Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the retina under acute high intraocular pressure

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202419110-00032/figure1/v/2024-03-08T184507Z/r/image-tiff High intraocular pressure causes retinal ganglion cell injury in primary and secondary glaucoma diseases, yet the molecular landscape characteristics of retinal cells under high intraocular pressure remain unknown. Rat models of acute hypertension ocular pressure were established by injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel (Healaflow®). Single-cell RNA sequencing was then used to describe the cellular composition and molecular profile of the retina following high intraocular pressure. Our results identified a total of 12 cell types, namely retinal pigment epithelial cells, rod-photoreceptor cells, bipolar cells, Müller cells, microglia, cone-photoreceptor cells, retinal ganglion cells, endothelial cells, retinal progenitor cells, oligodendrocytes, pericytes, and fibroblasts. The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the retina under acute high intraocular pressure revealed obvious changes in the proportions of various retinal cells, with ganglion cells decreased by 23%. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and TUNEL staining confirmed the damage to retinal ganglion cells under high intraocular pressure. We extracted data from retinal ganglion cells and analyzed the retinal ganglion cell cluster with the most distinct expression. We found upregulation of the B3gat2 gene, which is associated with neuronal migration and adhesion, and downregulation of the Tsc22d gene, which participates in inhibition of inflammation. This study is the first to reveal molecular changes and intercellular interactions in the retina under high intraocular pressure. These data contribute to understanding of the molecular mechanism of retinal injury induced by high intraocular pressure and will benefit the development of novel therapies.

Altered brain iron deposition in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy: an MRI quantitative susceptibility mapping study

AIM

To explore the use of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in assessing changes in brain iron deposits and their association with cognitive function in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study cohort comprised 27 cases with hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis with MHE (MHE group), 25 with hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis without MHE (NMHE group), and 25 healthy controls (HC group). Iron deposits in the bilateral frontal white matter, caudate nucleus (CN), putamen, globus pallidus, thalamus, red nucleus, substantia nigra (SN), hippocampus, and dentate nucleus were measured by QSM. The associations between iron deposition with the time taken to complete number connection tests A (NCT-A) and the score on digital-symbol test (DST) were analysed.

RESULTS

Susceptibility values differed significantly in the bilateral CN, left thalamus, right SN, and left hippocampus in the MHE group compared with the other groups and were positively associated with the times taken to complete the NCT-A in the bilateral CN, left thalamus, and right SN and negatively associated with DST scores in the bilateral CN, left TH, and left HP.

CONCLUSION

Reduced cognitive function in MHE patients was significantly associated with abnormally increased iron deposition in certain brain areas. The quantification of brain iron deposition by QSM may thus be an objective and accurate means of evaluating MHE.

Design and Realization of Triple dsDNA Nanocomputing Circuits in Microfluidic Chips

DNA logic gates, nanocomputing circuits, have already implemented basic computations and shown great signal potential for nano logic material application. However, the reaction temperature and computing speed still limit its development. Performing complicated computations requires a more stable component and a better computing platform. We proposed a more stable design of logic gates based on a triple, double-stranded, DNA (T-dsDNA) structure. We demonstrated a half adder and a full adder using these DNA nanocircuits and performed the computations in a microfluidic chip device at room temperature. When the solutions were mixed in the device, we obtained the expected results in real time, which suggested that the T-dsDNA combined microfluidic chip provides a concise strategy for large DNA nanocircuits.

Measurements of Oleic Acid among Individual Kernels Harvested from Test Plots of Purified Runner and Spanish High Oleic Seed

Normal oleic peanuts are often found within commercial lots of high oleic peanuts when sampling among individual kernels. Kernels not meeting high oleic threshold could be true contamination with normal oleic peanuts introduced via poor handling, or kernels not meeting threshold could be immature and not fully expressing the trait. Beyond unintentional mixing, factors contributing to variation in oleic acid concentration in peanut kernels include market type, environment, maturity and/or kernel size; however, the relative influence of these factors, and their interactions, is not quantitatively well understood on the single kernel level. To better understand these factors while simultaneously excluding variation from unintentional mixing, seed from a high oleic spanish cultivar and seed from a high oleic runner cultivar were carefully purified via NIR technology. The purified seed were planted in environmentally controlled test plots to analyze the progeny for oleic acid chemistry. Post flowering, plot sections were either chilled (3.8 -5.0 C below ambient), maintained at ambient or heated (3.8-5.0 C above ambient) in the pod zone to characterize soil temperature effects on oleic acid chemistry development. Fully randomized (4 reps) plots included the purified high oleic spanish and runner cultivars, three soil temperatures, seed maturity (profile board), commercial kernel size classifications, and a late season flower termination protocol. At harvest, the oleic acid concentration of approximately 24,000 individual kernels were measured via NIR technology. Market type, temperature, maturity and size had a significant effect on high oleic chemistry among kernels. Late season flower termination significantly, and positively, influenced high oleic chemistry of runner peanuts, minimized the number of immature kernels not meeting high oleic threshold and resulted in elevated and more consistent distributions in this key chemistry; distributions that were more similar to those of the more botanically determinate, but lower yielding, spanish market type. Data from this study improves our understanding of expected natural variation in high oleic chemistry and suggests late season flower termination of runner peanuts is a viable strategy to maximize high oleic chemistry on the single kernel level.

