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Introduction: The prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters, such as metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains inadequately explored. This study aims to assess the correlation between these parameters and patient outcomes. Methods: A cohort of 156 DLBCL patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging at baseline and after 3-4 cycles of R-CHOP or CHOP-like regimen. The third quartiles of liver uptake values were used as thresholds for calculating MTV and TLG. Patient outcomes were analyzed based on Ann Arbor staging and the 5-PS score. A nomogram was developed to predict overall survival (OS). Results: Patients with low baseline TLG exhibited significantly better outcomes compared to those with high baseline TLG in both Ann Arbor stages I-II and III-IV (1-year PFS: 78.9% vs. 40%, p=0.016; OS: 94.7% vs. 40%, p=0.005 for stage I-II; 1-year PFS: 74.1% vs. 46.8%, p=0.014; OS: 85.4% vs. 71.8%, p=0.007 for stage III-IV). In interim PET/CT patients with a 5-PS score >3, the high Î"TLG group had superior prognosis (1-year PFS: 82.3% vs. 35.7%, p=0.003; OS: 88.2% vs. 85.7%, p=0.003). The nomogram achieved a C-index of 0.9 for OS prediction. Discussion: The findings suggest that baseline TLG is a robust prognostic indicator for patients with DLBCL, particularly in early stages, while Î"TLG effectively distinguishes those with favorable outcomes in higher-risk groups. These metabolic parameters from 18F-FDG PET/CT could enhance treatment decision-making and patient management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: IL-26 is a key mediator of pulmonary host defense given its abundant expression in human airways and its established antibacterial properties. Moreover, recent studies indicate that IL-26 can also inhibit viral replication. Along these lines, we have previously reported an increase in the plasma concentration of IL-26 among patients with acute COVID-19 that is linked to harmful hyperinflammation. Nevertheless, it is still unclear whether this systemic increase in IL-26 relates to disease severity, sex, comorbidities, viral load, or the innate immune response in acute COVID-19. Methods: IL-26 was quantified using ELISA in plasma samples from a large cohort of well-characterized patients with acute COVID-19 (n=178) and healthy controls (n=30). The plasma concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike protein, as well as those of IFN-α2α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ, were determined using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The concentration of double-stranded DNA was determined using fluorometry. Results: The plasma concentration of IL-26 was increased in patients with severe/critical COVID-19, particularly among males and patients with comorbid obstructive lung disease. Moreover, the concentration of IL-26 displayed positive correlations with length of hospital stay, as well as with systemic markers of viral load, antiviral immunity, and extracellular DNA. Conclusions: Systemic IL-26 is involved in severe COVID-19, especially in males and patients with comorbid obstructive lung disease. These findings argue that systemic IL-26 has pathogenic and antiviral relevance, as well as biomarker potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between psoriasis vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid (BP) remains largely unknown. Objectives: To investigate whether there is a causal effect between psoriasis vulgaris and BP. Methods: Two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted using publicly released genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics. The GWAS summary statistics for BP were downloaded online from FinnGen Biobank Documentation of the R12 release, which includes 219 BP cases and 218,066 controls. The GWAS data for psoriasis vulgaris were extracted from Sakaue et al., which comprises 5072 cases and 478,102 controls. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with exposure were selected as instrumental variables by performing additional quality control steps. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method was used for the primary MR analyses, and the MR-Egger regression, weighted mode method, weighted median method, and simple mode were employed for sensitivity analyses. The MR-Egger intercept test and "leave-one-out" sensitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the horizontal pleiotropy and the potentially influential SNPs, respectively. Results: Genetically determined log odds of psoriasis vulgaris were associated with an increased risk of BP (IVW: odds ratio (OR) = 1.263, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.013-1.575, P=0.038). Sensitivity analyses by the weighted mode (OR=1.255, 95%CI: 0.973-1.618, P=0.106), MR Egger (OR=1.315, 95%CI: 0.951- 1.817, P=0.126), simple mode (OR=1.414, 95%CI: 0.823-2.429, P=0.234) and weighted median method (OR=1.177, 95%CI: 0.889-1.559, P=0.254) derived directionally consistent relationship between the genetically predicted log odds of psoriasis vulgaris and risks of developing BP. On the contrary, we found that genetically predicted BP had no significant effect on psoriasis