Sample records for g8r vltf-1 a3l

  1. Progressive augmentation and ventilatory long-term facilitation are enhanced in sleep apnoea patients and are mitigated by antioxidant administration

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Dorothy S; Badr, M Safwan; Mateika, Jason H

    2009-01-01

    Progressive augmentation (PA) and ventilatory long-term facilitation (vLTF) of respiratory motor output are forms of respiratory plasticity that are initiated during exposure to intermittent hypoxia. The present study was designed to determine whether PA and vLTF are enhanced in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) participants compared to matched healthy controls. The study was also designed to determine whether administration of an antioxidant cocktail mitigates PA and vLTF. Thirteen participants with sleep apnoea and 13 controls completed two trials. During both trials participants were exposed to intermittent hypoxia which included twelve 4-min episodes of hypoxia (, 50 mmHg; , 4 mmHg above baseline) followed by 30 min of recovery. Prior to exposure to intermittent hypoxia, participants were administered, in a randomized fashion, either an antioxidant or a placebo cocktail. Baseline measures of minute ventilation during the placebo and antioxidant trials were not different between or within groups. During the placebo trial, PA was evident in both groups; however it was enhanced in the OSA group compared to control (last hypoxic episode 36.9 ± 2.8 vs. 27.7 ± 2.2 l min−1; P≤ 0.01). Likewise, vLTF was evident during the recovery period in both groups; on the other hand vLTF was greater in the OSA group compared to control (29.3 ± 2.8 vs. 20.4 ± 1.3 l min−1; P≤ 0.01). PA and vLTF were reduced in the OSA group following antioxidant administration compared to the placebo (PA 30.6 ± 2.0 vs. 36.9 ± 2.8 l min−1, P≤ 0.01; vLTF 23.3 ± 1.4 vs. 29.3 ± 2.8 l min−1, P≤ 0.05). We conclude that PA and vLTF are enhanced in participants with OSA and that these forms of respiratory plasticity are mitigated after treatment with an antioxidant cocktail. PMID:19805747

  2. Single-step synthesis of a new series of meso di-Mannich bases from the cyclic aminal (2S,7R,11S,16R)-1,8,10,17-tetraazapentacyclo[8.8.1.1.8,170.2,7011,16]icosane and p-substituted phenols

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background The results presented herein show that the cyclic aminal (2S,7R,11S,16R)-1,8,10,17-tetraazapentacyclo[8.8.1.1.8,170.2,7011,16]icosane (6), derived from cis-(meso)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane and formaldehyde, is a suitable substrate for the preption of a series of cis-meso Mannich bases such as 8a-l by reaction with p-substituted phenols 7a-l in basic media. These compounds are valuable synthetic products and may find application in asymmetric catalysis. Results The products were characterized principally by NMR and IR spectroscopy. Both the benzylic and aminalic protons of the perhydrobenzimidazolidine moiety were diastereotopic due to the presence of stereogenic nitrogen centers. The occurrence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions was confirmed by the broad OH stretching vibration band in the IR spectra. Vibrational spectra were calculated using B3LYP at 6-31G(d,p) level, and the calculated frequencies for the νOH vibrations were compared to those of the experimental spectra. Hydrogen bonding interactions in the solid state were observed through the X-ray crystallography of 8j. Additionally, Mulliken charges and Fukui indices for 6 were calculated as theoretical descriptors of electrophilicity. Conclusion A new series of meso Mannich bases called 4,4′-disubstituted-2,2′-{[(3aR,7aS)-2,3,3a,4,5,6,7,7a-octahydro-1H-1,3-benzimidazole-1,3-diyl]bis(methylene)} diphenols (8a-l) which are derived from cis-(meso)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, were obtained from cyclic aminal 6. These results confirmed the behavior of 6 as an electrophilic preformed reagent in Mannich reactions in basic media. PMID:23758899

  3. NASA Aircraft on ramp (Aerial view) Sides: (L) QSRA (R) C-8A AWJSRA - Back to Front: CV-990 (711)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1981-01-01

    NASA Aircraft on ramp (Aerial view) Sides: (L) QSRA (R) C-8A AWJSRA - Back to Front: CV-990 (711) C-141 KAO, CV-990 (712) Galileo, T-38, YO-3A, Lear Jet, X-14, U-2, OH-6, CH-47, SH-3G, RSRA, AH-1G, XV-15, UH-1H

  4. Ablation of PPP1R3G reduces glycogen deposition and mitigates high-fat diet induced obesity.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yongxian; Gu, Jin; Wang, Lin; Zhao, Zilong; Pan, Yi; Chen, Yan

    2017-01-05

    Glycogen and triglyceride are two major forms of energy storage in the body and provide the fuel during different phases of food deprivation. However, how glycogen metabolism is linked to fat deposition in adipose tissue has not been clearly characterized. We generated a mouse model with whole-body deletion of PPP1R3G, a glycogen-targeting subunit of protein phosphatase-1 required for glycogen synthesis. Upon feeding with high-fat diet, the body weight and fat composition are significantly reduced in the PPP1R3G -/- mice compared to the wild type controls. The metabolic rate of the mice as measured by O 2 consumption and CO 2 production is accelerated by PPP1R3G deletion. The high-fat diet-induced liver steatosis is also slightly relieved by PPP1R3G deletion. The glycogen level in adipose tissue is reduced by PPP1R3G deletion. In 3T3L1 cells, overexpression of PPP1R3G leads to increases of both glycogen and triglyceride levels. In conclusion, our study indicates that glycogen is actively involved in fat accumulation in adipose tissue and obesity development upon high-fat diet. Our study also suggests that PPP1R3G is an important player that links glycogen metabolism to lipid metabolism in vivo. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Ocular Hypotensive Response in Nonhuman Primates of (8R)-1-[(2S)-2-Aminopropyl]-8,9-dihydro-7H-pyrano[2,3-g]indazol-8-ol a Selective 5-HT2 Receptor Agonist.

    PubMed

    May, Jesse A; Sharif, Najam A; McLaughlin, Marsha A; Chen, Hwang-Hsing; Severns, Bryon S; Kelly, Curtis R; Holt, William F; Young, Richard; Glennon, Richard A; Hellberg, Mark R; Dean, Thomas R

    2015-11-25

    Recently, it has been reported that 5-HT2 receptor agonists effectively reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in a nonhuman primate model of glaucoma. Although 1-[(2S)-2-aminopropyl]indazol-6-ol (AL-34662) was shown to have good efficacy in this nonhuman primate model of ocular hypertension as well as a desirable physicochemical and permeability profile, subsequently identified cardiovascular side effects in multiple species precluded further clinical evaluation of this compound. Herein, we report selected structural modifications that resulted in the identification of (8R)-1-[(2S)-2-aminopropyl]-8,9-dihydro-7H-pyrano[2,3-g]indazol-8-ol (13), which displayed an acceptable profile to support advancement for further preclinical evaluation as a candidate for proof-of-concept studies in humans.

  6. Cytoadhesion to gC1qR through Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 in Severe Malaria

    PubMed Central

    Magallón-Tejada, Ariel; Machevo, Sónia; Cisteró, Pau; Lavstsen, Thomas; Aide, Pedro; Jiménez, Alfons; Turner, Louise; Gupta, Himanshu; De Las Salas, Briegel; Mandomando, Inacio; Wang, Christian W.; Petersen, Jens E. V.; Muñoz, Jose; Gascón, Joaquim; Macete, Eusebio; Alonso, Pedro L.; Chitnis, Chetan E.

    2016-01-01

    Cytoadhesion of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes to gC1qR has been associated with severe malaria, but the parasite ligand involved is currently unknown. To assess if binding to gC1qR is mediated through the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family, we analyzed by static binding assays and qPCR the cytoadhesion and var gene transcriptional profile of 86 P. falciparum isolates from Mozambican children with severe and uncomplicated malaria, as well as of a P. falciparum 3D7 line selected for binding to gC1qR (Pf3D7gC1qR). Transcript levels of DC8 correlated positively with cytoadhesion to gC1qR (rho = 0.287, P = 0.007), were higher in isolates from children with severe anemia than with uncomplicated malaria, as well as in isolates from Europeans presenting a first episode of malaria (n = 21) than Mozambican adults (n = 25), and were associated with an increased IgG recognition of infected erythrocytes by flow cytometry. Pf3D7gC1qR overexpressed the DC8 type PFD0020c (5.3-fold transcript levels relative to Seryl-tRNA-synthetase gene) compared to the unselected line (0.001-fold). DBLβ12 from PFD0020c bound to gC1qR in ELISA-based binding assays and polyclonal antibodies against this domain were able to inhibit binding to gC1qR of Pf3D7gC1qR and four Mozambican P. falciparum isolates by 50%. Our results show that DC8-type PfEMP1s mediate binding to gC1qR through conserved surface epitopes in DBLβ12 domain which can be inhibited by strain-transcending functional antibodies. This study supports a key role for gC1qR in malaria-associated endovascular pathogenesis and suggests the feasibility of designing interventions against severe malaria targeting this specific interaction. PMID:27835682

  7. Co-administration of recombinant major envelope proteins (rA27L and rH3L) of buffalopox virus provides enhanced immunogenicity and protective efficacy in animal models.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Amit; Yogisharadhya, Revanaiah; Venkatesan, Gnanavel; Bhanuprakash, Veerakyathappa; Pandey, Awadh Bihari; Shivachandra, Sathish Bhadravati

    2017-05-01

    Buffalopox virus (BPXV) and other vaccinia-like viruses (VLVs) are causing an emerging/re-emerging zoonosis affecting buffaloes, cattle and humans in India and other countries. A27L and H3L are immuno-dominant major envelope proteins of intracellular mature virion (IMV) of orthopoxviruses (OPVs) and are highly conserved with an ability to elicit neutralizing antibodies. In the present study, two recombinant proteins namely; rA27L ( 21 S to E 110 ; ∼30 kDa) and rH3L( 1 M to I 280 ; ∼50 kDa) of BPXV-Vij/96 produced from Escherichia coli were used in vaccine formulation. A combined recombinant subunit vaccine comprising rA27L and rH3L antigens (10 μg of each) was used for active immunization of adult mice (20μg/dose/mice) with or without adjuvant (FCA/FIA) by intramuscular route. Immune responses revealed a gradual increase in antigen specific serum IgG as well as neutralizing antibody titers measured by using indirect-ELISA and serum neutralization test (SNT) respectively, which were higher as compared to that elicited by individual antigens. Suckling mice passively administered with combined anti-A27L and anti-H3L sera showed a complete (100%) pre-exposure protection upon challenge with virulent BPXV. Conclusively, this study highlights the potential utility of rA27L and rH3L proteins as safer candidate prophylactic antigens in combined recombinant subunit vaccine for buffalopox as well as passive protective efficacy of combined sera in employing better pre-exposure protection against virulent BPXV. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. CXCR1/2 antagonism with CXCL8/Interleukin-8 analogue CXCL8(3–72)K11R/G31P restricts lung cancer growth by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and suppressing angiogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Khan, Muhammad Noman; Wang, Bing; Wei, Jing; Zhang, Yingqiu; Li, Qiang; Luan, Xuelin; Cheng, Jya-Wei; Gordon, John R.; Li, Fang; Liu, Han

    2015-01-01

    CXCR1 and CXCR2 together with cognate chemokines are significantly upregulated in a number of cancers, where they act as key regulators of tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. We have previously reported a mutant protein of CXCL8/Interleukin-8, CXCL8(3–72)K11R/G31P (G31P), which can act as a selective antagonist towards CXCR1/2 with therapeutic efficacy in both inflammatory diseases and malignancies. In this study, we investigated the effect of this ELR-CXC chemokine antagonist G31P on human non-small cell lung cancer cells and lung tumor progression in an orthotopic xenograft model. We report increased mRNA levels of CXCR1 and CXCR2 in human lung cancer tissues compared to normal counterparts. Expression levels of CXCR1/2 cognate ligands was determined by ELISA. CXCR1/2 receptor antagonism via G31P leads to decreased H460 and A549 cell proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. G31P also enhanced apoptosis in lung cancer cells as determined by elevated levels of cleaved PARP, Caspase-8, and Bax, together with a reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. In an in vivo orthotopic xenograft mouse model of human lung cancer, G31P treatment suppressed tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. At the molecular level, G31P treatment was correlated with decreased expression of VEGF and NFкB-p65, in addition to reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT. Our results suggest that G31P blockage of CXCR1 and CXCR2 can inhibit human lung cancer cell growth and metastasis, which offers potential therapeutic opportunities. PMID:26087179

  9. X-Ray study of hetero ring flexibility in norbornane, norbornene-fused 1,3-oxazin-2-thiones Structure of 5,8-methano- r-4-phenyl-c-4a, c-5,6,7, c-8, c- 8a-hexahydro-4H- 1 ,3-benzoxazin-2 (3H)-thione

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kálmán, A.; Argay, Gy.; Stájer, G.; Bernáth, G.

    1991-08-01

    The structure of S,8-methano- r-4-phenyl c4a, c5,6,7 c8 c8ahexahydro4 H 1,3 -benzoxazin- 2 (3 H)-thione (C 15H 17N0S, M r=259.37) has been established by X-ray crystallography from diffractometer data: it crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1/n with a=6.150(2) Å, b=9.655(1) Å, c=22.093(4) Å,β=96.75(2)† V=1302.7(8) Å 3,4,D c=1.32gcm -3and p( Cu K) =20.4cm -. The structure has been solved by direct methods, refined to R=0.050 for 2193 observed reflections. The X-ray analysis substantiated the structure: the NMR spectra in- dicated that the 4-phenyl group assumes an exo-equatorial position. The puckering parameters of D. Cremer, J.A. Pople, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 97 (1975), 1354 (ref.1), of the distorted hetero ring (a transitional form between E 4-envelope, ( 5S 4-screw-boat) show that, depending on the positions of the hetero atoms, both the norbornane, norbornene skeletons markedly alter the characteristic transitional ( 5E/ 5H 6) shape of the 1,3-oxazine ring observed in other saturated, partly saturated l,3-benzoxazin-2-ones, analogous thiones.

  10. Demonstration of IgG Subclass (IgG1 and IgG3) in Immuno-Related Hemocytopenia.

    PubMed

    Shao, Yuanyuan; Qi, Xiao; Fu, Rong; Liu, Hui; Wang, Yihao; Ding, Shaoxue; Wang, Huaquan; Li, Lijuan; Shao, Zonghong

    2018-06-01

    Immuno-related hemocytopenia (IRH) is defined as idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance (ICUS) patients with autoantibodies. In our previous studies, we found that IgG1 levels were increased in IRH patients and might cause the destruction of hematopoietic cells. In this study, we analyzed IgG subclasses in 30 IRH patients (male:female = 13:17, median age 32 years, range 18 - 56), 15 IRH remission patients (IRH-R) (male:female = 6:9, median age 34, range 20 - 52) and 20 normal controls (male:female = 8:12, median age 27, range 24 - 36) by Cytometric Bead Array, Flow Cytometry and Immunohistochemical staining. Levels of IgG1/IgG3 in the bone marrow supernatant of IRH patents, as well as the proportion of CD5+ B lymphocytes and Th2 cells (CD3+CD8-IL-4+) were higher than those of IRH-R patients and normal controls, and IgG1 levels had a positive correlation with the proportion of Th2 cells. In IRH patients, IgG1 and IgG3 were positive on nucleated erythrocytes and granulocytes, which were negative in IRH-R patients and healthy controls and had inverse correlations with hematopoietic function. Using immunohistochemical staining, IgG1 were also detected on bone marrow biopsies of IRH patients. The results indicated that IgG1 and IgG3 autoantibodies in IRH patients might play a key role in the IRH pathogenesis and in the abnormal immune function of IRH patients.

  11. Functional Characterization of Cotton GaMYB62L, a Novel R2R3 TF in Transgenic Arabidopsis

    PubMed Central

    Butt, Hamama Islam; Yang, Zhaoen; Chen, Eryong; Zhao, Ge; Gong, Qian; Yang, Zuoren; Zhang, Xueyan

    2017-01-01

    Drought stress can trigger the production of ABA in plants, in response to adverse conditions, which induces the transcript of stress-related marker genes. The R2R3 MYB TFs are implicated in regulation of various plants developmental, metabolic and multiple environmental stress responses. Here, a R2R3-MYB cloned gene, GaMYB62L, was transformed in Arabidopsis and was functionally characterized. The GaMYB62L protein contains two SANT domains with a conserved R2R3 imperfect repeats. The GaMYB62L cDNA is 1,017 bp with a CDS of 879, encodes a 292-residue polypeptide with MW of 38.78 kD and a pI value of 8.91. Overexpressed GaMYB62L transgenic Arabidopsis have increased proline and chlorophyll content, superior seed germination rate under salt and osmotic stress, less water loss rate with reduced stomatal apertures, high drought avoidance as compared to WT on water deprivation and also significant plant survival rates at low temperature. In addition, overexpressed GaMYB62L lines were more sensitive to ABA mediated germination and root elongation assay. Moreover, ABA induced GaMYB62L overexpression, enhanced the expression of ABA stress related marker genes like RD22, COR15A, ADH1, and RD29A. Together, overexpression of GaMYB62L suggested having developed better drought, salt and cold tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis and thus presented it as a prospective candidate gene to achieve better abiotic stress tolerance in cotton crop. PMID:28125637

  12. VizieR Online Data Catalog: Catalog of M, L, & T dwarfs from PS1 3π Survey (Best+, 2018)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Best, W. M. J.; Magnier, E. A.; Liu, M. C.; Aller, K. M.; Zhang, Z.; Burgett, W. S.; Chambers, K. C.; Draper, P.; Flewelling, H.; Kaiser, N.; Kudritzki, R.-P.; Metcalfe, N.; Tonry, J. L.; Wainscoat, R. J.; Waters, C.

    2018-03-01

    The catalog includes all L and T dwarfs published as of 2015 December that have photometry in at least one of the five PS1 bands (gP1, rP1, iP1,zP1, yP1). In order to ensure that every object in our catalog is a bona fide M, L, or T dwarf, we included only published objects with spectroscopic classification. (3 data files).

  13. Production of (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid by fermentation and bioconversion processes with Azohydromonas lata.

    PubMed

    Ugwu, Charles U; Tokiwa, Yutaka; Ichiba, Toshio

    2011-06-01

    Feasibility of producing (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid ((R)-3-HB) using wild type Azohydromonas lata and its mutants (derived by UV mutation) was investigated. A. lata mutant (M5) produced 780 m g/l in the culture broth when sucrose was used as the carbon source. M5 was further studied in terms of its specificity with various bioconversion substrates for production of (R)-3-HB. (R)-3-HB concentration produced in the culture broth by M5 mutant was 2.7-fold higher than that of the wild type strain when sucrose (3% w/v) and (R,S)-1,3-butanediol (3% v/v) were used as carbon source and bioconversion substrate, respectively. Bioconversion of resting cells (M5) with glucose (1% v/w), ethylacetoacetate (2% v/v), and (R,S)-1,3-butanediol (3% v/v), resulted in (R)-3-HB concentrations of 6.5 g/l, 7.3g/l and 8.7 g/l, respectively. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Detection in Japan of an equine-like G3P[8] reassortant rotavirus A strain that is highly homologous to European strains across all genome segments.

    PubMed

    Kikuchi, Wakako; Nakagomi, Toyoko; Gauchan, Punita; Agbemabiese, Chantal Ama; Noguchi, Atsuko; Nakagomi, Osamu; Takahashi, Tsutomu

    2018-03-01

    Equine-like G3P[8] rotavirus A strains with DS-1-like backbone genes have emerged since 2013. An equine-like RVA/Human-wt/JPN/15R429/2015/G3P[8] strain possessing I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2 was detected in Japan in 2015. Its VP7 gene was ≥ 99.3% identical to those of equine-like G3P[4] strains detected in Japan, and the remaining 10 genes were 98.6-99.8% identical to G1P[8] double-gene reassortants detected in Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. Thus, 15R429 was likely generated through reassortment between the equine-like G3P[4] and G1P[8] reassortant strains. Notably, 15R429 was 98.5-99.8% identical across all 11 genes of the equine-like G3P[8] strains detected in Spain and Hungary in 2015.

  15. CD3+/CD8+ T-cell density and tumoral PD-L1 predict survival irrespective of rituximab treatment in Chinese diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients.

    PubMed

    Shi, Yunfei; Deng, Lijuan; Song, Yuqin; Lin, Dongmei; Lai, Yumei; Zhou, LiXin; Yang, Lei; Li, Xianghong

    2018-05-10

    To investigate the prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating T-cell density and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). One-hundred-twenty-five Chinese DLBCL patients were enrolled in our study and provided samples; 76 of all cases were treated with rituximab (R). Tumor tissues were immunostained and analyzed for CD3+ and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T-cell density, tumoral PD-L1, and microenvironmental PD-L1 (mPD-L1). The density of CD3 was rated as high in 33.6% cases, while 64.0% of DLBCLs were classified as high CD8 density. Of all cases, 16.8% were PD-L1+. Of the remaining PD-L1-DLBCLs, 29.8% positively expressed mPD-L1. Both CD3 high density and CD8 high density were associated with mPD-L1 positivity (P = 0.001 and P = 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, independently, high CD3 density predicted better OS (P = 0.023), while CD8 high density and PD-L1 positivity were both associated with prolonged PFS (P = 0.013 and P = 0.036, respectively). Even in the subgroup treated with R, univariate analyses indicated that high CD3 density and PD-L1 positivity were associated with better OS (P = 0.041) and PFS (P = 0.033), respectively. The infiltrating densities of CD3+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells, and PD-L1 expression are predictive of survival in DLBCLs, irrespective of R usage.

  16. gC1q-R/p32, a C1q-binding protein, is a receptor for the InlB invasion protein of Listeria monocytogenes.

    PubMed

    Braun, L; Ghebrehiwet, B; Cossart, P

    2000-04-03

    InlB is a Listeria monocytogenes protein that promotes entry of the bacterium into mammalian cells by stimulating tyrosine phosphorylation of the adaptor proteins Gab1, Cbl and Shc, and activation of phosphatidyl- inositol (PI) 3-kinase. Using affinity chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we demonstrate a direct interaction between InlB and the mammalian protein gC1q-R, the receptor of the globular part of the complement component C1q. Soluble C1q or anti-gC1q-R antibodies impair InlB-mediated entry. Transient transfection of GPC16 cells, which are non-permissive to InlB-mediated entry, with a plasmid-expressing human gC1q-R promotes entry of InlB-coated beads. Furthermore, several experiments indicate that membrane recruitment and activation of PI 3-kinase involve an InlB-gC1q-R interaction and that gC1q-R associates with Gab1 upon stimulation of Vero cells with InlB. Thus, gC1q-R constitutes a cellular receptor involved in InlB-mediated activation of PI 3-kinase and tyrosine phosphorylation of the adaptor protein Gab1. After E-cadherin, the receptor for internalin, gC1q-R is the second identified mammalian receptor promoting entry of L. monocytogenes into mammalian cells.

  17. Water-level fluctuations, water temperatures, and tilts in sandbars -6.5R, 43.1L, and 172.3L, Grand Canyon, Arizona, 1990-93

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Carpenter, Michael C.; Crosswhite, Jason A.; Carruth, R.L.

    1995-01-01

    Rill erosion, slumping, and fissuring develop on seepage faces of many sandbars along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon at low river stage. Three sandbars were instrumented with sensors for continual monitoring of stage, pore pressure, ground-water temperature, and tilt to determine the relation between ground-water flow and sandbar deformation. Data were collected from October 1990 to July 1993 at sandbar -6.5R, which had 17 pore- pressure sensors, 1 stage sensor, 19 temperature sensors, and 8 tilt sensors. Data were collected from April 1991 to March 1993 at sandbar 172.3L, which had 15 pore-pressure sensors, 1 stage sensor, 29 temperature sensors, and 10 tilt sensors. Atten- uation of water-level fluctuation from the zone of fluctuating river stage to the back of the sandbars ranged from 70 percent at sandbar -6.5R to 40 percent for sandbars 43.1L and 172.3L. Shallow tilt occurred at sandbar 43.1L from July 7 to August 10, 1991. Tilt occurred at sandbar 172.3L on May 7-8, June 18-19, and September 1-2, 1991; July 3 and 31, 1992; January 12, 14, 20-21, and 31, 1993; and February 21 and 24, 1993.

  18. Symmetry and geometry considerations of atom transfer: deoxygenation of (silox)3WNO and R3PO (R = Me, Ph, (t)Bu) by (silox)3M (M = V, NbL (L = PMe3, 4-picoline), Ta; silox = (t)Bu3SiO).

    PubMed

    Veige, Adam S; Slaughter, LeGrande M; Lobkovsky, Emil B; Wolczanski, Peter T; Matsunaga, Nikita; Decker, Stephen A; Cundari, Thomas R

    2003-10-06

    Deoxygenations of (silox)(3)WNO (12) and R(3)PO (R = Me, Ph, (t)Bu) by M(silox)(3) (1-M; M = V, NbL (L = PMe(3), 4-picoline), Ta; silox = (t)Bu(3)SiO) reflect the consequences of electronic effects enforced by a limiting steric environment. 1-Ta rapidly deoxygenated R(3)PO (23 degrees C; R = Me (DeltaG degrees (rxn)(calcd) = -47 kcal/mol), Ph) but not (t)Bu(3)PO (85 degrees, >2 days), and cyclometalation competed with deoxygenation of 12 to (silox)(3)WN (11) and (silox)(3)TaO (3-Ta; DeltaG degrees (rxn)(calcd) = -100 kcal/mol). 1-V deoxygenated 12 slowly and formed stable adducts (silox)(3)V-OPR(3) (3-OPR(3)) with OPR(3). 1-Nb(4-picoline) (S = 0) and 1-NbPMe(3) (S = 1) deoxygenated R(3)PO (23 degrees C; R = Me (DeltaG degrees (rxn)(calcd from 1-Nb) = -47 kcal/mol), Ph) rapidly and 12 slowly (DeltaG degrees (rxn)(calcd) = -100 kcal/mol), and failed to deoxygenate (t)Bu(3)PO. Access to a triplet state is critical for substrate (EO) binding, and the S --> T barrier of approximately 17 kcal/mol (calcd) hinders deoxygenations by 1-Ta, while 1-V (S = 1) and 1-Nb (S --> T barrier approximately 2 kcal/mol) are competent. Once binding occurs, significant mixing with an (1)A(1) excited state derived from population of a sigma-orbital is needed to ensure a low-energy intersystem crossing of the (3)A(2) (reactant) and (1)A(1) (product) states. Correlation of a reactant sigma-orbital with a product sigma-orbital is required, and the greater the degree of bending in the (silox)(3)M-O-E angle, the more mixing energetically lowers the intersystem crossing point. The inability of substrates EO = 12 and (t)Bu(3)PO to attain a bent 90 degree angle M-O-E due to sterics explains their slow or negligible deoxygenations. Syntheses of relevant compounds and ramifications of the results are discussed. X-ray structural details are provided for 3-OPMe(3) (90 degree angle V-O-P = 157.61(9) degrees), 3-OP(t)Bu(3) ( 90 degree angle V-O-P = 180 degrees ), 1-NbPMe(3), and (silox)(3)ClWO (9).

  19. Mutations in MYB3R1 and MYB3R4 Cause Pleiotropic Developmental Defects and Preferential Down-Regulation of Multiple G2/M-Specific Genes in Arabidopsis1[C][W

    PubMed Central

    Haga, Nozomi; Kobayashi, Kosuke; Suzuki, Takamasa; Maeo, Kenichiro; Kubo, Minoru; Ohtani, Misato; Mitsuda, Nobutaka; Demura, Taku; Nakamura, Kenzo; Jürgens, Gerd; Ito, Masaki

    2011-01-01

    R1R2R3-Myb proteins represent an evolutionarily conserved class of Myb family proteins important for cell cycle regulation and differentiation in eukaryotic cells. In plants, this class of Myb proteins are believed to regulate the transcription of G2/M phase-specific genes by binding to common cis-elements, called mitosis-specific activator (MSA) elements. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), MYB3R1 and MYB3R4 act as transcriptional activators and positively regulate cytokinesis by activating the transcription of KNOLLE, which encodes a cytokinesis-specific syntaxin. Here, we show that the double mutation myb3r1 myb3r4 causes pleiotropic developmental defects, some of which are due to deficiency of KNOLLE whereas other are not, suggesting that multiple target genes are involved. Consistently, microarray analysis of the double mutant revealed altered expression of many genes, among which G2/M-specific genes showed significant overrepresentation of the MSA motif and a strong tendency to be down-regulated by the double mutation. Our results demonstrate, on a genome-wide level, the importance of the MYB3R-MSA pathway for regulating G2/M-specific transcription. In addition, MYB3R1 and MYB3R4 may have diverse roles during plant development by regulating G2/M-specific genes with various functions as well as genes possibly unrelated to the cell cycle. PMID:21862669

  20. A Novel Regulatory Function of Sweet Taste-Sensing Receptor in Adipogenic Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Cells

    PubMed Central

    Masubuchi, Yosuke; Nakagawa, Yuko; Ma, Jinhui; Sasaki, Tsutomu; Kitamura, Tadahiro; Yamamoto, Yoritsuna; Kurose, Hitoshi; Kojima, Itaru; Shibata, Hiroshi

    2013-01-01

    Background Sweet taste receptor is expressed not only in taste buds but also in nongustatory organs such as enteroendocrine cells and pancreatic beta-cells, and may play more extensive physiological roles in energy metabolism. Here we examined the expression and function of the sweet taste receptor in 3T3-L1 cells. Methodology/Principal Findings In undifferentiated preadipocytes, both T1R2 and T1R3 were expressed very weakly, whereas the expression of T1R3 but not T1R2 was markedly up-regulated upon induction of differentiation (by 83.0 and 3.8-fold, respectively at Day 6). The α subunits of Gs (Gαs) and G14 (Gα14) but not gustducin were expressed throughout the differentiation process. The addition of sucralose or saccharin during the first 48 hours of differentiation considerably reduced the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα at Day 2, the expression of aP2 at Day 4 and triglyceride accumulation at Day 6. These anti-adipogenic effects were attenuated by short hairpin RNA-mediated gene-silencing of T1R3. In addition, overexpression of the dominant-negative mutant of Gαs but not YM-254890, an inhibitor of Gα14, impeded the effects of sweeteners, suggesting a possible coupling of Gs with the putative sweet taste-sensing receptor. In agreement, sucralose and saccharin increased the cyclic AMP concentration in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells and also in HEK293 cells heterologously expressing T1R3. Furthermore, the anti-adipogenic effects of sweeteners were mimicked by Gs activation with cholera toxin but not by adenylate cyclase activation with forskolin, whereas small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Gαs had the opposite effects. Conclusions 3T3-L1 cells express a functional sweet taste-sensing receptor presumably as a T1R3 homomer, which mediates the anti-adipogenic signal by a Gs-dependent but cAMP-independent mechanism. PMID:23336004

  1. Bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) extract reduces cultured Hep-G2, Caco-2, and 3T3-L1 cell viability, affects cell cycle progression, and has variable effects on membrane permeability.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jia; Zhang, Wei; Jing, Hao; Popovich, David G

    2010-04-01

    Bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) is a blue-pigmented edible berry related to bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and the common blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a bog bilberry anthocyanin extract (BBAE) on cell growth, membrane permeability, and cell cycle of 2 malignant cancer cell lines, Caco-2 and Hep-G2, and a nonmalignant murine 3T3-L1 cell line. BBAE contained 3 identified anthocyanins. The most abundant anthocyanin was cyanidin-3-glucoside (140.9 +/- 2.6 microg/mg of dry weight), followed by malvidin-3-glucoside (10.3 +/- 0.3 microg/mg) and malvidin-3-galactoside (8.1 +/- 0.4 microg/mg). Hep-G2 LC50 was calculated to be 0.563 +/- 0.04 mg/mL, Caco-2 LC50 was 0.390 +/- 0.30 mg/mL and 0.214 +/- 0.02 mg/mL for 3T3-L1 cells. LDH release, a marker of membrane permeability, was significantly increased in Hep-G2 cells and Caco-2 cells after 48 and 72 h compared to 24 h. The increase was 21% at 48 h and 57% at 72 h in Caco-2 cells and 66% and 139% in Hep-G2 cells compared to 24 h. However, 3T3-L1 cells showed an unexpected significant lower LDH activity (P < or = 0.05) after 72 h of exposure corresponding to a 21% reduction in LDH release. BBAE treatment increased sub-G1 in all 3 cell lines without influencing cells in the G2/M phase. BBAE treatment reduced the growth and increased the accumulation of sub-G1 cells in 2 malignant and 1 nonmalignant cell line; however, the effect on membrane permeability differs considerably between the malignant and nonmalignant cells and may in part be due to differences in cellular membrane composition.

  2. Ribosomal proteins L7 and L8 function in concert with six A3 assembly factors to propagate assembly of domains I and II of 25S rRNA in yeast 60S ribosomal subunits

    PubMed Central

    Jakovljevic, Jelena; Ohmayer, Uli; Gamalinda, Michael; Talkish, Jason; Alexander, Lisa; Linnemann, Jan; Milkereit, Philipp; Woolford, John L.

    2012-01-01

    Ribosome biogenesis is a complex multistep process that involves alternating steps of folding and processing of pre-rRNAs in concert with assembly of ribosomal proteins. Recently, there has been increased interest in the roles of ribosomal proteins in eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis in vivo, focusing primarily on their function in pre-rRNA processing. However, much less is known about participation of ribosomal proteins in the formation and rearrangement of preribosomal particles as they mature to functional subunits. We have studied ribosomal proteins L7 and L8, which are required for the same early steps in pre-rRNA processing during assembly of 60S subunits but are located in different domains within ribosomes. Depletion of either leads to defects in processing of 27SA3 to 27SB pre-rRNA and turnover of pre-rRNAs destined for large ribosomal subunits. A specific subset of proteins is diminished from these residual assembly intermediates: six assembly factors required for processing of 27SA3 pre-rRNA and four ribosomal proteins bound to domain I of 25S and 5.8S rRNAs surrounding the polypeptide exit tunnel. In addition, specific sets of ribosomal proteins are affected in each mutant: In the absence of L7, proteins bound to domain II, L6, L14, L20, and L33 are greatly diminished, while proteins L13, L15, and L36 that bind to domain I are affected in the absence of L8. Thus, L7 and L8 might establish RNP structures within assembling ribosomes necessary for the stable association and function of the A3 assembly factors and for proper assembly of the neighborhoods containing domains I and II. PMID:22893726

  3. The importance of the presence of a 5'-ribonucleotide and the contribution of the T1R1 + T1R3 heterodimer and an additional low-affinity receptor in the taste detection of L-glutamate as assessed psychophysically.

    PubMed

    Smith, Kimberly R; Spector, Alan C

    2014-09-24

    The molecular receptors underlying the purported "umami" taste quality commonly associated with l-glutamate have been controversial. Evidence supports the involvement of the T1R1 + T1R3 heterodimer, a GPCR broadly tuned to l-amino acids, but variants of two mGluRs expressed in taste buds have also been implicated. Using a rigorous psychophysical taste-testing paradigm, we demonstrated impaired, if not eliminated, detection of MSG in WT and T1R1, T1R2, T1R3, and T1R2 + T1R3 KO mice when the contribution of sodium was minimized by the epithelial sodium channel blocker amiloride. When inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP), a ribonucleotide that potentiates the l-glutamate signal through the T1R1 + T1R3 heterodimer, was added, the WT and T1R2 KO mice were able to detect the compound stimulus across all MSG (+amiloride) concentrations due, in part, to the taste of IMP. In contrast, mice lacking T1R1 or T1R3 could not detect IMP alone, yet some were able to detect MSG + amiloride + IMP, but only at the higher MSG concentrations. Interestingly, the sensitivity of T1R1 KO mice to another l-amino acid, lysine, was unimpaired, suggesting that some l-amino acids can be detected through T1R1 + T1R3-independent receptors without sensitivity loss. Given that IMP is not thought to affect mGluRs, behavioral detection of l-glutamate appears to require the contribution of the T1R1 + T1R3 receptor. However, the partial competence observed in some T1R1 and T1R3 KO mice when MSG + amiloride + IMP was tested suggests that a T1R1 or T1R3 homodimer or an unidentified protein, perhaps in conjunction with T1R1 or T1R3, can serve as a low-affinity taste receptor for l-glutamate in the presence of IMP. Copyright © 2014 the authors 0270-6474/14/3413234-12$15.00/0.

  4. The Onion (Allium cepa L.) R2R3-MYB Gene MYB1 Regulates Anthocyanin Biosynthesis

    PubMed Central

    Schwinn, Kathy E.; Ngo, Hanh; Kenel, Fernand; Brummell, David A.; Albert, Nick W.; McCallum, John A.; Pither-Joyce, Meeghan; Crowhurst, Ross N.; Eady, Colin; Davies, Kevin M.

    2016-01-01

    Bulb color is an important consumer trait for onion (Allium cepa L., Allioideae, Asparagales). The bulbs accumulate a range of flavonoid compounds, including anthocyanins (red), flavonols (pale yellow), and chalcones (bright yellow). Flavonoid regulation is poorly characterized in onion and in other plants belonging to the Asparagales, despite being a major plant order containing many important crop and ornamental species. R2R3-MYB transcription factors associated with the regulation of distinct branches of the flavonoid pathway were isolated from onion. These belonged to sub-groups (SGs) that commonly activate anthocyanin (SG6, MYB1) or flavonol (SG7, MYB29) production, or repress phenylpropanoid/flavonoid synthesis (SG4, MYB4, MYB5). MYB1 was demonstrated to be a positive regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis by the induction of anthocyanin production in onion tissue when transiently overexpressed and by reduction of pigmentation when transiently repressed via RNAi. Furthermore, ectopic red pigmentation was observed in garlic (Allium sativum L.) plants stably transformed with a construct for co-overexpression of MYB1 and a bHLH partner. MYB1 also was able to complement the acyanic petal phenotype of a defined R2R3-MYB anthocyanin mutant in Antirrhinum majus of the asterid clade of eudicots. The availability of sequence information for flavonoid-related MYBs from onion enabled phylogenetic groupings to be determined across monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous species, including the identification of characteristic amino acid motifs. This analysis suggests that divergent evolution of the R2R3-MYB family has occurred between Poaceae/Orchidaceae and Allioideae species. The DNA sequences identified will be valuable for future analysis of classical flavonoid genetic loci in Allium crops and will assist the breeding of these important crop species. PMID:28018399

  5. The Onion (Allium cepa L.) R2R3-MYB Gene MYB1 Regulates Anthocyanin Biosynthesis.

    PubMed

    Schwinn, Kathy E; Ngo, Hanh; Kenel, Fernand; Brummell, David A; Albert, Nick W; McCallum, John A; Pither-Joyce, Meeghan; Crowhurst, Ross N; Eady, Colin; Davies, Kevin M

    2016-01-01

    Bulb color is an important consumer trait for onion ( Allium cepa L., Allioideae, Asparagales). The bulbs accumulate a range of flavonoid compounds, including anthocyanins (red), flavonols (pale yellow), and chalcones (bright yellow). Flavonoid regulation is poorly characterized in onion and in other plants belonging to the Asparagales, despite being a major plant order containing many important crop and ornamental species. R2R3-MYB transcription factors associated with the regulation of distinct branches of the flavonoid pathway were isolated from onion. These belonged to sub-groups (SGs) that commonly activate anthocyanin (SG6, MYB1) or flavonol (SG7, MYB29) production, or repress phenylpropanoid/flavonoid synthesis (SG4, MYB4, MYB5). MYB1 was demonstrated to be a positive regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis by the induction of anthocyanin production in onion tissue when transiently overexpressed and by reduction of pigmentation when transiently repressed via RNAi. Furthermore, ectopic red pigmentation was observed in garlic ( Allium sativum L.) plants stably transformed with a construct for co-overexpression of MYB1 and a bHLH partner. MYB1 also was able to complement the acyanic petal phenotype of a defined R2R3-MYB anthocyanin mutant in Antirrhinum maju s of the asterid clade of eudicots. The availability of sequence information for flavonoid-related MYBs from onion enabled phylogenetic groupings to be determined across monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous species, including the identification of characteristic amino acid motifs. This analysis suggests that divergent evolution of the R2R3-MYB family has occurred between Poaceae/Orchidaceae and Allioideae species. The DNA sequences identified will be valuable for future analysis of classical flavonoid genetic loci in Allium crops and will assist the breeding of these important crop species.

  6. BCoR-L1 variation and breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Lose, Felicity; Arnold, Jeremy; Young, David B; Brown, Carolyn J; Mann, Graham J; Pupo, Gulietta M; Khanna, Kum Kum; Chenevix-Trench, Georgia; Spurdle, Amanda B

    2007-01-01

    BRCA1 is involved in numerous essential processes in the cell, and the effects of BRCA1 dysfunction in breast cancer carcinogenesis are well described. Many of the breast cancer susceptibility genes such as BRCA2, p53, ATM, CHEK2, and BRIP1 encode proteins that interact with BRCA1. BCL6 corepressor-like 1 (BCoR-L1) is a newly described BRCA1-interacting protein that displays high homology to several proteins known to be involved in the fundamental processes of DNA damage repair and transcription regulation. BCoR-L1 has been shown to play a role in transcription corepression, and expression of the X-linked BCoR-L1 gene has been reported to be dysregulated in breast cancer subjects. BCoR-L1 is located on the X chromosome and is subject to X inactivation. We performed mutation analysis of 38 BRCA1/2 mutation-negative breast cancer families with male breast cancer, prostate cancer, and/or haplotype sharing around BCoR-L1 to determine whether there is a role for BCoR-L1 as a high-risk breast cancer predisposition gene. In addition, we conducted quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) on lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from the index cases from these families and a number of cancer cell lines to assess the role of BCoR-L1 dysregulation in cancer and cancer families. Very little variation was detected in the coding region, and qRT-PCR analysis revealed that BCoR-L1 expression is highly variable in cancer-free subjects, high-risk breast cancer patients, and cancer cell lines. We also report the investigation of a new expression control, DIDO1 (death inducer-obliterator 1), that is superior to GAPDH (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and UBC (ubiquitin C) for analysis of expression in LCLs. Our results suggest that BCoR-L1 expression does not play a large role in predisposition to familial breast cancer.

  7. The Importance of the Presence of a 5′-Ribonucleotide and the Contribution of the T1R1 + T1R3 Heterodimer and an Additional Low-Affinity Receptor in the Taste Detection of l-Glutamate as Assessed Psychophysically

    PubMed Central

    Smith, Kimberly R.

    2014-01-01

    The molecular receptors underlying the purported “umami” taste quality commonly associated with l-glutamate have been controversial. Evidence supports the involvement of the T1R1 + T1R3 heterodimer, a GPCR broadly tuned to l-amino acids, but variants of two mGluRs expressed in taste buds have also been implicated. Using a rigorous psychophysical taste-testing paradigm, we demonstrated impaired, if not eliminated, detection of MSG in WT and T1R1, T1R2, T1R3, and T1R2 + T1R3 KO mice when the contribution of sodium was minimized by the epithelial sodium channel blocker amiloride. When inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP), a ribonucleotide that potentiates the l-glutamate signal through the T1R1 + T1R3 heterodimer, was added, the WT and T1R2 KO mice were able to detect the compound stimulus across all MSG (+amiloride) concentrations due, in part, to the taste of IMP. In contrast, mice lacking T1R1 or T1R3 could not detect IMP alone, yet some were able to detect MSG + amiloride + IMP, but only at the higher MSG concentrations. Interestingly, the sensitivity of T1R1 KO mice to another l-amino acid, lysine, was unimpaired, suggesting that some l-amino acids can be detected through T1R1 + T1R3-independent receptors without sensitivity loss. Given that IMP is not thought to affect mGluRs, behavioral detection of l-glutamate appears to require the contribution of the T1R1 + T1R3 receptor. However, the partial competence observed in some T1R1 and T1R3 KO mice when MSG + amiloride + IMP was tested suggests that a T1R1 or T1R3 homodimer or an unidentified protein, perhaps in conjunction with T1R1 or T1R3, can serve as a low-affinity taste receptor for l-glutamate in the presence of IMP. PMID:25253867

  8. Discovery of 2,4-diarylaminopyrimidines bearing a resorcinol motif as novel ALK inhibitors to overcome the G1202R resistant mutation.

    PubMed

    Geng, Kaijun; Xia, Zongjun; Ji, Yinchun; Zhang, Ruisi Ruthy; Sun, Deqiao; Ai, Jing; Song, Zilan; Geng, Meiyu; Zhang, Ao

    2018-01-20

    To address drug resistance caused by ALK kinase mutations, especially the most refractory and predominant mutation G1202R for the second-generation ALK inhibitor, a series of new diarylaminopyrimidine analogues were designed by incorporating a resorcinol moiety (A-ring) to interact the ALK kinase domain where the G1202R is located. Compound 12d turns out as the most potent with IC 50 values of 1.7, 3.5, and 1.8 nM against ALK wild type, gatekeeper mutant L1196M, and the G1202R mutant, respectively. More importantly, compound 12d has excellent inhibitory effects against the proliferation of BaF3 cells specifically expressing ALK wild type, gatekeeper L1196M, and the most challenging mutant G1202R, with IC 50 values all less than 1.5 nM. Collectively, compound 12d is worthy of further investigation as a new more potent third-generation ALK inhibitor to circumvent drug resistance of both the first-generation and the second-generation inhibitors. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  9. Anesthetic efficacy of 1.8 mL versus 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine as a primary buccal infiltration of the mandibular first molar.

    PubMed

    Martin, Matthew; Nusstein, John; Drum, Melissa; Reader, Al; Beck, Mike

    2011-05-01

    No study has compared 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in a mandibular buccal infiltration of the first molar. The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, single-blind, crossover study comparing the degree of pulpal anesthesia obtained with 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine as a primary infiltration in the mandibular first molar. Eighty-six asymptomatic adult subjects randomly received a primary mandibular buccal first molar infiltration of 1.8 mL or 3.6 mL 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in two separate appointments. The authors used an electric pulp tester to test the first molar for anesthesia in 3-minute cycles for 90 minutes after the injections. Compared with the 1.8-mL volume of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, the 3.6-mL volume showed a statistically higher success rate (70% vs 50%). The anesthetic efficacy of 3.6 mL 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine is better than 1.8 mL of the same anesthetic solution in a primary mandibular buccal infiltration of the first molar. However, the success rate of 70% is not high enough to support its use as a primary injection technique in the mandibular first molar. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Enhanced HIV-1 neutralization by a CD4-VH3-IgG1 fusion protein

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Meyuhas, Ronit; Noy, Hava; Fishman, Sigal

    2009-08-21

    HIV-1 gp120 is an alleged B cell superantigen, binding certain VH3+ human antibodies. We reasoned that a CD4-VH3 fusion protein could possess higher affinity for gp120 and improved HIV-1 inhibitory capacity. To test this we produced several human IgG1 immunoligands harboring VH3. Unlike VH3-IgG1 or VH3-CD4-IgG1, CD4-VH3-IgG1 bound gp120 considerably stronger than CD4-IgG1. CD4-VH3-IgG1 exhibited {approx}1.5-2.5-fold increase in neutralization of two T-cell laboratory-adapted strains when compared to CD4-IgG1. CD4-VH3-IgG1 improved neutralization of 7/10 clade B primary isolates or pseudoviruses, exceeding 20-fold for JR-FL and 13-fold for Ba-L. It enhanced neutralization of 4/8 clade C viruses, and had negligible effect onmore » 1/4 clade A pseudoviruses. We attribute this improvement to possible pairing of VH3 with CD4 D1 and stabilization of an Ig Fv-like structure, rather than to superantigen interactions. These novel findings support the current notion that CD4 fusion proteins can act as better HIV-1 entry inhibitors with potential clinical implications.« less

  11. Methionine Regulates mTORC1 via the T1R1/T1R3-PLCβ-Ca2+-ERK1/2 Signal Transduction Process in C2C12 Cells.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Yuanfei; Ren, Jiao; Song, Tongxing; Peng, Jian; Wei, Hongkui

    2016-10-11

    The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) integrates amino acid (AA) availability to support protein synthesis and cell growth. Taste receptor type 1 member (T1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor that functions as a direct sensor of extracellular AA availability to regulate mTORC1 through Ca 2+ stimulation and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation. However, the roles of specific AAs in T1R1/T1R3-regulated mTORC1 are poorly defined. In this study, T1R1 and T1R3 subunits were expressed in C2C12 myotubes, and l-AA sensing was accomplished by T1R1/T1R3 to activate mTORC1. In response to l-AAs, such as serine (Ser), arginine (Arg), threonine (Thr), alanine (Ala), methionine (Met), glutamine (Gln), and glycine (Gly), Met induced mTORC1 activation and promoted protein synthesis. Met also regulated mTORC1 via T1R1/T1R3-PLCβ-Ca 2+ -ERK1/2 signal transduction. Results revealed a new role for Met-regulated mTORC1 via an AA receptor. Further studies should be performed to determine the role of T1R1/T1R3 in mediating extracellular AA to regulate mTOR signaling and to reveal its mechanism.

  12. Glucuronidation of OTS167 in Humans Is Catalyzed by UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A8, and UGT1A10

    PubMed Central

    Ramírez, Jacqueline; Mirkov, Snezana; House, Larry K.

    2015-01-01

    OTS167 is a potent maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase inhibitor undergoing clinical testing as antineoplastic agent. We aimed to identify the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) involved in OTS167 metabolism, study the relationship between UGT genetic polymorphisms and hepatic OTS167 glucuronidation, and investigate the inhibitory potential of OTS167 on UGTs. Formation of a single OTS167-glucuronide (OTS167-G) was observed in pooled human liver (HLM) (Km = 3.4 ± 0.2 µM), intestinal microsomes (HIM) (Km = 1.7 ± 0.1 µM), and UGTs. UGT1A1 (64 µl/min/mg) and UGT1A8 (72 µl/min/mg) exhibited the highest intrinsic clearances (CLint) for OTS167, followed by UGT1A3 (51 µl/min/mg) and UGT1A10 (47 µl/min/mg); UGT1A9 was a minor contributor. OTS167 glucuronidation in HLM was highly correlated with thyroxine glucuronidation (r = 0.91, P < 0.0001), SN-38 glucuronidation (r = 0.79, P < 0.0001), and UGT1A1 mRNA (r = 0.72, P < 0.0001). Nilotinib (UGT1A1 inhibitor) and emodin (UGT1A8 and UGT1A10 inhibitor) exhibited the highest inhibitory effects on OTS167-G formation in HLM (68%) and HIM (47%). We hypothesize that OTS167-G is an N-glucuronide according to mass spectrometry. A significant association was found between rs6706232 and reduced OTS167-G formation (P = 0.03). No or weak UGT inhibition (range: 0–21%) was observed using clinically relevant OTS167 concentrations (0.4–2 µM). We conclude that UGT1A1 and UGT1A3 are the main UGTs responsible for hepatic formation of OTS167-G. Intestinal UGT1A1, UGT1A8, and UGT1A10 may contribute to first-pass OTS167 metabolism after oral administration. PMID:25870101

  13. Glucuronidation of OTS167 in Humans Is Catalyzed by UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A8, and UGT1A10.

    PubMed

    Ramírez, Jacqueline; Mirkov, Snezana; House, Larry K; Ratain, Mark J

    2015-07-01

    OTS167 is a potent maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase inhibitor undergoing clinical testing as antineoplastic agent. We aimed to identify the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) involved in OTS167 metabolism, study the relationship between UGT genetic polymorphisms and hepatic OTS167 glucuronidation, and investigate the inhibitory potential of OTS167 on UGTs. Formation of a single OTS167-glucuronide (OTS167-G) was observed in pooled human liver (HLM) (Km = 3.4 ± 0.2 µM), intestinal microsomes (HIM) (Km = 1.7 ± 0.1 µM), and UGTs. UGT1A1 (64 µl/min/mg) and UGT1A8 (72 µl/min/mg) exhibited the highest intrinsic clearances (CLint) for OTS167, followed by UGT1A3 (51 µl/min/mg) and UGT1A10 (47 µl/min/mg); UGT1A9 was a minor contributor. OTS167 glucuronidation in HLM was highly correlated with thyroxine glucuronidation (r = 0.91, P < 0.0001), SN-38 glucuronidation (r = 0.79, P < 0.0001), and UGT1A1 mRNA (r = 0.72, P < 0.0001). Nilotinib (UGT1A1 inhibitor) and emodin (UGT1A8 and UGT1A10 inhibitor) exhibited the highest inhibitory effects on OTS167-G formation in HLM (68%) and HIM (47%). We hypothesize that OTS167-G is an N-glucuronide according to mass spectrometry. A significant association was found between rs6706232 and reduced OTS167-G formation (P = 0.03). No or weak UGT inhibition (range: 0-21%) was observed using clinically relevant OTS167 concentrations (0.4-2 µM). We conclude that UGT1A1 and UGT1A3 are the main UGTs responsible for hepatic formation of OTS167-G. Intestinal UGT1A1, UGT1A8, and UGT1A10 may contribute to first-pass OTS167 metabolism after oral administration. Copyright © 2015 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

  14. Emergence of novel and dominant acquired EGFR solvent-front mutations at Gly796 (G796S/R) together with C797S/R and L792F/H mutations in one EGFR (L858R/T790M) NSCLC patient who progressed on osimertinib.

    PubMed

    Ou, Sai-Hong Ignatius; Cui, Jean; Schrock, Alexa B; Goldberg, Michael E; Zhu, Viola W; Albacker, Lee; Stephens, Philip J; Miller, Vincent A; Ali, Siraj M

    2017-06-01

    Acquired epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) resistance mutations to osimertinib are common, including the EGFR C797S that abolishes the covalent binding of osimertinib to EGFR. Here we report the emergence of novel EGFR solvent front mutations at Gly796 (G796S/R) in addition to a hinge pocket L792F/H mutations, and C797S/G all in cis with T790M in a single patient on progression on osimertinib as detected by plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assay in the course of clinical care. A 69-year-old Caucasian female former light-smoker presented with stage IV EGFR L858R positive adenocarcinoma who developed EGFR T790M mutation after 8 month treatment of erlotinib. The patient was initiated on osimertinib with disease shrinkage after 2 months, but tumor regrowth was observed after 5 months of osimertinib treatment. Assay of plasma ctDNA at this time revealed these different secondary resistance mutations all in trans with each other including distinct mutations at the same codon producing different amino acid changes: G796S/R (mutant allele frequency [MAF]; 14.4%), C797S/G (MAF: 2.26%), L792F/H (MAF: 0.36%), and V802F (MAF: 0.40%), in addition to the pre-existing L858R (MAF:17.9%) and T790M (MAF:18.2%) but all in cis with T790M. The G796S/R mutations are homologous with known reported solvent front mutations in ALK G1202R, ROS1 G2032R, TrkA G595R and TrkC G623R, all of which are associated with acquired resistance to type I TKIs. In silico modeling revealed mutation at G796 interferes with osimertinib binding to the EGFR kinase domain at the phenyl aromatic ring position as this residue forms a narrow "hydrophobic sandwich" with L718, while L792F/H mutation interferes with osimertinib binding at the methoxyl group on the phenyl ring. Multiple resistance mutations at differing allele frequencies including novel EGFR solvent front mutations can emerge in a single patient with progression on osimertinib potentially due to tumor hetereogeneity and definitely present a

  15. Addendum 1, to Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Facility Investigation R Report for IRP Sites Number’s 17, 18, 19 and 21. Volume 2. Appendices A-L. 148th Fighter Group, Minnesota Air National Guard Duluth Air National Guard Base, Duluth, Minnesota.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1996-03-01

    1224 1-3:8 AMLSSa IS j 57D .J.q IN1TE~RNAL rEriP 31 OL’LL’Tr, RNGS 2.1- 2.3 us PH0P HOTOU9n POOUl ST’lF3. -ý ED= rAwiAE SEr T .2Er.t SAM’PLE LISR !ARr...I JUL 23 133,2 12:22 IN TERNA5L Tr • ? 𔃽 OULU T , ir1Q4G G I g (M L LIRRYIImrPLE LIBRARY I JUL 22 1.1-, 12,12 ARNILE LISR /RT 2 JUL 221 2-3. 1211.3...0 =UP ACI i-ITrEN 1 31212. 2 rI𔃼 aS,~~ -102.5 100.2 rro SAMLE LISR PRY I JUL 23 ISlt 19252 PNL SIs a 2 1 J BYRD, JR. 1r•T RNAL TEIP 235 PULUTM RriGs

  16. Binding and molecular dynamic studies of sesquiterpenes (2R-acetoxymethyl-1,3,3-trimethyl-4t-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-1t-cyclohexanol) derived from marine Streptomyces sp. VITJS8 as potential anticancer agent.

    PubMed

    Naine, S Jemimah; Devi, C Subathra; Mohanasrinivasan, V; Doss, C George Priya; Kumar, D Thirumal

    2016-03-01

    The main aim of the current study is to explore the bioactive potential of Streptomyces sp. VITJS8 isolated from the marine saltern. The cultural, biochemical, and morphological studies were performed to acquire the characteristic features of the potent isolate VITJS8. The 16Sr DNA sequencing was performed to investigate the phylogenetic relationship between the Streptomyces genera. The structure of the compound was elucidated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), infra-red (IR), and ultra-violet (UV) spectroscopic data analysis. The GC-MS showed the retention time at 22.39 with a single peak indicating the purity of the active compound, and the molecular formula was established as C14H9ONCl2 based on the peak at m/z 277 [M](+). Furthermore, separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), their retention time (t r) 2.761 was observed with the absorption maxima at 310 nm. The active compound showed effective inhibitory potential against four clinical pathogens at 500 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity was found effective at the IC50 value of 500 μg/mL with 90 % inhibition. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-ditetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay revealed the cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells at IC50 of 250 μg/mL. The progression of apoptosis was evidenced by morphological changes by nuclear staining. The DNA fragmentation pattern was observed at 250 μg/mL concentration. Based on flow cytometric analysis, it was evident that the compound was effective in inhibiting the sub-G0/G1 phase of cell cycle. The in vitro findings were also supported by the binding mode molecular docking studies. The active compound revealed minimum binding energy of -7.84 and showed good affinity towards the active region of topoisomerase-2α that could be considered as a suitable inhibitor. Lastly, we performed 30 ns molecular dynamic simulation analysis using GROMACS to aid in better designing of anticancer drugs. Simulation result of root mean square deviation (RMSD

  17. Thermally stable compositions including 2,4,8,10-tetranitro-5H-pyrido[3',2':4,5][1,2,3]triazolo[1,2-a]benzotriazo- l-6-ium, inner salt

    DOEpatents

    Hiskey, Michael A.; Huynh, My Hang

    2010-01-26

    An explosive formulation including 2,4,8,10-tetranitro-5H-pyrido[3',2':4,5][1,2,3]triazolo[1,2-a]benzotriazo- l-6-ium, inner salt and a high temperature binder is disclosed together with a process of preparing 2,4,8,10-tetranitro-5H-pyrido[3',2':4,5][1,2,3]triazolo[1,2-a]benzotriazo- l-6-ium, inner salt.

  18. Tumor-Targeting Salmonella typhimurium A1-R Promotes Tumoricidal CD8+ T Cell Tumor Infiltration and Arrests Growth and Metastasis in a Syngeneic Pancreatic-Cancer Orthotopic Mouse Model.

    PubMed

    Murakami, Takashi; Hiroshima, Yukihiko; Zhang, Yong; Zhao, Ming; Kiyuna, Tasuku; Hwang, Ho Kyoung; Miyake, Kentaro; Homma, Yuki; Mori, Ryutaro; Matsuyama, Ryusei; Chishima, Takashi; Ichikawa, Yasushi; Tanaka, Kuniya; Bouvet, Michael; Endo, Itaru; Hoffman, Robert M

    2018-01-01

    The present study determined the effect of the tumor-targeting strain Salmonella typhimurium A1-R (S. typhimurium A1-R) on CD8 + tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in a syngeneic pancreatic-cancer orthotopic mouse model. The effect of tumor-targeting S. typhimurium A1-R on CD8 + TILs was determined on the Pan02 murine pancreatic-adenocarcinoma implanted orthotopically in the pancreatic tail of C57BL/6 immunocompromised mice. Three weeks after orthotopic implantation, mice were randomized as follows G1: untreated control group (n = 8); and G2: S. typhimurium A1-R-treatment group (n = 8, 1 × 10 7 colony forming units [CFU]/body, iv, weekly, 3 weeks). On the 22nd day from initial treatment, all mice were sacrificed and tumors were harvested. The tumor-volume ratio was defined as ratio of tumor volume on the 22nd day relative to the 1st day. The tumor volume ratio was significantly lower in the S. typhimurium A1-R-treated group (G2) (3.0 ± 2.8) than the untreated control (G1) (39.9 ± 30.7, P < 0.01). Hematoxylin and easin (H&E) staining on tumor sections was performed to evaluate tumor destruction which was classified according to the Evans grading system and found to be much greater in the S. typhimurium A1-R-treated mice (G2). Six mice in G1 had peritoneal dissemination, whereas no mice showed peritoneal dissemination in G2 (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical staining with anti-mouse CD8 + antibody was performed in order to detect TILs determined by calculating the average number of CD8 + cells in three high power fields (200×) in the treated and untreated tumors. The TIL score was significantly higher in G2 (133.5 ± 32.2) than G1 (45.1 ± 19.4, P < 0.001). The present study demonstrates that S. typhimurium A1-R promotes CD8 + T cell infiltration and inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 634-639, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Upper limit for the effect of elastic bending stress on the saturation magnetization of L a0.8S r0.2Mn O3

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Q.; Chen, A. P.; Guo, E. J.; Roldan, M. A.; Jia, Q. X.; Fitzsimmons, M. R.

    2018-01-01

    Using polarized neutron reflectometry, we measured the influence of elastic bending stress on the magnetization depth profile of a L a0.8S r0.2Mn O3 (LSMO) epitaxial film grown on a SrTi O3 substrate. The elastic bending strain of ±0.03 % has no obvious effect on the magnetization depth profile at saturation. This result is in stark contrast to that of (L a1 -xP rx)1 -y C ayMn O3 (LPCMO) films for which strain of ±0.01 % produced dramatic changes in the magnetization profile and Curie temperature. We attribute the difference between the influence of strain on the saturation magnetization in LSMO (weak or none) and LPCMO (strong) to a difference in the ability of LSMO (weak or none) and LPCMO (strong) to phase separate. Our observation provides an upper limit of tuning LSMO saturation magnetization via elastic strain effect.

  20. Differential in vitro inhibition of M3G and M6G formation from morphine by (R)- and (S)-methadone and structurally related opioids

    PubMed Central

    Morrish, Glynn A; Foster, David J R; Somogyi, Andrew A

    2006-01-01

    Aims To determine the in vitro kinetics of morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) and morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G) formation and the inhibition potential by methadone enantiomers and structurally related opioids. Methods M3G and M6G formation kinetics from morphine were determined using microsomes from five human livers. Inhibition of glucuronide formation was investigated with eight inhibitors (100 µm) and the mechanism of inhibition determined for (R)- and (S)-methadone (70–500 µm) using three microsomal samples. Results Glucuronide formation displayed single enzyme kinetics. The M3G Vmax (mean ± SD) was 4.8-fold greater than M6G Vmax (555 ± 110 vs. 115 ± 19 nmol mg−1 protein h−1; P = 0.006, mean of difference 439; 95% confidence interval 313, 565 nmol mg−1 protein h−1). Km values for M3G and M6G formation were not significantly different (1.12 ± 0.37 vs. 1.11 ± 0.31 mm; P = 0.89, 0.02; −0.29, 0.32 mm). M3G and M6G formation was inhibited (P < 0.01) with a significant increase in the M3G/M6G ratio (P < 0.01) for all compounds tested. Detailed analysis with (R)- and (S)-methadone revealed noncompetitive inhibition with (R)-methadone Ki of 320 ± 42 µm and 192 ± 12 µm for M3G and M6G, respectively, and (S)-methadone Ki of 226 ± 30 µm and 152 ± 20 µm for M3G and M6G, respectively. Ki values for M3G inhibition were significantly greater than for M6G for (R)-methadone (P = 0.017, 128; 55, 202 µm) and (S)-methadone (P = 0.026, 75; 22, 128 µm). Conclusions Both methadone enantiomers noncompetitively inhibited the formation of morphine's primary metabolites, with greater inhibition of M6G formation compared with M3G. These findings indicate a mechanism for reduced morphine clearance in methadone-maintained patients and reduced relative formation of the opioid active M6G compared with M3G. PMID:16487227

  1. VizieR Online Data Catalog: ISOCAM survey of Serpens/G3-G6 (Djupvik+, 2006)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Djupvik, A. A.; Andre, P.; Bontemps, S.; Motte, F.; Olofsson, G.; Gaalfalk, M.; Floren, H.-G.

    2006-08-01

    We present results from an ISOCAM survey in the two broadband filters LW2 (5-8.5um) and LW3 (12-18um) of a 19'x16' field called Serp_NH3 centred on the optical group Serpens/G3-G6. A total of 186 sources were detected in the 6.7um band and/or the 14.3um band to a limiting sensitivity of ~2mJy. These have been cross-correlated with the 2MASS catalogue and are all listed in table1. Deep follow-up photometry in the Ks band obtained with Arnica at the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) is listed in table2. Deep L' band photometry of selected sources using SIRCA at the NOT is listed in table3. Continuum emission at 1.3mm and 3.6cm was observed with IRAM and VLA, respectively, and deep imaging in the 2.12um S(1) line of H2 was obtained with NOTCam at the NOT. We find strong evidence for a stellar population of 31 Class II sources (listed in table5), 5 flat-spectrum sources, 5 Class I sources (listed in table4), and two Class 0 sources. Our method does not sample the Class III sources. (3 data files).

