The control of cell adhesion and viability by zinc oxide nanorods

The ability to control the behavior of cells that interact with implanted biomaterials is desirable for the success of implanted devices such as biosensors or drug delivery devices. There is a need to develop materials that can limit the adhesion and viability of cells on implanted biomaterials. In this study, we investigated the use of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods for modulating the adhesion and viability of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, umbilical vein endothelial cells, and capillary endothelial cells. Cells adhered far less to ZnO nanorods than the corresponding ZnO flat substrate. The few cells that adhered to ZnO nanorods were rounded and not viable compared to the flat ZnO substrate. Cells were unable to assemble focal adhesions and stress fibers on nanorods. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that cells were not able to assemble lamellipodia on nanorods. Time-lapse imaging revealed that cells that initially adhered to nanorods were not able to spread. This suggests that it is the lack of initial spreading, rather than long-term exposure to ZnO that causes cell death. We conclude that ZnO nanorods are potentially useful as an adhesion-resistant biomaterial capable of reducing viability in anchorage-dependent cells.

Tea polyphenols down-regulate the expression of the androgen receptor in LNCaP prostate cancer cells

Androgens via their cognate receptor may be involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether tea polyphenols have inhibitory effects on androgen action in an androgen-responsive, prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP. The tea polyphenol, EGCG, inhibited LNCaP cell growth and the expression of androgen regulated PSA and hK2 genes. Moreover, EGCG had a significant inhibitory effect on the androgenic inducibility of the PSA promoter. Immunoblotting detected a decrease in androgen receptor protein with treatments of the tea polyphenols EGCG, GCG and theaflavins. Northern blot analysis showed decreased levels of androgen receptor mRNA by EGCG. Transient transfections demonstrated that EGCG and theaflavins could repress the transcriptional activities of the androgen receptor promoter region. An Sp1 binding site in the androgen receptor gene promoter is an important regulatory component for its expression. This study suggests Sp1 is the target for the tea polyphenols because treatments of EGCG decreased the expression, DNA binding activity and transactivation activity of Sp1 protein. In conclusion, we have described a new property of tea polyphenols that inhibits androgen action by repressing the transcription of the androgen receptor gene.

Genotype may correlate with liver carcinogenesis and tumor characteristics in cirrhotic patients infected with hepatitis B virus subtype adw

To identify the influence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype on development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and clinical outcome in chronic HBV infection, 26 consecutive cirrhotic patients infected with HBV subtype adw were investigated prospectively. HBV serology was undertaken using subtype-specific antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigens. The HBV genotype was determined by sequencing directly the polymerase chain reaction products of the HBV S gene. When HCC occurred, patients underwent transcatheter arterial embolization therapy. If tumor necrosis was incomplete, additional embolization therapy was carried out after a 3- to 4-month interval. At a median follow-up of 14.1 years (range 2.2 to 31.7), HCC occurred in 9 (35%) of 26 patients. Nineteen patients were infected with genotype B and 7 with genotype C. Four of the 19 genotype B patients (21%) and 5 of the 7 genotype C patients (71%) developed HCC (P = 0.058). Patient age (<45 years or 45 < or = ) at diagnosis of cirrhosis was the only significant independent factor influencing liver carcinogenesis by multiple logistic regression analysis and Cox's regression analysis (P = 0.0069 and 0.029, respectively). When analysis was limited to the age of 45 years or more at the last visit, genotype was the only contributory factor to HCC development by univariate analysis (P = 0.038). Whereas genotype B patients responded well to embolization therapy and had no recurrence of HCC for a prolonged period of time, genotype C patients showed poor responses and died of hepatic failure due to rapid HCC progression despite embolization therapy. The cumulative incidence of survival was significantly higher in the genotype B group (P = 0.0049). The HBV genotype correlated with the development of HCC, response to embolization therapy, and recurrence of HCC. Determination of HBV genotype may be useful in predicting outcomes in HBV subtype adw-related cirrhosis.

