Heralded Three-Photon Entanglement from a Single-Photon Source on a Photonic Chip

In the quest to build general-purpose photonic quantum computers, fusion-based quantum computation has risen to prominence as a promising strategy. This model allows a ballistic construction of large cluster states which are universal for quantum computation, in a scalable and loss-tolerant way without feed forward, by fusing many small n-photon entangled resource states. However, a key obstacle to this architecture lies in efficiently generating the required essential resource states on photonic chips. One such critical seed state that has not yet been achieved is the heralded three-photon Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (3-GHZ) state. Here, we address this elementary resource gap, by reporting the first experimental realization of a heralded 3-GHZ state. Our implementation employs a low-loss and fully programmable photonic chip that manipulates six indistinguishable single photons of wavelengths in the telecommunication regime. Conditional on the heralding detection, we obtain the desired 3-GHZ state with a fidelity 0.573±0.024. Our Letter marks an important step for the future fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing, leading to the acceleration of building a large-scale optical quantum computer.

Enhancing Mechanical Performance of High-Lignin-Filled Polypropylene via Reactive Extrusion

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most extensively used commodity plastics. In terms of eco-friendliness, it is worth considering preparing high-lignin-filled PP. This study explores the incorporation of high lignin content, derived from acetic acid lignin (AAL) and Kraft lignin (KL), into PP through twin-screw extrusion and injection molding. The challenge lies in maintaining mechanical performance. A compatibilizer-specifically, maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP)-is employed to enhance lignin-PP compatibility by chemically bonding with lignin and physically associating with the PP phase. Results indicate that KL maintains better dispersity than AAL. Compatibilizers with a high maleic anhydride (MA) level (≥0.8 wt.%) and moderate melt flow index (MFI) in the range of 60-100 g 10 min⁻¹ prove favorable in constructing a reinforced PP/KL network. Optimizing with 40 wt.% lignin content and 10 parts per hundred (pph) of compatibilizer yields blends with mechanical performance comparable to neat PP, exhibiting a notable increase in modulus and heat deflection temperature (HDT). Furthermore, utilizing PP/lignin blends can lead to a 20% reduction in expenses and approximately 40% reduction in PP-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This approach not only reduces PP costs but also adds value to lignin utilization in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.

Fabrication of superhydrophilic porous carbon materials through a porogen-free method: Surface and structure modification promoting the two-electron oxygen reduction activity

HYPOTHESIS

Electrochemical manufacture of H₂O₂ through the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e^- ORR), providing prospects of the distributed production of H₂O₂ in remote regions, is considered a promising alternative to the energy-intensive anthraquinone oxidation process.

EXPERIMENTS

In this study, one glucose-derived oxygen-enriched porous carbon material (labeled as HGC₅₀₀) is developed through a porogen-free strategy integrating structural and active site modification.

FINDINGS

The superhydrophilic surface and porous structure together promote the mass transfer of reactants and accessibility of active sites in the aqueous reaction, while the abundant CO species (e.g., aldehyde groups) are taken for the main active site to facilitate the 2e^- ORR catalytic process. Benefiting from the above merits, the obtained HGC₅₀₀ possesses superior performance with a selectivity of 92 % and mass activity of 43.6 A g_cat^-1 at 0.65 V (vs. RHE). Besides, the HGC₅₀₀ can operate steadily for 12 h with the accumulation of H₂O₂ reaching up to 4090±71 ppm and a Faradic efficiency of 95 %. The H₂O₂ generated from the electrocatalytic process in 3 h can degrade a variety of organic pollutants (10 ppm) in 4-20 min, displaying the potential in practical applications.

Fabrication of Graphitized Carbon Fibers from Fusible Lignin and Their Application in Supercapacitors

Lignin-based carbon fibers (LCFs) with graphitized structures decorated on their surfaces were successfully prepared using the simultaneous catalyst loading and chemical stabilization of melt-spun lignin fibers, followed by quick carbonization functionalized as catalytic graphitization. This technique not only enables surficial graphitized LCF preparation at a relatively low temperature of 1200 °C but also avoids additional treatments used in conventional carbon fiber production. The LCFs were then used as electrode materials in a supercapacitor assembly. Electrochemical measurements confirmed that LCF-0.4, a sample with a relatively low specific surface area of 89.9 m2 g-1, exhibited the best electrochemical properties. The supercapacitor with LCF-0.4 had a specific capacitance of 10.7 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1, a power density of 869.5 W kg-1, an energy density of 15.7 Wh kg-1, and a capacitance retention of 100% after 1500 cycles, even without activation.

A215 EVALUATING THE COMPARABILITY OF CARE FOR PERSONS ADMITTED TO TORONTO AREA HOSPITALS WITH ACUTE SEVERE ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Background

Approximately 20% of patients with ulcerative colitis will experience an acute severe exacerbation requiring hospitalization. Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a medical emergency associated with significant morbidity and a mortality rate of 1%. Timely initiation of treatment and assessment of clinical response is critical in the management of ASUC. With an aim to reduce treatment variability and improve outcomes, multiple gastrointestinal societies have published guidelines highlighting recommendations for optimal care in ASUC. It remains unclear how closely these guidelines are implemented in clinical practice. Measuring adherence to these recommended processes of care may act as a surrogate measure for quality of care and a way to indirectly evaluate outcomes in the management of patients with ASUC. Studies have shown that even amongst experienced providers practice pattern variability exists. Identifying significant variations in the management of patients with ASUC will highlight where improvement in guideline dissemination and greater adherence is required.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate how quality of care indicators varied across 7 hospital sites for patients admitted ASUC in the Greater Toronto Area.