  2. Antiphospholipid antibody-induced miR-146a-3p drives trophoblast interleukin-8 secretion through activation of Toll-like receptor 8.

    PubMed

    Gysler, Stefan M; Mulla, Melissa J; Guerra, Marta; Brosens, Jan J; Salmon, Jane E; Chamley, Lawrence W; Abrahams, Vikki M

    2016-07-01

    measured by ELISA. aPL significantly increased trophoblast cellular and exosome expression of miR-146a-5p, miR-146a-3p, miR-155 and miR-210. aPL-induced up-regulation of trophoblast miR-146a-5p, miR-146a-3p and miR-210, but not miR-155, was inhibited by the TLR4 antagonist, LPS-RS. While inhibition or overexpression of miR-146a-5p had no effect on aPL-induced trophoblast IL-8 secretion, miR-146a-3p inhibition significantly reduced this response. aPL-induced trophoblast IL-8 secretion was inhibited by the presence of the TLR8-DN. In the absence of aPL, transfection of trophoblast cells with a miR-146a-3p mimic significantly increased IL-8 secretion and this was inhibited by the presence of the TLR8-DN. Patients with aPL and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) expressed significantly higher levels of circulating miR-146a-3p compared with healthy pregnant controls with no pregnancy complications (P < 0.05). While the enrichment of miR-146a-3p in trophoblast-derived exosomes support the role of this miR acting in a paracrine or endocrine manner through exosome delivery, this has not been demonstrated. However, miR-146a-3p may also exert its pro-inflammatory effect intracellularly within the same trophoblast cell targeted by aPL. These findings provide a novel mechanism of trophoblast inflammation through miRs activating RNA-sensing receptors. Furthermore, circulating exosomal-associated miR-146a-3p in APS patients may serve clinically as a biomarker for related APOs. This study was supported in part by grants from the American Heart Association (#10GRNT3640032 to V.M.A.), the March of Dimes Foundation (Gene Discovery and Translational Research Grant #6-FY12-255 to V.M.A.), NICHD, NIH (R01HD049446 to V.M.A.), the Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship from the Lupus Foundation of America (to S.M.G.), and the Yale University School of Medicine Medical Student Fellowship (to S.M.G.). The authors declare no competing financial interests. N/A. © The Author 2016. Published

  3. Hepatic protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 3B (Ppp1r3b) promotes hepatic glycogen synthesis and thereby regulates fasting energy homeostasis.

    PubMed

    Mehta, Minal B; Shewale, Swapnil V; Sequeira, Raymond N; Millar, John S; Hand, Nicholas J; Rader, Daniel J

    2017-06-23

    Maintenance of whole-body glucose homeostasis is critical to glycemic function. Genetic variants mapping to chromosome 8p23.1 in genome-wide association studies have been linked to glycemic traits in humans. The gene of known function closest to the mapped region, PPP1R3B (protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 3B), encodes a protein (G L ) that regulates glycogen metabolism in the liver. We therefore sought to test the hypothesis that hepatic PPP1R3B is associated with glycemic traits. We generated mice with either liver-specific deletion ( Ppp1r3b Δ hep ) or liver-specific overexpression of Ppp1r3b The Ppp1r3b deletion significantly reduced glycogen synthase protein abundance, and the remaining protein was predominantly phosphorylated and inactive. As a consequence, glucose incorporation into hepatic glycogen was significantly impaired, total hepatic glycogen content was substantially decreased, and mice lacking hepatic Ppp1r3b had lower fasting plasma glucose than controls. The concomitant loss of liver glycogen impaired whole-body glucose homeostasis and increased hepatic expression of glycolytic enzymes in Ppp1r3b Δ hep mice relative to controls in the postprandial state. Eight hours of fasting significantly increased the expression of two critical gluconeogenic enzymes, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase, above the levels in control livers. Conversely, the liver-specific overexpression of Ppp1r3b enhanced hepatic glycogen storage above that of controls and, as a result, delayed the onset of fasting-induced hypoglycemia. Moreover, mice overexpressing hepatic Ppp1r3b upon long-term fasting (12-36 h) were protected from blood ketone-body accumulation, unlike control and Ppp1r3b Δ hep mice. These findings indicate a major role for Ppp1r3b in regulating hepatic glycogen stores and whole-body glucose/energy homeostasis. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  4. Sucrose-conditioned flavor preferences in sweet ageusic T1r3 and Calhm1 knockout mice.

    PubMed

    Sclafani, Anthony; Marambaud, Philippe; Ackroff, Karen

    2014-03-14

    The present study compared the ability of sweet ageusic T1r3 knockout (KO) and Calhm1 KO mice to acquire preferences for a sucrose-paired flavor as well as for unflavored sucrose. The KO and wildtype (WT) mice were given 24-h one-bottle access to 8% sucrose containing one flavor CS+, e.g., grape) and to water containing a different flavor (CS-, e.g., cherry) over 4 training days. In subsequent two-bottle tests with the flavors in water only, the T1r3 KO and Calhm1 KO mice, like WT mice, preferred the CS+ to the CS-. After training with flavored solutions, both KO groups also preferred unflavored 8% sucrose to water although Calhm1 KO mice required more sugar experience to match the preference of the T1r3 KO mice. These findings demonstrate that Calhm1 KO mice, like T1r3 KO mice and WT mice, are sensitive to the post-oral preference conditioning actions of sucrose and can discriminate sugar from water. Yet, despite their acquired sucrose preferences, the Calhm1 KO and T1r3 KO mice consumed only half as much sugar per day as did WT mice. Thus, sweet taste signaling elements are not needed in the gut for sugar conditioning, but sweet taste signaling in the mouth is essential for the full expression of sugar appetite. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Osthole Attenuates Inflammatory Responses and Regulates the Expression of Inflammatory Mediators in HepG2 Cells Grown in Differentiated Medium from 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes.

    PubMed

    Wu, Shu-Ju

    2015-09-01

    This study explored the anti-inflammatory mechanisms by which osthole acted on HepG2 cells cultured in a differentiated medium from cultured 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. HepG2 cells, a human liver cell line, were treated with various concentrations of osthole in differentiated media from cultured 3T3-L1 cells to evaluate proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and signaling pathways. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits to determine the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, real-time polymerase chain reaction to assay the mRNA expression, and western blot to determine the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins. We also investigated inflammatory mechanism pathway members, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Osthole was able to suppress the levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, as well as chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and IL-8. In addition, COX-2 was suppressed and HO-1 expression was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Osthole was also able to decrease IκB-α phosphorylation and suppress the phosphorylation of MAPKs. These results suggest that osthole has anti-inflammatory effects as demonstrated by the decreased proinflammatory cytokine and mediator production through suppression of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in HepG2 cells when they are incubated on the differentiated medium from 3T3-L1 cells.

  6. Structures of exocyclic R,R- and S,S-N(6),N(6)-(2,3-dihydroxybutan-1,4-diyl)-2'-deoxyadenosine adducts induced by 1,2,3,4-diepoxybutane.

    PubMed

    Kowal, Ewa A; Seneviratne, Uthpala; Wickramaratne, Susith; Doherty, Kathleen E; Cao, Xiangkun; Tretyakova, Natalia; Stone, Michael P

    2014-05-19

    1,3-Butadiene (BD) is an industrial and environmental chemical present in urban air and cigarette smoke, and is classified as a human carcinogen. It is oxidized by cytochrome P450 to form 1,2,3,4-diepoxybutane (DEB); DEB bis-alkylates the N(6) position of adenine in DNA. Two enantiomers of bis-N(6)-dA adducts of DEB have been identified: R,R-N(6),N(6)-(2,3-dihydroxybutan-1,4-diyl)-2'-deoxyadenosine (R,R-DHB-dA), and S,S-N(6),N(6)-(2,3-dihydroxybutan-1,4-diyl)-2'-deoxyadenosine (S,S-DHB-dA) [ Seneviratne , U. , Antsypovich , S. , Dorr , D. Q. , Dissanayake , T. , Kotapati , S. , and Tretyakova , N. ( 2010 ) Chem. Res. Toxicol. 23 , 1556 -1567 ]. Herein, the R,R-DHB-dA and S,S-DHB-dA adducts have been incorporated into the 5'-d(C(1)G(2)G(3)A(4)C(5)X(6)A(7)G(8)A(9)A(10)G(11))-3':5'-d(C(12)T(13)T(14)C(15)T(16)T(17)G(18)T(19)C(20)C(21)G(22))-3' duplex [X(6) = R,R-DHB-dA (R(6)) or S,S-DHB-dA (S(6))]. The structures of the duplexes were determined by molecular dynamics calculations, which were restrained by experimental distances obtained from NMR data. Both the R,R- and S,S-DHB-dA adducts are positioned in the major groove of DNA. In both instances, the bulky 3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine rings are accommodated by an out-of-plane rotation about the C6-N(6) bond of the bis-alkylated adenine. In both instances, the directionality of the dihydroxypyrrolidine ring is evidenced by the pattern of NOEs between the 3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine protons and DNA. Also in both instances, the anti conformation of the glycosyl bond is maintained, which combined with the out-of-plane rotation about the C6-N(6) bond, allows the complementary thymine, T(17), to remain stacked within the duplex, and form one hydrogen bond with the modified base, between the imine nitrogen of the modified base and the T(17) N3H imino proton. The loss of the second Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding interaction at the lesion sites correlates with the lower thermal stabilities of the R,R- and S,S-DHB-dA duplexes, as

  7. Green polymer chemistry: investigating the mechanism of radical ring-opening redox polymerization (R3P) of 3,6-dioxa-1,8-octanedithiol (DODT).

    PubMed

    Rosenthal-Kim, Emily Q; Puskas, Judit E

    2015-04-13

    The mechanism of the new Radical Ring-opening Redox Polymerization (R3P) of 3,6-dioxa-1,8-octanedithiol (DODT) by triethylamine (TEA) and dilute H2O2 was investigated. Scouting studies showed that the formation of high molecular weight polymers required a 1:2 molar ratio of DODT to TEA and of DODT to H2O2. Further investigation into the chemical composition of the organic and aqueous phases by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry demonstrated that DODT is ionized by two TEA molecules (one for each thiol group) and thus transferred into the aqueous phase. The organic phase was found to have cyclic disulfide dimers, trimers and tetramers. Dissolving DODT and TEA in water before the addition of H2O2 yielded a polymer with Mn = 55,000 g/mol, in comparison with Mn = 92,000 g/mol when aqueous H2O2 was added to a DODT/TEA mixture. After polymer removal, MALDI-ToF MS analysis of the residual reaction mixtures showed only cyclic oligomers remaining. Below the LCST for TEA in water, 18.7 °C, the system yielded a stable emulsion, and only cyclic oligomers were found. Below DODT/TEA and H2O2 1:2 molar ratio mostly linear oligomers were formed, with <20% cyclic oligomers. The findings support the proposed mechanism of R3P.

  8. Contribution of cysteine residues to the structure and function of herpes simplex virus gH/gL

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cairns, Tina M.; Landsburg, Daniel J.; Charles Whitbeck, J.

    2005-02-20

    In HSV types 1 and 2, gH forms a noncovalent heterodimer with gL. Previous studies demonstrated that the first 323 amino acids of gH1 and the first 161 amino acids of gL1 are sufficient for gH/gL binding. For gL1, substitution of any of its four cysteine (C) residues (all located within the gH/gL binding region) destroyed gH binding and function. Although gH1 contains 8 cysteines in its ectodomain, gH 2 contains 7 (C3 of gH1 is replaced by arginine in gH2). We found that mutation of any of the four C-terminal cysteines led to a reduction or loss of gH/gLmore » function. Mutation of C5 or C6 in gH1 or gH2 rendered the proteins non-functional. However, substitution of C7 and/or C8 in gH1 has a definite negative impact on cell-cell fusion, although these mutations had less effect on complementation. Remarkably, all four gH1 N-terminal cysteines could be mutated simultaneously with little effect on fusion or complementation. As gH2 already lacks C3, we constructed a triple mutant (gH2-C1/2/4) which exhibited a similar phenotype. Since gH1 is known to bind gL2 and vice versa, we wondered whether binding of gH2 to the heterologous gL1 would enhance the fusion defect seen with the gH2-C2 mutant. The combination of mutant gH2-C2 with wild-type gL1 was nonfunctional in a cell-cell fusion assay. Interestingly, the reciprocal was not true, as gH1-C2 could utilize both gL1 and gL2. These findings suggest that there is a structural difference in the gH2 N-terminus as compared to gH1. We also present genetic evidence for at least one disulfide bond within gH2, between cysteines 2 and 4.« less

  9. Heightened Avidity for Trisodium Pyrophosphate in Mice Lacking Tas1r3

    PubMed Central

    Aleman, Tiffany R.; McCaughey, Stuart A.

    2015-01-01

    Laboratory rats and mice prefer some concentrations of tri- and tetrasodium pyrophosphate (Na3HP2O7 and Na4P2O7) to water, but how they detect pyrophosphates is unknown. Here, we assessed whether T1R3 is involved. We found that relative to wild-type littermate controls, Tas1r3 knockout mice had stronger preferences for 5.6–56mM Na3HP2O7 in 2-bottle choice tests, and they licked more 17.8–56mM Na3HP2O7 in brief-access tests. We hypothesize that pyrophosphate taste in the intact mouse involves 2 receptors: T1R3 to produce a hedonically negative signal and an unknown G protein-coupled receptor to produce a hedonically positive signal; in Tas1r3 knockout mice, the hedonically negative signal produced by T1R3 is absent, leading to a heightened avidity for pyrophosphate. PMID:25452580

  10. Stability and Unimolecular Reactivity of Palladate(II) Complexes [Ln PdR3 ]- (L=Phosphine, R=Organyl, n=0 and 1).

    PubMed

    Kolter, Marlene; Koszinowski, Konrad

    2016-10-24

    The reduction of Pd II precatalysts to catalytically active Pd 0 species is a key step in many palladium-mediated cross-coupling reactions. Besides phosphines, the stoichiometrically used organometallic reagents can afford this reduction, but do so in a poorly understood way. To elucidate the mechanism of this reaction, we have treated solutions of Pd(OAc) 2 and a phosphine ligand L in tetrahydrofuran with RMgCl (R=Ph, Bn, Bu) as well as other organometallic reagents. Analysis of these model systems by electrospray- ionization mass spectrometry found palladate(II) complexes [L n PdR 3 ] - (n=0 and 1), thus pointing to the occurrence of transmetallation reactions. Upon gas-phase fragmentation, the [L n PdR 3 ] - anions preferentially underwent a reductive elimination to yield Pd 0 species. The sequence of the transmetallation and reductive elimination, thus, constitutes a feasible mechanism for the reduction of the Pd(OAc) 2 precatalyst. Other species of interest observed include the Pd IV complex [PdBn 5 ] - , which did not fragment via a reductive elimination but lost BnH instead. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Structures of Exocyclic R,R- and S,S-N6,N6-(2,3-Dihydroxybutan-1,4-diyl)-2′-Deoxyadenosine Adducts Induced by 1,2,3,4-Diepoxybutane

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    1,3-Butadiene (BD) is an industrial and environmental chemical present in urban air and cigarette smoke, and is classified as a human carcinogen. It is oxidized by cytochrome P450 to form 1,2,3,4-diepoxybutane (DEB); DEB bis-alkylates the N6 position of adenine in DNA. Two enantiomers of bis-N6-dA adducts of DEB have been identified: R,R-N6,N6-(2,3-dihydroxybutan-1,4-diyl)-2′-deoxyadenosine (R,R-DHB-dA), and S,S-N6,N6-(2,3-dihydroxybutan-1,4-diyl)-2′-deoxyadenosine (S,S-DHB-dA) [SeneviratneU., AntsypovichS., DorrD. Q., DissanayakeT., KotapatiS., and TretyakovaN. (2010) Chem. Res. Toxicol.23, 1556−156720873715]. Herein, the R,R-DHB-dA and S,S-DHB-dA adducts have been incorporated into the 5′-d(C1G2G3A4C5X6A7G8A9A10G11)-3′:5′-d(C12T13T14C15T16T17G18T19C20C21G22)-3′ duplex [X6 = R,R-DHB-dA (R6) or S,S-DHB-dA (S6)]. The structures of the duplexes were determined by molecular dynamics calculations, which were restrained by experimental distances obtained from NMR data. Both the R,R- and S,S-DHB-dA adducts are positioned in the major groove of DNA. In both instances, the bulky 3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine rings are accommodated by an out-of-plane rotation about the C6-N6 bond of the bis-alkylated adenine. In both instances, the directionality of the dihydroxypyrrolidine ring is evidenced by the pattern of NOEs between the 3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine protons and DNA. Also in both instances, the anti conformation of the glycosyl bond is maintained, which combined with the out-of-plane rotation about the C6-N6 bond, allows the complementary thymine, T17, to remain stacked within the duplex, and form one hydrogen bond with the modified base, between the imine nitrogen of the modified base and the T17 N3H imino proton. The loss of the second Watson–Crick hydrogen bonding interaction at the lesion sites correlates with the lower thermal stabilities of the R,R- and S,S-DHB-dA duplexes, as compared to the corresponding unmodified duplex. The reduced base stacking at the

  12. PD-L1, B7-H3, and PD-1 expression in immunocompetent vs. immunosuppressed patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Varki, Vinod; Ioffe, Olga B; Bentzen, Soren M; Heath, Jon; Cellini, Ashley; Feliciano, Josephine; Zandberg, Dan P

    2018-05-01

    To characterize the expression of co-signaling molecules PD-L1, PD-1, and B7-H3 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) by immune status. We retrospectively analyzed 66 cases of cSCC treated with surgical resection from 2012 to 2015. Immunostained tumor sections were analyzed for percent of tumor cells expressing PD-L1 (Tum-PD-L1%), B7-H3 (Tum-B7-H3%), density of peri and intratumoral CD8 T cells (CD8 density), proportion of CD8 T cells expressing PD-1 (CD8-PD-1%) and of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TII) expressing PD-L1 (TII-PD-L1%). Of 66 cases, 42 were immunocompetent, 24 immunosuppressed (13 organ transplant, 8 HIV+, 3 other). Defining positive expression at > 5%, 26% of tumors were positive for PD-L1, 85% for B7-H3, 80% had CD8 T cells that expressed PD-1 and 55% had TII that expressed PD-L1. Tum-B7-H3% was significantly higher (median 60 vs. 28%, p = 0.025) in immunocompetent vs. immunosuppressed patients, including when factoring in cause of immunosuppression. No significant difference in Tum-PD-L1%, TII-PD-L1%, CD8 density, or CD8-PD-1% was observed. Tumors from HIV+ patients lacked PD-L1 expression, and had lower B7-H3% (median 2.5 vs. 60%, p = 0.007), and higher CD8 density (median 75% vs. 40%, p = 0.04) compared to immunocompetent patients. Higher tumor grade (R s  = 0.34, p = 0.006) and LVI (R s  = 0.61, p < 0.001) were both associated with higher Tum-PD-L1%. cSCC showed expression of PD-L1 on tumor in 26% of cases, and high tumor B7-H3 expression (85%) and PD-1 expression on CD8 TILs (80%). Tumor B7-H3 expression was significantly higher in immunocompetent vs. immunosuppressed patients, largely driven by very low expression in HIV+ patients.

  13. Evaluation of a Brix refractometer to estimate serum immunoglobulin G concentration in neonatal dairy calves.

    PubMed

    Deelen, S M; Ollivett, T L; Haines, D M; Leslie, K E

    2014-01-01

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of a digital Brix refractometer for the assessment of success of passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulin compared with the measurement of serum total protein (STP) by refractometry. Blood samples (n = 400) were collected from calves at 3 to 6d of age. Serum IgG concentration was determined by radial immunodiffusion (RID), and STP and percentage Brix (%Brix) were determined using a digital refractometer. The mean IgG concentration was 24.1g/L [standard deviation (SD) ± 10.0] with a range from 2.1 to 59.1g/L. The mean STP concentration was 6.0 g/dL (SD ± 0.8) with a range from 4.4 to 8.8 g/dL. The mean %Brix concentration was 9.2% (SD ± 0.9) with a range of 7.3 to 12.4%. Brix percentage was highly correlated with IgG (r = 0.93). Test characteristics were calculated to assess failure of passive transfer (FPT; serum IgG <10 g/L). The sensitivity and specificity of STP at 5.5 g/dL were 76.3 and 94.4%, respectively. A receiver operating characteristic curve was created to plot the true positive rate against the false positive rate for consecutive %Brix values. The optimal combination of sensitivity (88.9%) and specificity (88.9%) was at 8.4% Brix. Serum total protein was also positively correlated with %Brix (r = 1.00) and IgG (r = 0.93). Dairy producers can successfully monitor their colostrum management and the overall success of passive transfer using a digital Brix refractometer to estimate IgG concentration of colostrum and calf serum. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Comparison of upright LBPP and supine LBNP in terms of cardiovascular and biomechanical parameters to simulate 1/6-G (lunar gravity) and 3/8-G (Martian gravity) activities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schlabs, Thomas; Rosales-Velderrain, Armando; Ruckstuhl, Heidi; Richardson, Sara E.; Hargens, Alan

    Background: Missions of astronauts to Moon and Mars may be planned in the future. From over 40 years of manned spaceflight it is known that the human body experiences cardiovascular and musculoskeletal losses and a decrease in aerobic fitness while exposed to reduced gravity. Because future missions will be much longer than before, further research is needed to improve Earth-based simulations of reduced gravity. Among others, two methods are capable of simu-lating fractional gravity on Earth: upright Lower Body Positive Pressure (LBPP) and supine Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP). No previous study has directly compared these two methods to determine which method is better suited to simulate both the biomechanical and cardiovascular responses of performing activity in lunar (1/6-G) and Martian (3/8-G) gravities. Taken previous studies into account and considering the fact that supine posture is closer to the established 10 head-up-tilt lunar simulation, we hypothesized that exercise performed in supine LBNP better simulates the cardiovascular conditions that occur in lunar and Martian gravities. Methods: 12 healthy normal subjects underwent a protocol consisting of resting and walking (0.25 Froude) with LBNP and LBPP. Each protocol was performed in simulated 1/6-G and 3/8-G. Heart-rate (HR), blood pressure, oxygen consumption (VO2), vertical component of the ground reaction force, comfort of the subject and perceived exertion of the subject (Borg Scale) were assessed. The obtained parameters were compared to predicted values for lunar and Martian gravity conditions in order to determine the method that shows the best level of agreement. Results: There was no difference in gait parameters between LBPP and LBNP simulation of lunar and Martian gravity (cadence: P=0.427, normalized stride length: P=0.373, duty fac-tor: P=0.302, and normalized vertical peak force (P=0.064). Mean blood pressure (P=0.398), comfort (P=0.832) and BORG rating (P=0.186) did not differ

  15. 8,9-dihydroxy-8,9-dihydrodibenzo[a,l]pyrene is a potent morphological cell-transforming agent in C3H10T(1)/(2)Cl8 mouse embryo fibroblasts in the absence of detectable stable covalent DNA adducts.

    PubMed

    Nesnow, S; Davis, C; Padgett, W T; Adams, L; Yacopucci, M; King, L C

    2000-06-01

    The comparative genotoxic effects of racemic trans-8,9-dihydroxy-8, 9-dihydrodibenzo[a,l]pyrene (trans-DB[a,l]P-8,9-diol), the metabolic K-region dihydrodiol of dibenzo[a,l] pyrene (DB[a,l]P) (dibenzo[def, p]chrysene) and DB[a,l]P in transformable mouse embryo C3H10T(1)/(2)Cl8 (C3H10T(1)/(2)) fibroblasts was investigated. The C3H10T(1)/(2) mouse embryo morphological cell-transforming activities of these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were assayed using concentration-response studies. At concentrations of 33 nM and above both trans-DB[a,l]P-8,9-diol and DB[a,l]P produced significant (and similar) numbers of type II and III foci per dish and numbers of dishes with type II and II foci. Concomitant cytotoxicity studies revealed a reduction in colony survival of approximately 25% up to 198 nM for both PAHs. DNA adducts of trans-DB[a,l]P-8,9-diol and DB[a,l]P in C3H10T(1)/(2) cells were analyzed by a (32)P-post-labeling TLC/HPLC method. No adducts were observed in the DNA of C3H10T(1)/(2) cells treated with trans-DB[a, l]P-8,9-diol at concentrations that induced morphological cell transformation. Under the same exposure and chromatographic conditions, DNA adducts of deoxyadenosine and deoxyguanosine derived from the fjord region anti-DB[a,l]P-11,12-diol-13,14-epoxide and syn-DB[a,l]P-11,12-diol-13,14-epoxide were observed in the DNA of DB[a,l]P-treated cells. These results indicate that trans-DB[a,l]P-8, 9-diol has intrinsic genotoxic activity equal to that of DB[a,l]P, based on morphological cell transformation of mouse embryo fibroblasts. The activity of trans-DB[a,l]P-8,9-diol is apparently not associated with the formation of observable stable covalent DNA adducts. These results suggest that under appropriate conditions, trans-DB[a,l]P-8,9-diol may serve as an intermediate in the genotoxicity of DB[a,l]P.

  16. The Vaporization of B2O3(l) to B2O3(g) and B2O2(g)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jacobson, Nathan S.; Myers, Dwight L.

    2011-01-01

    The vaporization of B2O3 in a reducing environment leads to formation of both B2O3(g) and B2O2(g). While formation of B2O3(g) is well understood, many questions about the formation of B2O2(g) remain. Previous studies using B(s) + B2O3(l) have led to inconsistent thermodynamic data. In this study, it was found that after heating, B(s) and B2O3(l) appear to separate and variations in contact area likely led to the inconsistent vapor pressures of B2O2(g). To circumvent this problem, an activity of boron is fixed with a two-phase mixture of FeB and Fe2B. Both second and third law enthalpies of formation were measured for B2O2(g) and B2O3(g). From these the enthalpies of formation at 298.15 K are calculated to be -479.9 +/- 41.5 kJ/mol for B2O2(g) and -833.4 +/- 13.1 kJ/mol for B2O3(g). Ab initio calculations to determine the enthalpies of formation of B2O2(g) and B2O3(g) were conducted using the W1BD composite method and show good agreement with the experimental values.

  17. Long-term facilitation of ventilation following acute continuous hypoxia in awake humans during sustained hypercapnia

    PubMed Central

    Griffin, Harry S; Pugh, Keith; Kumar, Prem; Balanos, George M

    2012-01-01

    In awake humans, long-term facilitation of ventilation (vLTF) following acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) is only expressed if CO2 is maintained above normocapnic levels. vLTF has not been reported following acute continuous hypoxia (ACH) and it is not known whether this might be unmasked by elevated CO2. Twelve healthy participants completed three trials. In all trials end-tidal pressure of CO2 was elevated 4–5 mmHg above normocapnic levels. During Trial 1 (AIH) participants were exposed to eight 4 min episodes of hypoxia. During Trial 2 (ACH) participants were exposed to continuous hypoxia for 32 min. In Trial 3 (Control) participants were exposed to euoxia throughout. To assess the contribution of the carotid body (CB) in observed ventilatory responses, CB afferent discharge before and after each trial was transiently inhibited with hyperoxia. Minute ventilation () increased following all trials, but was significantly greater in Trials 1 and 2 when compared with Trial 3 (Trial 1: 4.96 ± 0.87, Trial 2: 5.07 ± 0.7, Trial 3: 2.55 ± 0.98 l min−1, P < 0.05). Hyperoxia attenuated to a similar extent in baseline and recovery in all trials (Trial 1: 3.0 ± 0.57 vs. 3.27 ± 0.68, Trial 2: 1.97 ± 0.62 vs. 2.56 ± 0.62, Trial 3: 2.23 ± 0.49 vs. 2.15 ± 0.55 l min−1, P > 0.05). Data are means ± SEM. In awake humans with elevated CO2, ACH evokes a sustained increase in ventilation that is comparable to that evoked by AIH. However, a gradual positive drift in ventilation in response to elevated CO2 accounts for approximately half of this apparent vLTF. Additionally, our data support the view that the CB is not directly involved in maintaining vLTF. PMID:22826133

  18. Heightened avidity for trisodium pyrophosphate in mice lacking Tas1r3.

    PubMed

    Tordoff, Michael G; Aleman, Tiffany R; McCaughey, Stuart A

    2015-01-01

    Laboratory rats and mice prefer some concentrations of tri- and tetrasodium pyrophosphate (Na3HP2O7 and Na4P2O7) to water, but how they detect pyrophosphates is unknown. Here, we assessed whether T1R3 is involved. We found that relative to wild-type littermate controls, Tas1r3 knockout mice had stronger preferences for 5.6-56mM Na3HP2O7 in 2-bottle choice tests, and they licked more 17.8-56mM Na3HP2O7 in brief-access tests. We hypothesize that pyrophosphate taste in the intact mouse involves 2 receptors: T1R3 to produce a hedonically negative signal and an unknown G protein-coupled receptor to produce a hedonically positive signal; in Tas1r3 knockout mice, the hedonically negative signal produced by T1R3 is absent, leading to a heightened avidity for pyrophosphate. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  19. Cellular microRNA-miR-548g-3p modulates the replication of dengue virus.

    PubMed

    Wen, Weitao; He, Zhenjian; Jing, Qinlong; Hu, Yiwen; Lin, Cuiji; Zhou, Rui; Wang, Xiaoqun; Su, Yangfan; Yuan, Jiehao; Chen, Zhenxin; Yuan, Jie; Wu, Jueheng; Li, Jun; Zhu, Xun; Li, Mengfeng

    2015-06-01

    It has been well recognized that microRNA plays a role in the host-pathogen interaction network. The significance of microRNA in the regulation of dengue virus (DENV) replication, however, remains unknown. The objective of our study was to determine the biological function of miR-548g-3p in modulating the replication of dengue virus. Here we report that employment of a microRNA target search algorithm to analyze the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) consensus sequences of DENV (DENV serotypes 1-4) led to a discovery that miR-548g-3p directly targets the stem loop A promoter element within the 5'UTR, a region essential for DENV replication. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression levels of miR-548g-3p under DENV infection. We performed overexpression and inhibition assays to test the role of miR-548g-3p on DENV replication. The protein and mRNA levels of interferon were measured by ELISA and real-time PCR respectively. We found that overexpression of miR-548g-3p suppressed multiplication of DENV 1, 2, 3 and 4, and that miR-548g-3p was also found to interfere with DENV translation, thereby suppressing the expression of viral proteins. Our results suggest that miR-548g-3p directly regulates DENV replication and warrant further study to investigate the feasibility of microRNA-based anti-DENV approaches. Copyright © 2014 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Crystal Structure of the Complex of Human FasL and Its Decoy Receptor DcR3.

    PubMed

    Liu, Weifeng; Ramagopal, Udupi; Cheng, Huiyong; Bonanno, Jeffrey B; Toro, Rafael; Bhosle, Rahul; Zhan, Chenyang; Almo, Steven C

    2016-11-01

    The apoptotic effect of FasL:Fas signaling is disrupted by DcR3, a unique secreted member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, which also binds and neutralizes TL1A and LIGHT. DcR3 is highly elevated in patients with various tumors and contributes to mechanisms by which tumor cells to evade host immune surveillance. Here we report the crystal structure of FasL in complex with DcR3. Comparison of FasL:DcR3 structure with our earlier TL1A:DcR3 and LIGHT:DcR3 structures supports a paradigm involving the recognition of invariant main-chain and conserved side-chain functionalities, which is responsible for the recognition of multiple TNF ligands exhibited by DcR3. The FasL:DcR3 structure also provides insight into the FasL:Fas recognition surface. We demonstrate that the ability of recombinant FasL to induce Jurkat cell apoptosis is significantly enhanced by native glycosylation or by structure-inspired mutations, both of which result in reduced tendency to aggregate. All of these activities are efficiently inhibited by recombinant DcR3. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. A novel corepressor, BCoR-L1, represses transcription through an interaction with CtBP.

    PubMed

    Pagan, Julia K; Arnold, Jeremy; Hanchard, Kim J; Kumar, Raman; Bruno, Tiziana; Jones, Mathew J K; Richard, Derek J; Forrest, Alistair; Spurdle, Amanda; Verdin, Eric; Crossley, Merlin; Fanciulli, Maurizio; Chenevix-Trench, Georgia; Young, David B; Khanna, Kum Kum

    2007-05-18

    Corepressors play a crucial role in negative gene regulation and are defective in several diseases. BCoR is a corepressor for the BCL6 repressor protein. Here we describe and functionally characterize BCoR-L1, a homolog of BCoR. When tethered to a heterologous promoter, BCoR-L1 is capable of strong repression. Like other corepressors, BCoR-L1 associates with histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. Specifically, BCoR-L1 coprecipitates with the Class II HDACs, HDAC4, HDAC5, and HDAC7, suggesting that they are involved in its role as a transcriptional repressor. BCoR-L1 also interacts with the CtBP corepressor through a CtBP-interacting motif in its amino terminus. Abrogation of the CtBP binding site within BCoR-L1 partially relieves BCoR-L1-mediated transcriptional repression. Furthermore, BCoR-L1 is located on the E-cadherin promoter, a known CtBP-regulated promoter, and represses the E-cadherin promoter activity in a reporter assay. The inhibition of BCoR-L1 expression by RNA-mediated interference results in derepression of E-cadherin in cells that do not normally express E-cadherin, indicating that BCoR-L1 contributes to the repression of an authentic endogenous CtBP target.

  2. SOCS1 and SOCS3 Are Targeted by Hepatitis C Virus Core/gC1qR Ligation To Inhibit T-Cell Function

    PubMed Central

    Yao, Zhi Qiang; Waggoner, Stephen N.; Cruise, Michael W.; Hall, Caroline; Xie, Xuefang; Oldach, David W.; Hahn, Young S.

    2005-01-01

    T cells play an important role in the control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We have previously demonstrated that the HCV core inhibits T-cell responses through interaction with gC1qR. We show here that core proteins from chronic and resolved HCV patients differ in sequence, gC1qR-binding ability, and T-cell inhibition. Specifically, chronic core isolates bind to gC1qR more efficiently and inhibit T-cell proliferation as well as gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production more profoundly than resolved core isolates. This inhibition is mediated by the disruption of STAT phosphorylation through the induction of SOCS molecules. Silencing either SOCS1 or SOCS3 by small interfering RNA dramatically augments the production of IFN-γ in T cells, thereby abrogating the inhibitory effect of core. Additionally, the ability of core proteins from patients with chronic infections to induce SOCS proteins and suppress STAT activation greatly exceeds that of core proteins from patients with resolved infections. These results suggest that the HCV core/gC1qR-induced T-cell dysfunction involves the induction of SOCS, a powerful inhibitor of cytokine signaling, which represents a novel mechanism by which a virus usurps the host machinery for persistence. PMID:16306613

  3. Extracellular calcium-sensing-receptor (CaR)-mediated opening of an outward K(+) channel in murine MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells: evidence for expression of a functional CaR

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ye, C. P.; Yamaguchi, T.; Chattopadhyay, N.; Sanders, J. L.; Vassilev, P. M.; Brown, E. M.; O'Malley, B. W. (Principal Investigator)

    2000-01-01

    The existence in osteoblasts of the G-protein-coupled extracellular calcium (Ca(o)(2+))-sensing receptor (CaR) that was originally cloned from parathyroid and kidney remains controversial. In our recent studies, we utilized multiple detection methods to demonstrate the expression of CaR transcripts and protein in several osteoblastic cell lines, including murine MC3T3-E1 cells. Although we and others have shown that high Ca(o)(2+) and other polycationic CaR agonists modulate the function of MC3T3-E1 cells, none of these actions has been unequivocally shown to be mediated by the CaR. Previous investigations using neurons and lens epithelial cells have shown that activation of the CaR stimulates Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels. Because osteoblastic cells express a similar type of channel, we have examined the effects of specific "calcimimetic" CaR activators on the activity of a Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel in MC3T3-E1 cells as a way of showing that the CaR is not only expressed in those cells but is functionally active. Patch-clamp analysis in the cell-attached mode showed that raising Ca(o)(2+) from 0.75 to 2.75 mmol/L elicited about a fourfold increase in the open state probability (P(o)) of an outward K(+) channel with a conductance of approximately 92 pS. The selective calcimimetic CaR activator, NPS R-467 (0.5 micromol/L), evoked a similar activation of the channel, while its less active stereoisomer, NPSS-467 (0.5 micromol/L), did not. Thus, the CaR is not only expressed in MC3T3-E1 cells, but is also functionally coupled to the activity of a Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel. This receptor, therefore, could transduce local or systemic changes in Ca(o)(2+) into changes in the activity of this ion channel and related physiological processes in these and perhaps other osteoblastic cells.

  4. miR-195 inhibited abnormal activation of osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells via targeting RAF-1.

    PubMed

    Chao, Chen; Li, Feng; Tan, Zhiping; Zhang, Weizhi; Yang, Yifeng; Luo, Cheng

    2018-01-15

    Recent reports have demonstrated that RAF-1 L613V (a mutant of RAF-1) mutant mice show bone deformities similar to Noonan syndrome. It has been suggested that RAF-1 L613V might abnormally activate osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. To demonstrate that RAF-1 is associated with bone deformity and that RAF-1 L613V dependent bone deformity could be inhibited by microRNA-195 (miR-195), we first investigated the amplifying influence of wild-type RAF-1 (WT) or RAF-1 L613V (L613V) on the viability and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells induced by bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis. Subsequently, we investigated the blocking effect and its mechanism of miR-195 for abnormal activation of osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells via targeting RAF-1. RAF-1, especially RAF-1 L613V , abnormally activates osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells induced by BMP-2. Meanwhile, miR-195 could inhibit the cell viability and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Transfection of miR-195 largely suppressed the L613V-induced viability and osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and attenuated the accelerative effect of L613V on runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2), Osterix (OSX), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and distal-less homeobox 5 (DLX5) osteogenic gene expressions. In addition, miR-195 decreased the expression of RAF-1 mRNA and protein by directly targeting the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of RAF-1 mRNA in MC3T3-E1 cells. Our findings indicated that miR-195 inhibited WT and L613V RAF-1 induced hyperactive osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells by targeting RAF-1. miR-195 might be a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of L613V-induced bone deformity in Noonan syndrome. Copyright © 2017. Published by

  5. Predicting IGF-1R therapy response in bone sarcomas: immuno-SPECT imaging with radiolabeled R1507

    PubMed Central

    Fleuren, Emmy D.G.; Versleijen-Jonkers, Yvonne M.H.; van de Luijtgaarden, Addy C.M.; Molkenboer-Kuenen, Janneke D.M.; Heskamp, Sandra; Roeffen, Melissa H.S.; van Laarhoven, Hanneke W.M.; Houghton, Peter J.; Oyen, Wim J.G.; Boerman, Otto C.; van der Graaf, Winette T.A.

    2011-01-01

    Purpose To investigate whether 111In-R1507 immuno-SPECT, a novel non-invasive, in vivo screening method to visualize membranous Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF-1R) expression and accessibility, can be used to predict IGF-1R treatment (R1507) responsein bone sarcomas. Experimental design BALB/c nude mice were subcutaneously implanted with IGF-1R-expressing human bone sarcoma xenografts (OS-1, EW-5 and EW-8) which demonstrated high, modest or no response, respectively, to R1507, a monoclonal antibody targeting the extracellular domain of IGF-1R. An IGF-1R-negative tumor (OS-33), unresponsive to IGF-1R inhibitors, was examined as well. Mice were injected with indium-111 labeled R1507 (111In-R1507). Biodistribution and immuno-SPECT/CT imaging studies were performed 1, 3 and 7 days p.i. in mice with OS-1 and EW-5 xenografts and 3 days p.i. in mice with EW-8 and OS-33 xenografts. Results Biodistribution studies showed specific accumulation of 111In-R1507 in OS-1 and EW-5 xenografts (27.5±6.5%ID/g and 14.0±2.8%ID/g, 3 days p.i., respectively). Most importantly, 111In-R1507 uptake in IGF-1R-positive, but unresponsive, EW-8 xenografts (6.5±1.5%ID/g, 3 days p.i.) was similar to that of the IGF-1R-negative OS-33 tumor (5.5±0.6%ID/g, 3 days p.i.). Uptake in normal tissues was low and non-specific. Corresponding immuno-SPECT images clearly discriminated between high, modest and non-responding tumors by demonstrating a homogeneous (OS-1), heterogeneous (EW-5) or non-specific (EW-8 and OS-33)tumor uptake of 111In-R1507. Conclusions 111In-R1507 immuno-SPECT is an excellent method to visualize membranous IGF-1R expression and target accessibility in vivo in human bone sarcoma xenografts and may serve as an independent marker to predict IGF-1R therapy (R1507) responsein bone sarcoma patients. PMID:22038993

  6. 78 FR 56921 - South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project, Phase 2 (Ponds R3, R4, R5, S5, A1, A2W, A8, A8S, A19...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-16

    ...We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), in coordination with the California State Coastal Conservancy, are preparing a joint environmental impact statement/environmental impact report (EIS/EIR) for the proposed restoration of ponds R3, R4, R5, S5, A1, A2W, A8, A8S, A19, A20, and A21 at the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) in Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, California. The proposed project is Phase 2 of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project and consists of restoring and enhancing over 2,000 acres of tidal wetlands and managed pond habitats in the South San Francisco Bay. It would also include storage and use of upland fill and dredged material in one or more of the seasonal ponds in the Refuge or on the levees that surround them. Phase 2 may also include collaborative restoration and/or flood management activities with non- USFWS landowners or managers of public infrastructure on adjacent properties. This notice advises the public that we intend to gather information necessary to prepare an EIS pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We encourage the public and other agencies to participate in the NEPA scoping process by attending the public scoping meeting and/or by sending written suggestions and information on the issues and concerns that should be addressed in the draft EIS/EIR, including the range of alternatives, appropriate mitigation measures, and the nature and extent of potential environmental impacts.

  7. On Taiwanese Pupils' Ability to Differentiate between English /l/ and /r/: A Study of L1/L2 Cross-Language Effects

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eika, Evelyn; Hsieh, Yining

    2017-01-01

    Students in South East Asia often struggle with English /l/ and /r/. This study therefore set out to examine how Taiwanese pupils' perception of these sounds is influenced by cross-language effects. Most Taiwanese students have Mandarin as L1 and Taiwanese as L2 or vice versa, and English as L3. A same-different discrimination experiment was…

  8. LOFT L2-3 blowdown experiment safety analyses D, E, and G; LOCA analyses H, K, K1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Perryman, J.L.; Keeler, C.D.; Saukkoriipi, L.O.

    1978-12-01

    Three calculations using conservative off-nominal conditions and evaluation model options were made using RELAP4/MOD5 for blowdown-refill and RELAP4/MOD6 for reflood for Loss-of-Fluid Test Experiment L2-3 to support the experiment safety analysis effort. The three analyses are as follows: Analysis D: Loss of commercial power during Experiment L2-3; Analysis E: Hot leg quick-opening blowdown valve (QOBV) does not open during Experiment L2-3; and Analysis G: Cold leg QOBV does not open during Experiment L2-3. In addition, the results of three LOFT loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) analyses using a power of 56.1 MW and a primary coolant system flow rate of 3.6 millionmore » 1bm/hr are presented: Analysis H: Intact loop 200% hot leg break; emergency core cooling (ECC) system B unavailable; Analysis K: Pressurizer relief valve stuck in open position; ECC system B unavailable; and Analysis K1: Same as analysis K, but using a primary coolant system flow rate of 1.92 million 1bm/hr (L2-4 pre-LOCE flow rate). For analysis D, the maximum cladding temperature reached was 1762/sup 0/F, 22 sec into reflood. In analyses E and G, the blowdowns were slower due to one of the QOBVs not functioning. The maximum cladding temperature reached in analysis E was 1700/sup 0/F, 64.7 sec into reflood; for analysis G, it was 1300/sup 0/F at the start of reflood. For analysis H, the maximum cladding temperature reached was 1825/sup 0/F, 0.01 sec into reflood. Analysis K was a very slow blowdown, and the cladding temperatures followed the saturation temperature of the system. The results of analysis K1 was nearly identical to analysis K; system depressurization was not affected by the primary coolant system flow rate.« less

  9. SAGE III/ISS L1B Solar Event Transmission Data (Native) V5 (g3btb)

    Atmospheric Science Data Center

    2017-12-21

    SAGE III/ISS L1B Solar Event Transmission Data (Native) V5 (g3btb)   Project Title:  ... present Temporal Resolution:  1 file per event File Format:  BINARY Tools:  Earthdata ... Radiation Longwave Radiation Shortwave Radiation Event Tag Event Type Obs Beta Angle Order Data:  ...

  10. Vaccine potential of recombinant cathepsinL1G against Fasciola gigantica in mice.

    PubMed

    Changklungmoa, Narin; Phoinok, Natthacha; Yencham, Chonthicha; Sobhon, Prasert; Kueakhai, Pornanan

    2016-08-15

    In this study, we characterized and investigated the vaccine potential of FgCatL1G against Fasciola gigantica infection in mice. Recombinant mature FgCatL1G (rmFgCatL1G) was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The vaccination was performed in Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice (n=10) by subcutaneous injection with 50μg of rmFgCatL1G combined with Freund's adjuvant. Two weeks after the second boost, mice were infected with 15 metacercariae by the oral route. The percents of protection of rmFgCatL1G vaccine were estimated to be 56.5% and 58.3% when compared with non vaccinated-infected and adjuvant-infected controls, respectively. Antibodies in the immune sera of vaccinated mice were shown by immunoblot to react with the native FgCatL1s in the extract of all stages of parasites and rmFgCatL1H, recombinant pro - FgCatL1 (rpFgCatL1). By immunohistochemistry, the immune sera also reacted with FgCatL1s in the caecal epithelial cells of the parasites. The levels of IgG1 and IgG2a in the immune sera, which are indicative of Th2 and Th1 immune responses, were also increased with IgG1 predominating. The levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) in rmFgCatL1G-immunized group showed no significant difference from the control groups, but pathological lesions of livers in rmFgCatL1G-immunized group showed significant decrease when compared to the control groups. This study indicates that rmFgCatL1G has a vaccine potential against F. gigantica in mice, and this potential will be tested in larger livestock animals. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Perry syndrome due to the DCTN1 G71R mutation – a distinctive L-DOPA responsive disorder with behavioural syndrome, vertical gaze palsy and respiratory failure

    PubMed Central

    Newsway, Victoria; Fish, Mark; Rohrer, Jonathan D.; Majounie, Elisa; Williams, Nigel; Hack, Melissa; Warren, Jason; Morris, Huw R

    2015-01-01

    Perry syndrome is a rare form of autosomal dominant parkinsonism with respiratory failiure recently defined as being due to mutations in the DCTN1 gene. We describe a new family carrying a G71R mutation in the DCTN1 gene. The proband displayed a series of distinctive features not previously described in Perry syndrome: a disorder of vertical downward saccades accompanied by progressive midbrain atrophy, predominant non-motor symptoms responsive to L-DOPA, distinctive cranio-cervical L-DOPA induced dyskinesias, and a good response to high dose L-DOPA therapy and respiratory support. The family was initially thought to have autosomal dominant behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism. This report expands the clinical definition of this distinctive syndrome. PMID:20437543

  12. Allelic variation of the Tas1r3 taste receptor gene selectively affects taste responses to sweeteners: evidence from 129.B6-Tas1r3 congenic mice

    PubMed Central

    Inoue, Masashi; Glendinning, John I.; Theodorides, Maria L.; Harkness, Sarah; Li, Xia; Bosak, Natalia; Beauchamp, Gary K.; Bachmanov, Alexander A.

    2008-01-01

    The Tas1r3 gene encodes the T1R3 receptor protein, which is involved in sweet taste transduction. To characterize ligand specificity of the T1R3 receptor and the genetic architecture of sweet taste responsiveness, we analyzed taste responses of 129.B6-Tas1r3 congenic mice to a variety of chemically diverse sweeteners and glucose polymers with three different measures: consumption in 48-h two-bottle preference tests, initial licking responses, and responses of the chorda tympani nerve. The results were generally consistent across the three measures. Allelic variation of the Tas1r3 gene influenced taste responsiveness to nonnutritive sweeteners (saccharin, acesulfame-K, sucralose, SC-45647), sugars (sucrose, maltose, glucose, fructose), sugar alcohols (erythritol, sorbitol), and some amino acids (d-tryptophan, d-phenylalanine, l-proline). Tas1r3 genotype did not affect taste responses to several sweet-tasting amino acids (l-glutamine, l-threonine, l-alanine, glycine), glucose polymers (Polycose, maltooligosaccharide), and nonsweet NaCl, HCl, quinine, monosodium glutamate, and inosine 5′-monophosphate. Thus Tas1r3 polymorphisms affect taste responses to many nutritive and nonnutritive sweeteners (all of which must interact with a taste receptor involving T1R3), but not to all carbohydrates and amino acids. In addition, we found that the genetic architecture of sweet taste responsiveness changes depending on the measure of taste response and the intensity of the sweet taste stimulus. Variation in the T1R3 receptor influenced peripheral taste responsiveness over a wide range of sweetener concentrations, but behavioral responses to higher concentrations of some sweeteners increasingly depended on mechanisms that could override input from the peripheral taste system. PMID:17911381

  13. Tricolor R/G/B Laser Diode Based Eye-Safe White Lighting Communication Beyond 8 Gbit/s.

    PubMed

    Wu, Tsai-Chen; Chi, Yu-Chieh; Wang, Huai-Yung; Tsai, Cheng-Ting; Huang, Yu-Fang; Lin, Gong-Ru

    2017-01-31

    White light generation by mixing red, green, and blue laser diodes (RGB LDs) was demonstrated with Commission International de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.2928, 0.2981), a correlated color temperature of 8382 K, and a color rendering index of 54.4 to provide a maximal illuminance of 7540 lux. All the white lights generated using RGB LDs were set within the risk group-1 criterion to avoid the blue-light hazard to human eyes. In addition, the RGB-LD mixed white light was diffused using a frosted glass to avoid optical aberration and to improve the performance of the lighting source. In addition, visible light communication (VLC) by using RGB-LD mixed white-light carriers and a point-to-point scheme over 1 m was performed in the directly modulated 16-QAM OFDM data format. In back-to-back transmission, the maximal allowable data rate at 10.8, 10.4, and 8 Gbps was determined for R, G, and B LDs, respectively. Moreover, the RGB-LD mixed white light-based indoor wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM)-VLC system yielded a total allowable transmission data rate of 8.8 Gbps over 0.5 m in free space. Such a high-speed RGB-LD mixed WDM-VLC system without any channel interference can be used to simultaneously provide data transmission and white lighting in an indoor environment.

  14. In 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated primates, the selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 1a agonist (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT inhibits levodopa-induced dyskinesia but only with\\ increased motor disability.

    PubMed

    Iravani, Mahmoud M; Tayarani-Binazir, Kayhan; Chu, Wing B; Jackson, Michael J; Jenner, Peter

    2006-12-01

    5-Hydroxytryptamine 1a (5-HT(1a)) receptor agonists, such as sarizotan and tandospirone, are reported to reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesia in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated macaques and in Parkinson's disease without worsening motor disability. However, these compounds are not specific for 5-HT(1a) receptors and also possess dopamine antagonist actions. We now report on the effects of (2R)-(+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin [(R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT], a selective 5-HT(1a) agonist lacking dopaminergic activity, on motor disability and dyskinesia (chorea and dystonia) in levodopa-primed MPTP-treated common marmosets. Administration of (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT (0.2, 0.6, and 2.0 mg/kg s.c), in conjunction with levodopa/carbidopa (12.5 mg/kg each p.o.) to levodopa-primed animals, dose-dependently reduced levodopa-induced chorea but did not affect dystonic movements. However, (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT treatment also reduced locomotor activity and the reversal of motor disability. Administration of (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT alone had no effects of motor behaviors. The effects of (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT on levodopa-induced motor behaviors were antagonized by the 5-HT(1a) receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinylcyclohexanecarboxamide maleate (WAY-100635) (1.0 mg/kg s.c.). Administration of (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT (0.6 mg/kg s.c.) also reduced chorea produced by the administration of the D(2)/D(3) dopamine receptor agonist pramipexole (0.06 mg/kg p.o.) to levodopa-primed MPTP-treated animals. However, again the increase in locomotor activity and reversal of motor disability produced by pramipexole were also inhibited. These data suggest that selective 5-HT(1a) agonists do not provide an effective means of suppressing levodopa-induced dyskinesia, except with worsening of parkinsonism.

  15. SLC6A19 is a novel putative gene, induced by dioxins via AhR in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.

    PubMed

    Tian, Wenjing; Fu, Hualing; Xu, Tuan; Xu, Sherry Li; Guo, Zhiling; Tian, Jijing; Tao, Wuqun; Xie, Heidi Qunhui; Zhao, Bin

    2018-06-01

    The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays an important role in mediating dioxins toxicity. Currently, genes of P450 families are major research interests in studies on AhR-mediated gene alterations caused by dioxins. Genes related to other metabolic pathways or processes may be also responsive to dioxin exposures. Amino acid transporter B0AT1 (encoded by SLC6A19) plays a decisive role in neutral amino acid transport which is present in kidney, intestine and liver. However, effects of dioxins on its expression are still unknown. In the present study, we focused on the effects of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds on SLC6A19 expression in HepG2 cells. We identified SLC6A19 as a novel putative target gene of AhR activation in HepG2 cells. 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) increased the expression of SLC6A19 in time- and concentration-dependent manners. Using AhR antagonist CH223191 and/or siRNA assays, we demonstrated that certain AhR agonists upregulated SLC6A19 expression via AhR, including TCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD), 2,3,4,7,8- pentachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF) and PCB126. In addition, the expression of B0AT1 was also significantly induced by TCDD in HepG2 cells. Our study suggested that dioxins might affect the transcription and translation of SLC6A19 in HepG2 cells, which might be a novel putative gene to assess dioxins' toxicity in amino acid transport and metabolism in liver. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. CHCHD10 mutations p.R15L and p.G66V cause motoneuron disease by haploinsufficiency.

    PubMed

    Brockmann, Sarah J; Freischmidt, Axel; Oeckl, Patrick; Müller, Kathrin; Ponna, Srinivas K; Helferich, Anika M; Paone, Christoph; Reinders, Jörg; Kojer, Kerstin; Orth, Michael; Jokela, Manu; Auranen, Mari; Udd, Bjarne; Hermann, Andreas; Danzer, Karin M; Lichtner, Peter; Walther, Paul; Ludolph, Albert C; Andersen, Peter M; Otto, Markus; Kursula, Petri; Just, Steffen; Weishaupt, Jochen H

    2018-02-15

    Mutations in the mitochondrially located protein CHCHD10 cause motoneuron disease by an unknown mechanism. In this study, we investigate the mutations p.R15L and p.G66V in comparison to wild-type CHCHD10 and the non-pathogenic variant p.P34S in vitro, in patient cells as well as in the vertebrate in vivo model zebrafish. We demonstrate a reduction of CHCHD10 protein levels in p.R15L and p.G66V mutant patient cells to approximately 50%. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that expression of CHCHD10 p.R15L, but not of CHCHD10 p.G66V, is already abrogated at the mRNA level. Altered secondary structure and rapid protein degradation are observed with regard to the CHCHD10 p.G66V mutant. In contrast, no significant differences in expression, degradation rate or secondary structure of non-pathogenic CHCHD10 p.P34S are detected when compared with wild-type protein. Knockdown of CHCHD10 expression in zebrafish to about 50% causes motoneuron pathology, abnormal myofibrillar structure and motility deficits in vivo. Thus, our data show that the CHCHD10 mutations p.R15L and p.G66V cause motoneuron disease primarily based on haploinsufficiency of CHCHD10. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  17. Decoy receptor 3 suppresses FasL-induced apoptosis via ERK1/2 activation in pancreatic cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yi; Li, Dechun; Zhao, Xin; Song, Shiduo; Zhang, Lifeng; Zhu, Dongming; Wang, Zhenxin; Chen, Xiaochen; Zhou, Jian

    2015-08-07

    Resistance to Fas Ligand (FasL) mediated apoptosis plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) is reported to interact with FasL and is overexpressed in some malignant tumors. We sought to investigate the role of DcR3 in resistance to FasL in pancreatic cancer. We compared expression of apoptosis related genes between FasL-resistant SW1990 and FasL-sensitive Patu8988 pancreatic cell lines by microarray analysis. We explored the impact of siRNA knockdown of, or exogenous supplementation with, DcR3 on FasL-induced cell growth inhibition in pancreatic cancer cell lines and expression of proteins involved in apoptotic signaling. We assessed the level of DcR3 protein and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in tumor and non-tumor tissue samples of 66 patients with pancreatic carcinoma. RNAi knockdown of DcR3 expression in SW1990 cells reduced resistance to FasL-induced apoptosis, and supplementation of Patu8988 with rDcR3 had the opposite effect. RNAi knockdown of DcR3 in SW1990 cells elevated expression of caspase 3, 8 and 9, and reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation (P < 0.05), but did not alter phosphorylated-Akt expression. 47 tumor tissue specimens, but only 15 matched non-tumor specimens stained for DcR3 (χ(2) = 31.1447, P < 0.001). The proliferation index of DcR3 positive specimens (14.26  ±  2.67%) was significantly higher than that of DcR3 negative specimens (43.58  ±  7.88%, P < 0.01). DcR3 expression positively correlated with p-ERK1/2 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues (r = 0.607, P < 0.001). DcR3 enhances ERK1/2 phosphorylation and opposes FasL signaling in pancreatic cancer cells. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Role of nutrient-sensing taste 1 receptor (T1R) family members in gastrointestinal chemosensing.

    PubMed

    Shirazi-Beechey, Soraya P; Daly, Kristian; Al-Rammahi, Miran; Moran, Andrew W; Bravo, David

    2014-06-01

    Luminal nutrient sensing by G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) expressed on the apical domain of enteroendocrine cells activates intracellular pathways leading to secretion of gut hormones that control vital physiological processes such as digestion, absorption, food intake and glucose homeostasis. The taste 1 receptor (T1R) family of GPCR consists of three members: T1R1; T1R2; T1R3. Expression of T1R1, T1R2 and T1R3 at mRNA and protein levels has been demonstrated in the intestinal tissue of various species. It has been shown that T1R2-T1R3, in association with G-protein gustducin, is expressed in intestinal K and L endocrine cells, where it acts as the intestinal glucose (sweet) sensor. A number of studies have demonstrated that activation of T1R2-T1R3 by natural sugars and artificial sweeteners leads to secretion of glucagon-like peptides 1&2 (GLP-1 and GLP-2) and glucose dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). GLP-1 and GIP enhance insulin secretion; GLP-2 increases intestinal growth and glucose absorption. T1R1-T1R3 combination co-expressed on the apical domain of cholecystokinin (CCK) expressing cells is a luminal sensor for a number of L-amino acids; with amino acid-activation of the receptor eliciting CCK secretion. This article focuses on the role of the gut-expressed T1R1, T1R2 and T1R3 in intestinal sweet and L-amino acid sensing. The impact of exploiting T1R2-T1R3 as a nutritional target for enhancing intestinal glucose absorption and gut structural maturity in young animals is also highlighted.

  19. Cyanidin-3-rutinoside increases glucose uptake by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

    PubMed

    Choi, Kyung Ha; Lee, Hyun Ah; Park, Mi Hwa; Han, Ji-Sook

    2017-09-01

    In this study, the effect of cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C3R) on glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocytes was studied. C3R significantly increased glucose uptake, which was associated with enhanced plasma membrane glucose transporter type 4 (PM-GLUT4) expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The potentiating effect of C3R on glucose uptake and PM-GLUT4 expression was related to enhanced phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and Akt, as well as augmented activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) in the insulin signaling pathway. C3R induced glucose uptake was inhibited only by the PI3K inhibitor, but not by an AMPK inhibitor in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Therefore, C3R likely up-regulates glucose uptake and PM-GLUT4 expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by activating the PI3K/Akt pathways. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Genetic Polymorphisms in XRCC1, CD3EAP, PPP1R13L, XPB, XPC, and XPF and the Risk of Chronic Benzene Poisoning in a Chinese Occupational Population.

    PubMed

    Xue, Ping; Gao, Lin; Xiao, Sha; Zhang, Guopei; Xiao, Mingyang; Zhang, Qianye; Zheng, Xiao; Cai, Yuan; Jin, Cuihong; Yang, Jinghua; Wu, Shengwen; Lu, Xiaobo

    2015-01-01

    Individual variations in the capacity of DNA repair machinery to relieve benzene-induced DNA damage may be the key to developing chronic benzene poisoning (CBP), an increasingly prevalent occupational disease in China. ERCC1 (Excision repair cross complementation group 1) is located on chromosome 19q13.2-3 and participates in the crucial steps of Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER); moreover, we determined that one of its polymorphisms, ERCC1 rs11615, is a biomarker for CBP susceptibility in our previous report. Our aim is to further explore the deeper association between some genetic variations related to ERCC1 polymorphisms and CBP risk. Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of XRCC1 (X-ray repair cross-complementing 1), CD3EAP (CD3e molecule, epsilon associated protein), PPP1R13L (protein phosphatase 1, regulatory subunit 13 like), XPB (Xeroderma pigmentosum group B), XPC (Xeroderma pigmentosum group C) and XPF (Xeroderma pigmentosum group F) were genotyped by the Snapshot and TaqMan-MGB® probe techniques, in a study involving 102 CBP patients and 204 controls. The potential interactions between these SNPs and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and drinking, were assessed using a stratified analysis. An XRCC1 allele, rs25487, was related to a higher risk of CBP (P<0.001) even after stratifying for potential confounders. Carriers of the TT genotype of XRCC1 rs1799782 who were alcohol drinkers (OR = 8.000; 95% CI: 1.316-48.645; P = 0.022), male (OR = 9.333; 95% CI: 1.593-54.672; P = 0.019), and had an exposure of ≤12 years (OR = 2.612; 95% CI: 1.048-6.510; P = 0.035) had an increased risk of CBP. However, the T allele in PPP1R13L rs1005165 (P<0.05) and the GA allele in CD3EAP rs967591 (OR = 0.162; 95% CI: 0039~0.666; P = 0.037) decreased the risk of CBP in men. The haplotype analysis of XRCC1 indicated that XRCC1 rs25487A, rs25489G and rs1799782T (OR = 15.469; 95% CI: 5.536-43.225; P<0.001) were associated with a high risk of CBP. The findings showed that

  1. Genetic Polymorphisms in XRCC1, CD3EAP, PPP1R13L, XPB, XPC, and XPF and the Risk of Chronic Benzene Poisoning in a Chinese Occupational Population

    PubMed Central

    Xiao, Sha; Zhang, Guopei; Xiao, Mingyang; Zhang, Qianye; Zheng, Xiao; Cai, Yuan; Jin, Cuihong; Yang, Jinghua; Wu, Shengwen; Lu, Xiaobo

    2015-01-01

    Objectives Individual variations in the capacity of DNA repair machinery to relieve benzene-induced DNA damage may be the key to developing chronic benzene poisoning (CBP), an increasingly prevalent occupational disease in China. ERCC1 (Excision repair cross complementation group 1) is located on chromosome 19q13.2–3 and participates in the crucial steps of Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER); moreover, we determined that one of its polymorphisms, ERCC1 rs11615, is a biomarker for CBP susceptibility in our previous report. Our aim is to further explore the deeper association between some genetic variations related to ERCC1 polymorphisms and CBP risk. Methods Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of XRCC1 (X-ray repair cross-complementing 1), CD3EAP (CD3e molecule, epsilon associated protein), PPP1R13L (protein phosphatase 1, regulatory subunit 13 like), XPB (Xeroderma pigmentosum group B), XPC (Xeroderma pigmentosum group C) and XPF (Xeroderma pigmentosum group F) were genotyped by the Snapshot and TaqMan-MGB® probe techniques, in a study involving 102 CBP patients and 204 controls. The potential interactions between these SNPs and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and drinking, were assessed using a stratified analysis. Results An XRCC1 allele, rs25487, was related to a higher risk of CBP (P<0.001) even after stratifying for potential confounders. Carriers of the TT genotype of XRCC1 rs1799782 who were alcohol drinkers (OR = 8.000; 95% CI: 1.316–48.645; P = 0.022), male (OR = 9.333; 95% CI: 1.593–54.672; P = 0.019), and had an exposure of ≤12 years (OR = 2.612; 95% CI: 1.048–6.510; P = 0.035) had an increased risk of CBP. However, the T allele in PPP1R13L rs1005165 (P<0.05) and the GA allele in CD3EAP rs967591 (OR = 0.162; 95% CI: 0039~0.666; P = 0.037) decreased the risk of CBP in men. The haplotype analysis of XRCC1 indicated that XRCC1 rs25487A, rs25489G and rs1799782T (OR = 15.469; 95% CI: 5.536–43.225; P<0.001) were associated with a high

  2. Enhanced Access to the Dark Triplet States of 7Li 2 through New Singlet-Triplet A1Σ +u ˜ b3Π u Perturbation Window Levels: Perturbation-Facilitated Optical-Optical Double Resonance Study of the 2 3Σ +g State

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lazarov, Guenadiy; Lyyra, A. Marjatta; Li, Li

    2001-01-01

    Two new pairs of singlet-triplet A1Σ+u ∼ b3Πu mixed levels of 7Li2 have been observed and used here as 'window' levels in cw perturbation-facilitated optical-optical double-resonance (PFOODR) experiments. Previously, only one b3Πu vibrational level, v = 19, was known to mix with the singlet A1Σ+uv = 13 level, resulting in three perturbed A ∼ b pairs [L. Li, T. An, T.-J. Whang, A. M. Lyyra, W. C. Stwalley, R. W. Field, and R. A. Bernheim, J. Chem. Phys. 96, 3342 (1992)]. The scarcity of window levels and the resulting difficulty in accessing the dark triplet states of Li2 is caused by the weak spin-orbit interaction of Li2. The two new mixed b3Πuv = 15 and 22 levels reported here enhance access to the dark triplet state manifold through expansion of the Franck-Condon overlap factor range. Furthermore, the earlier range of accessible rotational levels, N = 5, 7, and 10, is now expanded to include N = 8 and N = 16, thereby allowing for more reliable determination of the excited triplet states rotational structure. To demonstrate the importance of the new A1Σ+u ∼ b3Πu mixed levels, we have studied the 23Σ+g state by cw PFOODR fluorescence excitation spectroscopy. New molecular constants and RKR potential curve have been determined. As previously reported [L. Li, G. Lazarov, and A. M. Lyyra, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 191, 387 (1998)], the 23Σ+g state interacts with the repulsive 13Πg state by L-uncoupling and predissociates. We show that some 23Πg levels predissociate accidentally by the 13Πg state via the 23Σ+g state through L-uncoupling.