Identification of Transcripts Involved in Resistance Responses to Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Cercosporidium personatum in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea)

ABSTRACT Late leaf spot disease caused by Cercosporidium personatum is one of the most destructive foliar diseases of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) worldwide. The objective of this research was to identify resistance genes in response to leaf spot disease using microarray and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To identify transcripts involved in disease resistance, we studied the gene expression profiles in two peanut genotypes, resistant or susceptible to leaf spot disease, using cDNA microarray containing 384 unigenes selected from two expressed sequenced tag (EST) cDNA libraries challenged by abiotic and biotic stresses. A total of 112 spots representing 56 genes in several functional categories were detected as up-regulated genes (log(2) ratio > 1). Seventeen of the top 20 genes, each matching gene with known function in GenBank, were selected for validation of their expression levels using real-time PCR. The two peanut genotypes were also used to study the functional analysis of these genes and the possible link of these genes to the disease resistance trait. Microarray technology and real-time PCR were used for comparison of gene expression. The selected genes identified by microarray analysis were validated by real-time PCR. These genes were more greatly expressed in the resistant genotype as a result of response to the challenge of C. personatum than in the susceptible genotype. Further investigations are needed to characterize each of these genes in disease resistance. Gene probes could then be developed for application in breeding programs for marker-assisted selection.

High dose chemoradiotherapy followed by esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction: results of a phase II study of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

To assess the toxicity, local response, and survival associated with multimodality therapy in a cooperative group setting, patients with biopsy-proven clinical Stage I or II adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (staged according to 1983 American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria) or gastroesophageal junction were treated with concomitant radiation and chemotherapy followed by esophagectomy.

METHODS

Radiotherapy was administered in daily 2-gray (Gy) fractions 5 days a week until a total of 60 Gy was reached. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was infused continuously at a dose of 1000 mg/m2/day for 96 hours on Days 2-5 and 28-31. On Day 2, a 10 mg/m2 bolus of mitomycin was injected intravenously. Esophagectomy was performed 4-8 weeks following completion of the radiotherapy.

RESULTS

During the 18-month study period (August 1991 through January 1993), 46 eligible patients were accrued from 21 institutions. Eight patients were Stage I and 38 Stage II. Eighty-seven percent of patients (40 of 46) received 6000 centigray (cGy), and all received >5000 cGy. Seventy-eight percent of patients (36 of 46) received >90% of the planned 5-FU dose. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 36 months (median, 22 months). There were eight treatment-related deaths; two were preoperative (from adult respiratory distress syndrome) and six were postoperative. Complete or partial response prior to esophagectomy was observed in 63% of cases, stable disease in 15%, and progression in 20%. Thirty-three patients underwent esophagectomy (transhiatal, n=14; Ivor Lewis, n=16; other, n=3). No tumor was found in the specimens resected from 8 of these 33 patients; this represented a pathologic complete response rate of 17% overall and 24% for those who underwent esophagectomy. Overall median survival was 16.6 months, 1-year survival 57%, and 2-year survival 27%. Survival was significantly worse for patients with circumferential cancers (median, 18.1 months vs. 8.3 months; P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

High dose radiation therapy with concurrent 5-FU and mitomycin may be administered to patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma with acceptable morbidity. However, in a cooperative group setting, esophagogastrectomy following intensive chemoradiotherapy is associated with excessive morbidity and mortality. Circumferential tumor growth is a significant adverse prognostic factor.