Method

Using GEMINI, a research collaborative that collects and analyses data from inpatient admissions at 7 Toronto area hospitals, we identified patients admitted to hospital with ASUC from June 2016-December 2019. Hospital sites were further categorized into 3 hospital types; 1 IBD specialty centre (ISC), 3 other academic centres (AC) and 3 community centres (CC). Process measures assessed included proportion tested for C-reactive protein at baseline and following treatment initiation, duration of corticosteroid use, timing and initiation of biologic agents, rates of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and opioid use. Outcome measures included hospital length of stay, rates of colectomy and mortality.

Result(s)

765 hospitalizations were included in the study; 320 occurring at ISC, 308 at AC and 137 at CC. Corticosteroid use on admission were highest at the ISC at 78% compared to 64% at AC and 63% at CC (p <0.001). Among those who received steroids on admission, 47% of patients remained on intravenous corticosteroids for at least 5 days in the ISC compared to 39% in AC and 75% in CC (p< 0.001). Initiation of biologic rescue therapy was highest at the ISC occurring in 37% of hospitalizations compared to 22% in AC and 23% in CC (p<0.001). In addition, VTE prophylaxis rates were highest at the ISC at 83% followed by 60% in AC and 45% in CC (p<0.001). Rates of colectomy were highest at ISC (12% of hospitalizations vs. 7% in AC).

Conclusion(s)

Greater adherence to indicators of quality of care were seen at the ISC compared to ACs and CCs, although patient outcomes assessed were not clearly different between sites. Further strategies are required to improve adherence to markers of quality care for patients admitted with ASUC.

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Disclosure of Interest

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Antioxidant mechanisms and products of four 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavonoids with different structural types

4',5,7-OHs are common substituents of natural flavonoids, a type of effective phenolic antioxidant. However, the antioxidant processes between 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavonoids with different structural types have not been compared systematically, and the antioxidant products are challenging to determine. This study compared four 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavonoids, including apigenin, genistein, kaempferol, and naringenin. In quantum chemical analyses, the four 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavonoids showed different thermodynamic properties, and the C4'-OH (or C3-OH of kaempferol) possessed the strongest activity. Moreover, the reaction rate constants were larger when a hydrogen atom was transferred from C4'-OH (or C3-OH of kaempferol) than from C5-OH. When different atoms were linked to 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH˙), the C3'-DPPH adducts showed the smallest energy. In experimental assays, the scavenging ability for neutral free radicals, radical cations, and radical anions was negatively correlated with the corresponding theoretical parameters. Finally, mass spectroscopy detected the apigenin-DPPH˙, genistein-DPPH˙, and naringenin-DPPH˙ adduct peaks. In conclusion, the structural type of 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavonoids can affect the antioxidant ability, site, and speed, but not the mechanism. After hydrogen abstraction at C4'-OH, 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavones, 4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavones, and 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavanones will produce antioxidant products via C3'-radical linking.

Research on Metal Corrosion Resistant Bioinspired Special Wetting Surface Based on Laser Texturing Technology: A Review

Metal substrates are widely used in engineering production. However, material life reduction and economic loss due to chemical and electrochemical corrosion are a major problem facing people. Electrochemical corrosion is the main corrosion mode of metals, such as seawater corrosion. It is found that the superhydrophobic surface treated by laser texturing plays an important role in the corrosion resistance of the substrate, with the laser texturing process and post-treatment affecting the corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance is positively correlated with the superhydrophobic property of the surface. For the mechanism of corrosion resistance, this paper summarizes the effect of micro-nano structure, surface-modified coating, oxidation layer or new product layer, surface inhomogeneity, crystal structure, and slippery surface on corrosion resistance. Superhydrophobic surface and slippery surface are two common types of bioinspired, special wetting surfaces. In order to prepare better superhydrophobic and corrosion-resistant surfaces, this paper summarizes the selection and optimization of laser parameters, surface structure, processing media, and post-treatment from the point of view of mechanism and law. In addition, after summarizing the corrosion resistance mechanism, this paper introduces a series of characterization experiments that can measure the corrosion resistance, providing a reference for preparation and evaluation of the surface.

Dynamic bonds enable high toughness and multifunctionality in gelatin/tannic acid-based hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties

Biopolymer-based functional hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties are desired, but their fabrication remains a challenge. Learning from the tofu-making process, we developed a freely formable hydrogel with high toughness and stiffness from the hydrogen bond-rich coacervation of tannic acid and gelatin through a simple hot-pressing process that transforms the coacervate particles into a bulk hydrogel. The mechanical properties of the obtained gelatin/tannic acid hydrogel (G/T gel) can be controlled by tuning the weight ratio of tannic acid to gelatin in the gel. The G/T gel with optimum mechanical properties possesses high Young's modulus, fracture strain, and fracture energy of ∼60 MPa, ∼10, and ∼24 kJ m^-2, respectively. These properties arise from the phase-separated structure and high concentration of dynamic hydrogen bonds with widely distributed bond strengths. These dynamic hydrogen bonds also enable multifunctional properties of the gel, such as self-recovery, self-healing, rebuildability and shape memory. The combination of excellent mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, and useful functionalities into one hydrogel that comes from renewable sources demonstrates the great potential of G/T gels.

Cloning, genome structure and expression analysis of MHC class I gene in Korean quail

1. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a highly polymorphic region of the genome essential to immune responses and animal health. However, avian MHC genetic structure is different from that of mammals. In this study, the structure and expression of Korean quail MHC class I gene was analysed.2. The quail MHC gene consisted of eight exons and seven introns. The open reading frame of the cDNA was 353 amino acids, and the molecular weight was about 38.91 kDa. Exons 1 and 2 coded for leading peptides and alpha 1 regions, respectively. Exons 3 and 4 encoded alpha 2 and alpha 3 regions. Exons 5 to 8 coded for connecting peptides and transmembrane regions/cytoplasmic regions (TM/CY). The Korean quail MHC class I amino acid sequence shared 87% to 99% homology with Japanese quail and 71% to 75% with chicken. The amino acid shared 40% and 43% homology with humans and mice, respectively.3. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that MHC-I was highly expressed in immune tissues such as the bursa of Fabricius. Moreover, the constructed evolutionary tree was consistent with accepted evolutionary pathways.4. MHC-I is closely related to the host's immune system, and these findings may help to better understand the role of Korean quail MHC-I in the immune system.