  3. Enzymatic extraction of pectin from artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) by-products using Celluclast®1.5L.

    PubMed

    Sabater, Carlos; Corzo, Nieves; Olano, Agustín; Montilla, Antonia

    2018-06-15

    The aim of this study was to optimise pectin extraction from artichoke by-products with Celluclast ® 1.5L using an experimental design analysed by response-surface methodology (RSM). The variables optimised were artichoke by-product powder concentration (2-7%, X 1 ), enzyme dose (2.2-13.3 U g -1 , X 2 ) and extraction time (6-24 h, X 3 ). The variables studied were galacturonic acid (GalA) (R 2 93.9) and pectic neutral sugars (R 2 92.8) content and pectin yield (R 2 88.6). In the optimum extraction conditions (X 1  = 6.5%; X 2  = 10.1 U g -1 ; X 3  = 27.2 h), pectin yield was 176 mgg -1 dry matter (DM). Considering 27.2 h of treatment as the +α value given by the design, the extraction time was increased up to 48 h obtaining a yield of 221 mg g -1 DM. The enzymatic method optimised allows obtaining artichoke pectin with good yield, high GalA (720 mg g -1 DM) and arabinose (127.6mgg -1 DM) contents and degree of methylation of 19.5%. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. G2013 modulates TLR4 signaling pathway in IRAK-1 and TARF-6 dependent and miR-146a independent manner.

    PubMed

    Hajivalili, M; Pourgholi, F; Majidi, J; Aghebati-Maleki, L; Movassaghpour, A A; Samadi Kafil, H; Mirshafiey, A; Yousefi, M

    2016-04-30

    Inflammation is inseparable part of different diseases especially cancer and autoimmunity. During inflammation process toll like receptor 4(TLR4) responds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), one of the bacterial components, and TLR4 signaling leads to interleukine-1 receptor associated kinase-1 (IRAK1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor associated factor6 (TRAF6) activation which ultimately results in nuclear factor- ĸB (NF-ĸB) activation as the main transcription factor of inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, NF-ĸB over activation induces miR-146a in innate immune cells which can consequently reduce TRAF6, IRAK1, and NF-ĸB activation in a negative feedback. G2013 is a novel designed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which was recently shown to be effective in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. The aim of this study was to evaluate G2013 effects on inflammatory (IRAK1 and TRAF6) and anti-inflammatory (miR-146a) factors of TLR4 signaling pathway. For this purpose, cytotoxicity of G2013 has been evaluated by MTT assay. Expression level of miR-146a in PBMCs and IRAK1 along with TRAF6 in HEK-293 TLR4 cells have been determined using real time PCR. Our results showed that IC50 of G2013 was 25μg/ml, thus 5 and 25 μg/ml concentrations used for further treatments as low dose and high dose concentrations. Our results showed that IRAK1 expression reduced between 5 to 8 fold after treatment by G2013 in a dose dependent manner (p<0.001). In parallel TRAF6 expression declined between 3 to 10 fold dose dependently (p<0.05). However, miR-146a expression was not affected after treatment with low dose and high dose of G2013. In conclusion our data showed that G2013 can regulate TLR4 signaling pathway during inflammation by reducing downstream signaling molecules, IRAK1 and TRAF6 without altering miR-146a expression.

  5. 8,9-DIHYDROXY-8,9-DIHYDRODIBENZO[A,L]PYRENE IS A POTENT MORPHOLOGICAL CELL-TRANSFORMING AGENT IN C3H10T1/2C18 MOUSE EMBRYO FIBROBLASTS IN THE ABSENCE OF DETECTABLE STABLE COVALENT DNA ADDUCTS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The comparative genotoxic effects of racemic trans-8,9dihydroxy-8,9-dihydrodibenzo[a,l]pyrene (trans- DB[a,l]P8,9-diol), the metabolic K-region dihydrodiol of dibenzo[a,l] pyrene (DB[a,l]P) (dibenzo[def,p]chrysene) and DB[a,l]P in transformable mouse embryo C3HIOT1/2C18 (C3HIOT1/...

  6. S81L and G170R mutations causing Primary Hyperoxaluria type I in homozygosis and heterozygosis: an example of positive interallelic complementation

    PubMed Central

    Montioli, Riccardo; Roncador, Alessandro; Oppici, Elisa; Mandrile, Giorgia; Giachino, Daniela Francesca; Cellini, Barbara; Borri Voltattorni, Carla

    2014-01-01

    Primary Hyperoxaluria type I (PH1) is a rare disease due to the deficit of peroxisomal alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT), a homodimeric pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) enzyme present in humans as major (Ma) and minor (Mi) allele. PH1-causing mutations are mostly missense identified in both homozygous and compound heterozygous patients. Until now, the pathogenesis of PH1 has been only studied by approaches mimicking homozygous patients, whereas the molecular aspects of the genotype-enzymatic-clinical phenotype relationship in compound heterozygous patients are completely unknown. Here, for the first time, we elucidate the enzymatic phenotype linked to the S81L mutation on AGT-Ma, relative to a PLP-binding residue, and how it changes when the most common mutation G170R on AGT-Mi, known to cause AGT mistargeting without affecting the enzyme functionality, is present in the second allele. By using a bicistronic eukaryotic expression vector, we demonstrate that (i) S81L-Ma is mainly in its apo-form and has a significant peroxisomal localization and (ii) S81L and G170R monomers interact giving rise to the G170R-Mi/S81L-Ma holo-form, which is imported into peroxisomes and exhibits an enhanced functionality with respect to the parental enzymes. These data, integrated with the biochemical features of the heterodimer and the homodimeric counterparts in their purified recombinant form, (i) highlight the molecular basis of the pathogenicity of S81L-Ma and (ii) provide evidence for a positive interallelic complementation between the S81L and G170R monomers. Our study represents a valid approach to investigate the molecular pathogenesis of PH1 in compound heterozygous patients. PMID:24990153

  7. Acid-Catalyzed Degradation of Poly(2-butyl-1,3,6-trioxocane.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-10-21

    case, n = 8, was not studied. The detailed investigation of ring formation by Illuminati and his coworkers 1 1 󈧐 show that formation of 8-membered... Illuminati et al. have evaluated the oxygen effect in eq. 8 by studying the effect of replacing X = CH2 with X= 0. a o- (CCHn 2Br B 8 0 X-(CH )-Br .(H) +B...Macrosol. 16, 21 1000. 10. S. Winsten, E. Allred, R. Heck and R. Olick, Tetrahedron, 10. 3, 1. 29 11. G. Illuminati and L. Mandolini, Acct Ce 14, 95. 12

  8. Association of breast-fed neonatal hyperbilirubinemia with UGT1A1 polymorphisms: 211G>A (G71R) mutation becomes a risk factor under inadequate feeding.

    PubMed

    Sato, Hiroko; Uchida, Toshihiko; Toyota, Kentaro; Kanno, Miyako; Hashimoto, Taeko; Watanabe, Masashi; Nakamura, Tomohiro; Tamiya, Gen; Aoki, Kuraaki; Hayasaka, Kiyoshi

    2013-01-01

    Breastfeeding jaundice is a well-known phenomenon, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. Increased production of bilirubin, impaired hepatic uptake and metabolism of bilirubin, and increased enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin account for most cases of pathological neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. We previously reported that 211G>A (G71R) mutation of the UGT1A1 gene is prevalent in East Asians and is associated with the development of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Recently, significant association of G71R mutation with hyperbilirubinemia in breast-fed neonates was reported. We enrolled 401 full-term Japanese infants, who were exclusively breast-fed without supplementation of formula before developing hyperbilirubinemia, and classified them into two groups based on the degree of maximal body weight loss during the neonatal period. We analyzed the sex, gestational age, delivery mode, body weight at birth, maximal body weight loss and genotypes of G71R and (TA)(7) polymorphic mutations of UGT1A1. Statistical analysis revealed that maximal body weight loss during the neonatal period is the only independent risk factor for the development of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The effect of G71R mutation on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is significant in neonates with 5% or greater maximal body weight loss and its influence increases in parallel with the degree of maximal body weight loss. Our study indicates that G71R mutation is a risk factor for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia only in infants with inadequate breastfeeding and suggests that adequate breastfeeding may overcome the genetic predisposing factor, G71R mutation, for the development of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

  9. R34D1NG W0RD5 W1TH NUMB3R5.

    PubMed

    Perea, Manuel; Duñabeitia, Jon Andoni; Carreiras, Manuel

    2008-02-01

    Letter identities and number identities are usually thought to imply different cortical mechanisms. Specifically, the left fusiform gyrus responds more to letters than to digits (T. A. Polk et al., 2002). However, a widely circulated statement on the internet illustrates that it is possible to use numbers (leet digits) as parts of words, 4ND TH3 R35ULT1NG S3NT3NC3 C4N B3 R34D W1TH0UT GR34T 3FF0RT. Two masked priming lexical decision experiments were conducted to determine whether leet digits produce (automatic) lexical activation. Results showed that words are identified substantially faster when they are preceded by a masked leet word (M4T3R14L-MATERIAL) than when they are preceded by a control condition with other letters or digits. In addition, there was only a negligible advantage of the identity condition over the related leet condition. This leet-priming effect is not specific to numbers: A prime in which leet digits are replaced by letter-like symbols (M(Delta symbol)T(euro symbol)R!(Delta symbol)L - MATERIAL) facilitates word processing to the same degree as an identity prime. Therefore, the cognitive system regularizes the shape of the leet digits and letter-like symbols embedded in words with very little cost.

  10. Activation of the umami taste receptor (T1R1/T1R3) initiates the peristaltic reflex and pellet propulsion in the distal colon.

    PubMed

    Kendig, Derek M; Hurst, Norman R; Bradley, Zachary L; Mahavadi, Sunila; Kuemmerle, John F; Lyall, Vijay; DeSimone, John; Murthy, Karnam S; Grider, John R

    2014-12-01

    Intraluminal nutrients in the gut affect the peristaltic reflex, although the mechanism is not well defined. Recent evidence supports the presence of taste receptors and their signaling components in enteroendocrine cells, although their function is unclear. This study aimed to determine if nutrients modify colonic motility through activation of taste receptors. Colonic sections were immunostained for the umami taste receptor T1R1/T1R3, which mediates the response to umami ligands, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), in taste cells. Ascending contraction, descending relaxation, and calcitonin gene-related peptide release were measured in three-chamber flat-sheet preparations of rat colon in response to MSG alone or with inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP). Velocity of artificial fecal pellet propulsion was measured by video recording in guinea pig distal colon. T1R1/T1R3 receptors were present in enteroendocrine cells of colonic sections from human, rat, mouse, and guinea pig. MSG initiated ascending contraction and descending relaxation components of the peristaltic reflex and calcitonin gene-related peptide release in flat-sheet preparations. IMP augmented the MSG-induced effects, suggesting activation of T1R1/T1R3 receptors. In T1R1(-/-) mice, mucosal stroking, but not MSG, elicited a peristaltic reflex. Intraluminal perfusion of MSG enhanced the velocity of artificial fecal pellet propulsion, which was also augmented by IMP. Propulsion was also increased by l-cysteine, but not l-tryptophan, supporting a role of T1R1/T1R3 receptors. We conclude that T1R1/T1R3 activation by luminal MSG or l-cysteine elicits a peristaltic reflex and CGRP release and increases the velocity of pellet propulsion in distal colon. This mechanism may explain how nutrients regulate colonic propulsion. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

  11. Activation of the umami taste receptor (T1R1/T1R3) initiates the peristaltic reflex and pellet propulsion in the distal colon

    PubMed Central

    Kendig, Derek M.; Hurst, Norman R.; Bradley, Zachary L.; Mahavadi, Sunila; Kuemmerle, John F.; Lyall, Vijay; DeSimone, John; Murthy, Karnam S.

    2014-01-01

    Intraluminal nutrients in the gut affect the peristaltic reflex, although the mechanism is not well defined. Recent evidence supports the presence of taste receptors and their signaling components in enteroendocrine cells, although their function is unclear. This study aimed to determine if nutrients modify colonic motility through activation of taste receptors. Colonic sections were immunostained for the umami taste receptor T1R1/T1R3, which mediates the response to umami ligands, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), in taste cells. Ascending contraction, descending relaxation, and calcitonin gene-related peptide release were measured in three-chamber flat-sheet preparations of rat colon in response to MSG alone or with inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP). Velocity of artificial fecal pellet propulsion was measured by video recording in guinea pig distal colon. T1R1/T1R3 receptors were present in enteroendocrine cells of colonic sections from human, rat, mouse, and guinea pig. MSG initiated ascending contraction and descending relaxation components of the peristaltic reflex and calcitonin gene-related peptide release in flat-sheet preparations. IMP augmented the MSG-induced effects, suggesting activation of T1R1/T1R3 receptors. In T1R1−/− mice, mucosal stroking, but not MSG, elicited a peristaltic reflex. Intraluminal perfusion of MSG enhanced the velocity of artificial fecal pellet propulsion, which was also augmented by IMP. Propulsion was also increased by l-cysteine, but not l-tryptophan, supporting a role of T1R1/T1R3 receptors. We conclude that T1R1/T1R3 activation by luminal MSG or l-cysteine elicits a peristaltic reflex and CGRP release and increases the velocity of pellet propulsion in distal colon. This mechanism may explain how nutrients regulate colonic propulsion. PMID:25324508

  12. The tumor suppressor miR-138-5p targets PD-L1 in colorectal cancer

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Lian; Yu, Haibo; Yi, Shuijing; Peng, Xiaowei; Su, Peng; Xiao, Zhiming; Liu, Rui; Tang, Anliu; Li, Xiayu; Liu, Fen; Shen, Shourong

    2016-01-01

    microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in cancer development and progression. This study investigated the effects of miR-138-5p in human colorectal cancer (CRC) development. miR-138-5p was frequently downregulated in CRC tissues and was associated with advanced clinical stage, lymph node metastasis and poor overall survival. We found that miR-138-5p decreased expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) through interaction with its PD-L1 3′ untranslated region. miR-138-5p also dramatically suppressed CRC cell growth in vitro and inhibited tumorigenesis in vivo. PD-L1 and miR-138-5p levels were inversely correlated in human CRC tumors, and miR-138-5p inhibited PD-L1 expression in tumor models. These results suggest that miR-138-5p is a tumor suppressor in CRC, and its effects are exerted at least partially through PD-L1 downregulation. Low miR-138-5p and high PD-L1 levels correlated with shorter overall CRC patient survival, indicating that miR-138-5p and PD-L1 may serve as CRC biomarkers for risk group assignment, optimal therapy selection and clinical outcome prediction. Targeting PD-L1, possibly by administering miR-138-5p mimics, might be a clinically effective anti-CRC therapeutic strategy. PMID:27248318

  13. The tumor suppressor miR-138-5p targets PD-L1 in colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Lian; Yu, Haibo; Yi, Shuijing; Peng, Xiaowei; Su, Peng; Xiao, Zhiming; Liu, Rui; Tang, Anliu; Li, Xiayu; Liu, Fen; Shen, Shourong

    2016-07-19

    microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in cancer development and progression. This study investigated the effects of miR-138-5p in human colorectal cancer (CRC) development. miR-138-5p was frequently downregulated in CRC tissues and was associated with advanced clinical stage, lymph node metastasis and poor overall survival. We found that miR-138-5p decreased expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) through interaction with its PD-L1 3' untranslated region. miR-138-5p also dramatically suppressed CRC cell growth in vitro and inhibited tumorigenesis in vivo. PD-L1 and miR-138-5p levels were inversely correlated in human CRC tumors, and miR-138-5p inhibited PD-L1 expression in tumor models. These results suggest that miR-138-5p is a tumor suppressor in CRC, and its effects are exerted at least partially through PD-L1 downregulation. Low miR-138-5p and high PD-L1 levels correlated with shorter overall CRC patient survival, indicating that miR-138-5p and PD-L1 may serve as CRC biomarkers for risk group assignment, optimal therapy selection and clinical outcome prediction. Targeting PD-L1, possibly by administering miR-138-5p mimics, might be a clinically effective anti-CRC therapeutic strategy.

  14. Radiolabeling and in vitro and in vivo characterization of [18F]FB-[R(8,15,21), L17]-VIP as a PET imaging agent for tumor overexpressed VIP receptors.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Dengfeng; Yin, Duanzhi; Li, Gucai; Wang, Mingwei; Li, Shiqiang; Zheng, Mingqiang; Cai, Hancheng; Wang, Yongxian

    2006-12-01

    In an effort to develop a peptide-based radiopharmaceutical for the detection of tumors overexpressed vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors with positron emission tomography, we have prepared a novel [R(8,15,21), L17]-VIP peptide for 18F-labeling. This peptide inhibited 125I-VIP binding to rats lung membranes with high affinity [half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 0.12 nm]. Additionally, [R(8,15,21), L17]-VIP showed higher stability than native vasoactive intestinal peptide in vivo of mice. With N-succinimidyl 4-[18F] fluorobenzoate as labeling prosthetic group, [18F]FB-[R(8,15,21), L17]-VIP was obtained in >99% radiochemical purity within 100 min in decay-for-corrected radiochemical yield of 33.6 +/- 3% (n = 5) and a specific radioactivity 255 GBq/micromol at the end of synthesis. Stability of [18F]FB-[R(8,15,21), L17]-VIP in vitro and in vivo were investigated. Biodistribution of this trace was carried out in mice with induced C26 colorectal tumor. Fast clearance of [18F]FB-[R(8,15,21), L17]-VIP from non-target tissues and specific uptakes by tumors realized higher tumor-to-muscle ratio (3.55) and tumor-to-blood ratio (2.37) 60 min postinjection. Clear difference was observed between the blocking and unblocking experiments in biodistribution and whole body radioautography. [18F]FB-[R(8,15,21), L17]-VIP has demonstrated its potential for diagnosing tumors overexpressed vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors both in vitro and in vivo.

  15. [Phenotype and mechanism of inducible ppp2r1a knockout mouse model].

    PubMed

    Fan, J L; Wang, F P; Wang, S; Liu, X L; Wu, X N; Chen, W; Chen, L P; Li, W X

    2018-05-06

    and (69.40±9.55) U/L. The above results indicated that ppp2r1a knockout caused liver damage. Blood sugar level of homozygous mice was lower than in wild type mice ( P< 0.05), with values of (4.20±1.99) mmol/L and (8.88±0.65) mmol/L respectively. Plasma total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (β-HB) level of homozygous mice were higher than those of wild type mice ( P< 0.05). The values of TC, HDL and β-HB in homozygous mice were (3.12±0.39), (1.53±0.38) and (2.49±0.89) mmol/L. The corresponding values in wild type mice were (1.69±0.92), (0.78±0.50) and (0.45±0.30) mmol/L respectively. The above results indicated that ppp2r1a loss interfered glucose and cholesterol metabolism. In addition, we also found that the white blood cell count (WBC) and lymphocyte count (LYM) of homozygous mice were lower than in wild type mice ( P< 0.05). The values of WBC and LYM in homozygous mice were (1.88±0.89)×10(9)/L and (0.92±0.37)×10(9)/L respectively. The corresponding values in wild type mice were (3.91±0.80)×10(9)/L and (2.74±0.52)×10(9)/L respectively. The mRNA levels of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) of homozygous were lower than wild type mice ( P< 0.05). The fold change of G6P and PEPCK in homozygous mice was 0.46±0.11 and 0.72±0.07 respectively. The corresponding fold change in wild type mice was 1.02±0.07 and 1.02±0.06 respectively. Conclusion: Whole body ppp2r1a is essential for the survival of adult mice, due to the important role in maintaining the metabolism of glucose and cholesterol of liver.

  16. (1→6)- and (13)(1→6)-β-glucans from Lasiodiplodia theobromae MMBJ: Structural characterization and pro-inflammatory activity.

    PubMed

    Oliveira, Kassandra S M; Di Bastiani, Mirela; Cordeiro, Lucimara M C; Costa, Mírian F; Toledo, Karina A; Iacomini, Marcello; Babosa, Aneli M; Dekker, Robert F H; Nascimento, Valéria M G

    2015-11-20

    The chemical composition and structural characterization of exopolysaccharides from the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae MMBJ are described, and the immunomodulatory activity of a purified β-glucan was evaluated. L. theobromae MMBJ produced three different β-glucans. One, fraction PEPS, was a branched (13)(1→6)-β-glucan and was insoluble in cold water. The other two, fractions SEPS-005R and SEPS-10E, were characterized as linear (1→6)-β-glucans with molar mass of 1.8×10(6)Da and 7.0×10(3)Da, respectively. From a total of 2.2g/L of EPS produced by L. theobromae through submerged fermentation, 1.5g/L (67%) was of the branched (13)(1→6)-β-glucan, while 25% (w/w) were linear (1→6)-β-glucans. Tests conducted with macrophages showed that the high molar mass (1→6)-β-glucan fraction (SEPS-005R) induced a pro-inflammatory response pattern. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. ELECTRON IMPACT DISSOCIATION X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} b {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} AND EXCITATIONS X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} a {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub g} {sup +} AND X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} B {sup 1}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} OF MOLECULAR HYDROGEN IN NONTHERMAL ASTROPHYSICAL PLASMAS

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ki, Dae-Han; Jung, Young-Dae, E-mail: ydjung@hanyang.ac.kr

    We investigate the electronic transitions X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} b {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +}, X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} a {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub g} {sup +}, and X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} B {sup 1}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} of molecular hydrogen by studying electron impacts in astrophysical Lorentzian plasmas. Useful fitting formulae for the X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} b {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +}, X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} a {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub g} {sup +}, and X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields}more » B {sup 1}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} excitation cross sections are employed in order to obtain the electronic excitation rate coefficients of H{sub 2} as functions of the spectral index and temperature. In low-temperature regions, it is found that the excitation rate coefficients R{sub b{sup 3}{Sigma}{sub u{sup {sub +}}}}, R{sub a{sup 3}{Sigma}{sub g{sup {sub +}}}}, and R{sub B{sub {sup 1}{Sigma}{sub u{sup {sub +}}}}} of H{sub 2} in non-Maxwellian plasmas are smaller than those in Maxwellian plasmas. However, in high-temperature regions, the excitation rate coefficients of H{sub 2} in non-Maxwellian plasmas are greater than those in Maxwellian plasmas. It is also shown that the X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} b {sup 3}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} excitation rate coefficient is the main contributor in low-temperature regions. In contrast, it is found that the X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} {yields} B {sup 1}{Sigma} {sub u} {sup +} electronic excitation is dominant in high-temperature regions.« less

  18. Propofol-induced rno-miR-665 targets BCL2L1 and influences apoptosis in rodent developing hippocampal astrocytes.

    PubMed

    Sun, Wen-Chong; Liang, Zuo-Di; Pei, Ling

    2015-12-01

    Propofol exerts neurotoxic effects on the developing mammalian brains, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. However, in specific types of neurocytes, the detailed functions of miRNAs were not entirely understood. We investigated the potential role of miRNAs in astrocyte pathogenesis caused by propofol. We performed genome-wide microRNA expression profiling in immature cultured hippocampal astrocytes by microarray analysis and predicted their targets and functions using bioinformatics tools. The functional effects of one differentially expressed miRNA were examined experimentally in relation to astrocyte viability. The results showed that 13 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed after both short-term exposure to high-concentration propofol (10 μg/ml for 1h) and long-term exposure to low-concentration propofol (0.9 μg/ml for 48 h), including rno-miR-665, differing significantly between the 2. Bioinformatics predicted putative binding sites for rno-miR-665 existing in the 3'-untranslated region of Bcl-2-like protein 1 BCL2L1 (Bcl-xl) mRNA. Moreover, such relationship was assessed by luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR and western blot. Rno-miR-665 which was significantly up-regulated by propofol can suppress BCL2L1 and elevate cleaved caspase-3 expression in immature astrocytes in vitro. Apoptosis of developing hippocampal astrocytes was thus significantly influenced by propofol or rno-miR-665, or both. Taken together, rno-miR-665 is involved in the neurotoxicity induced by propofol via a caspase-3 mediated mechanism by negatively regulating BCL2L1. It might act as an alternative therapeutic target for treatment of neurological disorders in peadiatric prolonged anesthesia or sedation with propofol clinically. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  19. The impact of arousal state, sex, and sleep apnea on the magnitude of progressive augmentation and ventilatory long-term facilitation.

    PubMed

    Syed, Ziauddin; Lin, Ho-Sheng; Mateika, Jason H

    2013-01-01

    We examined the impact of arousal state, sex, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the magnitude of progressive augmentation of the hypoxic ventilatory response and ventilatory long-term facilitation (vLTF). We also examined whether exposure to intermittent hypoxia during sleep has an impact on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in individuals with OSA. Ten men and seven women with OSA, along with ten healthy men and ten healthy women, were exposed to twelve 2-min episodes of hypoxia (end-tidal PO(2): 50 Torr) in the presence of sustained hypercapnia (end-tidal PCO(2): 3 Torr above baseline), followed by a 30-min recovery period during wakefulness and sleep. The OSA participants completed an additional sham study during sleep. The AHI during the first hour of sleep following the intermittent hypoxia and sham protocols were compared. Progressive augmentation was only evident during wakefulness and was enhanced in the OSA participants. vLTF was evident during wakefulness and sleep. When standardized to baseline, vLTF was greater during wakefulness and was enhanced in the OSA group (men: wakefulness 1.39 ± 0.08 vs. sleep 1.14 ± 0.03; women: wakefulness 1.35 ± 0.03 vs. sleep 1.16 ± 0.05 fraction of baseline; P ≤ 0.001) compared with control (men: wakefulness 1.19 ± 0.03 vs. sleep 1.09 ± 0.03; women: wakefulness 1.26 ± 0.05 vs. sleep 1.08 ± 0.04 fraction of baseline; P ≤ 0.001). The AHI following exposure to intermittent hypoxia was increased (intermittent hypoxia 72.8 ± 7.3 vs. sham 56.5 ± 7.0 events/h; P ≤ 0.01). Sex-related differences were not observed for the primary measures. We conclude that progressive augmentation is not evident, and the magnitude of vLTF is diminished during sleep compared with wakefulness in men and women. However, when present, the phenomena are enhanced in individuals with OSA. The AHI data indicate that, under the prevailing experimental conditions, vLTF did not serve to mitigate apnea severity.

  20. High dose teriparatide (rPTH1-34) therapy increases callus volume and enhances radiographic healing at 8-weeks in a massive canine femoral allograft model.

    PubMed

    Nishitani, Kohei; Mietus, Zachary; Beck, Christopher A; Ito, Hiromu; Matsuda, Shuichi; Awad, Hani A; Ehrhart, Nicole; Schwarz, Edward M

    2017-01-01

    Small animal studies have demonstrated significant high-dose recombinant parathyroid hormone1-34 (rPTH1-34) effects on intercalary allograft healing. Towards a human adjuvant therapy to decrease non-unions, we evaluated rPTH1-34 safety and efficacy in a clinically relevant canine femoral allograft model. Adult female mongrel hounds (n = 20) received a 5cm mid-diaphyseal osteotomy reconstructed with a plated allograft, and were randomized to: 1) Placebo (n = 5; daily saline), 2) Continuous rPTH1-34 (n = 7; 5 μg/kg/day s.c. from day 1-55 post-op), or 3) Delayed rPTH1-34 (n = 8; 5 μg/kg/day s.c. from day 14-28 post-op). Safety was assessed by physical behavior and blood calcium monitoring. Cone beam CT (CB-CT) was performed on days 14, 28 and 56 post-op to assess 2D cortical healing, 3D bone volume, and Union Ratio. Biomechanical testing and dynamic histomorphometry were also performed. The high drug dose was poorly tolerated, as most dogs receiving rPTH1-34 had to be given intravenous saline, and one dog died from hypercalcemia. Continuous rPTH1-34 significantly increased 2D healing and callus volumes at 4-weeks versus Placebo, and sustained the significant increase in cortical union at 8-week (p<0.05). These rPTH1-34 effects were confirmed by histomorphometry, revealing significant increases in mineral apposition rates (MAR) on host bone and graft-host junctions (p<0.05). Delayed rPTH1-34 significantly increased callus volume and MAR at 8 weeks (p<0.05). Although no biomechanical differences were observed, as expected for early healing, the results demonstrated that 2D RUST scoring significantly correlated with torsional biomechanics (p<0.01). In conclusion, 8-weeks of intermittent high-dose rPTH1-34 treatment significantly increases callus formation and accelerates bony union of intercalary massive allografts in a clinically relevant canine model, but with serious side-effects from hypercalcemia.

  1. High dose teriparatide (rPTH1-34) therapy increases callus volume and enhances radiographic healing at 8-weeks in a massive canine femoral allograft model

    PubMed Central

    Mietus, Zachary; Beck, Christopher A.; Ito, Hiromu; Matsuda, Shuichi; Awad, Hani A.; Ehrhart, Nicole; Schwarz, Edward M.

    2017-01-01

    Small animal studies have demonstrated significant high-dose recombinant parathyroid hormone1-34 (rPTH1-34) effects on intercalary allograft healing. Towards a human adjuvant therapy to decrease non-unions, we evaluated rPTH1-34 safety and efficacy in a clinically relevant canine femoral allograft model. Adult female mongrel hounds (n = 20) received a 5cm mid-diaphyseal osteotomy reconstructed with a plated allograft, and were randomized to: 1) Placebo (n = 5; daily saline), 2) Continuous rPTH1-34 (n = 7; 5 μg/kg/day s.c. from day 1–55 post-op), or 3) Delayed rPTH1-34 (n = 8; 5 μg/kg/day s.c. from day 14–28 post-op). Safety was assessed by physical behavior and blood calcium monitoring. Cone beam CT (CB-CT) was performed on days 14, 28 and 56 post-op to assess 2D cortical healing, 3D bone volume, and Union Ratio. Biomechanical testing and dynamic histomorphometry were also performed. The high drug dose was poorly tolerated, as most dogs receiving rPTH1-34 had to be given intravenous saline, and one dog died from hypercalcemia. Continuous rPTH1-34 significantly increased 2D healing and callus volumes at 4-weeks versus Placebo, and sustained the significant increase in cortical union at 8-week (p<0.05). These rPTH1-34 effects were confirmed by histomorphometry, revealing significant increases in mineral apposition rates (MAR) on host bone and graft-host junctions (p<0.05). Delayed rPTH1-34 significantly increased callus volume and MAR at 8 weeks (p<0.05). Although no biomechanical differences were observed, as expected for early healing, the results demonstrated that 2D RUST scoring significantly correlated with torsional biomechanics (p<0.01). In conclusion, 8-weeks of intermittent high-dose rPTH1-34 treatment significantly increases callus formation and accelerates bony union of intercalary massive allografts in a clinically relevant canine model, but with serious side-effects from hypercalcemia. PMID:29020057

  2. Imidacloprid exposure cause the histopathological changes, activation of TNF-α, iNOS, 8-OHdG biomarkers, and alteration of caspase 3, iNOS, CYP1A, MT1 gene expression levels in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

    PubMed

    Özdemir, Selçuk; Altun, Serdar; Arslan, Harun

    2018-01-01

    Imidacloprid (IMI) is a neonicotinoid that is widely used for the protection of crops and carnivores from insects and parasites, respectively. It is well known that imidacloprid exposure has a harmful effect on several organisms. However, there is little information about imidacloprid toxicity in aquatic animals, particularly fish. Thus, in the current study, we assessed the histopathological changes; activation of iNOS, 8-OHdG and TNF-α; and expression levels of caspase 3, iNOS, CYP1A and MT1 genes in the common carp exposed to imidacloprid. For this purpose, fish were exposed to either a low dose (140 mg/L) or a high dose (280 mg/L) of imidacloprid for 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h. After IMI exposure, we detected hyperplasia of secondary lamellar cells and mucous cell hyperplasia in the gills, as well as hydropic degeneration in hepatocytes and necrosis in the liver. Moreover, 8-OHdG, iNOS and TNF-α activation was found particularly in the gills and liver but also moderately in the brain. Transcriptional analysis showed that caspase 3 expression was altered low dose and high doses of IMI for 72 h and 96 h exposure ( p <  0.05), iNOS expression was up-regulated with both low and high doses of IMI and in a time-dependent manner ( p <  0.05, p <  0.01, p <  0.001), CYP1A expression was not significantly changed regardless of the dose of IMI and exposure time ( p >  0.05) except with low and high doses of IMI for 96 h ( p <  0.05), and lastly, MT1 gene expression was up-regulated only in the brain with low doses of IMI for 96 h and high doses of IMI for 48 h, 72 h and 96 h exposure ( p <  0.05, p <  0.01). Our results indicated that acute IMI exposure moderately induce apoptosis in the brain but caused severe histopathological lesions, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the gills, liver, and brain of the common carp.

  3. Decoy Strategies: The Structure of TL1A:DcR3 Complex

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    C Zhan; Y Patskovsky; Q Yan

    2011-12-31

    Decoy Receptor 3 (DcR3), a secreted member of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, neutralizes three different TNF ligands: FasL, LIGHT, and TL1A. Each of these ligands engages unique signaling receptors which direct distinct and critical immune responses. We report the crystal structures of the unliganded DcR3 ectodomain and its complex with TL1A, as well as complementary mutagenesis and biochemical studies. These analyses demonstrate that DcR3 interacts with invariant backbone and side-chain atoms in the membrane-proximal half of TL1A which supports recognition of its three distinct TNF ligands. Additional features serve as antideterminants that preclude interaction with other membersmore » of the TNF superfamily. This mode of interaction is unique among characterized TNF:TNFR family members and provides a mechanistic basis for the broadened specificity required to support the decoy function of DcR3, as well as for the rational manipulation of specificity and affinity of DcR3 and its ligands.« less

  4. SAGE III/ISS L1B Solar Event Transmission Data (HDF-EOS) V5 (g3bt)

    Atmospheric Science Data Center

    2017-12-21

    SAGE III/ISS L1B Solar Event Transmission Data (HDF-EOS) V5 (g3bt)   Project Title:  ... present Temporal Resolution:  1 file per event File Format:  HDF-4 Tools:  Earthdata ... Radiation Longwave Radiation Shortwave Radiation Event Tag Event Type Obs Beta Angle Order Data:  ...

  5. Structure–Activity Relationships for a Novel Series of Dopamine D2-like Receptor Ligands Based on N-Substituted 3-Aryl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-ol

    PubMed Central

    Paul, Noel M.; Taylor, Michelle; Kumar, Rakesh; Deschamps, Jeffrey R.; Luedtke, Robert R.; Newman, Amy Hauck

    2011-01-01

    Discovering dopamine D2-like receptor subtype-selective ligands has been a focus of significant investigation. The D2R-selective antagonist 3-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidinyl]methylindole (1, L741,626; Ki(D2R/D3R) = 11.2:163 nM) has previously provided a lead template for chemical modification. Herein, analogues have been synthesized where the piperidine was replaced by a tropane ring that reversed the selectivity seen in the parent compound, in human hD2LR- or hD3R-transfected HEK 293 cells (31, Ki(D2R/D3R) = 33.4: 15.5 nM). Further exploration of both N-substituted and aryl ring-substituted analogues resulted in the discovery of several high affinity D2R/D3R ligands with 3-benzofurylmethyl-substituents (e.g., 45, Ki(D2R/D3R) = 1.7:0.34 nM) that induced high affinity not achieved in similarly N-substituted piperidine analogues and significantly (470-fold) improved D3R binding affinity compared to the parent ligand 1. X-ray crystallographic data revealed a distinctive spatial arrangement of pharmacophoric elements in the piperidinol vs tropine analogues, providing clues for the diversity in SAR at the D2 and D3 receptor subtypes. PMID:18774793

  6. ATG16L1 and IL23R are associated with inflammatory bowel diseases but not with celiac disease in the Netherlands.

    PubMed

    Weersma, Rinse K; Zhernakova, Alexandra; Nolte, Ilja M; Lefebvre, Céline; Rioux, John D; Mulder, Flip; van Dullemen, Hendrik M; Kleibeuker, Jan H; Wijmenga, Cisca; Dijkstra, Gerard

    2008-03-01

    Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)--Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)--and celiac disease are intestinal inflammatory disorders with a complex genetic background. Recently, two novel genes were found to be associated with IBD susceptibility. One, an uncommon coding variant (rs11209026) in the gene encoding for the interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R), conferred strong protection against CD. The other, rs2241880 in the autophagy-related 16-like 1 gene (ATG16L1), was associated with CD. We performed a case-control study for the association of IBD with IL23R and ATG16L1 in a Dutch cohort. We also looked at the association of IL23R and ATG16L1 with celiac disease. Five hundred eighteen Dutch white IBD patients (311 CD and 207 UC, including 176 trios of patients with both parents), 508 celiac disease patients, and 893 healthy controls were studied for association with the rs11209026 (IL23R) and rs2241880 (ATG16L1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). The rs11209026 SNP in IL23R had a protective effect for IBD in the case-control analysis (odds ratio [OR] 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-0.37, P= 6.6E-09). Both CD (OR 0.14, CI 0.06-0.37, P= 3.9E-07) and UC (OR 0.33, CI 0.15-0.73, P= 1.4E-03) were associated with IL23R. For ATG16L1, the rs2241880 SNP was associated with CD susceptibility (OR 1.36, CI 1.12-1.66, P= 0.0017). The population-attributable risk of carrying allele G is 0.24 and is 0.19 for homozygosity for allele G in CD. No association was found between IL23R or ATG16L1 and celiac disease. We confirmed the association of IL23R and ATG16L1 with CD susceptibility and also the association of IL23R with UC. We found IL23R and ATG16L1 were not associated with celiac disease susceptibility.

  7. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the coding region of six common rotavirus strains: evidence for intragenogroup reassortment among co-circulating G1P[8] and G2P[4] strains from the United States.

    PubMed

    Bányai, K; Mijatovic-Rustempasic, S; Hull, J J; Esona, M D; Freeman, M M; Frace, A M; Bowen, M D; Gentsch, J R

    2011-03-01

    The segmented genome of rotaviruses provides an opportunity for rotavirus strains to generate a large genetic diversity through reassortment; however, this mechanism is considered to play little role in the generation of mosaic gene constellations between Wa-like and DS-1-like strains in genes other than the neutralization antigens. A pilot study was undertaken to analyze these two epidemiologically important strains at the genomic level in order to (i) identify intergenogroup reassortment and (ii) to make available additional reference genome sequences of G1P[8] and G2P[4] for future genomics analyses. The full or nearly complete coding region of all 11 genes for 3 G1P[8] (LB2719, LB2758, and LB2771) and 3 G2P[4] (LB2744, LB2764, and LB2772) strains isolated from children hospitalized with severe diarrhea in Long Beach, California, where these strains were circulating at comparable rates during 2005-2006 are described in this study. Based on the full-genome classification system, all G1P[8] strains had a conserved genomic constellation: G1-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-E1-H1 and were mostly identical to the few Wa-like strains whose genome sequences have already been determined. Similarly, the genome sequences of the 3 G2P[4] strains were highly conserved: G2-P[4]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-E2-H2 and displayed an overall lesser genetic divergence with reference DS-1-like strains. While intergenogroup reassortment was not seen between the G1P[8] and G2P[4] strains studied here, evidence for intragenogroup reassortment events was identified. Similar studies in the post-rotavirus genomic era will help uncover whether intergenogroup reassortment affecting the backbone genes could play a significant role in any potential vaccine breakthrough events by evading immunity of vaccinated children. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  8. Novel fermentation: the production of R(-)-1,2-propanediol and acetol by Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cameron, D.C.; Cooney, C.L.

    1986-07-01

    Three strains of Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum were found that produce R(-)-1,2-propanediol from a variety of sugars, including D-glucose and D-xylose. The fermentation of glucose by strain HG-8 (ATCC 31960) gave 7.9 g/l of R(-)-1,2-propanediol with a best yield of 0.27 g/g glucose and an enantiomeric excess of greater than 99%. Acetol accumulated to 1.47 g/l. Product formation was not affected by phosphate concentrations up to 113 mM. A possible pathway to these products involves a variation of the methylglyoxal bypass. Methylglyoxal is reduced to acetol, which is further reduced to %(-)-1,2-propanediol. This fermentation provides a unique route to R(-)-1,2-propanediol and acetolmore » from inexpensive, readily available substrates.« less

  9. Prise en charge en cabinet des lésions cérébrales traumatiques légères chez les enfants et les adolescents

    PubMed Central

    Garcia-Rodriguez, Juan Antonio; Thomas, Roger E.

    2014-01-01

    Résumé Objectif Fournir aux médecins de famille de l’information à jour, pratique et factuelle sur les lésions cérébrales traumatiques légères et les commotions cérébrales dans la population pédiatrique. Sources d’information Une recherche a été effectuée dans MEDLINE (de 1950 à février 2013), la base de données des revues systématiques Cochrane (de 2005 à 2013), le registre central Cochrane des essais contrôlés (de 2005 à 2013) et DARE (2005 à 2013) à l’aide de mots-clés liés aux commotions cérébrales et aux traumatismes crâniens. Des lignes directrices, énoncés de position, articles et rapports de recherche originaux pertinents aux lésions cérébrales traumatiques légères ont été sélectionnés. Message principal Le traumatisme est la cause principale de décès chez les enfants de plus d’un an et, dans ce groupe, le traumatisme crânien est la cause la plus fréquente d’incapacité et de décès. Neuf pour cent des blessures sportives rapportées chez les élèves du secondaire sont associées à une lésion cérébrale traumatique légère. Les médecins de famille doivent effectuer une anamnèse ciblée et un examen physique et neurologique, utiliser les instruments d’évaluation standardisés (Échelle de Glasgow; Outil d’évaluation des commotions cérébrales dans le sport, version 3; version pédiatrique de l’Outil d’évaluation des commotions cérébrales dans le sport; et échelle BESS [Balance Error Scoring System]), expliquer aux parents comment surveiller leurs enfants, décider des circonstances où les soignants ne sont pas une ressource dûment responsable, faire un suivi prompt auprès des patients, guider le retour sécuritaire au jeu ou à l’école et décider dans quelles circonstances un test neuropsychologique est nécessaire au suivi à long terme. Conclusion La prise en charge par le médecin de famille des lésions cérébrales traumatiques légères chez les enfants repose sur une

  10. Collisional relaxation of O2(X^3Σ _g^ -, υ = 1) and O2(a1Δg, υ = 1) by atmospherically relevant species

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pejaković, Dušan A.; Campbell, Zachary; Kalogerakis, Konstantinos S.; Copeland, Richard A.; Slanger, Tom G.

    2011-09-01

    Laboratory measurements are reported of the rate coefficient for collisional removal of O2(X^3Σ _g^ -, υ = 1) by O(3P), and the rate coefficients for removal of O2(a1Δg, υ = 1) by O2, CO2, and O(3P). A two-laser method is employed, in which the pulsed output of the first laser at 285 nm photolyzes ozone to produce oxygen atoms and O2(a1Δg, υ = 1), and the output of the second laser detects O2(a1Δg, υ = 1) via resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization. The kinetics of O2(X^3Σ _g^ -, υ = 1) + O(3P) relaxation is inferred from the temporal evolution of O2(a1Δg, υ = 1), an approach enabled by the rapid collision-induced equilibration of the O2(X^3Σ _g^ -, υ = 1) and O2(a1Δg, υ = 1) populations in the system. The measured O2(X^3Σ _g^ -, υ = 1) + O(3P) rate coefficient is (2.9 ± 0.6) × 10-12 cm3 s-1 at 295 K and (3.4 ± 0.6) × 10-12 cm3 s-1 at 240 K. These values are consistent with the previously reported result of (3.2 ± 1.0) × 10-12 cm3 s-1, which was obtained at 315 K using a different experimental approach [K. S. Kalogerakis, R. A. Copeland, and T. G. Slanger, J. Chem. Phys. 123, 194303 (2005)]. For removal of O2(a1Δg, υ = 1) by O(3P), the upper limits for the rate coefficient are 4 × 10-13 cm3 s-1 at 295 K and 6 × 10-13 cm3 s-1 at 240 K. The rate coefficient for removal of O2(a1Δg, υ = 1) by O2 is (5.6 ± 0.6) × 10-11 cm3 s-1 at 295 K and (5.9 ± 0.5) × 10-11 cm3 s-1 at 240 K. The O2(a1Δg, υ = 1) + CO2 rate coefficient is (1.5 ± 0.2) × 10-14 cm3 s-1 at 295 K and (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-14 cm3 s-1 at 240 K. The implications of the measured rate coefficients for modeling of atmospheric emissions are discussed.

  11. Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) Reduces Cell Growth, Lipid Acquisition and Increases Adiponectin Expression in 3T3-L1 Cells

    PubMed Central

    Yeo, Chia-Rou; Lee, Sea-Ming; Popovich, David G.

    2011-01-01

    An American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) extract (GE) that contained a quantifiable amount of ginsenosides was investigated for the potential to inhibit proliferation, affect the cell cycle, influence lipid acquisition and adiponectin expression in 3T3-L1 cells. Six fingerprint ginsenosides were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography and the respective molecular weights were confirmed by LC-ESI-MS analysis. The extract contained Rg1 (347.3 ± 99.7 μg g−1, dry weight), Re (8280.4 ± 792.3 μg g−1), Rb1 (1585.8 ± 86.8 μg g−1), Rc (32.9 ± 8 μg g−1), Rb2 (62.6 ± 10.6 μg g−1) and Rd (90.4 ± 3.2 μg g−1). The GE had a dose-dependent effect on 3T3-L1 cell growth, the LC50 value was determined to be 40.3 ± 5 μg ml−1. Cell cycle analysis showed modest changes in the cell cycle. No significant changes observed in both G1 and G2/M phases, however there was a significant decrease (P < .05) in the S phase after 24 and 48 h treatment. Apoptotic cells were modest but significantly (P < .05) increased after 48 h (3.2 ± 1.0%) compared to untreated control cells (1.5 ± 0.1%). Lipid acquisition was significantly reduced (P < .05) by 13 and 22% when treated at concentrations of 20.2 and 40.3 μg ml−1 compared to untreated control cells. In relation to adiponectin activation, western blot analysis showed that the protein expression was significantly (P < .05) increased at concentrations tested. A quantified GE reduced the growth of 3T3-L1 cells, down-regulated the accumulation of lipid and up-regulated the expression of adiponectin in the 3T3-L1 adipocyte cell model. PMID:21799682

  12. Une étude rétrospective sur l'incidence de l'insuffisance rénale chronique dans le service de Médecine Interne et Néphrologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Antananarivo

    PubMed Central

    Ramilitiana, Benja; Ranivoharisoa, Eliane Mikkelsen; Dodo, Mihary; Razafimandimby, Evanirina; Randriamarotia, Willy Franck

    2016-01-01

    L'insuffisance rénale chronique est un problème de santé publique au niveau mondial. Dans les pays développés, cette affection survient essentiellement chez les sujets âgés, mais en Afrique, elle s'installe plutôt chez les sujets jeunes actifs. C'est une affection de lourde prise en charge dans un pays à faible revenu à cause de ses coûts. Notre but est de décrire les aspects épidémiologiques des nouveaux cas d'insuffisance rénale chronique à Madagascar. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective descriptive de 3 ans partant du 1er janvier 2007 au 31 décembre 2009 dans le service de Médecine Interne et Néphrologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Antananarivo portant sur 239 patients diagnostiqués comme une insuffisance rénale chronique. L'incidence était de 8,51% parmi les patients hospitalisés dans le service. L’âge moyen des patients était de 45,4 ans avec des extrêmes de 16 et 82 ans et un sex-ratio de 1,46. Le principal antécédent était l'hypertension artérielle (59,8%). L'insuffisance rénale chronique était terminale dans 75,31% des cas (n=180). Les causes de l'insuffisance rénale chronique étaient dominées par la glomérulonéphrite chronique (40,1%), la néphroangiosclérose (35,5%). L'hémodialyse était réalisée chez 3 patients (1,26%), aucun patient n’était pas programmé pour une greffe rénale. Le taux de mortalité dans le service était de 28,87%. L'insuffisance rénale chronique est une maladie de pronostic redoutable et handicapante qui affecte les sujets jeunes à Madagascar. Son traitement reste inaccessible dans la majorité des patients. L'accent doit donc être mis principalement sur la prévention notamment une bonne prise en charge précoce des infections, de l'hypertension artérielle et du diabète pour réduire ses impacts négatifs sur la santé communautaire et publique. Le projet de la transplantation rénale - donneur vivant, traitement efficace et moins coûteux par rapport à l

  13. Distinct human and mouse membrane trafficking systems for sweet taste receptors T1r2 and T1r3.

    PubMed

    Shimizu, Madoka; Goto, Masao; Kawai, Takayuki; Yamashita, Atsuko; Kusakabe, Yuko

    2014-01-01

    The sweet taste receptors T1r2 and T1r3 are included in the T1r taste receptor family that belongs to class C of the G protein-coupled receptors. Heterodimerization of T1r2 and T1r3 is required for the perception of sweet substances, but little is known about the mechanisms underlying this heterodimerization, including membrane trafficking. We developed tagged mouse T1r2 and T1r3, and human T1R2 and T1R3 and evaluated membrane trafficking in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. We found that human T1R3 surface expression was only observed when human T1R3 was coexpressed with human T1R2, whereas mouse T1r3 was expressed without mouse T1r2 expression. A domain-swapped chimera and truncated human T1R3 mutant showed that the Venus flytrap module and cysteine-rich domain (CRD) of human T1R3 contain a region related to the inhibition of human T1R3 membrane trafficking and coordinated regulation of human T1R3 membrane trafficking. We also found that the Venus flytrap module of both human T1R2 and T1R3 are needed for membrane trafficking, suggesting that the coexpression of human T1R2 and T1R3 is required for this event. These results suggest that the Venus flytrap module and CRD receive taste substances and play roles in membrane trafficking of human T1R2 and T1R3. These features are different from those of mouse receptors, indicating that human T1R2 and T1R3 are likely to have a novel membrane trafficking system.

  14. G1P[8] species A rotavirus over 27 years--pre- and post-vaccination eras--in Brazil: full genomic constellation analysis and no evidence for selection pressure by Rotarix® vaccine.

    PubMed

    da Silva, Marcelle Figueira Marques; Rose, Tatiana Lundgren; Gómez, Mariela Martínez; Carvalho-Costa, Filipe Anibal; Fialho, Alexandre Madi; de Assis, Rosane Maria Santos; de Andrade, Juliana da Silva Ribeiro; Volotão, Eduardo de Mello; Leite, José Paulo Gagliardi

    2015-03-01

    Epidemiological data on species A rotavirus (RVA) infections have demonstrated the genetic diversity of strains circulating worldwide. Many G and P genotype combinations have been described over the years, varying regionally and temporally, especially in developing countries. However, the most common G and P genotype combinations identified in RVA human strains worldwide are G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8] and G9P[8]. RVA genotype G1P[8] strains are responsible for more than 50% of child infections worldwide and component of the two vaccines (Rotarix® [RV1] and RotaTeq® [RV5]) licensed globally. For a better understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms of this genotype in Brazil, phylogenetic analyses based on the 11 RVA genome segments (genomic constellation) from 90 G1P[8] RVA strains collected in two eras - (i) pre-vaccination with RV1 (1996-February 2006); (ii) post-vaccination (March 2006-2013) - in different Brazilian states were performed. The results showed the Wa-like genomic constellation of the Brazilian G1P[8] strains with a I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 specificity, except for two strains (rj14055-07 and ba19030-10) that belong to a I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T3-E1-H1 genomic constellation, evidencing the occurrence of reassortment (Wa-like×AU-1-like) of the NSP3 gene. Reassortment events were also demonstrated between Brazilian G1P[8] strains and the RV1 vaccine strain in some genes in vaccinated and unvaccinated children. VP7 and VP8* antigenic site analysis showed that the amino acid substitutions observed in samples collected after the introduction of RV1 in Brazil were already detected in samples collected in the 1980s and 1990s, suggesting that mass Brazilian RV1 vaccination had no impact on the diversity observed inside antigenic sites for these two proteins. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Evaluation of (1R,2R)-1-(5'-methylfur-3'-yl)propane-1,2,3-triol, a sphydrofuran derivative isolated from a Streptomyces species, as an anti-herpesvirus drug.

    PubMed

    Hayashi, K; Kawahara, K; Nakai, C; Sankawa, U; Seto, H; Hayashi, T

    2000-08-01

    (1R,2R)-1-(5'-Methylfur-3'-yl)propane-1,2,3-triol (MFPT), a stable anhydro derivative of sphydrofuran, was obtained from the culture broth of STREPTOMYCES: sp. strain FV60 as an inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The compound showed antiherpetic activity with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 1.2 IM in an in vitro assay system. Although the binding of virus to host cells was not inhibited, the penetration of virus into cells was moderately blocked by MFPT. Some of the viruses, once they had penetrated cells, failed to form plaques in the presence of MFPT. When added to the late stages of HSV-1 replication, MFPT also inhibited virus production. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of isotope-labelled HSV-specific proteins revealed that a protein or proteins with reduced molecular weight (about 120 kDa) was clearly detected in cells treated with MFPT. Western blot analysis with antibodies against three HSV-specific glycoproteins (gB, gC and gD) showed a significant difference in gC synthesis between untreated and MFPT-treated cells. Release of progeny viruses was suppressed by MFPT. Syncytium formation by HSV-1 strain HF was inhibited and small plaques with rounded cells were formed in MFPT-treated cell cultures. When wild-type HSV-1 was serially propagated under the selective pressure of MFPT, resistant virus emerged. MFPT-resistant progeny were accompanied by the formation of plaques with rounded cells. These results, taken together, suggest that MFPT might act by limiting the maturation of HSV-specific glycoproteins, particularly of HSV-1 gC.

  16. Soluble Human Cytomegalovirus gH/gL/pUL128-131 Pentameric Complex, but Not gH/gL, Inhibits Viral Entry to Epithelial Cells and Presents Dominant Native Neutralizing Epitopes.

    PubMed

    Loughney, John W; Rustandi, Richard R; Wang, Dai; Troutman, Matthew C; Dick, Lawrence W; Li, Guanghua; Liu, Zhong; Li, Fengsheng; Freed, Daniel C; Price, Colleen E; Hoang, Van M; Culp, Timothy D; DePhillips, Pete A; Fu, Tong-Ming; Ha, Sha

    2015-06-26

    Congenital infection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is one of the leading causes of nongenetic birth defects, and development of a prophylactic vaccine against HCMV is of high priority for public health. The gH/gL/pUL128-131 pentameric complex mediates HCMV entry into endothelial and epithelial cells, and it is a major target for neutralizing antibody responses. To better understand the mechanism by which antibodies interact with the epitopes of the gH/gL/pUL128-131 pentameric complex resulting in viral neutralization, we expressed and purified soluble gH/gL/pUL128-131 pentameric complex and gH/gL from Chinese hamster ovary cells to >95% purity. The soluble gH/gL, which exists predominantly as (gH/gL)2 homodimer with a molecular mass of 220 kDa in solution, has a stoichiometry of 1:1 and a pI of 6.0-6.5. The pentameric complex has a molecular mass of 160 kDa, a stoichiometry of 1:1:1:1:1, and a pI of 7.4-8.1. The soluble pentameric complex, but not gH/gL, adsorbs 76% of neutralizing activities in HCMV human hyperimmune globulin, consistent with earlier reports that the most potent neutralizing epitopes for blocking epithelial infection are unique to the pentameric complex. Functionally, the soluble pentameric complex, but not gH/gL, blocks viral entry to epithelial cells in culture. Our results highlight the importance of the gH/gL/pUL128-131 pentameric complex in HCMV vaccine design and emphasize the necessity to monitor the integrity of the pentameric complex during the vaccine manufacturing process. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  17. MicroRNA-24 promotes 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation by directly targeting the MAPK7 signaling

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jin, Min, E-mail: min_jin@zju.edu.cn; Wu, Yutao; Wang, Jing

    Over the past years, MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as a vital role in harmony with gene regulation and maintaining cellular homeostasis. It is well testified that miRNAshave been involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including embryogenesis, cell fate decision, and cellular differentiation. Adipogenesis is an organized process of cellular differentiation by which pre-adipocytes differentiate towards mature adipocytes, and it is tightly modulated by a series of transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) and sterol regulatory-element binding proteins 1 (SREBP1). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the connection between miRNAs and adipogenesis-related transcription factors remain obscure. In this study,more » we unveiled that miR- 24 was remarkably upregulated during 3T3-L1 adipogenesis. Overexpression of miR-24 significantly promoted 3T3-L1 adipogenesis, as evidenced by its ability to increase the expression of PPAR-γ and SREBP1, lipid droplet formation and triglyceride (TG) accumulation. Furthermore, we found that neither ectopic expression of miR-24nor miR-24 inhibitor affect cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. Finally, we demonstrated that miR-24 plays the modulational role by directly repressing MAPK7, a key number in the MAPK signaling pathway. These data indicate that miR-24 is a novel positive regulator of adipocyte differentiation by targeting MAPK7, which provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of miRNA-mediated cellular differentiation. -- Highlights: •We firstly found miR-24 was upregulated in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes differentiation. •miR-24 promoted 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes differentiation while silencing the expression of miR-24 had an opposite function. •miR-24 regulated 3T3-L1 differentiation by directly targeting MAPK7 signaling pathway. •miR-24did not affect 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes cellular proliferation.« less

  18. Statistical Optimization of 1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PD) Production from Crude Glycerol by Considering Four Objectives: 1,3-PD Concentration, Yield, Selectivity, and Productivity.

    PubMed

    Supaporn, Pansuwan; Yeom, Sung Ho

    2018-04-30

    This study investigated the biological conversion of crude glycerol generated from a commercial biodiesel production plant as a by-product to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD). Statistical analysis was employed to derive a statistical model for the individual and interactive effects of glycerol, (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , trace elements, pH, and cultivation time on the four objectives: 1,3-PD concentration, yield, selectivity, and productivity. Optimum conditions for each objective with its maximum value were predicted by statistical optimization, and experiments under the optimum conditions verified the predictions. In addition, by systematic analysis of the values of four objectives, optimum conditions for 1,3-PD concentration (49.8 g/L initial glycerol, 4.0 g/L of (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , 2.0 mL/L of trace element, pH 7.5, and 11.2 h of cultivation time) were determined to be the global optimum culture conditions for 1,3-PD production. Under these conditions, we could achieve high 1,3-PD yield (47.4%), 1,3-PD selectivity (88.8%), and 1,3-PD productivity (2.1/g/L/h) as well as high 1,3-PD concentration (23.6 g/L).

  19. Autocrine selection of a GLP-1R G-protein biased agonist with potent antidiabetic effects.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hongkai; Sturchler, Emmanuel; Zhu, Jiang; Nieto, Ainhoa; Cistrone, Philip A; Xie, Jia; He, LinLing; Yea, Kyungmoo; Jones, Teresa; Turn, Rachel; Di Stefano, Peter S; Griffin, Patrick R; Dawson, Philip E; McDonald, Patricia H; Lerner, Richard A

    2015-12-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have emerged as treatment options for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GLP-1R signals through G-protein-dependent, and G-protein-independent pathways by engaging the scaffold protein β-arrestin; preferential signalling of ligands through one or the other of these branches is known as 'ligand bias'. Here we report the discovery of the potent and selective GLP-1R G-protein-biased agonist, P5. We identified P5 in a high-throughput autocrine-based screening of large combinatorial peptide libraries, and show that P5 promotes G-protein signalling comparable to GLP-1 and Exendin-4, but exhibited a significantly reduced β-arrestin response. Preclinical studies using different mouse models of T2DM demonstrate that P5 is a weak insulin secretagogue. Nevertheless, chronic treatment of diabetic mice with P5 increased adipogenesis, reduced adipose tissue inflammation as well as hepatic steatosis and was more effective at correcting hyperglycaemia and lowering haemoglobin A1c levels than Exendin-4, suggesting that GLP-1R G-protein-biased agonists may provide a novel therapeutic approach to T2DM.

  20. Variation in the TAS1R2 Gene, Sweet Taste Perception and Intake of Sugars.

    PubMed

    Dias, Andre G; Eny, Karen M; Cockburn, Moira; Chiu, Winnie; Nielsen, Daiva E; Duizer, Lisa; El-Sohemy, Ahmed

    2015-01-01

    To determine whether variation in the TAS1R2 gene affects sucrose taste perception and sugar intake. Participants were men (n = 238) and women (n = 458) aged 20-29 years. A subset (n = 95) with body mass index (BMI) data available completed a sensory analysis study. A food frequency questionnaire assessed dietary intake, and eight polymorphisms were genotyped (rs12033832, rs12137730, rs35874116, rs3935570, rs4920564, rs4920566, rs7513755 and rs9701796). Sucrose taste thresholds were determined by staircase procedure (solutions: 9 × 10-6 to 0.5 mol/l). Suprathreshold sensitivity to 0.01-1.0 mol/l sucrose solutions was assessed using general Labeled Magnitude Scales. A significant genotype-BMI interaction was observed for rs12033832 (G>A) for suprathreshold sensitivity (p = 0.01) and sugar intake (p = 0.003). Among participants with a BMI ≥25, G allele carriers had lower sensitivity ratings (mean incremental area under the taste sensitivity curve ± SE; GG/GA 54.4 ± 4.1 vs. AA 178.5 ± 66.6; p = 0.006), higher thresholds (GG/GA 9.3 ± 1.1 vs. AA 4.4 ± 4.3 mmol/l; p = 0.004) and consumed more sugars (GG/GA 130 ± 4 vs. AA 94 ± 13 g/day; p = 0.009). G allele carriers with a BMI <25 had lower thresholds (GG/GA 8.6 ± 0.5 vs. AA 16.7 ± 5.7 mmol/l; p = 0.02) and consumed less sugars (GG/GA 122 ± 2 vs. AA 145 ± 8 g/day; p = 0.004). The rs12033832 single nucleotide polymorphism in TAS1R2 is associated with sucrose taste and sugar intake, but the effect differs depending on BMI. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  1. Healthcare resource utilization and economic impact of a ≥2 g/dL decrease in hemoglobin in osteoarthritis patients.

    PubMed

    Goldstein, Jay L; Luo, Xuemei; Cappelleri, Joseph C; Sands, George H

    2013-01-01

    In non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) users, chronic occult blood loss may lead to decreases in hemoglobin, which may lead to increased healthcare expenditures. This study, therefore, sought to quantify healthcare resource utilization of ≥2 g/dL hemoglobin decrease in osteoarthritis patients. Using a large US managed care database, osteoarthritis patients aged ≥18 years who had exposure to ≥90 days of non-selective or selective COX-2 NSAID use, a hemoglobin value within 6 months before index NSAID, and at least one hemoglobin value 24 months after were evaluated. Resource utilization was evaluated in those with ≥2 g/dL hemoglobin drop vs patients with ≤0.5 g/dL hemoglobin drop (control). Of 1800 NSAID users meeting inclusion criteria, 228 patients [mean (SD) = 59.8 (9.3) years] had ≥2 g/dL hemoglobin drop vs 1572 controls [mean (SD) = 58.3 (8.0) years]. Despite relatively low absolute rates, endoscopic procedures were more commonly observed in the ≥2 g/dL hemoglobin drop group [endoscopy: 37/228 (16.2%) vs 65/1572 (4.1%); adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.5, (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1-6.0); colonoscopy: 36/228 (15.8%) vs 137/1572 (8.7%); AOR 2.0 (95% CI 1.2-3.2)]. During the 12-month follow-up, patients with ≥2 g/dL hemoglobin drop utilized significantly more healthcare resources [adjusted relative risk (95% CI) for hospitalization, 2.1 (1.5-2.9); outpatient visits, 1.4 (1.3-1.5); physician visits, 1.3 (1.1-1.4)] and charges (total adjusted charges $47,766 vs $23,342) across major categories of healthcare services. This was a retrospective analysis with baseline demographic differences. The source or cause of the hemoglobin drops could not be verified; and it is assumed that they are related to occult gastrointestinal loss. Differences with healthcare utilization and charges were not linked to hemoglobin-associated complications. In patients exposed to NSAIDs, those with significant hemoglobin drops experienced

  2. The CpG island encompassing the promoter and first exon of human DNMT3L gene is a PcG/TrX response element (PRE).

    PubMed

    Basu, Amitava; Dasari, Vasanthi; Mishra, Rakesh K; Khosla, Sanjeev

    2014-01-01

    DNMT3L, a member of DNA methyltransferases family, is present only in mammals. As it provides specificity to the action of de novo methyltransferases, DNMT3A and DNMT3B and interacts with histone H3, DNMT3L has been invoked as the molecule that can read the histone code and translate it into DNA methylation. It plays an important role in the initiation of genomic imprints during gametogenesis and in nuclear reprogramming. With important functions attributed to it, it is imperative that the DNMT3L expression is tightly controlled. Previously, we had identified a CpG island within the human DNMT3L promoter and first exon that showed loss of DNA methylation in cancer samples. Here we show that this Differentially Methylated CpG island within DNMT3L (DNMT3L DMC) acts to repress transcription, is a Polycomb/Trithorax Response Element (PRE) and interacts with both PRC1 and PRC2 Polycomb repressive complexes. In addition, it adopts inactive chromatin conformation and is associated with other inactive chromatin-specific proteins like SUV39H1 and HP1. The presence of DNMT3L DMC also influences the adjacent promoter to adopt repressive histone post-translational modifications. Due to its association with multiple layers of repressive epigenetic modifications, we believe that PRE within the DNMT3L DMC is responsible for the tight regulation of DNMT3L expression and the aberrant epigenetic modifications of this region leading to DNMT3L overexpression could be the reason of nuclear programming during carcinogenesis.

