Metabolic habitat imaging with hemodynamic heterogeneity predicts individual progression-free survival in high-grade glioma

AIM

We design a feasibility study to obtain a set of metabolic-hemodynamic habitats for tackling tumor spatial metabolic patterns with hemodynamic information.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preoperative data from 69 high-grade gliomas (HGG) patients with subsequent histologic confirmation of HGG were prospectively collected (January 2016 to March 2020) after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Four vascular habitats were automatically segmented by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The metabolic information, either at enhancing or edema tumor regions, was obtained by two neuroradiologists. The relative habitat volumes were used for weight estimation procedures for computing the coefficients of a linear regression model using weighted least squares (WLS) for metabolite semiquantifications (i.e. the Cho/NAA ratio and the Cho/Cr ratio) at vascular habitats. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses are used to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and develop a nomogram using weighted estimators corresponding to each covariate derived from Cox regression coefficients.

RESULTS

There was a strongly correlation between perfusion indexes and the Cho/Cr ratio (rCBV, r=0.71) or Cho/NAA ratio (rCBV, r=0.66) at high-angiogenic enhancing tumor habitats (HAT) habitat. Compared isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation to their wild type, the IDH wild type had significantly decreased Cho/Cr ratio (IDH mutation: Cho/Cr ratio = 2.44 ± 0.33, IDH wildtype: Cho/Cr ratio = 2.66 ± 0.36, p=0.02) and Cho/NAA ratio (IDH mutation: Cho/Cr ratio = 4.59 ± 0.61, IDH wildtype: Cho/Cr ratio = 4.99 ± 0.66, p=0.022) at the HAT. The C-index for the median progression-free survival (PFS) prediction was 0.769 for the Cho/NAA nomogram and 0.747 for the Cho/Cr nomogram through 1000 bootstrapping validation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that spatial metabolism combined with hemodynamic heterogeneity is associated with individual PFS to HGG patients post-CCRT.

The protective effects of Chromofungin in oligomeric amyloid β42 (Aβ42)-induced toxicity in neurons in Alzheimer's disease

Oligomeric Aβ42 is considered to play a harmful role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prolonged exposure to oligomeric Aβ42 could induce neuronal damage including cellular senescence. Amelioration of Aβ42-induced cellular senescence has been considered as a promising strategy for the treatment of AD. Chromofungin, a chromogranin A-derived peptide, has displayed various biological functions in different types of cells and tissues. However, the effects of Chromofungin on oligomeric Aβ42-induced cellular senescence have not been previously reported. In the current study, we report a novel function of Chromofungin by showing that treatment with Chromofungin could ameliorate Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity in M17 neuronal cells. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release experiments revealed that 0.5 and 1 mM are the optimal concentrations of Chromofungin for cell culture in M17 cells. Challenging with oligomeric Aβ42 (5 μM) for 7 and 14 days led to a significant decrease in telomerase activity, which was rescued by Chromofungin dose-dependently. Additionally, the senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining assay demonstrated that Chromofungin mitigated oligomeric Aβ42-induced cellular senescence. Correspondingly, treatment with Chromofungin reversed the gene expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TERF2), and p21 against oligomeric Aβ42 in M17 neurons. Interestingly, Chromofungin attenuated oligomeric Aβ42-induced oxidative stress (OS) in M17 cells by reducing the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) but increasing the levels of intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD). Importantly, the presence of Chromofungin reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase2 (COX-2) as well as the generation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Transduction with Ad-COX-2 impaired the effects of Chromofungin on telomerase activity and the profile of cellular senescence. Our findings suggest that Chromofungin might act as a potential agent for the treatment of AD.

HO-1 upregulation promotes mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis in PM2.5-exposed hippocampal neurons

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been extensively implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Recent studies have revealed that PM2.5 plays a role in regulating iron metabolism and redox homeostasis in the brain, which is closely associated with ferroptosis. In this study, the role and underlying mechanism of ferroptosis in PM2.5-induced neurotoxicity were investigated in mice, primary hippocampal neurons, and HT22 cells. Our findings demonstrated that exposure to PM2.5 could induce abnormal behaviors, neuroinflammation, and neuronal loss in the hippocampus of mice. These effects may be attributed to ferroptosis induced by PM2.5 exposure in hippocampal neurons. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the upregulation of iron metabolism-related protein Heme Oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and the activation of mitophagy might play key roles in PM2.5-induced ferroptosis in HT22 cells. Subsequent in vitro experiments showed that PM2.5 exposure significantly upregulated HO-1 in primary hippocampal neurons and HT22 cells. Moreover, PM2.5 exposure activated mitophagy in HT22 cells, leading to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, alterations in the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3, P62, and mTOR, as well as an increase in mitophagy-related protein PINK1 and PARKIN. As a heme-degradation enzyme, the upregulation of HO-1 promotes the release of excess iron, genetically inhibiting the upregulation of HO-1 in HT22 cells could prevent both PM2.5-induced mitophagy and ferroptosis. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of mitophagy in HT22 cells reduced levels of ferrous ions and lipid peroxides, thereby preventing ferroptosis. Collectively, this study demonstrates that HO-1 mediates PM2.5-induced mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis in hippocampal neurons, and inhibiting mitophagy or ferroptosis may be a key therapeutic target to ameliorate neurotoxicity following PM2.5 exposure.

Longitudinal change of intrinsic capacity and associated factors in older Chinese adults: China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Although intrinsic capacity (IC) has been constructed in older populations, whether IC retains the same structure over time has not been formally examined, nor have the factors associated with the changes in IC over time been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to establish that the structure of IC remains unchanged over time by testing its longitudinal measurement invariance and to investigate factors that influence the longitudinal change of IC over time.

METHODS

Data came from 7,271 participants aged 60 and older from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011 (Wave 1) and 2015 (Wave 3). Bifactor confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to construct IC with its domains, and the longitudinal measurement invariance of IC between Waves was tested.

