Promotion of neurite outgrowth by 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone is mediated through ERK signaling pathway in Neuro2a cells

In this study, the effects of 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone (KP1), a major bioactive ingredient isolated from the Kaempferia parviflora rhizomes, on a neurite outgrowth in Neuro2a cells and its mechanism have been investigated. KP1 increased concentration-dependently the percentage of neurite-bearing cells. KP1 showed a remarkable capability to elicit neurite outgrowth in Neuro2a cells, as evidenced by morphological alterations and immunostaining using anti-class III β-tubulin and anti-NeuN antibodies. KP1 also displayed a higher neurogenic activity than retinoic acid (RA), a promoter of neurite outgrowth in Neuro2a cells. KP1 treatment caused significant elevation in phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). However, KP1-triggered neurite outgrowth was markedly inhibited by treatment with the ERK inhibitor U0126, whereas p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 and GSK-3β inhibitor SB216763 did not influence KP1-induced neurite outgrowth. These results demonstrate that KP1 elicits neurite outgrowth and triggers cell differentiation of Neuro2a cells through ERK signal pathway.

Human ST3Gal II and ST6GalNAc IV genes increase human serum-mediated cytotoxicity to xenogeneic cells

Carbohydrate-antigens widely existed on glycoproteins and glycosphingolipids of all mammalian cells play a crucial role in self-defense and immunity. Xeno-reactive antibodies included in natural human sera play a protecting role in an acute phase-rejection of xenotransplantation. In this study, we investigated the effect of an alteration of glycosylation-pattern, caused by human sialyltransferases such as hST3Gal II or hST6GalNAc IV, on human serum mediated cytotoxicity in pig kidney PK15 cells. From LDH cytotoxicity assay, cytotoxicity to human serum was significantly increased in hST3Gal II and hST6GalNAc IV-transfected PK15 cells, as compared to the control. In the hST6Gal I-carrying cells, the cytotoxicity to human serum was rather decreased. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis revealed that an alteration of pig glycosylation-pattern by hST3Gal II or hST6GalNAc IV influences on a binding of human IgM or IgG, respectively, in pig kidney cells, regardless of Gal antigen alteration. Finally, we found that hST6GalNAc IV contributed to increase of terminal disialylated tetrasaccharide structure, disialyl T antigen, as evidenced by increase of the MAL II lectin binding capacity in the hST6GalNAc IV-transfected PK15 cells, compared with control. Therefore, our results suggest that carbohydrate antigens, such as disialyl T antigen, newly synthesized by the ST3Gal II- and ST6GalNAc IV are potentially believed to be new xeno-reactive elements.

Regulatory mechanism for the human glioblastoma cell-specific expression of the human GD1c/GT1a/GQ1b synthase (hST8Sia V) gene

In this study we observed that human GD1c/GT1a/GQ1b synthase (hST8Sia V) is particularly expressed in human glioblastoma cells. To address the mechanism regulating human glioblastoma-specific gene expression of the hST8Sia V, after the transcription start site (TSS) was identified by the 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA end with total RNA from human glioblastoma U87MG cells, the 5'-flanking region (2.5 kb) of the hST8Sia V gene was isolated and its promoter activity was examined. By luciferase reporter assay, this 5'-flanking region revealed strong promoter activity in only U-87MG cells, but not in other tissue-derived cancer cells. 5'-deletion mutant analysis showed that the region from -1140 to -494 is crucial for transcription of the hST8Sia V gene in U87MG cells. This region contains the activator protein-1 (AP-1) binding site, the main target of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) downstream. The AP-1 binding site at -1043/-1037 was proved to be indispensable for the hST8Sia V gene-specific expression in U87MG cells by site-directed mutagenesis. Moreover, the transcriptional activation of hST8Sia V gene in U87MG cells was strongly inhibited by a specific JNK inhibitor, SP600125. These results suggest that the hST8Sia V gene-specific expression in U87MG cells is controlled by JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway.

T7 phage display reveals NOLC1 as a GM3 binding partner in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

Ganglioside GM3 is a simple monosialoganglioside (NeuAc-Gal-Glc-ceramide) that modulates cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Previously, we reported isolation of GM3-binding vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and transforming growth factor-β receptor by the T7 phage display method (Chung et al., 2009; Kim et al., 2013). To further identify novel proteins interacting with GM3, we extended the T7 phage display method in this study. After T7 phage display biopanning combined with immobilized biotin-labeled 3'-sialyllactose prepared on a streptavidin-coated microplate, we isolated 100 candidate sequences from the human lung cDNA library. The most frequently detected clones from the blast analysis were the human nucleolar and coiled-body phosphoprotein 1 (NOLC1) sequences. We initially identified NOLC1 as a molecule that possibly binds to GM3 and confirmed this binding ability using the glutathione S-transferase fusion protein. Herein, we report another GM3-interacting protein, NOLC1, that can be isolated by the T7 phage display method. These results are expected to be helpful for elucidating the functional roles of ganglioside GM3 with NOLC1. When human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were examined for subcellular localization of NOLC1, immunofluorescence of NOLC1 was observed in the intracellular region. In addition, NOLC1 expression was increased in the nucleolus after treatment with the anticancer drug doxorubicin. GM3 and NOLC1 levels in the doxorubicin-treated MCF-7 cells were correlated, indicating possible associations between GM3 and NOLC1. Therefore, direct interactions between carbohydrates and cellular proteins can pave the path for new signaling phenomena in biology.

Upregulation of human GD3 synthase (hST8Sia I) gene expression during serum starvation-induced osteoblastic differentiation of MG-63 cells

In this study, we have firstly elucidated that serum starvation augmented the levels of human GD3 synthase (hST8Sia I) gene and ganglioside GD3 expression as well as bone morphogenic protein-2 and osteocalcin expression during MG-63 cell differentiation using RT-PCR, qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy. To evaluate upregulation of hST8Sia I gene during MG-63 cell differentiation by serum starvation, promoter area of the hST8Sia I gene was functionally analyzed. Promoter analysis using luciferase reporter assay system harboring various constructs of the hST8Sia I gene proved that the cis-acting region at -1146/-646, which includes binding sites of the known transcription factors AP-1, CREB, c-Ets-1 and NF-κB, displays the highest level of promoter activity in response to serum starvation in MG-63 cells. The -731/-722 region, which contains the NF-κB binding site, was proved to be essential for expression of the hST8Sia I gene by serum starvation in MG-63 cells by site-directed mutagenesis, NF-κB inhibition, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Knockdown of hST8Sia I using shRNA suggested that expressions of hST8Sia I and GD3 have no apparent effect on differentiation of MG-63 cells. Moreover, the transcriptional activation of hST8Sia I gene by serum starvation was strongly hindered by SB203580, a p38MAPK inhibitor in MG-63 cells. From these results, it has been suggested that transcription activity of hST8Sia I gene by serum starvation in human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells is regulated by p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Exploring the Benefits of 3D-Printed Bolus in Cone Beam CT for Modified Radical Mastectomy Breast Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To improve the accuracy of superficial dose coverage for patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM), boluses are frequently applied to the skin surface of targeted region during radiotherapy. The irregular curvature of MRM breast cases results in discrepancies of dosimetry and poor contact. Additionally, the presence of an air gap causes unnecessary high-dose escalation and uncertainty in dose calculation, making the use of commercial flat bolus problematic. This study evaluated the effectiveness of 3D-printed bolus by comparing it to commercial bolus in setup variations and dosimetric compliance through daily cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Ten patients underwent MRM were divided into 2 groups. 5 patients treated with 0.5 cm commercial bolus as group A while the other 5 patients covered by 3D Bolus as group B. 3D bolus was made of polylactic acid filament (PLA) and contoured in advance with thickness of 0.5 cm on the surface of target. Positional errors were recorded through daily image guidance and compared with the images. Both groups had right-sided breast with neck lymph nodes involved and received 50 Gy in 25 fractions using 4 partial arcs of the volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique. The CBCTs were recalculated through treatment planning system (TPS) to assess superficial dose coverage. A two-tailed student's t-test was applied.