Synthesis, characterization and ab initio simulation of magnesium-substituted hydroxyapatite

The substitution of magnesium in hydroxyapatite (HA) was examined in HA nano-crystals synthesized by the wet-chemical precipitation method at 90 degrees C. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and Rietveld refinement, provided experimental evidence of the effects of Mg substitution on the phase, crystallinity, chemical composition, crystal size, morphology, thermal stability and crystal lattice structure of HA. A computational study using ab initio generalized gradient approximation density functional theory was performed to reveal changes in lattice parameters and preferential calcium sites for Mg substitution in HA. The experimental results showed that a limited amount of Mg (Mg/(Mg+Ca) between 5 and 7 mol.%) could successfully substitute for Ca in HA. HA crystallites became smaller and more irregular, and they formed greater agglomerates with Mg substitution. Mg substitution resulted in decreases in the crystallinity and thermal stability of HA. The lattice constants, a and c, decreased with increasing Mg substitution. The simulation results revealed that the Ca(1) sites in HA lattices were energetically favored sites for Mg substitution.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α activation attenuates the inflammatory response to protect the liver from acute failure by promoting the autophagy pathway

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) has been reported to induce a potent anti-inflammatory response. Autophagy is a recently recognized rudimentary cellular response to inflammation and injury. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that PPARα activation mediates autophagy to inhibit liver inflammation and protect against acute liver failure (ALF). PPARα expression during ALF and the impact of PPARα activation by Wy-14 643 on the hepatic immune response were studied in a D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced mouse model. Autophagy was inhibited by 3-methyladenine or small interfering RNA (siRNA) against Atg7. In both the mouse model and human ALF subjects, PPARα was significantly downregulated in the injured liver. PPARα activation by pretreatment with Wy-14 643 protected against liver injury in mice. The protective effect of PPARα activation relied on the suppression of inflammatory mechanisms through the induction of autophagy. This hypothesis is supported by the following evidence: first, PPARα activation suppressed proinflammatory responses and inhibited phosphorylated NF-κBp65, phosphorylated JNK and phosphorylated ERK pathways in vivo. Second, protection by PPARα activation was due to the induction of autophagy because inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine or Atg7 siRNA reversed liver protection and inflammation. Third, PPARα activation directly induced autophagy in primary macrophages in vitro, which protected cells from a lipopolysaccharide-induced proinflammatory response. Here, for the first time, we have demonstrated that PPARα-mediated induction of autophagy ameliorated liver injury in cases of ALF by attenuating inflammatory responses, indicating a potential therapeutic application for ALF treatment.

Once a month administration of mifepristone improves bleeding patterns in women using subdermal contraceptive implants releasing levonorgestrel

It has been suggested that the administration of an anti-progesterone might improve bleeding patterns in women with irregular bleeding while using low-dose progestin-only contraception. We report the findings of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of mifepristone 50 mg taken once every 4 weeks in 100 Chinese women (50 subjects and 50 controls) complaining of frequent and irregular bleeding while using a levonorgestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant. In all women, regardless of treatment, the frequency of bleeding decreased significantly over 360 days of observation. Women recorded significantly shorter episodes of bleeding (P: < 0.0002) during mifepristone treatment than during the 90 days before treatment started. In contrast, the duration of bleeding episodes fell more gradually in placebo-treated controls. Women using mifepristone were more likely to find treatment acceptable than women receiving a placebo tablet (P: < 0.01). Despite concern that anti-progestogenic effects may jeopardize contraception, there were no pregnancies. This approach may offer a useful strategy to improve continuation rates by alleviating unwanted side-effects until bleeding patterns improve spontaneously with time.

Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Maghemite (gamma-Fe(2)O(3)) Short-Nanotubes

We report a rational synthesis of maghemite (gamma-Fe(2)O(3)) short-nanotubes (SNTs) by a convenient hydrothermal method and subsequent annealing process. The structure, shape, and magnetic properties of the SNTs were investigated. Room-temperature and low-temperature magnetic measurements show that the as-fabricated gamma-Fe(2)O(3) SNTs are ferromagnetic, and its coercivity is nonzero when the temperature above blocking temperature (T(B)). The hysteresis loop was operated to show that the magnetic properties of gamma-Fe(2)O(3) SNTs are strongly influenced by the morphology of the crystal. The unique magnetic behaviors were interpreted by the competition of the demagnetization energy of quasi-one-dimensional nanostructures and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of particles in SNTs.

Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β promotes autophagy to protect mice from acute liver failure mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α

Our previous studies have demonstrated that inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activity protects mice from acute liver failure (ALF), whereas its protective and regulatory mechanism remains elusive. Autophagy is a recently recognized rudimentary cellular response to inflammation and injury. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that inhibition of GSK3β mediates autophagy to inhibit liver inflammation and protect against ALF. In ALF mice model induced by D-galactosamine (D-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), autophagy was repressed compared with normal control, and D-GalN/LPS can directly induce autophagic flux in the progression of ALF mice. Autophagy activation by rapamycin protected against liver injury and its inhibition by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or autophagy gene 7 (Atg7) small interfering RNA (siRNA) exacerbated liver injury. The protective effect of GSK3β inhibition on ALF mice model depending on the induction of autophagy, because that inhibition of GSK3β promoted autophagy in vitro and in vivo, and inhibition of autophagy reversed liver protection and inflammation of GSK3β inhibition. Furthermore, inhibition of GSK3β increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and the downregulated PPARα by siRNA decreased autophagy induced by GSK3β inhibition. More importantly, the expressions of autophagy-related gene and PPARα are significantly downregulated and the activity of GSK3β is significantly upregulated in liver of ALF patients with hepatitis B virus. Thus, we have demonstrated the new pathological mechanism of ALF that the increased GSK3β activity suppresses autophagy to promote the occurrence and development of ALF by inhibiting PPARα pathway.

Randomized clinical study of wear of enamel antagonists against polished monolithic zirconia crowns

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the in vivo maximum wear of enamel opposing monolithic zirconia crowns, enamel opposing porcelain fused to metal crowns and enamel opposing enamel.

METHODS

Thirty patients needing single crowns were randomized to receive either a monolithic zirconia or metal-ceramic crown. Two non-restored opposing teeth in the same quadrants were identified to serve as enamel controls. After cementation, quadrants were scanned for baseline data. Polyvinylsiloxane impressions were obtained and poured in white stone. Patients were recalled at six-months and one-year for re-impression. Stone models were scanned using a tabletop laserscanner to determine maximum wear. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U to determine any significant differences between the wear of enamel against zirconia and metal-ceramic crowns.

RESULTS

Sixteen zirconia and 14 metal-ceramic crowns were delivered. There were no statistical differences in mean wear of crown types (p=0.165); enamel antagonists (p=0.235) and enamel controls (p=0.843) after one year.

CONCLUSION

Monolithic zirconia exhibited comparable wear of enamel compared with metal-ceramic crowns and control enamel after one year.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study is clinically significant because the use of polished monolithic zirconia demonstrated comparable wear of opposing enamel to metal-ceramic and enamel antagonists.

CHIP/Stub1 regulates the Warburg effect by promoting degradation of PKM2 in ovarian carcinoma

Tumor cells preferentially adopt aerobic glycolysis for their energy supply, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. It remains a matter of debate as to how the Warburg effect is regulated during tumor progression. Here, we show that CHIP (carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein), a U-box E3 ligase, suppresses tumor progression in ovarian carcinomas by inhibiting aerobic glycolysis. While CHIP is downregulated in ovarian carcinoma, induced expression of CHIP results in significant inhibition of the tumor growth examined by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Reciprocally, depletion of CHIP leads to promotion of tumor growth. By a SiLAD proteomics analysis, we identified pyruvate kinase isoenzyme M2 (PKM2), a critical regulator of glycolysis in tumors, as a target that CHIP mediated for degradation. Accordingly, we show that CHIP regulates PKM2 protein stability and thereafter the energy metabolic processes. Depletion or knockout of CHIP increased the glycolytic products in both tumor and mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Simultaneously, we observed that CHIP expression inversely correlated with PKM2 levels in human ovarian carcinomas. This study reveals a mechanism that the Warburg effect is regulated by CHIP through its function as an E3 ligase, which mediates the degradation of PKM2 during tumor progression. Our findings shed new light into understanding of ovarian carcinomas and may provide a new therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer.

Design of experiment and data analysis by JMP (SAS institute) in analytical method validation

Validation of an analytical method through a series of experiments demonstrates that the method is suitable for its intended purpose. Due to multi-parameters to be examined and a large number of experiments involved in validation, it is important to design the experiments scientifically so that appropriate validation parameters can be examined simultaneously to provide a sound, overall knowledge of the capabilities of the analytical method. A statistical method through design of experiment (DOE) was applied to the validation of a HPLC analytical method for the quantitation of a small molecule in drug product in terms of intermediate precision and robustness study. The data were analyzed in JMP (SAS institute) software using analyses of variance method. Confidence intervals for outcomes and control limits for individual parameters were determined. It was demonstrated that the experimental design and statistical analysis used in this study provided an efficient and systematic approach to evaluating intermediate precision and robustness for a HPLC analytical method for small molecule quantitation.