Self-Healable, High-Strength Hydrogel Electrode for Flexible Sensors and Supercapacitors

Flexible energy storage materials and sensors have become the key equipment of human-machine interface technology. For the preparation of these devices, hydrogel electrodes are relevant because of their unique porous structure, high capacitance, flexibility, small size, and lightweight. In this paper, regular polypyrrole (PPy) is synthesized on a heat-induced phase-separated gel (H-Gel/AS) by the template degradation method, and a gelatin-based PPy hydrogel with high strength, high strain rate, and high conductivity is prepared. Moreover, by adding multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into a gelatin solution according to the H-Gel/AS method, the electrochemical performance of the resulting H-Gel/AS-MWCNTs-PPy electrode is greatly improved. When the H-Gel/AS-MWCNTs-PPy gel is immersed in an ammonium sulfate solution, wrinkles appear on the surface, resulting in further enhancement of the capacitance. On this basis, a flexible sensor and a solid-state supercapacitor are assembled, and their performance is tested. The sensor can detect tensile, bending, and twisting strains with high sensitivity. Meanwhile, as a flexible solid-state supercapacitor, the specific capacitance is 75 F g^-1, and the capacitance retention rate after 5000 cycles is 98.1% under bending conditions. More importantly, the gelatin-based hydrogel shows great potential for application in wearable devices.

Nanosuspension as an Efficient Carrier for Improved Ocular Permeation of Voriconazole

BACKGROUND

The present limitations related to the ocular administration of antifungal drugs for the treatment of fungal keratitis include poor ocular bioavailability, limited retention time, and low ocular tissue penetration.

METHODS

This study aimed to prepare a novel ophthalmic voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension based on Eudragit RS 100. Pharmasolve® was explored as a corneal permeation enhancer in voriconazole ophthalmic formulation using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Briefly, 1% voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension was prepared using the quasi-emulsion solvent evaporation process.

RESULTS

Characterizations of the voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension by Zetasizer Nano ZS and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) showed a uniform spherical shape without any agglomeration. The well-discreted nanoparticle with a size of 138 ± 1.3 nm was achieved with high entrapment efficiency (98.6 ± 2.5%) and positive zeta potential in the range of 22.5-31.2mV, indicating excellent physical stability.

DISCUSSION

Voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension containing the penetration enhancer displayed good permeability both in vitro and in vivo compared with the commercial voriconazole injection. The voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension exhibited good antifungal activity, significantly inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans at a lower concentration of voriconazole (2.5μg/mL, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension containing Pharmasolve® can be used as an effective ophthalmic formulation for the topical ocular delivery of voriconazole.

Interface Engineering of Flexible Piezoresistive Sensors via Near-Field Electrospinning Processed Spacer Layers

The interface contact between the active material and its neighboring metal electrodes dominates the sensing response of mainstream high-sensitivity piezoresistive pressure sensors. However, the properties of such interface are often difficult to control and preserve owing to the limited strategies to precisely engineer the surface structure and mechanical property of the active material. Here, a top-down fabrication method to create a grid-like polyurethane fiber-based spacer layer at the interface between a piezoresistive layer and its contact electrodes is proposed. The tuning of the period and thickness of the spacer layer is conveniently achieved by a programmable near-field electrospinning process, and the influence of the spacer structure on the sensing performance is systematically investigated. The sensor with the optimized spacer layer shows a widened sensing range (230 kPa) while maintaining a high sensitivity (1.91 kPa^-1 ). Furthermore, the output current fluctuation of the sensors during a 74 000-cycle test is drastically reduced from 14.28% (without a spacer) to 3.63% (with a spacer), demonstrating greatly enhanced long-term reliability. The new near-field electrospinning-based strategy is capable of tuning sensor responses without changing the active material, providing a universal and scalable path to engineer the performances of contact-dominant sensors.

Fabrication of oral nanovesicle in-situ gel based on Epigallocatechin gallate phospholipid complex: Application in dental anti-caries

The conventional anti-caries agents exhibit many shortcomings such as poor stability, low efficacy or short residence time in the oral environment, it is urgent to develop efficacy treatments to prevent dental caries. As the most active polyphenols from tea, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) shows remarkable anti-cariogenic bioactivity. However, the poor stability and low bioavailability of EGCG limit its potential application. This study aimed to fabricate nanovesicles in-situ gel based on EGCG phospholipid complex in order to increase its stability and efficacy. The formation of EGCG phospholipid complex was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The ethanol injection method was used to prepare the EGCG-loaded nanovesicles, an optimal ratio of Poloxamer407 (P407) and Poloxamer188 (P188) as in-situ gel matrix was selected to fabricate oral nanovesicles in-situ gel. EGCG-loaded nanovesicle in-situ gel based on the phospholipid complex had uniform spherical shape without any agglomeration. The discrete nanoparticle with a size (131.44 ± 4.24 nm) and a negative zeta potential value at -30.7 ± 0.5 mV possessed good physical stability and high entrapment efficiency (83.66 ± 3.2%). The formulation exhibited a strong antibacterial activity on S. mutans, which could reduce acid production and tooth surface adhesion. In addition, EGCG formulation could inhibit the formation of glucan and biofilm from S. mutans by suppressing the activity of glycosyltransferase enzymes (GTF). In conclusion, the EGCG-loaded nanovesicle in-situ gel holds great promise as an efficient anti-cariogenic formulation for topical oral delivery.