RESULTS

Groups A and B pitch angles were -0.203 ± 0.837° and 0.334 ± 0.909° (p = 0.0003). Roll angle were 0.313 ± 0.728° and -0.633 ± 1.286° (p = 0.0000013). Yaw angle were -0.034 ± 0.872° and 0.018 ± 0.883° (p = 0.721). There was a trend of differences in the Z-axis and significant statistical differences in the pitch and roll angles due to aligning gel layers directly with group A's body surface, while 3D bolus rigidly adherence to group B's delineated curve. In the planned target volume (PTV), the CI and HI of group A were 0.9448±0.0208 and 1.2061±0.0448, respectively, while 0.9776±0.0144 and 1.1472±0.0206 (p<0.005) were for group B. As for the superficial region, which is defined from body surface to 0.5cm inside PTV, CI and HI of A were 0.8290±0.0599 and 1.4675±0.2434, while for B, they were 0.9753±0.0214 and 1.1330±0.0126, respectively (p<0.005).

CONCLUSION

The study analyzed the results through image comparison and investigated the CI and HI between two types of boluses. The 3D bolus reduces setup errors and improves dose coverage especially when superficial region is concerned. Better consistency of patient repositioning and dosimetry can be achieved and proved by daily assessment of CBCT scan. The customization of 3D bolus with integration of TPS and CT scans provides a solution to the inadequacies of commercial bolus. The results suggest that the use of 3D bolus is a promising development in radiation therapy for MRM breast cancer patients.

The Effectiveness of Music Interventions for Improving Anxiety Symptoms in Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Being alone in the treatment room during radiation therapy (RT) often causes anxiety which may lead to treatment failure. The benefit of music interventions in reducing anxiety among cancer patients during RT simulations is still controversial. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of music on anxiety symptoms among patients undergoing initial RT and a randomized trial was conducted.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients who received RT for the first time were enrolled and were randomly allocated into groups of experiment and control. The questionnaire of mood thermometer (BSRS-5), distress thermometer (DT), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI-C) and were given before and after RT. We also measured the changes in physiological symptoms for ten consecutive days since the first day of RT. The experimental group was given music during RT, while the control group was not. The generalized linear mixed model was used to estimate the pre-post difference of music interventions on the BSRS-5, DT, and BAI-C compared with control group after considering the random intercept and the unstructured residual variance-covariance matrix.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients in the experimental group and 50 patients in the control group were enrolled in this study. The satisfaction degree of treatment in the experimental group was 100%, but it was 96% in control group (p = 0.0048). The pre-test BSRS-5 was 3.4±2.3 for the experimental group versus 2.6±2.3 for the control group (p = 0.0815), the post-test BSRS-5 score was significantly reduced in the experimental group (1.6±1.4 for experimental group versus 2.7±2.2 for the control group, p = 0.0057), the significant pre-post difference of BSRS-5 between group was found (p = 0.0024). When the experimental group withdrew from the music intervention, the BSRS-5 rebounded to 3.7±3.0. The pre-test DT was 4.3±1.5 and 3.4±1.7 in the experimental group and control group (p = 0.0051), and the post-test DT score was significantly reduced in the experimental group (2.7±1.2 for the experimental group and 3.5±1.3 for the control group, p = 0.0021), the significant pre-post difference of DT between group was found (p<.0001). When the experimental group withdrew from the music intervention, the DT rebounded to 3.7±1.4. The pre-test BAI-C was 6.7±11.7 and 7.8±8.5 in the experimental group and control group (p = 0.5878), and the post-test BAI-C score was significantly lower in the experimental group (1.7±3.7 for the experimental group and 7.4±8.0 for the control group, p<.0001), however, the pre-post difference of BAI-C between group was not significant (p = 0.0619). When the experimental group withdrew from the music intervention, the BAI-C rebounded to 6.5±8.7. There is a significantly increased systolic blood pressure in the control group compared with the patients had music intervention.

CONCLUSION

This study's results provide evidence that playing music routinely (music intervention) during RT can be an excellent way to relieve patients' anxiety and improve their comfort.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Small Intact Brain Metastasis: A Comparative Evaluation of 3 Different Single Fraction Prescription Doses

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

While single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the treatment of small brain metastases (SBM, ≤ 2 cm) is well established, prescription dosing varies considerably across institutions and clinical trials. The choice of prescription dose is a delicate balance between local failure (LF) and radiation necrosis (RN) risks. In the modern era, historically-established dosing thresholds may no longer be applicable. To evaluate the impact of prescription dose on outcomes, we performed a comparative analysis of patients with SBM treated with definitive SRS using three different prescriptions, at a single tertiary institution.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Consecutive patients with intact SBM treated with SRS from January 2017 and December 2021 were analyzed. Baseline patient characteristics and dosing parameters were abstracted from the medical record. To limit the integral brain dose when treating multiple brain metastases, the institutional practice was to reduce prescription dose as the total number of lesions increased (i.e., 24 Gy for ≤10 lesions, 22 Gy for 11-20, and 20 Gy for >20). A per lesion analysis, where each lesion was followed from the date of SRS to the last follow-up, was conducted with primary endpoints of LF and RN. Gray's test was used to compare the cumulative incidence of the LF and RN, with death as a competing risk. Factors affecting LF were analyzed using Cox hazard regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1318 SBM in 250 patients received SRS and met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 62 years (range: 18-90), median KPS was 90 (range: 50-100) and 66% were female. The most common primary tumors were lung (55.5%) and breast cancers (26.4%). With a median follow-up of 12 months, 136 (11%) LF in 44 patients and 70 (5.7%) RN events in 46 patients occurred. The actuarial 1-year cumulative rate of LF was lower in lesions treated with 24 Gy (6.4%, 95% CI: 4.7-8.6%) or 22 Gy (5.8%, 95% CI: 3.7-8.7%) compared to 20 Gy (15.4%, 95% CI: 10.9-20.5%) (p<0.01). 22 Gy and 24 Gy prescription doses were associated with a 44% and 52% reduction in risk in LF compared to 20 Gy (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.36-0.9; p = 0.01 and HR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.31-0.74; p<0.01, respectively). In a subset analysis of radiosensitive tumors, 1-year LF rate was still lower with 24 Gy (7.4%, 95% CI: 5.3-9.9%) and 22 Gy (6.1%, 95% CI: 3.7-9.4%) than 20 Gy (15.7%, 95% CI: 11.2-21%) (p = 0.01). The cumulative 1-year RN rate numerically declined with dose, but was not statistically significantly different, with 3.6% (95% CI: 2.3-5.3%) for 24 Gy, 2.6% (95% CI: 1.3-4.8%) for 22 Gy and 1.4% (95% CI: 0.4-3.7%) for 20 Gy.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with single fraction SRS to intact SBM were at increased risk of LF with prescription doses of 20 Gy compared to 22-24 Gy, without an increased risk of RN. Even in patients with radiosensitive histologies, higher LF rates were still observed following 20 Gy compared to 22-24 Gy.

Src Kinase Activates Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 to Enhance Radioresistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known to be insensitive to radiation therapy, and it requires to development radiosensitizer for TNBC.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We previously established a radioresistant sub-line from MDA-MB-231 cells, called 231-RR, and have demonstrated that 231-RR cells displayed high cancer stem cell (CSC) activity. And 231-RR cells were treated with dasatinib, a Src inhibitor.