  3. The selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A antagonist, AZD7371 [3(R)-(N,N-dicyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-5-carboxamide (R,R)-tartrate monohydrate] (robalzotan tartrate monohydrate), inhibits visceral pain-related visceromotor, but not autonomic cardiovascular, responses to colorectal distension in rats.

    PubMed

    Lindström, E; Ravnefjord, A; Brusberg, M; Hjorth, S; Larsson, H; Martinez, V

    2009-06-01

    5-Hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT(1A)) receptors have been suggested as a target for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A recent clinical trial investigating the efficacy of the selective 5-HT(1A) antagonist AZD7371 [3(R)-(N,N-dicyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-5-carboxamide (R,R)-tartrate monohydrate] showed no symptomatic improvement in IBS patients. We characterized the mechanisms mediating potential analgesic effects of AZD7371 in a model of colorectal distension (CRD)-induced visceral pain in rats to understand its mechanism of action and the lack of clinical efficacy. Visceromotor and cardiovascular responses (telemetry) were assessed in conscious rats during noxious CRD (80 mm Hg). Effects of AZD7371 (3-300 nmol/kg i.v.; 1-30 micromol/kg p.o.) and a reference 5-HT(1A) antagonist, WAY-100635 (N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide maleate salt; 3-300 nmol/kg i.v.), were assessed. Effects of intracerebroventricular AZD7371 were also evaluated. Intravenous AZD7371 or WAY-100635 and oral AZD7371 dose-dependently inhibited visceromotor responses to CRD (ED(50), 203, 231, and 14 micromol/kg, respectively). In telemetrized rats, oral AZD7371 inhibited visceromotor responses to CRD without affecting the concomitant hypertensive and tachycardic responses. Intracerebroventricular AZD7371 did not affect visceromotor responses, whereas it inhibited micturition. None of the doses tested induced visible gross side effects. AZD7371, likely acting at a spinal site, inhibited the visceromotor but not the cardiovascular responses to visceral pain in the CRD model in rats. Although agents effective on multiple pain-related readouts in the CRD model (e.g., pregabalin or clonidine) alleviate IBS symptoms, AZD7371, which is effective on only one pain-related pseudoaffective readout, does not. Data from preclinical CRD models of visceral pain need to be interpreted cautiously as it relates to their clinical

  4. Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA): the GAMA galaxy group catalogue (G3Cv1)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Robotham, A. S. G.; Norberg, P.; Driver, S. P.; Baldry, I. K.; Bamford, S. P.; Hopkins, A. M.; Liske, J.; Loveday, J.; Merson, A.; Peacock, J. A.; Brough, S.; Cameron, E.; Conselice, C. J.; Croom, S. M.; Frenk, C. S.; Gunawardhana, M.; Hill, D. T.; Jones, D. H.; Kelvin, L. S.; Kuijken, K.; Nichol, R. C.; Parkinson, H. R.; Pimbblet, K. A.; Phillipps, S.; Popescu, C. C.; Prescott, M.; Sharp, R. G.; Sutherland, W. J.; Taylor, E. N.; Thomas, D.; Tuffs, R. J.; van Kampen, E.; Wijesinghe, D.

    2011-10-01

    Using the complete Galaxy and Mass Assembly I (GAMA-I) survey covering ˜142 deg2 to rAB= 19.4, of which ˜47 deg2 is to rAB= 19.8, we create the GAMA-I galaxy group catalogue (G3Cv1), generated using a friends-of-friends (FoF) based grouping algorithm. Our algorithm has been tested extensively on one family of mock GAMA lightcones, constructed from Λ cold dark matter N-body simulations populated with semi-analytic galaxies. Recovered group properties are robust to the effects of interlopers and are median unbiased in the most important respects. G3Cv1 contains 14 388 galaxy groups (with multiplicity ≥2), including 44 186 galaxies out of a possible 110 192 galaxies, implying ˜40 per cent of all galaxies are assigned to a group. The similarities of the mock group catalogues and G3Cv1 are multiple: global characteristics are in general well recovered. However, we do find a noticeable deficit in the number of high multiplicity groups in GAMA compared to the mocks. Additionally, despite exceptionally good local spatial completeness, G3Cv1 contains significantly fewer compact groups with five or more members, this effect becoming most evident for high multiplicity systems. These two differences are most likely due to limitations in the physics included of the current GAMA lightcone mock. Further studies using a variety of galaxy formation models are required to confirm their exact origin. The G3Cv1 catalogue will be made publicly available as and when the relevant GAMA redshifts are made available at .

  5. Early endocrine disruptors exposure acts on 3T3-L1 differentiation and endocrine activity

    PubMed Central

    Boudalia, Sofiane; Belloir, Christine; Miller, Marie-Louise; Canivenc-Lavier, Marie-Chantal

    2017-01-01

    Introduction: Data from last years suggested that early exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs) can predispose newborns to endocrine dysfunction of adipocytes, obesity, and associated disorders. The implication of EDs at low doses on adipocyte development has been poorly investigated. For instance, vinclozolin (V) is a dicarboximide fungicide widely used in agriculture since the 90's, alone or in mixture with genistein (G), an isoflavonoid from Leguminosae. This study aims to identify the effect of vinclozolin alone or with genistein, on adipose tissue properties using cell culture. Methods: In steroid-free conditions, 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were induced to differentiate in the presence of EDs, singularly or in mixtures, for 2 days. DNA and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured on days 0, 2 and 8 of differentiation. Leptin secretion was measured only on the eighth day. Results: We show that low doses of G (25 µM) and V (0.1 µM) inhibit pre-adipocytes differentiation. This inhibition has been represented by a decreasing in DNA content (µg/well) and decreasing in TG accumulation (mg/mL) in 3T3-L1 cells. Nevertheless, V increased the anti-adipogenic properties of G. Conclusion: This study confirms that EDs singularly or in mixtures, introduced during early stages of life, could affect the differentiation and the endocrine activity of adipocytes, and can act as potential factors for obesity. PMID:28752072

  6. Hb L'Aquila [beta106(G8)Leu-->Val, CTG-->GTG]: a novel thalassemic hemoglobin variant.

    PubMed

    Amato, Antonio; Cappabianca, Maria Pia; Ponzini, Donatella; Rinaldi, Silvana; Biagio, Paola Di; Foglietta, Enrica; Grisanti, Paola; Mastropietro, Fabrizio

    2007-01-01

    A new beta-globin variant at codon 106 (CTG-->GTG), and which we named Hb L'Aquila [beta106(G8)Leu-->Val], was detected by DNA analysis. The proband and her father presented with the features of a mild beta(+)-thalassemia (thal), confirmed by their alpha/beta-globin chain biosynthesis ratios.

  7. Intra-genotypic Diversity of Archival G4P[8] Human Rotaviruses from Washington, DC

    PubMed Central

    McDonald, Sarah M.; Davis, Kristin; McAllen, John K.; Spiro, David J.; Patton, John T.

    2011-01-01

    Group A human rotaviruses (RVs) remain the most frequently detected viral agents associated with acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Despite their medical importance, relatively few complete genome sequences have been determined for commonly circulating G/P-type strains (i.e., G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8], and G9P[8]). In the current study, we sequenced the genomes of 11 G4P[8] isolates from stool specimens that were collected in Washington, DC during the years of 1974-1991. We found that the VP7-VP4-VP6-VP1-VP2-VP3-NSP1-NSP2-NSP3-NSP4-NSP5/6-encoding genes of all 11 G4P[8] RVs have the genotypes of G4-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1. By constructing phylogenetic trees for each gene, extensive intra-genotypic diversity was revealed among the G4P[8] RVs, and new sub-genotype gene alleles were identified. Several of these alleles are nearly identical to those of G3P[8] isolates previously sequenced from this same Washington, DC collection, strongly suggesting that the RVs underwent gene reassortment. On the other hand, we observed that some G4P[8] RVs exhibit completely different allele-based genome constellations, despite being collected during the same epidemic season; there was no evidence of gene reassortment between these strains. This observation extends our previous findings and supports the notion that stable, genetically-distinct clades of human RVs with the same G/P-type can co-circulate in a community. Interestingly, the sub-genotype gene alleles found in some of the DC RVs share a close evolutionary relationship with genes of more contemporary human strains. Thus, archival human RVs sequenced in this study might represent evolutionary precursors to modern-day strains. PMID:21712102

  8. Effects of tocotrienols on cell viability and apoptosis in normal murine liver cells (BNL CL.2) and liver cancer cells (BNL 1ME A.7R.1), in vitro.

    PubMed

    Har, Chan Hooi; Keong, Chan Kok

    2005-01-01

    The effects of tocotrienols on murine liver cell viability and their apoptotic events were studied over a dose range of 0-32 microg mL(-1). Normal murine liver cells (BNL CL.2) and murine liver cancer cells (BNL 1ME A.7R.1) were treated with tocotrienols (T(3)), alpha tocopherol (alpha-T) and the chemo drug, Doxorubicin (Doxo, as a positive control). Cell viability assay showed that T(3) significantly (P < or = 0.05) lowered the percentage of BNL 1ME A.7R.1 cell viability in a dose-responsive manner (8-16 microg mL(-1)), whereas T did not show any significant (P>0.05) inhibition in cell viability with increasing treatment doses of 0-16 microg mL(-1). The IC(50) for tocotrienols were 9.8, 8.9, 8.1, 9.7, 8.1 and 9.3 microg mL(-1) at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 hours respectively. Early apoptosis was detected 6 hours following T(3) treatment of BNL 1ME A.7R.1 liver cancer cells, using Annexin V-FITC fluorescence microscopy assay for apoptosis, but none were observed for the non-treated liver cancer cells at the average IC(50) of 8.98 microg mL(-1) tocotrienols for liver cancer cells. Several apoptotic bodies were detected in BNL 1ME A.7R.1 liver cancer cells at 6 hours post-treatment with tocotrienols (8.98 microg mL(-1)) using Acridine Orange/Propidium Iodide fluorescence assay. However, only a couple of apoptotic bodies were seen in the non-treated liver cancer cells and the BNL CL.2 normal liver cells. Some mitotic bodies were also observed in the T(3)-treated BNL 1ME A.7R.1 liver cancer cells but were not seen in the untreated BNL 1ME A.7R.1 cells and the BNL CL.2 liver cells. Following T(3)-treatment (8.98 microg mL(-1)) of the BNL 1ME A.7R.1 liver cancer cells, 24.62%, 25.53% and 44.90% of the cells showed elevated active caspase 3 activity at 9, 12 and 24 hours treatment period, respectively. DNA laddering studies indicated DNA fragmentation occurred in the T(3)-treated liver cancer cells, BNL 1ME A.7R.1 but not in non-treated liver cancer cells and the T(3

  9. DTX3L and ARTD9 inhibit IRF1 expression and mediate in cooperation with ARTD8 survival and proliferation of metastatic prostate cancer cells

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality and morbidity in the aging male population and represents the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in men around the world. The Deltex (DTX)-3-like E3 ubiquitin ligase (DTX3L), also known as B-lymphoma and BAL-associated protein (BBAP), was originally identified as a binding partner of the diphtheria-toxin-like macrodomain containing ADP-ribosyltransferase-9 (ARTD9), also known as BAL1 and PARP9. We have previously demonstrated that ARTD9 acts as a novel oncogenic survival factor in high-risk, chemo-resistant, diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase ARTD8, also known as PARP14 functions as a STAT6-specific co-regulator of IL4-mediated proliferation and survival in B cells. Methods Co-expression of DTX3L, ARTD8, ARTD9 and STAT1 was analyzed in the metastatic PCa (mPCa) cell lines PC3, DU145, LNCaP and in the normal prostate luminal epithelial cell lines HPE and RWPE1. Effects on cell proliferation, survival and cell migration were determined in PC3, DU145 and/or LNCaP cells depleted of DTX3L, ARTD8, ARTD9, STAT1 and/or IRF1 compared to their proficient control cells, respectively. In further experiments, real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitations were conducted to evaluate the physical and functional interactions between DTX3L, ARTD8 and ARTD9. Results Here we could identify DTX3L, ARTD9 and ARTD8 as novel oncogenic survival factors in mPCa cells. Our studies revealed that DTX3L forms a complex with ARTD8 and mediates together with ARTD8 and ARTD9 proliferation, chemo-resistance and survival of mPCa cells. In addition, DTX3L, ARTD8 and ARTD9 form complexes with each other. Our study provides first evidence that the enzymatic activity of ARTD8 is required for survival of mPCa cells. DTX3L and ARTD9 act together as repressors of the tumor suppressor IRF1 in mPCa cells. Furthermore, the present study shows that DTX

  10. (2R,3S,2”R,3R)-manniflavanone, a new gastrointestinal smooth muscle L-type calcium channel inhibitor, which underlies the spasmolytic properties of Garcinia buchananii stem bark extract

    PubMed Central

    Balemba, Onesmo B.; Stark, Timo D.; Lösch, Sofie; Patterson, Savannah; McMillan, John S.; Mawe, Gary M.; Hofmann, Thomas

    2014-01-01

    Garcinia buchananii Baker stem bark extract (GBB) is a traditional medication of diarrhea and dysentery in sub-Saharan Africa. It is believed that GBB causes gastrointestinal smooth muscle relaxation. The aim of this study was to determine whether GBB has spasmolytic actions and identify compounds underlying these actions. Calcium (Ca2+) imaging was used to analyze the effect of GBB on Ca2+ flashes and Ca2+ waves in guinea pig gallbladder and distal colon smooth muscle. Intracellular microelectrode recording was used to determine the effect of GBB, six fractions of GBB, M1–5 and M7, and (2R,3S,2”R,3R)-manniflavanone, a compound isolated from M3 on action potentials in gallbladder smooth muscle. The technique was also used to analyze the effect of GBB, M3, and (2R,3S,2”R,3R)-manniflavanone on action potentials in the circular muscle of mouse and guinea pig distal colons, and the effect of GBB and (2R,3S,2”R,3R)-manniflavanone on slow waves in porcine ileum. GBB inhibited Ca2+ flashes and Ca2+ waves. GBB, M3 and (2R,3S,2”R,3R)-manniflavanone inhibited action potentials. L-type Ca2+ channel activator Bay K 8644 increased the discharge of action potentials in mouse colon but did not trigger or increase action potentials in the presence of GBB and (2R,3S,2”R,3R)-manniflavanone. GBB and (2R,3S,2”R,3R)-manniflavanone inhibited action potentials in the presence of Bay K 8644. GBB and (2R,3S,2”R,3R)-manniflavanone reduced the amplitude but did not alter the frequency of slow waves in the porcine ileum. In conclusion, GBB and (2R,3S,2”R,3R)-manniflavanone relax smooth muscle by inhibiting L-type Ca2+ channels, thus have potential for use as therapies of gastrointestinal smooth muscle spasms, and arrhythmias. PMID:26081368

  11. Dark Matter Limits From a 2L C3F8 Filled Bubble Chamber

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Robinson, Alan Edward

    2015-12-01

    The PICO-2L C3F8 bubble chamber search forWeakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) dark matter was operated in the SNOLAB underground laboratory at the same location as the previous CF3I lled COUPP-4kg detector. Neutron calibrations using photoneutron sources in C3F8 and CF3I lled calibration bubble chambers were performed to verify the sensitivity of these target uids to dark matter scattering. This data was combined with similar measurements using a low-energy neutron beam at the University of Montreal and in situ calibrations of the PICO-2L and COUPP-4kg detectors. C3F8 provides much greater sensitivity to WIMP-proton scattering than CF3I in bubble chamber detectors. PICO-2Lmore » searched for dark matter recoils with energy thresholds below 10 keV. Radiopurity assays of detector materials were performed and the expected neutron recoil background was evaluated to be 1.6+0:3« less

  12. Parabolic flight experiment `Convection in a Cylinder' -Interaction of 1g, 1.8g, micro-g and electro-hydrodynamic g periods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dahley, M. Sc. Norman; Futterer, Birgit; Smieszek, Marlene; Egbers, Christoph; Crumeyrolle, Olivier; Mutabazi, Innocent

    flight. Starting with convection modes in normal g, the boost into the parabola is coupled with increase up to 1.8g. Here the global fluid flow in boundary layers is amplified with a reduction of movement in the centre of the research cavity. Then during the µg period, where minor acceleration due to gravity leads to collapse of convection, it is the electro-hydrodynamic force which offers buoyancy. As the microgravity is a short term one, convection mode remains in transient states. Nevertheless during the successive slowing down of the aeroplane, which involves again the 1.8g period boundary layered convection mode arises again. It is planned to refly the experiment again, in order to trace the effective magnitude of synthetic force balancing the natural convection under microgravity. References B. Sitte, J. Immohr, O. Hinrichs, R. Maier, C. Egbers, H. Rath (2001), Rayleigh-Bénard Con-e vection in dielectrophoretic force field, 12th International Couette-Taylor Workshop, September 6-8, 2001, Evanston, IL USA B. Sitte, H.J. Rath (2003), Influence of the dielectrophoretic force on thermal convection, Experiments in Fluids 34, 24-27 M. Smieszek, O. Crumeyrolle, I. Mutabazi, C. Egbers (2008), Numerical simulation of thermo-convective instabilities of a dielectric liquid in a cylindrical annulus, 59th Int. Astronautical Congress (IAC) 29.09.-03.10., 2008, Glasgow, UK

  13. Limited brain distribution of [3R,4R,5S]-4-acetamido-5-amino-3-(1-ethylpropoxy)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate phosphate (Ro 64-0802), a pharmacologically active form of oseltamivir, by active efflux across the blood-brain barrier mediated by organic anion transporter 3 (Oat3/Slc22a8) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (Mrp4/Abcc4).

    PubMed

    Ose, Atsushi; Ito, Mototsugu; Kusuhara, Hiroyuki; Yamatsugu, Kenzo; Kanai, Motomu; Shibasaki, Masakatsu; Hosokawa, Masakiyo; Schuetz, John D; Sugiyama, Yuichi

    2009-02-01

    [3R,4R,5S]-4-Acetamido-5-amino-3-(1-ethylpropoxy)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate phosphate (Ro 64-0802) is a pharmacologically active form of the anti-influenza virus drug oseltamivir. Abnormal behavior is a suspected adverse effect of oseltamivir on the central nervous system. This study focused on the transport mechanisms of Ro 64-0802 across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Ro 64-0802 was found to be a substrate of organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3/SLC22A8) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4/ABCC4). Human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing OAT3 exhibited a greater intracellular accumulation of Ro 64-0802 than mock-transfected cells (15 versus 1.2 microl/mg protein/10 min, respectively). The efflux of Ro 64-0802 was 3-fold greater when MRP4 was expressed in MDCKII cells and was significantly inhibited by indomethacin. After its microinjection into the cerebrum, the amount of Ro 64-0802 in brain was significantly greater in both Oat3(-/-) mice and Mrp4(-/-) mice compared with the corresponding wild-type mice (0.36 versus 0.080 and 0.32 versus 0.060 nmol at 120 min after injection, respectively). The brain/plasma concentration ratio (K(p,) (brain)) of Ro 64-0802, determined in wild-type mice after subcutaneous continuous infusion for 24 h, was close to the capillary volume (approximately 10 microl/g brain). Although the K(p,) (brain) of Ro 64-0802 was unchanged in Oat3(-/-) mice, it was significantly greater in Mrp4(-/-) mice (41 microl/g of brain). These results suggest that Ro 64-0802 can cross the BBB from the blood, but its brain distribution is limited by its active efflux by Mrp4 and Oat3 across the BBB. The transporter responsible for the brain uptake of Ro 64-0802 remains unknown, but Oat3 is a candidate transporter.

  14. Predominance of G9P[8] rotavirus strains throughout France, 2014-2017.

    PubMed

    Kaplon, J; Grangier, N; Pillet, S; Minoui-Tran, A; Vabret, A; Wilhelm, N; Prieur, N; Lazrek, M; Alain, S; Mekki, Y; Foulongne, V; Guinard, J; Avettand-Fenoel, V; Schnuriger, A; Beby-Defaux, A; Lagathu, G; Pothier, P; de Rougemont, A

    2018-06-01

    Group A rotavirus is a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. A prospective surveillance network has been set up in France to investigate rotavirus infections and to detect the emergence of potentially epidemic strains. From 2014 to 2017, rotavirus-positive stool samples were collected from 2394 children under 5 years old attending the paediatric emergency units of 13 large hospitals. Rotaviruses were genotyped by RT-PCR with regard to their outer capsid proteins VP4 and VP7. Genotyping of 2421 rotaviruses showed that after a marked increase in G9P[8] (32.1%) during the 2014-2015 season, G9P[8] became the predominant genotype during the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 seasons with detection rates of 64.1% and 77.3%, respectively, whereas G1P[8] were detected at low rates of 16.8% and 6.6%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial rotavirus VP7 and VP4 coding genes revealed that all of these G9P [8] strains belonged to the lineage III and the P [8]-3 lineage, respectively, and shared the same genetic background (G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1) as did most of previously detected G9P[8] strains and particularly the emerging G9P[8] strains from the 2004-2005 season in France. G9P[8] rotaviruses have become the predominant circulating genotype for the first time since their emergence a decade ago. In the absence of rotavirus immunization programmes in France, our data give an insight into the natural fluctuation of rotavirus genotypes in a non-vaccinated population and provide a base line for a better interpretation of data in European countries with routine rotavirus vaccination. Copyright © 2017 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Genetic Interactions Between the Meiosis-Specific Cohesin Components, STAG3, REC8, and RAD21L.

    PubMed

    Ward, Ayobami; Hopkins, Jessica; Mckay, Matthew; Murray, Steve; Jordan, Philip W

    2016-06-01

    Cohesin is an essential structural component of chromosomes that ensures accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. Previous studies have shown that there are cohesin complexes specific to meiosis, required to mediate homologous chromosome pairing, synapsis, recombination, and segregation. Meiosis-specific cohesin complexes consist of two structural maintenance of chromosomes proteins (SMC1α/SMC1β and SMC3), an α-kleisin protein (RAD21, RAD21L, or REC8), and a stromal antigen protein (STAG1, 2, or 3). STAG3 is exclusively expressed during meiosis, and is the predominant STAG protein component of cohesin complexes in primary spermatocytes from mouse, interacting directly with each α-kleisin subunit. REC8 and RAD21L are also meiosis-specific cohesin components. Stag3 mutant spermatocytes arrest in early prophase ("zygotene-like" stage), displaying failed homolog synapsis and persistent DNA damage, as a result of unstable loading of cohesin onto the chromosome axes. Interestingly, Rec8, Rad21L double mutants resulted in an earlier "leptotene-like" arrest, accompanied by complete absence of STAG3 loading. To assess genetic interactions between STAG3 and α-kleisin subunits RAD21L and REC8, our lab generated Stag3, Rad21L, and Stag3, Rec8 double knockout mice, and compared them to the Rec8, Rad21L double mutant. These double mutants are phenotypically distinct from one another, and more severe than each single knockout mutant with regards to chromosome axis formation, cohesin loading, and sister chromatid cohesion. The Stag3, Rad21L, and Stag3, Rec8 double mutants both progress further into prophase I than the Rec8, Rad21L double mutant. Our genetic analysis demonstrates that cohesins containing STAG3 and REC8 are the main complex required for centromeric cohesion, and RAD21L cohesins are required for normal clustering of pericentromeric heterochromatin. Furthermore, the STAG3/REC8 and STAG3/RAD21L cohesins are the primary cohesins required for

  16. Diagnostic moléculaire du complexe Mycobacterium tuberculosis résistant à l'isoniazide et à la rifampicine au Burkina Faso

    PubMed Central

    Désire, Ilboudo; Cyrille, Bisseye; Florencia, Djigma; Souba, Diande; Albert, Yonli; Valerie, Bazie Jean Telesphore; Rebecca, Compaore; Charlemagne, Gnoula; Tamboura, Djibril; Rémy, Moret; Virginio, Pietra; Simplice, Karou Damintoti; Martial, Ouedraogo; Jacques, Simpore

    2015-01-01

    Introduction Cette étude a eu pour objectifs de diagnostiquer la tuberculose pulmonaire par l'examen microscopique et par la PCR des crachats et de déterminer les bases moléculaires de la résistance à la rifampicine et à l'isoniazide. Méthodes Le diagnostic du Complexe Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (CMTB) a été effectué par microscopie après coloration au Ziehl Nielsen et par PCR en temps réel en utilisant le kit d'identification du complexe MTB (Sacace Biotechnologie, Italie). Les résistances à la Rifampicine et à l'Isoniazide ont été étudiées par la technique de la PCR en utilisant le kit MTB résistance 8 (Sacace, Biotechnologie). Résultats Sur les 59 patients diagnostiqués pour la tuberculose pulmonaire, 59,3% étaient positifs en microscopie optique et 44,1% étaient positifs par PCR en Temps réel. Les résistances à la rifampicine (rpoB) et à l'isoniazide (katG et inhA) ont été observées chez 9 patients. La résistance à la rifampicine était due aux mutations (Asp516Val, Ser531Trp, Leu533Pro) et celle à l'isoniazide par les substitutions Ser315Thr du gène katG et C209T du gène inhA. Les multi résistances à la rifampicine et à l'isoniazide ont été observées dans 55,5% des échantillons et concernaient les associations: ropBAsp513Val + inhAC209T et rpoBLeu533Pro + katGSer315Thr. Conclusion La PCR en temps réel qui permet l'identification des allèles mutants rpoB, katG et inhA de M. tuberculosis est un outil de diagnostic épidémiologique de grande importance car elle permet de déterminer le niveau de résistance à la rifampicine et à l'isoniazide. PMID:26491516

  17. Human rotavirus strains circulating in Venezuela after vaccine introduction: predominance of G2P[4] and reemergence of G1P[8].

    PubMed

    Vizzi, Esmeralda; Piñeros, Oscar A; Oropeza, M Daniela; Naranjo, Laura; Suárez, José A; Fernández, Rixio; Zambrano, José L; Celis, Argelia; Liprandi, Ferdinando

    2017-03-21

    Rotavirus (RV) is the most common cause of severe childhood diarrhea worldwide. Despite Venezuela was among the first developing countries to introduce RV vaccines into their national immunization schedules, RV is still contributing to the burden of diarrhea. Concerns exist about the selective pressure that RV vaccines could exert on the predominant types and/or emergence of new strains. To assess the impact of RV vaccines on the genotype distribution 1 year after the vaccination was implemented, a total of 912 fecal specimens, collected from children with acute gastroenteritis in Caracas from February 2007 to April 2008, were screened, of which 169 (18.5%) were confirmed to be RV positive by PAGE. Rotavirus-associated diarrhea occurred all year-round, although prevailed during the coolest and driest months among unvaccinated children under 24 months old. Of 165 RV strains genotyped for G (VP7) and P (VP4) by seminested multiplex RT-PCR, 77 (46.7%) were G2P[4] and 63 (38.2%) G1P[8]. G9P[8], G3P[8] and G2P[6] were found in a lower proportion (7.3%). Remarkable was also the detection of <5% of uncommon combinations (G8P[14], G8P[4], G1P[4] and G4P[4]) and 3.6% of mixed infections. A changing pattern of G/P-type distribution was observed during the season studied, with complete predominance of G2P[4] from February to June 2007 followed by its gradual decline and the reemergence of G1P[8], predominant since January 2008. Phylogenetic analysis of VP7 and VP4 genes revealed a high similarity among G2P[4] and global strains belonging to G2-II and P[4]-V lineages. The amino acid substitution 96D → N, related with reemergence of the G2 genotype elsewhere, was observed. The G1P[8] strains from Caracas were grouped into the lineages G1-I and P[8]-III, along with geographically remote G1P[8] rotaviruses, but they were rather distant from Rotarix ® vaccine and pre-vaccine strains. Unique amino acid substitutions observed on neutralization domains of the VP7 sequence from

  18. The impact of arousal state, sex, and sleep apnea on the magnitude of progressive augmentation and ventilatory long-term facilitation

    PubMed Central

    Syed, Ziauddin; Lin, Ho-Sheng

    2013-01-01

    We examined the impact of arousal state, sex, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the magnitude of progressive augmentation of the hypoxic ventilatory response and ventilatory long-term facilitation (vLTF). We also examined whether exposure to intermittent hypoxia during sleep has an impact on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in individuals with OSA. Ten men and seven women with OSA, along with ten healthy men and ten healthy women, were exposed to twelve 2-min episodes of hypoxia (end-tidal Po2: 50 Torr) in the presence of sustained hypercapnia (end-tidal Pco2: 3 Torr above baseline), followed by a 30-min recovery period during wakefulness and sleep. The OSA participants completed an additional sham study during sleep. The AHI during the first hour of sleep following the intermittent hypoxia and sham protocols were compared. Progressive augmentation was only evident during wakefulness and was enhanced in the OSA participants. vLTF was evident during wakefulness and sleep. When standardized to baseline, vLTF was greater during wakefulness and was enhanced in the OSA group (men: wakefulness 1.39 ± 0.08 vs. sleep 1.14 ± 0.03; women: wakefulness 1.35 ± 0.03 vs. sleep 1.16 ± 0.05 fraction of baseline; P ≤ 0.001) compared with control (men: wakefulness 1.19 ± 0.03 vs. sleep 1.09 ± 0.03; women: wakefulness 1.26 ± 0.05 vs. sleep 1.08 ± 0.04 fraction of baseline; P ≤ 0.001). The AHI following exposure to intermittent hypoxia was increased (intermittent hypoxia 72.8 ± 7.3 vs. sham 56.5 ± 7.0 events/h; P ≤ 0.01). Sex-related differences were not observed for the primary measures. We conclude that progressive augmentation is not evident, and the magnitude of vLTF is diminished during sleep compared with wakefulness in men and women. However, when present, the phenomena are enhanced in individuals with OSA. The AHI data indicate that, under the prevailing experimental conditions, vLTF did not serve to mitigate apnea severity. PMID:23139361

  19. High-performance free-standing capacitor electrodes of multilayered Co9S8 plates wrapped by carbonized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)/reduced graphene oxide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Tinghui; Li, Yali; Liu, Dequan; Gu, Yipeng; Qin, Shengchun; Guo, Xin; Guo, Hui; Ding, Yongqiang; Liu, Qiming; Chen, Qiang; Li, Junshuai; He, Deyan

    2018-03-01

    In this paper, a free-standing electrode structure composed of multilayered Co9S8 plates wrapped by carbonized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)/reduced graphene oxide (PEDOT:PSS/rGO) layers is introduced. Excellent supercapacitive behaviors, especially long cycling stability at high current densities are delivered owing to the synergetic effects of stable electrical contact between the active material and carbonized PEDOT:PSS/rGO due to the wrapped configuration, efficient charge exchange between the multilayered Co9S8 plates and electrolyte, improved electrical conductance by rGO, and plenty of voids for accommodating volume changes. For the optimized electrode (starting materials: 0.5 mL PEDOT:PSS, 1.0 mL GO (6.0 mg mL-1) and 10.0 mg Co(OH)2), a specific capacitance of about 788.9 F g-1 at 1.0 A g-1 and good cycling stability of over 100% of the initial capacitance (∼488.6 F g-1) after 10000 cycles at a current density of 15.0 A g-1 can be achieved. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor based on the optimized electrode//active carbon exhibits an energy density of ∼19.6 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 400.9 W kg-1.

  20. ZERO-G - Crippen, Robert L.

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1979-04-03

    Zero-gravity experiments in KC-135 conducted by John Young, Robert L. Crippen, Joseph Kerwin, and Margaret Seddon. 1. Kerwin, Joseph - Zero-G 2. Seddon, Margaret - Zero-G 3. Young, John - Zero-G 4. Aircraft - KC-135

  1. Undetectable HCV-RNA at treatment-week 8 results in high-sustained virological response in HCV G1 treatment-experienced patients with advanced liver disease: the International Italian/Spanish Boceprevir/Peginterferon/Ribavirin Name Patients Program.

    PubMed

    Bruno, S; Bollani, S; Zignego, A L; Pascasio, J M; Magni, C; Ciancio, A; Caremani, M; Mangia, A; Marenco, S; Piovesan, S; Chemello, L; Babudieri, S; Moretti, A; Gea, F; Colletta, C; Perez-Alvarez, R; Forns, X; Larrubia, J R; Arenas, J; Crespo, J; Calvaruso, V; Ceccherini Silberstein, F; Maisonneuve, P; Craxì, A; Calleja, J L

    2015-05-01

    In many countries, first-generation protease inhibitors (PIs)/peginterferon/ribavirin (P/R) still represent the only treatment option for HCV-infected patients. Subjects with advanced disease and previous failure to P/R urgently need therapy, but they are under-represented in clinical trials. All treatment-experienced F3/4 Metavir patients who received boceprevir (BOC)+P/R in the Italian-Spanish Name Patient Program have been included in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (MLR) was used to identify baseline and on-treatment predictors of SVR and adverse events (AEs). Four hundred and sixteen patients, mean age 57.7 (range 25-78 years), 70% males, 69.5% (289/416) F4, 14% (41/289) Child-Pugh class A6, 24% (70/289) with varices and 42% (173/416) prior null responders to P/R, were analysed. Overall, SVR rate (all 381 patients who received one dose of BOC) was 49%, (58% in F3, 45% in F4, 61% in relapsers, 51% in partial, 38% in null responders, and 72% in subjects with undetectable HCV-RNA at treatment-week (TW)8. Among patients with TW8 HCV-RNA ≥ 1000 IU/L, SVR was 8% (negative predictive value = 92%). Death occurred in 3 (0.8%) patients, while decompensation and infections were observed in 2.9% and 11%, respectively. At MLR, SVR predictors were TW4 HCV-RNA ≥ 1log10 -decline from baseline, undetectable TW8 HCV-RNA, prior relapse, albumin levels ≥3.5 g/dL and platelet counts ≥100 000/μL. Metavir F4, Child-Pugh A6, albumin, platelets, age and female gender were associated with serious and haematological AEs. Among treatment-experienced patients with advanced liver disease eligible for IFN-based therapy, TW8 HCV-RNA characterised the subset with either high or poor likelihood of achieving SVR. Using TW8 HCV-RNA as a futility rule, BOC/P/R appears to have a favourable benefit-risk profile. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  2. Cord blood level of insulin-like growth factor-1 and IGF binding protein-3 in monochorionic twins.

    PubMed

    Teng, Ru-Jeng; Wu, Tzong-Jin; Hsieh, Fon-Jou

    2015-04-01

    Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins (IGFBPs) are known to modulate fetal growth but their role in intrauterine growth of monochorionic twins (MCT) has not been studied. Cord venous blood was collected directly after birth. IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the cord venous blood were quantified by radioimmunoassay. Birth weights (BWs) were obtained electronically. Placentas were examined for chorionicity. Cord blood was collected in 37 pairs of MCT (15 pairs were males). BWs ranged from 564 to 3240 g, and gestational ages (GAs) were between 24 weeks and 39 weeks. There was a correlation between BW and cord venous blood IGFBP-3 concentration (r = 0.28, p = 0.015), but not between BW and cord venous blood IGF-1 level. There was no difference in IGF-1 between the heavier twins (30.8 ± 61.8 ng/mL) and lighter twins (33.2 ± 63.7 ng/mL), but a trend (p = 0.096) of higher IGFBP-3 level was demonstrated in heavier twins (3.14 ± 1.23 μg/mL) than in lighter twins (2.71 ± 1.19 μg/mL). The IGFBP-3 levels were higher (p = 0.042) in female twins (3.20 ± 1.33 μg/mL) than in male twins (2.64 ± 1.04 μg/mL). The IGF-1 level of the heavier twins correlated significantly to their lighter co-twin (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). Our data showed that cord venous blood IGF-1 level might be controlled mainly by genetic factors. IGFBP-3 might play an important role in fetal growth. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. Hydroxylation of 1,8-cineole by Mucor ramannianus and Aspergillus niger.

    PubMed

    Ramos, Aline de Souza; Ribeiro, Joyce Benzaquem; Teixeira, Bruna Gomes; Ferreira, José Luiz Pinto; Silva, Jefferson Rocha de A; Ferreira, Alexandre do Amaral; de Souza, Rodrigo Octavio Mendonça Alves; Amaral, Ana Claudia F

    2015-03-01

    The monoterpenoid 1,8-cineole is obtained from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus and it has important biological activities. It is a cheap natural substrate because it is a by-product of the Eucalyptus cultivation for wood and pulp production. In this study, it was evaluated the potential of three filamentous fungi in the biotransformation of 1,8-cineole. The study was divided in two steps: first, reactions were carried out with 1,8-cineole at 1 g/L for 24 h; afterwards, reactions were carried out with substrate at 5 g/L for 5 days. The substrate was hydroxylated into 2-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineole and 3-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineole by fungi Mucor ramannianus and Aspergillus niger with high stereoselectivity. Trichoderma harzianum was also tested but no transformation was detected. M. ramannianus led to higher than 99% of conversion within 24 h with a starting high substrate concentration (1 g/L). When substrate was added at 5 g/L, only M. ramannianus was able to catalyze the reaction, but the conversion level was 21.7% after 5 days. Both products have defined stereochemistry and could be used as chiral synthons. Furthermore, biological activity has been described for 3-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineol. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of M. ramannianus in this reaction.

  4. The left end of rat L1 (L1Rn, long interspersed repeated) DNA which is a CpG island can function as a promoter.

    PubMed Central

    Nur, I; Pascale, E; Furano, A V

    1988-01-01

    Here we report that the 600 bp promoter-like region at the left end of a newly isolated and characterized rat L1 DNA element can activate the prokaryotic chloramphenicol acyltransferase gene in a rat cell line. Activation only occurs when the promoter region is oriented to the transferase gene as it is to the L1 protein encoding sequences and is 75% inhibited by methylation of just 5 of the 22 CpGs present in the promoter. The G + C rich promoter contains enough CpGs to qualify it as a CpG island, but in contrast to other CpG islands, genomic L1 promoters are fully methylated in both somatic cell and sperm DNA as judged by restriction enzyme analysis. Partial demethylation of the genomic promoters by treatment with 5-azacytidine failed to produce discrete L1 transcripts. The relationship of methylation to the evolutionary history and fate of the rat L1 promoter is discussed. Images PMID:2459662

  5. 26 CFR 1.414(r)-8 - Separate application of section 410(b).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2012-04-01 2011-04-01 true Separate application of section 410(b). 1.414(r)-8 Section 1.414(r)-8 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY.... § 1.414(r)-8 Separate application of section 410(b). (a) General rule. If an employer is treated as...

  6. 26 CFR 1.414(r)-8 - Separate application of section 410(b).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Separate application of section 410(b). 1.414(r)-8 Section 1.414(r)-8 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY.... § 1.414(r)-8 Separate application of section 410(b). (a) General rule. If an employer is treated as...

  7. 26 CFR 1.414(r)-8 - Separate application of section 410(b).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Separate application of section 410(b). 1.414(r)-8 Section 1.414(r)-8 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY.... § 1.414(r)-8 Separate application of section 410(b). (a) General rule. If an employer is treated as...

  8. 26 CFR 1.414(r)-8 - Separate application of section 410(b).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Separate application of section 410(b). 1.414(r)-8 Section 1.414(r)-8 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY.... § 1.414(r)-8 Separate application of section 410(b). (a) General rule. If an employer is treated as...

  9. Facile synthesis of Fe3O4/g-C3N4/HKUST-1 composites as a novel biosensor platform for ochratoxin A.

    PubMed

    Hu, Shuisheng; Ouyang, Wenjun; Guo, Longhua; Lin, Zhenyu; Jiang, Xiaohua; Qiu, Bin; Chen, Guonan

    2017-06-15

    A fluorescent biosensor for ochratoxin A was fabricated on the basis of a new nanocomposite (Fe 3 O 4 /g-C 3 N 4 /HKUST-1 composites). Fe 3 O 4 /g-C 3 N 4 /HKUST-1 was synthesized in this work for the first time, which combined HKUST-1 with g-C 3 N 4 to improve its chemical stability. Fe 3 O 4 /g-C 3 N 4 /HKUST-1 composites have strong adsorption capacity for dye-labeled aptamer and are able to completely quench the fluorescence of the dye through the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. In the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA), it can bind with the aptamer with high affinity, causing the releasing of the dye-labeled aptamer from the Fe 3 O 4 /g-C 3 N 4 /HKUST-1 and therefore results in the recovery of fluorescence. The fluorescence intensity of the biosensor has a linear relationship with the OTA concentration in the range of 5.0-160.0ng/mL. The LOD of sensor is 2.57ng/mL (S/N=3). This fluorescence sensor based on the Fe 3 O 4 /g-C 3 N 4 /HKUST-1 composites has been applied to detect OTA in corn with satisfying results. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  10. Whole Genomic Analysis of Human G12P[6] and G12P[8] Rotavirus Strains that Have Emerged in Myanmar

    PubMed Central

    Ide, Tomihiko; Komoto, Satoshi; Higo-Moriguchi, Kyoko; Htun, Khaing Win; Myint, Yi Yi; Myat, Theingi Win; Thant, Kyaw Zin; Thu, Hlaing Myat; Win, Mo Mo; Oo, Htun Naing; Htut, Than; Wakuda, Mitsutaka; Dennis, Francis Ekow; Haga, Kei; Fujii, Yoshiki; Katayama, Kazuhiko; Rahman, Shofiqur; Nguyen, Sa Van; Umeda, Kouji; Oguma, Keiji; Tsuji, Takao; Taniguchi, Koki

    2015-01-01

    G12 rotaviruses are emerging rotavirus strains causing severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. However, the whole genomes of only a few G12 strains have been fully sequenced and analyzed. In this study, we sequenced and characterized the complete genomes of six G12 strains (RVA/Human-tc/MMR/A14/2011/G12P[8], RVA/Human-tc/MMR/A23/2011/G12P[6], RVA/Human-tc/MMR/A25/2011/G12P[8], RVA/Human-tc/MMR/P02/2011/G12P[8], RVA/Human-tc/MMR/P39/2011/G12P[8], and RVA/Human-tc/MMR/P43/2011/G12P[8]) detected in six stool samples from children with acute gastroenteritis in Myanmar. On whole genomic analysis, all six Myanmarese G12 strains were found to have a Wa-like genetic backbone: G12-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 for strains A14, A25, P02, P39, and P43, and G12-P[6]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 for strain A23. Phylogenetic analysis showed that most genes of the six strains examined in this study were genetically related to globally circulating human G1, G3, G9, and G12 strains. Of note is that the NSP4 gene of strain A23 exhibited the closest relationship with the cognate genes of human-like bovine strains as well as human strains, suggesting the occurrence of reassortment between human and bovine strains. Furthermore, strains A14, A25, P02, P39, and P43 were very closely related to one another in all the 11 gene segments, indicating derivation of the five strains from a common origin. On the other hand, strain A23 consistently formed distinct clusters as to all the 11 gene segments, indicating a distinct origin of strain A23 from that of strains A14, A25, P02, P39, and P43. To our knowledge, this is the first report on whole genome-based characterization of G12 strains that have emerged in Myanmar. Our observations will provide important insights into the evolutionary dynamics of spreading G12 rotaviruses in Asia. PMID:25938434

  11. SKYLAB (SL)-3 CREW - 1-G TRAINER - MULTIPLE DOCKING ADAPTER (MDA) - JSC

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1973-06-22

    S73-28714 (29 June 1973) --- These three men are the prime crewmen for the Skylab 3 mission. Pictured in the one-G trainer Multiple Docking Adapter (MDA) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) are, left to right, scientist-astronaut Owen K. Garriott, science pilot; and astronauts Jack R. Lousma and Alan L. Bean, pilot and commander, respectively. Photo credit: NASA

  12. A novel process for recycling and resynthesizing LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 from the cathode scraps intended for lithium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xihua; Xie, Yongbing; Cao, Hongbin; Nawaz, Faheem; Zhang, Yi

    2014-09-01

    To solve the recycling challenge for aqueous binder based lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), a novel process for recycling and resynthesizing LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 from the cathode scraps generated during manufacturing process is proposed in this study. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is employed to separate the cathode material from the aluminum foil. The effects of TFA concentration, liquid/solid (L/S) ratio, reaction temperature and time on the separation efficiencies of the cathode material and aluminum foil are investigated systematically. The cathode material can be separated completely under the optimal experimental condition of 15vol.% TFA solution, L/S ratio of 8.0 mL g(-1), reacting at 40°C for 180 min along with appropriate agitation. LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 is successfully resynthesized from the separated cathode material by solid state reaction method. Several kinds of characterizations are performed to verify the typical properties of the resynthesized LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 powder. Electrochemical tests show that the initial charge and discharge capacities of the resynthesized LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 are 201 mAh g(-)(1) and 155.4 mAh g(-1) (2.8-4.5 V, 0.1C), respectively. The discharge capacity remains at 129 mAh g(-1) even after 30 cycles with a capacity retention ratio of 83.01%. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Predominant prevalence of human rotaviruses with the G1P[8] and G8P[8] genotypes with a short RNA profile in 2013 and 2014 in Sukhothai and Phetchaboon provinces, Thailand.

    PubMed

    Guntapong, Ratigorn; Tacharoenmuang, Ratana; Singchai, Phakapun; Upachai, Sompong; Sutthiwarakom, Karun; Komoto, Satoshi; Tsuji, Takao; Tharmaphornpilas, Piyanit; Yoshikawa, Tetsushi; Sangkitporn, Somchai; Taniguchi, Koki

    2017-04-01

    Of 2,754 stool specimens collected from children with acute gastroenteritis during 2013-2014 in Sukhothai and Phetchaboon provinces, Thailand, 666 (24.2%) were positive for rotavirus A (RVA) in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The G and P types of all RVA-positive specimens were determined by semi-nested RT-PCR. G1P[8] (56.5%) was most prevalent, followed by G2P[4] (22.1%). Unusual G8P[8] human RVAs (HuRVAs) were detected at a high frequency (20.0%). Interestingly, 171 of the 376 G1P[8] HuRVAs and all of the 133 G8P[8] HuRVAs showed a short RNA pattern in PAGE. Thus, it was shown that the properties of HuRVAs have been markedly unusual in recent years in Thailand. J. Med. Virol. 89:615-620, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. A perfluorochemical loss/restoration (L/R) system for tidal liquid ventilation.

    PubMed

    Libros, R; Philips, C M; Wolfson, M R; Shaffer, T H

    2000-01-01

    Tidal liquid ventilation is the transport of dissolved respiratory gases via volume exchange of perfluorochemical (PFC) liquid to and from the PFC-filled lung. All gas-liquid surface tension is eliminated, increasing compliance and providing lung protection due to lower inflation pressures. Tidal liquid ventilation is achieved by cycling fluid from a reservoir to and from the lung by a ventilator. Current approaches are microprocessor-based with feedback control. During inspiration, warmed oxygenated PFC liquid is pumped from a fluid reservoir/gas exchanger into the lung. PFC fluid is conserved by condensing (60-80% efficiency) vapor in the expired gas. A feedback-control system was developed to automatically replace PFC lost due to condenser inefficiency. This loss/restoration (L/R) system consists of a PFC-vapor thermal detector (+/- 2.5%), pneumatics, amplifiers, a gas flow detector (+/- 1%), a PFC pump (+/- 5%), and a controller. Gravimetric studies of perflubron loss from a flask due to evaporation were compared with experimental L/R results and found to be within +/- 1.4%. In addition, when L/R studies were conducted with a previously reported liquid ventilation system over a four-hour period, the L/R system maintained system perflubron volume to within +/- 1% of prime volume and 11.5% of replacement volume, and the difference between experimental PFC loss and that of the L/R system was 1.8 mL/hr. These studies suggest that the PFC L/R system may have significant economic (appropriate dosing for PFC loss) as well as physiologic (maintenance of PFC inventory in the lungs and liquid ventilator) impact on liquid ventilation procedures.

  15. Duration of detection of anti-BmR1 IgG4 antibodies after mass-drug administration (MDA) in Sarawak, Malaysia.

    PubMed

    Noordin, R; Muhi, J; Md Idris, Z; Arifin, N; Kiyu, A

    2012-03-01

    The detection rates of brugian filariasis in three regions of Sarawak namely Central, North and South after three courses of mass drug administration (MDA) from year 2004 to 2006 was investigated. A recombinant BmR1 antigen-based IgG4 detection test, named Brugia Rapid and night blood smear for microfilaria (mf) detection were used. All three regions recorded a sharp fall in mf positive rates after a year post-MDA. Meanwhile Brugia Rapid positive rates declined more gradually to 3.8% and 5.6% of the pre-MDA levels in the Central and North regions, respectively. This study showed that in filariasis endemic areas in Sarawak, anti-filarial IgG4 antibodies to BmR1, as detected by the Brugia Rapid test, were positive for one to two years after mf disappearance.

  16. Installation Restoration Program (Sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13). Phase 4. Remedial Action Plan and Conceptual Documents, Edwards AFB, California

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-11-01

    R &D investigations. 1.3 PHASE IV SITE DESCRIPTIONS I Three primary sites are included in this Phase IV...34C z I L . ...- I I E I I i -\\ = _ _ _ . .. .....,. . .. .. I x FIGURE 1.7 a qq"-.. .. .. .. .. .. "- _ r JI I g I I1 ,n I , I I I " I - I Br-.,,-%~l...0 0 4J 4) 44 4) V ) -H 0 4 6: 144 d 0 4 14 404)-4 -4 4 .4 N ) 4 0 4) 𔃾 4 40 4) 4) 0.0

  17. Crystal structure of RlmAI: Implications for understanding the 23S rRNA G745/G748-methylation at the macrolide antibiotic-binding site

    PubMed Central

    Das, Kalyan; Acton, Thomas; Chiang, Yiwen; Shih, Lydia; Arnold, Eddy; Montelione, Gaetano T.

    2004-01-01

    The RlmA class of enzymes (RlmAI and RlmAII) catalyzes N1-methylation of a guanine base (G745 in Gram-negative and G748 in Gram-positive bacteria) of hairpin 35 of 23S rRNA. We have determined the crystal structure of Escherichia coli RlmAI at 2.8-Å resolution, providing 3D structure information for the RlmA class of RNA methyltransferases. The dimeric protein structure exhibits features that provide new insights into its molecular function. Each RlmAI molecule has a Zn-binding domain, responsible for specific recognition and binding of its rRNA substrate, and a methyltransferase domain. The asymmetric RlmAI dimer observed in the crystal structure has a well defined W-shaped RNA-binding cleft. Two S-adenosyl-l-methionine substrate molecules are located at the two valleys of the W-shaped RNA-binding cleft. The unique shape of the RNA-binding cleft, different from that of known RNA-binding proteins, is highly specific and structurally complements the 3D structure of hairpin 35 of bacterial 23S rRNA. Apart from the hairpin 35, parts of hairpins 33 and 34 also interact with the RlmAI dimer. PMID:14999102

  18. rno-miR-665 targets BCL2L1 (Bcl-xl) and increases vulnerability to propofol in developing astrocytes.

    PubMed

    Sun, Wen-Chong; Pei, Ling

    2016-07-01

    Propofol exerts a cytotoxic influence over immature neurocytes. Our previous study revealed that clinically relevant doses of propofol accelerated apoptosis of primary cultured astrocytes of developing rodent brains via rno-miR-665 regulation. However, the role of rno-miR-665 during the growth spurt of neonatal rodent brains in vivo is still uncertain. Post-natal day 7 (P7) rats received a single injection of propofol 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.), and neuroapoptosis of hippocampal astrocytes was analyzed by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. The differential expression of rno-miR-665, BCL2L1 (Bcl-xl), and cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) was surveyed by qRT-PCR and western blotting. In addition, the utility of A-1155463, a highly potent and BCL2L1-selective antagonist, was aimed to assess the contribution of BCL2L1 for neuroglial survival. Following the intraventricular injection of lentivirus rno-miR-665, neuroprotection was detected by 5-point scale measurement. The single dose of propofol 30 mg/kg triggered dose-dependent apoptosis of developing hippocampal astrocytes. Meanwhile, propofol triggered both rno-miR-665 and CC3, and depressed BCL2L1, which was predicted as one target gene of rno-miR-665. Combination treatment with A-1155463 and propofol induced lower mRNA and protein levels of BCL2L1 and more CC3 activation than propofol treatment alone in vivo. The lentivirus-mediated knockdown of rno-miR-665 elevated BCL2L1 and attenuated CC3 levels, whereas up-regulation of rno-miR-665 suppressed BCL2L1 and induced CC3 expression in vivo. More importantly, rno-miR-665 antagomir infusion improved neurological outcomes of pups receiving propofol during the brain growth spurt. Rno-miR-665, providing a potential target for alternative therapeutics for pediatric anesthesia, is susceptible to propofol by negatively targeting antiapoptotic BCL2L1. Relatively little is known about the association between exposure of astrocytes to brief propofol

  19. Spinal Stiffness in Prone and Upright Postures During 0-1.8 g Induced by Parabolic Flight.

    PubMed

    Swanenburg, Jaap; Meier, Michael L; Langenfeld, Anke; Schweinhardt, Petra; Humphreys, B Kim

    2018-06-01

    The purpose of this study was to analyze posterior-to-anterior spinal stiffness in Earth, hyper-, and microgravity conditions during both prone and upright postures. During parabolic flight, the spinal stiffness of the L3 vertebra of a healthy 37-yr-old man was measured in normal Earth gravity (1.0 g), hypergravity (1.8 g), and microgravity (0.0 g) conditions induced in the prone and upright positions. Differences in spinal stiffness were significant across all three gravity conditions in the prone and upright positions. Most effect sizes were large; however, in the upright posture, the effect size between Earth gravity and microgravity was medium. Significant differences in spinal stiffness between the prone and upright positions were found during Earth gravity and hypergravity conditions. No difference was found between the two postures during microgravity conditions. Based on repeated measurements of a single individual, our results showed detectable changes in posterior-to-anterior spinal stiffness. Spinal stiffness increased during microgravity and decreased during hypergravity conditions. In microgravity conditions, posture did not impact spinal stiffness. More data on spinal stiffness in variable gravitational conditions is needed to confirm these results.Swanenburg J, Meier ML, Langenfeld A, Schweinhardt P, Humphreys BK. Spinal stiffness in prone and upright postures during 0-1.8 g induced by parabolic flight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(6):563-567.

  20. 26 CFR 36.3121(l)(8)-1 - Definition of foreign subsidiary.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 15 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Definition of foreign subsidiary. 36.3121(l)(8)-1 Section 36.3121(l)(8)-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY... SUBSIDIARIES § 36.3121(l)(8)-1 Definition of foreign subsidiary. (a) Prior to August 1, 1956. (1) For the...

  1. MicroRNA-204-5p regulates 3T3-L1 preadipocyte proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation.

    PubMed

    Du, Jingjing; Zhang, Peiwen; Gan, Mailin; Zhao, Xue; Xu, Yan; Li, Qiang; Jiang, Yanzhi; Tang, Guoqing; Li, Mingzhou; Wang, Jinyong; Li, Xuewei; Zhang, Shunhua; Zhu, Li

    2018-08-20

    Obesity due to excessive lipid accumulation is closely associated with metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and inflammation. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie adipogenesis is crucial to develop treatments for diseases related to obesity. Here, we found that the microRNA-204-5p (miR-204-5p) was expressed at low levels in fat tissues from obese mice fed long-term with a high-fat diet (HFD). Overexpression or inhibition of miR-204-5p in vitro in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes significantly inhibited or promoted 3T3-L1 proliferation, respectively, an effect mediated by regulating cell proliferation factors. miR-204-5p also induced preadipocyte apoptosis by directly targeting the 3' UTR region of Bcl-2, reducing the constitutive suppression of Bcl-2 on p53-dependent apoptosis. Interestingly, overexpression of miR-204-5p during adipocyte differentiation significantly increased the number of oil red O+ cells, triglyceride accumulation and the expression of markers associated with adipocyte differentiation. In contrast, inhibition of miR-204-5p had the opposite effect on 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Luciferase activity assays and qRT-PCR showed that miR-204-5p regulates adipocyte differentiation by negatively regulating KLF3, a negative regulator of lipogenesis. Taken together, our findings showed that miR-204-5p inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of preadipocytes by regulating Bcl-2, but also promotes adipocyte differentiation by targeting KLF3. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  2. Large-scale synthesis of tert-butyl (3R,5S)-6-chloro-3,5-dihydroxyhexanoate by a stereoselective carbonyl reductase with high substrate concentration and product yield.

    PubMed

    Liu, Zhi-Qiang; Hu, Zhong-Liang; Zhang, Xiao-Jian; Tang, Xiao-Ling; Cheng, Feng; Xue, Ya-Ping; Wang, Ya-Jun; Wu, Lin; Yao, Dan-Kai; Zhou, Yi-Teng; Zheng, Yu-Guo

    2017-05-01

    To biosynthesize the (3R,5S)-CDHH in an industrial scale, a newly synthesized stereoselective short chain carbonyl reductase (SCR) was successfully cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The fermentation of recombinant E. coli harboring SCR was carried out in 500 L and 5000 L fermenters, with biomass and specific activity of 9.7 g DCW/L, 15749.95 U/g DCW, and 10.97 g DCW/L, 19210.12 U/g DCW, respectively. The recombinant SCR was successfully applied for efficient production of (3R,5S)-CDHH. The scale-up synthesis of (3R,5S)-CDHH was performed in 5000 L bioreactor with 400 g/L of (S)-CHOH at 30°C, resulting in a space-time yield of 13.7 mM/h/g DCW, which was the highest ever reported. After isolation and purification, the yield and d.e. of (3R,5S)-CDHH reached 97.5% and 99.5%, respectively. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:612-620, 2017. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

  3. A hantavirus causing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome requires gC1qR/p32 for efficient cell binding and infection

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Choi, Yun; Kwon, Young-Chan; Kim, Soo-In

    Hantaan virus (HTNV) is a pathogenic hantavirus that causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). HTNV infection is mediated by {alpha}v{beta}3 integrin. We used protein blots of Vero E6 cell homogenates to demonstrate that radiolabeled HTNV virions bind to gC1qR/p32, the acidic 32-kDa protein known as the receptor for the globular head domain of complement C1q. RNAi-mediated suppression of gC1qR/p32 markedly reduced HTNV binding and infection in human lung epithelial A549 cells. Conversely, transient expression of either simian or human gC1qR/p32 rendered non-permissive CHO cells susceptible to HTNV infection. These results suggest an important role for gC1qR/p32 in HTNV infectionmore » and pathogenesis.« less

  4. 6-gingerol inhibits rosiglitazone-induced adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

    PubMed

    Tzeng, Thing-Fong; Chang, Chia Ju; Liu, I-Min

    2014-02-01

    We investigated the effects of 6-gingerol ((S)-5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-decanone) on the inhibition of rosiglitazone (RGZ)-induced adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. The morphological changes were photographed based on staining lipid accumulation by Oil-Red O in RGZ (1 µmol/l)-treated 3T3-L1 cells without or with various concentrations of 6-gingerol on differentiation day 8. Quantitation of triglycerides content was performed in cells on day 8 after differentiation induction. Differentiated cells were lysed to detect mRNA and protein levels of adipocyte-specific transcription factors by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively. 6-gingerol (50 µmol/l) effectively suppressed oil droplet accumulation and reduced the sizes of the droplets in RGZ-induced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. The triglyceride accumulation induced by RGZ in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells was also reduced by 6-gingerol (50 µmol/l). Treatment of differentiated 3T3-L1 cells with 6-gingerol (50 µmol/l) antagonized RGZ-induced gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α. Additionally, the increased levels of mRNA and protein in adipocyte-specific fatty acid binding protein 4 and fatty acid synthase induced by RGZ in 3T3-L1 cells were decreased upon treatment with 6-gingerol. Our data suggests that 6-gingerol may be beneficial in obesity, by reducing adipogenesis partly through the down-regulating PPARγ activity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  5. Directed modification of L-LcLDH1, an L-lactate dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus casei, to improve its specific activity and catalytic efficiency towards phenylpyruvic acid.

    PubMed

    Li, Jian-Fang; Li, Xue-Qing; Liu, Yan; Yuan, Feng-Jiao; Zhang, Ting; Wu, Min-Chen; Zhang, Ji-Ru

    2018-05-22

    To improve the specific activity and catalytic efficiency of L-LcLDH1, an NADH-dependent allosteric L-lactate dehydrogenase from L. casei, towards phenylpyruvic acid (PPA), its directed modification was conducted based on the semi-rational design. The three variant genes, Lcldh1 Q88R , Lcldh1 I229A and Lcldh1 T235G , were constructed by whole-plasmid PCR as designed theoretically, and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3), respectively. The purified mutant, L-LcLDH1 Q88R or L-LcLDH1 I229A , displayed the specific activity of 451.5 or 512.4 U/mg towards PPA, by which the asymmetric reduction of PPA afforded L-phenyllactic acid (PLA) with an enantiomeric excess (ee p ) more than 99%. Their catalytic efficiencies (k cat /K m ) without D-fructose-1,6-diphosphate (D-FDP) were 4.8- and 5.2-fold that of L-LcLDH1. Additionally, the k cat /K m values of L-LcLDH1 Q88R and L-LcLDH1 I229A with D-FDP were 168.4- and 8.5-fold higher than those of the same enzymes without D-FDP, respectively. The analysis of catalytic mechanisms by molecular docking (MD) simulation indicated that substituting I229 in L-LcLDH1 with Ala enlarges the space of substrate-binding pocket, and that the replacement of Q88 with Arg makes the inlet of pocket larger than that of L-LcLDH1. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. The effects of IL-1β, IL-8, G-CSF and TNF-α as molecular adjuvant on the immune response to an E. tarda subunit vaccine in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).

    PubMed

    Guo, Ming; Tang, Xiaoqian; Sheng, Xiuzhen; Xing, Jing; Zhan, Wenbin

    2018-06-01

    Cytokines play vital roles in mounting immune responses and activating host defense network. In this study, the expression plasmid pcDNA3.1 (pcN3) encoding four flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8 or G-CSF (pcIL-1β, pcTNF-α, pcIL-8 and pcG-CSF) were successfully constructed, and their adjuvant potential on an Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda) subunit vaccine OmpV (rOmpV) were comparatively analyzed in vaccinated flounder model. Results revealed that flounder vaccinated with rOmpV plus pcIL-1β, pcIL-8 or pcG-CSF produced the relative percent survivals (RPS) of 71%, 65% and 49% respectively, which were higher than that in flounder vaccinated with rOmpV plus pcTNF-α (39%) or pcN3 (36%, the control group). Immunological analysis showed that: (1) except pcTNF-α, higher levels of anti-E. tarda serum antibodies and sIg + lymphocytes in spleen, head kidney and peripheral blood were significantly enhanced by pcIL-1β, pcIL-8 or pcG-CSF, however, pcIL-8 and pcIL-1β enhanced higher levels of sIg + lymphocytes and anti-E. tarda antibodies than pcG-CSF; (2) pcTNF-α could promote the up-regulation of genes participated in cellular immunity (MHCIα, IFN-γ, CD8α and CD8β), pcIL-1β could enhance the expression of genes related to humoral immunity (CD4-1, CD4-2, MHCIIα and IgM), and all the detected genes were augmented by pcIL-8 and pcG-CSF; Among the four cytokines, pcIL-8 and pcIL-1β could strengthen the highest levels of genes participated in cellular immunity and humoral immunity, respectively. These results demonstrated that pcIL-8 and pcIL-1β could enhance stronger cellular and/or humoral immunity induced by rOmpV than pcG-CSF and pcTNF-α, and evoked higher RPS against E. tarda challenge in flounder, which indicated that pcIL-8 and pcIL-1β are promising adjuvants of vaccines in controlling E. tarda infection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Cutting edge: IL-21 is a switch factor for the production of IgG1 and IgG3 by human B cells.

    PubMed

    Pène, Jérôme; Gauchat, Jean-François; Lécart, Sandrine; Drouet, Elodie; Guglielmi, Paul; Boulay, Vera; Delwail, Adriana; Foster, Don; Lecron, Jean-Claude; Yssel, Hans

    2004-05-01

    IL-21 is a cytokine that regulates the activation of T and NK cells and promotes the proliferation of B cells activated via CD40. In this study, we show that rIL-21 strongly induces the production of all IgG isotypes by purified CD19(+) human spleen or peripheral blood B cells stimulated with anti-CD40 mAb. Moreover, it was found to specifically induce the production of IgG(1) and IgG(3) by CD40-activated CD19(+)CD27(-) naive human B cells. Although stimulation of CD19(+) B cells via CD40 alone induced gamma 1 and gamma 3 germline transcripts, as well as the expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase, only stimulation with both anti-CD40 mAb and rIL-21 resulted in the production of S gamma/S mu switch circular DNA. These results show that IL-21, in addition to promoting growth and differentiation of committed B cells, is a specific switch factor for the production of IgG(1) and IgG(3).

  8. Study of Infrared Emission Spectroscopy for the B1Δg-A1Πu and B'1Σg+-A1Πu Systems of C2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Jian; Chen, Wang; Kawaguchi, Kentarou; Bernath, Peter F.