Observations on the treatment of natural haemosporidia infections by total alkaloid of Peganum harmala L. in cattle

Eighty two cattle naturally infected with haemosporidians were treated with total alkaloid hydrochloride of Peganum harmale L. (0.5 mg/kg/day). Fifty eight cases with Theileria sergenti showed a cure rate of 86%; thirteen cases with Theileria annulata showed a cure rate of 85%; eight cattle infected with Babesia bigemina showed a cure rate of 88% and three cases of Anaplasma marginale were completely cured. The results suggested that the curative effect of total alkaloid of P. harmale was better than that of diminazene aceturate and produced minimal side effects. The alkaloid could also be administered to pregnant animals. It was concluded that the total alkaloid of P. harmale showed a marked effect as a treatment for haemosporidican infections in cattle.

Effect of total alkaloid of Peganum harmala L. in the treatment of experimental haemosporidian infections in cattle

Cattle experimentally infected with Babesia bigemina or Theileria sergenti or mixed infestations of the two parasites were treated with Total Alkaloid of Peganum harmala L. The results showed that treatment was effective against B. bigemina infection, had a marked effect on the course of infection with T. sergenti and some effect on the course of the mixed infection.

A biomechanical double sac (pericardium-Pebax) for specially shaped artificial ventricles: a computerized study to evaluate its mechanical and volumetric properties

For original ovoid shaped artificial ventricles, a biomechanical double sac consisting of a biological sac (porcine pericardium) as the blood contact interface and a synthetic sac (Pebax 3533) as the mechanical support to assume systolic-diastolic dynamic constraints was conceived. The volumetric and mechanical properties were assessed with a three-dimensional modeling of Pebax sacs and computerized simulations of their systolic distortions for both right and left ventricular configurations. The stresses and strains of these sacs were represented as quantitative mappings for a maximum end-systolic state and were below the respective threshold values above which the Pebax material is jeopardized for permanent structure impairment. After fatigue tests applied on Pebax strips under the alleged working conditions of Pebax sacs, the material structure was unchanged and maintained its intrinsic mechanical properties. The theoretical maximum stroke volumes were 74.4 cm3 and 62.4 cm3 for the left and right ventricular configurations, respectively. With these mechanical and volumetric features, the biomechanical double sac concept was considered valid and could be provided for a consequent specific total artificial heart.

Structure-activity study on anticonvulsant (thio) hydantoins using molecular connectivity indices

The relationship between molecular connectivity indices and anticonvulsant activity of a series of hydantoin/thiohydantoin analogs has been investigated. The values of molecular connectivity index and valence molecular connectivity index of 82 compounds were computed and active ranges were identified. The activity assigned to each analog using these topological descriptors was subsequently compared with the reported activity against maximal electroshock convulsions. Predictions with high degree of accuracy were observed using these indices.

Ultrastructural and functional abnormalities of intestinal and renal epithelium in the SHR

Intestinal calcium transport, renal tubular calcium reabsorption, and plasma 1.25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 (calcitriol) levels have all been reported to be diminished in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) compared with its genetic control the Wistar Kyoto rat (WKY). In the present study, absorptive duodenal and renal tubular epithelia of 12- to 14-week-old male SHR and WKY were examined by electron microscopy to determine whether such disturbances could be related to structural abnormalities. Patchy loss of microvilli in both duodenal and proximal tubular epithelia was observed in the SHR, whereas brush border membrane was entirely normal in the WKY. Irregular spaces were observed between the basal aspects of SHR intestinal epithelial cells and their basement membrane. In addition, the average height of duodenal and renal microvilli was reduced in the SHR. Two specific markers of the brush border membrane, alkaline phosphatase and villin, as well as the cytoplasmic vitamin-D dependent calcium-binding proteins, CaBP9K and CaBP28K were determined. Duodenal alkaline phosphatase activity was reduced in the SHR, compared with the WKY: 0.145 +/- 0.002 vs. 0.186 +/- 0.002 IE/min.microns 3 x 10(3) brush border, mean +/- SEM, N = 10 pairs, P less than 0.001. However, duodenal villin expression was not different from that of the WKY. Duodenal CaBP9K and renal CaBP28K content was diminished in the SHR: 21.0 +/- 0.80 vs. 29.9 +/- 2.19 micrograms/mg protein, N = 6 pairs, P less than 0.01 for duodenum, and 4.47 +/- 0.39 vs. 7.67 +/- 0.54 micrograms/mg protein, N = 6 pairs, P less than 0.001 for kidney. These data showing structural and functional abnormalities of intestinal and kidney cells in the SHR appear to reflect a disorder of transporting epithelia which may be either intrinsic or related to reduced circulating calcitriol.