RESULTS

In the present study, we discovered that the activation of Src kinase was increased in 231-RR cells. Treatment of dasatinib, an Src inhibitor, sensitized 231-RR cells to radiotherapy, along with the increased p-γH2Axser139, indicated the enhancement of DNA damage. Dasatinib also caused the downregulation of cancer stemness factors, including c-Myc, OCT4, and the Notch intracellular domain, as well as the decrease of phosphorylation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). The treatment of C188-9, a STAT3 inhibitor, also sensitized 231-RR cells toward radiotherapy along with the increased p-γH2Axser139, but without changing the phosphorylation of Src, indicating that STAT3 is a downstream event of Src activation.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our data suggests that the inhibitors of Src or STAT3 could function as radiosensitizers or CSC targeting agents for TNBC radiotherapy.

Up-regulation of inflammatory reactions by MPT32, a secreted protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in RAW264.7 macrophages

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and is still one of the global health burdens. The occurrence of various cases and multidrug resistance confirm that TB has not been completely conquered. For these reasons, the present research has been conducted to explore TB vaccine and drug candidate possibility using Mtb-secreted proteins. Among these proteins, MPT32 is known to have antigenicity and immunogenicity. There has not been a report on the host immune responses and regulation in macrophage cells. The present study was conducted with MPT32 in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells that control immune responses by sensing pathogen invasion and environmental change. We have found that MPT32 could activate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced gene expression of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells. After treating cells with MPT32, the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6, was observed. In addition, activated macrophages expressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to generate various inflammatory mediator molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO). The increase in iNOS and COX-2 levels, which are up-regulators of MMP-9 expression, was also confirmed. The biochemical events are involved in the downstream of activated MAPK signaling and translocation of NF-κ B transcription factor. The present results prove the immunomodulatory effect of MPT32 in the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. it claims the possibility of a TB vaccination and drug candidate using MPT32, contributing to the prevention of TB.

Transcription of human β-galactoside α2,6-sialyltransferase (hST6Gal I) is downregulated by curcumin through AMPK signaling in human colon carcinoma HCT116 cells

BACKGROUND

In this study, we observed that in human colon carcinoma HCT116 cells mRNA level of the human β-galactoside α2,6-sialyltransferase (hST6Gal I) was decreased by curcumin. FACS analysis using the α2,6-sialyl-specific lectin (SNA) also showed a noticeable decrease in binding to SNA by curcumin.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism for curcumin-triggered downregulation of hST6Gal I transcription.

METHODS

The mRNA levels of nine kinds of hST genes were assessed by RT-PCR after curcumin was treated in HCT116 cells. The level of hST6Gal I product on cell surface was examined by flow cytometry analysis. Luciferase reporter plasmids with 5'-deleted constructs and mutants of the hST6Gal I promoter were transiently transfected into HCT116 cells, and the luciferase activity was measured after treatment with curcumin.

RESULTS

Curcumin led to significant transcriptional repression of the hST6Gal I promoter. Promoter analysis using deletion mutants proved that the - 303 to - 189 region of the hST6Gal I promoter is required for transcriptional repression in response to curcumin. Among putative binding sites for transcription factors IK2, GATA1, TCF12, TAL1/E2A, SPT, and SL1 in this region, by site-directed mutagenesis analysis the TAL/E2A binding site (nucleotides - 266/- 246) was proved to be crucial for curcumin-triggered downregulation of hST6Gal I transcription in HCT116 cells. The transcription activity of hST6Gal I gene in HCT116 cells was markedly suppressed by compound C, an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

These indicate that gene expression of hST6Gal I in HCT116 cells is controlled through AMPK/TAL/E2A signal pathway.

Involvement of the p38 MAPK-NLRC4-Caspase-1 Pathway in Ionizing Radiation-Enhanced Macrophage IL-1β Production

Macrophages are abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and are crucial in regulating tumor malignancy. We previously reported that ionizing radiation (IR) increases the production of interleukin (IL)-1β in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages, contributing to the malignancy of colorectal cancer cells; however, the mechanism remained unclear. Here, we show that IR increases the activity of cysteine-aspartate-specific protease 1 (caspase-1), which is regulated by the inflammasome, and cleaves premature IL-1β to mature IL-1β in RAW264.7 macrophages. Irradiated RAW264.7 cells showed increased expression of NLRC4 inflammasome, which controls the activity of caspase-1 and IL-1β production. Silencing of NLRC4 using RNA interference inhibited the IR-induced increase in IL-1β production. Activation of the inflammasome can be regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)s in macrophages. In RAW264.7 cells, IR increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Moreover, a selective inhibitor of p38 MAPK inhibited LPS-induced IL-1β production and NLRC4 inflammasome expression in irradiated RAW264.7 macrophages. Our results indicate that IR-induced activation of the p38 MAPK-NLRC4-caspase-1 activation pathway in macrophages increases IL-1β production in response to LPS.

Curcumin-mediated transcriptional regulation of human N-acetylgalactosamine-α2,6-sialyltransferase which synthesizes sialyl-Tn antigen in HCT116 human colon cancer cells

Human N-acetylgalactosamine-α2,6-sialyltransferase (hST6GalNAc I) is the major enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of sialyl-Tn antigen (sTn), which is known to be expressed in more than 80% of human carcinomas and correlated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Athough high expression of hST6GalNAc I is associated with augmented proliferation, migration and invasion in various cancer cells, transcriptional mechanism regulating hST6GalNAc I gene expression remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that hST6GalNAc I gene expression was markedly augmented by curcumin in HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells. To understand the molecular mechanism for the upregulation of hST6GalNAc I gene expression by curcumin in HCT116 cells, we first determined the transcriptional start site of hST6GalNAc I gene by 5′-RACE and cloned the proximal hST6GalNAc I 5′-flanking region spanning about 2 kb by PCR. Functional analysis of the hST6GalNAc I 5′ flanking region of hST6GalNAc I by sequential 5′-deletion, transient transfection of reporter gene constructs and luciferase reporter assays showed that -378/-136 region is essential for maximal activation of transcription in response to curcumin in HCT 116 cells. This region includes putative binding sites for transcription factors c-Ets-1, NF-1, GATA-1, ER-α, YY1, and GR-α. ChIP analysis and site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that estrogen receptor α (ER-α) binding site (nucleotides -248/-238) in this region is crucial for hST6GalNAc I gene transcription in response to curcumin stimulation in HCT116 cells. The transcription activity of hST6GalNAc I gene induced by curcumin in HCT116 cells was strongly inhibited by PKC inhibitor (Gö6983) and ERK inhibitor (U0126). These results suggest that curcumin-induced hST6GalNAc I gene expression in HCT116 cells is modulated through PKC/ERKs signal pathway.

Host Genetic Associations with Salivary Microbiome in Oral Cancer

Despite the growing recognition of a host genetic effect on shaping gut microbiota composition, the genetic determinants of oral microbiota remain largely unexplored, especially in the context of oral diseases. Here, we performed a microbiome genome-wide association study in 2 independent cohorts of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC, n = 144 and 67) and an additional group of noncancer individuals (n = 104). Besides oral bacterial dysbiosis and signatures observed in OSCC, associations of 3 loci with the abundance of genus-level taxa and 4 loci with β diversity measures were detected (q < 0.05) at the discovery stage. The most significant hit (rs10906082 with the genus Lachnoanaerobaculum, P = 3.55 × 10^-9 at discovery stage) was replicated in a second OSCC cohort. Moreover, the other 2 taxonomical associations, rs10973953 with the genus Kingella (P = 1.38 × 10^-9) and rs4721629 with the genus Parvimonas (P = 3.53 × 10^-8), were suggestive in the meta-analysis combining 2 OSCC cohorts. Further pathway analysis revealed that these loci were enriched for genes in regulation of oncogenic and angiogenic responses, implicating a genetic anchor to the oral microbiome in estimation of casual relationships with OSCC. Our findings delineate the role of host genotypes in influencing the structure of oral microbial communities.