RESULTS

Bifactor CFA fitted the data well at both Waves and showed good construct validity. Partial scalar invariance was supported with non-invariant intercepts for delayed word recall, math, and close vision. Decreases in IC were associated with increasing age, being female (-0.030, 95% CI: -0.045, -0.016), living in rural areas (-0.019, 95% CI: -0.030, -0.009), BMI < 18.5 (-0.019, 95% CI: -0.035, -0.003), and hypertension (-0.012, 95% CI: -0.022, -0.001). Increases in IC were associated with higher education (primary school: 0.012, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.024; lower secondary school: 0.023, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.041) and drinking ≥4/week (0.019, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.034). Stratifying the sample by gender, the protective effect of education was observed only in women.

CONCLUSIONS

The bifactor structure of the IC construct was valid and retained its meaning over time. Longitudinal changes in IC were associated with various sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and health conditions, confirming the need to monitor IC for timely intervention, particularly in those with risk factors for IC decline.

Oxidative stress-mediated activation of FTO exacerbates impairment of the epithelial barrier by up-regulating IKBKB via N6-methyladenosine-dependent mRNA stability in asthmatic mice exposed to PM2.5

In order to comprehend the underlying mechanisms contributing to the development and exacerbation of asthma resulting from exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), we established an asthmatic model in fat mass and obesity-associated gene knockdown mice subjected to PM2.5 exposure. Histological analyses using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining revealed that the down-regulation of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (Fto) expression significantly ameliorated the pathophysiological alterations observed in asthmatic mice exposed to PM2.5. Furthermore, the down-regulation of Fto gene expression effectively attenuated damage to the airway epithelial barrier. Additionally, employing in vivo and in vitro models, we elucidated that PM2.5 modulated FTO expression by inducing oxidative stress. Asthmatic mice exposed to PM2.5 exhibited elevated Fto expression, which correlated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Similarly, when cells were exposed to PM2.5, FTO expression was up-regulated in a ROS-dependent manner. Notably, the administration of N-acetyl cysteine successfully reversed the PM2.5-induced elevation in FTO expression. Concurrently, we performed transcriptome-wide Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation Sequencing (MeRIP-seq) analysis subsequent to PM2.5 exposure. Through the implementation of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and m6A-IP-qPCR, we successfully identified inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase subunit beta (IKBKB) as a target gene regulated by FTO. Interestingly, exposure to PM2.5 led to increased expression of IKBKB, while m6A modification on IKBKB mRNA was reduced. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that PM2.5 also regulated IKBKB through oxidative stress. Significantly, the down-regulation of IKBKB effectively mitigated epithelial barrier damage in cells exposed to PM2.5 by modulating nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Importantly, we discovered that decreased m6A modification on IKBKB mRNA facilitated by FTO enhanced its stability, consequently resulting in up-regulation of IKBKB expression. Collectively, our findings propose a novel role for FTO in the regulation of IKBKB through m6A-dependent mRNA stability in the context of PM2.5-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, it is conceivable that the utilization of antioxidants or inhibition of FTO could represent potential therapeutic strategies for the management of asthma exacerbated by PM2.5 exposure.

Fine particulate matter 2.5 induces susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection via expansion of PD-L1high neutrophils in mice

BACKGROUND

Exposure to PM2.5 has been implicated in a range of detrimental health effects, particularly affecting the respiratory system. However, the precise underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

METHODS

To address this objective, we collected ambient PM2.5 and administered intranasal challenges to mice, followed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to unravel the heterogeneity of neutrophils and unveil their gene expression profiles. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining were subsequently conducted to validate the obtained results. Furthermore, we assessed the phagocytic potential of neutrophils upon PM2.5 exposure using gene analysis of phagocytosis signatures and bacterial uptake assays. Additionally, we utilized a mouse pneumonia model to evaluate the susceptibility of PM2.5-exposed mice to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

RESULTS

Our study revealed a significant increase in neutrophil recruitment within the lungs of PM2.5-exposed mice, with subclustering of neutrophils uncovering subsets with distinct gene expression profiles. Notably, exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an expansion of PD-L1high neutrophils, which exhibited impaired phagocytic function dependent upon PD-L1 expression. Furthermore, PM2.5 exposure was found to increase the susceptibility of mice to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, due in part to increased PD-L1 expression on neutrophils. Importantly, monoclonal antibody targeting of PD-L1 significantly reduced bacterial burden, dissemination, and lung inflammation in PM2.5-exposed mice upon Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that PM2.5 exposure promotes expansion of PD-L1high neutrophils with impaired phagocytic function in mouse lungs, contributing to increased vulnerability to bacterial infection, and therefore targeting PD-L1 may be a therapeutic strategy for reducing the harmful effects of PM2.5 exposure on the immune system.

MMP14high macrophages orchestrate progressive pulmonary fibrosis in SR-Ag-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (FHP) is a fatal interstitial pulmonary disease with limited treatment options. Lung macrophages are a heterogeneous cell population that exhibit distinct subsets with divergent functions, playing pivotal roles in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. However, the specific macrophage subpopulations and underlying mechanisms involved in the disease remain largely unexplored. In this study, a decision tree model showed that matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP14) had higher scores for important features in the up-regulated genes in macrophages from mice exposed to the Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula antigen (SR-Ag). Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) mice profiles, we identified MMP14high macrophage subcluster with a predominant M2 phenotype that exhibited higher activity in promoting fibroblast-to myofibroblast transition (FMT). We demonstrated that suppressing toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) could attenuate MMP14 expression and exosome secretion in macrophages stimulation with SR-Ag. The exosomes derived from MMP14-overexpressing macrophages were found to be more effective in regulating the transition of fibroblasts through exosomal MMP14. Importantly, it was observed that the transfer of MMP14-overexpressing macrophages into mice promoted lung inflammation and fibrosis induced by SR-Ag. NSC-405020 binding to the hemopexin domain (PEX) of MMP-14 ameliorated lung inflammation and fibrosis induced by SR-Ag in mice. Thus, MMP14-overexpressing macrophages may be an important mechanism contributing to the exacerbation of allergic reactions. Our results indicated that MMP14 in macrophages has the potential to be a therapeutic target for HP.