    2016-06-01

    Recently, we carried out the perturbation analysis of C_2 spectra and identified forbidden singlet-triplet intersystem transitions, which aroused further interest in other C_2 spectra for the many low-lying electronic states of this fundamental molecule. In 1988, the B1Δg-A1Πu and B'1Σg+-A1Πu band systems were discovered by Douay et al., who observed eight bands of the B1Δg-A1Πu system with v up to 5 for the B1Δg state and six bands of the B'1Σg+-A1Πu system with v up to 3 for the B'1Σg+ state in the Fourier transform infrared emission spectra of hydrocarbon discharges. In the work presented here, we identified twenty-four bands of the two systems, among which the B'1Σg+ v = 4 and the B1Δg v = 6, 7 and 8 vibrational levels involved in nine bands were studied for the first time. A direct global analysis with Dunham parameters was carried out satisfactorily for the B1Δg-A1Πu system except for a small perturbation in the B1Δg v = 6 level. The calculated rovibrational term energies up to B1Δg v = 12 showed that the level crossing between the B1Δg and d3Πg states is responsible for many of the prominent perturbations in the Swan system observed previously. Nineteen lines of the B1Δg-a3Πu forbidden transitions were identified and the off-diagonal spin-orbit interaction constant AdB between d3Πg and B1Δg was derived as 8.3(1) wn. For the B'1Σg+-A1Πu system, only individual band analyses for each vibrational level in the B'1Σg+ state could be done satisfactorily and Dunham parameters obtained from these effective parameters showed that the anharmonic vibrational constant ω_e x_e is anomalously small (nearly zero). Inspection of the RKR potential curves for the B'1Σg+ and X1Σg+ states revealed that an avoided crossing may occur around 30000 wn, which is responsible for the anomalous molecular constants in these two states. W. Chen, K. Kawaguchi, P. F. Bernath, and J. Tang, J. Chem. Phys., 141, 064317 (2015) M. Douay, R. Nietmann and P. F. Bernath

  9. Rotavirus A genotype G1P[8]: a novel method to distinguish wild-type strains from the Rotarix vaccine strain.

    PubMed

    Rose, Tatiana L; Miagostovich, Marize P; Leite, José Paulo G

    2010-12-01

    Rotaviruses are important enteric pathogens for humans and animals. Group A rotaviruses (RV-A) are the most common agents of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children and vaccination is the most effective method to reduce RV-A-associated diseases. G1P[8], the most prevalent RV-A genotype worldwide, is included in the RV-A vaccine Rotarix®. The discrimination between wild-type G1P[8] and vaccine G1P[8] strains is an important topic in the study of RV-A epidemiology to manage outbreaks and to define control measures for vaccinated children. In this study, we developed a novel method to segregate the wild-type and vaccine strains using restriction endonucleases. The dsRNA from the Rotarix® vaccine was sequenced and the NSP3 gene was selected as the target gene. The vaccine strain has a restriction pattern that is different than that of wild-type RV-A G1P[8] isolates after digestion with the restriction endonuclease BspHI. This pattern could be used as a marker for the differentiation of wild-type G1P[8] strains from the vaccine strain.

  10. Poly-alpha,beta-(N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-L-aspartamide)-g-poly(1,3trimethylene carbonate) amphiphilic graft co-polymer as a potential drug carrier.

    PubMed

    Peng, Tao; Su, Jing; Cheng, Si-Xue; Zhuo, Ren-Xi

    2006-01-01

    A biodegradable amphiphilic graft polymer was successfully synthesized by grafting hydrophobic poly(1,3-trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) sequences onto a hydrophilic poly-alpha,beta-(N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-L-aspartamide) (PHEA) backbone. The graft polymer, PHEA-g-PTMC, was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization initiated by the macroinitiator PHEA bearing hydroxyl groups without adding any catalyst. The graft polymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, combined size-exclusion chromatography and multiangle laser light scattering analysis. Two drugs with distinct water solubility, prednisone acetate and tegafur, were encapsulated in the PHEA-g-PTMC nanoparticles. The in vitro release of two drugs from PHEA-g-PTMC nanoparticle drug-delivery systems was investigated.

  11. Differential Regulation of ERK1/2 and mTORC1 Through T1R1/T1R3 in MIN6 Cells.

    PubMed

    Wauson, Eric M; Guerra, Marcy L; Dyachok, Julia; McGlynn, Kathleen; Giles, Jennifer; Ross, Elliott M; Cobb, Melanie H

    2015-08-01

    The MAPKs ERK1/2 respond to nutrients and other insulin secretagogues in pancreatic β-cells and mediate nutrient-dependent insulin gene transcription. Nutrients also stimulate the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) to regulate protein synthesis. We showed previously that activation of both ERK1/2 and mTORC1 in the MIN6 pancreatic β-cell-derived line by extracellular amino acids (AAs) is at least in part mediated by the heterodimeric T1R1/T1R3, a G protein-coupled receptor. We show here that AAs differentially activate these two signaling pathways in MIN6 cells. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin did not prevent the activation of either ERK1/2 or mTORC1 by AAs, indicating that G(I) is not central to either pathway. Although glucagon-like peptide 1, an agonist for a G(s-)coupled receptor, activated ERK1/2 well and mTORC1 to a small extent, AAs had no effect on cytosolic cAMP accumulation. Ca(2+) entry is required for ERK1/2 activation by AAs but is dispensable for AA activation of mTORC1. Pretreatment with UBO-QIC, a selective G(q) inhibitor, reduced the activation of ERK1/2 but had little effect on the activation of mTORC1 by AAs, suggesting a differential requirement for G(q). Inhibition of G(12/13) by the overexpression of the regulator of G protein signaling domain of p115 ρ-guanine nucleotide exchange factor had no effect on mTORC1 activation by AAs, suggesting that these G proteins are also not involved. We conclude that AAs regulate ERK1/2 and mTORC1 through distinct signaling pathways.

  12. 26 CFR 1.414(r)-8 - Separate application of section 410(b).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Separate application of section 410(b). 1.414(r)-8 Section 1.414(r)-8 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES Pension, Profit-Sharing, Stock Bonus Plans, Etc. § 1.414(r)-8...

  13. 62. R.L.T., photographer November 1, 1934 DEL NORTE COUNTY, SECTION ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    62. R.L.T., photographer November 1, 1934 DEL NORTE COUNTY, SECTION D, HIGHWAY 1. REDWOOD CLEARING ON EXISTING LINE, 1-DN-71-A #26, R.L.T. 11-1-34. Stamped office copy. - Redwood National & State Parks Roads, California coast from Crescent City to Trinidad, Crescent City, Del Norte County, CA

  14. VEGFR-3 signaling is regulated by a G-protein activator, activator of G-protein signaling 8, in lymphatic endothelial cells.

    PubMed

    Sakima, Miho; Hayashi, Hisaki; Mamun, Abdullah Al; Sato, Motohiko

    2018-07-01

    Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and its cognate receptor VEGFR-3 play a key role in lymphangiogenesis. We previously reported that an ischemia-inducible Gβγ signal regulator, activator of G-protein signaling 8 (AGS8), regulated the subcellular distribution of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and influenced VEGFA-induced signaling in vascular endothelial cells. Here, we report that AGS8 regulates VEGFR-3, which is another subtype of the VEGF receptor family, and mediates VEGFC signaling in human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLECs). VEGFC stimulated the proliferation of HDLECs and tube formation by HDLECs, which were inhibited by knocking down AGS8 by small interfering RNA (siRNA). AGS8 siRNA inhibited VEGFC-mediated phosphorylation of VEGFR-3 and its downstream molecules, including ERK1/2 and AKT. Analysis of fluorescence-activated cell sorting and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that AGS8 knockdown was associated with a reduction of VEGFR-3 at the cell surface. Endocytosis inhibitors did not rescue the decrease of cell-surface VEGFR-3, suggesting that AGS8 regulated the trafficking of VEGFR-3 to the plasma membrane. An immunoprecipitation assay indicated that VEGFR-3 formed a complex including AGS8 and Gβγ in cells. These data suggest the novel regulation of VEGFC-VEGFR-3 by AGS8 in HDLECs and a potential role for AGS8 in lymphangiogenesis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Induction of long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (L1) retrotransposition by 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), a tryptophan photoproduct

    PubMed Central

    Okudaira, Noriyuki; Iijima, Kenta; Koyama, Takayoshi; Minemoto, Yuzuru; Kano, Shigeyuki; Mimori, Akio; Ishizaka, Yukihito

    2010-01-01

    Long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (L1) is a retroelement comprising about 17% of the human genome, of which 80–100 copies are competent as mobile elements (retrotransposition: L1-RTP). Although the genetic structures modified during L1-RTP have been clarified, little is known about the cellular signaling cascades involved. Herein we found that 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), a tryptophan photoproduct postulated as a candidate physiological ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), induces L1-RTP. Notably, RNA-interference experiments combined with back-transfection of siRNA-resistant cDNAs revealed that the induction of L1-RTP by FICZ is dependent on AhR nuclear translocator-1 (ARNT1), a binding partner of AhR, and the activation of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein. However, our extensive analyses suggested that AhR is not required for L1-RTP. FICZ stimulated the interaction of the L1-encoded open reading frame-1 (ORF1) and ARNT1, and recruited ORF1 to chromatin in a manner dependent on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase. Along with our additional observations that the cellular cascades for FICZ-induced L1-RTP were different from those of L1-RTP triggered by DNA damage, we propose that the presence of the cellular machinery of ARNT1 mediates L1-RTP. A possible role of ARNT1-mediated L1-RTP in the adaptation of living organisms to environmental changes is discussed. PMID:20852066

  16. Hyperekplexia mutation R271L of alpha1 glycine receptors potentiates allosteric interactions of nortropeines, propofol and glycine with [3H]strychnine binding.

    PubMed

    Maksay, Gábor; Bíró, Tímea; Laube, Bodo; Nemes, Péter

    2008-01-01

    Human alpha1 and hyperekplexia mutant alpha1(R271L) glycine receptors (GlyRs) were transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells for [3H]strychnine binding. Binding parameters were determined using a ternary allosteric model. The hyperekplexia mutation increased the positive cooperativity of 0.3 mM propofol and glycine binding by about six times: the cooperativity factor beta was 0.26 for alpha1 GlyRs and 0.04 for alpha1(R271L) GlyRs. Thus, propofol restored the potency of glycine impaired by the mutation. Five nortropeines, i.e. substituted benzoates of nortropine and a new compound, nortropisetron were prepared and also examined on [3H]strychnine binding. They showed nanomolar displacing potencies amplified by the hyperekplexia mutation. The affinity of nor-O-zatosetron (2.6 nM) is one of the highest reported for GlyRs. This binding test offers an in vitro method to evaluate agents against neurological disorders associated with inherited mutations of GlyRs.

  17. miR-29b and miR-198 overexpression in CD8+ T cells of renal cell carcinoma patients down-modulates JAK3 and MCL-1 leading to immune dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Gigante, Margherita; Pontrelli, Paola; Herr, Wolfgang; Gigante, Maddalena; D'Avenia, Morena; Zaza, Gianluigi; Cavalcanti, Elisabetta; Accetturo, Matteo; Lucarelli, Giuseppe; Carrieri, Giuseppe; Battaglia, Michele; Storkus, Walter J; Gesualdo, Loreto; Ranieri, Elena

    2016-04-11

    Mammalian microRNAs (miR) regulate the expression of genes relevant for the development of adaptive and innate immunity against cancer. Since T cell dysfunction has previously been reported in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC; clear cell type), we aimed to analyze these immune cells for genetic and protein differences when compared to normal donor T cells freshly after isolation and 35 days after in vitro stimulation (IVS) with HLA-matched RCC tumor cells. We investigated gene expression profiles of tumor-reactive CD8(+) T cells obtained from RCC patient and compared with their HLA-matched healthy sibling donors using a microarray approach. In addition, miRNAs analysis was performed in a validation cohort of peripheral blood CD8(+) T cells from 25 RCC patients compared to 15 healthy volunteers. We observed that CD8(+) T cells from RCC patients expressed reduced levels of anti-apoptotic and proliferation-associated gene products when compared with normal donor T cells both pre- and post-IVS. In particular, JAK3 and MCL-1 were down-regulated in patient CD8(+) T cells versus their normal counterparts, likely due to defective suppressor activity of miR-29b and miR-198 in RCC CD8(+) T cells. Indeed, specific inhibition of miR-29b or miR-198 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from RCC patients, resulted in the up-regulation of JAK3 and MCL-1 proteins and significant improvement of cell survival in vitro. Our results suggest that miR-29b and miR-198 dysregulation in RCC patient CD8(+) T cells is associated with dysfunctional immunity and foreshadow the development of miR-targeted therapeutics to correct such T cell defects in vivo.

  18. Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of 6-Thioxo-6,7-dihydro-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]-quinazolin-2-one Derivatives

    PubMed Central

    Nosulenko, Inna S.; Voskoboynik, Olexii Yu.; Berest, Galina G.; Safronyuk, Sergiy L.; Kovalenko, Sergiy I.; Kamyshnyi, Oleksandr M.; Polishchuk, Nataliya M.; Sinyak, Raisa S.; Katsev, Andrey V.

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Potassium 8-R1-9-R2-10-R3-3-R-2-oxo-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazoline-6-thiolates 2.1–2.26 were synthesized via cyclocondensation of 6-R-3-(3-R1-4-R2-5-R3-aminophenyl)-1,2,4-triazin-5-ones 1.11.26 with carbon disulfide, potassium hydroxide, and ethanol or with potassium O-ethyl dithiocarbonate in 2-propanol. The corresponding thiones 3.13.26 were obtained by treatment of 2.1–2.26 with hydrochloric acid. It was found that the nature of the substituents in positions 3, 4, and 5 of the corresponding 6-R-3-(3-R1-4-R2-5-R3-aminophenyl)-1,2,4-triazin-5-ones were affected on the terms of the reaction. The structures of compounds were proven by a complex of physicochemical methods (1H, 13C NMR, LC–MS, and EI-MS). The results of the antibacterial and antifungal activity assay allowed the determination of the high sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (MIC 6.25–100 μg/mL, MBC 12.5–200 μg/mL) to the synthesized compounds. PMID:25853063

  19. VizieR Online Data Catalog: Kinematic analysis of M7-L8 dwarfs (Faherty+, 2016)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Faherty, J. K.; Riedel, A. R.; Cruz, K. L.; Gagne, J.; Filippazzo, J. C.; Lambrides, E.; Fica, H.; Weinberger, A.; Thorstensen, J. R.; Tinney, C. G.; Baldassare, V.; Lemonier, E.; Rice, E. L.

    2017-08-01

    The sample of 152 M7-L8 ultra-cool dwarfs comprising our sample (see table 1) were placed on follow-up programs --either imaging (parallax, proper motion), spectroscopy (radial velocity), or both-- to determine kinematic membership in a nearby moving group. For Northern Hemisphere astrometry targets, we obtained I-band images with the MDM Observatory 2.4m Hiltner telescope on Kitt Peak, Arizona. We also observed 16 of the most southern targets with the Carnegie Astrometric Planet Search Camera (CAPSCam) on the 100 inch du Pont telescope and 5 with the FourStar imaging camera on the Magellan Baade Telescope. Table 2 gives the pertinent astrometric information; Table 3 lists our measured parallaxes and proper motions. New proper-motion measurements are listed in Table 5. See also section 3.1. We used the 6.5m Baade Magellan telescope and the FIRE spectrograph to obtain near-infrared spectra of 36 sources. Observations were made over seven runs between 2013 July and 2014 September. All observations (resolution R~6000) cover the full 0.8-2.5um band with a spatial resolution of 0.18"/pixel. We used the 3m NASA IRTF to obtain low-resolution near-infrared spectroscopy for 10 targets. All of the observations were aligned to the parallactic angle to obtain R~120 spectral data over the wavelength range of 0.7-2.5um. We used the Triple Spectrograph (TSpec) at the 5m Hale Telescope at Palomar Observatory to obtain near-infrared spectra of two targets. TSpec covers simultaneously the range from 1.0 to 2.45um and achieves a resolution of ~2500. Exposure times for each source and the number of images acquired are listed in Table 6; see also section 3.2. Multiple observations of 17 sources were taken in high-resolution mode on Keck II on 2008 September 14-16, using the NIRSPEC-5 filter to obtain H-band spectra in Order 49 (1.545-1.570um ). Observations of 18 sources were taken during semesters 2007B and 2009B using the H6420 filter of the Phoenix instrument (previously on Gemini

  20. The C.L.E.A.R. Score: a new comprehensive assessment method for academic physicians in military medical centers.

    PubMed

    Buller, Jerome L; Tetteh, Hassan A

    2012-07-01

    Evaluation of medical officer performance is a critical leadership role. This study offers a comprehensive evaluation system for military physicians. The Comprehensive Assessment equation (COMPASS equation), a modified Cobb-Douglas equation, was developed to evaluate academic physicians. The COMPASS equation assesses military physicians within five comprehensive dimensions: (1) Clinical (2) Leadership, (3) Educational (4) Administrative, and (5) Research productivity excellence to yield a composite "C.L.E.A.R. Score." The COMPASS equation's fidelity was tested with a cohort of military physicians within the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Capital District Region and a C.L.E.A.R. score was calculated for individual physicians. Mean C.L.E.A.R score was 53.6 +/- 28.8 (range 10.1-98.5). The responsiveness of the model was tested using two hypothetical physician models: "low-performing-faculty" and "super-faculty," and calculated C.L.E.A.R. scores were 6.3 and 153.4, respectively. The C.L.E.A.R. score appears to recognize and assess the performance excellence of military physicians. Weighting measured characteristics of the COMPASS equation can be used to promote organizational priorities. Thus, leaders of military medicine can communicate institutional priorities and inculcate them through use of the COMPASS equation to reward and recognize the activities of military medical officers that are commensurate with institutional goals.

  1. TNF-α contributes to up-regulation of Nav1.3 and Nav1.8 in DRG neurons following motor fiber injury.

    PubMed

    He, Xin-Hua; Zang, Ying; Chen, Xi; Pang, Rui-Ping; Xu, Ji-Tian; Zhou, Xiang; Wei, Xu-Hong; Li, Yong-Yong; Xin, Wen-Jun; Qin, Zhi-Hai; Liu, Xian-Guo

    2010-11-01

    A large body of evidence has demonstrated that the ectopic discharges of action potentials in primary afferents, resulted from the abnormal expression of voltage gated sodium channels (VGSCs) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons following peripheral nerve injury are important for the development of neuropathic pain. However, how nerve injury affects the expression of VGSCs is largely unknown. Here, we reported that selective injury of motor fibers by L5 ventral root transection (L5-VRT) up-regulated Nav1.3 and Nav1.8 at both mRNA and protein level and increased current densities of TTX-S and TTX-R channels in DRG neurons, suggesting that nerve injury may up-regulate functional VGSCs in sensory neurons indirectly. As the up-regulated Nav1.3 and Nav1.8 were highly co-localized with TNF-α, we tested the hypothesis that the increased TNF-α may lead to over-expression of the sodium channels. Indeed, we found that peri-sciatic administration of recombinant rat TNF-α (rrTNF) without any nerve injury, which produced lasting mechanical allodynia, also up-regulated Nav1.3 and Nav1.8 in DRG neurons in vivo and that rrTNF enhanced the expression of Nav1.3 and Nav1.8 in cultured adult rat DRG neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, inhibition of TNF-α synthesis, which prevented neuropathic pain, strongly inhibited the up-regulation of Nav1.3 and Nav1.8. The up-regulation of the both channels following L5-VRT was significantly lower in TNF receptor 1 knockout mice than that in wild type mice. These data suggest that increased TNF-α may be responsible for up-regulation of Nav1.3 and Nav1.8 in uninjured DRG neurons following nerve injury. Copyright © 2010 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Spiritual and Religious Supports Part 8: Church G.L.U.E.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Newman, Barbara J.

    2009-01-01

    CLC Network is an organization that partners with churches, schools, and families to help promote and build inclusive and interdependent communities for those with disabilities. This article describes CLC Network's most recent tool--a book entitled the G.L.U.E. Training Manual. G.L.U.E. is an adhesive process to allow each individual to be firmly…

  3. EBV+ and MSI Gastric Cancers Harbor High PD-L1/PD-1 Expression and High CD8+ Intratumoral Lymphocytes

    PubMed Central

    De Rosa, Simona; Tibiletti, Maria Grazia; Magnoli, Francesca; Vanoli, Alessandro; Sessa, Fausto; Chiaravalli, Anna Maria

    2018-01-01

    Both EBV+ and MSI gastric cancers (GCs) have high lymphoid infiltration which is rare in MSS/EBV− cancers. PD-L1/PD-1 interaction leads to a down-regulated immune response and it is one of the most promising targets for gastric cancer immunotherapy. PD-L1/PD-1 and CD8 expression were immunohistochemically investigated in a series of 169 FFPE GCs, including 33 EBV+, 59 MSI and 77 MSS/EBV− cases. PD-L1 membrane immunoreactivity in more than 5% of tumor cells was present in 31/169 GCs and was associated with high levels of CD8 intraepithelial lymphocytes (TILs; p < 0.001). PD-L1+ cases were mainly poorly differentiated (71%), intestinal type (85%) and high lymphoid response (HLR; 90%) tumors. PD-L1 expression was only present in EBV⁺ (46%), MSI (24%) and rare MSS/EBV− (3%) GCs with high CD8+ TILs (p < 0.001). Despite being associated with a better prognosis both in the whole series (p < 0.05) and in the MSI subset, PD-L1 is not an independent prognostic factor. PD-L1 gene amplification was detected in 3/17 cases, including 2/7 EBV+ and 1/8 MSI GC. PD-1⁺ TILs were significantly higher in EBV⁺ than MSI and MSS/EBV− cases. PD-L1/PD-1 pathway is selectively activated in HLR GCs and could be considered an emerging therapeutic target, particularly for EBV and MSI GCs. PMID:29614789

  4. An in vitro test to screen skin sensitizers using a stable THP-1-derived IL-8 reporter cell line, THP-G8.

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Toshiya; Kimura, Yutaka; Saito, Rumiko; Nakajima, Yoshihiro; Ohmiya, Yoshihiro; Yamasaki, Kenshi; Aiba, Setsuya

    2011-12-01

    Several studies have suggested that interleukin (IL)-8 can serve as a biomarker for discrimination of skin sensitizers from nonsensitizers. We established a stable THP-1-derived IL-8 reporter cell line, THP-G8, which harbors SLO and SLR luciferase genes under the control of IL-8 and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoters, respectively. After 6 h treatment with chemicals, normalized SLO luciferase activity (nSLO-LA) was calculated by dividing SLO-LA by SLR-LA, and the fold induction of nSLO-LA (FInSLO-LA) was calculated by dividing nSLO-LA of chemically treated cells by that of nontreated cells. The nSLO-LA of THP-G8 cells increased in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and several sensitizers. The FInSLO-LA in THP-G8 cells induced by LPS or sensitizers positively correlated with their induction of IL-8 messenger RNA in THP-1 cells. The nSLO-LA value of THP-G8 cells was significantly increased (FInSLO-LA ≥ 1.4) by 13 of the 15 sensitizers as well as by 5 of the 7 nonsensitizers. Interestingly, pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine suppressed the increase in FInSLO-LA induced by all sensitizers (inhibition index (II) ≤ 0.8) but did not suppress that induced by most of the nonsensitizers. We then evaluated the performance of this assay using values of FInSLO-LA ≥ 1.4 and II ≤ 0.8 in at least two of three independent experiments as the criteria of a sensitizer, which resulted in test accuracies of 82% for the 22 chemicals used and of 88% for the chemicals proposed by European Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods. This newly developed assay is a candidate replacement for animal tests of skin sensitization because of its accuracy, convenience, and high throughput performance.

  5. Photooxidation of d(TpG) by phthalocyanines and riboflavin. Isolation and characterization of dinucleoside monophosphates containing the 4R* and 4S* diastereoisomers of 4,8-dihydro-4-hydroxy-8-oxo-2'-deoxy-guanosine.

    PubMed Central

    Buchko, G W; Cadet, J; Berger, M; Ravanat, J L

    1992-01-01

    Phthalocyanine mediated photosensitization of 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG) in oxygen saturated aqueous solution has previously been shown to result in the addition of molecular oxygen to the guanine base generating the 4R* and 4S* diastereoisomers of 4,8-dihydro-4-hydroxy-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (dO) (the asterisk denotes unambiguous assignment of the 4R and 4S diastereoisomers). The data presented here show that the same guanine modified bases are generated in a 1:1 ratio when thymidylyl-(3',5')-2'-deoxyguanosine (d(TpG)) is similarly photo-oxidized. These modified dinucleoside monophosphates, labelled d(TpO)-A and -B, have been isolated by high performance liquid chromatography and characterized by proton NMR spectrometry, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, and enzymatic digestions. Photosensitization in D2O instead of H2O leads to an increase in the rate of d(TpO) formation that is consistent with a type II (singlet oxygen) reaction mechanism. Three interesting properties of these modified dinucleoside monophosphates are: i) the rate of their digestion with spleen phosphodiesterase is greatly reduced relative to d(TpG), ii) they are not digested by snake venom phosphodiesterase, and iii) they are stable to 1.0 M piperidine at 90 degrees C for 30 min. The latter observation indicates that 4,8-dihydro-4-hydroxy-8-oxoguanine is not a base lesion responsible for the strand breaks observed following hot piperidine treatment of DNA exposed to type II photosensitizers or chemically generated singlet oxygen. PMID:1329029

  6. Evaluation of anti-melanoma activities of (1S,2E,4R,6E,8R,11S,12R)-8,12-epoxy-2,6-cembradiene-4,11-diol, (1S,2E,4R,6E,8S,11R,12S)-8,11-epoxy-4,12-epoxy-2,6-cembradiene and (1S,4R,13S)-cembra-2E,7E,11E-trien-4,13-diol from the Red Sea soft coral Sarcophyton glaucum.

    PubMed

    Szymanski, Pawel T; Ahmed, Safwat A; Radwan, Mohamed M; Khalifa, Sherief I; Fahmy, Hesham

    2014-08-01

    Three natural cembranoids from the Red Sea soft coral Sarcophyton glaucum namely (1S,2E,4R,6E,8R,11S,12R)-8,12-epoxy-2,6-cembradiene-4,11-diol, (1S,2E,4R,6E,8S,11R,12S)-8,11-epoxy-4,12-epoxy-2,6-cembradiene and (1S,4R,13S)-cembra-2E,7E,11E-trien-4,13-diol were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on mouse melanoma B16F10 cell growth. Results show that all the cembranoids strongly inhibit viability of melanoma cells particularly during 48 -72 hrs treatment and also inhibit de novo DNA synthesis and PARP activity and stimulate fragmentation of DNA. (1S,2E,4R,6E,8R,11S,12R)-8,12-epoxy-2,6-cembradiene-4,11-diol was not cytotoxic to monkey kidney CV-1 cells at the concentration that produces the anti-melanoma effects which indicates that this compound may be a good candidate for further development. (1S,2E,4R,6E,8S,11R,12S)-8,11-epoxy-4,12-epoxy-2,6-cembradiene and (1S,4R,13S)-cembra-2E,7E,11E-trien-4,13-diol were found to be cytotoxic to healthy cells.

  7. Experimental infection with Cryptosporidium parvum IIaA21G1R1 subtype in immunosuppressed mice

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Cryptosporidium parvum subtype IIaA21G1R1 oocysts were used to infect dexamethasone immunosuppressed N: NIH Swiss mice. Histology showed developmental stages in the duodenum, proximal and distal jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon, with the small intestine remaining infected until day 35 post infection....

  8. An Examination of the Role of L-Glutamate and Inosine 5'-Monophosphate in Hedonic Taste-Guided Behavior by Mice Lacking the T1R1 + T1R3 Receptor.

    PubMed

    Blonde, Ginger D; Spector, Alan C

    2017-06-01

    The heterodimeric T1R1 + T1R3 receptor is considered critical for normal signaling of L-glutamate and 5'-ribonucleotides in the oral cavity. However, some taste-guided responsiveness remains in mice lacking one subunit of the receptor, suggesting that other receptors are sufficient to support some behaviors. Here, mice lacking both receptor subunits (KO) and wild-type (WT, both n = 13) mice were tested in a battery of behavioral tests. Mice were trained and tested in gustometers with a concentration series of Maltrin-580, a maltodextrin, in a brief-access test (10-s trials) as a positive control. Similar tests followed with monosodium glutamate (MSG) with and without the ribonucleotide inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP), but always in the presence of the epithelial sodium channel blocker amiloride (A). Brief-access tests were repeated following short-term (30-min) and long-term (48-h) exposures to MSG + A + IMP and were also conducted with sodium gluconate replacing MSG. Finally, progressive ratio tests were conducted with Maltrin-580 or MSG + A + IMP, to assess appetitive behavior while minimizing satiation. Overall, MSG generated little concentration-dependent responding in either food-restricted WT or KO mice, even in combination with IMP. However, KO mice licked less to the amino acid stimuli, a measure of consummatory behavior in the brief-access tests. In contrast, both groups initiated a similar number of trials and had a similar breakpoint in the progressive ratio task, both measures of appetitive (approach) behavior. Collectively, these results suggest that while the T1R1 + T1R3 receptor is necessary for consummatory responding to MSG (+IMP), other receptors are sufficient to maintain appetitive responding to this "umami" stimulus complex in food-restricted mice. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  9. Production of R,R-2,3-butanediol of ultra-high optical purity from Paenibacillus polymyxa ZJ-9 using homologous recombination.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Li; Cao, Can; Jiang, Ruifan; Xu, Hong; Xue, Feng; Huang, Weiwei; Ni, Hao; Gao, Jian

    2018-08-01

    The present study describes the use of metabolic engineering to achieve the production of R,R-2,3-butanediol (R,R-2,3-BD) of ultra-high optical purity (>99.99%). To this end, the diacetyl reductase (DAR) gene (dud A) of Paenibacillus polymyxa ZJ-9 was knocked out via homologous recombination between the genome and the previously constructed targeting vector pRN5101-L'C in a process based on homologous single-crossover. PCR verification confirmed the successful isolation of the dud A gene disruption mutant P. polymyxa ZJ-9-△dud A. Moreover, fermentation results indicated that the optical purity of R,R-2,3-BD increased from about 98% to over 99.99%, with a titer of 21.62 g/L in Erlenmeyer flasks. The latter was further increased to 25.88 g/L by fed-batch fermentation in a 5-L bioreactor. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Non-canonical microRNAs miR-320 and miR-702 promote proliferation in Dgcr8-deficient embryonic stem cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Byeong-Moo; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115; Choi, Michael Y., E-mail: mchoi@partners.org

    2012-09-21

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) lacking non-canonical miRNAs proliferate slower. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer miR-320 and miR-702 are two non-canonical miRNAs expressed in ESCs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer miR-320 and miR-702 promote proliferation of Dgcr8-deficient ESCs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer miR-320 targets p57 and helps to release Dgcr8-deficient ESCs from G1 arrest. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer miR-702 targets p21 and helps to release Dgcr8-deficient ESCs from G1 arrest. -- Abstract: MicroRNAs are known to contribute significantly to stem cell phenotype by post-transcriptionally regulating gene expression. Most of our knowledge of microRNAs comes from the study of canonical microRNAs that require two sequential cleavages by the Drosha/Dgcr8 heterodimer and Dicer to generatemore » mature products. In contrast, non-canonical microRNAs bypass the cleavage by the Drosha/Dgcr8 heterodimer within the nucleus but still require cytoplasmic cleavage by Dicer. The function of non-canonical microRNAs in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) remains obscure. It has been hypothesized that non-canonical microRNAs have important roles in ESCs based upon the phenotypes of ESC lines that lack these specific classes of microRNAs; Dicer-deficient ESCs lacking both canonical and non-canonical microRNAs have much more severe proliferation defect than Dgcr8-deficient ESCs lacking only canonical microRNAs. Using these cell lines, we identified two non-canonical microRNAs, miR-320 and miR-702, that promote proliferation of Dgcr8-deficient ESCs by releasing them from G1 arrest. This is accomplished by targeting the 3 Prime -untranslated regions of the cell cycle inhibitors p57 and p21 and thereby inhibiting their expression. This is the first report of the crucial role of non-canonical microRNAs in ESCs.« less

  11. GPER-1 agonist G1 induces vasorelaxation through activation of epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent signalling pathway.

    PubMed

    Jang, Eun Jin; Seok, Young Mi; Arterburn, Jeffrey B; Olatunji, Lawrence A; Kim, In Kyeom

    2013-10-01

    The G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) agonist G1 induces endothelium-dependent relaxation. Activation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor leads to transduction of signals from the plasma membrane for the release of nitric oxide. We tested the hypothesis that G1 induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation through activation of the EGF receptor. Rat aortic rings were mounted in organ baths. After pretreatment with various inhibitors, aortic rings contracted with 11,9-epoxymethano-prostaglandin F2α or KCl were subjected to relaxation by G1. G1 induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, which was attenuated by pretreatment with either L -N(ω) -nitroarginine methyl ester (L -NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, or (3aS,4R,9bR)-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-3H-cyclopenta[c]quinoline HB-EGF, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, a GPER-1 antagonist. Neither a general oestrogen receptor antagonist, ICI 182 780, nor a selective oestrogen receptor-α antagonist, methyl-piperidino-pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP), had an effect on G1-induced vasorelaxation. However, pretreatment with EGF receptor blockers, AG1478 or DAPH, resulted in attenuated G1-induced vasorelaxation. In addition, pretreatment with Src inhibitor 4-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(t-butyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine, 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine or Akt inhibitor VIII also resulted in attenuated vascular relaxation induced by the cumulative addition of G1. However, neither phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin nor an extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis(o-aminophenylmercapto) butadiene monoethanolate had effect on vascular relaxation induced by the cumulative addition of G1. G1 induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation through Src-mediated activation of the EGF receptor and the Akt pathway in rat aorta. © 2013 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

  12. Condensed tannins: A proposed route to 2R,3R-(2,3-cis)-proanthocyanidins

    Treesearch

    Richard W. Hemingway; Peter E. Laks

    1985-01-01

    Roux,1 Haslam,2-4 and Stafford5-8 have proposed differing biogenetic schemes for the formation of proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) in plants. All three schemes suffer from difficulties in explaining the formation of the 2R,3R-(2,3-cis)-proanthocyanidins that predominate in...

  13. Pressure dependence of thermal physical properties of A-type R2O3 (R=Y, La): A first-principles study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Y. F.; Xiao, B.; Sun, L.; Gao, Y. M.; Ma, S. Q.; Yi, D. W.

    2017-04-01

    The mechanical, electronic and thermal physical properties of A-type R2O3 (R=Y, La) under hydrostatic pressure are studied by first-principles calculations. The calculated band gap is 6.3 eV (5.9 eV) for Y2O3 (La2O3). Under hydrostatic pressure, both phases show anisotropic elasticity in different crystallographic directions. The isothermal bulk modulus of R2O3 decreases monotonically with the increasing of temperature from 300 K to 1500 K. The intrinsic ductile nature of both phases is confirmed by the obtained B/G ratio. The temperature dependence of linear TECs of La2O3 is stronger than that of Y2O3, and the linear TECs in [001] direction show larger values in both phases than those in [010] direction. At room temperature, the average linear TECs for Y2O3 and La2O3 are 8.40×10-6 K-1 and 8.42×10-6 K-1, respectively. Other thermal physical properties such as specific heats (CV, and CP), entropy (S), sound velocity and Debye temperature are also obtained.

  14. Rio Grande Floodway, Truth or Consequences Unit, NM, Cuchillo Negro Dam Foundation Report. Volume 3. Appendix E, Appendix F and Appendix G

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-12-01

    8217. *Ck 0D ac X -i c4w 0 uC Lii c cn’L S a r ’ILL sit5 I-3C E-273 - U ) a U cr- LC3 : M ’Ai a. C. 1. LU41 L. L L 0 -4 D k -1 0 .9 p PL 4 410[Ciu E-274...731r W - -422.8 408;2" P62 :IP D"- 8UN 2006.50 255,000 310.000 fl -- ___919.3 1134.3 1379.0 ’eased an aWDox=mat 1.5 to 1 salary Factor 3/4-4-1/2 112.00

  15. Structures of the G85R Variant of SOD1 in Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cao, Xiaohang; Antonyuk, Svetlana V.; Seetharaman, Sai V.

    2008-07-21

    Mutations in the gene encoding human copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) cause a dominant form of the progressive neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Transgenic mice expressing the human G85R SOD1 variant develop paralytic symptoms concomitant with the appearance of SOD1-enriched proteinaceous inclusions in their neural tissues. The process(es) through which misfolding or aggregation of G85R SOD1 induces motor neuron toxicity is not understood. Here we present structures of the human G85R SOD1 variant determined by single crystal x-ray diffraction. Alterations in structure of the metal-binding loop elements relative to the wild type enzyme suggest a molecular basis for the metal ionmore » deficiency of the G85R SOD1 protein observed in the central nervous system of transgenic mice and in purified recombinant G85R SOD1. These findings support the notion that metal-deficient and/or disulfide-reduced mutant SOD1 species contribute to toxicity in SOD1-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.« less

  16. Séroprévalence du virus de l'herpès humain-8 chez des patients VIH positif à l'hôpital général de Yaoundé – Cameroun

    PubMed Central

    Jacky, Njiki Bikoï; Paul, Ndom; Lilian, Mupang; Sylvie, Agokeng Demanou

    2015-01-01

    L'épidémiologie de l'infection par le virus herpès humain de type 8 (HHV8) associée à celle à VIH, reste encore méconnue au Cameroun, bien que le pays soit considéré comme une zone endémique pour ces deux virus. L'objectif de ce travail était de ressortir le profil de la séroprévalence du HHV8 au sein de notre population d'étude. 57 personnes ont été recrutées à l'Hôpital Général de Yaoundé et suivies sur une durée 12 mois. Des anticorps IgG anti-HHV8 ont été déterminés par ELISA. Des paramètres autres, tels que l'âge, le sexe, le stade des maladies (SK et VIH/SIDA), le protocole ARV, ainsi que les taux de CD4 ont été utilisés pour déterminer les variables associées à la séropositivité au HHV8. Cette association a été évaluée par le test khi carré. La séroprévalence du HHV8 était de 90% dans notre population en début d'étude et de 74% douze mois plus tard, une séroprévalence qui restait élevée quelque soit le profil clinique, la tranche d'âge, le sexe ou le taux de CD4+ de l'individu. Aucune variable de l'étude n'était significativement associée à la séropositivité du HHV8. Le virus HHV8 semblait circuler au sein de notre population d'étude. Cependant l'on constate, douze mois plus tard, l'absence de manifestations cliniques du SK chez les patients VIH+ positifs, malgré des titres très élevés en IgG anti-HHV8. PMID:26090027

  17. Antibody neutralization of cell-surface gC1qR/HABP1/SF2-p32 prevents lamellipodia formation and tumorigenesis

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Beom-Chan; Hwang, Hyun-Jung; An, Hyoung-Tae; Lee, Hyun; Park, Jun-Sub; Hong, Jin; Ko, Jesang; Kim, Chungho; Lee, Jae-Seon; Ko, Young-Gyu

    2016-01-01

    We previously demonstrated that cell-surface gC1qR is a key regulator of lamellipodia formation and cancer metastasis. Here, we screened a monoclonal mouse antibody against gC1qR to prevent cell migration by neutralizing cell-surface gC1qR. The anti-gC1qR antibody prevented growth factor-stimulated lamellipodia formation, cell migration and focal adhesion kinase activation by inactivating receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in various cancer cells such as A549, MDA-MB-231, MCF7 and HeLa cells. The antibody neutralization of cell-surface gC1qR also inhibited angiogenesis because the anti-gC1qR antibody prevented growth factor-stimulated RTK activation, lamellipodia formation, cell migration and tube formation in HUVEC. In addition, we found that A549 tumorigenesis was reduced in a xenograft mouse model by following the administration of the anti-gC1qR antibody. With these data, we can conclude that the antibody neutralization of cell-surface gC1qR could be a good therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. PMID:27363031

  18. The L266V tau mutation is associated with frontotemporal dementia and Pick-like 3R and 4R tauopathy.

    PubMed

    Hogg, Marion; Grujic, Zoran M; Baker, Matt; Demirci, Serpil; Guillozet, Angela L; Sweet, Alison P; Herzog, Laura L; Weintraub, Sandra; Mesulam, M-Marsel; LaPointe, Nichole E; Gamblin, T C; Berry, Robert W; Binder, Lester I; de Silva, Rohan; Lees, Andrew; Espinoza, Marisol; Davies, Peter; Grover, Andrew; Sahara, Naruhiko; Ishizawa, Takashi; Dickson, Dennis; Yen, Shu-Hui; Hutton, Michael; Bigio, Eileen H

    2003-10-01

    We report a case of rapidly progressive frontotemporal dementia presenting at age 33 years. At autopsy there was severe atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes. Tau-positive Pick bodies, which ultrastructurally were composed of straight filaments, were present, accompanied by severe neuronal loss and gliosis. RD3, a tau antibody specific for the three-repeat (3R) isoforms, labeled the Pick bodies. ET3, a four-repeat (4R) isoform-specific tau antibody, did not label Pick bodies, but highlighted rare astrocytes, and threads in white matter bundles in the corpus striatum. Analysis of the tau gene revealed an L266V mutation in exon 9. Analysis of brain tissue from this case revealed elevated levels of exon 10+ tau RNA and soluble 4R tau. However, both 3R and 4R isoforms were present in sarkosyl-insoluble tau fractions with a predominance of the shortest 3R isoform. The L266V mutation is associated with decreased rate and extent of tau-induced microtubule assembly, and a 3R isoform-specific increase in tau self assembly as measured by an in vitro assay. Combined, these data indicate that L266V is a pathogenic tau mutation that is associated with Pick-like pathology. In addition, the results of the RD3 and ET3 immunostains clearly explain for the first time the presence of both 3R and 4R tau isoforms in preparations of insoluble tau from some Pick's disease cases.

  19. G 126.1-0.8-14: A molecular shell related to Sh2-187

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cichowolski, S.; Pineault, S.; Gamen, R.; Ortega, M. E.; Arnal, E. M.; Suad, L. A.

    2014-10-01

    We present a multi-wavelength study of a region where a well defined molecular shell, named G 126.1-0.8-14, is observed. The distance of G 126.1-0.8-14 is about 1 kpc. Based on HI and CO data we analyze the atomic and molecular gas related to the structure and estimate its main physical properties. From the radio continuum and infrared data we analyze whether the emission associated with G 126.1-0.8-14 has a thermal origin. To disentangle the possible origin of the shell, and given the lack of catalogued O-type stars in the area, we observed with GEMINI the spectra of four OB stars located in projection inside the shell, to get their accurate spectral types and distances. The young HII region Sh2-187 is located onto the densest part of this molecular shell. A search for young stellar object candidates (cYSOs) was made using infrared point source catalogs. Several cYSOs are found spread out onto the shell. Based on all the available data, we discuss the possible origin of G 126.1-0.8-14 as well as its role in the formation of a new generation of stars.

  20. Dual inhibition of human type 4 phosphodiesterase isostates by (R, R)-(+/-)-methyl 3-acetyl-4-[3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl]-3- methyl-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylate.

    PubMed

    Tian, G; Rocque, W J; Wiseman, J S; Thompson, I Z; Holmes, W D; Domanico, P L; Stafford, J A; Feldman, P L; Luther, M A

    1998-05-12

    Purified recombinant human type 4 phosphodiesterase B2B (HSPDE4B2B) exists in both a low- and a high-affinity state that bind (R)-rolipram with Kd's of ca. 500 and 1 nM, respectively [Rocque, W. J., Tian, G., Wiseman, J. S., Holmes, W. D., Thompson, I. Z., Willard, D. H., Patel, I. R., Wisely, G. B., Clay, W. C., Kadwell, S. H., Hoffman, C. R., and Luther, M. A. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 14250-14261]. Since the tissue distribution of the two isostates may be significantly different, development of inhibitors that effectively inhibit both forms may be advantageous pharmacologically. In this study, enzyme inhibition and binding of HSPDE4B2B by (R, R)-(+/-)-methyl 3-acetyl-4-[3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl]-3-methyl-1-pyrrolidin ecarboxylate (1), a novel inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE 4), were investigated. Binding experiments demonstrated high-affinity binding of 1 to HSPDE4B2B with a stoichiometry of 1:1. Inhibition of PDE activity showed only a single transition with an observed Ki similar to the apparent Kd determined by the binding experiments. Deletional mutants of HSPDE4B2B, which have been shown to bind (R)-rolipram with low affinity, were shown to interact with 1 with high affinity, indistinguishable from the results obtained with the full-length enzyme. Bound 1 was completely displaced by (R)-rolipram, and the displacement showed a biphasic transition that resembles the biphasic inhibition of HSPDE4B2B by (R)-rolipram. Theoretical analysis of the two transitions exemplified in the interaction of (R)-rolipram with HSPDE4B2B indicated that the two isostates were nonexchangeable. Phosphorylation at serines 487 and 489 on HSPDE4B2B had no effect on the stoichiometry of binding, the affinity for binding, or the inhibition of the enzyme by 1. These data further illustrate the presence of two isostates in PDE 4 as shown previously for (R)-rolipram binding and inhibition. In contrast to (R)-rolipram, where only one of the two isostates of PDE 4 binds with

  1. 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) biomarker detection down to picoMolar level on a plastic antibody film.

    PubMed

    Martins, Gabriela V; Marques, Ana C; Fortunato, Elvira; Sales, M Goreti F

    2016-12-15

    An innovative biosensor assembly relying on a simple and straightforward in-situ construction is presented to monitor urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) down to the pmol/L level. The sensing film of the biosensor consisted of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) layer for 8-OHdG assembled on a gold electrode through electropolymerization of monomer combined with the template. The analytical features of the resulting biosensor were assessed by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Some experimental parameters such as the initial concentration of the monomer and the ratio template-monomer were investigated and optimized in order to finely tune the performance of the MIP-based sensor. Under optimal conditions, the developed biosensor was able to rebind 8-OHdG with a linear response against EIS from 0.1 to 100pg/ml 3.5-3500 pM. The interference of coexisting species was tested, also with calibrations on urine samples, and good selectivity towards 8-OHdG was obtained. RAMAN spectroscopy, FTIR and SEM evaluations of the prepared films confirmed the formation of a polyphenol thin-film on the electrode surface. The presence and distribution of the imprinted cavities on the MIP layer was confirmed by confocal microscopy imaging of the film, after a post-treatment with Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled 8-OHdG antibody. Overall, this label-free biosensor for urinary 8-OHdG detection constitutes a promising low-cost alternative to the conventional immunoassay approaches, due to its simplicity, stability, high sensitivity and selectivity for biological sample assays, opening new doors for other applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Distinguishing Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto genotypes G1 and G3 with confidence: A practical guide.

    PubMed

    Kinkar, Liina; Laurimäe, Teivi; Acosta-Jamett, Gerardo; Andresiuk, Vanessa; Balkaya, Ibrahim; Casulli, Adriano; Gasser, Robin B; González, Luis Miguel; Haag, Karen L; Zait, Houria; Irshadullah, Malik; Jabbar, Abdul; Jenkins, David J; Manfredi, Maria Teresa; Mirhendi, Hossein; M'rad, Selim; Rostami-Nejad, Mohammad; Oudni-M'rad, Myriam; Pierangeli, Nora Beatriz; Ponce-Gordo, Francisco; Rehbein, Steffen; Sharbatkhori, Mitra; Kia, Eshrat Beigom; Simsek, Sami; Soriano, Silvia Viviana; Sprong, Hein; Šnábel, Viliam; Umhang, Gérald; Varcasia, Antonio; Saarma, Urmas

    2018-06-21

    Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic disease caused by tapeworms of the species complex Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, represents a substantial global health and economic burden. Within this complex, E. granulosus sensu stricto (genotypes G1 and G3) is the most frequent causative agent of human CE. Currently, there is no fully reliable method for assigning samples to genotypes G1 and G3, as the commonly used mitochondrial cox1 and nad1 genes are not sufficiently consistent for the identification and differentiation of these genotypes. Thus, a new genetic assay is required for the accurate assignment of G1 and G3. Here we use a large dataset of near-complete mtDNA sequences (n = 303) to reveal the extent of genetic variation of G1 and G3 on a broad geographical scale and to identify reliable informative positions for G1 and G3. Based on extensive sampling and sequencing data, we developed a new method, that is simple and cost-effective, to designate samples to genotypes G1 and G3. We found that the nad5 is the best gene in mtDNA to differentiate between G1 and G3, and developed new primers for the analysis. Our results also highlight problems related to the commonly used cox1 and nad1. To guarantee consistent identification of G1 and G3, we suggest using the sequencing of the nad5 gene region (680 bp). This region contains six informative positions within a relatively short fragment of the mtDNA, allowing differentiation of G1 and G3 with confidence. Our method offers clear advantages over the previous ones, providing a significantly more consistent means to distinguish G1 and G3 than the commonly used cox1 and nad1. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Selected Wild Berries (Rubus moluccanus L., R. fraxinifolius Poir., and R. alpestris Blume)

    PubMed Central

    Abu Bakar, Mohd Fadzelly; Ismail, Nur Amalina; Isha, Azizul; Mei Ling, Angelina Lee

    2016-01-01

    Berries, from the genus Rubus, are among the vital components in a healthy diet. In this study, 80% methanol extracts from the three wild Rubus species (Rubus moluccanus L., Rubus fraxinifolius Poir., and Rubus alpestris Blume) were evaluated for their phytochemical contents (total phenolics, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and carotenoid content), antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays), antiacetylcholinesterase, and antibacterial activities. GC-MS was used for quantification of naturally occurring phytochemicals. The results showed that R. alpestris contained the highest total phenolic [24.25 ± 0.1 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g] and carotenoid content [21.86 ± 0.63 mg β-carotene equivalents (BC)/g], as well as the highest DPPH scavenging and FRAP activities. The highest total flavonoid [18.17 ± 0.20 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g] and anthocyanin content [36.96 ± 0.39 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents (c-3-gE)/g] have been shown by R. moluccanus. For antibacterial assays, R. moluccanus and R. alpestris extracts showed mild inhibition towards Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis. Anticholinesterase activity for all extracts was in the range of 23–26%. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of at least 12, 21, and 7 different organic compounds in 80% methanol extracts of R. alpestris, R. moluccanus, and R. fraxinifolius, respectively, which might contribute to the bioactivity. PMID:27437023

  4. Phylogenetic analysis of G1P[8] and G12P[8] rotavirus A samples obtained in the pre- and post-vaccine periods, and molecular modeling of VP4 and VP7 proteins.

    PubMed

    Almeida, Tâmera Nunes Vieira; de Sousa, Teresinha Teixeira; da Silva, Roosevelt Alves; Fiaccadori, Fabíola Souza; Souza, Menira; Badr, Kareem Rady; de Paula Cardoso, Divina das Dôres

    2017-09-01

    Reduction in morbimortality rates for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) by Rotavirus A (RVA) has been observed after the introduction of vaccines, however the agent continues to circulate. The present study described the genomic characterization of the 11 dsRNA segments of two RVA samples G1P[8] obtained in the pre- and post-vaccination periods and one of G12P[8] sample (post-vaccine), compared to Rotarix™ vaccine. Analysis by molecular sequencing of the samples showed that the three samples belonged to genogroup I. In addition, the analysis of VP7 gene revealed that the samples G1 (pre-vaccine), G1 (post-vaccine) and G12 were characterized as lineages II, I and III, respectively. Regarding to VP4 and NSP4 gene it was observed that all samples belonged to lineage III, whereas for VP6 gene, the sample of the pre- and post-vaccine belonged to the lineage IV and I, respectively. Considering the VP7 gene, it was observed high nucleotide and amino acid identity for the two G1 samples when compared to Rotarix™ vaccine and lesser identity for the G12 sample. In relation to antigenic epitope of VP7 greater modifications were observed for the G12 sample in the 7-2 epitope that was confirmed by molecular modeling. On the other hand, for VP4, some changes in the 8-1 and 8-3 antigenic epitopes was observed for the three samples. This data could be interpreted as a low selective pressure exerted by vaccination in relation to G1P[8] samples and lesser protection in relation to G12P[8]. Thus, the continuous monitoring of RVA circulating samples remains important. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Antiapolipoprotein A-1 IgG chronotropic effects require nongenomic action of aldosterone on L-type calcium channels.

    PubMed

    Rossier, Michel F; Pagano, Sabrina; Python, Magaly; Maturana, Andres D; James, Richard W; Mach, François; Roux-Lombard, Pascale; Vuilleumier, Nicolas

    2012-03-01

    Autoantibodies to apolipoprotein A-1 (antiapoA-1 IgG) have been shown to be associated with higher resting heart rate and morbidity in myocardial infarction patients and to behave as a chronotropic agent in the presence of aldosterone on isolated neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVC). We aimed at identifying the pathways accounting for this aldosterone-dependent antiapoA-1 IgG-positive chronotropic effect on NRVC. The rate of regular spontaneous contractions was determined on NRVC in the presence of different steroid hormones and antagonists. AntiapoA-1 IgG chronotropic response was maximal within 20 min and observed only in aldosterone-pretreated cells but not in those exposed to other steroids. The positive antiapoA-1 IgG chronotropic effect was already significant after 5 min aldosterone preincubation, was dependent on 3-kinase and protein kinase A activities, was not inhibited by actinomycin D, and was fully abrogated by eplerenone (but not by spironolactone), demonstrating the dependence on a nongenomic action of aldosterone elicited through the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Under oxidative conditions (but not under normal redox state), corticosterone mimicked the permissive action of aldosterone on the antiapoA-1 IgG chronotropic response. Pharmacological and patch-clamp studies identified L-type calcium channels as crucial effectors of antiapoA-1 IgG chronotropic action, involving two converging pathways that increase the channel activity. The first one involves the rapid, nongenomic activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase enzyme by MR, and the second one requires a constitutive basal protein kinase A activity. In conclusion, our results indicate that, on NRVC, the aldosterone-dependent chronotropic effects of antiapoA-1 IgG involve the nongenomic activation of L-type calcium channels.

  6. [Eukaryotic expression of Leptospira interrogans lipL32/1-ompL1/1 fusion gene encoding genus-specific protein antigens and the immunoreactivity of expression products].

    PubMed

    Yan, Jie; Zhao, Shou-feng; Mao, Ya-fei; Ruan, Ping; Luo, Yi-hui; Li, Shu-ping; Li, Li-wei

    2005-01-01

    To construct the eukaryotic expression system of L.interrogans lipL32/1-ompL1/1 fusion gene and to identify the immunoreactivity of expression products. PCR with linking primer was used to construct the fusion gene lipL32/1-ompL1/1. The P.pastoris eukaryotic expression system of the fusion gene, pPIC9K-lipL32/1-ompL1/1-P. pastorisGS115, was constructed after the fusion gene was cloned and sequenced. Colony with phenotype His(+)Mut(+) was isolated by using MD and MM plates and His(+) Mut(+) transformant with high resistance to G418 was screened out by using YPD plate. Using lysate of His(+) Mut(+) colony with high copies of the target gene digested with yeast lyase as the template and 5'AOX1 and 3'AOX1 as the primers, the target fusion gene in chromosome DNA of the constructed P. pastoris engineering strain was detected by PCR. Methanol in BMMY medium was used to induce the target recombinant protein rLipL32/1-rOmpL1/1 expression. rLipL32/1-rOmpL1/1 in the medium supernatant was extracted by using ammonium sulfate precipitation and Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Output and immunoreactivity of rLipL32/1-rOmpL1/1 were measured by SDS-PAGE and Western blot methods, respectively. Amplification fragments of the obtained fusion gene lipL32/1-ompL1/1 was 1794 bp in size. The homogeneity of nucleotide and putative amino acid sequences of the fusion gene were as high as 99.94 % and 100 %, respectively, compared with the sequences of original lipL32/1 and ompL1/1 genotypes. The constructed eukaryotic expression system was able to secrete rLipL32/1-rOmpL1/1 with an output of 10 % of the total proteins in the supernatant, which located the expected position after SDS-PAGE. The rabbit anti-rLipL32/1 and anti-rOmpL1/1 sera could combine the expressed rLipL32/1-rOmpL1/1. An eukaryotic expression system with high efficiency in P.pastoris of L.interrogans lipL32/1-ompL1/1 fusion gene was successfully constructed in this study. The expressed fusion protein shows specific

  7. Identification of a MYB3R gene involved in drought, salt and cold stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

    PubMed

    Cai, Hongsheng; Tian, Shan; Liu, Changlai; Dong, Hansong

    2011-10-10

    Abiotic stress seriously affects crop growth and productivity. To better understand the mechanisms plant uses to cope with drought, cold and salt stress, it is necessary to isolate and characterize important regulators response to these stresses. In this study, we cloned a MYB gene from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and designated it as TaMYB3R1 based on its conserved three repeats in MYB domain. The sequence of TaMYB3R1 protein shares high identity to other plant MYB3R proteins. Subcellular localization experiment in onion epidermal cells proved that TaMYB3R1 localized in the nucleus. Trans-activation essays in yeast cells confirmed that TaMYB3R1 was a transcriptional activator, and only C-terminal region was able to activate the expression of β-galactosidase. DNA-binding test showed the MSA cis element-binding activity of TaMYB3R1. After exogenous application of phytohormone ABA, the expression of TaMYB3R1 was induced, and its transcripts accumulated up to 24h; this is also the case for MeJA treatment, but after it peaked at 4h, it decreased to low levels. However, either SA or ET had no obvious effect on the expression of TaMYB3R1. Furthermore, the TaMYB3R1 was initially expressed at low levels and was gradually induced following treatment with salt, and continued to increase up to 72 h. This was similar for the cold treatment. In contrast, the peak appeared at 6h of the PEG treatment, and then gradually decreased to low levels. Our results suggest that TaMYB3R1 is potentially involved in wheat response to drought, salt and cold stress. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. [Risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Kyrgyz population in the presence of ADIPOQ (G276T), KCNJ11 (Glu23Lys), TCF7L2 (IVS3C>T) gene polymorphisms].

    PubMed

    Isakova, Zh T; Talaibekova, E T; Asambaeva, D A; Kerimkulova, A S; Lunegova, O S; Aldasheva, N M; Aldashev, A A

    To analyze the association of genotype combinations of the polymorphic markers G276T in the ADIPOQ gene, Glu23Lys in the KCNJ11 gene, and IVS3C>T in the TCF7L2 gene with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Kyrgyz population. The investigation enrolled 23 Kyrgyz people, of whom there were 114 patients with T2DM and 109 without T2DM (a control group). T2DM was diagnosed in accordance with the WHO criteria (1999). The genotypes of ADIPOQ (G276T), KCNJ11 (Glu23Lys), and TCF7L2 (IVS3C>T) gene polymorphisms were identified using the restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. When typing at the polymorphic loci G276T in the ADIPOQ gene, Glu23Lys in the KCNJ11 gene, and IVS3C>T in the TCF7L2 gene, the development of T2DM in the Kyrgyz population was associated with the T allele (odds ratio (OR), 1.68; p=0.025), the heterozygous G276T genotype (OR 1,8; p=0.036) in the ADIPOQ gene; the 23Lys allele (OR, 1.62; p=0.019) in the KCNJ11 gene; a two-locus genotype combination in the genes ADIPOQ/KCNJ11: G276T/Glu23Lys (OR, 4.88; p=0.0013), G276G/Lys23Lys (OR, 4.65; p=0.019), G276T/Glu23Glu (OR, 3.10; p=0.022), a two-locus genotype combination in the genes ADIPOQ/TCF7L2: G276T/СС (OR, 1.97; p=0.04); two-locus genotype combinations in the genes KCNJ11/TCF7L2: Lys23Lys/CC (ОR, 2.65; p=0.042), Glu23Lys/CT (OR, 3.88; p=0.027); and a three-locus genotype combination in the genes ADIPOQ/KCNJ11/TCF7L2: G276T/Glu23Lys/CT (OR, 14.48; p=0.02). The development of T2DM in the Kyrgyz population is genetically determined by ADIPOQ (G276T) gene, KCNJ11 (Glu23Lys), and TCF7L (IVS3C>T) gene polymorphisms with the predisposing value of the T allele of the heterozygous G276T genotype in the ADIPOQ gene; the 23Lys allele in the KCNJ1 gene; as well as by genotype combinations in the genes ADIPOQ/KCNJ11 (G276T/Glu23Lys, G276G/Lys23Lys, G276T/Glu23Glu); ADIPOQ/TCF7L2 (G276T/SS); KCNJ11/TCF7L2 (Lys23Lys/CC, Glu23Lys/CT); ADIPOQ/KCNJ11/TCF7L2 (G276T/Glu23Lys /CT). The IVS3C

  9. Structural and impedance spectroscopy properties of La0.8Ba0.1Ca0.1Mn1-xRuxO3 perovskites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chebaane, M.; Talbi, N.; Dhahri, A.; Oumezzine, M.; Khirouni, K.

    2017-03-01

    Polycrystalline samples La0.8Ba0.1Ca0.1Mn1-xRuxO3 (x=0 and 0.075) were prepared by sol-gel-based Pechini method. The X ray diffraction study has shown that all the samples exhibit a single phase with rhombohedral structure (space group R 3 ̅c, no. 167). The complex impedance has been investigated in the temperature range 160-320 K and in the frequency range 40 Hz-1 MHz. The imaginary part of the complex impedance (Z‧‧) frequency dependence revealed one relaxation peak. The Cole-Cole plots of the impedance values exhibited a semi -circular arc that can be described by an R1+(R2//ZCPE) electrical equivalent circuit. The conductance spectra have been investigated by the Jonscher universal power law: G(ω)=GDC+Aωn, where ω is the frequency of the ac field, and n is the exponent. The activation energy obtained both from the conductance and from time relaxation analyses are very similar, and hence the relaxation process may be attributed to the same type of charge carriers.

  10. COMT Val158Met and 5-HT1A-R -1019 C/G polymorphisms: effects on the negative symptom response to clozapine.

    PubMed

    Bosia, Marta; Lorenzi, Cristina; Pirovano, Adele; Guglielmino, Carmelo; Cocchi, Federica; Spangaro, Marco; Bramanti, Placido; Smeraldi, Enrico; Cavallaro, Roberto

    2015-01-01

    Clozapine is still considered the gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients; however, up to 40% of patients do not respond adequately. Identifying potential predictors of clinical response to this last-line antipsychotic could represent an important goal for treatment. Among these, functional polymorphisms involved in dopamine system modulation, known to be disrupted in schizophrenia, may play a role. We examined the COMT Val158Met polymorphism, which plays a key role in dopamine regulation at the prefrontal level, and the 5-HT1A-R -1019 C/G polymorphism, a target of clozapine activity involved in the interaction between the serotonin and dopamine systems. 107 neuroleptic-refractory, biologically unrelated Italian patients (70 males and 37 females) with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia who were being treated with clozapine were recruited. Psychopathology was assessed by the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) at the beginning of treatment, and at weeks 8 and 12. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood samples. COMT rs4680 (Val158Met) and 5-HT1A-R rs6295 (-1019 C/G) polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-based restriction fragment length and direct sequencing, respectively. We found a significant effect of COMT and 5-HT1A-R on the PANSS Negative Subscale variation, with greater improvement among COMT Val/Val and 5-HT1A-R G/G subjects. The findings support the hypothesis that COMT rs4680 and 5-HT1A-R rs6295 polymorphisms could influence the negative symptom response to clozapine, probably through modulation of the dopaminergic system.

  11. Indole-3-carbinol induces G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through aryl hydrocarbon receptor in THP-1 monocytic cell line.

    PubMed

    Mohammadi, Saeed; Seyedhosseini, Fakhri Sadat; Behnampour, Nasser; Yazdani, Yaghoub

    2017-10-01

    The role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in carcinogenesis has been studied recently. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is an AhR agonist and a potential anticancer agent. Here, we investigated the effects of I3C on cell cycle progression and apoptosis through activation of AhR on THP-1 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line. MTT viability assay was used to measure the cytotoxic effects of I3C on THP-1 cells. Apoptosis and cell cycle assays were investigated using flow cytometry. Real time RT-PCR was conducted to measure the alterations in the expression of AhR gene, key genes associated with AhR activation (IL1β and CYP1A1) and major genes involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis including P27, P21, CDK2, P53, BCL2 and FasR. Our findings revealed that I3C inhibits the proliferation of THP-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner with minimal toxicity over normal monocytes. The AhR target genes (CYP1A1, IL1β) were overexpressed upon I3C treatment (p < .05 to p < .001). The antiproliferative effects of I3C were in association with programed cell death. I3C downregulated BCL2 and upregulated FasR in THP-1 cells (p < .05 to p < .001). G1 cell cycle arrest was also observed using flow cytometry. G1-acting cell cycle genes (P21, P27 and P53) were overexpressed (p < .05 to p < .001), while CDK2 was downregulated upon I3C treatment (p < .01 to p < .001). I3C could exert its antileukemic effects through AhR activation which is associated with programed cell death and G1 cell cycle arrest in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Therefore, AhR could be targeted as a novel treatment possibility in AML.

  12. Requirement of ClC-3 in G0/G1 to S Phase Transition Induced by IGF-1 via ERK1/2-Cyclins Cascade in Multiple Myeloma Cells.