vulgaris (IVW: OR=0.996, P= 0.707), indicating the unidirectionality of the relationship. MR-Egger intercept tests showed no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy. No influential SNP driving the results was detected by the leave-one- out sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: Our results suggested that psoriasis vulgaris causally increases the risk of BP, highlighting the need for potential strategies for the prevention and early diagnosis of comorbid BP in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Further researches into this association and underlying mechanisms are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdS-based photocatalyst and photoanode have recently drawn the attention of several investigators primarily in connection with its excellent visible light response in various catalytic reactions involving light, especially photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The present approach highlights the concept of constructing a biological functional layer incorporated for photochemical instable semiconductors for practical PEC applications. However, practical applications of CdS-based photoanodes are limited by rapid charge recombination and severe photo corrosion. This study introduces a novel approach to enhance reaction kinetics and stability. We present a CdS nanorod photoanode with an ultrathin layer of polydopamine (PDA), prepared through a conformal polymerization assembly process, which serves as a robust platform for subsequent assembly of hole cocatalysts FeOOH. The resulting sandwich structure of CdS/PDA/FeOOH photoanode demonstrates an incident to current efficiency (IPCE) of 7.1% at 420 nm and a photocurrent of 1.9 mA/cm² at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen potential (RHE). The integrated photoanode exhibits significantly prolonged photostability compared to CdS, CdS/PDA, and CdS/FeOOH photoanodes. The significance of this work lies in constructing a FeOOH structure (with hole extraction and consumption capabilities) on the CdS outermost layer using an easy-to-operate preparation process, thereby revealing the ability of PDA to enable the passage of photogenerated holes. The present approach highlights the concept of integrating biologically functional layers to stabilize photochemically unstable semiconductors for practical PEC applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncertainty and destructiveness of major emergencies have resulted in China attaching unprecedented importance to emergency management. Ineffective response to emergencies also exposes the shortage of emergency management personnel and professionals, highlighting the necessity and urgency of emergency science education. Based on the actual needs of the state and society for emergency disciplines, this paper analyzes the logical possibilities of the emergency science and engineering discipline system design and gives a design framework. The study also puts forth measures to support implementation, such as conducting interdisciplinary pilot research and exploring the school's tradition of emergency science education. Including emergency science and engineering disciplines in interdisciplinary disciplines is conducive to enhancing resource investment, condensing academic consensus, accurately cultivating emergency personnel, achieving emergency technology breakthroughs, and providing a reference for the development of emergency science education in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the effects of the partial replacement of whole corn silage (WCS) with fermented pineapple peel residue (FPPR) on growth, serological parameters, muscle quality, rumen microorganisms, and fecal microorganisms. A total of 24 Chuanzhong black goats weighing 10.23 ± 1.42 kg were evaluated in a randomized complete trial design in accordance with the following treatments: (1) 0% FPPR in the diet, (2) 25% FPPR in the diet, and (3) 50% FPPR in the diet. In goats, the partial substitution of FPPR for WCS increased the abundance of probiotics, such as Blautia, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, and Ruminococcus albus, and did not exert significant effects on overall serological parameters and muscle quality. In conclusion, the partial substitution of FPPR for WCS in the diet did not impair or affect the productive performance of goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes are nano-sized biological extracellular vesicles transmitting information between cells and constituting a new intercellular communication mode. Exosomes have many advantages as an ideal drug delivery nanocarrier, including good biocompatibility, permeability, low toxicity, and low immunogenicity. Recently, exosomes have been used to deliver chemotherapeutic agents, natural drugs, nucleic acid drugs, and other antitumor drugs to treat many types of tumors. Due to the limited production of exosomes, synthetic exosome-mimics have been developed as an ideal platform for drug delivery. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of exosomes and exosome-mimics delivering therapeutic drugs in treating cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma in adults. Tumour microenvironment is closely related to tumour prognosis and immune checkpoint blocking therapy (ICBT). This study aimed to investigate the immunological and prognostic characteristics of the tumour microenvironment (TME), as well as the regulatory mechanisms. Methods: Gene expression profiles and clinical data of patients with DLBCL were obtained from GEO database. ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA analyses were used to explore microenvironment characteristics and regulatory mechanism of the immune subtypes, which were identified by consistent clustering. The differences in enriched pathways were showed by GSEA. Hub genes associated with CD8+ T cells, which were identified by WCGNA, were exhibited biological functions through GO and KEGG. Immune-related gene scores (IRGSs) based on hub genes were used to evaluate the prediction of immune subtypes and ICBT, and retrospective analysis was used for validation. Finally, prognostic genes were screened to construct risk models. Results: Consensus clustering divided patients with DLBCL into two subtypes with significant heterogeneities in prognosis and immune microenvironment. Low immune infiltration was associated with poor prognosis. Subtype C1 with high immune infiltration was enriched in multiple immune pathways. We observed that two common mutated genes (B2M and EZH2) in DLBCL were closely related to MHC-I and microenvironment. Our further analysis manifested that MYD88L265P may be the main cause of TLR signalling pathway activation in subtype C1. Hub genes (SH2D1A, CD8A, GBP2, ITK, CD3D, RORA, IL1R2, CD28, CD247, CD3G, PRKCQ, CXCR6, and CD3E) in relation with CD8+ T cells were used to establish IRGS, which was proved an accurate predictor of immune subtypes, and patients in high-IRGS group were more likely to benefit from ICBT. Retrospective analysis showed that absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) was higher in the group that responded to the PD-1 inhibitor. Finally, the risk model was constructed based on two genes (CD3G and CD3D), and the low-risk group showed better prognosis. Conclusion: DLBCL immune classifications with highly heterogeneity are a powerful predictor of prognosis and ICBT. The IRGS is proved to be a reliable tool to distinguish immune subtypes as a substitute for gene expression profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is an autoimmune bullous disease associated with underlying neoplasms and characterized by antibodies against desmoglein 3 (Dsg 3) and plakins. Autoantibodies against desmoglein 3 in sera of patients with PNP have been proven to cause acantholysis in vivo in neonatal mice. As a member of the plakin family, autoantibodies against desmoplakin were detected frequently by immunoprecipitation in the sera of PNP. The recombinant C-terminus of desmoplakin was expressed and purified to adsorb the specific autoantibodies against the C-terminus of desmoplakin. In vitro dispase-dependent keratinocyte dissociation assay and in vivo IgG passive transfer into neonatal mice assay were performed, followed by the electronic microscopy examination and TUNEL assay. We found that anti-C terminus of desmoplakin autoantibodies caused blisters and acantholysis in mice skin at a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, dissociated fragments were observed after incubation with the purified IgG against desmoplakin, compared with normal human IgG (P-value =0.0207). The electronic microscopy examination showed the disconnection of keratin intermediate filaments from desmosomes. Lastly, apoptosis of keratinocytes in the TUNEL assay was all detected in the skins of neonatal mice after injection of the anti-C terminus of desmoplakin autoantibodies. Taken together, the study suggests that autoantibodies against the C-terminus of desmoplakin might be pathogenic in PNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncertainty and destructiveness of major emergencies have resulted in China attaching unprecedented importance to emergency management. Ineffective response to emergencies also exposes the shortage of emergency management personnel and professionals, highlighting the necessity and urgency of emergency science education. Based on the actual needs of the state and society for emergency disciplines, this paper analyzes the logical possibilities of the emergency science and engineering discipline system design and gives a design framework. The study also puts forth measures to support implementation, such as conducting interdisciplinary pilot research and exploring the school's tradition of emergency science education. Including emergency science and engineering disciplines in interdisciplinary disciplines is conducive to enhancing resource investment, condensing academic consensus, accurately cultivating emergency personnel, achieving emergency technology breakthroughs, and providing a reference for the development of emergency science education in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the operation process of a power battery pack, the inconsistency among lithium-ion cells may seriously restrict the pack's capacity, power capability and lifetime, which may bring hidden danger to the use of electric vehicles. Equalization management systems (EMSs) are crucial to alleviate