3-(2,2,2-Trifluoroethoxy)propionitrile-based electrolytes for high energy density lithium metal batteries

In this study, 3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-propionitrile (FEON), a fluorinated nitrile compound with high oxidative stability, low volatility and non-flammability, is introduced as an electrolyte solvent for high-energy density Li|NCM batteries. After optimization of the electrolyte as (0.8 M LiTFSI + 0.2 M LiODFB)/FEC : FEON (1 : 3, by vol., abbreviated as FF13), the FEON-based electrolyte exhibits better cycling performance for both the lithium metal anode and 4.4 V high-voltage NCM cathode, compared with those of a commercial carbonate electrolyte of 1 M LiPF₆/EC : EMC : DMC (1 : 1 : 1, by vol.). As for the FF13 electrolyte, the maximum coordination number of 3 for FEON molecules in the solvation structure is disclosed through molecular dynamics simulation combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements. Furthermore, the solid electrolyte interphase on the lithium metal anode is enriched with organic components and LiF, which is proposed from FEON decomposition based on density functional theory calculations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. All the above results demonstrate that fluorinated nitrile electrolytes constitute a promising platform for high energy density Li|NCM batteries.

Integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing reveals pro-fibrotic PLA2G7high macrophages in pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the pathological change of end-stage interstitial lung diseases with high mortality and limited therapeutic options. Lung macrophages have distinct subsets with divergent functions, and play critical roles in the pathogenesis of PF. In this study, integrative analysis of lung single-cell and bulk RNA-seq data from patients with fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was utilized to identify particular macrophage subsets during the development of PF. We find a specific macrophage subpopulation highly expressing PLA2G7 in fibrotic lungs. We performed additional single-cell RNA-seq analysis to identify analogous macrophage population in bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis models. By in vitro and in vivo experiments, we further reveal the pro-fibrotic role for this PLA2G7^high macrophage subset in fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) during pulmonary fibrosis. PLA2G7 promotes FMT via LPC/ATX/LPA/LPA2 axis in macrophages. Moreover, PLA2G7 is regulated by STAT1, and pharmacological inhibition of PLA2G7 by Darapladib ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis in BLM-induced mice. The results of this study support the view that PLA2G7^high macrophage subpopulation contributes importantly to the pathogenesis of PF, which provides a potential way for targeted therapy.

[Comparison on the clinical characteristics of patients with Takotsubo syndrome from China and from Europe/North America]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) from China and compare these features with patients from Europe/North America. Methods: We reviewed case reports published between 1990 and 2020 with the key words of "Takotsubo syndrome" "stress cardiomyopathy" "apical balloon syndrome" and "broken heart syndrome", in Wanfang, CNKI, Pubmed and Web of Science databases, and 1 294 articles were identified, including 128 articles reporting 163 cases in China and 1 166 articles reporting 1 256 cases in Europe/North America. The characteristics of demographics, triggers, symptoms, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, left ventriculogram,coronary angiography, treatment and prognosis were analyzed and compared between Chinese and European/North American cases. Results: A total of 1 294 articles (1 419 cases: 163 from China, 1 256 from Europe/North America) were included in the final analysis. The characteristics of Chinese cases included: (1) demographic:the age was (59.6±16.9) years, which was similar with that of European/North American ((59.7±17.4) years, P=0.90), and female accounting for 78.5% (128/163), which was lower than that of European/North American (85.4% (1 073/1 256), P=0.02). (2) Triggers:mental triggers accounted for 48.5% (79/163), physical triggers accounted for 43.6% (71/163), and no triggers accounted for 7.9% (13/163), respectively. Compared with Europe/North America, the ratio of patients with mental triggers was higher in China, while the ratio of patients with physical triggers and no triggers was lower (P<0.05). (3) Symptoms: chest pain (52.8% (86/163)), chest tightness (35.0% (57/163)), shortness of breath (33.1% (54/163)), dizziness (16.0% (26/163)), sweating (15.3% (25/163)), palpitations (12.3% (20/163)), syncope (9.2% (15/163)) abdominal pain/diarrhea (8.6% (14/163)), hypotension (7.4% (12/163)), and fatigue (1.2% (2/163)) were illustrated in sequence. Compared with patients in Europe/North America, the ratio of patients with chest tightness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, abdominal pain/diarrhea was higher in Chinese patients, while the ratio of patients with hypotension was lower in Chinese patients (P<0.05). (4) Electrocardiogram: main manifestations were myocardial ischemia symptoms, such as ST-segment elevation (63.8% (104/163)), T wave inversion (46.0% (75/163)), ST-segment depression (8.6% (14/163)). Compared with European/North American, the ratio of patients with ST-segment elevation, T wave inversion, and atrioventricular block was higher in Chinese patients (P<0.05). (5) Echocardiography and imaging:apical dyskinesia (59.5% (97/163)) and apical/left ventricular bulbar dilation (36.2%(59/163)) dominated the echocardiography findings. Compared with European/North American, the ratio of patients with apical dyskinesia, apical/left ventricular bulbar dilation, and mitral regurgitation was higher in Chinese patients, while the ratio of patients with dyskinesia in other parts and left ventricular ejection fraction<50% was lower in Chinese patients (P<0.05). Left ventricular angiography showed 36.2% (59/163) of apical dyskinesia in Chinese patients, which was higher than that reported in European/North American patients, and 38.7% (63/163) of apical/left ventricular bulbar dilation was reported in Chinese patients, which was similar to that reported in European/North American patients. Coronary angiography showed percent of no stenosis or stenosis less than 50% was 87.1% (142/163), which was similar to that reported in European/North American patients (P>0.05). The typical type of TTS accounted for 96.3% (157/163), which was significantly higher than that reported in European/ American patients, while the ratio of basal type and midventricular type was lower (P<0.01). (6) Treatment and prognosis:the applied drugs in China were listed in order as following, β-blockers (41.1% (67/163)), antiplatelet agents (37.4%(61/163)), ACEI/ARB (36.2%(59/163)), anticoagulants (27.0%(44/163)), diuretics (19.6% (32/163)), etc. Compared with Europe/North America, the ratio of antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, statins, diuretics, and nitrates use was higher in China (P<0.05), while the use of oxygen therapy and IABP was similar (P>0.05). The hospital mortality in China was 5.5% (9/163), during 1-year follow-up the recurrence rate was 3.7% (6/163) and the mortality was 0. The prognosis was similar with that in Europe/North America. Conclusions: Compared with TTS cases in Europe/North America, TTS cases in China also occur usually in middle-aged and elderly women, most of whom have mental/physical triggers and typical imaging manifestations, followed by a low hospital mortality rate and recurrence rate.