Degradable Gelatin-Based Supramolecular Coating for Green Paper Sizing

Developing a paper sizing agent to meet the requirements of low cost, high quality of the paper, and environmental sustainability is significant but remains a challenge. Herein, a novel degradable gelatin-based coating emulsion for paper surface sizing was developed by a simple one-step polymerization and blending process. Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) was first introduced to a gelatin solution to form gelatin-PMAA emulsion (G-PMAA) through the formation of hydrogen bonds between PMAA and gelatin. The addition of PMAA endowed gelatin with the increased hydrophobicity and the decreased upper critical solution temperature. Then, a relatively small amount of the flexible poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA), which imparted the toughness of the formed film, was blended with the G-PMAA emulsion to form G-PMAA/PBA emulsion. The G-PMAA/PBA emulsion with a high gelatin content of 0.2 g/mL was in the sol state at room temperature, which facilitated the application of the G-PMAA/PBA emulsion. The corrugated papers sized by G-PMAA/PBA emulsion exhibited excellent mechanical properties and water resistance.

Knockdown of LINC00461 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer by targeting LSD1

OBJECTIVE

To uncover the function of LINC00461 in regulating cellular behaviors of gastric cancer (GC) via targeting LSD1.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

LINC00461 level in GC tissues with different tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging and lymphatic metastasis statues was determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). In vitro influences of LINC00461 on proliferative and apoptotic rates were evaluated in AGS and SGC-7901 cells. The interaction between LINC00461 and LSD1 was explored by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and qRT-PCR. Finally, the potential role of LSD1 in the proliferative ability of GC cells mediated by LINC00461 was assessed.

RESULTS

LINC00461 level was higher in GC tissues relative to matched control ones. It was positively correlated to TNM staging and lymphatic metastasis of GC. Knockdown of LINC00461 markedly attenuated viability and the proliferative ability of AGS and SGC-7901 cells, but induced apoptosis. RIP assay demonstrated the interaction between LINC00461 and LSD1. Moreover, LSD1 could reverse the regulatory effect of LINC00461 on the proliferative ability of GC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00461 is upregulated in GC, which is positively related to TNM staging and lymphatic metastasis. LINC00461 mediates proliferation and apoptosis of GC cells, thereafter aggravating the progression of GC.

LncRNA PAPAS aggravates the progression of gastric cancer through regulating miRNA-188-5p

OBJECTIVE

To uncover the biological effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PAPAS on the progression of gastric cancer (GC) by mediating microRNA-188-5p (miRNA-188-5p) level.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The relative level of PAPAS was determined in GC tissues and cell lines by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The Kaplan-Meier method was introduced to assess the prognostic potential of PAPAS in the overall survival of GC patients. Regulatory effects of PAPAS on proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of HGC-27 and AGS cells were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell, and wound closure assay, respectively. Subsequently, the binding relation between PAPAS and miRNA-188-5p was verified by the Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Correlation between expression levels of PAPAS and miRNA-188-5p in GC tissues was explored. Finally, rescue experiments were conducted to uncover the role of PAPAS/miRNA-188-5p axis in the progression of GC.

RESULTS

PAPAS was upregulated in GC tissues and cell lines compared to controls. GC patients expressing a high level of PAPAS suffered worse prognosis relative to those with low level. The silence of PAPAS remarkably attenuated proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of HGC-27 cells. Overexpression of PAPAS in AGS cells obtained the opposite trends. MiRNA-188-5p was the direct target of PAPAS, which was negatively regulated by PAPAS. MiRNA-188-5p was able to reverse the regulatory effects of PA-PAS on proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of GC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA PAPAS is upregulated in GC and closely related to lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis, and poor prognosis of GC patients. PAPAS aggravate the malignant progression of GC by negatively regulating the miRNA-188-5p level.

Plant-based nanocellulose: A review of routine and recent preparation methods with current progress in its applications as rheology modifier and 3D bioprinting

"Nanocellulose" have captivated the topical sphere of sturdily escalating market for sustainable materials. The review focuses on the comprehensive understanding of the distinct surface chemistry and functionalities pertaining to the renovation of macro-cellulose at nanodimensional scale to provide an intuition of their processing-structure-function prospective. The abundant availability, cost effectiveness and diverse properties associated with plant-based resources have great economical perspective for developing sustainable cellulose nanomaterials. Hence, emphasis has been given on nanocellulose types obtained from plant-based sources. An overarching goal is to provide the recent advancement in the preparation routes of nanocellulose. Considering the excellent shear thinning/thixotropic/gel-like behavior, the review provids an assemblage of publications specifically dealing with its application as rheology modifier with emphasis on its use as bioink for 3D bioprinting for various biomedical applications. Altogether, this review has been oriented in a way to collocate a collective data starting from the historical perspective of cellulose discovery to modern cellulosic chemistry and its renovation as nanocellulose with recent technological hype for broad spanning applications.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae lipids license TLR-4 for activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy to evoke a proinflammatory response

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an obligate pathogen that causes pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, pharyngitis and asthma in humans. It is well recognized that membrane lipoproteins are immunostimulants exerting as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory responses upon M. pneumoniae infection. Here, we report that the M. pneumoniae-derived lipids are another proinflammatory agents. Using an antibody-neutralizing assay, RNA interference or specific inhibitors, we found that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) is essential for M. pneumoniae lipid-induced tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β production. We also demonstrate that NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome (NLRP3) inflammasome, autophagy and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-dependent pathways are critical for the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, while inhibition of TLR-4 significantly abrogates these events. Further characterization revealed that autophagy-mediated inflammatory responses involved the activation of NF-κB. In addition, the activation of NF-κB promoted lipid-induced autophagosome formation, as revealed by assays using pharmacological inhibitors, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and Bay 11-7082, or silencing of atg5 and beclin-1. These findings suggest that, unlike the response to lipoprotein stimulation, the inflammation in response to M. pneumoniae lipids is mediated by the TLR-4 pathway, which subsequently initiates the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and formation of a positive feedback loop between autophagy and NF-κB signalling cascade, ultimately promoting TNF-α and Il-1β production in macrophages.