Using the Goldilocks Principle to model coral ecosystem engineering

The occurrence and proliferation of reef-forming corals is of vast importance in terms of the biodiversity they support and the ecosystem services they provide. The complex three-dimensional structures engineered by corals are comprised of both live and dead coral, and the function, growth and stability of these systems will depend on the ratio of both. To model how the ratio of live : dead coral may change, the ‘Goldilocks Principle’ can be used, where organisms will only flourish if conditions are ‘just right’. With data from particle imaging velocimetry and numerical smooth particle hydrodynamic modelling with two simple rules, we demonstrate how this principle can be applied to a model reef system, and how corals are effectively optimizing their own local flow requirements through habitat engineering. Building on advances here, these approaches can be used in conjunction with numerical modelling to investigate the growth and mortality of biodiversity supporting framework in present-day and future coral reef structures.

Avenanthramide C Suppresses Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression and Migration Through the MAPK/NF- κB Signaling Pathway in TNF-α-Activated HASMC Cells

In oat ingredients, flavonoids and phenolic acids are known to be the most important phenolic compounds. In phenolic compounds, wide-ranging biological responses, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-cancer properties, were reported. Avenanthramide C (Avn C), a component of the phenolic compound of oats, has been reported to be highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, but its role in an anti-atherosclerosis response is unknown. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of Avn C on expression of MMP-9 on TNF-α-activated human arterial smooth-muscle cells (HASMC) and signaling involved in its anti-atherosclerosis activity. HASMC cells are known to produce inflammatory cytokines involving IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α during arteriosclerosis activity. Avn C specifically reduced IL-6 secretion in HASMC cells. Furthermore, we investigated whether Avn C could inhibit NF-κB nuclear protein translocation. Avn C suppressed nuclear protein translocation of NF-κB in TNF-α-stimulated HASMCs. The MMP-9 enzyme activity and expression are controlled through the MAPKs signaling path during the Avn C treatment. We confirmed that the levels of wound healing (p-value = 0.013, *p < 0.05) and migration (p-value = 0.007, **p < 0.01) are inhibited by 100 ng/ml TNF-α and 100 μM Avn C co-treated. Accordingly, Avn C inhibited the expression of MMP-9 and cell migration through the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in TNF-α-activated HASMC. Therefore, Avn C can be identified and serve as disease prevention material and remedy for atherosclerosis.

4-O-methylascochlorin attenuates inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide in RAW 264.7 macrophages

Inflammation is implicated in various diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. Ascochlorin (ASC) and its derivatives have been shown to modulate inflammatory responses in many previous studies. However, the effects of 4-O-methylascochlorin (MAC), one of the ASC derivatives, on inflammatory responses have yet to be reported. In addition, the consequences of chemical modification of ASC on protein signaling and immunity have yet to be fully understood. The fourth carbon in MAC is methylated, which may result in modulation of immune response differently compared with ASC. Hence, we have investigated the role of MAC in inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide in murine macrophage cells. Here, we found that MAC treatment decreased the inflammatory response by murine macrophages. When murine macrophages were treated with MAC, the transcription and translation of various pro-inflammatory indicators such as iNOS and COX-2 decreased. In addition, the ELISA results showed that the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, which are pro-inflammatory cytokines, was successfully decreased by MAC. Such effects of MAC appear to be mediated via downregulation of MAPK signaling and the transactivational activity of NF-κB. Lipopolysaccharide upregulates MAPK protein phosphorylation and NF-κB translocation, which in turn enhances the transactivation of genes related to NF-κB. Such results of lipopolysaccharide were attenuated by MAC. Collectively, our results indicate that MAC alleviated the inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide in murine macrophages successfully by modulating MAPK signaling pathway and NF-κB-related genes. This study shows that MAC, similar to other ASC derivatives, can potentially be used therapeutically to reduce the harmful damage induced by prolonged inflammation. In addition, the structural differences between ASC and its derivatives as well as their effect on intracellular signaling will also be discussed.

Tipping the immunostimulatory and inhibitory DAMP balance to harness immunogenic cell death

Induction of tumor cell death is the therapeutic goal for most anticancer drugs. Yet, a mode of drug-induced cell death, known as immunogenic cell death (ICD), can propagate antitumoral immunity to augment therapeutic efficacy. Currently, the molecular hallmark of ICD features the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) by dying cancer cells. Here, we show that gemcitabine, a standard chemotherapy for various solid tumors, triggers hallmark immunostimualtory DAMP release (e.g., calreticulin, HSP70, and HMGB1); however, is unable to induce ICD. Mechanistic studies reveal gemcitabine concurrently triggers prostaglandin E2 release as an inhibitory DAMP to counterpoise the adjuvanticity of immunostimulatory DAMPs. Pharmacological blockade of prostaglandin E2 biosythesis favors CD103+ dendritic cell activation that primes a Tc1-polarized CD8+ T cell response to bolster tumor rejection. Herein, we postulate that an intricate balance between immunostimulatory and inhibitory DAMPs could determine the outcome of drug-induced ICD and pose COX-2/prostaglandin E2 blockade as a strategy to harness ICD.

Regulation of human β-galactoside α2,6-sialyltransferase (hST6Gal I) gene expression during differentiation of human osteoblastic MG-63 cells

In this study, we found that gene expression of the human β-galactoside α2,6-sialyltransferase (hST6Gal I) was specifically increased during differentiation of human MG-63 osteoblastic cells by serum starvation (SS). In parallel, a distinct increase in binding to SNA, the α2,6-sialyl-specific lectin, was observed in serum-starved cells, as demonstrated by FACS analysis. 5'-Rapid amplification of cDNA ends analysis demonstrated that the increase of hST6Gal I transcript by SS is mediated by P1 promoter. To elucidate transcriptional regulation of hST6Gal I in SS-induced MG-63 cells, we functionally characterized the P1 promoter region of the hST6Gal I gene. The 5'-deletion analysis of P1 promoter region revealed that the 189 bp upstream region of transcription start site is critical for transcriptional activity of hST6Gal I gene in SS-induced MG-63 cells. This region contains the predicted binding sites for several transcription factors, including AREB6, FOXP1, SIX3, HNF1, YY2, and MOK2. The mutagenesis analysis for these sites and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that the YY2 binding site at -98 to -77 was essential for the SS-induced hST6Gal I gene expression during differentiation of MG-63 cells.

Patterns of COVID-19 on computed tomography imaging

PURPOSE

As the designated tertiary referral centre for infectious diseases in Hong Kong, our hospital received the city's first group of patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Herein, we studied the earliest patients admitted to our centre in order to clarify the typical radiological findings, particularly computed tomography (CT) findings, associated with COVID-19.

METHODS

From 22 January 2020 to 29 February 2020, 19 patients with confirmed COVID-19 underwent high-resolution or conventional CT scans of the thorax in our centre. The CT imaging findings of these patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Hong Kong were reviewed in this study.

RESULTS

Ground-glass opacities (GGO) with peripheral subpleural distribution were found in all patients (100%). No specific zonal predominance was observed. All lobes were involved in 16 (84.2%) patients, focal subsegmental consolidations were observed in 14 (73.7%) patients, and interlobular septal thickening was present in 12 (63.2%) patients. No mediastinal lymph node enlargement, centrilobular nodule, or pleural effusion was detected in any of the patients. Other imaging features present in several patients include bronchial dilatation, bronchial wall thickening, and crazy-paving patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral subpleural GGO without zonal predominance in the absence of centrilobular nodule, pleural effusion, and lymph node enlargement were consistent findings in patients with confirmed COVID-19. The observed radiological patterns on CT scans can help identify COVID-19 and assess affected patients in the context of the ongoing outbreak.

Poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) gel polymer electrolyte incorporating with water-soluble sodium sulfide salt for quasi-solid-state quantum dot-sensitized solar cell

Rapid decay of photoanode, leakage from sealant, and evaporation of electrolyte are always the major concerns of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) based on liquid electrolyte. Subsequently, gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) appears as an attractive solution in addition to lower cost, lighter weight, and flexibility. Poly(acrylamide- co-acrylic acid) (PAAm-PAA) is of special interest to act as a polymer host to entrap liquid electrolyte because it provides high transparency, good gelatinizing properties, and excellent compatibility with the liquid electrolyte. In this work, the electrical and transport properties of PAAm-PAA GPE incorporating with water-soluble sodium sulfide were characterized by impedance spectroscopy. An increment of ionic conductivity was observed with the incorporation of ethylene carbonate (EC) and potassium chloride (KCl). The highest room temperature ionic conductivity of PAAm-PAA GPE is 70.82 mS·cm−1. QDSC based on PAAm-PAA GPE with the composition of 1.3 wt% of KCl, 0.9 wt% of EC, 55.3 wt% of PAAm-PAA, 38.5 wt% of sodium sulfide, and 4.0 wt% of sulfur can present up to 1.80% of light-to-electricity conversion efficiency.

3'-sialyllactose targets cell surface protein, SIGLEC-3, and induces megakaryocyte differentiation and apoptosis by lipid raft-dependent endocytosis

3'-sialyllactose is one of the abundant components in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that protect infants from various viral infections in early stages of immune system development. 3SL is a combination of lactose and sialic acid. Most sialic acids are widely expressed in animal cells and they bind to siglec proteins. In this study, we demonstrate that 3SL specifically binds to CD33. It induces megakaryocyte differentiation and subsequent apoptosis by targeting cell surface protein siglec-3 (CD33) in human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells. The 3SL-bound CD33 was internalized to the cytosol via caveolae-dependent endocytosis. At the molecular level, 3SL-bound CD33 recruits the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP1). SOCS3 is degraded with CD33 by proteasome degradation, while SHP-1 activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) to induce megakaryocytic differentiation and subsequent apoptosis. The present study, therefore, suggests that 3SL is a potential anti-leukemia agent affecting differentiation and apoptosis.

Ascochlorin induces caspase-independent necroptosis in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plant-specific fungus of natural compound of Ascochyta viciae has traditionally been used in the treatment of sleeping sickness and tumors. The anti-tumor activities of the compounds obtained from Pisum sativum L were evaluated in this study.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, during the prolonged incubation, treatment of the LPS-stimulated tumor-like macrophage RAW 264.7 cells with ASC exhibited the shift of anti-inflammatory behavior to a type of necroptotic cell death named necroptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ascochlorin (ASC) purified from plant-specific fungus Ascochyta viciae is a natural compound with the trimethyl oxocyclohexyl structure and an anti-cancer and antibiotic agent. The fungus contributes to the Ascochyta blight disease complex of pea (Pisum sativum L). RAW 264.7 cells have been stimulated with LPS and treated with ASC. Cell viability of the LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) cells were examined. Flow cytometry analysis with 7AAD and Annexin V was examined for the apoptotic or necroptosis/late-apoptosis. Cleaved caspase-3, -7 and -8 as well as cleaved PARP were assessed with a caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk. LPS-responsible human leukemic U937 and colon cancer SW480 and HT-29 cells were also examined for the cell viabilities.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry analysis after Annexin V and 7AAD double staining showed that ASC alone induces apoptosis in RAW 264.7 cells, while it induces necroptosis/late-apoptosis in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. 7AAD and Annexin V positive populations were increased in the LPS-treated cells with ASC. Although viability of LPS-treated cells with ASC was decreased, the amounts of cleaved caspase-3, -7 and -8 as well as cleaved PARP were reduced when compared with ASC-treated cells. Upon ASC treatment, the cleaved caspase-8 level was not changed, however, cleaved caspase-3, -7, and PARP were reduced in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells treated with ASC, claiming a caspase-8 independent necroptosis of ASC. Furthermore, ASC and LPS-cotreated cells which a caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk, was pretreated, showed the decreased cell viability compared with control cells without the inhibitor. Cell viability of RAW 264.7 cells co-treated with ASC and LPS when treated with z-VAD was decreased. In the LPS-responsible human leukemic U937 and colon cancer SW480 and HT-29 cells, cell viabilities were decreased by 10 μM ASC.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged stimulation of ASC with LPS induces the necroptosis in RAW cells. Activated immune cells may share the susceptibility of antitumor agents with the cancer cells.

Fuel-Composition Dependent Reactor Antineutrino Yield at RENO

We report a fuel-dependent reactor electron antineutrino (ν[over ¯]_{e}) yield using six 2.8 GW_{th} reactors in the Hanbit nuclear power plant complex, Yonggwang, Korea. The analysis uses 850 666 ν[over ¯]_{e} candidate events with a background fraction of 2.0% acquired through inverse beta decay (IBD) interactions in the near detector for 1807.9 live days from August 2011 to February 2018. Based on multiple fuel cycles, we observe a fuel ^{235}U dependent variation of measured IBD yields with a slope of (1.51±0.23)×10^{-43}  cm^{2}/fission and measure a total average IBD yield of (5.84±0.13)×10^{-43}  cm^{2}/fission. The hypothesis of no fuel-dependent IBD yield is ruled out at 6.6σ. The observed IBD yield variation over ^{235}U isotope fraction does not show significant deviation from the Huber-Mueller (HM) prediction at 1.3 σ. The measured fuel-dependent variation determines IBD yields of (6.15±0.19)×10^{-43} and (4.18±0.26)×10^{-43}  cm^{2}/fission for two dominant fuel isotopes ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu, respectively. The measured IBD yield per ^{235}U fission shows the largest deficit relative to the HM prediction. Reevaluation of the ^{235}U IBD yield per fission may mostly solve the reactor antineutrino anomaly (RAA) while ^{239}Pu is not completely ruled out as a possible contributor to the anomaly. We also report a 2.9 σ correlation between the fractional change of the 5 MeV excess and the reactor fuel isotope fraction of ^{235}U.

4-O-Carboxymethylascochlorin Inhibits Expression Levels of on Inflammation-Related Cytokines and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Through NF-κB/MAPK/TLR4 Signaling Pathway in LPS-Activated RAW264.7 Cells

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are known to play important roles in inflammatory diseases such as arteriosclerosis and plaque instability. The purpose of this study was to perform the effect of 4-O-carboxymethylascochlorin (AS-6) on MMP-9 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophages and signaling pathway involved in its anti-inflammatory effect. Effect of AS-6 on MAPK/NF-κB/TLR4 signaling pathway in LPS-activated murine macrophages was examined using ELISA, Western blotting, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluorescence immunoassay. MMP-9 enzyme activity was examined by gelatin zymography. AS-6 significantly suppressed MMP-9 and MAPK/NF-κB expression levels in LPS-stimulated murine macrophages. Expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), COX2, MMP-9, JNK, ERK, p38 phosphorylation, and NF-κB stimulated by LPS were also decreased by AS-6. Moreover, AS-6 suppressed TLR4 expression and dysregulated LPS-induced activators of transcription signaling pathway. The results of this study showed that AS-6 can inhibit LPS-stimulated inflammatory response by suppressing TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signals, suggesting that AS-6 can be used to induce the stability of atherosclerotic plaque and prevent inflammatory diseases in an in vitro model.

Intestine specific regulation of pig cytidine-5'-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase gene for N-glycolylneuraminic acid biosynthesis

N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), a generic form of sialic acid, is enzymatically synthesized by cytidine-5′-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH). Although expression of pig CMAH gene pcmah encoding CMAH has been reported to be regulated by pathogenic infection and developmental processes, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the regulation of pcmah gene expression. The objective of this study was to determine mechanism(s) involved in intestine specific regulation of pcmah gene by identifying several cis-acting elements and nuclear transcription factors that could directly interact with these cis-acting elements. We identified intestine specific promoter region (Pi) of pcmah gene located at upstream regions of the 5′flanking region of exon 1a and found that the promoter region is responsible for the transcriptional regulation of 5′pcmah-1. Based on reporter assays using serially constructed luciferase genes with each deleted promoter, we demonstrated that the Pi promoter activity was more active in intestinal IPI-2I cells than that in kidney PK15 cells, corresponding to both mRNA expression patterns in the two cell lines. In addition, we found that Sp1 transcription factor was necessary for basal activity of Pi promoter and that Ets-1 contributed to intestine-specific activity of Pi promoter. This study helps us understand transcriptional regulation of pcmah in the intestine of pig tissues. It also allows us to consider potential roles of Neu5Gc in interaction with environmental factors present in the intestinal tissue during pathogenic infection and developmental process.