Transcriptome-wide profiling discover: PM2.5 aggravates airway dysfunction through epithelial barrier damage regulated by Stanniocalcin 2 in an OVA-induced model

BACKGROUND

Epidemiologic evidence suggests that PM2.5 exposure aggravates asthma, but the molecular mechanisms are not fully discovered.

METHODS

Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice exposed to PM2.5 were constructed. Pathological staining and immunofluorescence were performed in in vivo study. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify the pathway involved in asthma severity by using U-BIOPRED data (human bronchial biopsies) and RNA-seq data (Beas-2B cells treated with PM2.5). Lentiviruses transfection, Real-time qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement were performed for mechanism exploration in vitro.

RESULTS

PM2.5 exposure aggravated airway inflammation and mucus secretion in OVA-induced mice. Based on transcriptome analysis of mild-to-severe asthma from human bronchial biopsies, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that up-regulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway gene set and down-regulated apical junction gene set correlated with asthma severity. Consistent with the analysis of mild-to-severe asthma, after PM2.5 exposure, the ROS pathway in Beas-2B cells was up-regulated with the down-regulation of apical junction. The expression levels of genes involved in the specific gene sets were validated by using qPCR. The mRNA levels of junction genes, ZO-1, E-cadherin and Occludin, were significantly decreased in cells exposed to PM2.5. Moreover, it confirmed that inhibition of ROS recovered the expression levels of E-cadherin, Occludin and ZO-1, and ameliorated inflammation and mucus secretion in airway in OVA-induced mice exposed to PM2.5. Meanwhile, ROS level was elevated by PM2.5. By checking trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) value, we also found that epithelial barrier was damaged after PM2.5 exposure. Importantly, Stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) was identified as a key gene in regulation of epithelial barrier. It showed that STC2 expression was up-regulated by PM2.5, which was recovered by NAC as well. Over-expression of STC2 could decrease the expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin and E-cadherin. Contrarily, suppression of STC2 could increase the expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin and E-cadherin reduced by PM2.5.

CONCLUSIONS

By using transcriptome analysis, we revealed that STC2 played a key role in PM2.5 aggravated airway dysfunction through regulation of epithelial barrier in OVA-induced mice.

PM2.5 aggravates NQO1-induced mucus hyper-secretion through release of neutrophil extracellular traps in an asthma model

BACKGROUND

Particulate matter of 2.5 µm or less in diameter (PM2.5) is one of the most complex pollutants in the atmospheric environment and harmful to human health. Epidemiologic evidence suggests that asthma exacerbation is associated with PM2.5 exposure. However, the molecular mechanism of PM2.5 in the development of asthma is not fully addressed.

METHODS

PM2.5 was collected from Chengdu, China, and the components were analyzed. The relationship between PM2.5 exposure and asthma severity was investigated in an Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of asthma. U-BIOPRED data from public database and our own RNA-seq data were analyzed to identify the hub genes. Real-time qPCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and pathological staining were applied for mechanism dissection in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

RESULTS

In PM2.5 samples, a total of 11 elements including major elements and trace elements were identified, 14 of the 16 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected except Acenaphthene and Fluorene. PM2.5 exposure aggravated pulmonary inflammation, mucus secretion, and neutrophils infiltration in asthma model. Based on transcriptome analysis of mild-to-severe asthma dataset, it showed that mucus secretion and neutrophil degranulation correlated with asthma severity. Moreover, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) was screened out as a hub gene whose expression positively correlated with MUC5AC expression in patient with asthma by performing joint analysis. Furthermore, in OVA-induced asthma model and in vitro assay, it also revealed that PM2.5-induced MU5AC expression was regulated by NQO1 through neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) caused by oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, we discovered a potential relationship between asthma severity and PM2.5 exposure. In addition, neutrophil depletion, NETs inhibition or anti-NQO1 might be novel potential therapeutic options for treatment of PM2.5-induced mucus hyper-secretion.

An integrative analysis identifying transcriptional features and key genes involved in COVID-19

Aim: To elucidate the transcriptional characteristics of COVID-19. Materials & methods: We utilized an integrative approach to comprehensively analyze the transcriptional features of both COVID-19 patients and SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Results: Widespread infiltration of immune cells was observed. We identified 233 genes that were codifferentially expressed in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung samples of COVID-19 patients. Functional analysis suggested upregulated genes were related to immune response such as neutrophil activation and antivirus response, while downregulated genes were associated with cell adhesion. Finally, we identified LCN2, STAT1 and UBE2L6 as core genes during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion: The identification of core genes involved in COVID-19 can provide us with more insights into the molecular features of COVID-19.