Purification, characterization, and molecular cloning of the gene of a seed-specific antimicrobial protein from pokeweed

A small cysteine-rich protein with antimicrobial activity was isolated from pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) seeds and purified to homogeneity. The protein inhibits the growth of several filamentous fungi and gram-positive bacteria. The protein was highly basic, with a pI higher than 10. The entire amino acid sequence of the protein was determined to be homologous to antimicrobial protein (AMP) from Mirabilis jalapa. The cDNA encoding the P. americana AMP (Pa-AMP-1) and chromosomal DNA containing the gene were cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence shows the presence of a signal peptide at the amino terminus, suggesting that the protein is synthesized as a preprotein and secreted outside the cells. The chromosomal gene shows the presence of an intron located within the region encoding the signal peptide. Southern hybridization showed that there was small gene family encoding Pa-AMP. Immunoblotting showed that Pa-AMP-1 was only present in seeds, and was absent in roots, leaves, and stems. The Pa-AMP-1 protein was secreted into the environment of the seeds during germination, and may create an inhibitory zone against soil-borne microorganisms. The disulfide bridges of Pa-AMP-1 were identified. The three-dimensional modeling of Pa-AMP-1 indicates that the protein has a small cystine-knot folding, a positive patch, and a hydrophobic patch.

Lactobacillus salivarius Ren prevent the early colorectal carcinogenesis in 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat model

AIMS

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of Lactobacillus salivarius Ren (LS) on modulating colonic micro flora structure and influencing host colonic health in a rat model with colorectal precancerous lesions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male F344 rats were injected with 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and treated with LS of two doses (5 × 10(8) and 1 × 10(10) CFU kg(-1) body weight) for 15 weeks. The colonic microflora profiles, luminal metabolites, epithelial proliferation and precancerous lesions [aberrant crypt foci (ACF)] were determined. A distinct segregation of colonic microflora structures was observed in LS-treated group. The abundance of one Prevotella-related strain was increased, and the abundance of one Bacillus-related strain was decreased by LS treatment. These changes were accompanied by increased short-chain fatty acid levels and decreased azoreductase activity. LS treatment also reduced the number of ACF by c. 40% and suppressed epithelial proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Lactobacillus salivarius Ren improved the colonic microflora structures and the luminal metabolisms in addition preventing the early colorectal carcinogenesis in DMH-induced rat model.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Colonic microflora is an important factor in colorectal carcinogenesis. Modulating the structural shifts of microflora may provide a novel option for preventing colorectal carcinogenesis. This study suggested a potential probiotic-based approach to modulate the intestinal microflora in the prevention of colorectal carcinogenesis.

Highly sensitive and specific detection of hepatitis B virus DNA and drug resistance mutations utilizing the PCR-based CRISPR-Cas13a system

OBJECTIVES

Undetectable or low-level hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and drug resistance mutations in patients may increase the risk of HBV transmission or cause active viral replication and other clinical problems. Here, we established a highly sensitive and practical method for HBV and drug resistance detection using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -based CRISPR-Cas13a detection system (referred to as PCR-CRISPR) and evaluated its detection capability using clinical samples.

METHODS

Specific CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) are designed for HBV DNA detection and YMDD (tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate) variant identification. The HBV DNA was detected in 312 serum samples for HBV diagnosis using quantification PCR (qPCR) and PCR-CRISPR. Additionally, 424 serum samples for YMDD testing were detected by qPCR, direct sequencing, and our assay.

RESULTS

Using PCR-CRISPR, one copy per test of HBV DNA was detected with HBV-1 crRNA in 15 min after PCR amplification. Consistent results with qPCR were observed for 302 samples, while the remaining 10 samples with low-level HBV DNA were detectable by PCR-CRISPR and droplet digital PCR but not by qPCR. PCR-CRISPR diagnosed all 412 drug-resistant samples detected by the YMDD detection qPCR kit and direct sequencing, as well as the other 12 drug-resistant samples with low-level HBV DNA undetectable by qPCR and direct sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a novel PCR-CRISPR method for highly sensitive and specific detection of HBV DNA and drug resistance mutations. One copy per test for HBV DNA and YMDD drug resistance mutations could be detected. This method has wide application prospects for the early detection of HBV infection, drug resistance monitoring and treatment guidance.