4-O-carboxymethylascochlorin protected against microglial-mediated neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y and BV2 cocultured cells from LPS-induced neuroinflammation and death by inhibiting MAPK, NF-κB, and Akt pathways

In our previous studies, structurally similar compounds of ascochlorin and ascofuranone exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. Neural inflammation plays a significant role in the commence and advancement of neurodegenerative diseases. It is not known whether 4-O-carboxymethylascochlorin (AS-6) regulates the initial stage of inflammatory responses at the cellular level in BV2 microglia cells. We here investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of AS-6 treatment in microglia cells with the microglial protection in neurons. We found that the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated production of nitric oxide, a main regulator of inflammation, is suppressed by AS-6 in BV2 microglial cells. In addition, AS-6 dose-dependently suppressed the increase in COX-2 protein and messenger RNA levels in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Moreover, AS-6 inhibited the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglial cells. At the intracellular level, AS-6 inhibited LPS-activated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in BV2 microglial cells. AS-6 negatively affected mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and Akt phosphorylation: Phosphorylated forms of ERK, JNK, p38, and Akt decreased. To check whether AS-6 protects against inflammatory inducer-mediated neurotoxicity, neuronal SH-SY5Y cells were coincubated with BV2 cells in conditioned medium. AS-6 exerted a neuroprotective effect by suppressing microglial activation by LPS or amyloid-β peptide. AS-6 is a promising suppressor of inflammatory responses in LPS-induced BV2 cells by attenuating NF-κB and MAPKs signaling. AS-6 protected against microglial-mediated neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y and BV2 cocultured cells from LPS-induced neuroinflammation and death via inhibiting MAPK, NF-κB, and Akt pathways.

Esculentoside B inhibits inflammatory response through JNK and downstream NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-triggered murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells

Natural compound esculentoside B (EsB), (2S,4aR,6aR,6aS,6bR,8aR,9R,10R,11S,12aR,14bS)-11-hydroxy-9-(hydroxymethyl)-2 methoxycarbonyl-2,6a,6b,9,12a-pentamethyl-10-[(2S,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylic acid with molecular weight of 664.833, isolated from roots of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb has been widely used as a constituent of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the anti-inflammatory capacity of EsB has not been reported yet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate anti-inflammatory activities of EsB in LPS-treated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. EsB could inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production. EsB also suppressed gene and protein expression levels of inducible isoform of NO synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, EsB decreased gene expression and protein secretion levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. EsB remarkably suppressed nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) from cytosolic space. Phosphorylation of IκB was also inhibited by EsB. Moreover, EsB specifically down-regulated phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), but not p-p38 or phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2). Taken together, these results suggest that EsB has inhibitory effect on inflammatory response by inactivating NF-κB and p-JNK. It could be used as a new modulatory drug for effective treatment of inflammation-related diseases.

Esculentoside H inhibits colon cancer cell migration and growth through suppression of MMP-9 gene expression via NF-kB signaling pathway

A water-soluble saponin, Esculentoside H (EsH), 3-O-(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-xylopyranosyl)-28-β-d-glucopyranosylphytolaccagenin has been isolated and purified from the root extract of perennial plant Phytolacca esculenta. EsH is known to be an anticancer compound, having a capacity for TNF-α release. However, the effects of EsH on migration and growth in tumor cells have not yet been reported. In the current study, the suppressive effects of EsH on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced cell migration were examined in murine colon cancer CT26 cells and human colon cancer HCT116 cells. Interestingly, the transwell assay and wound healing show that EsH suppresses the PMA-induced migration and growth potential of HCT116 and CT26 colon cancer cells, respectively. EsH dose-dependently suppressed matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) expression that was upregulated upon PMA treatment in messenger RNA levels and protein secretion. Since the expression of MMP-9 is correlated with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, it has been examined whether EsH inhibits PMA-induced IκB phosphorylation that leads to the suppression of NK-κB nuclear translocation. EsH repressed the phosphorylation level of JNK, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 signaling when the cells were treated with PMA. Overall, these results demonstrated that EsH could suppress cancer migration through blockage of the JNK1/2 and NF-κB signaling-mediated MMP-9 expression.

Measurement of Reactor Antineutrino Oscillation Amplitude and Frequency at RENO

The RENO experiment reports more precisely measured values of θ_{13} and |Δm_{ee}^{2}| using ∼2200 live days of data. The amplitude and frequency of reactor electron antineutrino (ν[over ¯]_{e}) oscillation are measured by comparing the prompt signal spectra obtained from two identical near and far detectors. In the period between August 2011 and February 2018, the far (near) detector observed 103 212 (850 666) ν[over ¯]_{e} candidate events with a background fraction of 4.8% (2.0%). A clear energy and baseline dependent disappearance of reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} is observed in the deficit of the measured number of ν[over ¯]_{e}. Based on the measured far-to-near ratio of prompt spectra, we obtain sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.0896±0.0048(stat)±0.0047(syst) and |Δm_{ee}^{2}|=[2.68±0.12(stat)±0.07(syst)]×10^{-3}  eV^{2}.

Comparison of endothelial cell attachment on surfaces of biodegradable polymer-coated magnesium alloys in a microfluidic environment

Polymeric coatings can provide temporary stability to bioresorbable metallic stents at the initial stage of deployment by alleviating rapid degradation and providing better interaction with surrounding vasculature. To understand this interfacing biocompatibility, this study explored the endothelial-cytocompatibility of polymer-coated magnesium (Mg) alloys under static and dynamic conditions compared to that of non-coated Mg alloy surfaces. Poly (carbonate urethane) urea (PCUU) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were coated on Mg alloys (WE43, AZ31, ZWEKL, ZWEKC) and 316L stainless steel (316L SS, control sample), which were embedded into a microfluidic device to simulate a vascular environment with dynamic flow. The results from attachment and viability tests showed that more cells were attached on the polymer-coated Mg alloys than on non-coated Mg alloys in both static and dynamic conditions. In particular, the attachment and viability on PCUU-coated surfaces were significantly higher than that of PLGA-coated surfaces of WE43 and ZWEKC in both static and dynamic conditions, and of AZ31 in dynamic conditions (P<0.05). The elementary distribution map showed that there were relatively higher Carbon weight percentages and lower Mg weight percentages on PCUU-coated alloys than PLGA-coated alloys. Various levels of pittings were observed underneath the polymer coatings, and the pittings were more severe on the surface of Mg alloys that corroded rapidly. Polymer coatings are recommended to be applied on Mg alloys with relatively low corrosion rates, or after pre-stabilizing the substrate. PCUU-coating has more selective potential to enhance the biocompatibility and mitigate the endothelium damage of Mg alloy stenting.

Transcriptional Activation of Human GD3 Synthase (hST8Sia I) Gene in Curcumin-Induced Autophagy in A549 Human Lung Carcinoma Cells

Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound isolated from the plant Curcuma longa, is known to induce autophagy in various cancer cells, including lung cancer. In the present study, we also confirmed by LC3 immunofluorescence and immunoblotting analyses that curcumin triggers autophagy in the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line. In parallel with autophagy induction, the gene expression of human GD3 synthase (hST8Sia I) responsible for ganglioside GD3 synthesis was markedly elevated in response to curcumin in the A549 cells. To investigate the transcriptional activation of hST8Sia I associated with the autophagy formation in curcumin-treated A549 cells, functional characterization of the 5′-flanking region of the hST8Sia I gene was carried out using the luciferase reporter assay system. Deletion analysis demonstrated that the -1146 to -646 region, which includes the putative c-Ets-1, CREB, AP-1, and NF-κB binding sites, functions as the curcumin-responsive promoter of hST8Sia I in A549 cells. The site-directed mutagenesis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that the NF-κB binding site at -731 to -722 was indispensable for the curcumin-induced hST8Sia I gene expression in A549 cells. Moreover, the transcriptional activation of hST8Sia I by the curcumin A549 cells was strongly inhibited by compound C, an inhibitor of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). These results suggest that curcumin controls hST8Sia I gene expression via AMPK signal pathway in A549 cells.