Paclitaxel/sunitinib-loaded micelles promote an antitumor response in vitro through synergistic immunogenic cell death for triple-negative breast cancer

Chemotherapy-induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) may offer a strategy to improve the effect of the therapeutic treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by eliciting broad antitumor immunity. However, chemotherapy shows a limited therapeutic effect because of multi-drug resistance and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of TNBC. The unique pharmacological actions of sunitinib (SUN) indicate its possible synergies with paclitaxel (PTX) to enhance chemo-immunotherapy for TNBC. Here, we prepared a co-delivery platform composed of poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (SMA) via a self-assembly process for a combination of PTX and SUN, which was able to induce a higher synergistic ICD. The nanomicellar delivery of PTX and SUN loaded at an optimal ratio of 1:5 (PTX:SUN) presented the characteristics of an appropriate particle size, long-term stability, and time sequence release which synergistically promoted the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 tumor cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that the combination of PTX and SUN could significantly induce a synergistic effect because it promoted an ICD response, improved tumor immunogenicity, and regulated immunosuppressive factors in the TME. Overall, PTX and SUN with synergistic effects entrapped in a self-assembly nano-delivery system could offer the potential for clinical applicationof a combination chemo-immunotherapy strategy to improve the effect of the therapeutic treatment of TNBC.

Supertough Lignin Hydrogels with Multienergy Dissipative Structures and Ultrahigh Antioxidative Activities

Hydrogels derived from lignin are typically weak and contain only a small amount of lignin, which limits their broad application prospects. In the present work, a novel lignin/poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) hydrogel with a high lignin content, superb toughness, and ultrahigh antioxidative performance is constructed by employing a facile dissolve-dry-swell solvent exchange method. Through this process, lignin and PDMA are self-assembled into a multienergy dissipative structure containing rigid lignin-rich domains. Precisely, the PDMA chains both interpenetrated inside and adhered on the surface of these domains through hydrophobic associations. This structure enables the lignin hydrogels to dissipate energy efficiently during the fracture process. At an optimized ultrahigh lignin content of 58% (dry weight basis), the prepared lignin hydrogel exhibited remarkable mechanical properties, such as a high elastic modulus (2.5 MPa), tensile strength (2.5 MPa), and super tensile strain (11.3), and an extremely high fracture energy above 16 000 J m^-2. In addition, the tough lignin hydrogel exhibited a commendable antioxidant property and nontoxicity. All these advantageous properties provide the lignin/PDMA hydrogels with the potential for use in biomedical materials applications.

Developing super tough gelatin-based hydrogels by incorporating linear poly(methacrylic acid) to facilitate sacrificial hydrogen bonding

Mechanically robust protein-based hydrogels are strongly desired but their construction remains a significant challenge. In this work, gelatin, together with methacrylic acid, is used to construct a novel hydrogen-bonded hydrogel through a facile low-temperature polymerization and a subsequent dry-swell process. The obtained gel is extremely stiff and tough with a high Young's modulus and a fracture energy of 11 MPa and 8.5 kJ m^-2, respectively, which are comparable to the performance of tough synthetic hydrogels, rubber, cartilage, and skin. These gels also show recovery and healing properties as well as biocompatibility and stability in physiological saline solutions. The gel is easy to prepare and exhibits a wide range of functional properties, making it a promising load-bearing material for medical applications.

Proteomic and Transcriptomic Changes in Hibernating Grizzly Bears Reveal Metabolic and Signaling Pathways that Protect against Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy is a physiological response to disuse and malnutrition, but hibernating bears are largely resistant to this phenomenon. Unlike other mammals, they efficiently reabsorb amino acids from urine, periodically activate muscle contraction, and their adipocytes differentially responds to insulin. The contribution of myocytes to the reduced atrophy remains largely unknown. Here we show how metabolism and atrophy signaling are regulated in skeletal muscle of hibernating grizzly bear. Metabolic modeling of proteomic changes suggests an autonomous increase of non-essential amino acids (NEAA) in muscle and treatment of differentiated myoblasts with NEAA is sufficient to induce hypertrophy. Our comparison of gene expression in hibernation versus muscle atrophy identified several genes differentially regulated during hibernation, including Pdk4 and Serpinf1. Their trophic effects extend to myoblasts from non-hibernating species (including C. elegans), as documented by a knockdown approach. Together, these changes reflect evolutionary favored adaptations that, once translated to the clinics, could help improve atrophy treatment.

Stroke in pregnancy

Stroke is uncommon among young adults. However, the incidence of stroke among young women increases with pregnancy during peripartum and postpartum periods. The relative risk of suffering from haemorrhagic stroke was three times higher than ischemic stroke during these periods when compared with antenatal period. Neuroimaging should be prioritized in order to establish diagnosis and to facilitate treatment in a patient with suspected acute stroke. Prophylaxic anticoagulants should be used in high risk patients. Treatments of acute stroke in pregnant women include anti-platelet and thrombolytic agents. Further studies should be carried as there is lack of high level of evidences to formulate clear guideline for the management of stroke during pregnancy.