Gene expression profiling of primary cultures of ovarian epithelial cells identifies novel molecular classifiers of ovarian cancer

In order to elucidate the biological variance between normal ovarian surface epithelial (NOSE) and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells, and to build a molecular classifier to discover new markers distinguishing these cells, we analysed gene expression patterns of 65 primary cultures of these tissues by oligonucleotide microarray. Unsupervised clustering highlights three subgroups of tumours: low malignant potential tumours, invasive solid tumours and tumour cells derived from ascites. We selected 18 genes with expression profiles that enable the distinction of NOSE from these three groups of EOC with 92% accuracy. Validation using an independent published data set derived from tissues or primary cultures confirmed a high accuracy (87–96%). The distinctive expression pattern of a subset of genes was validated by quantitative reverse transcription–PCR. An ovarian-specific tissue array representing tissues from NOSE and EOC samples of various subtypes and grades was used to further assess the protein expression patterns of two differentially expressed genes (Msln and BMP-2) by immunohistochemistry. This study highlights the relevance of using primary cultures of epithelial ovarian cells as a model system for gene profiling studies and demonstrates that the statistical analysis of gene expression profiling is a useful approach for selecting novel molecular tumour markers.

Swimming exercise ameliorates neurocognitive impairment induced by neonatal exposure to isoflurane and enhances hippocampal histone acetylation in mice

Isoflurane-induced neurocognitive impairment in the developing rodent brain is well documented, and regular physical exercise has been demonstrated to be a viable intervention for some types of neurocognitive impairment. This study was designed to investigate the potential protective effect of swimming exercise on both neurocognitive impairment caused by repeated neonatal exposure to isoflurane and the underlying molecular mechanism. Mice received 0.75% isoflurane exposures for 4h on postnatal days 7, 8, and 9. From the third month after anesthesia, the mice were subjected to regular swimming exercise for 4weeks, followed by a contextual fear condition (CFC) trial. We found that repeated neonatal exposure to isoflurane reduced freezing behavior during CFC testing and deregulated hippocampal histone H4K12 acetylation. Conversely, mice subjected to regular swimming exercise showed enhanced hippocampal H3K9, H4K5, and H4K12 acetylation levels, increased numbers of c-Fos-positive cells 1h after CFC training, and less isoflurane-induced memory impairment. We also observed increases in histone acetylation and of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP) during the swimming exercise program. The results suggest that neonatal isoflurane exposure-induced memory impairment was associated with dysregulation of H4K12 acetylation, which may lead to less hippocampal activation following learning tasks. Swimming exercise was associated with enhanced hippocampal histone acetylation and CBP expression. Exercise most likely ameliorated isoflurane-induced memory impairment by enhancing hippocampal histone acetylation and activating more neuron cells during memory formation.

High-Density Plasma-Induced Etch Damage of GaN

Anisotropic, smooth etching of the group-Ill nitrides has been reported at relatively high rates in high-density plasma etch systems. However, such etch results are often obtained under high dc-bias and/or high plasma flux conditions where plasma induced damage can be significant. Despite the fact that the group-III nitrides have higher bonding energies than more conventional III–V compounds, plasma-induced etch damage is still a concern. Attempts to minimize such damage by reducing the ion energy or increasing the chemical activity in the plasma often result in a loss of etch rate or anisotropy which significantly limits critical dimensions and reduces the utility of the process for device applications requiring vertical etch profiles. It is therefore necessary to develop plasma etch processes which couple anisotropy for critical dimension and sidewall profile control and high etch rates with low-damage for optimum device performance. In this study we report changes in sheet resistance and contact resistance for n- and p-type GaN samples exposed to an Ar inductively coupled plasma (ICP). In general, plasma-induced damage was more sensitive to ion bombardment energies as compared to plasma flux. In addition, p-GaN was typically more sensitive to plasma-induced damage as compared to n-GaN.

Comparative serum proteomic analysis of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure: alpha-1-acid glycoprotein maybe a candidate marker for prognosis of hepatitis B virus infection

The acute-on-chronic liver failure (AoCLF) caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains to be a challenge in clinics with a high mortality rate in China, and it is important to identify biomarkers to foresee the prognosis of patients with HBV. The current study analysed serum proteome changes of acute-on-chronic liver failure as a result of acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B infection. Serum samples were collected from normal subjects (NS, n = 8), patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB, n = 12) and patients with AoCLF (n = 12). After removal of albumin/IgG and ultramembrane centrifugation, serum proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Differentially expressed spots were identified by matrix-associated laser desorption ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Through the removal of albumin/IgG and ultramembrane centrifugation, the well-resolved and reproducible two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) profiles were obtained. A total of 23 proteins were identified on 2-DE profiles by their differential expression between the three cohorts. Mass spectrometry analysis resulted in the identification of 12 proteins unambiguously. Western blot analysis confirmed the proteomics results that the α1-acid glycoprotein (α1-AGP) levels decrease significantly in plasma of patients with AoCLF, but somewhat decreased in patients with chronic HBV. Further α1-AGP levels in bulk serum samples were measured by immune turbidimetry including normal subjects group (n = 25), acute hepatitis group (n = 36), chronic hepatitis group (n = 52) and AoCLF group (n = 48), the level of α1-AGP in AoCLF groups sharply decrease than other groups. Our study shows that α1-AGP may be a potential plasma biomarker for AoCLF diagnosis because of acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B infection.