Life-Threatening Bleeding from the Pubic Branch of the Inferior Epigastric Artery after Pubic Ramus Fracture

Isolated pubic ramus fracture with concurrent life-threatening bleeding caused by injury to the inferior epigastric artery (IEA) or its branches has rarely been reported and can frequently be overlooked. This paper reports two cases of isolated pubic ramus fracture with concomitant injury to the pubic branch of the IEA, causing serious bleeding and hemodynamic instability. Pelvic angiography showed leakage of contrast from the pubic branch of the IEA. The complication in both cases was successfully treated with transcatheter arterial embolisation.

Kernohan-Woltman Notch Phenomenon Caused by Acute Traumatic Subdural Haematoma

A 27-year-old man suffered from right hemiparesis after a closed head injury. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a right hemisphere subdural haematoma with midline structure shifted to the left. The CT finding was believed to be mislabeled because the site of haematoma did not correlate with an ipsilateral hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right transtentorial uncal herniation and a small lesion within left cerebral peduncle, suggesting Kernohan-Woltman notch phenomenon (KWNP). KWNP has been rarely seen in patients with acute traumatic subdural haemorrhage. Anatomical small maximum tentorial notch width is the possible anatomical factor predisposing our patient to this phenomenon. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:116-119)

Induction of GD3/α1-adrenergic receptor/transglutaminase 2-mediated erythroid differentiation in chronic myelogenous leukemic K562 cells

The disialic acid-containing glycosphingolipid GD3 recruited membrane transglutaminase 2 (TG2) as a signaling molecule for erythroid differentiation in human chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) K562 cells. The α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AR)/TG2-mediated signaling pathway regulated GD3 functions, including gene expression and production, to differentiate CML K562 cells into erythroid lineage cells. Epinephrine, an AR agonist, increased membrane recruitment as well as GTP-photoaffinity of TG2, inducing GD3 synthase gene expression. Epinephrine activated PI3K/Akt signaling and GTPase downstream of TG2 activated Akt. The coupling of TG2 and GD3 production was specifically suppressed by prazosin (α1-AR antagonist), but not by propranolol (β-AR antagonist) or rauwolscine (α2-AR antagonist), indicating α1-AR specificity. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) experiment results indicated that the α1-AR/TG2-mediated signaling pathway activated PKCs α and δ to induce GD3 synthase gene expression. Transcription factors CREB, AP-1, and NF-κB regulated GD3 synthase gene expression during α1-AR-induced differentiation in CML K562 cells. In addition, GD3 synthase gene expression was upregulated in TG2-transfected cells via α1-AR with expression of erythroid lineage markers and benzidine-positive staining. α1-AR/TG2 signaling pathway-directed GD3 production is a crucial step in erythroid differentiation of K562 cells and GD3 interacts with α1-AR/TG2, inducing GD3/α1-AR/TG2-mediated erythroid differentiation. These results suggest that GD3, which acts as a membrane mediator of erythroid differentiation in CML cells, provides a therapeutic avenue for leukemia treatment.

Ganglioside GM3 suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in rAW 264.7 macrophage cells through NF-κB, AP-1, and MAPKs signaling

Gangliosides are known to specifically inhibit vascular leukocyte recruitment and consequent interaction with the injured endothelium, the basic inflammatory process. In this study, we have found that the production of nitric oxide (NO), a main regulator of inflammation, is suppressed by GM3 on murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, when induced by LPS. In addition, GM3 attenuated the increase in cyclooxyenase-2 (COX-2) protein and mRNA levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, GM3 inhibited the expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. At the intracellular level, GM3 inhibited LPS-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and activator protein (AP)-1 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. We, therefore, investigated whether GM3 affects mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, a process known as the upstream signaling regulator. GM3 dramatically reduced the expression levels of the phosphorylated forms of ERK, JNK, and p38 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. These results indicate that GM3 is a promising suppressor of the vascular inflammatory responses and ganglioside GM3 suppresses the LPS-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 macrophages by suppression of NF-κB, AP-1, and MAPKs signaling. Accordingly, GM3 is suggested as a beneficial agent for the treatment of diseases that are associated with inflammation.

Do laryngoscopic findings reflect the characteristics of reflux in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux?

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the association between 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (24-h MII-pH) parameters and each item of the reflux finding score (RFS) to determine whether the laryngoscopic findings of the RFS could reflect the characteristics of reflux in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

Tertiary care referral medical centre.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients complaining of LPR symptoms were evaluated via a 24-hour MII-pH. Among them, 99 patients whose LPR was confirmed via 24-hour MII-pH were enrolled in this study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Correlations between RFS ratings and 24-hour MII-pH parameters were evaluated and compared between patients with or without each laryngoscopic finding used in the RFS.

RESULTS

Subglottic oedema had a statistically significant positive correlation with number of non-acid LPR and non-acid full column reflux events. Ventricular obliteration and posterior commissure hypertrophy showed a significant correlation with non-acid exposure time and total reflux exposure time. We also found a significant correlation between granuloma/granulation score and number of acid LPR events. The numbers of non-acid LPR and full column reflux events in patients with subglottic oedema were significantly higher than those without subglottic oedema.

CONCLUSION

Among the laryngoscopic findings used in the RFS, subglottic oedema is specific for non-acid reflux episodes, and granuloma/granulation is specific for acid reflux episodes.

Locoregional relapse after gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Risk for and site of locoregional relapse have not been well studied in patients undergoing gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer between 2004 and 2007 were identified from an institutional database. The locoregional relapse rate was estimated by competing risk analysis, and risk groups were derived according to locoregional relapse risk using recursive partitioning analysis (RPA). The locations of nodal relapses were evaluated according to Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma criteria.

RESULTS

Some 2618 patients were included. With a median follow-up of 78·0 (range 28·5-122·6) months, relapse was diagnosed in 471 of 2618 patients (18·0 per cent). The cumulative incidence of locoregional relapse at 5 years was 8·5 (95 per cent c.i. 7·4 to 9·6) per cent. The 5-year locoregional recurrence rates for high-risk (N3), intermediate-risk (N1-2) and low-risk (N0) groups were 32·4, 12·3 and 1·7 per cent respectively (P < 0·001). Among patients with regional relapse, 90·4 per cent had involvement outside the D2 dissected area, and the most commonly involved site was station 16b1. This pattern was maintained in the RPA risk groups (P = 0·329).

CONCLUSION

Locoregional relapse at 5 years after gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy was 8·5 per cent, and was most often seen outside the D2 dissected area.