such inter-cell inconsistency, whose performance such as accuracy and stability, mainly depends on the setting of equalization control strategies. This paper proposes an equalization strategy aimed at throughput maximization of series battery in the whole life cycle based on Model Prediction Control (MPC). In this paper, a Mean-plus-difference model (M+D) model is selected as the series battery model and the parameters are identified by Recursive Least Squares (RLS). Based on the model predictive control theory, the control model of series battery pack is established and the objective function of maximizing the throughput in the whole life cycle is derived. At the end of the paper, the simulation results show that the proposed equalization strategy can achieve greater life cycle throughput compared with the traditional SOC equalization strategy, which verifies the guiding significance of the equilibrium strategy proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case 31-year-old woman who was diagnosed with paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) and retroperitoneal mass 3 years previously. It informs that the similarity between graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and PNP pathogenically and clinically led us to propose ruxolitinib as a putative option for persistent stomatitis and bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) in a post-operative patient with PNP.

Paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome is a complex and deadly disease. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features and risk factors for paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome in 145 Chinese patients. The most common neoplasm was Castleman disease (56%), and patients with Castleman disease tended to be younger (= 42 years old: 83% vs. 29%) and to have a greater proportions of lichen planus-like lesions (47% vs. 27%) and bronchiolitis obliterans (49% vs. 29%), compared to other neoplasm-associated patients. Among all 145 patients in the study, the survival rates were 84% at 1 year, 65% at 3 years, and 54% at 5 years. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that mortality was associated with older age (> 42 years), neoplasm type, labial lesions, and larger skin lesion area (> 17.5% of the body surface area). However, only older age and larger skin lesion area were independent factors associated with mortality in multivariate analysis. We suggest that patients with Castleman disease and paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome have many unique characteristics and the underlying risk factors for death require further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hormesis is a concentration-response phenomenon characterized by low-concentration stimulation and high-concentration inhibition, which typically has a nonmonotonic J-shaped concentration-response curve (J-CRC). The concentration addition (CA) model is the gold standard for studying mixture toxicity. However, the CA model had the predictive blind zone (PBZ) for mixture J-CRC. To solve the PBZ problem, we proposed a segmented concentration addition (SCA) method to predict mixture J-CRC, which was achieved through fitting the left and right segments of component J-CRC and performing CA prediction subsequently. We selected two model compounds including chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTCC) and oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTCC), both of which presented J-CRC to Aliivibrio fischeri (AVF). The seven binary mixtures (M1–M7) of CTCC and OTCC were designed according to their molar ratios of 12:1, 10:3, 8:5, 1:1, 5:8, 3:10, and 1:12 referring to the direct equipartition ray design. These seven mixtures all presented J-CRC to AVF. Based on the SCA method, we obtained mixture maximum stimulatory effect concentration (ECm) and maximum stimulatory effect (Em) predicted by SCA, both of which were not available for the CA model. The toxicity interactions of these mixtures were systematically evaluated by using a comprehensive approach, including the co-toxicity coefficient integrated with confidence interval method (CTCICI), CRC, and isobole analysis. The results showed that the interaction types were additive and antagonistic action, without synergistic action. In addition, we proposed the cross point (CP) hypothesis for toxic interactive mixtures presenting J-CRC, that there was generally a CP between mixture observed J-CRC and CA predicted J-CRC; the relative positions of observed and predicted CRCs on either side of the CP would exchange, but the toxic interaction type of mixtures remained unchanged. The CP hypothesis needs to be verified by more mixtures, especially those with synergism. In conclusion, the SCA method is expected to have important theoretical and practical significance for mixture hormesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunotherapy, as a novel treatment, has brought new hope to many patients with cancer, including patients with lung cancer. However, the overall cure rate and survival rate of lung cancer are still not satisfactory. The process of evolution has improved the ability of tumors to adapt to immunotherapy, which induces drug resistance. Many