Plasma soluble Tim-3 emerges as an inhibitor in sepsis: sepsis contrary to membrane Tim-3 on monocytes

Immune dysfunction is the main characteristic of sepsis. T cell Ig and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim-3) on the monocytes has been reported to promote immune homeostasis during sepsis, but the influences of plasm soluble Tim-3 (sTim-3) on the immune system during sepsis remain unknown. Here, 100 patients with different severities of sepsis (40 sepsis, 42 severe sepsis, and 18 septic shock) were enrolled in this study. The Tim-3 and human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) on the circulating monocytes were detected using flow cytometry. Plasma sTim-3 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inflammatory factors and two kinds of A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) - ADAM10 and ADAM17 were assessed. The Tim-3 and HLA-DR on the monocytes decreased with increasing sepsis severity. The sTim-3 was reduced in the sepsis and severe sepsis patients but was elevated in the septic shock patients who exhibited significant immunosuppression as predicted by HLA-DR. sTim-3 levels were negatively correlated with IL-12 and TNF-α. ADAM10 and ADAM17, sheddases of Tim-3, exhibited trends toward elevations in the septic shock group. In conclusion, sTim-3 was involved in the development of sepsis. The homeostasis-promoting role of the Tim-3 on the monocytes was disrupted, while the inhibitory role of sTim-3 emerged during sepsis-induced immunosuppression.

Elevated plasma sphingomyelin (d18:1/22:0) is closely related to hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatic steatosis affects disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We investigated the plasma sphingolipid profile in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and whether there was an association between HCV-related steatosis and plasma sphingolipids. We used high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to analyze plasma sphingolipids in 120 interferon-naïve, non-diabetic, and non-obese CHC patients. Hepatic steatosis was defined as ≥5 % hepatocytes with fat based on histopathological analysis. Blood biochemical indicators and HCV load and genotype were also determined. Thirty-six (30.0 %) of 120 patients presented with hepatic steatosis Grades 1-3. Forty-four plasma sphingolipids were detected. Plasma sphingomyelin (SM) (d18:1/22:0) and ceramide (Cer) (d18:1/24:0)-1-P correlated with steatosis grade (r = 0.22, p = 0.015; r = -0.23, p = 0.012, respectively). SM (d18:1/22:0) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.12] and Cer (d18:1/24:0)-1-P (OR = 0.88) were independent factors for the presence of hepatic steatosis in CHC patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of SM (d18:1/22:0) and Cer (d18:1/24:0)-1-P was 0.637 and 0.638, respectively, to identify the presence of steatosis. Further analysis for genotype 2 CHC showed that only SM (d18:1/22:0) was independently linked to steatosis (OR = 1.21). The AUC of SM (d18:1/22:0) to identify hepatic steatosis in genotype 2 CHC was 0.726. Its sensitivity and negative predictive value reached 0.813 and 0.886, respectively. This study suggested that altered plasma SM (d18:1/22:0) was closely related to hepatic steatosis in chronic HCV infection, especially with genotype 2. Experimental studies are needed to determine further the underlying mechanisms responsible for these associations.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy as a tool for imaging cancellous bone

Understanding the bimodal structure of cancellous bone is important for tissue engineering in order to more accurately fabricate scaffolds to promote bone ingrowth and vascularization in newly forming bone. In this study, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to create detailed images of the bimodally porous intertrabecular space of defatted and deproteinized cancellous canine bone taken from the epiphysis of the humerus. The bimodal pore structure was imaged using both reflective and fluorescent modes in CLSM, resulting in four different, but complementary image types: (1) a Z-stack overlay, (2) a phi-Z scan, (3) a topographical map, and (4) a contour map. Submerging the bone in rhodamine B dye prior to fluorescent imaging enhanced the pore surface details, giving a more accurate pore size measurement. The average macropore diameter was found to be 260 +/- 97 microm while the average micropore diameter was 13 +/- 10 microm. When compared with common techniques, including microcomputed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, scanning electron microscopy, and environmental scanning electron microscopy, for imaging cancellous bone, CLSM was found to be an effective tool, given its ability to nondestructively image the surface and near-surface pore structure.