Biobased Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Poly(lactic acid) Blends Tailored with Epoxide Compatibilizers

To increase the biobased content of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), up to 30 wt % poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was blended with PET using twin-screw compounding and injection molding processes. Multifunctional epoxide compatibilizers including a chain extender and an impact toughening agent were used as blend modifiers to improve the poor mechanical properties of PET/PLA blends. The mechanical and thermodynamic performances were investigated along with the morphological features through scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and interfacial tension determination. From rheological and differential scanning calorimetry results, it was observed that the molecular weight of both PET and PLA increased with compatibilizers because of epoxide reactions. The toughening agent, poly(ethylene-n-butylene-acrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (EBA-GMA), provided a 292% increase in impact strength over the blend but reduced modulus by 25%. In contrast, 0.7 phr addition of the chain extender, poly(styrene-acrylic-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (SA-GMA), yielded comparable performance to that of neat PET without sacrificing the tensile and flexural properties. When both compatibilizers were present in the blend, the mechanical properties remained relatively unaltered or decreased with increasing EBA-GMA content. The differences in mechanical performance observed were considered in relation to the strengthening mechanism of the two differing compatibilizers and their effects on the miscibility of the blend.

A Light-Up Probe for Detection of Adenosine in Urine Samples by a Combination of an AIE Molecule and an Aptamer

A light-up fluorescent probe for the detection of adenosine was constructed with an AIE (aggregation-induced emission) molecule and a DNA aptamer. The AIE molecule was used as a signal generator, and the DNA aptamer was used as a recognition element for adenosine. The emission of the AIE molecule was due to its intramolecular rotation restriction induced by the aptamer upon binding of adenosine. The optimal component ratio of the probe was AIE molecule/DNA aptamer = 100 (μM/μM). The calibration curve of adenosine detection showed a linear range of 10 pM to 0.5 μM with an R² of 0.996, and the detection limit of the probe was 10 pM. The probe exhibited a good selectivity to adenosine against its analogs (uridine, guanosine, and cytidine). The probe was used to detect adenosine in urine samples, a recovery from 86.8% to 90.0% for the spiked concentrations of adenosine (0.01, 0.05, 0.1 μM). The relative standard deviation from 1.2% to 2.0% was obtained. The intra-day and inter-day tests also showed good precisions, with measurement RSD values of 2.3% and 2.1%, respectively.

First Direct-Detection Constraints on eV-Scale Hidden-Photon Dark Matter with DAMIC at SNOLAB

We present direct detection constraints on the absorption of hidden-photon dark matter with particle masses in the range 1.2-30  eV c^{-2} with the DAMIC experiment at SNOLAB. Under the assumption that the local dark matter is entirely constituted of hidden photons, the sensitivity to the kinetic mixing parameter κ is competitive with constraints from solar emission, reaching a minimum value of 2.2×10^{-14} at 17  eV c^{-2}. These results are the most stringent direct detection constraints on hidden-photon dark matter in the galactic halo with masses 3-12  eV c^{-2} and the first demonstration of direct experimental sensitivity to ionization signals <12  eV from dark matter interactions.

The α-β circular scanning with large range and low noise

A circular-route scanning method called α-β circular scanning is proposed and realized using sinusoidal signals with a constant phase difference of π/2. Experiments show that the circular scanning range of α-β circular scanning is 57% greater than the rectangular scanning range of raster scanning within an effective optical field of view. Moreover, the scanning speed is improved by 7.8% over raster scanning because the whole sine signal is utilized in α-β circular scanning whereas the flyback area of the saw-tooth signal needs to be discarded in raster scanning. The maximum scanning acceleration decreases by a factor of 44, drastically decreasing the high noise, which should considerably elongate the lifetime of the galvanometers while inhibiting internal vibration. The proposed α-β circular scanning technique could be used in scanning imaging, optical tweezers and laser-beam fabrication.

Diagnostic value of recombinant Tp0821 protein in serodiagnosis for syphilis

Syphilis is a multistage sexually transmitted disease that remains a serious public health concern worldwide. The coexistence of Treponema pallidum with other closely related members of spirochaeta, such as Leptospira spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi, has complicated the serodiagnosis due to cross-reactive antigens. In this study, recombinant Tp0821 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by metal affinity chromatography. Then enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on Tp0821 for the detection of specific antibodies were established. The relative positive rates of the IgM ELISA and the IgG ELISA were found to be 91·0 and 98·3%, respectively, when screening 578 syphilis specimens. The specificities were 94·3 and 100%, respectively, when cross-checking with serum samples obtained from 30 patients with Lyme disease, five patients with leptospirosis, and 52 uninfected controls. In addition, relative positive rates and specificities of Tp0821 for human sera were all 100% in Western blotting. When compared to the syphilis diagnostic tests commonly used in clinical settings, we found that the results of Tp0821-based ELISAs correlated well with the results of the treponemal tests, specifically the T. pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA) test and the chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA). Thus, these findings identify Tp0821 as a novel serodiagnostic candidate for syphilis.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

In this study, we expressed and purified the Treponema pallidum protein Tp0821 and developed Tp0821-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of specific antibodies. The serodiagnostic performance of the recombinant protein was then evaluated. When compared to the results of syphilis diagnostic tests commonly used in clinical settings, we found that the reactivities of syphilitic sera with the recombinant antigen correlated well with the results of the treponemal tests, specifically the T. pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA) test and the chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA). Thus, the recombinant protein shows promise as a new diagnostic antigen in the ELISAs.

Daclizumab high-yield process reduced the evolution of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions to T1 black holes in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In the SELECT study, treatment with daclizumab high-yield process (DAC HYP) versus placebo reduced the frequency of gadolinium-enhancing (Gd(+) ) lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The objective of this post hoc analysis of SELECT was to evaluate the effect of DAC HYP on the evolution of new Gd(+) lesions to T1 hypointense lesions (T1 black holes).

METHODS

SELECT was a randomized double-blind study of subcutaneous DAC HYP 150 or 300 mg or placebo every 4 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed at baseline and weeks 24, 36 and 52 in all patients and monthly between weeks 4 and 20 in a subset of patients. MRI scans were evaluated for new Gd(+) lesions that evolved to T1 black holes at week 52. Data for the DAC HYP groups were pooled for analysis.