Assessing ACE2 expression patterns in lung tissues in the pathogenesis of COVID-19

It has been reported that SARS-CoV-2 may use ACE2 as a receptor to gain entry into human cells, in a way similar to that of SARS-CoV. Analyzing the distribution and expression level of ACE2 may therefore help reveal underlying mechanisms of viral susceptibility and post-infection modulation. In this study, we utilized previously uploaded information on ACE2 expression in various conditions including SARS-CoA to evaluate the role of ACE2 in SARS-CoV and extrapolate that to COVID-19. We found that the expression of ACE2 in healthy populations and patients with underlying diseases was not significantly different. However, based on the elevated expression of ACE2 in cigarette smokers, we speculate that long-term smoking may be a risk factor for COVID-19. Analysis of ACE2 in SARS-CoV infected cells suggests that ACE2 is not only a receptor but is also involved in post-infection regulation, including immune response, cytokine secretion, and viral genome replication. Moreover, we constructed Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and identified hub genes in viral activity and cytokine secretion. Our findings may help clinicians and researchers gain more insight into the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and design therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.

Nootropic effect of neferine on aluminium chloride-induced Alzheimer's disease in experimental models

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disease, which is developed by oxidative stress and acetylcholine contraction in the synaptic cleft of the neurons. This leads to dementia, memory loss, and decrease in learning ability and orientation. In this research work, we aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect of neferine on AlCl₃ -induced AD in rats. The results of our study revealed that the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide in the hippocampus leads to the development of AD in the rats. The oral treatment of neferine done the following occurrences such as; it potentially inhibited the ROS formation and acts as a scavenging molecule by preventing the neurodegeneration. It also improved the memory and learning ability to complete the maze activity in the AD rats and significantly increased the antioxidants superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione in neferine treated AD rats. It aggressively declined the activity of acetylcholine esterase and Na⁺ K⁺ ATPase in the neurodegenerative rat models. The gene expression pattern of neuroinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were decreased in the neferine-treated rats. The neuroinflammatory proteins such as inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa β (Nf-κβ) were decreased and Nf-κβ inhibitor IKBα was increased in the neferine-treated AD rats. Finally, the histology study proved that the neferine treatment possibly prevents neurodegeneration in the hippocampus tissue of the AD models. Hence, these all findings concluded that the neferine could be a potential neuropreventive as well as neurodegenerative therapeutic compound in neurological and cognitive dysfunction.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve the growth and disease resistance of the invasive plant Wedelia trilobata

AIMS

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are symbiotic partners of many invasive plants, however, it is still unclear how AMF contribute to traits that are important for the successful invasion of their host and how environmental factors, such as nutrient conditions, influence this. This study was to explore the effects of Glomus versiforme (GV) and Glomus mosseae (GM) on the growth and disease resistance of the invasive plant Wedelia trilobata under different nutrient conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We found that GV and GM had higher root colonization rates resulting in faster W. trilobata growth under both low-N and low-P nutrient conditions compared to the normal condition. Also, the colonization of W. trilobata by GV significantly reduced the infection area of the pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani under low-N conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated that AMF can promote the growth and pathogenic defence of W. trilobata in a nutrient-poor environment, which might contribute to their successful invasion into certain type of habitats.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

In this study, we report for the first time that AMF can promote growth and disease resistance of W. trilobata under nutrient-poor environment, which contribute to a better understanding of plant invasion.

Phenotypic analysis of atopic dermatitis in children aged 1-12 months: elaboration of novel diagnostic criteria for infants in China and estimation of prevalence

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disorder in infancy. However, the diagnosis and definite significance of infantile AD remains a debated issue.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the phenotypes of AD in infancy, to establish diagnostic criteria and to estimate the prevalence of this condition in China.

METHODS

This is a multicentric study, in which 12 locations were chosen from different metropolitan areas of China. Following careful and complete history-taking and skin examination, the definite diagnosis of AD was made and the severity based on the SCORAD index was determined by local experienced dermatologists. Based on the detailed phenotyping, the major and representative clinical features of infantile AD were selected to establish the diagnostic criteria and evaluate their diagnostic efficacy.

RESULTS

A total of 5967 infants were included in this study. The overall point prevalence of AD was 30.48%. The infantile AD developed as early as at the second month of life, and its incidence peaked in the third month of life at 40.81%. The proportion of mild, moderate and severe AD was 67.40%, 30.57% and 2.03%, respectively. The most commonly seen manifestations in the infantile AD were facial dermatitis (72.07%), xerosis (42.72%) and scalp dermatitis (27.93%). We established the novel diagnostic criteria of infants, which included: (i) onset after 2 weeks of birth; (ii) pruritus and/or irritability and sleeplessness comparable with lesions; and (iii) all two items above with one of the following items can reach a diagnosis of AD: (i) eczematous lesions distributed on cheeks and/or scalp and/or extensor limbs, and (ii) eczematous lesions on any other parts of body accompanied by xerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In China, the prevalence of AD in infancy is 30.48% according to clinical diagnosis of dermatologists. The novel Chinese diagnostic criteria for AD in infants show a higher sensitivity and comparable specificity.