Decreased duodenal enterocyte calcium flux rates in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

We have previously reported serum 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 (calcitriol) and active transduodenal calcium absorption measured in the Ussing chamber to be reduced in 12- to 14-week-old male Okamoto-Aoki spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the present study, we compared rates of calcium influx and efflux in isolated duodenal enterocytes in SHR and corresponding controls, Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). The early (0 to 1 minute) and the late (1 to 15 minute) phase of calcium influx rates at 1.0 mmol Ca2+ in the incubation medium were lower in the SHR than in the WKY (mean +/- SEM): 1.93 +/- 0.22 v 2.85 +/- 0.41 nmol/mg protein/min, n = 8 and n = 7 experiments, respectively, P less than .05; and 0.334 +/- 0.025 v 0.488 +/- 0.059 nmol/mg protein/min, n = 14 pairs, P less than .01. The calcium efflux rate constant of the SHR was reduced: 34.3 +/- 1.4 v 51.9 +/- 1.4% per hour, n = 11 pairs, P less than .01. However, in the absence of sodium or the presence of ouabain (4.0 mmol) in the incubation medium, a decrease in this constant was observed in the WKY but not in the SHR. These data, at the cellular level, support our previous observation in intact tissue of reduced active transduodenal calcium transport in the 12- to 14-week-old SHR. Whether the primary defect in calcium transport involves the luminal or the basolateral membrane of the enterocyte, or whether both disturbances are due to a common primary perturbation cannot be deduced from the present experiments.

Some properties of Serratia marcescens, Salmonella paratyphi A, and Enterobacter cloacae with non-enzyme-dependent multiple resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, and quinolones

Non-enzyme-dependent multiple-drug resistance occurs preferentially in some genera of Enterobacteriaceae, such as Serratia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Salmonella. Susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, quinolones, trimethoprim, and chloramphenicol may be affected in various combinations in different mutants. Proteins from the outer and inner membranes and lipopolysaccharides may be altered concomitantly. Although porin alterations have been observed in all resistant mutants studied, these modifications alone do not seem sufficient to explain the various cross-resistance phenotypes.

Chemotherapy following surgery for stages IE and IIE non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract

Twenty-six patients were treated with chemotherapy following surgery for gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (GI-NHL). The median age was 50 years (range, 20 to 76). The primary site included stomach (16 patients), small bowel (seven), large bowel (two), and mesenteric nodes (one). Following surgery, nine patients had macroscopic and four patients had microscopic residual disease, and 13 were felt to have had complete surgical resection. Thirteen patients were stage I and 13 were stage II. Sixteen patients were treated with COPP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone), nine with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone), and one with CVP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone). At a median follow-up of 50 months (8+ to 178+ months) ten of 12 stage I patients and nine of 14 stage II patients remain alive. Of the nine patients with macroscopic residual disease, four died of disease 6.5 to 11.0 months after diagnosis, and five are alive 8+ to 178+ months from diagnosis. Fourteen of the remaining 17 patients who had complete surgical resection are alive without disease. Death in the other three patients was due to multiple abdominal abscesses at 12 months, adenocarcinoma of the colon at 57 months, and dementia and progressive neurologic dysfunction at 65 months. No patient who had complete resection has relapsed or developed systemic disease after chemotherapy. These results suggest that complete surgical resection is an important prognostic factor and that chemotherapy without irradiation in completely resected localized GI-NHL can prevent local and systemic relapse resulting in long-term disease-free survival.

VP-16 and cisplatin as first-line therapy for small-cell lung cancer

Thirty-one patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) were treated with VP-16 and cisplatin as first-line therapy. In the majority of cases an Adriamycin (Adria Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio) containing regimen was contraindicated because of severe cardiac or hepatic disease. Eight patients who presented with cerebral metastases were also included in the series. Eleven patients had limited disease (LD), and 20 had extensive disease (ED). Of the 28 evaluable patients, 12 (43%) achieved a complete response (CR) and 12 (43%) had a partial response (PR). Four patients (14%) either had no response or progressed on treatment. The median duration of response for patients with LD was 39 weeks and for those with ED, 26 weeks. The median survival time (MST) for the whole group of responding (CR and PR) LD patients was 70 weeks (range, 28 to 181 + weeks), and for responding ED patients, it was 43 weeks (range, 17 to 68 weeks). Gastrointestinal toxicity was mild, but leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were common. There were four febrile episodes during periods of drug-induced neutropenia and this led to one treatment-related death. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 15 patients and required discontinuation of cisplatin in two. These results compare favorably with reports of standard induction chemotherapy regimens and provide further evidence of the activity of the VP-16 and cisplatin regimen in patients with SCLC.