studies have focused on immunoresistance and achieved meaningful results. Therefore, it is necessary to have an in-depth understanding of the current research progress in immunoresistance, which will help to achieve good clinical results more efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the evolutionary characteristics of international trade of potassium salts. We construct a weighted and directed complex network model of potassium salt trade, analyze the scale and activity, trade relations, trade flow distribution and the importance of trading countries using UN Comtrade 2000-2016 data. Results show that potassium salt trade is more dynamic, resource allocation is more convenient. Some countries have formed trade groups. The relationship between small and major countries is growing. The resource flows of countries with large degrees are conducive to balancing resource's distribution. Besides Canada is a leading trade country, and the US, the Russian Federation, China and Brazil are trade-led countries. China, the Netherlands, the US, France and India are important hubs. Finally, using Porter's national competitive advantage theory, it proposes countermeasures for forming the international competitive advantage of potassium salt enterprises in different countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitiligo is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that targets melanocytes, causing skin de-pigmentation. A cream formulation of the Janus kinase (JAK) 1/JAK2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib demonstrated substantial re-pigmentation in a phase 2 study in adults with vitiligo. In two multinational, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled phase 3 studies of adults and adolescents with vitiligo (TRuE-V1, NCT04052425; TRuE-V2, NCT04057573), ruxolitinib cream was superior to vehicle at Week 24 in the primary and all key secondary endpoints. Pooled results on achievement of ≥50% improvement in the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI50) by body region in TRuE-V1/TRuE-V2 were analysed and are reported herein. Patients ≥12years old with nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) with de-pigmentation covering ≤10% total body surface area, including a total VASI (T-VASI) score ≥3, were eligible for enrolment. Patients were randomized 2:1 to twice-daily 1·5% ruxolitinib cream or vehicle for 24weeks, after which all patients could apply twice-daily 1·5% ruxolitinib cream through Week 52 (open-label extension). The percentage of patients achieving VASI50 was calculated for each body region [head and neck (not including face), hands, upper extremities, trunk (including genitals), lower extremities, feet] and total body (excluding face). In total, 674 patients were randomized in the TRuE-V studies (ruxolitinib cream, n=450; vehicle, n=224); 661 patients were included in the efficacy analysis (1 site excluded for data quality) and 569 continued in the open-label extension (ruxolitinib cream from Day 1, n=385; crossover from vehicle, n=184). At Week 12, more patients who applied 1·5% ruxolitinib cream vs. vehicle achieved VASI50 in the head and neck (28·3% vs. 19·8%), upper extremities (14·1% vs. 11·0%), trunk (15·5% vs. 12·9%) and lower extremities(15·1% vs. 10·9%). At Week 24, more patients who applied 1·5% ruxolitinib cream vs. vehicle achieved VASI50 regardless of body region [head and neck, 45·3% vs. 23·8%; hands, 24·9% vs. 14·4%; upper extremities, 33·2% vs. 8·2%; trunk, 26·4% vs. 12·3%; lower extremities, 29·5% vs. 12·2%; feet, 18·5% vs. 12·5%; total body (excluding face), 20·8% vs. 6·9%]. Similarly at Week 52 more patients who applied ruxolitinib cream from Day 1 achieved VASI50 than those who switched over from vehicle after Week 24 (head and neck, 68·1% vs. 51·0%; hands, 38·2% vs. 29·2%; upper extremities, 56·7% vs. 34·9%; trunk, 48·4% vs. 25·4%; lower extremities, 54·5% vs. 32·3%; feet, 29·3% vs. 22·5%; total body [excluding face], 47·7% vs. 23·3%). Attainment of VASI50 at Week 52 among crossover patients (i.e. after 28 weeks of ruxolitinib cream) was consistent with Week 24 data in patients who applied ruxolitinib cream from Day 1. Adolescents and adults with NSV applying ruxolitinib cream achieved VASI50 in higher percentages compared with vehicle at Week 12 in the head and neck, upper extremities, trunk and lower extremities and at Week 24, regardless of the body region involved. The percentage of patients who achieved VASI50 increased through Week 52, including among patients who switched over from vehicle to ruxolitinib cream after Week 24. In summary, ruxolitinib cream produced a clinically meaningful re-pigmentation of all body regions (including hands and feet that are notoriously difficult to re-pigment) in TRuE-V1/TruE-V2 through Week 52, including among patients who switched over to ruxolitinib cream from vehicle after Week 24. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When airflow fly over trees, a shelter area will be generated at downstream area, and wind speed in the region will be reduced correspondingly. In order to analyze the windbreak performance of tree canopy, porous media method and additional source term are explored to simulate by computational fluid dynamics. Based on the given method, windbreak performance of trees with different canopy porosity, canopy shapes and distances between trees is investigated in detail, and characteristics of wind flow on the downstream of tree are shown. Results showed that small canopy porosity does not always mean good performance of windbreak, especially for the lower part. Canopy shapes only affect wind speed in the wake range. In these regions, windbreak performance of tree depends on the thickness of canopy. When distance is beyond 3H (H is the height of tree), wind speed becomes uniform at the downstream of tree and spacing can be equivalent to the porosity. But, for the region close to tree, trees with spacing cannot provide effective windshield. These simulations of tree canopy windbreak performance are conducted. All the results of the new model show better canopy flow characteristics through the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decomposition processes of accumulated cyanobacteria can release large amounts of organic carbon and affect the carbon cycling in shallow eutrophic lakes. However, the migration and transformation mechanisms of dissolved carbon (DC) require further study and discussion. In this study, a 73-day laboratory microcosm experiment using suction samplers (Rhizon and syringe) was conducted to understand the migration and transformation of DC during the cyanobacteria decomposition. The decomposition of cyanobacteria biomass caused anoxic and reduction conditions, and changed the acid-base environment in the water column. During the early incubation (days 0-18), a large amount of cyanobacteria-derived particulate organic matter (POM) was decomposed into dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the overlying water, reaching the highest peak value of 1.82 g L-1 in the treatment added the high cyanobacteria biomass (470 g). After 18 days of incubation, the mineralization of increased DOC to dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) maintained a high DIC level of overlying water in treatments added cyanobacteria biomass. The treatment added the medium cyanobacteria biomass (235 g) presented the lower DOC/total dissolved carbon ratio than the high cyanobacteria biomass associated with the lower mineralization from DOC to DIC. Due to the concentration differences of DIC at water-sediment interface, the main migration of DIC from pore water to overlying water occurred in the treatment without added cyanobacteria biomass. However, the treatments added the cyanobacteria biomass presented the obvious diffusion of DOC and the low migration of DIC at the water-sediment interface. The diffusive fluxes of DOC at the water-sediment interface increased with the cyanobacteria biomass added, reaching the maximum value of 411.01 mg/(m²·d) in the treatment added the high cyanobacteria biomass. In the overlying water, the group added the sediment and medium cyanobacteria biomass presented a faster degradation of cyanobacteria-derived POM to DOC and a higher mineralization level of DOC to DIC than added the medium cyanobacteria biomass without sediment. Therefore, during accumulated cyanobacteria decomposition, the biomass of accumulated cyanobacteria and sediment property can influence the migration and transformation of DC, playing an important role in carbon cycling in shallow eutrophic lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of the expression of WWOX and p53 on the growth of MG-63 osteosarcoma cells and to explore the correlation between osteosarcoma and the expression of WWOX and p53. WWOX and p53-overexpressing MG-63 osteosarcoma cell lines were established by transfection and named the MW and MP cell lines, respectively. Untransfected MG-63 cells (blank control) were used as control. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of WWOX and wild-type p53 mRNA and protein, respectively. The effects of WWOX and p53 (wild-type) on the activity of MG-63 cells were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The expression of mutant p53 protein in 65 cases of osteosarcoma was detected by immunohistochemistry to analyze the correlation between p53 and the development of osteosarcoma. qPCR showed that WWOX and p53 mRNA was overexpressed in MW and MP cells, respectively. Western blot analysis showed that the levels of WWOX and p53 protein in MW and MP cells were higher than in the blank control group. MTT assay showed that the cell proliferation ability of MW and MP cells was significantly lower than in the blank control group. Flow cytometry showed that 78.49% of MW and 66.76% of MP cells were arrested in the G0/G1 phase. Immunohistochemistry showed that mutant p53 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma, with a positive expression rate of 47.7%. The expression rate was positively correlated with the pathological grade of cancer. In conclusion, WWOX can affect the cell cycle of MG-63 osteosarcoma cells to inhibit cell proliferation, which provides new insights into gene therapy for osteosarcoma. The two types of the p53 gene have different functions in the development of osteosarcoma. Wild-type p53 acts as a tumor suppressor, while mutant p53, which is overexpressed in malignant osteosarcoma, has a carcinogenic