Ascofuranone inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response via NF-kappaB and AP-1, p-ERK, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in RAW 264.7 macrophages

The natural fungal compound ascofuranone (5-chloro-3-[(2E,6E)-7-[(2S)-5,5-dimethyl-4-oxo-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-3-methyl-octa-2,6-dienyl]-2,4-dihydroxy-6-methyl-benzaldehyde, MW 420.93) (AF) isolated from Ascochyta viciae has been known to promote cell cycle arrest and inhibit invasion of tumor cells. We have previously studied a structurally similar compound ascochlorin (ASC; MW 404.93) with regard to its anti-inflammatory activity in LPS- stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In order to examine the relationship between the anti-inflammatory activities and the molecular differences between AF and ASC, the activity of AF is herein studied, because ASC has a unique trimethyl oxocyclohexyl structure, while AF has a unique dimethyl-oxo-tetrahydrofuran structure. AF dose-dependently inhibited the production of NO and iNOS and the COX-2 mRNA and protein levels in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, AF suppressed mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, as assessed by RT-PCR. AF (30-50 μg/ml) treatment clearly inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, AP-1 (p-c-Jun) from the cytosolic space. Phosphorylation of IκB, which functions to maintain the activity of NF-κB, was decreased by AF treatment. Moreover, AF suppressed the binding of NF-κB (p65). Inhibition of IkBa phosphorylation and degradation inhibits nuclear translocation of p65. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy analysis also revealed that translocation of NF-κB and AP-1 (p-c-Jun) was decreased upon AF treatment. AF specifically decreased the expression level of p-ERK, but not the expression level of p-p38 or p-JNK. Given these results, we suggest that AF suppresses the inflammatory response by targeting p-ERK. This indicates that AF is a negative regulator of LPS-stimulated nuclear translocation of NF-κB and AP-1 (p-c-Jun) in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and specifically it targets p-ERK. Therefore, AF and ASC exert their effects in different ways, most probably because their structural differences allow for specific recognition and inhibition of their target MAPKs. Our results further suggest that AF could be a natural bioactive compound useful for treating inflammation-mediated pathological diseases.

Disialyl GD2 ganglioside suppresses ICAM-1-mediated invasiveness in human breast cancer MDA-MB231 cells

The disialoganglioside GD3 has been considered to be involved in tumor progression or suppression in various tumor cells. However, the significance of the biological functions of GD3 in breast cancer cells is still controversial. This prompted us to study the possible relationship(s) between GD3 expression and the metastatic potential of a breast cancer MDA-MB231 cells as an estrogen receptor negative (ER-) type. The human GD3 synthase cDNA was transfected into MDA-MB231 cells, and G-418 bulk selection was used to select cells stably overexpressing the GD3 synthase. In vitro invasion potentials of the GD3 synthase over-expressing cells (pc3-GD3s) were significantly suppressed when compared with control cells. Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54) was down-regulated in the pc3-GD3s cells and the decrease in ICAM-I expression is directly related to the decrease in invasiveness of the pc3-GD3s cells. Another type of ER negative SK-BR3 cells exhibited the similar level of ICAM-1 expression as MDA-MB231 cells, while the ER positive MCF-7 cells (ER+) showed the increased expression level of ICAM-1. Then, we investigated signaling pathways known to control ICAM-1 expression. No difference was observed in the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 between the pc3-GD3s and control cells (pc3), but the activation of AKT was inhibited in pc3-GD3s, and not in the control (pc3). In addition, the composition of total gangliosides was changed between control (pc3) and pc3-GD3s cells, as confirmed by HPTLC. The pc3-GD3s cells had an accumulation of the GD2 instead of the GD3. RT-PCR results showed that not only GD3 synthase, but also GM2/GD2 synthase (β4-GalNc T) expression was increased in pc3-GD3s cells. Overexpression of GD3 synthase suppresses the invasive potential of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells through down-regulation of ICAM-1 and the crucial pathway to allow the apoptotic effect has been attributed to accumulation of the GD2 ganglioside. ER has been linked to the ICAM-1 expression with GD3 to GD2 conversion in human breast cancer cells. This is the first finding of the endogenous sialyltransferase functions in tumor cells.

Jellyfish extract induces apoptotic cell death through the p38 pathway and cell cycle arrest in chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells

Jellyfish species are widely distributed in the world's oceans, and their population is rapidly increasing. Jellyfish extracts have several biological functions, such as cytotoxic, anti-microbial, and antioxidant activities in cells and organisms. However, the anti-cancer effect of Jellyfish extract has not yet been examined. We used chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells to evaluate the mechanisms of anti-cancer activity of hexane extracts from Nomura's jellyfish in vitro. In this study, jellyfish are subjected to hexane extraction, and the extract is shown to have an anticancer effect on chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells. Interestingly, the present results show that jellyfish hexane extract (Jellyfish-HE) induces apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. To identify the mechanism(s) underlying Jellyfish-HE-induced apoptosis in K562 cells, we examined the effects of Jellyfish-HE on activation of caspase and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are responsible for cell cycle progression. Induction of apoptosis by Jellyfish-HE occurred through the activation of caspases-3,-8 and -9 and phosphorylation of p38. Jellyfish-HE-induced apoptosis was blocked by a caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD. Moreover, during apoptosis in K562 cells, p38 MAPK was inhibited by pretreatment with SB203580, an inhibitor of p38. SB203580 blocked jellyfish-HE-induced apoptosis. Additionally, Jellyfish-HE markedly arrests the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. Therefore, taken together, the results imply that the anti-cancer activity of Jellyfish-HE may be mediated apoptosis by induction of caspases and activation of MAPK, especially phosphorylation of p38, and cell cycle arrest at the Go/G1 phase in K562 cells.

Oldenlandia diffusa suppresses metastatic potential through inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-9 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression via p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK pathways and induces apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) has long been known as an apoptotic inducer in breast tumors in ethnomedicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To scientifically confirm the anti-breast cancer effects of water, methanol (MeOH) and butanol (BuOH) extracts of O. diffusa on cell apoptosis, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and intracellular signaling in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MeOH extracts (MOD) and BuOH extracts (BOD) were prepared and examined for their ability to inhibit phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expressions in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Additionally, transwell migration, invasion and transcriptional activity were assessed. Results of immunofluorescence confocal microscopy for translocation of NF-κB and p-ERK and p-p38 were also checked. Finally, apoptotic signals including processed caspase-8, caspase-7, poly ADP-ribose polymerase, Bax and Bcl-2 were examined.

RESULTS

MOD and BOD specifically inhibited PMA-induced MMP-9 expression as well as invasive and migration potential via ICAM-1. The inhibitory activity was also based on the suppressed transcriptional activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results of immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showed that translocation of NF-κB decreased upon BOD and MOD treatments, with a decreased level of p-ERK and p-p38 phosphorylation. In addition, treatment of MCF-7 cells with MOD and BOD activated apoptosis-linked proteins including enzymatically active forms of processed caspase-8, caspase-7 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase, together with increased expression of mitochondrial apoptotic protein, Bax and decreased expression of Bcl-2.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that OD as an anti-metastatic agent suppresses the metastatic response by targeting p-ERK, p-38 and NF-κB, thus reducing the invasion capacity of MCF-7 breast cancer cells through inhibition of MMP-9 and ICAM-1 expression and plays an important role in the regulation of breast cancer cell apoptosis.

DISTRIBUTION OF VIRULENCE GENES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLINICAL ISOLATES OF LEGIONELLA PNEUMOPHILA IN BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA

Legionella pneumophila is the major causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease. The distribution of L. pneumophila in environmental water systems of public facilities in Busan, South Korea was previously reported; however, the distribution of virulence genes in environmental and clinical isolates in Busan is unknown. Here, we investigated using PCR the distribution of three virulence loci (dot/icm, lvh, and rtxA) in isolates from Busan. A high prevalence of environmental (127/254) and clinical (3/4) isolates were observed for the simultaneous presence of all three genes, while environmental harboring dot/icm + rtxA, dot/icm + lvh, rtxA + lvh, and only one gene were 21%, 11%, 9% and <1-4%, respectively, The remaining clinical isolate carried dot/icm + rtxA. In addition, 68% of isolates from serogroup 1, the main cause of legionellosis, possessed all three virulence genes compared with 40% of isolates from serogroups 2 to 15. Prevalence of isolates with two genes was 5-14% and 6-29% in serogroup 1 and serogroups 2 to 15, respectively, whereas that of isolates with one gene was 1-2% and 0-6%, respectively. These results provide valuable information for epidemiological investigations of the relationship between environmental and clinical isolates in legionellosis outbreaks in Busan.