    PubMed

    Du, Yu; Tu, Yong-Sheng; Tang, Yong-Bo; Huang, Yun-Ying; Zhou, Fang-Min; Tian, Tian; Li, Xiao-Yan

    2018-06-01

    ClC-3 is involved in the proliferation and migration of several cancer cells. However, ClC-3 expression and its role of cell-cycle control in multiple myeloma (MM) has not yet been investigated. MM cells were treated with different concentrations of IGF (30, 100, 300 ng/mL), and their proliferation was examined by CCK-8. The effects of ClC-3 on cell cycle progression was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to analyze the relative levels of ClC3, CD138, P21, P27, CDK, p-Erk1/2, and t-Erk1/2 protein expression. Transfection of RPMI8226 with gpClC-3 cDNA and siRNA alters the expression of ClC-3. We compared the expression of ClC-3 in primary myeloma cells and in MM cell lines (U266 and RPMI8266) with that in normal plasma cells (PCs) from normal subjects and found that myeloma cells from patients and MM cell lines had significantly higher expression of ClC-3. Additionally, silencing of ClC-3 with the small interfering RNA (siRNA) that targets human ClC-3 decreased proliferation of RPMI8226 after IGF-1 treatment and slowed cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S phase, which was associated with diminished phosphorylation of ERK1/2, down-expression of cyclin E, cyclin D1 and up-regulation of p27 and p21. By contrast, overexpression of ClC-3 potentiated cell proliferation induced by IGF-1, raised the percentage of S phase cells, enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, downregulated p27 and p21 and upregulated cyclin E and cyclin D1. ClC-3 accelerated G0/G1 to S phase transition in the cell cycle by modulating ERK1/2 kinase activity and expression of G1/S transition related proteins, making ClC-3 an attractive therapeutic target in MM.

  13. Glucose transporters and ATP-gated K+ (KATP) metabolic sensors are present in type 1 taste receptor 3 (T1r3)-expressing taste cells.

    PubMed

    Yee, Karen K; Sukumaran, Sunil K; Kotha, Ramana; Gilbertson, Timothy A; Margolskee, Robert F

    2011-03-29

    Although the heteromeric combination of type 1 taste receptors 2 and 3 (T1r2 + T1r3) is well established as the major receptor for sugars and noncaloric sweeteners, there is also evidence of T1r-independent sweet taste in mice, particularly so for sugars. Before the molecular cloning of the T1rs, it had been proposed that sweet taste detection depended on (a) activation of sugar-gated cation channels and/or (b) sugar binding to G protein-coupled receptors to initiate second-messenger cascades. By either mechanism, sugars would elicit depolarization of sweet-responsive taste cells, which would transmit their signal to gustatory afferents. We examined the nature of T1r-independent sweet taste; our starting point was to determine if taste cells express glucose transporters (GLUTs) and metabolic sensors that serve as sugar sensors in other tissues. Using RT-PCR, quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry, we determined that several GLUTs (GLUT2, GLUT4, GLUT8, and GLUT9), a sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1), and two components of the ATP-gated K(+) (K(ATP)) metabolic sensor [sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) 1 and potassium inwardly rectifying channel (Kir) 6.1] were expressed selectively in taste cells. Consistent with a role in sweet taste, GLUT4, SGLT1, and SUR1 were expressed preferentially in T1r3-positive taste cells. Electrophysiological recording determined that nearly 20% of the total outward current of mouse fungiform taste cells was composed of K(ATP) channels. Because the overwhelming majority of T1r3-expressing taste cells also express SUR1, and vice versa, it is likely that K(ATP) channels constitute a major portion of K(+) channels in the T1r3 subset of taste cells. Taste cell-expressed glucose sensors and K(ATP) may serve as mediators of the T1r-independent sweet taste of sugars.

  14. MicroRNA-24 Modulates Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Macrophage Polarization by Suppressing CHI3L1.

    PubMed

    Jingjing, Zhang; Nan, Zhang; Wei, Wu; Qinghe, Guo; Weijuan, Wang; Peng, Wang; Xiangpeng, Wang

    2017-06-01

    Macrophages play a crucial role in host innate anti-Staphylococcus aureus defense, which is tightly regulated by multiple factors, including microRNAs. A recent study showed that miR-24 plays an important role in macrophage polarization. Here, we investigated the biological function of miR-24 in S. aureus-stimulated macrophages. The results revealed that miR-24 expression was significantly decreased in both human and mouse macrophage cell lines with S. aureus stimulation in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, miR-24 overexpression significantly decreased the production of M1 phenotype markers, such as IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α, CD86, and CD80, whereas it increased the production of M2 markers, such as Arg1, CCL17, CCL22, CD163, and CD206, in S. aureus-stimulated macrophages. Conversely, knockdown of miR-24 promoted M1 macrophage polarization but diminished M2 macrophage polarization in S. aureus-stimulated macrophages. Furthermore, CHI3L1 was predicted as a target gene of miR-24 using bioinformatics software and identified by luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, miR-24 overexpression inhibited CHI3L1 expression and downregulated the downstream MAPK pathway in S. aureus-stimulated macrophages. Finally, CHI3L1 overexpression rescued macrophage polarization and MAPK pathway inhibition induced by miR-24 mimic transfection in S. aureus-stimulated macrophages. In conclusion, the data suggest that miR-24 serves as a molecular regulator in S. aureus-induced macrophage polarization through targeting of CHI3L1 and regulation of the MAPK pathway, which may provide a promising therapeutic target for S. aureus-related infections and inflammatory diseases.

  15. Thermal Chemistry of Cp*W(NO)(CH2CMe3)(H)(L) Complexes (L = Lewis Base).

    PubMed

    Fabulyak, Diana; Handford, Rex C; Holmes, Aaron S; Levesque, Taleah M; Wakeham, Russell J; Patrick, Brian O; Legzdins, Peter; Rosenfeld, Devon C

    2017-01-03

    The complexes trans-Cp*W(NO)(CH 2 CMe 3 )(H)(L) (Cp* = η 5 -C 5 Me 5 ) result from the treatment of Cp*W(NO)(CH 2 CMe 3 ) 2 in n-pentane with H 2 (∼1 atm) in the presence of a Lewis base, L. The designation of a particular geometrical isomer as cis or trans indicates the relative positions of the alkyl and hydrido ligands in the base of a four-legged piano-stool molecular structure. The thermal behavior of these complexes is markedly dependent on the nature of L. Some of them can be isolated at ambient temperatures [e.g., L = P(OMe) 3 , P(OPh) 3 , or P(OCH 2 ) 3 CMe]. Others undergo reductive elimination of CMe 4 via trans to cis isomerization to generate the 16e reactive intermediates Cp*W(NO)(L). These intermediates can intramolecularly activate a C-H bond of L to form 18e cis complexes that may convert to the thermodynamically more stable trans isomers [e.g., Cp*W(NO)(PPh 3 ) initially forms cis-Cp*W(NO)(H)(κ 2 -PPh 2 C 6 H 4 ) that upon being warmed in n-pentane at 80 °C isomerizes to trans-Cp*W(NO)(H)(κ 2 -PPh 2 C 6 H 4 )]. Alternatively, the Cp*W(NO)(L) intermediates can effect the intermolecular activation of a substrate R-H to form trans-Cp*W(NO)(R)(H)(L) complexes [e.g., L = P(OMe) 3 or P(OCH 2 ) 3 CMe; R-H = C 6 H 6 or Me 4 Si] probably via their cis isomers. These latter activations are also accompanied by the formation of some Cp*W(NO)(L) 2 disproportionation products. An added complication in the L = P(OMe) 3 system is that thermolysis of trans-Cp*W(NO)(CH 2 CMe 3 )(H)(P(OMe) 3 ) results in it undergoing an Arbuzov-like rearrangement and being converted mainly into [Cp*W(NO)(Me)(PO(OMe) 2 )] 2 , which exists as a mixture of two isomers. All new complexes have been characterized by conventional and spectroscopic methods, and the solid-state molecular structures of most of them have been established by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analyses.

  16. Differential Ubiquitin Binding by the Acidic Loops of Ube2g1 and Ube2r1 Enzymes Distinguishes Their Lys-48-ubiquitylation Activities*

    PubMed Central

    Choi, Yun-Seok; Lee, Yun-Ju; Lee, Seo-Yeon; Shi, Lei; Ha, Jung-Hye; Cheong, Hae-Kap; Cheong, Chaejoon; Cohen, Robert E.; Ryu, Kyoung-Seok

    2015-01-01

    The ubiquitin E2 enzymes, Ube2g1 and Ube2r1, are able to synthesize Lys-48-linked polyubiquitins without an E3 ligase but how that is accomplished has been unclear. Although both E2s contain essential acidic loops, only Ube2r1 requires an additional C-terminal extension (184–196) for efficient Lys-48-ubiquitylation activity. The presence of Tyr-102 and Tyr-104 in the Ube2g1 acidic loop enhanced both ubiquitin binding and Lys-48-ubiquitylation and distinguished Ube2g1 from the otherwise similar truncated Ube2r11–183 (Ube2r1C). Replacement of Gln-105–Ser-106–Gly-107 in the acidic loop of Ube2r1C (Ube2r1CYGY) by the corresponding residues from Ube2g1 (Tyr-102–Gly-103–Tyr-104) increased Lys-48-ubiquitylation activity and ubiquitin binding. Two E2∼UB thioester mimics (oxyester and disulfide) were prepared to characterize the ubiquitin binding activity of the acidic loop. The oxyester but not the disulfide derivative was found to be a functional equivalent of the E2∼UB thioester. The ubiquitin moiety of the Ube2r1CC93S-[15N]UBK48R oxyester displayed two-state conformational exchange, whereas the Ube2r1CC93S/YGY-[15N]UBK48R oxyester showed predominantly one state. Together with NMR studies that compared UBK48R oxyesters of the wild-type and the acidic loop mutant (Y102G/Y104G) forms of Ube2g1, in vitro ubiquitylation assays with various mutation forms of the E2s revealed how the intramolecular interaction between the acidic loop and the attached donor ubiquitin regulates Lys-48-ubiquitylation activity. PMID:25471371

  17. Reactions of small negative ions with O2(a 1[Delta]g) and O2(X 3[Sigma]g-)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Midey, Anthony; Dotan, Itzhak; Seeley, J. V.; Viggiano, A. A.

    2009-02-01

    The rate constants and product ion branching ratios were measured for the reactions of various small negative ions with O2(X 3[Sigma]g-) and O2(a 1[Delta]g) in a selected ion flow tube (SIFT). Only NH2- and CH3O- were found to react with O2(X) and both reactions were slow. CH3O- reacted by hydride transfer, both with and without electron detachment. NH2- formed both OH-, as observed previously, and O2-, the latter via endothermic charge transfer. A temperature study revealed a negative temperature dependence for the former channel and Arrhenius behavior for the endothermic channel, resulting in an overall rate constant with a minimum at 500 K. SF6-, SF4-, SO3- and CO3- were found to react with O2(a 1[Delta]g) with rate constants less than 10-11 cm3 s-1. NH2- reacted rapidly with O2(a 1[Delta]g) by charge transfer. The reactions of HO2- and SO2- proceeded moderately with competition between Penning detachment and charge transfer. SO2- produced a SO4- cluster product in 2% of reactions and HO2- produced O3- in 13% of the reactions. CH3O- proceeded essentially at the collision rate by hydride transfer, again both with and without electron detachment. These results show that charge transfer to O2(a 1[Delta]g) occurs readily if the there are no restrictions on the ion beyond the reaction thermodynamics. The SO2- and HO2- reactions with O2(a) are the only known reactions involving Penning detachment besides the reaction with O2- studied previously [R.S. Berry, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 7 (2005) 289-290].

  18. Gibberellin A3 Is Biosynthesized from Gibberellin A20 via Gibberellin A5 in Shoots of Zea mays L. 1

    PubMed Central

    Fujioka, Shozo; Yamane, Hisakazu; Spray, Clive R.; Phinney, Bernard O.; Gaskin, Paul; MacMillan, Jake; Takahashi, Nobutaka

    1990-01-01

    [17-13C,3H]-Labeled gibberellin A20 (GA20), GA5, and GA1 were fed to homozygous normal (+/+), heterozygous dominant dwarf (D8/+), and homozygous dominant dwarf (D8/D8) seedlings of Zea mays L. (maize). 13C-Labeled GA29, GA8, GA5, GA1, and 3-epi-GA1, as well as unmetabolized [13C]GA20, were identified by gas chromatography-selected ion monitoring (GC-SIM) from feeds of [17-13C, 3H]GA20 to all three genotypes. 13C-Labeled GA8 and 3-epi-G1, as well as unmetabolized [13C]GA1, were identified by GC-SIM from feeds of [17-13C, 3H]GA1 to all three genotypes. From feeds of [17-13C, 3H]GA5, 13C-labeled GA3 and the GA3-isolactone, as well as unmetabolized [13C]GA5, were identified by GC-SIM from +/+ and D8/D8, and by full scan GC-MS from D8/+. No evidence was found for the metabolism of [17-13C, 3H]GA5 to [13C]GA1, either by full scan GC-mass spectrometry or by GC-SIM. The results demonstrate the presence in maize seedlings of three separate branches from GA20, as follows: (a) GA20 → GA1 → GA8; (b) GA20 → GA5 → GA3; and (c) GA20 → GA29. The in vivo biogenesis of GA3 from GA5, as well as the origin of GA5 from GA20, are conclusively established for the first time in a higher plant (maize shoots). PMID:16667678

  19. Selective Production of 9R-Hydroxy-10E,12Z,15Z-Octadecatrienoic Acid from α-Linolenic Acid in Perilla Seed Oil Hydrolyzate by a Lipoxygenase from Nostoc Sp. SAG 25.82.

    PubMed

    Kim, Kyoung-Rok; An, Jung-Ung; Lee, Seon-Hwa; Oh, Deok-Kun

    2015-01-01

    Hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) derived from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been known as versatile bioactive molecules. However, its practical production from omega-3 or omega-3 rich oil has not been well established. In the present study, the stereo-selective enzymatic production of 9R-hydroxy-10E,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoic acid (9R-HOTE) from α-linolenic acid (ALA) in perilla seed oil (PO) hydrolyzate was achieved using purified recombinant 9R-lipoxygenase (9R-LOX) from Nostoc sp. SAG 25.82. The specific activity of the enzyme followed the order linoleic acid (LA) > ALA > γ-linolenic acid (GLA). A total of 75% fatty acids (ALA and LA) were used as a substrate for 9R-LOX from commercial PO by hydrolysis of Candida rugosa lipase. The optimal reaction conditions for the production of 9R-HOTE from ALA using 9R-LOX were pH 8.5, 15°C, 5% (v/v) acetone, 0.2% (w/v) Tween 80, 40 g/L ALA, and 1 g/L enzyme. Under these conditions, 9R-LOX produced 37.6 g/L 9R-HOTE from 40 g/L ALA for 1 h, with a conversion yield of 94% and a productivity of 37.6 g/L/h; and the enzyme produced 34 g/L 9R-HOTE from 40 g/L ALA in PO hydrolyzate for 1 h, with a conversion yields of 85% and a productivity of 34 g/L/h. The enzyme also converted 9R-hydroxy-10E,12Z-octadecadienoic acid (9R-HODE) from 40 g/L LA for 1.0 h, with a conversion yield of 95% and a productivity of 38.4 g/L. This is the highest productivity of HFA from both ALA and ALA-rich vegetable oil using LOX ever reported. Therefore, our result suggests an efficient method for the production of 9R-HFAs from LA and ALA in vegetable oil using recombinant LOX in biotechnology.

  20. Selective Production of 9R-Hydroxy-10E,12Z,15Z-Octadecatrienoic Acid from α-Linolenic Acid in Perilla Seed Oil Hydrolyzate by a Lipoxygenase from Nostoc Sp. SAG 25.82

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Kyoung-Rok; An, Jung-Ung; Lee, Seon-Hwa; Oh, Deok-Kun

    2015-01-01

    Hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) derived from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been known as versatile bioactive molecules. However, its practical production from omega-3 or omega-3 rich oil has not been well established. In the present study, the stereo-selective enzymatic production of 9R-hydroxy-10E,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoic acid (9R-HOTE) from α-linolenic acid (ALA) in perilla seed oil (PO) hydrolyzate was achieved using purified recombinant 9R-lipoxygenase (9R-LOX) from Nostoc sp. SAG 25.82. The specific activity of the enzyme followed the order linoleic acid (LA) > ALA > γ-linolenic acid (GLA). A total of 75% fatty acids (ALA and LA) were used as a substrate for 9R-LOX from commercial PO by hydrolysis of Candida rugosa lipase. The optimal reaction conditions for the production of 9R-HOTE from ALA using 9R-LOX were pH 8.5, 15°C, 5% (v/v) acetone, 0.2% (w/v) Tween 80, 40 g/L ALA, and 1 g/L enzyme. Under these conditions, 9R-LOX produced 37.6 g/L 9R-HOTE from 40 g/L ALA for 1 h, with a conversion yield of 94% and a productivity of 37.6 g/L/h; and the enzyme produced 34 g/L 9R-HOTE from 40 g/L ALA in PO hydrolyzate for 1 h, with a conversion yields of 85% and a productivity of 34 g/L/h. The enzyme also converted 9R-hydroxy-10E,12Z-octadecadienoic acid (9R-HODE) from 40 g/L LA for 1.0 h, with a conversion yield of 95% and a productivity of 38.4 g/L. This is the highest productivity of HFA from both ALA and ALA-rich vegetable oil using LOX ever reported. Therefore, our result suggests an efficient method for the production of 9R-HFAs from LA and ALA in vegetable oil using recombinant LOX in biotechnology. PMID:26379279

  1. Knock-in human GDF5 proregion L373R mutation as a mouse model for proximal symphalangism.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xinxin; Xing, Xuesha; Liu, Xing; Hu, Yu; Qu, Shengqiang; Wang, Heyi; Luo, Yang

    2017-12-26

    Proximal symphalangism (SYM1) is an autosomal dominant disorder, mainly characterized by bony fusions of the proximal phalanges of the hands and feet. GDF5 and NOG were identified to be responsible for SYM1. We have previously reported on a p.Leu373Arg mutation in the GDF5 proregion present in a Chinese family with SYM1. Here, we investigated the effects of the GDF-L373R mutation. The variant caused proteolysis efficiency of GDF5 increased in ATDC5 cells. The variant also caused upregulation of SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation and increased expression of target genes SMURF1 , along with COL2A1 and SOX9 which are factors associated with chondrosis. Furthermore, we developed a human-relevant SYM1 mouse model by making a Gdf5 L367R (the orthologous position for L373R in humans) knock-in mouse. Gdf5 L367R/+ and Gdf5 L367R/L367R mice displayed stiffness and adhesions across the proximal phalanx joint which were in complete accord with SYM1. It was also confirmed the joint formation and development was abnormal in Gdf5 L367R/+ and Gdf5 L367R/L367R mice, including the failure to develop the primary ossification center and be hypertrophic chondrocytes during embryonic development. This knock-in mouse model offers a tool for assessing the pathogenesis of SYM1 and the function of the GDF5 proregion.

  2. ALS mutant SOD1 interacts with G3BP1 and affects stress granule dynamics.

    PubMed

    Gal, Jozsef; Kuang, Lisha; Barnett, Kelly R; Zhu, Brian Z; Shissler, Susannah C; Korotkov, Konstantin V; Hayward, Lawrence J; Kasarskis, Edward J; Zhu, Haining

    2016-10-01

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) are responsible for approximately 20 % of the familial ALS cases. ALS-causing SOD1 mutants display a gain-of-toxicity phenotype, but the nature of this toxicity is still not fully understood. The Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding protein G3BP1 plays a critical role in stress granule dynamics. Alterations in the dynamics of stress granules have been reported in several other forms of ALS unrelated to SOD1. To our surprise, the mutant G93A SOD1 transgenic mice exhibited pathological cytoplasmic inclusions that co-localized with G3BP1-positive granules in spinal cord motor neurons. The co-localization was also observed in fibroblast cells derived from familial ALS patient carrying SOD1 mutation L144F. Mutant SOD1, unlike wild-type SOD1, interacted with G3BP1 in an RNA-independent manner. Moreover, the interaction is specific for G3BP1 since mutant SOD1 showed little interaction with four other RNA-binding proteins implicated in ALS. The RNA-binding RRM domain of G3BP1 and two particular phenylalanine residues (F380 and F382) are critical for this interaction. Mutant SOD1 delayed the formation of G3BP1- and TIA1-positive stress granules in response to hyperosmolar shock and arsenite treatment in N2A cells. In summary, the aberrant mutant SOD1-G3BP1 interaction affects stress granule dynamics, suggesting a potential link between pathogenic SOD1 mutations and RNA metabolism alterations in ALS.

  3. Improved stereoselective bioreduction of t-butyl 6-cyano-(5R)-hydroxy-3-oxohexanoate by Rhodotorula glutinis through heat treatment.

    PubMed

    Luo, Xi; Wang, Ya-Jun; Zheng, Yu-Guo

    2016-11-01

    Optically pure t-butyl 6-cyano-(3R, 5R)-dihydroxyhexanoate ((R)-1b) is the key precursor for atorvastatin calcium, the most widely used cholesterol-lowering drug. In this work, a strain ZJB-09224 capable of asymmetrically reducing t-butyl 6-cyano-(5R)-hydroxy-3-oxohexanoate (1a) to corresponding optically pure (R)-1b was successfully isolated from soil sample, identified belonging to Rhodotorula glutinis based on the morphology, physiological tests, and the 18S rDNA sequence analysis. It was found that heat treatment of cell suspension at 45 °C for 25 Min significantly improved R. glutinis ZJB-09224 stereoselectivity. The asymmetric bioreduction of 1a was most efficient at pH 7.5, 35 °C, 50 mM (15.0 g L -1 ) substrate concentration, 40.0 g DCW L -1 cell loading size, 0.54 M (60.0 g L -1 ) sodium lactate acting as co-substrate. Under these optimal conditions, 0.046 M (R)-1b was produced with de (diastereomeric excess) value of 99.2% after 40 H conversion. Moreover, R. glutinis ZJB-09224 has a broad substrate spectrum, making it a potential tool for some valuable chiral alcohol pharmaceutical intermediates synthesis. © 2015 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  4. Kinetic performance of a 50mm long 1.8μm chiral column in supercritical fluid chromatography.

    PubMed

    Berger, Terry A

    2016-08-12

    Reduced plate heights (hr) of <2 were observed for the first time during the chiral separation of enantiomers, on sub-2μm particles with supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). The enantiomers of trans-stilbene oxide, were separated on a 4.6×50mm, 1.8μm R,R-Whelk-O1 column, with hr as low as 1.93. The plumbing of a commercial SFC instrument was modified to create a low dispersion version. Without the modification performance was considerably worse. vanDeemter like plots of reduced plate height vs. flow rate, for trans-stilbene oxide, indicate that the optimum flow varied with% modifier. On a 4.6×250mm, 5μm R,R- Whelk-O1 column, the optimum flow was >4mL/min for 5% methanol in CO2, decreasing to <2mL/min for 40% methanol (more than a factor of 2). For a 4.6×50mm column packed with 1.8μm particles the optimum appeared to be near, or >5mL/min with 2.5%, 5%, and 10% methanol, decreasing to between 3 and 3.5mL/min at 40% methanol. This is the first time such shifts have been characterized. Since the solutes were the same in all cases, the differences are likely due to changes in solute diffusion coefficients caused by changes in modifier concentration, and pressure. Pump pressure requirements sometimes exceeded 500bar. It is shown that a 5mL/min flow rate is inadequate for use with 1.8μm particles in a 4.6mm ID column format. Instead, it is suggested to decrease the ID of the column to 3mm, where the optimum flow rates are on the order of 2mL/min with decreased tubing variance. Nevertheless, a number of sub-1min chromatograms are presented. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Cinnamyl Alcohol, the Bioactive Component of Chestnut Flower Absolute, Inhibits Adipocyte Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Cells by Downregulating Adipogenic Transcription Factors.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Dae Il; Won, Kyung-Jong; Kim, Do-Yoon; Kim, Bokyung; Lee, Hwan Myung

    2017-01-01

    The extract of chestnut (Castanea crenata var. dulcis) flower (CCDF) has antioxidant and antimelanogenic properties, but its anti-obesity properties have not been previously examined. In this study, we tested the effect of CCDF absolute on adipocyte differentiation by using 3T3-L1 cells and determining the bioactive component of CCDF absolute in 3T3-L1 cell differentiation. CCDF absolute (0.1-100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL) did not change 3T3-L1 cell viability. At 50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL and 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL, the absolute significantly reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 cells that were induced by culture in medium containing 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine/dexamethasone/insulin (MDI). GC/MS analysis showed that CCDF absolute contains 10 compounds. Among these compounds, cinnamyl alcohol (3-phenyl-2-propene-1-ol) dose-dependently inhibited the increased accumulation of lipid droplets in MDI-contained medium-cultured 3T3-L1 cells at a concentration range of 0.1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL to 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL that did not cause cytotoxicity in 3T3-L1 cells. The inhibitory effect was significant at 5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL ([Formula: see text] of response in MDI alone-treated state, [Formula: see text]) and 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL ([Formula: see text] of response in MDI alone-treated state, [Formula: see text]). Moreover, the enhanced expression of obesity-related proteins (PPAR[Formula: see text], C/EBP[Formula: see text], SREBP-1c, and FAS) in MDI medium-cultivated 3T3-L1 cells was significantly attenuated by the addition of cinnamyl alcohol at 5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL and 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL. These findings demonstrate that cinnamyl alcohol suppresses 3T3-L1 cell differentiation by inhibiting anti-adipogenesis-related proteins, and it may be a main bioactive

  6. Distinct Contributions of T1R2 and T1R3 Taste Receptor Subunits to the Detection of Sweet Stimuli

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nie,Y.; Vigues, S.; Hobbs, J.

    2005-01-01

    The molecular mechanisms by which G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-type chemosensory receptors of animals selectively interact with their cognate ligands remain poorly understood. There is growing evidence that many chemosensory receptors exist in multimeric complexes, though little is known about the relative contributions of individual subunits to receptor functions. This study showed that each of the two subunits in the mammalian heteromeric T1R2:T1R3 sweet taste receptor binds sweet stimuli, though with distinct affinities and conformational changes. Furthermore, ligand affinities for T1R3 are drastically reduced by the introduction of a single amino acid change associated with decreased sweet taste sensitivity in mice.more » Thus, individual T1R subunits increase the receptive range of the sweet taste receptor, offering a functional mechanism for phenotypic variations in sweet taste.« less

  7. GOES-R L1b Readiness Implementation and Management Plan

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kunkee, David; Farley, Robert; Kwan, Betty; Walterscheid, Richard; Hecht, James; Claudepierre, Seth.; De Luccia, Frank

    2017-01-01

    A complement of Readiness, Implementation and Management Plans (RIMPs) to facilitate management of post-launch product test activities for the official Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) Level 1b (L1b) products have been developed and documented. Separate plans have been created for each of the GOES-R sensors including: the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), the Extreme ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS), Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), GOES-R Magnetometer (MAG), the Space Environment In-Situ Suite (SEISS), and the Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI). The GOES-R program has implemented these RIMPs in order to address the full scope of CalVal activities required for a successful demonstration of GOES-R L1b data product quality throughout the three validation stages: Beta, Provisional and Full Validation. For each product maturity level, the RIMPs include specific performance criteria and required artifacts that provide evidence a given validation stage has been reached, the timing when each stage will be complete, a description of every applicable Post-Launch Product Test (PLPT), roles and responsibilities of personnel, upstream dependencies, and analysis methods and tools to be employed during validation. Instrument level Post-Launch Tests (PLTs) are also referenced and apply primarily to functional check-out of the instruments.

  8. A new human IgG avidity test, using mixtures of recombinant antigens (rROP1, rSAG2, rGRA6), for the diagnosis of difficult-to-identify phases of toxoplasmosis.

    PubMed

    Drapała, Dorota; Holec-Gąsior, Lucyna; Kur, Józef; Ferra, Bartłomiej; Hiszczyńska-Sawicka, Elżbieta; Lautenbach, Dariusz

    2014-07-01

    The preliminary diagnostic utility of two mixtures of Toxoplasma gondii recombinant antigens (rROP1+rSAG2 and rROP1+rGRA6) in IgG ELISA and IgG avidity test has been evaluated. A total of 173 serum samples from patients with toxoplasmosis and seronegative people were examined. The sensitivity of IgG ELISA for rROP1+rSAG2 and rROP1+rGRA6 was 91.1% and 76.7%, respectively, while the reactivity for sera from patients where acute toxoplasmosis was suspected was higher, at 100% and 95.4%, respectively, than for people with chronic infection, at 88.2% and 70.6%. In this study a different trend in avidity maturation of IgG antibodies for two mixtures of proteins in comparison with native antigen was observed. The results suggest that a new IgG avidity test using the mixtures of recombinant antigens may be useful for the diagnosis of difficult-to-identify phases of toxoplasmosis. For this reason, selected mixtures after the additional tests on groups of sera with well-defined dates of infection could be used as a better alternative to the native antigens of the parasite in the serodiagnosis of human T. gondii infection. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. IL-8 negatively regulates ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux via upregulating miR-183 in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells.

    PubMed

    Tang, Xiao-Er; Li, Heng; Chen, Ling-Yan; Xia, Xiao-Dan; Zhao, Zhen-Wang; Zheng, Xi-Long; Zhao, Guo-Jun; Tang, Chao-Ke

    2018-04-24

    Previous studies suggest that IL-8 has an important role in the regulation of cholesterol efflux, but whether miRNAs are involved in this process is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to explore whether IL-8 promotes cholesterol accumulation by enhancing miR-183 expression in macrophages and its underlying mechanism. Treatment of THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells with IL-8 decreased ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux. Using bioinformatics analyses and dual-luciferase reporter assays, we found that miR-183 was highly conserved during evolution and directly inhibited ABCA1 protein and mRNA expression by targeting ABCA1 3'UTR. MiR-183 directly regulated endogenous ABCA1 expression levels. Furthermore, IL-8 enhanced the expression of miR-183 and decrease ABCA1 expression. Cholesterol transport assays confirmed that IL-8 dramatically inhibited apolipoprotein AI-mediated ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux by increasing miR-183 expression. In contrast, treatment with anti-IL-8 antibody reversed these effects. IL-8 enhances the expression of miR-183, which then inhibits ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux. Our studies suggest that the IL-8-miR-183-ABCA1 axis may play an intermediary role in the development of atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. L-Asparaginase Production by Erwinia aroideae1

    PubMed Central

    Peterson, R. E.; Ciegler, A.

    1969-01-01

    Maximum yields of 1,250 IU (international unit)/g (dry weight of cells) of L-asparaginase were obtained in 8 hr from Erwinia aroideae NRRL B-138. Partial purification and concentration of the extracted L-asparaginase yielded a preparation with an activity of 275 IU/ml. Only one L-asparaginase was present as determined by electrophoresis, and the enzyme exhibited a pH optimum of 7.5 and a Km of 3 × 10-3 M. PMID:5803630

  11. [Knockdown of STAT3 inhibits proliferation and migration of HepG2 hepatoma cells induced by IFN1].

    PubMed

    Li, Xiaofang; Wang, Yuqi; Yan, Ben; Fang, Peipei; Ma, Chao; Xu, Ning; Fu, Xiaoyan; Liang, Shujuan

    2018-02-01

    Objective To prepare lentiviruses expressing shRNA sequences targeting human signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and detect the effect of STAT3 knockdown on type I interferon (IFN1)-induced proliferation and migration in HepG2 cells. Methods Four STAT3-targeting shRNA sequences (shRNA1-shRNA4) and one control sequence (Ctrl shRNA) were selected and cloned respectively into pLKO.1-sp6-pgk-GFP to construct shRNA-expressing vectors. Along with backbone psPAX2 and pMD2.G vectors, they were separately transfected into HEK293T cells to prepare lentiviruses. HepG2 cells were infected with the lentiviruses. Cytoplastic STAT3 level was detected by Western blotting to screen effective shRNA sequence(s) targeting STAT3. Proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells were analyzed by CCK-8 assay and Transwell TM migration and scratching assay, respectively. To detect the effect of IFN1 on cell proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells, the cells were treated with 2000 U/mL IFNα2b for indicated time and the activation of IFN-triggered STAT1 signal transduction was assayed by Western blotting. Results Two most effective STAT3-targeting shRNA sequences shRNA1 and shRNA2 were selected, and the expression of both STAT3 shRNA significantly decreased proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. When treated with IFNα2b, 2000 U/mL of IFN1 showed more competent in attenuating growth and migration of HepG2 cells. Our data further proved that knockdown of STAT3 increased the phosphorylation of STAT1, and IFNα2b further enhanced the activation of STAT1 signaling in HepG2 cells. Conclusion Knockdown of STAT3 inhibits cell migration and growth, and rescues IFN response through up-regulating STAT1 signal transduction in HepG2 hepatoma cells.

  12. Directed Evolution of Carbonyl Reductase from Rhodosporidium toruloides and Its Application in Stereoselective Synthesis of tert-Butyl (3R,5S)-6-Chloro-3,5-dihydroxyhexanoate.

    PubMed

    Liu, Zhi-Qiang; Wu, Lin; Zhang, Xiao-Jian; Xue, Ya-Ping; Zheng, Yu-Guo

    2017-05-10

    tert-Butyl (3R,5S)-6-chloro-3,5-dihydroxyhexanoate ((3R,5S)-CDHH) is a key intermediate of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin synthesis. Carbonyl reductase RtSCR9 from Rhodosporidium toruloides exhibited excellent activity toward tert-butyl (S)-6-chloro-5-hydroxy-3-oxohexanoate ((S)-CHOH). For the activity of RtSCR9 to be improved, random mutagenesis and site-saturation mutagenesis were performed. Three positive mutants were obtained (mut-Gln95Asp, mut-Ile144Lys, and mut-Phe156Gln). These mutants exhibited 1.94-, 3.03-, and 1.61-fold and 1.93-, 3.15-, and 1.97-fold improvement in the specific activity and k cat /K m , respectively. Asymmetric reduction of (S)-CHOH by mut-Ile144Lys coupled with glucose dehydrogenase was conducted. The yield and enantiomeric excess of (3R,5S)-CDHH reached 98 and 99%, respectively, after 8 h bioconversion in a single batch reaction with 1 M (S)-CHOH, and the space-time yield reached 542.83 mmol L -1 h -1 g -1 wet cell weight. This study presents a new carbonyl reductase for efficient synthesis of (3R,5S)-CDHH.

  13. Micronutrient Deficiencies Are Common in 6- to 8-Year-Old Children of Rural Nepal, with Prevalence Estimates Modestly Affected by Inflammation12

    PubMed Central

    Schulze, Kerry J.; Christian, Parul; Wu, Lee S.-F.; Arguello, Margia; Cui, Hongjie; Nanayakkara-Bind, Ashika; Stewart, Christine P.; Khatry, Subarna K.; LeClerq, Steven; West, Keith P.

    2014-01-01

    Subclinical micronutrient deficiencies remain a hidden aspect of malnutrition for which comprehensive data are lacking in school-aged children. We assessed the micronutrient status of Nepalese children, aged 6 to 8 y, born to mothers who participated in a community-based antenatal micronutrient supplementation trial from 1999 to 2001. Of 3305 participants, plasma indicators were assessed in a random sample of 1000 children. Results revealed deficiencies of vitamins A (retinol <0.70 μmol/L, 8.5%), D (25-hydroxyvitamin D <50 nmol/L, 17.2%), E (α-tocopherol <9.3 μmol/L, 17.9%), K (decarboxy prothombin >2 μg/L, 20%), B-12 (cobalamin <150 pmol/L, 18.1%), B-6 [pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) <20 nmol/L, 43.1%], and β-carotene (41.5% <0.09 μmol/L), with little folate deficiency (6.2% <13.6 nmol/L). Deficiencies of iron [ferritin <15 μg/L, 10.7%; transferrin receptor (TfR) >8.3 mg/L, 40.1%; TfR:ferritin >500 μg/μg, 14.3%], iodine (thyroglobulin >40 μg/L, 11.4%), and selenium (plasma selenium <0.89 μmol/L, 59.0%) were observed, whereas copper deficiency was nearly absent (plasma copper <11.8 μmol/L, 0.7%). Hemoglobin was not assessed. Among all children, 91.7% experienced at least 1 micronutrient deficiency, and 64.7% experienced multiple deficiencies. Inflammation (α-1 acid glycoprotein >1 g/L, C-reactive protein >5 mg/L, or both) was present in 31.6% of children, affecting the prevalence of deficiency as assessed by retinol, β-carotene, PLP, ferritin, TfR, selenium, copper, or having any or multiple deficiencies. For any nutrient, population deficiency prevalence estimates were altered by ≤5.4% by the presence of inflammation, suggesting that the majority of deficiencies exist regardless of inflammation. Multiple micronutrient deficiencies coexist in school-aged children in rural Nepal, meriting more comprehensive strategies for their assessment and prevention. PMID:24744314

  14. Cytotoxic constituents from the mangrove endophytic Pestalotiopsis sp. induce G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Jing; Li, Gang; Deng, Qin; Zheng, Dongyao; Yang, Xiaobo; Xu, Jing

    2017-10-31

    Chemical examination of Chinese mangrove Rhizophora mucronata endophytic Pestalotiopsis sp., yielded  11 known metabolites with various structure types, including demethylincisterol A 3 (1), dankasterone B (2), (22E, 24R)-ergosta-7,9(11), 22-triene-3β, 5α, 6α-triol (3), ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3-ol (4), 5, 8-epidioxy-5, 8-ergosta-6, 22E-dien-3-ol (5), stigmastan-3-one (6), stigmast-4-en-3-one (7), stigmast-4-en-6 -ol-3-one (8), flufuran (9), (2-cis, 4-trans)-abscisic acid (10), similanpyrone B (11). Their structures were unambiguously elucidated on the basis of extensive NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analyses. Compounds 1, 4, 6-9 showed significant in vitro cytotoxicity against the human cancer cell lines Hela, A549 and HepG, of which compound 1 was the most potential with IC 50 values reaching nM degree ranging from 0.17 to 14.16 nM. Flow cytometric investigation demonstrated that compound 1 mainly inhibited cell cycle at G 0 /G 1 phase in a dose-dependent manner with a significant induction of apoptosis on the three tested cell lines. The involvement of the mitochondria in compound 1 induced apoptosis was investigated using MMP. We suggested that R. mucronata endophytic Pestalotiopsis sp. contained a potential anticancer compound demethylincisterol A 3 .

  15. Sugar-induced cephalic-phase insulin release is mediated by a T1r2+T1r3-independent taste transduction pathway in mice

    PubMed Central

    Stano, Sarah; Holter, Marlena; Azenkot, Tali; Goldman, Olivia; Margolskee, Robert F.; Vasselli, Joseph R.; Sclafani, Anthony

    2015-01-01

    Sensory stimulation from foods elicits cephalic phase responses, which facilitate digestion and nutrient assimilation. One such response, cephalic-phase insulin release (CPIR), enhances glucose tolerance. Little is known about the chemosensory mechanisms that activate CPIR. We studied the contribution of the sweet taste receptor (T1r2+T1r3) to sugar-induced CPIR in C57BL/6 (B6) and T1r3 knockout (KO) mice. First, we measured insulin release and glucose tolerance following oral (i.e., normal ingestion) or intragastric (IG) administration of 2.8 M glucose. Both groups of mice exhibited a CPIR following oral but not IG administration, and this CPIR improved glucose tolerance. Second, we examined the specificity of CPIR. Both mouse groups exhibited a CPIR following oral administration of 1 M glucose and 1 M sucrose but not 1 M fructose or water alone. Third, we studied behavioral attraction to the same three sugar solutions in short-term acceptability tests. B6 mice licked more avidly for the sugar solutions than for water, whereas T1r3 KO mice licked no more for the sugar solutions than for water. Finally, we examined chorda tympani (CT) nerve responses to each of the sugars. Both mouse groups exhibited CT nerve responses to the sugars, although those of B6 mice were stronger. We propose that mice possess two taste transduction pathways for sugars. One mediates behavioral attraction to sugars and requires an intact T1r2+T1r3. The other mediates CPIR but does not require an intact T1r2+T1r3. If the latter taste transduction pathway exists in humans, it should provide opportunities for the development of new treatments for controlling blood sugar. PMID:26157055

  16. Sugar-induced cephalic-phase insulin release is mediated by a T1r2+T1r3-independent taste transduction pathway in mice.

    PubMed

    Glendinning, John I; Stano, Sarah; Holter, Marlena; Azenkot, Tali; Goldman, Olivia; Margolskee, Robert F; Vasselli, Joseph R; Sclafani, Anthony

    2015-09-01

    Sensory stimulation from foods elicits cephalic phase responses, which facilitate digestion and nutrient assimilation. One such response, cephalic-phase insulin release (CPIR), enhances glucose tolerance. Little is known about the chemosensory mechanisms that activate CPIR. We studied the contribution of the sweet taste receptor (T1r2+T1r3) to sugar-induced CPIR in C57BL/6 (B6) and T1r3 knockout (KO) mice. First, we measured insulin release and glucose tolerance following oral (i.e., normal ingestion) or intragastric (IG) administration of 2.8 M glucose. Both groups of mice exhibited a CPIR following oral but not IG administration, and this CPIR improved glucose tolerance. Second, we examined the specificity of CPIR. Both mouse groups exhibited a CPIR following oral administration of 1 M glucose and 1 M sucrose but not 1 M fructose or water alone. Third, we studied behavioral attraction to the same three sugar solutions in short-term acceptability tests. B6 mice licked more avidly for the sugar solutions than for water, whereas T1r3 KO mice licked no more for the sugar solutions than for water. Finally, we examined chorda tympani (CT) nerve responses to each of the sugars. Both mouse groups exhibited CT nerve responses to the sugars, although those of B6 mice were stronger. We propose that mice possess two taste transduction pathways for sugars. One mediates behavioral attraction to sugars and requires an intact T1r2+T1r3. The other mediates CPIR but does not require an intact T1r2+T1r3. If the latter taste transduction pathway exists in humans, it should provide opportunities for the development of new treatments for controlling blood sugar. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  17. Biosynthesis of tert-butyl (3R,5S)-6-chloro-3,5-dihydroxyhexanoate by carbonyl reductase from Rhodosporidium toruloides in mono and biphasic media.

    PubMed

    Liu, Zhi-Qiang; Wu, Lin; Zheng, Ling; Wang, Wen-Zhong; Zhang, Xiao-Jian; Jin, Li-Qun; Zheng, Yu-Guo

    2018-02-01

    tert-Butyl (3R,5S)-6-chloro-3,5-dihydroxyhexanoate ((3R,5S)-CDHH) is the key intermediate for synthesis of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. Carbonyl reductase exhibits excellent activity toward tert-butyl (S)-6-chloro-5-hydroxy-3-oxohexanoate ((S)-CHOH) to synthesize (3R,5S)-CDHH. In this study, a whole cell biosynthesis reaction system to produce (3R,5S)-CDHH was constructed in organic solvents. A solution of 10% (v/v) Tween-80 was introduced to the reaction system as a co-solvent, which greatly enhanced biotransformation process, giving 98.9% yield, >99% ee and 1.8-fold higher space time yield in 5 h bioconversion of 1 M (S)-CHOH, compared with 98.7% yield and >99% ee in 9 h bioconversion of a purely aqueous reaction system. Moreover, a water-octanol biphasic reaction system was built and 20% of octanol was added as reservoir of substrate resulting in 98% yield, >99% ee and 4.08 mmol L -1  h -1g -1 (wet cell weight) space time yield. This study paved a way for the whole cell biosynthesis of (3R,5S)-CDHH in mono and biphasic media. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Baicalein induces G1 arrest in oral cancer cells by enhancing the degradation of cyclin D1 and activating AhR to decrease Rb phosphorylation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cheng, Ya-Hsin, E-mail: yhcheng@mail.cmu.edu.tw; Li, Lih-Ann; Lin, Pinpin

    Baicalein is a flavonoid, known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. As an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand, baicalein at high concentrations blocks AhR-mediated dioxin toxicity. Because AhR had been reported to play a role in regulating the cell cycle, we suspected that the anti-cancer effect of baicalein is associated with AhR. This study investigated the molecular mechanism involved in the anti-cancer effect of baicalein in oral cancer cells HSC-3, including whether such effect would be AhR-mediated. Results revealed that baicalein inhibited cell proliferation and increased AhR activity in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle was arrested at the G1 phasemore » and the expression of CDK4, cyclin D1, and phosphorylated retinoblastoma (pRb) was decreased. When the AhR was suppressed by siRNA, the reduction of pRb was partially reversed, accompanied by a decrease of cell population at G1 phase and an increase at S phase, while the reduction of cyclin D1 and CDK4 did not change. This finding suggests that the baicalein activation of AhR is indeed associated with the reduction of pRb, but is independent of the reduction of cyclin D1 and CDK4. When cells were pre-treated with LiCl, the inhibitor of GSK-3β, the decrease of cyclin D1 was blocked and the reduction of pRb was recovered. The data indicates that in HSC-3 the reduction of pRb is both mediated by baicalein through activation of AhR and facilitation of cyclin D1 degradation, which causes cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, and results in the inhibition of cell proliferation. -- Highlights: ► Baicalein causes the G1 phase arrest by decreasing Rb phosphorylation. ► Baicalein modulates AhR-mediated cell proliferation. ► Both AhR activation and cyclin D1 degradation results in hypophosphorylation of Rb. ► Baicalein facilitates cyclin D1 degradation by signalling the GSK-3β pathway.« less

  19. Aspartame downregulates 3T3-L1 differentiation.

    PubMed

    Pandurangan, Muthuraman; Park, Jeongeun; Kim, Eunjung

    2014-10-01

    Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used as an alternate for sugar in several foods and beverages. Since aspartame is 200 times sweeter than traditional sugar, it can give the same level of sweetness with less substance, which leads to lower-calorie food intake. There are reports that consumption of aspartame-containing products can help obese people lose weight. However, the potential role of aspartame in obesity is not clear. The present study investigated whether aspartame suppresses 3T3-L1 differentiation, by downregulating phosphorylated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (p-PPARγ), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), which are critical for adipogenesis. The 3T3-L1 adipocytes were cultured and differentiated for 6 d in the absence and presence of 10 μg/ml of aspartame. Aspartame reduced lipid accumulation in differentiated adipocytes as evidenced by Oil Red O staining. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the PPARγ, FABP4, and C/EBPα mRNA expression was significantly reduced in the aspartame-treated adipocytes. Western blot analysis showed that the induction of p-PPARγ, PPARγ, SREBP1, and adipsin was markedly reduced in the aspartame-treated adipocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that aspartame may be a potent substance to alter adipocyte differentiation and control obesity.

  20. 6-gingerol prevents adipogenesis and the accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 cells.

    PubMed

    Tzeng, Thing-Fong; Liu, I-Min

    2013-04-15

    6-Gingerol ((S)-5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-decanone) is one of the pungent constituents of Zingiber zerumbet (L) Smith (Zingiberaceae family). In this study, we investigated the effects of 6-gingerol on the inhibition of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. After treatment with 6-gingerol in differentiation medium for 4 or 8 days, the 3T3-L1 cells were lysed for experimental analysis. Cells were stained with Oil-Red-O to detect oil droplets in adipocytes. The 3T3-L1 cells were lysed and measured for triglyceride contents. The protein expression of adipogenesis-related transcription factor was evaluated by Western blot analysis. 6-Gingerol suppressed oil droplet accumulation and reduced the droplet size in a concentration (5-15 μg/ml)- and time-dependent manner. Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with 6-gingerol reduced the protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)α. Additionally, the protein levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and adipocyte-specific fatty acid binding protein (aP2) decreased upon treatment with 6-gingerol. Meanwhile, 6-gingerol diminished the insulin-stimulated serine phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) and GSK3β (Ser9). These results suggest that 6-gingerol effectively suppresses adipogenesis and that it exerts its role mainly through the significant down-regulation of PPARγ and C/EBPα and subsequently inhibits FAS and aP2 expression. 6-Gingerol also inhibited differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells by attenuating the Akt/GSK3β pathway. Our findings provide important insights into the mechanisms underlying the anti-adipogenic activity of 6-gingerol. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  1. The T1R2/T1R3 sweet receptor and TRPM5 ion channel taste targets with therapeutic potential.

    PubMed

    Sprous, Dennis; Palmer, Kyle R

    2010-01-01

    Taste signaling is a critical determinant of ingestive behaviors and thereby linked to obesity and related metabolic dysfunctions. Recent evidence of taste signaling pathways in the gut suggests the link to be more direct, raising the possibility that taste receptor systems could be regarded as therapeutic targets. T1R2/T1R3, the G protein coupled receptor that mediates sweet taste, and the TRPM5 ion channel have been the focus of discovery programs seeking novel compounds that could be useful in modifying taste. We review in this chapter the hypothesis of gastrointestinal taste signaling and discuss the potential for T1R2/T1R3 and TRPM5 as targets of therapeutic intervention in obesity and diabetes. Critical to the development of a drug discovery program is the creation of libraries that enhance the likelihood of identifying novel compounds that modulate the target of interest. We advocate a computer-based chemoinformatic approach for assembling natural and synthetic compound libraries as well as for supporting optimization of structure activity relationships. Strategies for discovering modulators of T1R2/T1R3 and TRPM5 using methods of chemoinformatics are presented herein. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. miR-203a is involved in HBx-induced inflammation by targeting Rap1a

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wu, AiRong; Chen, Huo; Xu, ChunFang

    Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and chronic hepatitis, and is one of the major causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation is the key factor for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. MicroRNAs play important roles in many biological processes. Here, we aim to explore the function of microRNAs in the HBX-induced inflammation. First, microarray experiment showed that HBV{sup +} liver samples expressed higher level of miR-203a compared to HBV{sup -} liver samples. To verify these alterations, HBx-coding plasmid was transfected into HepG2 cells to overexpress HBx protein. The real-time PCR results suggested that over-expression ofmore » HBx could induce up-regulation of miR-203a. To define how up-regulation of miR-203a can induce liver cells inflammation, we over-expressed miR-203a in HepG2 cells. Annexin V staining and BrdU staining suggested that overexpression of miR-203a significantly increased the cell apoptosis and proliferation, meanwhile, over-expression of miR-203a could lead to a decrease in G0/G1 phase cells and an increase in G2/M phase cells. Some cytokines production including IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased, but TGFβ and IFNγ were decreased in miR-203a over-expressed HepG2 cells. Luciferase reporter assay experiments, protein mass-spectrum assay and real-time PCR all together demonstrated that Rap1a was the target gene of miR-203a. Further experiments showed that these alterations were modulated through PI3K/ERK/p38/NFκB pathways. These data suggested that HBV-infection could up-regulate the expression of miR-203a, thus down regulated the expression of Rap1a and affected the PI3K/ERK/p38/NFκB pathways, finally induced the hepatitis inflammation. - Highlights: • HBX induces the over-expression of miR-203a in HepG2 cells. • miR-203a targets Rap1a to induce the inflammation in HepG2 cells. • miR-203a regulates the apoptosis and cell cycles of HepG2 cells. • miR-203a

  3. The WAVE2 complex regulates T cell receptor signaling to integrins via Abl- and CrkL-C3G-mediated activation of Rap1.

    PubMed

    Nolz, Jeffrey C; Nacusi, Lucas P; Segovis, Colin M; Medeiros, Ricardo B; Mitchell, Jason S; Shimizu, Yoji; Billadeau, Daniel D

    2008-09-22

    WAVE2 regulates T cell receptor (TCR)-stimulated actin cytoskeletal dynamics leading to both integrin clustering and affinity maturation. Although WAVE2 mediates integrin affinity maturation by recruiting vinculin and talin to the immunological synapse in an Arp2/3-dependent manner, the mechanism by which it regulates integrin clustering is unclear. We show that the Abl tyrosine kinase associates with the WAVE2 complex and TCR ligation induces WAVE2-dependent membrane recruitment of Abl. Furthermore, we show that WAVE2 regulates TCR-mediated activation of the integrin regulatory guanosine triphosphatase Rap1 via the recruitment and activation of the CrkL-C3G exchange complex. Moreover, we demonstrate that although Abl does not regulate the recruitment of CrkL-C3G into the membrane, it does affect the tyrosine phosphorylation of C3G, which is required for its guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity toward Rap1. This signaling node regulates not only TCR-stimulated integrin clustering but also affinity maturation. These findings identify a previously unknown mechanism by which the WAVE2 complex regulates TCR signaling to Rap1 and integrin activation.

  4. Cannabinoid receptor activation correlates with the proapoptotic action of the β2-adrenergic agonist (R,R')-4-methoxy-1-naphthylfenoterol in HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Paul, Rajib K; Ramamoorthy, Anuradha; Scheers, Jade; Wersto, Robert P; Toll, Lawrence; Jimenez, Lucita; Bernier, Michel; Wainer, Irving W

    2012-10-01

    Inhibition of cell proliferation by fenoterol and fenoterol derivatives in 1321N1 astrocytoma cells is consistent with β(2)-adrenergic receptor (β(2)-AR) stimulation. However, the events that result in fenoterol-mediated control of cell proliferation in other cell types are not clear. Here, we compare the effect of the β(2)-AR agonists (R,R')-fenoterol (Fen) and (R,R')-4-methoxy-1-naphthylfenoterol (MNF) on signaling and cell proliferation in HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells by using Western blotting and [(3)H]thymidine incorporation assays. Despite the expression of β(2)-AR, no cAMP accumulation was observed when cells were stimulated with isoproterenol or Fen, although the treatment elicited both mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt activation. Unexpectedly, isoproterenol and Fen promoted HepG2 cell growth, but MNF reduced proliferation together with increased apoptosis. The mitogenic responses of Fen were attenuated by 3-(isopropylamino)-1-[(7-methyl-4-indanyl)oxy]butan-2-ol (ICI 118,551), a β(2)-AR antagonist, whereas those of MNF were unaffected. Because of the coexpression of β(2)-AR and cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) and their impact on HepG2 cell proliferation, these Gα(i)/Gα(o)-linked receptors may be implicated in MNF signaling. Cell treatment with (R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(4-morpholinylmethyl)pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl]-1-napthalenylmethanone (WIN 55,212-2), a synthetic agonist of CB(1)R and CB(2)R, led to growth inhibition, whereas inverse agonists of these receptors blocked MNF mitogenic responses without affecting Fen signaling. MNF responses were sensitive to pertussis toxin. The β(2)-AR-deficient U87MG cells were refractory to Fen, but responsive to the antiproliferative actions of MNF and WIN 55,212-2. The data indicate that the presence of the naphthyl moiety in MNF results in functional coupling to the CBR pathway, providing one of the first examples of a dually acting β(2)-AR-CBR ligand.

  5. miR-342-3p suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation through inhibition of IGF-1R-mediated Warburg effect

    PubMed Central

    Han, Juqiang; Wang, Yadong; Shen, Chuan; Yan, Zhifeng; Tai, Yanhong; Zhao, Caiyan

    2018-01-01

    Background Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) is a well-studied oncogenic factor that promotes cell proliferation and energy metabolism and is overexpressed in numerous cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of cancer, and drugs targeting its regulators, including IGF-1R, are being developed. However, the mechanisms of IGF-1R inhibition and the physiological significance of the IGF-1R inhibitors in cancer cells are unclear. Materials and methods Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting Kit-8 and colony formation assay. Western blot and real-time PCR were accordingly used to detect the relevant proteins, miRNA and gene expression. Luciferase reporter assays were used to illustrate the interaction between miR-342-3p and IGF-1R. The effect of miR-342-3p on glycolysis was determined by glucose uptake, ATP concentration, lactate generation, extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption rate assays. In vivo, subcutaneous tumor formation assay and PET were performed in nude mice. Results In this study, we demonstrate that by directly targeting the 3′-UTR (3′-untranslated regions) of IGF-1R, microRNA-342-3p (miR-342-3p) suppresses IGF-1R-mediated PI3K/AKT/GLUT1 signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Through suppression of IGF-1R, miR-342-3p dampens glycolysis by decreasing glucose uptake, lactate generation, ATP production, and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), and increasing oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in hepatoma cells. Importantly, glycolysis regulated by miR-342-3p is critical for its regulating HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Our findings provide clues regarding the role of miR-342-3p as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer mainly through the inhibition of IGF-1R. Targeting IGF-1R by miR-342-3p could be a potential therapeutic strategy in liver cancer. PMID:29615839

  6. miR-342-3p suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation through inhibition of IGF-1R-mediated Warburg effect.

    PubMed

    Liu, Wenpeng; Kang, Lei; Han, Juqiang; Wang, Yadong; Shen, Chuan; Yan, Zhifeng; Tai, Yanhong; Zhao, Caiyan

    2018-01-01

    Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) is a well-studied oncogenic factor that promotes cell proliferation and energy metabolism and is overexpressed in numerous cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of cancer, and drugs targeting its regulators, including IGF-1R, are being developed. However, the mechanisms of IGF-1R inhibition and the physiological significance of the IGF-1R inhibitors in cancer cells are unclear. Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting Kit-8 and colony formation assay. Western blot and real-time PCR were accordingly used to detect the relevant proteins, miRNA and gene expression. Luciferase reporter assays were used to illustrate the interaction between miR-342-3p and IGF-1R. The effect of miR-342-3p on glycolysis was determined by glucose uptake, ATP concentration, lactate generation, extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption rate assays. In vivo, subcutaneous tumor formation assay and PET were performed in nude mice. In this study, we demonstrate that by directly targeting the 3'-UTR (3'-untranslated regions) of IGF-1R, microRNA-342-3p (miR-342-3p) suppresses IGF-1R-mediated PI3K/AKT/GLUT1 signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Through suppression of IGF-1R, miR-342-3p dampens glycolysis by decreasing glucose uptake, lactate generation, ATP production, and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), and increasing oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in hepatoma cells. Importantly, glycolysis regulated by miR-342-3p is critical for its regulating HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provide clues regarding the role of miR-342-3p as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer mainly through the inhibition of IGF-1R. Targeting IGF-1R by miR-342-3p could be a potential therapeutic strategy in liver cancer.

  7. FasL-triggered death of Jurkat cells requires caspase 8-induced, ATP-dependent cross-talk between Fas and the purinergic receptor P2X(7).

    PubMed

    Aguirre, Adam; Shoji, Kenji F; Sáez, Juan C; Henríquez, Mauricio; Quest, Andrew F G

    2013-02-01

    Fas ligation via the ligand FasL activates the caspase-8/caspase-3-dependent extrinsic death pathway. In so-called type II cells, an additional mechanism involving tBid-mediated caspase-9 activation is required to efficiently trigger cell death. Other pathways linking FasL-Fas interaction to activation of the intrinsic cell death pathway remain unknown. However, ATP release and subsequent activation of purinergic P2X(7) receptors (P2X(7)Rs) favors cell death in some cells. Here, we evaluated the possibility that ATP release downstream of caspase-8 via pannexin1 hemichannels (Panx1 HCs) and subsequent activation of P2X(7)Rs participate in FasL-stimulated cell death. Indeed, upon FasL stimulation, ATP was released from Jurkat cells in a time- and caspase-8-dependent manner. Fas and Panx1 HCs colocalized and inhibition of the latter, but not connexin hemichannels, reduced FasL-induced ATP release. Extracellular apyrase, which hydrolyzes ATP, reduced FasL-induced death. Also, oxidized-ATP or Brilliant Blue G, two P2X(7)R blockers, reduced FasL-induced caspase-9 activation and cell death. These results represent the first evidence indicating that the two death receptors, Fas and P2X(7)R connect functionally via caspase-8 and Panx1 HC-mediated ATP release to promote caspase-9/caspase-3-dependent cell death in lymphoid cells. Thus, a hitherto unsuspected route was uncovered connecting the extrinsic to the intrinsic pathway to amplify death signals emanating from the Fas receptor in type II cells. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. Differential Regulation of ERK1/2 and mTORC1 Through T1R1/T1R3 in MIN6 Cells

    PubMed Central

    Wauson, Eric M.; Guerra, Marcy L.; Dyachok, Julia; McGlynn, Kathleen; Giles, Jennifer; Ross, Elliott M.

    2015-01-01

    The MAPKs ERK1/2 respond to nutrients and other insulin secretagogues in pancreatic β-cells and mediate nutrient-dependent insulin gene transcription. Nutrients also stimulate the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) to regulate protein synthesis. We showed previously that activation of both ERK1/2 and mTORC1 in the MIN6 pancreatic β-cell-derived line by extracellular amino acids (AAs) is at least in part mediated by the heterodimeric T1R1/T1R3, a G protein-coupled receptor. We show here that AAs differentially activate these two signaling pathways in MIN6 cells. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin did not prevent the activation of either ERK1/2 or mTORC1 by AAs, indicating that Gi is not central to either pathway. Although glucagon-like peptide 1, an agonist for a Gs-coupled receptor, activated ERK1/2 well and mTORC1 to a small extent, AAs had no effect on cytosolic cAMP accumulation. Ca2+ entry is required for ERK1/2 activation by AAs but is dispensable for AA activation of mTORC1. Pretreatment with UBO-QIC, a selective Gq inhibitor, reduced the activation of ERK1/2 but had little effect on the activation of mTORC1 by AAs, suggesting a differential requirement for Gq. Inhibition of G12/13 by the overexpression of the regulator of G protein signaling domain of p115 ρ-guanine nucleotide exchange factor had no effect on mTORC1 activation by AAs, suggesting that these G proteins are also not involved. We conclude that AAs regulate ERK1/2 and mTORC1 through distinct signaling pathways. PMID:26168033

  9. Human papilloma virus load and PD-1/PD-L1, CD8+ and FOXP3 in anal cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy: Rationale for immunotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Balermpas, Panagiotis; Martin, Daniel; Wieland, Ulrike; Rave-Fränk, Margret; Strebhardt, Klaus; Rödel, Claus; Fokas, Emmanouil; Rödel, Franz

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT We examined the prognostic role of immune markers programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), FOXP3+ Tregs and phosphorylated Caspase-8 (T273) in patients with anal squamous cell cancer (ASCC) treated with standard chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The baseline immunohistochemical expression of immune markers was correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics, and cumulative incidence of local failure, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in 150 patients, also in the context of human papilloma virus 16 (HPV16) DNA load and p16INK4a expression. After a median follow-up of 40 mo (1–205 mo), the 5-y cumulative incidence of local failure and DFS was 19.4% and 67.2%, respectively. Strong immune marker expression was significantly more common in tumors with high HPV16 viral load. In multivariant analysis, high CD8+ and PD-1+ TILs expression predicted for improved local control (p = 0.023 and p = 0.007, respectively) and DFS (p = 0.020 and p = 0.014, respectively). Also, high p16INK4a (p = 0.011) and PD-L1 (p = 0.033) expression predicted for better local control, whereas high FOXP3+ Tregs (p = 0.050) and phosphorylated Caspase-8 (p = 0.031) expression correlated with superior DFS. Female sex and high HPV16 viral load correlated with favorable outcome for all three clinical endpoints. The present data provide, for the first time, robust explanation for the favorable clinical outcome of HPV16-positive ASCC patients harboring strong immune cell infiltration. Our findings are relevant for treatment stratification with immune PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors to complement CRT and should be explored in a clinical trial. PMID:28405521

  10. Installation Restoration Program. Phase 2. Confirmation/Quantification. Stage 1. Air Force Plant 4, Fort Worth, Texas. Volume 3. Appendix A-1 (Continued).

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-12-01

    GAO 0 2L -4e- - Lq*Lio rol -4 1 IOU CI S W a G-v a. IV0 0 J= C. Ic LG 4sa C...8217 ’ ~ -i CIj -43j ~LU . l co r I_- z3 335 0- C= cu w- CDP aIC. *I lr_ - CkIJ LA-. n= C G C=> gao ’ GeL) =31 CAEl = C- C-10. LLaJ 1= w CL -* I t CI or SLLJ...6- Z u - a a qcrLLJ < nC Liu~ LI i LL.J CL. w <r LL <r 03 440 -x C= cn z4 -. - XM Z~ A ~ ’’ ~ "~’ , 4 *.\\~.S~4’N’~~’ - Iz JINI 1 *~ I- LLW W, a,

  11. THE ABSENCE OF RADIO EMISSION FROM THE GLOBULAR CLUSTER G1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miller-Jones, J. C. A.; Wrobel, J. M.; Sivakoff, G. R.

    2012-08-10

    The detections of both X-ray and radio emission from the cluster G1 in M31 have provided strong support for existing dynamical evidence for an intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH) of mass (1.8 {+-} 0.5) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 4} M{sub Sun} at the cluster center. However, given the relatively low significance and astrometric accuracy of the radio detection, and the non-simultaneity of the X-ray and radio measurements, this identification required further confirmation. Here we present deep, high angular resolution, strictly simultaneous X-ray and radio observations of G1. While the X-ray emission (L{sub X} = 1.74{sup +0.53}{sub -0.44} Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 36} (d/750 kpc){sup 2}more » erg s{sup -1} in the 0.5-10 keV band) remained fully consistent with previous observations, we detected no radio emission from the cluster center down to a 3{sigma} upper limit of 4.7 {mu}Jy beam{sup -1}. Our favored explanation for the previous radio detection is flaring activity from a black hole low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB). We performed a new regression of the 'Fundamental Plane' of black hole activity, valid for determining black hole mass from radio and X-ray observations of sub-Eddington black holes, finding log M{sub BH} = (1.638 {+-} 0.070)log L{sub R} - (1.136 {+-} 0.077)log L{sub X} - (6.863 {+-} 0.790), with an empirically determined uncertainty of 0.44 dex. This constrains the mass of the X-ray source in G1, if a black hole, to be <9.7 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 3} M{sub Sun} at 95% confidence, suggesting that it is a persistent LMXB. This annuls what was previously the most convincing evidence from radiation for an IMBH in the Local Group, though the evidence for an IMBH in G1 from velocity dispersion measurements remains unaffected by these results.« less

  12. Controlled vapor crystal growth of N a4I r3O8 : A three-dimensional quantum spin liquid candidate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Hong; Zhang, Junjie; Stoumpos, Constantinos C.; Ren, Yang; Chen, Yu-Sheng; Dally, Rebecca; Wilson, Stephen D.; Islam, Zahirul; Mitchell, J. F.