Clinical Value of Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIR as a Novel Biomarker in Digestive Cancers: A Meta-Analysis

HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA has been reported to serve as an important prognostic biomarker in several types of cancers. However, the clinical value of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA in digestive cancers remains unclear. Therefore, we tried to investigate the clinical role of expression of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA as a prognostic indicator in digestive cancers by a meta-analysis. Literature collection was performed by searching the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases (up to October 7, 2017). A quantitative meta-analysis was conducted to assess the eligible articles on the prognostic value of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA in digestive cancers. The pooled hazard ratios or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate the association between expression of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA and clinical outcomes. A total of 1844 patients from 22 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results found a significant association between expression of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA and poor overall survival in digestive cancers (pooled hazard ratio = 2.19, 95% confidence interval, 1.86-2.57, P < .001). Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that tumor type, region, Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and sample size did not alter the predictive value of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA as an independent factor for patients’ survival. In addition, we also revealed that the clinicopathological characteristics such as differentiation, lymph node metastasis, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and distant metastasis were positively related to expression of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA digestive cancers. In conclusion, our results suggested high expression of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA was correlated with poor clinical outcomes and may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for patients with digestive cancers.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy may serve as a presurgical predictor of somatostatin analog therapy response in patients with growth hormone-secreting pituitary macroadenomas

PURPOSE

Somatostatin analogs (SSAs) are considered one of the most effective medical treatments for patients with growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (GH-PAs). The postoperative electron microscopy (EM) pathological subtype and SSTR2 expression in the tumor are the most established predictors of patient response to SSA therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate how will magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurements before surgery predict the EM pathological subtypes and SSTR2 expression of tumors, and thereby serve as an indicator for the therapeutic sensitivity to SSAs of patients with GH-PAs.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with GH pituitary macroadenomas who underwent transsphenoidal surgery were included in this retrospective study. The preoperative MRS data and T2 signal intensity were obtained from patients by 1.5 T MR spectroscopy of the sellar mass. The EM pathological subtypes of tumors were determined after surgery through examination of cell granulations. The expressions of somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), SSTR5, P21, P27, and Ki-67 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The MRS parameters that were found to significantly predict the EM pathological subtypes of tumors, as calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve, were the choline (Ch) value at 3140.5 MR units (sensitivity 69.2%, specificity 100%) and the choline/creatine (Ch/Cr) ratio at 1.27 (sensitivity 92.3%, specificity 100%). Further, the Ch/Cr ratio, but not other MRS data, was shown to negatively correlate with the expression of SSTR2 (P = 0.02). The Ch/Cr ratio was also found to positively correlate with the Ki-67 value (P < 0.05) and T2 signal (P < 0.05), but not with other factors that were examined in this study. Moreover, the Ch/Cr ratio could predict the EM pathological subtypes of tumors with an accuracy of 83.3% (5/6) for patients with an isointense T2 signal.

CONCLUSION

The Ch/Cr ratio by MRS could effectively predict the tumor subtype and was significantly correlated with the expression of SSTR2, which was consistent with other predictors. It was also able to distinguish the patients with isointense T2 signals. Our results provide a potentially new and non-invasive method to predict the response to SSAs in patients with GH pituitary macroadenomas.

[Effects of 3-methyladenine on airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and mucus secretion in asthmatic mice]

Objective: To investigate the effects of 3-methyladenine on airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and mucus secretion in asthmatic mice, and to explore its mechanism. Methods: C57BL/6J female mice were randomly divided into normal control group (PBS), OVA group(OVA), OVA with 3-methyladenine group (OVA+3-MA), and OVA with 4-phenylbutyrate group (OVA+4-PBA). OVA group, OVA+3-MA group and OVA+4-PBA groups were all sensitized and challenged with OVA to establish asthmatic models, while PBS group was given PBS as a control. At 2 h before challenge, OVA+3-MA group was intraperitoneally injected with 3-methyladenine, and OVA+4-PBA group was intraperitoneally injected with 4-phenylbutyrate. Airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophils, and pathological changes of pulmonary tissue (hematoxylin-eosin, HE staining) were measured to confirm the establishment of asthmatic models. Sections of pulmonary tissue were also stained with Masson and PAS. The expression level of LC3B was measured by immunofluorescence and Western blot. The Beclin1, Muc5ac, Atf6, Chop and Bip proteins in lung tissues were detected by Western blot. Results: The Penh value, and eosinophils in BALF in OVA group was significantly increased compared with PBS group (P<0.05). The Penh value in OVA+3-MA group and OVA+4-PBA group were significantly decreased compared with the OVA group at the concentration of 6.25 g/L, 12.50 g/L, 25.00 g/L, and 50.00 g/L of methacholine (all the P<0.05), and the eosinophils were also significantly decreased compared with the OVA group (P<0.05). Pulmonary histology revealed that OVA group showed high levels of inflammatory cell infiltration of bronchi and lung vessels, alveolar septal thickening, structural destruction, smooth muscle thickening, collagen deposition, and goblet cell hyperplasia. The levels of inflammatory cell infiltration of bronchi and lung vessels, alveolar septal thickening, structural destruction, smooth muscle thickening, collagen deposition, and goblet cell hyperplasia in OVA+3-MA group and OVA+4-PBA group were significantly lower than the OVA group, while the PBS group was normal. Compared with PBS group, the expression of LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ, Beclin1, Muc5ac, Atf6, Chop and Bip proteins in lung tissues in the OVA group were significantly increased (1.09±0.04 vs 0.34±0.09, P<0.05; 0.18±0.01 vs 0.06±0.01, P<0.05; 1.90±0.38 vs 0.46±0.11, P<0.05; 1.67±0.18 vs 0.41±0.08, P<0.05; 2.96±0.45 vs 1.11±0.10, P<0.05; 2.07±0.34 vs 0.49±0.17, P<0.05, respectively). Compared with the OVA group the expression of LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ, Beclin1, Muc5ac, Atf6, Chop and Bip proteins in lung tissues in the OVA+3-MA group and OVA+4-PBA group were significantly decreased (0.46±0.07 vs 1.09±0.04, 0.63±0.03 vs 1.09±0.04, both P<0.05; 0.11±0.02 vs 0.18±0.01, 0.12±0.02 vs 0.18±0.01, both P<0.05; 0.72±0.22 vs 1.90±0.38, 0.57±0.13 vs 1.90±0.38, both P<0.05; 1.06±0.12 vs 1.67±0.18, 1.02±0.12 vs 1.67±0.18, both P<0.05; 1.67±0.21 vs 2.96±0.45, 1.10±0.15 vs 2.96±0.45, both P<0.05; 1.03±0.11 vs 2.07±0.34, 0.97±0.10 vs 2.07±0.34, both P<0.05). Conclusion: 3-MA was shown to inhibit airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and mucus secretion in mice with bronchial asthma, and the mechanism may be related to inhibiting autophagy, and then inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.