RESULTS

Daclizumab high-yield process reduced the number of new Gd(+) lesions present at week 24 (P = 0.005) or between weeks 4 and 20 (P = 0.014) that evolved into T1 black holes at week 52 versus placebo. DAC HYP treatment also reduced the percentage of patients with Gd(+) lesions evolving to T1 black holes versus placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with DAC HYP reduced the evolution of Gd(+) lesions to T1 black holes versus placebo, suggesting that inflammatory lesions that evolved during DAC HYP treatment are less destructive than those evolving during placebo treatment.

Isolation and characterization of a chalcone isomerase gene promoter from potato cultivars

Chalcone isomerase (CHI) is a key enzyme involved in anthocyanin metabolism. Previous research on CHI has mainly focused on cDNA cloning and gene expression. In the current study, the 1425-bp potato CHI promoter (PCP) was isolated from four potato cultivars (Heijingang, Zhongshu 7, Désirée, and Favorita) using PCR and DNA sequencing. The PCP contained many cis-regulatory elements (CREs) related to anthocyanin metabolism, tissue specificity, light response, stress, and hormone induction. Of the PCP CREs identified, 19 were common to those found in the higher plants examined, based on plant CRE databases. Multiple sequence alignment showed six single nucleotide variation sites in PCP among the potato cultivars examined, resulting in changes in the number of CREs connected with tissue specificity, anthocyanin metabolism, and light response. The 665-bp PCP fragments from Favorita and 1425-bp PCP fragments from Heijingang were used to construct plant expression vectors, which may be a useful tool for biological engineering. A transient expression assay demonstrated that the two PCP fragments from Heijingang could direct the expression of a green fluorescent protein gene in onion epidermis and a β-glucuronidase gene in all potato tuber tissues with different colors, suggesting that the single nucleotide variation in the PCP did not affect its activity, and that silencing of the CHI gene in Favorita may be attributed to other regulatory factors.

Effect of intramuscular interferon beta-1a on gray matter atrophy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Changes in gray matter (GM) volume may be a useful measure of tissue loss in multiple sclerosis (MS).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the rate, patterns, and disability correlates of GM volume change in an MS treatment clinical trial.

METHODS

Patients (n=140) with relapsing-remitting MS were randomized to intramuscular (IM) interferon (IFN) beta-1a or placebo. Treatment effects on GM fraction (GMF) and white matter (WM) fraction (WMF) changes, differences in rates of GMF and WMF change in year one and two on treatment, and differences in atrophy rates by disease progression status were assessed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Significantly less GM atrophy (during year two), but not WM atrophy (at any point), was observed with IM IFN beta-1a compared with placebo. Pseudoatrophy effects were more apparent in WM than in GM; in year one, greater WM volume loss was observed with IM IFN beta-1a than with placebo, whereas GM volume loss was similar between groups. Risk of sustained disability progression was significantly associated with GM, but not WM, atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that GMF change is more meaningful than WMF as a marker of tissue loss and may be useful to augment whole brain atrophy measurements in MS clinical trials.

Impact of peginterferon beta-1a and disease factors on quality of life in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The Phase III ADVANCE study has shown clinical benefits for peginterferon beta-1a 125 µg dosed every 2 weeks versus placebo at 1 year in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). This study assessed the impact of peginterferon beta-1a and disease factors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using data from ADVANCE.

METHODS

HRQoL was assessed at baseline and 12, 24, and 48 weeks using the 29-item Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) and other generic HRQoL measures. Changes in scores from baseline within each group and differences in mean change from baseline between groups were evaluated. Post-hoc mixed-effects repeated measures analyses were performed to assess the impact of confirmed disability progression and relapses, and the interactions of treatment and these MS events on HRQoL. Predictors with p≥0.1 were excluded from the final models, unless they were clinically meaningful.

RESULTS

Relapses and confirmed disability progression were major drivers of HRQoL. When comparing week 48 to baseline, in placebo-treated patients (n=500), confirmed disability progression was associated with a 6.0-point worsening (p<0.0001) of MSIS-29 physical scores, relative to a 1.9-point worsening (p=0.044) with peginterferon beta-1a every 2 weeks (n=512). Such findings were observed consistently with other generic HRQoL measures. Additionally, having a recent relapse (≤29 days before the HRQoL assessment) was associated with a 10.0-point worsening (p<0.0001) of MSIS-29 psychological scores in placebo-treated patients, compared with a 3.5-point (p=0.031) worsening with peginterferon beta-1a every 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with peginterferon beta-1a could help to improve or maintain HRQoL in addition to clinical outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00906399.

A role of 1,25(OH)2D3 supplementation in rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by choline-deficient diet

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It has been reported that 1,25(OH)2D3 (1,25-VD3) ameliorates the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, it is unclear whether 1,25-VD3 plays a role in NASH induced by a choline-deficient (CD) diet. In this study, we investigated the roles of 1,25-VD3 in the development and progression of NASH in rats induced by a CD diet.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Wistar rats with NASH induced by a CD diet were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of 1, 5, or 10 μg/kg of 1,25-VD3 twice weekly for 12 weeks. The administration of 1,25-VD3 decreased free fatty acids (FFAs), triglycerides (TGs), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), the number of apoptotic cells, and the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the liver, and it improved liver histology, but it did not change the total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) in the liver. Interestingly, the level of CK18-M30 was decreased in the liver of model animals. Treatment with 1,25-VD3 may restrain the downregulation of CK18-M30 in the liver and its release into the bloodstream, thus decreasing the level of serum CK18-M30. 1,25-VD3 supplementation elevated the serum level of 25(OH)D3 and the expression of VDR in the liver. The dose-effect relationship of 1,25-VD3 indicated that 1,25-VD3 slows down the development and progression of NASH induced by a CD diet, but higher doses of 1,25-VD3 may lead to adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest the presence of both antagonistic and adverse dose-dependent effects of the long-term supplementation of 1,25-VD3 on NASH induced by a CD diet.