    2018-04-01

    We report the successful bulk single-crystal growth of the hyperkagome lattice iridate N a4I r3O8 (Na438) by vapor transport using a sealed aluminum oxide tube as a container. Crystals were characterized by magnetization, x-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive x-ray measurements, confirming their identity and properties. Single-crystal x-ray diffraction experiments revealed superlattice peaks indexed on a propagation vector q =(1 /3 ,1 /3 ,1 /3 ) based on the cubic substructure with cell parameter a =8.986 (1 )Å . This superlattice is three-dimensional and fully coherent. Polarization analysis rules out spin and/or orbital order as the underlying origin of the modulation and points to long-range ordering of Na ions at the notionally disordered Na sites as a plausible origin for the observed superlattice.

  13. Epstein-Barr Virus Glycoprotein gB and gHgL Can Mediate Fusion and Entry in trans, and Heat Can Act as a Partial Surrogate for gHgL and Trigger a Conformational Change in gB

    PubMed Central

    Chesnokova, Liudmila S.; Ahuja, Munish K.

    2014-01-01

    ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) fusion with an epithelial cell requires virus glycoproteins gHgL and gB and is triggered by an interaction between gHgL and integrin αvβ5, αvβ6, or αvβ8. Fusion with a B cell requires gHgL, gp42, and gB and is triggered by an interaction between gp42 and human leukocyte antigen class II. We report here that, like alpha- and betaherpesviruses, EBV, a gammaherpesvirus, can mediate cell fusion if gB and gHgL are expressed in trans. Entry of a gH-null virus into an epithelial cell is possible if the epithelial cell expresses gHgL, and entry of the same virus, which phenotypically lacks gHgL and gp42, into a B cell expressing gHgL is possible in the presence of a soluble integrin. Heat is capable of inducing the fusion of cells expressing only gB, and the proteolytic digestion pattern of gB in virions changes in the same way following the exposure of virus to heat or to soluble integrins. It is suggested that the Gibbs free energy released as a result of the high-affinity interaction of gHgL with an integrin contributes to the activation energy required to cause the refolding of gB from a prefusion to a postfusion conformation. IMPORTANCE The core fusion machinery of herpesviruses consists of glycoproteins gB and gHgL. We demonstrate that as in alpha- and betaherpesvirus, gB and gHgL of the gammaherpesvirus EBV can mediate fusion and entry when expressed in trans in opposing membranes, implicating interactions between the ectodomains of the proteins in the activation of fusion. We further show that heat and exposure to a soluble integrin, both of which activate fusion, result in the same changes in the proteolytic digestion pattern of gB, possibly representing the refolding of gB from its prefusion to its postfusion conformation. PMID:25142593

  14. Effect of Sr doping on the magnetic exchange interactions in manganites of type L a 1 - x S r x M n y A 1 - y O 3 ( A = Ga , Ti ; 0.1 ≤ y ≤ 1 )

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Furrer, Albert; Podlesnyak, Andrey A.; Pomjakushina, Ekaterina

    Strontium doping transforms manganites of type La 1 - x Sr x Mn O 3 from an insulating antiferromagnet ( x = 0 ) to a metallic ferromagnet ( x > 0.16 ) due to the induced charge carriers (holes). We employed neutron scattering experiments in order to investigate the effect of Sr doping on a tailor-made compound of composition La 0.7 S r 0.3 M n 0.1 Ti 0.3 G a 0.6 O 3 . By the simultaneous doping with S r 2 + and Ti 4 + ions, the compound remains in the insulating state so thatmore » the magnetic interactions for large Sr doping can be studied in the absence of charge carriers. At T C = 215 K , there is a first-order reconstructive phase transition from the trigonal R - 3 c structure to the orthorhombic Pnma structure via an intermediate virtual configuration described by the common monoclinic subgroup P2 1 / c . The magnetic excitations associated with Mn 3 + dimers give evidence for two different nearest-neighbor ferromagnetic exchange interactions, in contrast to the undoped compound LaM n y A 1 - y O 3 where both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions are present. Furthemore, the doping-induced changes of the exchange coupling originates from different Mn-O-Mn bond angles determined by neutron diffraction. The large fourth-nearest-neighbor interaction found for metallic manganites is absent in the insulating state. Here, we argue that the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction reasonably accounts for all the exchange couplings derived from the spin-wave dispersion in metallic manganites.« less

  15. Effect of Sr doping on the magnetic exchange interactions in manganites of type L a 1 - x S r x M n y A 1 - y O 3 ( A = Ga , Ti ; 0.1 ≤ y ≤ 1 )

    DOE PAGES

    Furrer, Albert; Podlesnyak, Andrey A.; Pomjakushina, Ekaterina; ...

    2017-03-14

    Strontium doping transforms manganites of type La 1 - x Sr x Mn O 3 from an insulating antiferromagnet ( x = 0 ) to a metallic ferromagnet ( x > 0.16 ) due to the induced charge carriers (holes). We employed neutron scattering experiments in order to investigate the effect of Sr doping on a tailor-made compound of composition La 0.7 S r 0.3 M n 0.1 Ti 0.3 G a 0.6 O 3 . By the simultaneous doping with S r 2 + and Ti 4 + ions, the compound remains in the insulating state so thatmore » the magnetic interactions for large Sr doping can be studied in the absence of charge carriers. At T C = 215 K , there is a first-order reconstructive phase transition from the trigonal R - 3 c structure to the orthorhombic Pnma structure via an intermediate virtual configuration described by the common monoclinic subgroup P2 1 / c . The magnetic excitations associated with Mn 3 + dimers give evidence for two different nearest-neighbor ferromagnetic exchange interactions, in contrast to the undoped compound LaM n y A 1 - y O 3 where both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions are present. Furthemore, the doping-induced changes of the exchange coupling originates from different Mn-O-Mn bond angles determined by neutron diffraction. The large fourth-nearest-neighbor interaction found for metallic manganites is absent in the insulating state. Here, we argue that the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction reasonably accounts for all the exchange couplings derived from the spin-wave dispersion in metallic manganites.« less

  16. Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody against recombinant cathepsin L1 of Fasciola gigantica.

    PubMed

    Anuracpreeda, Panat; Srirakam, Thippawan; Pandonlan, Sudarat; Changklungmoa, Narin; Chotwiwatthanakun, Charoonroj; Tinikul, Yotsawan; Poljaroen, Jaruwan; Meemon, Krai; Sobhon, Prasert

    2014-08-01

    Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against a recombinant cathepsin L1 of Fasciola gigantica (rFgCatL1) were produced in vitro by fusion of BALB/c mice spleen cells immunized with rFgCatL1 and mouse myeloma cells. Reactivity and specificity of these MoAbs were evaluated by indirect ELISA and immunoblotting techniques. Seven MoAb clones were selected from the stable hybridoma clones, namely 1E10, 1F5, 3D11, 4B10, 4D3, 4E3 and 5E7. Clones 1E10, 1F5 and 3D11 were IgM, whereas clones 4B10, 4D3, 4E3 and 5E7 were IgG1. All MoAbs had kappa light chain isotypes. All MoAbs reacted with rCatL1 at molecular weight (MW) 30kDa and with the native CatL1 at MW 27kDa in whole body (WB) extracts of metacercariae (Met), newly excysted juveniles (NEJ), 1, 3, 5-week-old juveniles (Ju), adult WB and adult excretory-secretory (ES) fractions, but not with adult tegumental antigens (TA). All of these MoAbs showed no cross-reactions with antigens of other parasites commonly found in ruminants and human, including Paramphistomum cervi, Eurytrema pancreaticum, Gigantocotyle explanatum, Schistosoma spindale, Schistosoma mansoni, Moniezia benedeni, Avitellina centripunctata, Trichuris sp., Haemonchus placei and Setaria labiato-papillosa. Localization of CatL1 in each developmental stages of F. gigantica by immunoperoxidase technique, using these MoAbs as probes, indicated that CatL1 was present at high concentration in the caecal epithelium and caecal lumen of metacercariae, NEJ, 1, 3, 5-week-old juveniles and adult fluke. This finding indicated that CatL1 is a copiously expressed parasite protein that is released into the ES, thus CatL1 and its MoAb could be a good candidate for immunodiagnosis of fasciolosis in ruminant and human. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Phytotoxic eremophilane sesquiterpenes from the coprophilous fungus Penicillium sp. G1-a14.

    PubMed

    Del Valle, Paulina; Figueroa, Mario; Mata, Rachel

    2015-02-27

    Bioassay-directed fractionation of an extract from the grain-based culture of the coprophilous fungus Penicillium sp. G1-a14 led to the isolation of a new eremophilane-type sesquiterpene, 3R,6R-dihydroxy-9,7(11)-dien-8-oxoeremophilane (1), along with three known analogues, namely, isopetasol (2), sporogen AO-1 (3), and dihydrosporogen AO-1 (4). The structure of 1 was elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Assignment of absolute configuration at the stereogenic centers of 1 was achieved using ECD spectroscopy combined with time-dependent density functional theory calculations. Sporogen AO-1 (3) and dihydrosporogen AO-1 (4) caused significant inhibition of radicle growth against Amaranthus hypochondriacus (IC50 = 0.17 mM for both compounds) and Echinochloa crus-galli (IC50 = 0.17 and 0.30 mM, respectively).

  18. L1 and L2 Distance Effects in Learning L3 Dutch

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schepens, Job J.; der Slik, Frans; Hout, Roeland

    2016-01-01

    Many people speak more than two languages. How do languages acquired earlier affect the learnability of additional languages? We show that linguistic distances between speakers' first (L1) and second (L2) languages and their third (L3) language play a role. Larger distances from the L1 to the L3 and from the L2 to the L3 correlate with lower…

  19. Comparison of the anaesthetic efficacy of different volumes of 4% articaine (1.8 and 3.6 mL) as supplemental buccal infiltration after failed inferior alveolar nerve block.

    PubMed

    Singla, M; Subbiya, A; Aggarwal, V; Vivekanandhan, P; Yadav, S; Yadav, H; Venkatesh, A; Geethapriya, N; Sharma, V

    2015-01-01

    To compare the anaesthetic efficacy of different volumes (1.8 mL vs. 3.6 mL) of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine injected as buccal infiltrations after a failed inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Two hundred and thirty-four adult patients, diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular tooth, participated in this multicentre, randomized double-blinded trial. Patients received IANB with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. Pain during treatment was recorded using the Heft-Parker visual analogue scale (HP VAS). The primary outcome measure, and the definition of 'success', was the ability to undertake pulp chamber access and canal instrumentation with no or mild pain (HP VAS score <55 mm). Patients who experienced 'moderate-to-severe' pain (HP VAS score ≥ 55 mm) were randomly allocated into two groups and received buccal infiltrations with either 1.8 mL or 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. Root canal treatment was re-initiated after 10 min. Success was again defined as no pain or weak/mild pain during endodontic access preparation and instrumentation. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. The initial IANB of 4% articaine gave an overall success rate of 37%. The success rate of supplementary buccal infiltration with 1.8 and 3.6 mL volumes was 62% and 64%, respectively. The difference between the success rates of the two volumes was not statistically significant. Increasing the volume of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine from 1.8 to 3.6 mL, given as supplementary buccal infiltrations after a failed primary IANB with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000, did not improve the anaesthetic success rates in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. © 2014 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  20. CO (3 - 2) High-resolution Survey of the Galactic Plane: R1

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dempsey, J. T.; Thomas, H. S.; Currie, M. J.

    2013-11-01

    We present the first release (R1) of data from the CO High-Resolution Survey (COHRS), which maps a strip of the inner Galactic plane in 12CO (J = 3 → 2). The data are taken using the Heterodyne Array Receiver Programme on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) in Hawaii, which has a 14 arcsec angular resolution at this frequency. When complete, this survey will cover |b| <= 0.°5 between 10° < l < 65°. This first release covers |b| <= 0.°5 between 10.°25 < l < 17.°5 and 50.°25 < l < 55.°25, and |b| <= 0.°25 between 17.°5 < l < 50.°25. The data are smoothed to a velocity resolution of 1 km s-1, a spatial resolution of 16 arcsec and achieve a mean rms of ~1 K. COHRS data are available to the community online at http://dx.doi.org/10.11570/13.0002. In this paper we describe the data acquisition and reduction techniques used and present integrated intensity images and longitude-velocity maps. We also discuss the noise characteristics of the data. The high resolution is a powerful tool for morphological studies of bubbles and filaments while the velocity information shows the spiral arms and outflows. These data are intended to complement both existing and upcoming surveys, e.g., the Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey (BGPS), ATLASGAL, the Herschel Galactic Plane Survey (Hi-GAL) and the JCMT Galactic Plane Survey with SCUBA-2 (JPS).

  1. A new diarylheptanoid from Alpinia officinarum promotes the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xuguang; Zhang, Xiaopo; Wang, Yong; Chen, Feng; Li, Youbin; Li, Yonghui; Tan, Yinfeng; Gong, Jingwen; Zhong, Xia; Li, Hailong; Zhang, Junqing

    2018-03-01

    A new diarylheptanoid, namely trans-(4R,5S)-epoxy-1,7-diphenyl-3-heptanone (1), and a new natural product, 7-(4″-hydroxy-3″-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-hepta-4E,6E-dien-3-one (2), were obtained from the aqueous extract of Alpinia officinarum Hance, together with three other diarylheptanoids, 5-hydroxy-1,7-diphenyl-3-heptanone (3), 1,7-diphenyl-4E-en-3-heptanone (4) and 5-methoxy-1,7-diphenyl-3-heptanone (5). The structures were characterised mainly by analysing their physical data including IR, NMR and HRMS. This study highlights that the 4,5-epoxy moiety in 1 is rarely seen in diarylheptanoids. In addition, the five isolates were tested for their differentiation activity of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The results showed that these compounds could dose-dependently promote adipocyte differentiation without cytotoxicity (IC 50  > 100 μM).

  2. Perceptual variation in umami taste and polymorphisms in TAS1R taste receptor genes1234

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Qing-Ying; Alarcon, Suzanne; Tharp, Anilet; Ahmed, Osama M; Estrella, Nelsa L; Greene, Tiffani A; Rucker, Joseph; Breslin, Paul AS

    2009-01-01

    Background: The TAS1R1 and TAS1R3 G protein–coupled receptors are believed to function in combination as a heteromeric glutamate taste receptor in humans. Objective: We hypothesized that variations in the umami perception of glutamate would correlate with variations in the sequence of these 2 genes, if they contribute directly to umami taste. Design: In this study, we first characterized the general sensitivity to glutamate in a sample population of 242 subjects. We performed these experiments by sequencing the coding regions of the genomic TAS1R1 and TAS1R3 genes in a separate set of 87 individuals who were tested repeatedly with monopotassium glutamate (MPG) solutions. Last, we tested the role of the candidate umami taste receptor hTAS1R1-hTAS1R3 in a functional expression assay. Results: A subset of subjects displays extremes of sensitivity, and a battery of different psychophysical tests validated this observation. Statistical analysis showed that the rare T allele of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) R757C in TAS1R3 led to a doubling of umami ratings of 25 mmol MPG/L. Other suggestive SNPs of TAS1R3 include the A allele of A5T and the A allele of R247H, which both resulted in an approximate doubling of umami ratings of 200 mmol MPG/L. We confirmed the potential role of the human TAS1R1-TAS1R3 heteromer receptor in umami taste by recording responses, specifically to l-glutamate and inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP) mixtures in a heterologous expression assay in HEK (human embryonic kidney) T cells. Conclusions: There is a reliable and valid variation in human umami taste of l-glutamate. Variations in perception of umami taste correlated with variations in the human TAS1R3 gene. The putative human taste receptor TAS1R1-TAS1R3 responds specifically to l-glutamate mixed with the ribonucleotide IMP. Thus, this receptor likely contributes to human umami taste perception. PMID:19587085

  3. Emergence of Double- and Triple-Gene Reassortant G1P[8] Rotaviruses Possessing a DS-1-Like Backbone after Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction in Malawi.

    PubMed

    Jere, Khuzwayo C; Chaguza, Chrispin; Bar-Zeev, Naor; Lowe, Jenna; Peno, Chikondi; Kumwenda, Benjamin; Nakagomi, Osamu; Tate, Jacqueline E; Parashar, Umesh D; Heyderman, Robert S; French, Neil; Cunliffe, Nigel A; Iturriza-Gomara, Miren

    2018-02-01

    To combat the high burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis, multiple African countries have introduced rotavirus vaccines into their childhood immunization programs. Malawi incorporated a G1P[8] rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix) into its immunization schedule in 2012. Utilizing a surveillance platform of hospitalized rotavirus gastroenteritis cases, we examined the phylodynamics of G1P[8] rotavirus strains that circulated in Malawi before (1998 to 2012) and after (2013 to 2014) vaccine introduction. Analysis of whole genomes obtained through next-generation sequencing revealed that all randomly selected prevaccine G1P[8] strains sequenced ( n = 32) possessed a Wa-like genetic constellation, whereas postvaccine G1P[8] strains ( n = 18) had a DS-1-like constellation. Phylodynamic analyses indicated that postvaccine G1P[8] strains emerged through reassortment events between human Wa- and DS-1-like rotaviruses that circulated in Malawi from the 1990s and hence were classified as atypical DS-1-like reassortants. The time to the most recent common ancestor for G1P[8] strains was from 1981 to 1994; their evolutionary rates ranged from 9.7 × 10 -4 to 4.1 × 10 -3 nucleotide substitutions/site/year. Three distinct G1P[8] lineages chronologically replaced each other between 1998 and 2014. Genetic drift was the likely driver for lineage turnover in 2005, whereas replacement in 2013 was due to reassortment. Amino acid substitution within the outer glycoprotein VP7 of G1P[8] strains had no impact on the structural conformation of the antigenic regions, suggesting that it is unlikely that they would affect recognition by vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies. While the emergence of DS-1-like G1P[8] rotavirus reassortants in Malawi was therefore likely due to natural genotype variation, vaccine effectiveness against such strains needs careful evaluation. IMPORTANCE The error-prone RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the segmented RNA genome predispose rotaviruses to genetic mutation and

  4. Emergence of Double- and Triple-Gene Reassortant G1P[8] Rotaviruses Possessing a DS-1-Like Backbone after Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction in Malawi

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT To combat the high burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis, multiple African countries have introduced rotavirus vaccines into their childhood immunization programs. Malawi incorporated a G1P[8] rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix) into its immunization schedule in 2012. Utilizing a surveillance platform of hospitalized rotavirus gastroenteritis cases, we examined the phylodynamics of G1P[8] rotavirus strains that circulated in Malawi before (1998 to 2012) and after (2013 to 2014) vaccine introduction. Analysis of whole genomes obtained through next-generation sequencing revealed that all randomly selected prevaccine G1P[8] strains sequenced (n = 32) possessed a Wa-like genetic constellation, whereas postvaccine G1P[8] strains (n = 18) had a DS-1-like constellation. Phylodynamic analyses indicated that postvaccine G1P[8] strains emerged through reassortment events between human Wa- and DS-1-like rotaviruses that circulated in Malawi from the 1990s and hence were classified as atypical DS-1-like reassortants. The time to the most recent common ancestor for G1P[8] strains was from 1981 to 1994; their evolutionary rates ranged from 9.7 × 10−4 to 4.1 × 10−3 nucleotide substitutions/site/year. Three distinct G1P[8] lineages chronologically replaced each other between 1998 and 2014. Genetic drift was the likely driver for lineage turnover in 2005, whereas replacement in 2013 was due to reassortment. Amino acid substitution within the outer glycoprotein VP7 of G1P[8] strains had no impact on the structural conformation of the antigenic regions, suggesting that it is unlikely that they would affect recognition by vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies. While the emergence of DS-1-like G1P[8] rotavirus reassortants in Malawi was therefore likely due to natural genotype variation, vaccine effectiveness against such strains needs careful evaluation. IMPORTANCE The error-prone RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the segmented RNA genome predispose rotaviruses to genetic

  5. Synthesis, spectroscopic, magnetic and thermal properties of bimetallic salts, [Ni(L)][MCl4] [where M=Co(II), Zn(II), Hg(II) and L=3,7-bis(2-aminoethyl)-1,3,5,7-tetraazabicyclo(3.3.1)nonane]. X-ray structure of [Ni(L)][CoCl4].

    PubMed

    Nami, Shahab A A; Husain, Ahmad; Siddiqi, K S; Westcott, Barry L; Kopp-Vaughn, Kristin

    2010-01-01

    New bimetallic complex salts corresponding to the formulation [Ni(L)][MCl(4)] have been synthesized by the facile reaction between [Ni(L)](ClO(4))(2) and [MCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)] in high yields [where M=Co(II), Zn(II), Hg(II) and L=3,7-bis(2-aminoethyl)-1,3,5,7-tetraazabicyclo(3.3.1)nonane]. The complexes were characterized by IR, electronic spectra, TGA/DSC, magnetic moment and conductivity measurements. The X-ray crystal structure for [Ni(L)][CoCl(4)] clearly establishes the cationic-anionic interaction. It crystallizes in the space group P1 with unit cell dimensions a=7.1740(15)A, b=8.1583(16)A and c=8.3102(16)A. A square-planar geometry is evident for the [Ni(L)](2+) cation while the anion is found to be tetrahedral. A two-step thermolytic pattern is observed in the pyrolysis of the bimetallic complex salts. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Characterization of the specificities of human blood group H gene-specified alpha 1,2-L-fucosyltransferase toward sulfated/sialylated/fucosylated acceptors: evidence for an inverse relationship between alpha 1,2-L-fucosylation of Gal and alpha 1,6-L-fucosylation of asparagine-linked GlcNAc.

    PubMed

    Chandrasekaran, E V; Jain, R K; Larsen, R D; Wlasichuk, K; Matta, K L

    1996-07-09

    Gal beta 1, 4GlcNAc beta 1,6(Gal beta 1,3) GalNAc alpha-O-Bn, the enzyme had a higher affinity ( > 3-fold) for the Gal linked to GlcNAc. (q) With respect to Gal beta 1,- 3GlcNAc beta-O-Bn (3.0 mM), fetuin triantennary asialo glycopeptide (2.4 mM), bovine IgG diantennary glycopeptide (2.8 mM), asialo Cowper's gland mucin (0.06 mM), and the acrylamide copolymers (0.125 mM each) containing Gal beta 1,3GlcNAc beta-, Gal beta 1,3(6-sulfo)GlcNAc beta-, Gal beta 1,3GalNAc alpha-, Gal beta 1,3Gal beta-, or Gal alpha 1,3Gal beta- units were 153.6%, 43.0%, 6.2%, 52.5%, 94.9%, 14.7%, 23.6%, and 15.6% active, respectively. (r) Fucosylation by alpha 1,2-L-FT of the galactosyl residue which occurs on the antennary structure of the bovine IgG glycopeptide was adversely affected by the presence of an alpha 1,6-L-fucosyl residue located on the distant glucosaminyl residue that is directly attached to the asparagine of the protein backbone. This became evident from the 4-fold activity of alpha 1,2-L-FT toward bovine IgG glycopeptide after approximately 5% removal of alpha 1,6-linked Fuo.

  7. Computational repositioning of ethno medicine elucidated gB-gH-gL complex as novel anti herpes drug target

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Herpes viruses are important human pathogens that can cause mild to severe lifelong infections with high morbidity. They remain latent in the host cells and can cause recurrent infections that might prove fatal. These viruses are known to infect the host cells by causing the fusion of viral and host cell membrane proteins. Fusion is achieved with the help of conserved fusion machinery components, glycoproteins gB, heterodimer gH-gL complex along with other non-conserved components. Whereas, another important glycoprotein gD without which viral entry to the cell is not possible, acts as a co-activator for the gB-gH-gL complex formation. Thus, this complex formation interface is the most promising drug target for the development of novel anti-herpes drug candidates. In the present study, we propose a model for binding of gH-gL to gB glycoprotein leading from pre to post conformational changes during gB-gH-gL complex formation and reported the key residues involved in this binding activity along with possible binding site locations. To validate the drug targetability of our proposed binding site, we have repositioned some of the most promising in vitro, in vivo validated anti-herpes molecules onto the proposed binding site of gH-gL complex in a computational approach. Methods Hex 6.3 standalone software was used for protein-protein docking studies. Arguslab 4.0.1 and Accelrys® Discovery Studio 3.1 Visualizer softwares were used for semi-flexible docking studies and visualizing the interactions respectively. Protein receptors and ethno compounds were retrieved from Protein Data Bank (PDB) and Pubchem databases respectively. Lipinski’s Filter, Osiris Property Explorer and Lazar online servers were used to check the pharmaceutical fidelity of the drug candidates. Results Through protein-protein docking studies, it was identified that the amino acid residues VAL342, GLU347, SER349, TYR355, SER388, ASN395, HIS398 and ALA387 of gH-gL complex play an active

  8. [Puerariae Lobatae Radix elevated expression levels of OB-R, IRS2, GLUT1 and GLUT2 to regulate glucose metabolism in insulin-resistance HepG2 cells].

    PubMed

    Li, Yu; Luo, Xin-Xin; Yan, Feng-Dong; Wei, Zhang-Bin; Tu, Jun

    2017-05-01

    To observe the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Puerariae Lobatae Radix in hepatocyte insulin resistance(IR) models, and investigate its preliminary molecular mechanism. IR-HepG2 cell model was stably established with 1×10-9 mol•L⁻¹ insulin plus 3.75×10-6 mol•L-1 dexamethasone treatment for 48 h according to optimized protocol in our research group. After IR-HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations(5%,10% and 15%) of Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum, cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay; the glucose consumptions in IR-HepG2 cells were separately detected at different time points (12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36 h) by using glucose oxidase method; intracellular glycogen content was detected by anthrone method; and the protein expression levels of leptin receptor (Ob-R), insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS2), glucose transporter 1(GLUT1) and GLUT2 were detected by Western blot assay. The results showed that Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum (5%, 10% and 15%) had no significant effect on IR-HepG2 cell viability; 5% and 10% Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum significantly increased glucose consumption of IR-HepG2 cells (P<0.01) at 18, 21 and 24 h; 15% Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum elevated the glucose consumption of IR-HepG2 cells at 15 h (P<0.05), and significantly elevated the glucose consumption at 18, 21, 24 and 30 h (P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. The optimized time of anti-hyperglycemic effect was defined as 24 h, and further study showed that Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum could increase intracellular glycogen content after 24 h treatment (P<0.01), and up-regulate IRS2, Ob-R, GLUT1 and GLUT2 protein expression levels. Our results indicated that Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum could achieve the anti-hyperglycemic effect through important PI3K/PDK signaling pathway partially by up-regulating the expression levels of Ob-R and IRS2, GLUT1 and GLUT2 in IR-HepG2 cells, accelerating the glucose

  9. Molecular characterization of different equine-like G3 rotavirus strains from Germany.

    PubMed

    Pietsch, Corinna; Liebert, Uwe G

    2018-01-01

    The genetic heterogeneity of rotaviruses constitutes a substantial burden to human and animal health. Occasional interspecies transmissions can generate novel virus strains in the human population. We detected equine-like G3P[8] strains in feces sampled from three children in Germany in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Thereof two showed a DS-1-like backbone. In one strain the NSP2 gene segment was of distinct genotype (G3-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N1-T2-E2-H2). Phylogenetic analyses of the German strains showed a relation to other equine-like G3 rotaviruses circulating in different countries. The reconstruction of reassortment events in the evolution of novel equine-like G3 rotaviruses suggests an independent introduction of the three strains into the local human rotavirus population. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. High intestinal and systemic levels of decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) and its ligand TL1A in active ulcerative colitis.

    PubMed

    Bamias, Giorgos; Kaltsa, Garyfallia; Siakavellas, Spyros I; Papaxoinis, Kostis; Zampeli, Evanthia; Michopoulos, Spyros; Zouboulis-Vafiadis, Irene; Ladas, Spiros D

    2010-11-01

    Decoy receptor-3 (DcR3) is a member of the TNF receptor superfamily of proteins, which has been implicated in anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory pathways, via binding to TL1A, LIGHT and Fas-L. The role of the TL1A/DcR3 ligand/receptor pair in ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been studied. We investigated the systemic (peripheral blood) and local (large intestine) expression of DcR3 and TL1A in 64 patients with UC and 56 healthy controls. DcR3 serum concentrations were highly elevated in patients with active UC (P<0.0001 vs. healthy controls). This elevation was clearly related to the presence of intestinal inflammation as it was less frequently observed in patients in remission (P=0.003 vs. active UC) whereas effective treatment resulted in disappearance or significant decrease of serum DcR3 (P=0.006 vs. pre-treatment). Furthermore, DcR3 mRNA transcripts were significantly elevated in inflamed areas of the colon (P=0.002 vs. non-affected of the same patient). In addition to DcR3 elevation, we found increased circulating levels of TL1A in patients with either active or inactive UC in comparison to healthy controls (P<0.001 for both). We conclude that elevated serum DcR3 may serve as an indicator of active colonic inflammation in patients with UC. TL1A/DcR3-mediated pathways may participate in the pathogenesis of UC. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. From small sweeteners to sweet proteins: anatomy of the binding sites of the human T1R2_T1R3 receptor.

    PubMed

    Morini, Gabriella; Bassoli, Angela; Temussi, Piero A

    2005-08-25

    The sweet taste receptor, a heterodimeric G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) protein, formed by the T1R2 and T1R3 subunits, recognizes several sweet compounds including carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, proteins, and synthetic sweeteners. Its similarity with the metabotropic glutamate mGluR1 receptor allowed us to build homology models. All possible dimers formed by combinations of the human T1R2 and T1R3 subunits, modeled on the A (closed) or B (open) chains of the extracellular ligand binding domain of the mGluR1 template, yield four ligand binding sites for low-molecular-weight sweeteners. These sites were probed by docking a set of molecules representative of all classes of sweet compounds and calculating the free energy of ligand binding. These sites are not easily accessible to sweet proteins, but docking experiments in silico showed that sweet proteins can bind to a secondary site without entering the deep cleft. Our models account for many experimental observations on the tastes of sweeteners, including sweetness synergy, and can help to design new sweeteners.

  12. Induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in L-1210 murine lymphoblastic leukaemia cells by (2E)-3-(2-naphthyl)-1-(3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxy-phenyl)-2-propen-1-one.

    PubMed

    Pedrini, Fernanda Spezia; Chiaradia, Louise Domeneghini; Licínio, Marley Aparecida; de Moraes, Ana Carolina Rabello; Curta, Juliana Costa; Costa, Aline; Mascarello, Alessandra; Creczinsky-Pasa, Tânia Beatriz; Nunes, Ricardo José; Yunes, Rosendo Augusto; Santos-Silva, Maria Cláudia

    2010-09-01

    New compounds with biological targets and less cytotoxicity to normal cells are necessary for cancer therapy. In this work ten synthetic chalcones derived from 2-naphtaldehyde were evaluated for their cytotoxic effect in murine acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells L-1210. A series of ten chalcones derived from 2-naphtaldehyde and corresponding acetophenones were prepared by aldolic condensation, using methanol as solvent under basic conditions, at room temperature for 24 h. The cell viability was determined by MTT colorimeter method. The cell cycle phase analysis was carried out by flow cytometry after propidium iodide staining. The apoptosis induction was assessed by exposure to phosphatidylserine (ANNEXIN V-FITC). Cytometric analysis was performed to evaluate the expression of p53, Bcl-2 and Bax protein. The caspase-3 expression was studied by immunoblotting analysis. A preliminary screening of a series of ten chalcones derived from 2-naphtaldehyde showed that chalcone 8, (2E)-3-(2-naphtyl)-1-(3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxy-phenyl)-2-propen-1-one, had the highest cytotoxic effect (IC50 of 54 microM), but not in normal human lymphocytes. To better understand the cytotoxic mechanism of chalcone 8, its effect on cell cycle and apoptosis was assessed. Our results showed that chalcone 8 caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and a significant increase in the proportion of cells in the subG0/G1 phase. Our results also demonstrated that chalcone 8 promoted a modification in Bax:Bcl-2 ratio and increased p53 expression and caspase-3 activation. The studied chalcone 8 has cytotoxic effect against L-1210 lymphoblastic leukaemic cells, and this effect is associated with increase of p-53 and Bax expression.

  13. The Cold Dust Content of the Oxygen-rich Supernova Remnant G292.0+1.8

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghavamian, Parviz; Williams, Brian J.

    2016-11-01

    We present far-infrared images of the Galactic oxygen-rich supernova remnant (SNR) G292.0+1.8, acquired with the PACS and SPIRE instruments of the Herschel Space Observatory. We find that the SNR shell is detected in the PACS blue (100 μm) band, but not in the red (160 μm) band, broadly consistent with results from AKARI observations. There is no discernible emission from G292.0+1.8 in SPIRE imagery at 250, 350 and 500 μm. Comparing the 100 μm emission to that observed with Spitzer at 24 and 70 μm, we find a very similar appearance for G292.0+1.8 at all three wavelengths. The infrared emission is dominated by dust from non-radiative circumstellar shocks. In addition, the radiatively shocked O-rich clump known as the “Spur” on the eastern side of G292.0+1.8 is clearly detected in the PACS blue images, with marginal detection in the red. Fitting the existing 14-40 μm IRS spectra of the Spur together with photometric measurements from 70 μm MIPS and 100 μm PACS photometry, we place an upper limit of ≲ 0.04 M ⊙ of ejecta dust mass in the Spur, under the most conservative assumption that the ejecta dust has a temperature of 15 K. Modeling the dust continuum in the IRS spectra at four positions around the rim, we estimate post-shock densities ranging from {n}p=3.5 cm-3 to 11 cm-3. The integrated spectrum of the entire SNR, dominated by swept-up circumstellar dust, can be fitted with a two-component dust model with a silicate component at 62 K and graphite component at 40 K for a total dust mass of 0.023 M ⊙.

  14. CRIP1a inhibits endocytosis of G-protein coupled receptors activated by endocannabinoids and glutamate by a common molecular mechanism.

    PubMed

    Mascia, Fabrizio; Klotz, Lisa; Lerch, Judith; Ahmed, Mostafa H; Zhang, Yan; Enz, Ralf

    2017-05-01

    The excitability of the central nervous system depends largely on the surface density of neurotransmitter receptors. The endocannabinoid receptor 1 (CB 1 R) and the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu 8 R are expressed pre-synaptically where they reduce glutamate release into the synaptic cleft. Recently, the CB 1 R interacting protein cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a) was identified and characterized to regulate CB 1 R activity in neurons. However, underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we identified a common mechanism used by CRIP1a to regulate the cell surface density of two different types of G-protein coupled receptors, CB 1 R and mGlu 8a R. Five amino acids within the CB 1 R C-terminus were required and sufficient to reduce constitutive CB 1 R endocytosis by about 72% in the presence of CRIP1a. Interestingly, a similar sequence is present in mGlu 8a R and consistently, endocytosis of mGlu 8a R depended on CRIP1a, as well. Docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations identified a conserved serine in CB 1 R (S468) and mGlu 8a R (S894) that forms a hydrogen bond with the peptide backbone of CRIP1a at position R82. In contrast to mGlu 8a R, the closely related mGlu 8b R splice-variant carries a lysine (K894) at this position, and indeed, mGlu 8b R endocytosis was not affected by CRIP1a. Chimeric constructs between CB 1 R, mGlu 8a R, and mGlu 8b R underline the role of the identified five CRIP1a sensitive amino acids. In summary, we suggest that CRIP1a negatively regulates endocytosis of two different G-protein coupled receptor types, CB 1 R and mGlu 8a R. © 2017 International Society for Neurochemistry.

  15. A novel process for recycling and resynthesizing LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} from the cathode scraps intended for lithium-ion batteries

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhang, Xihua; Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Process Pollution Control, Beijing 100190

    Highlights: • A simple process to recycle cathode scraps intended for lithium-ion batteries. • Complete separation of the cathode material from the aluminum foil is achieved. • The recovered aluminum foil is highly pure. • LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} is directly resynthesized from the separated cathode material. - Abstract: To solve the recycling challenge for aqueous binder based lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), a novel process for recycling and resynthesizing LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} from the cathode scraps generated during manufacturing process is proposed in this study. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is employed to separate the cathode material from the aluminummore » foil. The effects of TFA concentration, liquid/solid (L/S) ratio, reaction temperature and time on the separation efficiencies of the cathode material and aluminum foil are investigated systematically. The cathode material can be separated completely under the optimal experimental condition of 15 vol.% TFA solution, L/S ratio of 8.0 mL g{sup −1}, reacting at 40 °C for 180 min along with appropriate agitation. LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} is successfully resynthesized from the separated cathode material by solid state reaction method. Several kinds of characterizations are performed to verify the typical properties of the resynthesized LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} powder. Electrochemical tests show that the initial charge and discharge capacities of the resynthesized LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} are 201 mAh g{sup −1} and 155.4 mAh g{sup −1} (2.8–4.5 V, 0.1 C), respectively. The discharge capacity remains at 129 mAh g{sup −1} even after 30 cycles with a capacity retention ratio of 83.01%.« less

  16. RKIP phosphorylation–dependent ERK1 activation stimulates adipogenic lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes overexpressing LC3

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hahm, Jong Ryeal; Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, JinJu, 527-27; Ahmed, Mahmoud

    3T3-L1 preadipocytes undergo adipogenesis in response to treatment with dexamethaxone, 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, and insulin (DMI) through activation of several adipogenic transcription factors. Many autophagy-related proteins are also highly activated in the earlier stages of adipogenesis, and the LC3 conjugation system is required for formation of lipid droplets. Here, we investigated the effect of overexpression of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-LC3 fusion protein on adipogenesis. Overexpression of GFP-LC3 in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes using poly-L-lysine-assisted adenoviral GFP-LC3 transduction was sufficient to produce intracellular lipid droplets. Indeed, GFP-LC3 overexpression stimulated expression of some adipogenic transcription factors (e.g., C/EBPα or β, PPARγ, SREBP2). In particular, SREBP2 wasmore » highly activated in preadipocytes transfected with adenoviral GFP-LC3. Also, phosphorylation of Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) at serine 153, consequently stimulating extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK)1 activity, was significantly increased during adipogenesis induced by either poly-L-lysine-assisted adenoviral GFP-LC3 transduction or culture in the presence of dexamethasone, 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, and insulin. Furthermore, RKIP knockdown promoted ERK1 and PPARγ activation, and significantly increased the intracellular accumulation of triacylglycerides in DMI-induced adipogenesis. In conclusion, GFP-LC3 overexpression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes stimulates adipocyte differentiation via direct modulation of RKIP-dependent ERK1 activity. - Highlights: • Overexpression of GFP-LC3 in 3T3-L1 cells produces intracellular lipid droplets. • SREBP2 is highly activated in preadipocytes transfected with adenoviral GFP-LC3. • RKIP phosphorylation at serine 153 is significantly increased during adipogenesis. • RKIP knockdown promotes ERK1 and PPARγ activation during adipogenesis. • RKIP-dependent ERK1 activation increases

  17. Epstein-Barr virus glycoprotein gH/gL antibodies complement IgA-viral capsid antigen for diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Tang, Lin-Quan; Zhang, Hua; Li, Yan; Liu, Wan-Li; Zhong, Qian; Zeng, Mu-Sheng; Huang, Xiao-Ming

    2016-01-01

    To determine whether measuring antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) glycoprotein gH/gL in serum could improve diagnostic accuracy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cases, gH/gL expressed in a recombinant baculovirus system was used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies in two independent cohorts. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed using results from a training cohort (n = 406) to establish diagnostic mathematical models, which were validated in a second independent cohort (n = 279). Levels of serum gH/gL antibodies were higher in NPC patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). In the training cohort, the IgA-gH/gL ELISA had a sensitivity of 83.7%, specificity of 82.3% and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.893 (95% CI, 0.862-0.924) for NPC diagnosis. Furthermore, gH/gL maintained diagnostic capacity in IgA-VCA negative NPC patients (sensitivity = 78.1%, specificity = 82.3%, AUC = 0.879 [95% CI, 0.820 - 0.937]). Combining gH/gL and viral capsid antigen (VCA) detection improved diagnostic capacity as compared to individual tests alone in both the training cohort (sensitivity = 88.5%, specificity = 97%, AUC = 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97 - 0.991]), and validation cohort (sensitivity = 91.2%, specificity = 96.5%, AUC = 0.97 [95% CI, 0.951-0.988]). These findings suggest that EBV gH/gL detection complements VCA detection in the diagnosis of NPC and aids in the identification of patients with VCA-negative NPC. PMID:27093005

  18. Determination of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol and 3-chloro-1,2-propandiol in soy sauce by headspace derivatization solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Lee, Maw-Rong; Chiu, Tzu-Chun; Dou, Jianpeng

    2007-05-22

    This study proposes a method for identifying 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol and 3-chloro-1,2-propandiol in aqueous matrices by using headspace on-fiber derivatization following solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The optimized SPME experimental procedures for extracting 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol and 3-chloro-1,2-propandiol in aqueous solutions involved a 85 microm polyacrylate-coated fiber at pH 6, a sodium chloride concentration of 0.36 g mL(-1), extraction at 50 degrees C for 15 min and desorption of analytes at 260 degrees C for 3 min. Headspace derivatization was conducted in a laboratory-made design with N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide vapor following solid-phase microextraction by using 3 microL N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide at an oil bath temperature of 230 degrees C for 40 s. This method had good repeatability (R.S.D.s < or = 19%, n = 8) and good linearity (r2 > or = 0.9972) for ultrapure water and soy sauce samples that were spiked with two analytes. Detection limits were obtained at the ng mL(-1). The result demonstrated that headspace on-fiber derivatization following solid-phase microextraction was a simple, fast and accurate technique for identifying trace 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol and 3-chloro-1,2-propandiol in soy sauce.

  19. Epstein-Barr virus glycoprotein gB and gHgL can mediate fusion and entry in trans, and heat can act as a partial surrogate for gHgL and trigger a conformational change in gB.

    PubMed

    Chesnokova, Liudmila S; Ahuja, Munish K; Hutt-Fletcher, Lindsey M

    2014-11-01

    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) fusion with an epithelial cell requires virus glycoproteins gHgL and gB and is triggered by an interaction between gHgL and integrin αvβ5, αvβ6, or αvβ8. Fusion with a B cell requires gHgL, gp42, and gB and is triggered by an interaction between gp42 and human leukocyte antigen class II. We report here that, like alpha- and betaherpesviruses, EBV, a gammaherpesvirus, can mediate cell fusion if gB and gHgL are expressed in trans. Entry of a gH-null virus into an epithelial cell is possible if the epithelial cell expresses gHgL, and entry of the same virus, which phenotypically lacks gHgL and gp42, into a B cell expressing gHgL is possible in the presence of a soluble integrin. Heat is capable of inducing the fusion of cells expressing only gB, and the proteolytic digestion pattern of gB in virions changes in the same way following the exposure of virus to heat or to soluble integrins. It is suggested that the Gibbs free energy released as a result of the high-affinity interaction of gHgL with an integrin contributes to the activation energy required to cause the refolding of gB from a prefusion to a postfusion conformation. The core fusion machinery of herpesviruses consists of glycoproteins gB and gHgL. We demonstrate that as in alpha- and betaherpesvirus, gB and gHgL of the gammaherpesvirus EBV can mediate fusion and entry when expressed in trans in opposing membranes, implicating interactions between the ectodomains of the proteins in the activation of fusion. We further show that heat and exposure to a soluble integrin, both of which activate fusion, result in the same changes in the proteolytic digestion pattern of gB, possibly representing the refolding of gB from its prefusion to its postfusion conformation. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  20. Impaired Glucose Metabolism in Mice Lacking the Tas1r3 Taste Receptor Gene.

    PubMed

    Murovets, Vladimir O; Bachmanov, Alexander A; Zolotarev, Vasiliy A

    2015-01-01

    The G-protein-coupled sweet taste receptor dimer T1R2/T1R3 is expressed in taste bud cells in the oral cavity. In recent years, its involvement in membrane glucose sensing was discovered in endocrine cells regulating glucose homeostasis. We investigated importance of extraorally expressed T1R3 taste receptor protein in age-dependent control of blood glucose homeostasis in vivo, using nonfasted mice with a targeted mutation of the Tas1r3 gene that encodes the T1R3 protein. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests, as well as behavioral tests measuring taste responses to sucrose solutions, were performed with C57BL/6ByJ (Tas1r3+/+) inbred mice bearing the wild-type allele and C57BL/6J-Tas1r3tm1Rfm mice lacking the entire Tas1r3 coding region and devoid of the T1R3 protein (Tas1r3-/-). Compared with Tas1r3+/+ mice, Tas1r3-/- mice lacked attraction to sucrose in brief-access licking tests, had diminished taste preferences for sucrose solutions in the two-bottle tests, and had reduced insulin sensitivity and tolerance to glucose administered intraperitoneally or intragastrically, which suggests that these effects are due to absence of T1R3. Impairment of glucose clearance in Tas1r3-/- mice was exacerbated with age after intraperitoneal but not intragastric administration of glucose, pointing to a compensatory role of extraoral T1R3-dependent mechanisms in offsetting age-dependent decline in regulation of glucose homeostasis. Incretin effects were similar in Tas1r3+/+ and Tas1r3-/- mice, which suggests that control of blood glucose clearance is associated with effects of extraoral T1R3 in tissues other than the gastrointestinal tract. Collectively, the obtained data demonstrate that the T1R3 receptor protein plays an important role in control of glucose homeostasis not only by regulating sugar intake but also via its extraoral function, probably in the pancreas and brain.

  1. Final Remedial Investigation/Baseline Risk Assessment for the Ravines and Beach Area Study of the Surplus Operable Unit, Fort Sheridan, Illinois. Volume 1: RI Text and RI Appendices A-I.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-04-13

    f73o* ^V^^- l^-J&4-g>- «Ajjv»^*^Y gvrg-ft^i Q^r-^vj-eJl -^TVYN ffa 3c 4*> lඑ^=> -£=r~. cgyjv-p f...fvvo H’fefat. l°3> A 13,o — £.3’ fW=> {vfi- ffa ^ os-iC 6 lza/1 *2- r^5^ to/»e(%L C83’ ISTR/METHOD: 8 jPS-g- |17^ I a«, IT N^T K... BBP -Beplieatt MST-bsmmeat

  2. Determination of lithium and transition metals in Li1 Ni1/3 Co1/3 Mn1/3 O2 (NCM) cathode material for lithium-ion batteries by capillary electrophoresis.

    PubMed

    Vortmann-Westhoven, Britta; Lürenbaum, Constantin; Winter, Martin; Nowak, Sascha

    2017-02-01

    In this work, we present a novel electrophoretic method that was developed for the determination of lithium and transition metals in LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 cathode material after microwave digestion. The cations in the digested LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 material were separated by CE and the element content was determined by UV/Vis detection. To characterize the precision of the measurements, the RSDs and concentrations were calculated and compared to those obtained with ICP-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Furthermore, a certified reference material (BCR 176R-fly ash) was investigated for all techniques. For active material components, the LOD and LOQ were determined. The LODs and LOQs for the metals determined by CE were as follows: lithium (LOD/LOQ): 17.41/62.70 μg/L, cobalt (LOD/LOQ): 348.4/1283 μg/L, manganese (LOD/LOQ): 540.2/2095 μg/L, and nickel (LOD/LOQ): 838.0/2982 μg/L. Recovery rates for lithium were in the range of 95-103%. It could be proven that with the new technique, the results for the determination of the lithium content of active material were comparable with those obtained by ICP-OES and ion chromatography. Furthermore, the recovery rates of the transition metals were determined to be between 96 and 110% by CE and ICP-OES. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Vasoconstriction induced by G1, a G-protein-coupled oestrogen receptor1 (GPER-1) agonist, in the isolated perfused rat kidney.

    PubMed

    Kurt, Akif Hakan; Buyukafsar, Kansu

    2013-02-28

    Vascular effects of the G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor1 (GPER-1) agonist, G1 (10(-7)-5×10(-6) M), the main oestrogenic hormone, 17β-estradiol (10(-9)-10(-4) M), the NR3A1 agonist, PPT (10(-8)-10(-5) M), the NR3A2 agonist DPN (10(-8)-10(-5) M), and the classical oestrogen receptor blocker but also a GPER agonist, ICI-182780 (10(-8)-3×10(-6) M), were investigated on the perfusion pressure in the isolated rat kidney. To seek cellular mechanisms involved in GPER-1-induced signalling we tested several compounds including the inhibitors of Rho-kinase (ROCK) (Y-27632), tyrosine kinase (genistein), p38MAPK (SB203580), p44/42MAPK (PD98059), protein kinase C (PKC) (GF109203X), Jun-kinase (JNK) (SP600125), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) (LY294002), Ca(2+) channels (nifedipine), GPER-1 (G15) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor kinase (AG-1478). Moreover, the effect of saponin (50mg/ml) that was used for endothelium removal was explored on G1-elicited vascular action. G1, 17β-estradiol and ICI-182780 but not PPT and DPN induced vasoconstrictions in basal renal perfusion pressure. In contrast, G1 promoted vasodilatation when the perfusion pressure was elevated in advance by phenylephrine. G1-elicited vasoconstriction was not modified by endothelial removal; however, it was markedly inhibited by GPER-1 antagonist, G15. The vasoconstrictor response to G1 was also significantly attenuated by Y-27632, PD98059, SB203580, GF109203X, genistein, AG-1478, and nifedipine, but not LY294002 and SP600125. Western blotting indicated the expression of GPER-1 in renal artery, medulla and cortex of rat kidney. In conclusion, GPER-1 could substantially modulate vascular responses through a variety of signalling pathways including ROCK, PKC, p38 MAPK, p42/44 MAPK, tyrosine kinase, EGF receptor kinase and VOCC but not JNK or PI3K in isolated perfused rat kidney. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Development of (6R)-2-Nitro-6-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy]-6,7-dihydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazine (DNDI-8219): A New Lead for Visceral Leishmaniasis

    PubMed Central

    2018-01-01

    Discovery of the potent antileishmanial effects of antitubercular 6-nitro-2,3-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazoles and 7-substituted 2-nitro-5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazines stimulated the examination of further scaffolds (e.g., 2-nitro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazepines), but the results for these seemed less attractive. Following the screening of a 900-compound pretomanid analogue library, several hits with more suitable potency, solubility, and microsomal stability were identified, and the superior efficacy of newly synthesized 6R enantiomers with phenylpyridine-based side chains was established through head-to-head assessments in a Leishmania donovani mouse model. Two such leads (R-84 and R-89) displayed promising activity in the more stringent Leishmania infantum hamster model but were unexpectedly found to be potent inhibitors of hERG. An extensive structure–activity relationship investigation pinpointed two compounds (R-6 and pyridine R-136) with better solubility and pharmacokinetic properties that also provided excellent oral efficacy in the same hamster model (>97% parasite clearance at 25 mg/kg, twice daily) and exhibited minimal hERG inhibition. Additional profiling earmarked R-6 as the favored backup development candidate. PMID:29461823

  5. The TL1A/DR3/DcR3 pathway in autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

    PubMed

    Siakavellas, Spyros I; Sfikakis, Petros P; Bamias, Giorgos

    2015-08-01

    TNF-like cytokine 1A (TL1A) and its receptors, death receptor 3 (DR3) and decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) are members of the TNF and TNF receptor superfamilies of proteins, respectively. They constitute a cytokine system that actively interferes with the regulation of immune responses and may participate in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This review aims to present the current knowledge on the role of the TL1A/DR3/DcR3 system in the pathophysiology of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with a focus on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An extensive literature search was performed in the PubMed database using the following keywords: TL1A, death receptor 3, DR3, decoy receptor 3, DcR3, TNFSF15, TNFRSF25, and TNFSF6B. Studies were assessed and selected in view of their relevance to autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The TL1A/DR3/DcR3 axis is a novel immune pathway that participates in the pathogenesis of a variety of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. These molecules may be promising therapeutic targets for inflammatory arthritis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. 26 CFR 1.414(r)-10 - Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved] 1.414(r)-10 Section 1.414(r)-10 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE.... § 1.414(r)-10 Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved] ...

  7. Porcine circovirus type 2 activates PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK pathways to promote interleukin-10 production in macrophages via Cap interaction of gC1qR

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Tongtong; Zhang, Xiujuan; Chen, Yu; Cui, Beibei; Li, Delong; Zhao, Xiaomin; Zhang, Wenlong; Chang, Lingling; Tong, Dewen

    2016-01-01

    Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection caused PCV2-associated diseases (PCVAD) is one of the major emerging immunosuppression diseases in pig industry. In this study, we investigated how PCV2 inoculation increases interleukin (IL)-10 expression in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). PCV2 inoculation significantly upregulated IL-10 expression compared with PCV1. Upon initial PCV2 inoculation, PI3K/Akt cooperated with NF-κB pathways to promote IL-10 transcription via p50, CREB and Ap1 transcription factors, whereas inhibition of PI3K/Akt activation blocked Ap1 and CREB binding to the il10 promoter, and decreased the binding level of NF-κB1 p50 with il10 promoter, leading to great reduction in early IL-10 transcription. In the later phase of inoculation, PCV2 further activated p38 MAPK and ERK pathways to enhance IL-10 production by promoting Sp1 binding to the il10 promoter. For PCV2-induced IL-10 production in macrophages, PCV2 capsid protein Cap, but not the replicase Rep or ORF3, was the critical component. Cap activated PI3K/Akt, p38 MAPK, and ERK signaling pathways to enhance IL-10 expression. In the whole process, gC1qR mediated PCV2-induced PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK activation to enhance IL-10 induction by interaction with Cap. Depletion of gC1qR blocked PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK activation, resulting in significant decrease in IL-10 production in PCV2-inoculated cells. Thus, gC1qR might be a critical functional receptor for PCV2-induced IL-10 production. Taken together, these data demonstrated that Cap protein binding with host gC1qR induction of PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK signalings activation is a critical process in enhancing PCV2-induced IL-10 production in porcine alveolar macrophages. PMID:26883107

  8. Dibenzopyrrolo[1,2-a][1,8]naphthyridines: Synthesis and Structural Modification of Fluorescent L-Shaped Heteroarenes.

    PubMed

    Tateno, Kotaro; Ogawa, Rie; Sakamoto, Ryota; Tsuchiya, Mizuho; Kutsumura, Noriki; Otani, Takashi; Ono, Kosuke; Kawai, Hidetoshi; Saito, Takao

    2018-01-19

    The L-shaped, π-extended pentacycle dibenzopyrrolo[1,2-a][1,8]naphthyridine and its derivatives were synthesized using two methods: fully intramolecular [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition and oxidative aromatization using substituted carbodiimide and modification of an electron-rich indole ring of an L-shaped skeleton via electrophilic reaction and cross-coupling. These L-shaped compounds emitted fluorescence in high quantum yield. The position of substituents affected the fluorescence color through two different mechanisms, π-conjugation and skeletal distortion, which caused the substituted L-shaped compounds to emit fluorescence in a variety of colors and to exhibit solvato-fluorochromism.

  9. Application of Hyperbaric Oxygen Reduce Oxidative Damage of Plasmatic Carbonyl Proteins and 8-OHdG by Activating Glutathion Peroxidase.

    PubMed

    Matzi, Veronika; Greilberger, Joachim F; Lindenmann, Joerg; Neuboeck, Nicole; Nuhsbaumer, Stephan; Zelzer, Sieglinde; Tafeit, Erwin; Maier, Alfred; Smolle-Juettner, Maria-Frey

    2015-01-01

    It is postulated that application of hyperbaric oxygenation may induce the production of radicals after HBO. Higher oxygenation and transport of oxygen increase the mitochondrial energy turnover, whereas inner mitochondrial radical formation decreases. Several markers of oxidative stress in healthy volunteers (n = 21), including plasma carbonyl proteins (CP), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity are measured before, during, and after HBO. Median plasma concentrations of CP decreased significantly during HBO compared to CP levels before HBO (from 77.1 to 61.7 pmol/mg; p < 0.001) and increased again after HBO (to 78.1 pmol/mg; p = 0.035). 8-OHdG decreased significantly during HBO (8.1 ng/mL; p < 0.001) and remained constant after HBO (8.1 ng/mL) compared to "before HBO" (9.4 ng/mL). MDA increased significantly from 0.92 μM (before HBO) to 1.26 μM (during HBO, p < 0.01) and decreased again to 1.00 μM (after HBO, p = 0.023). Erythrocyte GPx activity also increased significantly during HBO (26.5 ± 14.7; p = 0.005), but not after HBO (25.6 ± 17.2 IU/mg). A negative correlation was observed between GPx and MDA only during HBO (r = -0.518; p = 0.016). We assume that higher oxygen consumption decreases, on the one hand, the inner mitochondrial generation of free radicals and, on the other, RONS by activation of detoxifying enzymes like GPx.

  10. Characterization of the antifungal activity of Lactobacillus harbinensis K.V9.3.1Np and Lactobacillus rhamnosus K.C8.3.1I in yogurt.

    PubMed

    Delavenne, Emilie; Cliquet, Sophie; Trunet, Clément; Barbier, Georges; Mounier, Jérôme; Le Blay, Gwenaëlle

    2015-02-01

    Few antifungal protective cultures adapted to fermented dairy products are commercially available because of the numerous constraints linked to their market implementation. Consumer's demand for naturally preserved food products is growing and the utilization of lactic acid bacteria is a promising way to achieve this goal. In this study, using a 2(5-1) factorial fractional design, we first evaluated the effects of fermentation time, of initial sucrose concentration and of the initial contamination amount of a spoilage yeast, on antifungal activities of single and mixed cultures of Lactobacillus rhamnosus K.C8.3.1I and Lactobacillus harbinensis K.V9.3.1Np in yogurt. L. harbinensis K.V9.3.1Np, the most relevant strain with regard to antifungal activity was then studied to determine its minimal inhibitory inoculation rate, its antifungal stability during storage and its impact on yogurt organoleptic properties. We showed that L. harbinensis K.V9.3.1Np maintained a stable antifungal activity over time, which was not affected by initial sucrose, nor by a reduction of the fermentation time. This inhibitory activity was an all-or-nothing phenomenon. Once L. harbinensis K.V9.3.1Np reached a population of ∼ 2.5 × 10(6) cfu/g of yogurt at the time of contamination, total inhibition of the yeast was achieved. We also showed that an inoculation rate of 5 × 10(6) cfu/ml in milk had no detrimental effect on yogurt organoleptic properties. In conclusion, L. harbinensis K.V9.3.1Np is a promising antifungal bioprotective strain for yogurt preservation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Solar promoted azo dye degradation and energy production in the bio-photoelectrochemical system with a g-C3N4/BiOBr heterojunction photocathode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hou, Yanping; Gan, Yuanyuan; Yu, Zebin; Chen, Xixi; Qian, Lun; Zhang, Boge; Huang, Lirong; Huang, Jun

    2017-12-01

    In this study, a single-chamber bio-photoelectrochemical system (BPES), integrating advantages of bioelectrochemical system and photocatalysis process, is developed using a g-C3N4/BiOBr heterojunction photocathode for methyl orange (MO) degradation and simultaneous energy recovery. Photocatalytic activities of g-C3N4/BiOBr, g-C3N4 and BiOBr are characterized by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectra; and electrochemical activities of photocathodes are examined by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results show that with an applied voltage of 0.8 V and under simulated solar irradiation, MO decolorization with g-C3N4/BiOBr photocathode reaches 97.8% within 4 h, higher than those with g-C3N4 (85.3%) and BiOBr (87.3%) photocathodes. Likewise, higher hydrogen production rate (143.8 L m-3d-1) is observed using g-C3N4/BiOBr photocathode; while values for g-C3N4 and BiOBr photocathodes are 124.3 L m-3d-1 and 117.1 L m-3d-1, respectively. PL and EIS reveal that superior performance of g-C3N4/BiOBr photocathode can be attributed to more efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, lower resistance and better charge transfer. Synergistic effect occurs among biological, electrochemical and photocatalytic processes in illuminated BPES for MO removal. Photocathode optimization and system stability evaluation are conducted. This study demonstrates that the BPES holds great potential for efficient refractory organics degradation and energy production.

  12. The E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4/Nedd4L is directly regulated by microRNA 1

    PubMed Central

    Heidersbach, Amy; Kathiriya, Irfan S.; Garay, Bayardo I.; Ivey, Kathryn N.

    2017-01-01

    miR-1 is a small noncoding RNA molecule that modulates gene expression in heart and skeletal muscle. Loss of Drosophila miR-1 produces defects in somatic muscle and embryonic heart development, which have been partly attributed to miR-1 directly targeting Delta to decrease Notch signaling. Here, we show that overexpression of miR-1 in the fly wing can paradoxically increase Notch activity independently of its effects on Delta. Analyses of potential miR-1 targets revealed that miR-1 directly regulates the 3′UTR of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4. Analysis of embryonic and adult fly heart revealed that the Nedd4 protein regulates heart development in Drosophila. Larval fly hearts overexpressing miR-1 have profound defects in actin filament organization that are partially rescued by concurrent overexpression of Nedd4. These results indicate that miR-1 and Nedd4 act together in the formation and actin-dependent patterning of the fly heart. Importantly, we have found that the biochemical and genetic relationship between miR-1 and the mammalian ortholog Nedd4-like (Nedd4l) is evolutionarily conserved in the mammalian heart, potentially indicating a role for Nedd4L in mammalian postnatal maturation. Thus, miR-1-mediated regulation of Nedd4/Nedd4L expression may serve to broadly modulate the trafficking or degradation of Nedd4/Nedd4L substrates in the heart. PMID:28246214

  13. 26 CFR 1.414(r)-10 - Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved] 1.414(r)-10 Section 1.414(r)-10 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE... Plans, Etc. § 1.414(r)-10 Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved] ...

  14. 26 CFR 1.414(r)-10 - Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2012-04-01 2011-04-01 true Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved] 1.414(r)-10 Section 1.414(r)-10 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE... Plans, Etc. § 1.414(r)-10 Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved] ...

  15. 26 CFR 1.414(r)-10 - Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved] 1.414(r)-10 Section 1.414(r)-10 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE... Plans, Etc. § 1.414(r)-10 Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved] ...

  16. 26 CFR 1.414(r)-10 - Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved] 1.414(r)-10 Section 1.414(r)-10 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE... Plans, Etc. § 1.414(r)-10 Separate application of section 129(d)(8). [Reserved] ...

  17. The structure of carbon nanotubes formed of graphene layers L4-8, L5-7, L3-12, L4-6-12

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shapovalova, K. E.; Belenkov, E. A.

    2017-11-01

    We geometrically calculate the optimized structure of nanotubes based on the graphene layers, using the method of molecular mechanics MM+. It was found that only the nanotubes, based on the graphene layers L4-8, L5-7, L3-12, L4-6-12, have a cylindrical form. Calculations of the sublimation energy, carried out using the semi-empirical quantum-mechanic method PM3, show that energy increases with the increase of nanotube diameters.

  18. VP8*P[8] lineages of group A rotaviruses circulating over 20 years in Brazil: proposal of six different sub-lineages for P[8]-3 clade.

    PubMed

    da Silva, Marcelle Figueira Marques; Gómez, Mariela Martínez; Rose, Tatiana Lundgren; Volotão, Eduardo de Mello; Carvalho-Costa, Filipe Anibal; Bello, Gonzalo; Leite, Jose Paulo Gagliardi

    2013-06-01

    Group A rotaviruses (RVA) is the most important cause of severe gastroenteritis among children worldwide. Vaccination is considered the best alternative among public health measures to reduce and prevent the global burden caused by RVA infections. Rotarix™, a monovalent vaccine based on a human strain with a G1P[8]-1 specificity, was introduced in the National Brazilian Immunization Programs (NIP) in March, 2006. RVA P[8] is the most prevalent P genotype worldwide and four distinct phylogenetic lineages: P[8]-1, -2, -3, and -4 have been described. In the current study phylogenetic analysis of the VP8(*) gene of 135 RVA P[8] Brazilian strains, in combination with G1, G3, G5 or G9 VP7 genotype, collected from 1986 to 2011 were carried out for a better understanding of the evolution of this viral genotype in Brazil. Lineages P[8]-1, P[8]-2, and P[8]-3 were observed circulating in Brazil. In 2001 these three P[8] lineages co-circulated simultaneously and this is the first report in South America to date. Considering the P[8] lineage and the G genotype, all G3 strains were related to lineage P[8]-3, whereas the G9 strains were related to P[8]-2 and P[8]-3 and G1 and G5 were related to P[8]-1, P[8]-2, and P[8]-3. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis based on estimate of genetic distances between P[8]-3 strains and the definition of a 1.5% cutoff value (with relevant statistical support) it was possible to propose a new classification for the P[8]-3 lineage into six different sub-lineages: P[8]-3.1 to P[8]-3.6. These findings reinforce the notion of the existence of constraints within specific RVA strains populations. The results obtained in this study reinforce the importance of a continuous RVA surveillance of circulating strains in order to predict the possible variants that will circulate in a country, assess the effects of vaccination on RVA circulating strains, and ultimately help in the design, challenges, and prospects of RVA vaccines. Copyright © 2013

  19. Association of PPP1R13L and CD3EAP polymorphisms with risk and survival of non-small cell lung cancer in Chinese non-smoking females

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Xu; Fang, Xue; Xia, Lingzi; Ren, Yangwu; Li, Xuelian; Quan, Xiaowei; Zhou, Baosen

    2017-01-01

    PPP1R13L and CD3EAP were confirmed to play important roles in transcription and apoptosis. SNPs in PPP1R13L and CD3EAP may be associated with lung cancer risk and survival. This study investigated the association of PPP1R13L rs1005165 and CD3EAP rs967591 with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) risk and survival in Chinese non-smoking females. 442 NSCLC cases and 480 cancer-free controls were conducted in the case-control study, and 283 cases were in cohort study. Genotype was determined by Taqman real-time PCR. The statistical analyses were performed by SPSS 22.0 software. We found that rs1005165 and rs967591 were significantly associated with NSCLC risk in Chinese non-smoking females. For rs1005165, compared with homozygous wild CC genotype, carriers of CT or TT genotype had lower risk of NSCLC (adjusted ORs were 0.675 and 0.713, 95% CI were 0.461-0.988 and 0.525-0.968, respectively), adjusted OR for dominant model was 0.702, 95% CI was 0.526-0.937. For rs967591, AA genotype (adjusted OR = 0.721, 95% CI = 0.532-0.978) and at least one A allele (GA+AA) (adjusted OR = 0.716, 95% CI = 0.536-0.956) were significantly correlated with lower risk of NSCLC, compared with GG genotype. But we didn’t find correlation between the two SNPs and survival time in Chinese non-smoking NSCLC females. In general, we found PPP1R13L rs1005165 and CD3EAP rs967591 might be associated with lower NSCLC risk in Chinese non-smoking females, but no significant relationship was found with NSCLC survival. PMID:29108262

  20. Production of 8,11-dihydroxy and 8-hydroxy unsaturated fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids by recombinant Escherichia coli expressing 8,11-linoleate diol synthase from Penicillium chrysogenum.