effect associated with the degree of osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetraploid black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is adaptable to salt stress. Here, we compared morphological, physiological, ultrastructural, and proteomic traits of leaves in tetraploid black locust and its diploid relatives under salt stress. The results showed that diploid (2×) plants suffered from greater negative effects than those of tetraploid (4×) plants. After salt treatment, plant growth was inhibited, photosynthesis was reduced, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde content, and relative electrolyte leakage increased, and defense-related enzyme activities decreased in 2× compared to those in 4×. In addition, salt stress resulted in distorted chloroplasts, swollen thylakoid membranes, accumulation of plastoglobules, and increased starch grains in 2× compared to those in 4×. However, 4× developed diverse responses under salt stress. A comparative proteomic analysis revealed that 41 and 37 proteins were differentially expressed in 2× and 4×, respectively. These proteins were mainly involved in photosynthesis, stress and defense, energy, metabolism, transcription/translation, and transportation. Distinct patterns of protein changes between 2× and 4× were analyzed. Collectively, our results suggest that the plants showed significantly different responses to salt stress based on ploidy level of the plant. The 4× possessed a better salt protection mechanism than that of 2×, suggesting salt tolerance in the polyploid plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ethanol extract of Teucrium manghuaense grown in Hainan province (China) was analysed by GC and GC/MS. Of the constituents 84-96% were identified on the basis of their GC retention times and their mass spectra in regard to authentic compounds. The results revealed that it contained 9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[4.2.1]nonane (7.43%), 2-methylpyrrolidine (19.42%), 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (10.84%), and squalene (28.55%), as major components, constituting 66.24% of the extract. The chemical characterization of the ethanol extract by GC/MS also allowed identification of 1-octen-3-one (3.41%), 2-pentyl-piperidine (2.25%), 1-(2-methyl-1-propenyl)-piperidine (4.63%), 2,2'-diethoxy-5,5'-bi-1-pyrroline (0.41%), (Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrieniic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester (1.56%), vitamin E (2.95%) and stigmasterol (1.39%). Finally, the antioxidant and anti-tumor activities of the ethanol extract have been evaluated. Results show that the extract of Teucrium manghuaense leaf possesses strong DPPH-, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and anti-tumor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We have previously shown that supernatant from Candida albicans (CA) culture contains a Secretory Interleukin (IL)-12 Inhibitory Factor (CA-SIIF), which inhibits IL-12 production by human monocytes. However, the effect of CA-SIIF on secretion of other cytokines by monocytes is unknown, and detailed characterization of this factor has not been performed. Results: In this study, we demonstrate that the IL-12 inhibitory activity of CA-SIIF was serum-independent, based on the reduction of IL-12 levels in monocytes stimulated under serum-independent conditions. The minimal inhibitory dose of CA-SIIF was found to be 200 µg/ml. Investigation of CA-SIIF's effect on macrophages IL-12 production in vitro and in vivo also showed that CA-SIIF inhibited IL-12 production by murine macrophages both in vitro (from 571 ± 24 pg/ml to 387 ± 87 pg/ml; P = 0.05) and in vivo (from 262 ± 6 pg/ml to 144 ± 30 pg/ml; P < 0.05). In addition to IL-12, cytokine array analysis revealed that CA-SIIF induced differential production of other cytokines also. In this regard, reduction in levels were observed for IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, MCP-2, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1, RANTES, etc. In contrast, levels of other chemokines e.g. MCP-4, MIF and MIP-3á (P < 0.05) were increased. We also found that CA-SIIF suppressed the maturation of human monocytes to dendritic cells (CD1a expression = 13 ± 3% vs 36 ± 2% of the control; P < 0.01). Next, to identify the biochemical nature of CA-SIIF, we separated this factor into a Concanavalin A (ConA)-binding glycoprotein fraction (CA-SIIF-GP) and a non-ConA-binding protein fraction (CA-SIIF-NGP) using ConA affinity chromatography. Both fractions were then tested for this inhibitory effect on human monocyte IL-12 production. CA-SIIF-GP produced a higher inhibitory effect on IL-12 production compared to CA-SIIF-NGP and CA-SIIF crude (P < 0.01), proving that CA-SIIF is a glycoprotein in nature. Conclusion: CA-SIIF is a glycoprotein which exhibits serum-independent inhibition of IL-12 production from monocytes in vitro and in vivo, and also modulates differentiation of monocytes into dendritic cells. These results suggest important role for CA-SIIF in interactions of C. albicans with the host immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1) is an alternatively spliced transcription factor that participates