Optical cages made of graphitic frameworks

In pursuit of perfect infrared (IR) radiation absorbers, we examined quasi-crystal structures made of graphite wires. Simulations on an array of subwavelength graphitic cages and cage-within-cage frameworks indicate a flat absorption coefficient between 10-30 µm. The concept could be scaled up through the 50-120 µm [far-IR, terahertz (THz)] region by a proper structural design. For cage-within-cage, the IR radiation energy is funneled toward the inner cage, resulting in a rather hot structure. At longer wavelengths (microwave region), the electrical conductivity dominates the negative dielectric effect, and experiments with copper cages indicate scattering resonances. Graphitic structures allude to some absorption even at microwave frequencies. Applications are envisioned as anti-fogging surfaces, adaptable electromagnetic shields, energy harvesting, and efficient absorbers in the far-IR (THz frequencies).

miR-144-mediated Inhibition of ROCK1 Protects against LPS-induced Lung Endothelial Hyperpermeability

Dysfunctional endothelial cell (EC) barrier and increased lung vascular permeability is a cardinal feature of acute lung injury and sepsis that may result in a pathophysiological condition characterized by alveolar flooding, pulmonary edema, and subsequent hypoxemia. In lung ECs, activation of Rho-associated kinase-1 (ROCK1) phosphorylates myosin light chain (MLC)-associated phosphatase at its inhibitory site, which favors phosphorylation of MLC, stress fiber formation, and hyperpermeability during acute lung injury. The role of microRNA-144 (miR-144) has been well investigated in many human diseases, including cardiac ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury, lung cancer, and lung viral infection; however, its role in pulmonary EC barrier regulation remains obscure. Here, we investigated the miR-144-mediated mechanism in the protection of endothelial barrier function in an LPS-induced lung injury model. By using transendothelial electrical resistance and transwell permeability assay to examine in vitro permeability and immunofluorescence microscopy to determine barrier integrity, we showed that ectopic expression of miR-144 effectively blocked lung EC barrier disruption and hyperpermeability in response to proinflammatory agents. Furthermore, using a gain-and-loss-of-function strategy, overexpression of miR-144 significantly decreased ROCK1 expression. Concomitantly, miR-144 inhibits ROCK1-mediated phosphorylation of MLC phosphatase^Thr853 and thus phosphorylation of MLC^Thr18/Ser19 to counteract stress fiber formation in LPS-activated EC. Finally, in LPS-challenged mice, intranasal delivery of miR-144 mimic via liposomes attenuated endotoxemia-induced increases in lung wet/dry ratio, vascular permeability, and inflammation. In conclusion, these data suggest that miR-144-attenuated activation of inflammatory ROCK1/MLC pathway in vascular ECs is a promising therapeutic strategy to counter inflammatory lung injury.

Cancer screening in the community. Taking the show on the road

PURPOSE

The authors describe the efforts involved in improving cancer screening of an underserved population using a mobile clinic to bring these services to the community. The background, methods, results, and implications are discussed, as are the logistics of packing, scheduling, and providing follow-up.

OVERVIEW

Members of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Program developed a cancer screening program to serve the underserved communities in the Pittsburgh area. The African American Cancer Screening Program has presented the staff with significant challenges. The most significant of those challenges has been taking the most comprehensive screening program to the areas convenient to clients. Although coordinating staff, materials, and transportation was a challenge, the logistical problems involved were resolved, allowing for the opportunity to "take the show on the road".

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Because the mortality rate from some cancers is higher in black Americans, early cancer screening and detection is crucial in this population. The establishment of a mobile cancer screening clinic allows underserved communities access to these services. The physical screening, educational counseling, scheduling of mammographies and flexible sigmoidoscopies, and meticulous follow-up provided through the mobile clinic may lead to a greater awareness and reduced morbidity and mortality from cancer in these communities.