TGF-β3 Promotes MUC5AC Hyper-Expression by Modulating Autophagy Pathway in Airway Epithelium

Mucus secretion accumulation in the airways may act as a contributing factor for the development of airflow limitation in severe fetal asthma patients. Accumulated evidences showed that transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays a regulatory role in airway remodeling including mucus hyper-secretion in asthma. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of TGF-β3 induced MUC5AC hyper-expression in airway epithelium remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated the pivotal roles of autophagy in regulation of MUC5AC hyper-production induced by TGF-β3 in airway epithelium. Our experimental data showed that inhibiting autophagy pathway in repeated ovalbumin (OVA) exposed mice exhibited decreased airway hyper-response and airway inflammation, diminishing the expression of Muc5ac and TGF-β3. Furthermore, our studies demonstrated that autophagy was induced upon exposure to TGF-β3 and then mediated MUC5AC hyper-expression by activating the activator protein-1 (AP-1) in human bronchial epithelial cells. Finally, Smad2/3 pathway was involved in TGF-β3-induced MUC5AC hyper-expressions by promoting autophagy. These data indicated that autophagy was required for TGF-β3 induced airway mucous hyper-production, and that inhibition of autophagy exerted therapeutic benefits for TGF-β3 induced airway mucus secretion.

[Alphacalcidol combined with dexamethasone for reducing pulmonary fibrosis in mice and its mechanism]

Objective To study the effect of alphacalcidol and dexamethasone on pulmonary fibrosis and its mechanism. Methods Forty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group, pulmonary fibrosis group, alphacalcidol group, dexamethasone group, dexamethasone combined with alphacalcidol group. The normal control group was given 0.5 μL/g normal saline by one-time intratracheal injection as well as 0.2 mL normal saline by daily intragastric infusion. The other groups received 0.5 μL/g bleomycin solution by one-time intratracheal injection; besides, the pulmonary fibrosis group were subjected to 0.2 mL normal saline gavage; the dexamethasone group were treated with dexamethasone [0.5 mg/ (kg.d)] orally; the alphacalcidol group received intragastric infusion of alphacalcidol [0.5 μg/ (kg.d)]; and the dexamethasone plus alphacalcidol group was given dexamethasone [0.5 mg/ (kg.d)] mixed with alphacalcidol [0.5 μg/ (kg.d)] orally. Then they were killed after 21 days. The pathological changes of lung tissues was observed using HE and Masson staining. The serum was collected to detect hydroxyproline (Hyp) values. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for cell counting. ELISA was performed to examine interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in supernatants. Results In the alphacalcidol combined with dexamethasone group, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β1, cell count, Sazpiel score, Hyp values were lower than those in the other groups except for the control group, and the alveolar inflammation and fibrin deposition were also lower than those in the other groups except for the control group. Conclusion The curative effect of alphacalcidol combined with dexamethasone on pulmonary fibrosis is better than either dexamethasone or alphacalcidol alone, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TGF-β1 and inflammatory factors.

Cell cycle arrest of Jurkat cells by leukemic bone marrow stromal cells: possible mechanisms and involvement of CRIF1

Bone marrow hemopoietic microenvironment plays an important role in the incidence and development of leukemia. Studies using normal bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and an established stromal cell line, have shown that the leukemic cell cycle can be arrested in the G0/G1 phase in BMSCs, although the mechanism is still unclear. We performed this study to determine the effect of primary cultured leukemic BMSCs on the cell cycle distribution of Jurkat cells. Normal and leukemic BMSCs were isolated for culture to create a hematopoietic microenvironment simulating bone marrow in vitro. The normal and leukemic BMSCs induced cell cycle arrest of Jurkat cells in the G0/G1 phase. Suppression subtractive hybridization revealed differential gene expression after the co-culture of cells with normal and leukemic BMSCs. Jurkat cells showed upregulated expression of genes involved in cell cycle control CR6 interacting factor 1 (CRIF1). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction results also showed increased CRIF1 mRNA levels in Jurkat cells co-cultured with either normal BMSCs or leukemic BMSCs compared with a suspension culture group: 5.16 ± 0.75, 6.13 ± 0.63 versus 3.02 ± 0.32, respectively (P < .05). These results indicated cell cycle arrest of Jurkat cells in the G0/G1 phase to be induced by primary cultured leukemic BMSCs associated with increased expression of CRIF1 by leukemic cells.

Magnetically switchable bioelectrocatalytic system based on ferrocene grafted iron oxide nanoparticles

A simple and versatile method for the introduction of redox unites onto the surface of magnetic nanoparticles has been developed based on "click" chemistry. Azide-functionalized Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and further reacted with ethynylferrocene via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were characterized using a powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The resulting materials have properties of both magnetism and electrochemistry, and the electrochemical properties of the nanoparticles are dependent on the features of ethynylferrocene, while the magnetic properties remain independent of ethynylferrocene. Because of the magnetism of Fe2O3 nanoparticles and the electrocatalytic activity of ferrocene unites, a recyclable, magneto-switchable bioelectrocatalytic system for glucose oxidation in the presence of glucose oxidase is developed by alternate positioning of an external magnet, and the system has a linear response for glucose biosensing over the range of 1.0-10.0 mM.