in the unfolded protein response (UPR), a stress-signaling pathway that allows cells to survive the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen. We have previously demonstrated that XBP1 expression is increased in antiestrogen-resistant breast cancer cell lines and is coexpressed with estrogen receptor alpha (ER) in breast tumors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of XBP1 and the UPR in estrogen and antiestrogen responsiveness in breast cancer. Overexpression of spliced XBP1 [XBP1(S)] in ER-positive breast cancer cells leads to estrogen-independent growth and reduced sensitivity to growth inhibition induced by the antiestrogens Tamoxifen and Faslodex in a manner independent of functional p53. Data from gene expression microarray analyses imply that XBP1(S) acts through regulation of the expression of ER, the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2, and several other genes associated with control of the cell cycle and apoptosis. Testing this hypothesis, we show that overexpression of XBP1(S) prevents cell cycle arrest and antiestrogen-induced cell death through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. XBP1 and/or the UPR may be a useful molecular target for the development of novel predictive and therapeutic strategies in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases breast cancer risk in women. To determine whether this may be caused by increased pregnancy leptin levels, leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) mutant (fa/fa) and wild-type (FA/FA) female Zucker rats and Sprague-Dawley rats were fed during pregnancy an obesity-inducing high-fat diet (OID) that increased pregnancy weight gain, or a control diet. Because mutant Zucker rats do not readily become pregnant, their pregnancy was mimicked by exposing the rats to subcutaneous silastic capsules containing 150 microg of estradiol and 30 mg of progesterone for 3 wk. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent normal pregnancy. An assessment of hormone levels on gestation d 17 indicated that an exposure to the OID significantly elevated serum leptin concentration but did not affect those of estradiol or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Insulin and adiponectin levels were higher in the obese than lean Zucker rats, but were not related to pregnancy weight gain. Exposure to the OID during pregnancy increased 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumorigenesis in all genetic backgrounds, including leptin receptor mutant Zucker rats. The results also indicated that obese Zucker rats that underwent mimicked pregnancy developed more palpable tumors and hyperplastic alveolar nodules that lean Zucker rats. Further, mammary epithelial cell proliferation assessed using PCNA staining was elevated in obese Zucker rats as was activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK); however, neither of these 2 changes occurred in the context of excessive weight gain during pregnancy. It remains to be determined whether an increase in leptin levels was causally associated with an increase in the dams' mammary tumorigenesis, including in obese Zucker rats with dramatically reduced leptin signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We have measured the transcription of several genes that have been implicated as virulence factors in Aspergillus fumigatus, including fos-1, a histidine kinase, two-component signal protein, rhbA, a ras-related protein required for signaling, pksP, a polyketide synthase involved in biosynthesis of melanin, pabA synthetase, an enzyme catalyzing a late step in the biosynthesis of folate, lysF, a homoconitase related to lysine biosynthesis, and cpcA, the transcriptional activator of the cross-pathway control system of amino acid biosynthesis. Transcription levels were determined from in vitro grown organism as well as from lung tissue from mice infected with A. fumigatus. Our data indicate that fos-1 and rhbA transcription increased significantly during the infection in mice, compared to the other genes whose transcription remained the same (pksP, cpcA, pabA) or decreased slightly (lysF). In vitro measurements of transcription compared to transcription in infected lung tissue demonstrated low levels of fos-1 and rhbA, 20–40-fold increases (cpcA, lysF, pabA), while pksP was not detected from cultures. Our data demonstrate that transcription of these genes differs in vitro versus during disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leakage current path in the vertical-type metal–semiconductor–metal structured device fabricated on a Fe-doped bulk GaN substrate with a V-shaped pit is investigated. Micro-Raman, micro-photoluminescence, and atomic force microscope show nonuniform distributions of the optical and electrical properties in the V-shaped pit. The distribution of carrier concentration is determined by the distributions of Si, O, and Fe impurities, which are further influenced by the incorporation efficiency of the corresponding impurities in the semi-polar growth facets. The mechanism of current leakage in a V-shaped pit is explained by the big difference between the resistance inside and outside the pit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]