Effect of essential fatty acid deficiency on forskolin binding sites, adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity, the levels of G proteins and ventricular function in rat heart

Three groups of rats were fed semi-purified diets. Diet I was deficient in essential fatty acids (EFAD), diet II was marginally deficient in essential fatty acids (MEFAD), and diet III contained adequate levels of essential fatty acids (control). After 9 weeks, some rats within each group were killed and cardiac membranes were prepared. Adenylate cyclase activity, [3H]forskolin binding sites, the levels of G proteins (Gi and Gs) and fatty acid composition of the membrane phospholipids were measured. Typical changes of EFA deficiency were observed in fatty acid composition of the membrane phospholipids. Adenylate cyclase activity was significantly lower in membranes of EFA-deficient rats than those of the controls. The MEFAD group gave intermediate values. Similar results were obtained with forskolin-stimulated activity with different concentrations of forskolin. Concentrations of the forskolin binding sites were also lower in the EFAD, but not in the MEFAD rats compared with the controls. There was no significant difference in forskolin binding affinities among the three groups. The decrease in adenylate cyclase activity in EFA-deficient rat heart was partially restored by feeding the control diet for 5 weeks to the EFAD or the MEFAD rats. The levels of Gi alpha and Gs alpha were not significantly different in cardiac membranes of rats fed the EFAD or the MEFAD diets from those of the control group. Lower adenylate cyclase activity in hearts of EFAD rats was also reflected in correspondingly lower activity of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The results suggest an impairment of the cellular signalling pathway for the production of cAMP in rat heart during EFA deficiency. The beta-adrenergic response of isolated heart preparations obtained from rats fed the three diets was, however, not significantly altered.

Experimental approaches to mechanisms of protection and pathogenesis in M. tuberculosis infection

It has, for many years, been widely assumed that the fundamental mechanism of protection in tuberculosis infection is a CD4 T cell response producing lymphokines that activate macrophages to kill or restrict the intracellular growth of M. tuberculosis. Just as certain cytokines, e.g. IFN-gamma, are currently perceived to be important for protection, others, particularly tumor necrosis factor (TNF), are thought to be responsible for much of the tissue destruction associated with the disease. Yet there are remarkably few critical experimental or clinical data that have defined the immunological requirements for protection and pathogenesis. One of the initial stimuli to the work we have undertaken has been careful reflection on the results of the many prospective trials of BCG against tuberculosis. Two aspects have impelled us to reconsider conventional wisdom. The first, of course, is the wide discrepancy in the degree of protection imparted, ranging from 0% in South India to 77% in the British MRC trial (1, 2). The second is that, in all trials that examined them, skin test conversions to tuberculin positivity were 85% or greater, indicating a disparity between the presence of delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculin and protection. We and others have argued (1, 2) that there are multiple possible explanations for this discrepancy, the principal one being protection caused by infection with environmental mycobacteria. But, the general point raised is whether cell mediated immunity as manifested by CD4+ cell production of lymphokines and macrophage activation is a sufficient mechanism for protection against M. tuberculosis infection.

Escherichia coli-induced inhibition of endothelium-dependent relaxation and gene expression and release of nitric oxide is attenuated by chronic alcohol ingestion

We examined the effect of chronic administration of ETOH on Escherichia coli-mediated suppression of relaxation and nitric oxide (NO) production by the rat thoracic aorta (RTA) and gene expression for constitutive NO synthase (cNOS) by the adrenal gland. Chronic alcoholic rats ("alcoholic") were fed a diet containing ETOH as 36% of the caloric intake for 8-10 weeks. Nonalcoholic control rats ("control") were fed an isocaloric equivalent diet containing 36% dextrin. Alcoholic rats were given an injection of approximately approximately 10(10) live E. coli through a dorsal SC catheter 24 and 19 h before experimentation ("alcoholic-septic"), and control rats were treated in an identical manner ("septic"). The next day the rats were anesthetized with ketamine-xylazine (0.1 ml/100 g rat) and rings of RTA were mounted in muscle chambers for isometric recording of force development. Rings of RTA were precontracted with an EC50 concentration of phenylephrine, and relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh), A23187, and nitroglycerin were obtained. A23187- and ACh-induced relaxation was attenuated in RTA obtained from septic rats, whereas the relaxation to nitroglycerin was slightly enhanced. Chronic administration of ETOH attenuated the effects of E. coli on endothelium-dependent relaxation in alcoholic-septic rats. NO was measured with ozone chemiluminescence. Basal and stimulated NO production was attenuated in RTA obtained from septic rats and unaffected in RTA obtained from alcoholic or alcoholic-septic rats. cNOS was unmeasurable in adrenals from septic rats. ETOH increased mRNA for cNOS, an effect amplified in alcoholic-septic rats. Thus, E. coli inhibits endothelium-dependent relaxation and NO production, and ETOH attenuates these effects of E. coli on the endothelium-NO system, possibly by upregulating gene expression for cNOS.