An advanced molecule-surface scattering instrument for study of vibrational energy transfer in gas-solid collisions

We describe an advanced and highly sensitive instrument for quantum state-resolved molecule-surface energy transfer studies under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. The apparatus includes a beam source chamber, two differential pumping chambers, and a UHV chamber for surface preparation, surface characterization, and molecular beam scattering. Pulsed and collimated supersonic molecular beams are generated by expanding target molecule mixtures through a home-built pulsed nozzle, and excited quantum state-selected molecules were prepared via tunable, narrow-band laser overtone pumping. Detection systems have been designed to measure specific vibrational-rotational state, time-of-flight, angular and velocity distributions of molecular beams coming to and scattered off the surface. Facilities are provided to clean and characterize the surface under UHV conditions. Initial experiments on the scattering of HCl(v = 0) from Au(111) show many advantages of this new instrument for fundamental studies of the energy transfer at the gas-surface interface.

Observation of a change of vibrational excitation mechanism with surface temperature: HCl collisions with Au(111)

We have measured the vibrational excitation probability (Pv) of HCl incident on a Au(111) surface at kinetic energies (Ei) of 0.59 eV to 1.37 eV and surface temperatures (Ts) of 273 K to 1073 K. For all energies, the slope of the Pv as a function of Ts exhibits a sharp increase above Ts approximately 800 K. We show this change in slope and the threshold behavior of Pv to be consistent with a change in excitation mechanism from an electronically adiabatic mechanical mechanism to an electronically nonadiabatic mechanism involving excited electron-hole pairs.

Molecular beam studies of the F atom reaction with propyne: Site specific reactivity

The dynamics of the F atom reaction with propyne (CH(3)CCH) has been investigated using a universal crossed molecular beam apparatus. Two reaction channels have been clearly observed: H+C(3)H(3)F and HF+C(3)H(3). The substitution of F for H occurs mainly via a complex formation mechanism, producing reaction products with some contribution from a direct reaction mechanism. The HF product, however, appears to be dominantly forward scattered relative to the F atom beam direction, suggesting that the HF formation occurs via a direct abstraction mechanism. Branching ratios for the two observed reaction channels are also determined. The H formation channel is found to be the major reaction pathway, while the HF formation channel is also significant. From the measurements of DF versus HF products from the F atom reaction with deuterated propyne, the H atom picked up by the F atom in the reaction with normal propyne seems to come mostly from the CH(3) group. In addition, the H atom produced in the H atom formation channel appears to be mostly from the CH(3) group with some contribution from the CCH group.

Dynamics of the F atom reaction with propene

The F+C2H3CH3 reaction has been investigated using the crossed molecular beam technique. Three reaction channels have been observed in this reaction: H+C3H5F, CH3+C2H3F, and HF+C3H5. Time-of-flight spectra as well as product laboratory angular distributions have been measured for the HF, C2H3F, and C3H5F products from these three channels. Relative branching ratios of the three observed reaction channels have also been estimated. Experimental results indicate that these different channels exhibit significantly different reaction dynamics.

Photodissociation dynamics of the methyl radical at 212.5 nm: Effect of parent internal excitation

Photodissociation dynamics of the CH3 radical at 212.5 nm has been investigated using the H atom Rydberg tagging time-of-flight method with a pure CH3 radical source generated by the photolysis of CH3I at 266 nm. Time-of-flight spectra of the H atom products from the photolysis of both cold and hot methyl radicals have been measured at different photolysis polarizations. Experimental results indicate that the photodissociation of the methyl radical in its ground vibrational state at 212.5 nm excitation occurs on a very fast time scale in comparison with its rotational period, indicating the CH3 dissociation at 212.5 nm occurs on the excited 3s Rydberg state surface. Experimental evidence also shows that the photodissociation of the methyl radical in the nu2 = 1 state of the umbrella mode at 212.5 nm excitation is characteristically different from that in the ground vibrational state.

Identification of the High-Lying Pi Component of NiF by Laser-Induced Fluorescence

The laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectrum of jet-cooled NiF has been studied in the range 435-570 nm. Eight electronic transitions, involving four high-lying Pi components and two lower states, the ground state X(2)Pi(3/2), and the low-lying state [0.25](2)Sigma, respectively, have been recorded. Two new Pi components are identified for the first time and their rotational constants are determined. The [20.4]Pi(3/2) component is assigned as the v'=1 level of the previously known [19.7](2)Pi(3/2) state. The [20.3]Pi(3/2) component may be linked to the component of an unreported quartet state. The previously reported [20.0](2)Pi(1/2) component is reassigned as a subcomponent of (2)Delta. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Characterization of a novel zinc finger gene with increased expression in nondividing normal human cells

We report here the cloning and characterization of a novel KRAB zinc finger gene, ZFQR, which has eight tandemly repeated zinc fingers, a complete KRAB box at the N-terminal region, and a unique C-terminal sequence. It is expressed in a variety of human tissues, and mRNA levels are upregulated in nondividing senescent and quiescent human fibroblasts. Overexpression of the protein in quiescent cells stimulated with serum growth factors results in inhibition of entry into the cell cycle. The latter activity is lost when the N-terminal KRAB domain is deleted. The KRAB domain is also required for the transcriptional repression activity of ZFQR and in maintaining association of the protein with the nuclear matrix. The gene has been mapped to human chromosome 19q13.4. The association of ZFQR with the nuclear matrix, transcriptional repression activity, increased expression in senescent and quiescent cells, and the ability to inhibit quiescent cells stimulated with growth factors from entering the cell cycle suggests a role for ZFQR in the maintenance of the nondividing state of normal human cells.

Filtering theory and application of wavelet optics at the spatial-frequency domain

We propose a wave-front filtering concept of wavelet optics and present its associated theory of wavelet optics. We analyze the filtering phenomenon of wavelet optics at the spatial-frequency domain-multiscale edge detection and multiscale feature recognition-using the theory, and we also perform the analysis with the Mexican-hat wavelet and the Haar wavelet. By use of our theory, information is obtained from an optical image that is processed multiscalely and delicately by stretching and translation of the factors. With this technique it is possible to perform real-time programming in information processing in a mixed optical system.