Hybrid silencers with micro-perforated panels and internal partitions

A sub-structuring approach, along with a unit cell treatment, is proposed to model expansion chamber silencers with internal partitions and micro-perforated panels (MPPs) in the absence of internal flow. The side-branch of the silencer is treated as a combination of unit cells connected in series. It is shown that, by connecting multiple unit cells with varying parameters, the noise attenuation bandwidth can be enlarged. With MPPs, the hybrid noise attenuation mechanism of the silencer is revealed. Depending on the size of the perforation hole, noise attenuation can be dominated by dissipative, reactive, or combined effects together. For a broadband sound absorption, the hole size, together with the perforation ratio and other parameters, can be optimized to strike a balance between the dissipative and reactive effect, for ultimately achieving the desired noise attenuation performance within a prescribed frequency region. The modular nature of the proposed formulation allows doing this in a flexible, accurate, and cost effective manner. The accuracy of the proposed approach is validated through comparisons with finite element method and experiments.

In vitro subminimum inhibitory concentrations of macrolide antibiotics induce macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma pneumoniae

AIM

This study aims to investigate the inducing effect of subminimum inhibitory concentrations of macrolide antibiotics on Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) resistance to drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One M. pneumoniae reference strain M129 (ATCC 29342) and 104 clinical isolates were incubated at 37C for 6-8 days. Genomic DNA of M. pneumoniae was extracted using TIANamp Bacteria DNA kit and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

Ten sensitive isolates obtained from 104 M. pneumoniae clinical isolates were induced by subminimum inhibitory concentrations of macrolide antibiotics. Among them, three were found to possess mutations in L4 and L22 ribosomal proteins. Two cases carried simultaneously the C162A and A430G mutations of L4 and the T279C mutation of L22. In addition, one case had only the A209T mutation of L4.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated in vitro exposure to subminimum inhibitory concentrations of macrolide antibiotics could induce selective mutations in ribosomal genes of M. pneumoniae clinical isolates that cause resistance to macrolide antibiotics. Hippokratia 2015, 19 (1): 57-62.

Natalizumab improves ambulation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: results from the prospective TIMER study and a retrospective analysis of AFFIRM

Background and purpose

Impaired ambulation is a prominent disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis and can lead to reduced quality of life. Whether natalizumab, a monoclonal antibody shown to reduce disease activity in relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis, could impact ambulation performance was examined.

Methods

A prospective open-label study, TIMER, was conducted in natalizumab-naive patients (n = 215). The timed 25-foot walk (T25FW) and timed 100-m walk (T100MW) were assessed at baseline and at weeks 24 and 48 of natalizumab therapy, together with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores. The effects of natalizumab on T25FW performance were also examined in a retrospective analysis of natalizumab-treated patients (n = 627) and placebo control patients (n = 315) from the AFFIRM study.

Results

In TIMER, a significant increase from baseline in T25FW speed was seen at week 24 (P = 0.0074) and in T100MW speed at weeks 24 and 48 (both P < 0.001). A greater proportion of patients showed clinically meaningful increases (≥20%) in walking speed on the T100MW (25%) than on the T25FW (13%) at week 48 (P = 0.032). In AFFIRM, natalizumab increased the proportion of patients with ≥20% confirmed improvement in T25FW speed at year 2 by 78% versus placebo (P = 0.0133).

Conclusions

Natalizumab increased walking speed in patients with relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis. The T100MW may be more sensitive to changes in ambulation capacity than the T25FW, and both tests appear to detect clinically meaningful improvements in ambulatory function.

Ten-year follow-up of the 'minimal MRI lesion' subgroup from the original CHAMPS Multiple Sclerosis Prevention Trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions are at high risk for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, patients with a minimal MRI lesion burden (a low T2-hyperintense [low T2] lesion count) may have borderline formal diagnostic criteria, presenting a clinical management challenge.

OBJECTIVE

Compare the 10-year disease progression of patients with low and higher T2 lesion counts treated over most intervals.

METHODS

CIS patients from the original CHAMPS MS trial were retrospectively assigned to low-T2 (first quartile; 2-8 lesions) or higher-T2 (second through fourth quartiles; ≥ 9 lesions) groups using baseline T2 lesion counts. The 5- and 10-year open-label extension of CHAMPS (CHAMPIONS) evaluated conversion to clinically definite MS (CDMS), MRI activity, relapses, and disability.

RESULTS

The vast majority of patients showed new disease activity by MRI and/or clinical criteria at 10 years (low-T2 86%; higher-T2 98%). Fewer low-T2 than higher-T2 patients developed CDMS (40% vs. 63%; p = 0.013); low-T2 patients also had fewer new brain lesions, less brain volume loss, and less disability progression.

CONCLUSION

CIS patients with low T2 lesion counts show continued disease activity. However, all assessments of disease progression over 10 years indicated a significantly less severe disease course for low-T2 patients.

Hepatocyte growth factor upregulates nexilin gene expression in cardiomyocytes via JNK pathway

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a protective factor in myocardial injury, but its mechanisms of action have not yet been fully elucidated. Nexilin, which locates specifically to the Z-disc, is a novel Z-disc protein that enables the Z-discs to persistently withstand the extreme mechanical forces generated during muscle contraction. Therefore, we investigated the role of HGF in modulating nexilin expression in hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)-treated cardiomyocytes. We cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes and treated them with HGF. The mRNA and protein levels of nexilin were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. H/R treatment decreased nexilin mRNA expression and nexilin protein levels in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, treatment with HGF upregulated nexilin expression and the JNK inhibitor SP600125 partly inhibited HGF-induced nexilin upregulation. In conclusion, our results suggest that ischemia-reperfusion injury may downregulate nexilin expression in cardiomyocytes, and HGF may exert its protective role during myocardial ischemic injury through upregulation of nexilin expression in cardiomyocytes.