lucidus), which we named Cl-MGP. Cl-MGP was 923 bp long with a 384-bp open reading fragment that encoded 127 amino acids. The predicted MGP protein sequence contained a 19-residue hydrophobic signal peptide, suggesting that it possesses secretory characteristics. The Gla domain and the invariant unit ErraEtCedyspC, which has been identified in all known vitamin K-dependent vertebrate proteins, were highly conserved in Cl-MGP, suggesting that it uses the same mechanism to function as the known proteins. An alignment analysis revealed that Cl-MGP had the highest identity with Larimichthys crocea (93%), which had lost five amino acid residues in the C-terminal. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that Cl-MGP expression was highest in the gill, followed by the cholecyst and spleen, with almost no expression in the blood, muscle, or testes. The high Cl-MGP expression in the gill is similar to that observed in other fish species, but the relatively high expression found in the cholecyst and spleen is not seen in all species. Future studies should investigate the tissue distributions of both mRNA and proteins in different species, in order to understand the function and evolution of MGP in different species.

Long-term exposure of K562 cells to benzene metabolites inhibited erythroid differentiation and elevated methylation in erythroid specific genes

Benzene is a common occupational hazard and a widespread environmental pollutant. Previous studies have revealed that 72 h exposure to benzene metabolites inhibited hemin-induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells accompanied with elevated methylation in erythroid specific genes. However, little is known about the effects of long-term and low-dose benzene metabolite exposure. In this study, to elucidate the effects of long-term benzene metabolite exposure on erythroid differentiation, K562 cells were treated with low-concentration phenol, hydroquinone and 1,2,4-benzenetriol for at least 3 weeks. After exposure of K562 cells to benzene metabolites, hemin-induced hemoglobin synthesis declined in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and the hemin-induced expressions of α-, β- and γ-globin genes and heme synthesis enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase were significantly suppressed. Furthermore, when K562 cells were continuously cultured without benzene metabolites for another 20 days after exposure to benzene metabolites for 4 weeks, the decreased erythroid differentiation capabilities still remained stable in hydroquinone- and 1,2,4-benzenetriol-exposed cells, but showed a slow increase in phenol-exposed K562 cells. In addition, methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine significantly blocked benzene metabolites inhibiting hemoglobin synthesis and expression of erythroid genes. Quantitative MassARRAY methylation analysis also confirmed that the exposure to benzene metabolites increased DNA methylation levels at several CpG sites in several erythroid-specific genes and their far-upstream regulatory elements. These results demonstrated that long-term and low-dose exposure to benzene metabolites inhibited the hemin-induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells, in which DNA methylation played a role through the suppression of erythroid specific genes.

Etiology and clinical features of 229 cases of bloodstream infection among Chinese HIV/AIDS patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS. The etiology varies in different regions and different periods. We aimed to survey the etiological and clinical features of BSIs in HIV patients in mainland China. We assessed all HIV patients with a positive blood culture in a Chinese teaching hospital from September 2009 through December 2014. We excluded those with specimens likely to have been contaminated. We used Pearson's chi-squared test to measure the differences in characteristics among subgroups of different pathogens. Among 2442 Chinese HIV-seropositive inpatients, 229 (9.38 %) experienced BSIs. The most common pathogens detected included Cryptococcus neoformans (22.7 %), Penicillium marneffei (18.8 %), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (15.3 %), and non-tuberculous mycobacterium (14.8 %). 30/229 (13.1 %) HIV patients with BSIs had a poor prognosis. BSIs are prevalent in hospitalized patients with HIV/AIDS in China. Fungi and mycobacteria are the predominant pathogens.

Cloning, characterization, expression, and feeding response of thyrotropin receptor in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor that regulates the synthesis, storage, and secretion of thyroid hormones in the thyroid tissue. The aims of the present study were to characterize the full-length TSHR cDNA in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and to determine the TSHR gene transcription levels in different tissues. In addition, the response of TSHR transcription levels to daily feeding in thyroid tissue was investigated. The results showed that the full-length cDNA sequence was 2743 bp with an open reading frame of 2340 bp encoding a 779-amino acid peptide. BLAST analysis indicated that the amino acid sequence displayed 58.4-90.2% identity and 5.6-125.8 divergence, compared with other known fish species. The most abundant TSHR transcription levels were found in the spleen, head kidney, and kidney. Feeding did not affect the transcription level of TSHR in thyroid tissue over the course of the day. Thus, the current study suggests that there was no relationship between daily nutritional status and TSHR transcription level in the thyroid tissue of largemouth bass. The spleen, head kidney, and kidney exhibited the most abundant TSHR transcription levels.