    PubMed

    Kim, Min-Ji; Seo, Min-Ju; Shin, Kyung-Chul; Oh, Deok-Kun

    2017-03-01

    Hydroxy unsaturated fatty acids can be used as antimicrobial surfactants. 8,11-Linoleate diol synthase (8,11-LDS) catalyzes the conversion of unsaturated fatty acid to 8-hydroperoxy unsaturated fatty acid, and it is subsequently isomerized to 8,11-dihydroxy unsaturated fatty acid by the enzyme. The optimal reaction conditions of recombinant Escherichia coli expressing Penicillium chrysogenum 8,11-LDS for the production of 8,11-dihydroxy-9,12(Z,Z)-octadecadienoic acid (8,11-DiHODE), 8,11-dihydroxy-9,12,15(Z,Z,Z)-octadecatrienoic acid (8,11-DiHOTrE), 8-hydroxy-9(Z)-hexadecenoic acid (8-HHME), and 8-hydroxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid (8-HOME) were pH 7.0, 25°C, 10 g/L linoleic acid, and 20 g/L cells; pH 6.0, 25°C, 6 g/L α-linolenic acid, and 60 g/L cells; pH 7.0, 25°C, 8 g/L palmitoleic acid, and 25 g/L cells; and pH 8.5, 30°C, 6 g/L oleic acid, and 25 g/L cells, respectively. Under these optimized conditions, the recombinant cells produced 6.0 g/L 8,11-DiHODE for 60 min, with a conversion of 60% (w/w) and a productivity of 6.0 g/L/h; 4.3 g/L 8,11-DiHOTrE for 60 min, with a conversion of 72% (w/w) and a productivity of 4.3 g/L/h; 4.3 g/L 8-HHME acid for 60 min, with a conversion of 54% (w/w) and a productivity of 4.3 g/L/h; and 0.9 g/L 8-HOME for 30 min, with a conversion of 15% (w/w) and a productivity of 1.8 g/L/h. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the biotechnological production of 8,11-DiHODE, 8,11-DiHOTrE, 8-HHME, and 8-HOME. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:390-396, 2017. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

  1. Determination of LongR3-IGF-I, R3-IGF-I, Des1-3 IGF-I and their metabolites in human plasma samples by means of LC-MS.

    PubMed

    Thomas, Andreas; Walpurgis, Katja; Delahaut, Philippe; Fichant, Eric; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

    2017-08-01

    According to the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), growth promoting peptides such as the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its synthetic analogues belong to the class of prohibited compounds. While several assays to quantify endogenous IGF-I have been established, the potential misuse of synthetic analogues such as LongR 3 -IGF-I, R 3 -IGF-I and Des1-3-IGF-I remains a challenge and superior pharmacokinetic properties have been described for these analogues. Within the present study, it was demonstrated that the target peptides can be successfully detected in plasma samples by means of magnetic beads-based immunoaffinity purification and subsequent nanoscale liquid chromatographic separation with high resolution mass spectrometric detection. Noteworthy, the usage of a specific antibody for LongR 3 -IGF-I enables the determination in low ng/mL levels despite the presence of an enormous excess of endogenous human IGF-I. In addition, different metabolism studies (in-vitro and in-vivo) were performed using sophisticated strategies such as incubation with skin tissue microsomes, degradation in biological fluids (for all analogues), and administration to rats (for LongR 3 -IGF-I). Herewith, several C-and N-terminally truncated metabolites were identified and their relevancy was additionally confirmed by in-vivo experiments with rodents. Especially for LongR 3 -IGF-I, a metabolite ((Des1-11)-LongR 3 -IGF-I) was identified that prolonged the detectability in-vivo by a factor of approximately 2. The method was validated for qualitative interpretation considering the parameters specificity, identification capability, recovery (26-60%), limit of detection (0.5ng/mL), imprecision (<25%), linearity, stability, and matrix effects. A stable isotope labelled ( 15 N)-IGF-I was used as internal standard to control all sample preparation steps. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Zeros of Schrödinger's Radial Function Rnl(r) and Kummer's Function 1F1(-a c; z) and Their ``Angle'' Distributions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tarasov, V. F.

    In the present paper exact formulae for the calculation of zeros of Rnl(r) and 1F1(-a c; z), where z = 2 λ r, a = n - l - 1 >= 0 and c = 2l + 2 >= 2 are presented. For a <= 4 the method due to Tartallia and Cardono, and that due to L. Ferrai, L. Euler and J. L. Lagrange are used. In other cases (a > 4) numerical methods are employed to obtain the results (to within 10-15). For greater geometrical obviousness of the irregulary distribution (as a > 3) of zeros xk = zk - (c + a - 1) on the axis y = 0, the circular diagrams with the radius Ra = (a - 1) √ {c + a - 1} are presented for the first time. It is possible to notice some singularities of distribution of these zeros and their images - the points Tk - on the circle. For a = 3 and 4 their exact ``angle'' asymptotics (as c --> ∞) are obtained. It is shown that in the basis of the L. Ferrari, L. Euler and J.-L. Lagrange methods, using for solving the equation 1F1(-4 c; z) = 0, one Common for all these methods. equation is obtained viz., the cubic resolvent equation of FEL-type. Calculating of zeros xk of the Rnl(r) and 1F1(z) functions enable us to show the ``singular'' cases (a, c) = (4, 6), (6, 4), (8, 14), ...

  3. F8U-3 aircraft

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1959-09-10

    Crusader on runway. Navy aircraft number 6340. L59-6101 caption: The Navy's Vought XF8U-3 Supersonic Fighter was an entirely new design as compared to the earlier F8U Crusader series. This jet plane lost in competition with the McDonnell F4H, however, and was never put into production. Langley used the XF8U-3 in some of the first flight measurements of sonic boom intensity. Photograph published in Engineer in Charge A History of the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, 1917-1958 by James R. Hansen. Page 507. Caption: Chance Vought F8U-3 airplane used in sonic boom investigation at Wallops, June-August 1959. Photograph published in A New Dimension Wallops Island Flight Test Range: The First Fifteen Years by Joseph Shortal. A NASA publication. Page 672.

  4. Piperine, a component of black pepper, decreases eugenol-induced cAMP and calcium levels in non-chemosensory 3T3-L1 cells.

    PubMed

    Yoon, Yeo Cho; Kim, Sung-Hee; Kim, Min Jung; Yang, Hye Jeong; Rhyu, Mee-Ra; Park, Jae-Ho

    2015-01-01

    This study investigated the effects of an ethanol extract of black pepper and its constituent, piperine, on odorant-induced signal transduction in non-chemosensory cells. An ethanol extract of black pepper decreased eugenol-induced cAMP and calcium levels in preadipocyte 3T3-L1 cells with no toxicity. Phosphorylation of CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) was down-regulated by the black pepper extract. The concentration (133.8 mg/g) and retention time (5.5 min) of piperine in the ethanol extract were quantified using UPLC-MS/MS. Pretreatment with piperine decreased eugenol-induced cAMP and calcium levels in 3T3-L1 cells. Piperine also decreased the phosphorylation of CREB, which is up-regulated by eugenol. These results suggest that piperine inhibits the eugenol-induced signal transduction pathway through modulation of cAMP and calcium levels and phosphorylation of CREB in non-chemosensory cells.

  5. Induction of neuronal axon outgrowth by Shati/Nat8l by energy metabolism in mice cultured neurons.

    PubMed

    Sumi, Kazuyuki; Uno, Kyosuke; Matsumura, Shohei; Miyamoto, Yoshiaki; Furukawa-Hibi, Yoko; Muramatsu, Shin-Ichi; Nabeshima, Toshitaka; Nitta, Atsumi

    2015-09-09

    A novel N-acetyltransferase, Shati/Nat8l, was identified in the nucleus accumbens of mice repeatedly treated with methamphetamine (METH). Shati/Nat8l has been reported to inhibit the pharmacological action induced by METH. Shati/Nat8l produces N-acetylaspartate from aspartate and acetyl-CoA. Previously, we reported that overexpression of Shati/Nat8l in nucleus accumbens attenuates the response to METH by N-acetylaspartylglutamate (which is derived from N-acetylaspartate)-mGluR3 signaling in the mice brain. In the present study, to clarify the type of cells that produce Shati/Nat8l, we carried out in-situ hybridization for the detection of Shati/Nat8l mRNA along with immunohistochemical studies using serial sections of mice brain. Shati/Nat8l mRNA was detected in neuronal cells, but not in astrocytes or microglia cells. Next, we investigated the function of Shati/Nat8l in the neuronal cells in mice brain; then, we used an adeno-associated virus vector containing Shati/Nat8l for transfection and overexpression of Shati/Nat8l protein into the primary cultured neurons to investigate the contribution toward the neuronal activity of Shati/Nat8l. Overexpression of Shati/Nat8l in the mice primary cultured neurons induced axonal growth, but not dendrite elongation at day 1.5 (DIV). This finding indicated that Shati/Nat8l contributes toward neuronal development. LY341495, a selective group II mGluRs antagonist, did not abolish this axonal growth, and N-acetylaspartylglutamate itself did not abolish axon outgrowth in the same cultured system. The cultured neurons overexpressing Shati/Nat8l contained high ATP, suggesting that axon outgrowth is dependent on energy metabolism. This study shows that Shati/Nat8l in the neuron may induce axon outgrowth by ATP synthesis and not through mGluR3 signaling.

  6. Electrochemical sensing of modified ABO3 perovskite: LaFe0.8 R0.2O3(R= Cr, Co, Al)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vidya Rajan, N.; Alexander, L. K.

    2017-06-01

    Perovskite LaFeO3 with orthorhombic structure has been synthesized by citric acid mediated solution method. The effectiveness of ionic radii and Oxidation state of the doping material on ionic conductivity of the host matrix was evaluated by B-site (Fe) doping on LaFeO3 with Cr, Co and Al, resulting LaFe0.8 R0.2O3 (R = Cr, Co, Al). XRD with Rietveld refinement and Raman spectroscopic analysis demonstrate successful synthesis. The effect of the 20% B site doping on electrochemical activity is reported. The doped materials exhibit a decrease in sensing activity towards the non enzymatic detection of H2O2.

  7. Minor oxygenated cannabinoids from high potency Cannabis sativa L.

    PubMed

    Ahmed, Safwat A; Ross, Samir A; Slade, Desmond; Radwan, Mohamed M; Khan, Ikhlas A; ElSohly, Mahmoud A

    2015-09-01

    Nine oxygenated cannabinoids were isolated from a high potency Cannabis sativa L. variety. Structure elucidation was achieved using spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR, HRMS and GC-MS. These minor compounds include four hexahydrocannabinols, four tetrahydrocannabinols, and one hydroxylated cannabinol, namely 9α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol, 7-oxo-9α-hydroxyhexa-hydrocannabinol, 10α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol, 10aR-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol, Δ(9)-THC aldehyde A, 8-oxo-Δ(9)-THC, 10aα-hydroxy-10-oxo-Δ(8)-THC, 9α-hydroxy-10-oxo-Δ(6a,10a)-THC, and 1'S-hydroxycannabinol, respectively. The latter compound showed moderate anti-MRSa (IC50 10.0 μg/mL), moderate antileishmanial (IC50 14.0 μg/mL) and mild antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum (D6 clone) and P. falciparum (W2 clone) with IC50 values of 3.4 and 2.3 μg/mL, respectively. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Loss of DMRT1 gene in a Mos 45,XY,-9[8]/46,XY,r(9)[29]/47,XY,+idic r(9)× 2[1]/46,XY,idic r(9)[1]/46,XY[1] female presenting with short stature.

    PubMed

    Marsudi, Bagas A; Kartapradja, Hannie; Paramayuda, Chrysantine; Batubara, Jose R L; Harahap, Alida R; Marzuki, Nanis S

    2018-01-01

    A 46,XY sex reversal syndrome is characterized by discordant genetic and phenotypic sex, leading to normal external female genitalia, undeveloped gonads and presence of Müllerian structures in an otherwise 46,XY individual. Chromosome 9pter aberrations, such as ring chromosome have been reported to cause 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD), due to involvement of DMRT1 gene located at the 9p24.3 region. This study presents a unique case of a 12-year-old female with mos 46,XY, (r)9[31]/45,XY,-9[9] karyotype, presenting with intellectual disability and short stature, mimicking Turner syndrome. Re-karyotyping was performed using standard GTL-banding technique. Further cytogenetic study using standard metaphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) technique was applied to cultured lymphocytes from peripheral blood, hybridized using green control probe specific to 9q21 loci, and red DMRT1 probe specific to 9p24.3 loci. Cytogenetics and FISH analysis revealed mos 45,XY,-9[8]/46,XY,r(9)[29]/47,XY,+idic r(9)× 2[1]/46,XY,idic r(9)[1]/46,XY[1] and haploinsufficiency of DMRT1 gene in most cells. CGH array revealed a deletion around 1.25 Mb at 9p24.3 loci [arr 9p24.3(204,193-1,457,665)× 1] and three duplications around 13 Mb [9p24.3p22.3(1,477,660-14,506,754)× 3] near the breakage point that formed the ring chromosome 9. The clinical presentation of the subject that mimics Turner syndrome highlights the importance of cytogenetic analysis to detect the possibility of ring chromosome 9. Sex reversal due to haploinsufficiency of DMRT1 gene in ring chromosome 9 structures is exceedingly rare with only a handful of cases ever reported. This finding further highlights the importance of DMRT1 gene in sex determination and differentiation in males. More research is required to pinpoint the exact mechanism that underlies sex reversal caused by DMRT1 haploinsufficiency.

  9. High Incidence of Malaria Along the Sino-Burmese Border Is Associated With Polymorphisms of CR1, IL-1A, IL-4R, IL-4, NOS, and TNF, But Not With G6PD Deficiency.

    PubMed

    Ren, Na; Kuang, Ying-Min; Tang, Qiong-Lin; Cheng, Long; Zhang, Chun-Hua; Yang, Zao-Qing; He, Yong-Shu; Zhu, Yue-Chun

    2015-10-01

    Malaria is highly endemic in Yunnan Province, China, with the incidence of malaria being highest along the Sino-Burmese border. The aim of our study was to determine whether genetic polymorphisms are associated with the prevalence of malaria among Chinese residents of the Sino-Burmese border region. Fourteen otherwise healthy people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, 50 malaria patients, and 67 healthy control subjects were included in our cross-sectional study. We analyzed the frequency of the G3093T and T520C single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CR1. Logistic regression was used to calculate the prevalence odds ratio (POR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of malaria for the T520C SNP of CR1 and SNPs of G6PD, IL-4, IL-4R, IL-1A, NOS, CD40LG, TNF, and LUC7L. The frequency of the 3093T/3093T genotype of CR1 in the malaria group (0.16) was significantly higher than that in the control group (0.045, P < 0.05), and significantly lower than that in the G6PD deficiency group (0.43, P < 0.01). The frequency of the 520T/520T genotype of CR1 was significantly higher in the malaria patients (0.78) than that in the control group (0.67, P < 0.05) and G6PD-deficiency group (0.36, P < 0.05). The T allele of the T520C variant of CR1 was significantly associated with the prevalence of malaria (POR: 1.460; 95% CI: 0.703-3.034). Polymorphisms of G6PD did not significantly influence the prevalence malaria (P > 0.05). A GTGTGTC haplotype consisting of IL-1A (rs17561), IL-4 (rs2243250), TNF (rs1800750), IL-4R (rs1805015), NOS (rs8078340), CD40LG (rs1126535), and LUC7L (rs1211375) was significantly associated with the prevalence of malaria (POR: 1.822, 95% CI: 0.998-3.324). The 3093G/3093G and 520T/520T genotypes are the predominant genetic variants of CR1 among Chinese residents near the Sino-Burmese border, and the T allele of T520C is associated with the prevalence of malaria in this region. Although G6PD deficiency does not protect against malaria, it may

  10. Nanostructured crystals of fluorite phases Sr{sub 1−x}R{sub x}F{sub 2+x} (R Are Rare Earth Elements) and their ordering: 10. Ordering under spontaneous crystallization and annealing of Sr{sub 1−x}R{sub x}F{sub 2+x} Alloys (R = Tb-Lu, Y) with 23.8–36.1 mol % RF{sub 3}

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sulyanova, E. A., E-mail: sulyanova@gmail.com; Karimov, D. N.; Sulyanov, S. N.

    The products of spontaneous crystallization (at a cooling rate of ∼200 K/min) of Sr{sub 1−x}R{sub x}F{sub 2+x} melts in the homogeneity range of the fluorite phase have been investigated. Thirty-two irrational compositions with 23.8–36.1 mol % RF{sub 3} and eight rational Sr{sub 2}RF{sub 7} compositions are obtained. With respect to the RF{sub 3} content, these compositions form five groups: (1) Sr{sub 0.762}R{sub 0.238}F{sub 2.238} (23.8% RF{sub 3}), (2) Sr{sub 0.744}R{sub 0.256}F{sub 2.256} (25.6%), (3) Sr{sub 0.718}R{sub 0.282}F{sub 2.282} (28.2%), (4) Sr{sub 2}RF{sub 7} (33.3%), and (5) Sr{sub 0.639}R{sub 0.361}F{sub 2.361} (36.1%). R = Tb-Lu, Y for all groups. Quenching meltsmore » of group 5 with R = Tb, Dy, and Ho leads to the formation of ordered phases with the trigonal distortion of the rhβ-Na{sub 7}Zr{sub 6}F{sub 31} type, while for melts of group 5 with R = Lu, quenching yields a phase of the trigonal rhα′-Sr{sub 4}Lu{sub 3}F{sub 17} type. In group 5 with R = Y, Er, Tm, or Yb and in groups 1–4 with all REEs, fluorite phases are formed. Annealing at 900 ± 20°C for 96 h with subsequent cooling at a rate of ∼200 K/min expands the variety of ordered phases: a phase with a new r type of orthorhombic distortion is formed in group 1 with R = Lu, in group 2 with R = Tm or Lu, and in group 3 with R = Ho-Lu, Y; a t-Sr{sub 2}RF{sub 7} phase with tetragonal distortion is formed in group 4 with R = Tb-Er, Y; and a phase of trigonal rhα′ type is formed in group 5 with R = Y, Yb, or Lu. A fluorite phase arises in group 1 with R = Tb-Lu, Y as a result of quenching and annealing. The tendency to ordering becomes more pronounced with an increase in the RF{sub 3} content and REE atomic number. The annealing conditions do not provide equilibrium or the completely ordered state of all alloys.« less

  11. Zinc induces exposure of hydrophobic sites in the C-terminal domain of gC1q-R/p33.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Rajeev; Peerschke, Ellinor I B; Ghebrehiwet, Berhane

    2002-09-01

    Endothelial cells and platelets are known to express gC1q-R on their surface. In addition to C1q, endothelial cell gC1q-R has been shown to bind high molecular weight kininogen (HK) and factor XII (FXII). However, unlike C1q, whose interaction with gC1q-R does not require divalent ions, the binding of HK to gC1q-R is absolutely dependent on the presence of zinc. However, the mechanism by which zinc modulates this interaction is not fully understood. To investigate the role of zinc, binding studies were done using the hydrophobic dye, bis-ANS. The fluorescence intensity of bis-ANS, greatly increases and the emission maximum is blue-shifted from 525 to 485nm upon binding to hydrophobic sites on proteins. In this report, we show that a blue-shift in emission maximum is also observed when bis-ANS binds to gC1q-R in the presence but not in the absence of zinc suggesting that zinc induces exposure of hydrophobic sites in the molecule. The binding of bis-ANS to gC1q-R is specific, dose-dependent, and reversible. In the presence of zinc, this binding is abrogated by monoclonal antibody 74.5.2 directed against gC1q-R residues 204-218. This segment of gC1q-R, which corresponds to the beta6 strand in the crystal structure, has been shown previously to be the binding site for HK. A similar trend in zinc-induced gC1q-R binding was also observed using the hydrophobic matrix octyl-Sepharose. Taken together, our data suggest that zinc can induce the exposure of hydrophobic sites in the C-terminal domain of gC1q-R involved in binding to HK/FXII.

  12. Promoter/repressor system of Lactobacillus plantarum phage og1e: characterization of the promoters pR49-pR-pL and overproduction of the cro-like protein cng in Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Kakikawa, M; Watanabe, N; Funawatashi, T; Oki, M; Yasukawa, H; Taketo, A; Kodaira, K I

    1998-07-30

    The Lactobacillus plantarum phage og1e (42259bp) has two repressor-like genes cng and cpg oriented oppositely, accompanied by three potential promoters pR, pL and pR49, and seven operator-like sequences (GATAC-boxes) (Kodaira et al., 1997). In this study, the og1e putative promoters were introduced into the Escherichia coli promoter-detecting plasmid pKK232-8. In E. coli CK111, pR (pKPR1), pL (pKPL1) and pR49 (pKPR49) exhibited distinct CAT activities. When pKPR1 or pKPL1 was coexistent with a compatible plasmid pACYC184 carrying pR-cng (pA4PRCN1), the CAT activity was decreased significantly. On the other hand, cng directed a protein (Cng) of 10.1 kDa in E. coli under the control of T7 promoter. Gel mobility-shift assays demonstrated that Cng binds specifically to a DNA region containing the GATAC-boxes. In addition, primer extension analyses demonstrated that the two sequences pR and pL act as a promoter in L. plantarum as well as in E. coli. These results suggested that the potential promoters pR and pL probably function for the lytic and lysogenic pathways, respectively, and Cng may act as a repressor presumably through the GATAC-boxes as operators.

  13. Overview of Shipyard coast line with Piers G1, G2, G3, ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    Overview of Shipyard coast line with Piers G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, and G-5 in view, view facing east-southeast - U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, Pier & Quay Walls, Entrance to Dry Dock No. 2 & Repair Wharfs, east & west sides of Dry Dock No. 2 & west side of Dry Dock No. 3, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

  14. [Construction and application of prokaryotic expression system of Leptospira interrogans lipL32/1-lipL41/1 fusion gene].

    PubMed

    Luo, Dong-jiao; Yan, Jie; Mao, Ya-fei; Li, Shu-ping; Luo, Yi-hui; Li, Li-wei

    2005-01-01

    To construct lipL32/1-lipL41/1 fusion gene and its prokaryotic expression system and to determine frequencies of carrying and expression of lipL32 and lipL41 genes in L.interrogans wild strains and specific antibody levels in sera from leptospirosis patients. lipL32/1-lipL41/1 fusion gene was constructed using linking primer PCR method and the prokaryotic expression system of the fusion gene done with routine techniques. SDS-PAGE was used to examine expression of the target recombinant protein rLipL32/1-rLipL41/1. Immunogenicity of rLipL32/1-rLipL41/1 was identified by Western blot. PCR and MAT were performed to detect carrying and expression of lipL32 and lipL41 genes in 97 wild L.interrogans strains. Antibodies against products of lipL32 and lipL41 genes in serum samples from 228 leptospirosis patients were detected by ELISA method. The homogeneity of nucleotide and putative amino acid sequence of lipL32/1-lipL41/1 fusion gene were 99.9 % and 99.8 % in comparison with the reported sequences. Expression output of the target recombinant protein rLipL32/1-rLipL41/1, mainly present in inclusion body, accounted for 10 % of the total bacterial proteins. Both the rabbit antisera against rLipL32/1 and rLipL41/1 could combine to rLipL32/1-rLipL41/1. 97.9 % and 87.6 % of the L.interrogans wild strains had lipL32 and lipL41 genes, respectively. 95.9 % and 84.5 % of the wild strains were positive for MAT with titers of 1:4 - 1:128 using rabbit anti-rLipL32s or anti-rLipL41s sera, respectively. 94.7 % - 97.4 % of the patients'serum samples were positive for rLipL32s antibodies, while 78.5 % - 84.6 % of them were rLipL41s antibodies detectable. lipL32/1-jlipL41/1 fusion gene and its prokaryotic expression system were successfully constructed. The expressed fusion protein had qualified immunogenicity. Both the lipL32 and lipL41 genes are extensively carried and frequently expressed by different serogroups of L.interrogans, and their expression products exhibit cross-antigenicity.

  15. miR-139 is up-regulated in osteoarthritis and inhibits chondrocyte proliferation and migration possibly via suppressing EIF4G2 and IGF1R

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hu, Weihua; Zhang, Weikai; Li, Feng

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most progressive articular cartilage erosions. microRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in OA modulation, but the role of miR-139 in OA remains elusive. This study aims to reveal the effects and possible mechanism of miR-139 in OA and chondrocytes. The levels of miR-139 and its possible targets eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (EIF4G2) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) were detected by qRT-PCR in the articular cartilages of 20 OA patients and 20 non-OA patients. Human chondrocyte CHON-001 cells were transfected with miR-139 mimic or inhibitor, as well as the siRNAs of EIF4G2more » and IGF1R. Cell viability by MTT assay, proliferation by colony formation assay and migration by Transwell assay were performed. Results showed that miR-139 was up-regulated, while EIF4G2 and IGF1R mRNAs down-regulated in OA cartilages (P < 0.001), and negative correlations existed between the level of miR-139 and EIF4G2 or IGF1R. Overexpression of miR-139 in CHON-001 cells suppressed both mRNA and protein levels of EIF4G2 and IGF1R, and inhibited cell viability, colony formation number and cell migration, while miR-139 inhibitor induced the opposite effects. Knockdown of EIF4G2 or IGF1R in CHON-001 cells reversed the effects of miR-139 inhibitor on cell viability, colony formation and cell migration. These results indicate that miR-139 is capable of inhibiting chondrocyte proliferation and migration, thus being a possible therapeutic target for OA. The mechanism of miR-139 in chondrocytes may be related to its regulation on EIF4G2 and IGF1R.« less

  16. ABT-263 induces G1/G0-phase arrest, apoptosis and autophagy in human esophageal cancer cells in vitro.

    PubMed

    Lin, Qing-Huan; Que, Fu-Chang; Gu, Chun-Ping; Zhong, De-Sheng; Zhou, Dan; Kong, Yi; Yu, Le; Liu, Shu-Wen

    2017-12-01

    Both the anti- and pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family are regulated by a conserved Bcl-2 homology (BH3) domain. ABT-263 (Navitoclax), a novel BH3 mimetic and orally bioavailable Bcl-2 family inhibitor with high affinity for Bcl-xL, Bcl-2 and Bcl-w has entered clinical trials for cancer treatment. But the anticancer mechanisms of ABT-263 have not been fully elucidated. In this study we investigated the effects of ABT-263 on human esophageal cancer cells in vitro and to explore its anticancer mechanisms. Treatment with ABT-263 dose-dependently suppressed the viability of 3 human esophageal cancer cells with IC 50 values of 10.7±1.4, 7.1±1.5 and 8.2±1.6 μmol/L, in EC109, HKESC-2 and CaES-17 cells, respectively. ABT-263 (5-20 μmol/L) dose-dependently induced G 1 /G 0 -phase arrest in the 3 cancer cell lines and induced apoptosis evidenced by increased the Annexin V-positive cell population and elevated levels of cleaved caspase 3, cleaved caspase 9 and PARP. We further demonstrated that ABT-263 treatment markedly increased the expression of p21 Waf1/Cip1 and decreased the expression of cyclin D1 and phospho-Rb (retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein) (Ser780) proteins that contributed to the G 1 /G 0 -phase arrest. Knockdown of p21 Waf1/Cip1 attenuated ABT-263-induced G 1 /G 0 -phase arrest. Moreover, ABT-263 treatment enhanced pro-survival autophagy, shown as the increased LC3-II levels and decreased p62 levels, which counteracted its anticancer activity. Our results suggest that ABT-263 exerts cytostatic and cytotoxic effects on human esophageal cancer cells in vitro and enhances pro-survival autophagy, which counteracts its anticancer activity.

  17. The Analgesic Effects of (5R,6R)6-(3-Propylthio-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.1] Octane on a Mouse Model of Neuropathic Pain.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yong-Jie; Zuo, Zhen-Xing; Zhang, Mei; Feng, Zhi-Hui; Yan, Min; Li, Xiang-Yao

    2017-04-01

    Both pharmacologic and genetic approaches have been used to study the involvement of the muscarinic acetylcholine system in the regulation of chronic pain. Previous studies suggest that the M2 and M4 subtypes of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are important targets for the development of chronic pain. (5R,6R)6-(3-Propylthio-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.1] octane (PTAC) has agonist effects on muscarinic M2 and M4 receptors and antagonist effects on muscarinic M1, M3, and M5 receptors. However, its analgesic effects have been less studied. Male C57B L/6 mice were anesthetized, and left common peroneal nerve (CPN) ligation was performed to induce neuropathic pain. Before and after the application of PTAC systemically or specifically to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimulation and static weight balance were measured, and the effects of PTAC on the conditioned place preference (CPP) were further evaluated. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of M1 and M2 in the striatum, ACC, and ventral tegmental area. The application of PTAC ([i.p.] intraperitoneal injection) increased the paw withdraw threshold in both the early (0.05 mg/kg, mean difference [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.19 [0.05-0.32]; 0.10 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.34 [0.22-0.46]) and the late phases (0.05 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.45 [0.39-0.50]; 0.1 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.44 [0.37-0.51]) after nerve injury and rebalanced the weight distribution on the hind paws of mice (L/R ratio: before, 0.56 ± 0.03. 0.05 mg/kg, 1.00 ± 0.04, 0.10 mg/kg, 0.99 ± 0.03); however, it failed to induce place preference in the CPP (0.05 mg/kg, 2-way analysis of variance, P > .05; 0.2 mg/kg, 2-way analysis of variance, P > .05,). At the same doses, the analgesic effects at D3-5 lasted longer than the effects at D14-16. This may be due to the down-regulation of the M2 and M1 in tested brain regions. These observations

  18. Application and expression of HSV gG1 protein from a recombinant strain.

    PubMed

    Yan, Hua; Yan, Huishen; Huang, Tao; Li, Guocai; Gong, Weijuan; Jiao, Hongmei; Chen, Hongju; Ji, Mingchun

    2010-11-01

    According to the homologous sequence of glycoprotein G1 (gG1) genes from different strains of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a pair of primers was designed to amplify the gG1 gene fragment by PCR. Both the PCR product and the pGEX-4T-1 vector were digested with EcoR I and Sal I. The gG1 gene fragment was subcloned into the digested pGEX-4T-1 vector to construct a recombinant plasmid (pGEX-4T-1-gG1). The resultant plasmid was identified by dual-enzyme digestion and sequence analysis, and then transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 for expression under the induction of isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactoside (IPTG). The expressed GST-gG1 fragment was detected by SDS-PAGE and purified by affinity chromatography. The properties of GST-gG1 fragment were evaluated by immunoblot analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on the GST-gG1 fragment were used for determining IgG or IgM to HSV-1. The GST-gG1 fragment-specific ELISA was also compared with ELISA with whole-HSV-1 antigen and commercial ELISA kits. The gG1-specific IgG and IFN-γ producing CD8+ T cells were induced in mice immunized with the GST-gG1 fragment. These results indicated that the GST-gG1 fragment could be used for replacing whole-virus antigen to detect IgM and IgG to HSV-1 in human sera, which provided a strategy for developing vaccines to protect HSV-1 infection using gG1 fragment. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Bioconversion of Cyanidin-3-Rutinoside to Cyanidin-3-Glucoside in Black Raspberry by Crude α-L-Rhamnosidase from Aspergillus Species.

    PubMed

    Lim, Taehwan; Jung, Hana; Hwang, Keum Taek

    2015-11-01

    Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) has been known to be more bioavailable than cyanidin-3- rutinoside (C3R), the most abundant anthocyanin in black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis). The aim of this study was to enhance the bioavailability of anthocyanins in black raspberry by cleaving L-rhamnose in C3R using crude enzyme extracts (CEEs) from Aspergillus usamii KCTC 6956, A. awamori KCTC 60380, A. niger KCCM 11724, A. oryzae KCCM 12698, and A. kawachii KCCM 32819. The enzyme activities of the CEEs were determined by a spectrophotometric method using rho-nitrophenyl-rhamnopyranoside and rho-nitrophenyl-glucopyranoside. The CEE from A. usamii had the highest α-L-rhamnosidase activity with 2.73 U/ml at 60°C, followed by those from A. awamori and A. niger. When bioconversion of C3R to C3G in black raspberry was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, the CEEs from A. usamii and A. awamori hydrolyzed 95.7% and 95.6% of C3R to C3G, respectively, after 2 h incubation. The CEEs from A. kawachii and A. oryzae did not convert C3R to C3G in black raspberry.

  20. [G894T (NOS3) and G1958A (MTHFD1) gene polymorphisms and risk of ischemic heart disease in Yucatan, Mexico].

    PubMed

    García-González, Igrid; Solís-Cárdenas, Alberto de Jesús; Flores-Ocampo, Jorge A; Alejos-Mex, Ricardo; Herrera-Sánchez, Luis Fernando; González-Herrera, Lizbeth Josefina

    2015-01-01

    Cardiovascular medicine is focused on the search for genetic risk markers with predictive and/or prognostic value. Among the genetic variants of interest are G894T endothelial nitric oxide synthase and G1958A methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase1 gene polymorphisms. The aim of this study was to determine the possible association between these polymorphisms and ischemic heart disease in patients from Southern of Mexico (Yucatán). Case-control study matched by age, sex and origin was designed. We studied 98 patients with coronary disease and 101 controls. Participants were evaluated for the usual risk factors. The polymorphisms were identified using the polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. The G894T and G1958A polymorphisms were not associated with ischemic heart disease, however, the TT genotype (G894T) was associated with the angina (OR=10.2; 95%CI, 1.51-68.8; p=0.025). The genotype GT (G894T) was the most frequent in patients with family history of coronary artery disease. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified smoking (OR=5.21; 95%CI, 2.1-12.9; p=0.000), hypertension (OR=3.54; 95%CI, 1.47-8.56; p=0.005) and obesity (OR=1.16; 95%CI, 1.1-1.27; p=0.001) as risk factors predicting the ischemic heart disease. The G894T and G1958A polymorphisms showed not association with ischemic heart disease. However, homozygosis for the 894T allele (NOS3) confers at risk to develop angina on Yucatán. Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

  1. Synthesis of L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-threo-DOPS) with thermostabilized low-specific L-threonine aldolase from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2).

    PubMed

    Balk, Sang-Ho; Yoshioka, Hideki; Yukawa, Hideaki; Harayama, Shigeaki

    2007-05-01

    Stability-enhanced mutants, H44, 11-94, 5A2-84, and F8, of L-threonine aldolase (L-TA) from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) (SCO1085) were isolated by an error-prone PCR followed by a high-throughput screening. Each of these mutant, had a single amino acid substitution: H177Y in the H44 mutant, A169T in the 11-94 mutant, D104N in the 5A2-84 mutant and Fl81 in the F8 mutant. The residual L-TA activity of the wild-type L-TA after a heat treatment for 20 min at 60 degrees C was only 10.6%. However, those in the stability-enhanced mutants were 85.7% for the H44 mutant, 58.6% for the F8 mutant, 62.1% for the 5A2-84 mutant, and 67.6% for the 11-94 mutant. Although the half-life of the wild-type L-TA at 63 degrees C was 1.3 min, those of the mutant L-TAs were longer: 14.6 min for the H44 mutant, 3.7 min for the 11-94 mutant, 5.8 min for the 5A2-84 mutant, and 5.0 min for the F8 mutant. The specific activity did not change in most of the mutants, but it was decreased by 45% in the case of mutant F8. When the aldol condensation of glycine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde was studied by using whole cells of Escherichia coli containing the wild-type L-TA gene, L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L.-threo-DOPS) was successfully synthesized with a yield of 2.0 mg/ml after 20 repeated batch reactions for 100 h. However, the L-threo-DOPS synthesizing activity of the enzyme decreased with increased cycles of the batch reactions. Compared with the wild-type L-TA, H44 L-TA kept its L-threo-DOPS synthesizing activity almost constant during the 20 repeated batch reactions for 100 h, yielding 4.0 mg/ml of L-threo-DOPS. This result showed that H44 L-TA is more effective than the wild-type L-TA for the mass production of L-threo-DOPS.

  2. G-spot anatomy: a new discovery.

    PubMed

    Ostrzenski, Adam

    2012-05-01

    The anatomic existence of the G-spot has not been documented yet. To identify the anatomic structure of the G-spot.   A stratum-by-stratum vaginal wall dissection on a fresh cadaver. Primary outcome is the identification of the G-spot and the secondary outcome is its measurements and anatomic description of the G-spot. The G-spot has a distinguishable anatomic structure that is located on the dorsal perineal membrane, 16.5 mm from the upper part of the urethral meatus, and creates a 35° angle with the lateral border of the urethra. The lower pole (tail) and the upper pole (head) were located 3 and 15 mm next to the lateral border of the urethra, respectively. Grossly, the G-spot appeared as a well-delineated sac with walls that resembled fibroconnective tissues and resembled erectile tissues. The superior surface of the sac had bluish irregularities visible through the coat. Upon opening the sac's upper coat, blue grape-like anatomic compositions of the G-spot emerged with dimensions of length (L) of 8.1 mm × width (W) of 3.6-1.5 mm × height (H) of 0.4 mm. The G-spot structure had three distinct areas: the proximal part (the head) L 3.4 mm × W 3.6 mm, the middle part L 3.1 mm × W 3.3 mm, and the distal part (tail) L 3.3 mm × W 3.0 mm. From the distal tail, a rope-like structure emerged, which was seen for approximately 1.6 mm and then disappeared into the surrounding tissue. The anatomic existence of the G-spot was documented with potential impact on the practice and clinical research in the field of female sexual function. © 2012 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

  3. Technical note: Evaluation of digital refractometers to estimate serum immunoglobulin G concentration and passive transfer in Jersey calves.

    PubMed

    McCracken, M M; Morrill, K M; Fordyce, A L; Tyler, H D

    2017-10-01

    Previous data have demonstrated that refractometers can be used to estimate serum IgG, and that a cut-point of 7.8% Brix should be used to identify failure of passive transfer (FPT) in 1-d-old Holstein calves. The objective of the present study was to validate the use of refractometry to estimate serum IgG concentrations and evaluate FPT in Jersey calves. Blood samples (n = 97) were obtained from 1- to 3-d-old Jersey calves and centrifuged at 3,300 × g for 20 min at 25°C. Serum was analyzed for % Brix, total protein (TP), and refractive index (nD) using a Sper Scientific Digital Refractometer (model #300036, Sper Scientific, Scottsdale, AZ) within 12 h of sampling. Samples were then frozen and later analyzed in the laboratory for IgG by radial immunodiffusion. The mean serum IgG concentration for all calves was 23.7 mg/mL (SD = 12.5), with a range of 2.3 to 65.5 mg/mL. Mean serum % Brix was 8.9 (SD = 1.1; range 6.5 to 12.0). Serum % Brix was moderately correlated with IgG concentration (r = 0.77). Total protein and IgG were moderately correlated (r = 0.790). Regression was used to determine cut-points for approximately 10, 12, and 14 mg of IgG/mL and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of refractometry to identify FPT (serum IgG <10 mg/mL at 24 h of life). Brix cut-points analyzed were 7.1, 7.3, and 7.6%; TP cut-points were 4.6, 5.0, and 5.5 g/dL; and nD cut-points were 1.34332, 1.34271, and 1.3448, respectively, for 10, 12, and 14 mg of IgG/mL. The 7.3% Brix and 4.6 g/dL TP cut-points resulted in the greatest percentage of samples being correctly classified. These data suggest that digital refractometry is an acceptable and rapid method to estimate immunoglobulin G in Jersey calf serum. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Sea cucumber and blue mussel: new sources of phospholipid enriched omega-3 fatty acids with a potential role in 3T3-L1 adipocyte metabolism.

    PubMed

    Vaidya, Hitesh; Cheema, Sukhinder K

    2014-12-01

    Omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), namely docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are known to reduce the risk of insulin resistance and ameliorate obesity-associated disorders. DHA and EPA structured in the phospholipid form possess superior biological effects compared to the triglyceride form available in fish oil. In this study, we have found that sea cucumber (SC) and blue mussel (BM) from Newfoundland and Labrador are rich sources of n-3 PUFA structured in the phospholipid form. Treatment with SC and BM methanolic extracts (250 and 100 μg mL(-1), respectively) significantly (p < 0.01) increased triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, along with an increase in the mRNA expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (37 and 39%, respectively) and adiponectin (57 and 56%, respectively) compared with control cells (p < 0.05). Only SC extracts (250 μg mL(-1)) increased the mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1). Treatment with higher concentrations of SC and BM extracts (500 and 750 μg mL(-1), respectively) significantly (p < 0.01) decreased triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells as opposed to an increase in triglyceride accumulation at lower concentrations. This was due to inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 and SREBP-1 mRNA expression compared to control cells (p < 0.05). There was no effect of the extracts on the mRNA expression of hormone sensitive lipase or lipolysis, suggesting that the decrease in triglyceride accumulation at higher concentrations is not due to breakdown and release of fat. This is the first report to show that SC and BM are new sources of phospholipid bonded n-3 PUFA, with the potential to target insulin resistance and obesity.

  5. An intronic mutation c.6430-3C>G in the F8 gene causes splicing efficiency and premature termination in hemophilia A.

    PubMed

    Xia, Zunjing; Lin, Jie; Lu, Lingping; Kim, Chol; Yu, Ping; Qi, Ming

    2018-06-01

    : Hemophilia A is a bleeding disorder caused by coagulation factor VIII protein deficiency or dysfunction, which is classified into severe, moderate, and mild according to factor clotting activity. An overwhelming majority of missense and nonsense mutations occur in exons of F8 gene, whereas mutations in introns can also be pathogenic. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an intronic mutation, c.6430-3C>G (IVS22-3C>G), on pre-mRNA splicing of the F8 gene. We applied DNA and cDNA sequencing in a Chinese boy with hemophilia A to search if any pathogenic mutation in the F8 gene. Functional analysis was performed to investigate the effect of an intronic mutation at the transcriptional level. Human Splicing Finder and PyMol were also used to predict its effect. We found the mutation c.6430-3C>G (IVS22-3C>G) in the F8 gene in the affected boy, with his mother being a carrier. cDNA from the mother and pSPL3 splicing assay showed that the mutation IVS22-3C>G results in a two-nucleotide AG inclusion at the 3' end of intron 22 and leads to a truncated coagulation factor VIII protein, with partial loss of the C1 domain and complete loss of the C2 domain. The in-silico tool predicted that the mutation induces altered pre-mRNA splicing by using a cryptic acceptor site in intron 22. The IVS22-3C>G mutation was confirmed to affect pre-mRNA splicing and produce a truncated protein, which reduces the stability of binding between the F8 protein and von Willebrand factor carrier protein due to the loss of an interaction domain.

  6. 8-Substituted 1,3-dimethyltetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f]purinediones: Water-soluble adenosine receptor antagonists and monoamine oxidase B inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Brunschweiger, Andreas; Koch, Pierre; Schlenk, Miriam; Rafehi, Muhammad; Radjainia, Hamid; Küppers, Petra; Hinz, Sonja; Pineda, Felipe; Wiese, Michael; Hockemeyer, Jörg; Heer, Jag; Denonne, Frédéric; Müller, Christa E

    2016-11-01

    Multitarget approaches, i.e., addressing two or more targets simultaneously with a therapeutic agent, are hypothesized to offer additive therapeutic benefit for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Validated targets for the treatment of Parkinson's disease are, among others, the A 2A adenosine receptor (AR) and the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). Additional blockade of brain A 1 ARs may also be beneficial. We recently described 8-benzyl-substituted tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f]purinediones as a new lead structure for the development of such multi-target drugs. We have now designed a new series of tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f]purinediones to extensively explore their structure-activity-relationships. Several compounds blocked human and rat A 1 and A 2A ARs at similar concentrations representing dual A 1 /A 2A antagonists with high selectivity versus the other AR subtypes. Among the best dual A 1 /A 2A AR antagonists were 8-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)propyl)-1,3-dimethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f]purine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (41, K i human A 1 : 65.5nM, A 2A : 230nM; K i rat A 1 : 352nM, A 2A : 316nM) and 1,3-dimethyl-8-((2-(thiophen-2-yl)thiazol-4-yl)methyl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f]purine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (57, K i human A 1 : 642nM, A 2A : 203nM; K i rat A 1 : 166nM, A 2A : 121nM). Compound 57 was found to be well water-soluble (0.7mg/mL) at a physiological pH value of 7.4. One of the new compounds showed triple-target inhibition: (R)-1,3-dimethyl-8-(2,1,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f]purine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (49) was about equipotent at A 1 and A 2A ARs and at MAO-B (K i human A 1 : 393nM, human A 2A : 595nM, IC 50 human MAO-B: 210nM) thus allowing future in vivo explorations of the intended multi-target approach. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. A comparative evaluation of the analytical performances of Capillarys 2 Flex Piercing, Tosoh HLC-723 G8, Premier Hb9210, and Roche Cobas c501 Tina-quant Gen 2 analyzers for HbA1c determination.

    PubMed

    Wu, Xiaobin; Chao, Yan; Wan, Zemin; Wang, Yunxiu; Ma, Yan; Ke, Peifeng; Wu, Xinzhong; Xu, Jianhua; Zhuang, Junhua; Huang, Xianzhang

    2016-10-15

    Haemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c ) is widely used in the management of diabetes. Therefore, the reliability and comparability among different analytical methods for its detection have become very important. A comparative evaluation of the analytical performances (precision, linearity, accuracy, method comparison, and interferences including bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, labile HbA 1c (LA 1c ), vitamin C, aspirin, fetal haemoglobin (HbF), and haemoglobin E (Hb E)) were performed on Capillarys 2 Flex Piercing (Capillarys 2FP) (Sebia, France), Tosoh HLC-723 G8 (Tosoh G8) (Tosoh, Japan), Premier Hb9210 (Trinity Biotech, Ireland) and Roche Cobas c501 (Roche c501) (Roche Diagnostics, Germany). A good precision was shown at both low and high HbA 1c levels on all four systems, with all individual CVs below 2% (IFCC units) or 1.5% (NGSP units). Linearity analysis for each analyzer had achieved a good correlation coefficient (R 2 > 0.99) over the entire range tested. The analytical bias of the four systems against the IFCC targets was less than ± 6% (NGSP units), indicating a good accuracy. Method comparison showed a great correlation and agreement between methods. Very high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol (≥ 15.28 and ≥ 8.72 mmol/L, respectively) led to falsely low HbA 1c concentrations on Roche c501. Elevated HbF induced false HbA 1c detection on Capillarys 2FP (> 10%), Tosoh G8 (> 30%), Premier Hb9210 (> 15%), and Roche c501 (> 5%). On Tosoh G8, HbE induced an extra peak on chromatogram, and significantly lower results were reported. The four HbA 1c methods commonly used with commercial analyzers showed a good reliability and comparability, although some interference may falsely alter the result.

  8. Public-Private Ventures in Bachelor Quarters. A Solution to the Loss of Military Construction Projects. Volume 3. Appendices F, G, and H

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-06-01

    Appendices F , G, and H Report NA705R2 DTIC S 1LECTE AUG 0 ? 1990 June 1990 Trevor L. Neve Jordan W. Cassell Robert L. Crosslin rApt. :’ tcr pubiir" i.g4ll...Appendices F , G, and H. Volume 1 describes the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of our study of public/private ventures in the construction and...through L. NxjTj5 ii Dli. IA .j,,., .,- AL >Il( cf! . .111 APPENDIX F DEMAND VERIFICATION STUDY FOR A PROPOSED 150-ROOM PUBLIC-PRIVATE VENTURE TRANSIENT

  9. Identification and Quantification of Oxidoselina-1,3,7(11)-Trien-8-One and Cyanidin-3-Glucoside as One of the Major Volatile and Non-Volatile Low-Molecular-Weight Constituents in Pitanga Pulp.

    PubMed

    Josino Soares, Denise; Pignitter, Marc; Ehrnhöfer-Ressler, Miriam Margit; Walker, Jessica; Montenegro Brasil, Isabella; Somoza, Veronika

    2015-01-01

    The pulp of pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) is used to prepare pitanga juice. However, there are no reports on the identification and quantification of the main constituents in pitanga pulp. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the major volatile and non-volatile low-molecular-weight constituents of the pulp. Isolation of volatile compounds was performed by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation technique. Characterization of the main volatile and non-volatile constituents was performed by GC-MS, LC-MS and NMR spectroscopy. For quantitative measurements, the main volatile compound needed to be isolated from pitanga pulp to obtain a commercially not available reference standard. Cyanidin-3-glucoside was determined as one of the most abundant non-volatile pulp compound yielding 53.8% of the sum of the intensities of all ions detected by LC-MS. Quantification of cyanidin-3-glucoside in pitanga pulp resulted in a concentration of 344 ± 66.4 μg/mL corresponding to 688 ± 133 μg/g dried pulp and 530 ± 102 μg/g fruit. For the volatile fraction, oxidoselina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one was identified as the main volatile pulp constituent (27.7% of the sum of the intensities of all ions detected by GC-MS), reaching a concentration of 89.0 ± 16.9 μg/mL corresponding to 1.34 ± 0.25 μg/g fresh pulp and 1.03 ± 0.19 μg/g fruit. The results provide quantitative evidence for the occurrence of an anthocyanin and an oxygenated sesquiterpene as one of the major volatile and non-volatile low-molecular-weight compounds in pitanga pulp.

  10. 1. Summer, 1975 L TO R: PRIVY, PIG BARN, SILO, ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    1. Summer, 1975 L TO R: PRIVY, PIG BARN, SILO, BARN - Konig-Speicher Farm, North side of Church Road, south of Tulpehocken Creek, North Heidelberg Township (moved to Willow Street, Lenhartsville, Berks County), Mount Pleasant, Berks County, PA

  11. miR319, miR390, and miR393 Are Involved in Aluminum Response in Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.).

    PubMed

    Dmitriev, Alexey A; Kudryavtseva, Anna V; Bolsheva, Nadezhda L; Zyablitsin, Alexander V; Rozhmina, Tatiana A; Kishlyan, Natalya V; Krasnov, George S; Speranskaya, Anna S; Krinitsina, Anastasia A; Sadritdinova, Asiya F; Snezhkina, Anastasiya V; Fedorova, Maria S; Yurkevich, Olga Yu; Muravenko, Olga V; Belenikin, Maxim S; Melnikova, Nataliya V

    2017-01-01

    Acid soils limit agricultural production worldwide. Major reason of crop losses in acid soils is the toxicity of aluminum (Al). In the present work, we investigated expression alterations of microRNAs in flax ( Linum usitatissimum L.) plants under Al stress. Flax seedlings of resistant (TMP1919 and G1071/4_k) and sensitive (Lira and G1071/4_o) to Al cultivars and lines were exposed to AlCl 3 solution for 4 and 24 hours. Twelve small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced using Illumina platform. In total, 97 microRNAs from 18 conserved families were identified. miR319, miR390, and miR393 revealed expression alterations associated with Al treatment of flax plants. Moreover, for miR390 and miR393, the alterations were distinct in sensitive and resistant to Al genotypes. Expression level changes of miR319 and miR390 were confirmed using qPCR analysis. In flax, potential targets of miR319 are TCPs, miR390-TAS3 and GRF5, and miR393-AFB2-coding transcripts. TCPs, TAS3, GRF5, and AFB2 participate in regulation of plant growth and development. The involvement of miR319, miR390, and miR393 in response to Al stress in flax was shown here for the first time. We speculate that these microRNAs play an important role in Al response via regulation of growth processes in flax plants.

  12. L-rhamnose induces browning in 3T3-L1 white adipocytes and activates HIB1B brown adipocytes.

    PubMed

    Choi, Minji; Mukherjee, Sulagna; Kang, Nam Hyeon; Barkat, Jameel Lone; Parray, Hilal Ahmad; Yun, Jong Won

    2018-06-01

    Induction of the brown adipocyte-like phenotype in white adipocytes (browning) is considered as a novel strategy to fight obesity due to the ability of brown adipocytes to increase energy expenditure. Here, we report that L-rhamnose induced browning by elevating expression levels of beige-specific marker genes, including Cd137, Cited1, Tbx1, Prdm16, Tmem26, and Ucp1, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Moreover, L-rhamnose markedly elevated expression levels of proteins involved in thermogenesis both in 3T3-L1 white and HIB1B brown adipocytes. L-rhamnose treatment in 3T3-L1 adipocytes also significantly elevated protein levels of p-HSL, p-AMPK, ACOX, and CPT1 as well as reduced levels of ACC, FAS, C/EBPα, and PPARγ, suggesting its possible role in enhancement of lipolysis and lipid catabolism as well as reduced adipogenesis and lipogenesis, respectively. The quick technique of efficient molecular docking provided insight into the strong binding of L-rhamnose to the fat-digesting glycine residue of β 3 -adrenergic receptor (AR), indicating strong involvement of L-rhamnose in fat metabolism. Further examination of the molecular mechanism of L-rhamnose revealed that it induced browning of 3T3-L1 adipocytes via coordination of multiple signaling pathways through β 3 -AR, SIRT1, PKA, and p-38. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that L-rhamnose plays multiple modulatory roles in the induction of white fat browning, activation of brown adipocytes, as well as promotion of lipid metabolism, thereby demonstrating its therapeutic potential for treatment of obesity. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(6):563-573, 2018. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

  13. Resolution of 1-n-butyl-3-methyl-3-phospholene 1-oxide with TADDOL derivatives and calcium salts of O,O'-Dibenzoyl-(2R,3R)- or O,O'-di-p-toluoyl-(2R,3R)-tartaric acid.

    PubMed

    Bagi, Péter; Fekete, András; Kállay, Mihály; Hessz, Dóra; Kubinyi, Miklós; Holczbauer, Tamás; Czugler, Mátyás; Fogassy, Elemér; Keglevich, György

    2014-03-01

    The resolution methods applying (-)-(4R,5R)-4,5-bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)-2,2-dimethyldioxolane ("TADDOL"), (-)-(2R,3R)-α,α,α',α'-tetraphenyl-1,4-dioxaspiro[4.5]decan-2,3-dimethanol ("spiro-TADDOL"), as well as the acidic and neutral Ca(2+) salts of (-)-O,O'-dibenzoyl- and (-)-O,O'-di-p-toluoyl-(2R,3R)-tartaric acid were extended for the preparation of 1-n-butyl-3-methyl-3-phospholene 1-oxide in optically active form. In one case, the intermediate diastereomeric complex could be identified by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The absolute P-configuration of the enantiomers of the phospholene oxide was also determined by comparing the experimentally obtained and calculated CD spectra. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. A computational study of the chemokine receptor CXCR1 bound with interleukin-8

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yang; Severin Lupala, Cecylia; Wang, Ting; Li, Xuanxuan; Yun, Ji-Hye; Park, Jae-hyun; Jin, Zeyu; Lee, Weontae; Tan, Leihan; Liu, Haiguang

    2018-03-01

    CXCR1 is a G-protein coupled receptor, transducing signals from chemokines, in particular the interleukin-8 (IL8) molecules. This study combines homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulation methods to study the structure of CXCR1-IL8 complex. By using CXCR4-vMIP-II crystallography structure as the homologous template, CXCR1-IL8 complex structure was constructed, and then refined using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. Through extensive simulations, CXCR1-IL8 binding poses were investigated in detail. Furthermore, the role of the N-terminal of CXCR1 receptor was studied by comparing four complex models differing in the N-terminal sequences. The results indicate that the receptor N-terminal affects the binding of IL8 significantly. With a shorter N-terminal domain, the binding of IL8 to CXCR1 becomes unstable. The homology modeling and simulations also reveal the key receptor-ligand residues involved in the electrostatic interactions known to be vital for complex formation. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11575021, U1530401, and U1430237) and the National Research Foundation of Korea (Grant Nos. NRF-2017R1A2B2008483 and NRF-2016R1A6A3A04010213).

  15. Scrutiny of the Core of the Galactic Center by H_3^+ and Co: Gcirs 3 and Gcirs 1W

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goto, M.; Usuda, T.; Geballe, T. R.; Indriolo, N.; McCall, B. J.; Oka, T.

    2011-06-01

    Out of the over two dozen sightlines toward the Central Molecular Zone of the Galactic center so far observed by infrared spectra of H_3^+ and CO, sightlines toward GCIRS 3 and Iota stand out as exceptional since they show cloud components with clear R(2,2)^l absorption indicating that their unstable (J,K) = (2,2) levels are well populated. Those two sightlines toward the Galactic core and Sgr B, respectively, must pass through hot and dense gas. The cloud component at ˜ 60 km S-1 toward GCIRS 3 is particularly intriguing since GCIRS 1W, which is separated from it only by 5".8 (0.23 pc if the same distance to the Galactic center of 8 k pc is assumed), barely shows the R(2,2)^l absorption. The cloud must be compact and this calls for a high ionization rate. To further study this problem the sightlines toward GCIRS 3 and GCIRS 1W have been observed by VLT under high spectral resolution. The observed R(3,3)^l absorption is extraordinarily deep and the R(2,2)^l absorption is clearly observable at ˜ 60 km S-1 for GCIRS 3 indicating unusually high temperature and high density of the cloud. In contrast, toward GCIRS 1W, the R(3,3)^l absorption is of ordinary depth and the R(2,2)^l absorptions is marginal if any indicating the well known warm and diffuse gas observed toward other regions of the Central Molecular Zone. Their analysis and comparison with radio HCN emission observed in the area will be discussed. M. Goto, T. Usuda, T. Nagata, T. R. Geballe, B. J. McCall, N. Indriolo, H. Suto, Th. Henning, C. P. Morong, and T. Oka, ApJ, 688, 306 (2008). Goto, Usuda, Geballe, Indriolo, McCall, Henning, Oka, PASJ (2011) in press.

  16. OsMYB103L, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor, influences leaf rolling and mechanical strength in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

    PubMed

    Yang, Chunhua; Li, Dayong; Liu, Xue; Ji, Chengjun; Hao, Lili; Zhao, Xianfeng; Li, Xiaobing; Chen, Caiyan; Cheng, Zhukuan; Zhu, Lihuang

    2014-06-06

    The shape of grass leaves possesses great value in both agronomy and developmental biology research. Leaf rolling is one of the important traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding. MYB transcription factors are one of the largest gene families and have important roles in plant development, metabolism and stress responses. However, little is known about their functions in rice. In this study, we report the functional characterization of a rice gene, OsMYB103L, which encodes an R2R3-MYB transcription factor. OsMYB103L was localized in the nucleus with transactivation activity. Overexpression of OsMYB103L in rice resulted in a rolled leaf phenotype. Further analyses showed that expression levels of several cellulose synthase genes (CESAs) were significantly increased, as was the cellulose content in OsMYB103L overexpressing lines. Knockdown of OsMYB103L by RNA interference led to a decreased level of cellulose content and reduced mechanical strength in leaves. Meanwhile, the expression levels of several CESA genes were decreased in these knockdown lines. These findings suggest that OsMYB103L may target CESA genes for regulation of cellulose synthesis and could potentially be engineered for desirable leaf shape and mechanical strength in rice.

  17. A fully human IgG1 anti-PD-L1 MAb in an in vitro assay enhances antigen-specific T-cell responses

    PubMed Central

    Grenga, Italia; Donahue, Renee N; Lepone, Lauren M; Richards, Jacob; Schlom, Jeffrey

    2016-01-01

    Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that interfere with checkpoint molecules are being investigated for the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer, with the aim of enhancing the function of an impaired immune system. Avelumab (MSB0010718C) is a fully human IgG1 MAb targeting programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which differs from other checkpoint-blocking antibodies in its ability to mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. These studies were conducted to define whether avelumab could enhance the detection of antigen-specific immune response in in vitro assays. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 17 healthy donors were stimulated in vitro, with and without avelumab, with peptide pools encoding for cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, influenza and tetanus toxin or the negative peptide control encoding for human leukocyte antigen. These studies show for the first time that the addition of avelumab to an antigen-specific IVS assay (a) increased the frequency of activated antigen-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes, and did so to a greater extent than that seen with commercially available PD-L1-blocking antibodies, (b) reduced CD4+ T-cell proliferation and (c) induced a switch in the production of Th2 to Th1 cytokines. Moreover, there was an inverse correlation between the enhancement of CD8+ T-cell activation and reduction in CD4+ T-cell proliferation induced by avelumab. These findings provide the rationale for the use of avelumab anti-PD-L1 in in vitro assays to monitor patient immune responses to immunotherapies. PMID:27350882

  18. A fully human IgG1 anti-PD-L1 MAb in an in vitro assay enhances antigen-specific T-cell responses.

    PubMed

    Grenga, Italia; Donahue, Renee N; Lepone, Lauren M; Richards, Jacob; Schlom, Jeffrey

    2016-05-01

    Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that interfere with checkpoint molecules are being investigated for the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer, with the aim of enhancing the function of an impaired immune system. Avelumab (MSB0010718C) is a fully human IgG1 MAb targeting programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which differs from other checkpoint-blocking antibodies in its ability to mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. These studies were conducted to define whether avelumab could enhance the detection of antigen-specific immune response in in vitro assays. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 17 healthy donors were stimulated in vitro, with and without avelumab, with peptide pools encoding for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, influenza and tetanus toxin or the negative peptide control encoding for human leukocyte antigen. These studies show for the first time that the addition of avelumab to an antigen-specific IVS assay (a) increased the frequency of activated antigen-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes, and did so to a greater extent than that seen with commercially available PD-L1-blocking antibodies, (b) reduced CD4(+) T-cell proliferation and (c) induced a switch in the production of Th2 to Th1 cytokines. Moreover, there was an inverse correlation between the enhancement of CD8(+) T-cell activation and reduction in CD4(+) T-cell proliferation induced by avelumab. These findings provide the rationale for the use of avelumab anti-PD-L1 in in vitro assays to monitor patient immune responses to immunotherapies.

  19. Toxicity and immunogenicity of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-labile and heat-stable toxoid fusion 3xSTa(A14Q)-LT(S63K/R192G/L211A) in a murine model.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chengxian; Knudsen, David E; Liu, Mei; Robertson, Donald C; Zhang, Weiping

    2013-01-01

    Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death to young children. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are the most common bacteria causing diarrhea. Adhesins and enterotoxins are the virulence determinants in ETEC diarrhea. Adhesins mediate bacterial attachment and colonization, and enterotoxins including heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable type Ib toxin (STa) disrupt fluid homeostasis in host cells that leads to fluid hyper-secretion and diarrhea. Thus, adhesins and enterotoxins have been primarily targeted in ETEC vaccine development. A recent study reported toxoid fusions with STa toxoid (STa(P13F)) fused at the N- or C-terminus, or inside the A subunit of LT(R192G) elicited neutralizing antitoxin antibodies, and suggested application of toxoid fusions in ETEC vaccine development (Liu et al., Infect. Immun. 79:4002-4009, 2011). In this study, we generated a different STa toxoid (STa(A14Q)) and a triple-mutant LT toxoid (LT(S63K/R192G/L211A), tmLT), constructed a toxoid fusion (3xSTa(A14Q)-tmLT) that carried 3 copies of STa(A14Q) for further facilitation of anti-STa immunogenicity, and assessed antigen safety and immunogenicity in a murine model to explore its potential for ETEC vaccine development. Mice immunized with this fusion antigen showed no adverse effects, and developed antitoxin antibodies particularly through the IP route. Anti-LT antibodies were detected and were shown neutralizing against CT in vitro. Anti-STa antibodies were also detected in the immunized mice, and serum from the IP immunized mice neutralized STa toxin in vitro. Data from this study indicated that toxoid fusion 3xSTa(A14Q)-tmLT is safe and can induce neutralizing antitoxin antibodies, and provided helpful information for vaccine development against ETEC diarrhea.

  20. ARC-1981-AC81-0122-1

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1981-02-25

    NASA Aircraft on ramp (Aerial view) Sides: (L) QSRA (R) C-8A AWJSRA - Back to Front: CV-990 (711) C-141 KAO, CV-990 (712) Galileo, T-38, YO-3A, Lear Jet, X-14, U-2, OH-6, CH-47, SH-3G, RSRA, AH-1G, XV-15, UH-1H

  1. Correlations for the Viscosity of 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234yf) and trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze(E))†

    PubMed Central

    Huber, Marcia L.; Assael, Marc J.

    2016-01-01

    Due to concerns about global warming, there is interest in 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234yf) and trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze(E)) as potential replacements for refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). In this manuscript we survey available data and provide viscosity correlations that cover the entire fluid range including vapor, liquid, and supercritical regions. The correlation for R1234yf is valid from the triple point (220 K) to 410 K at pressures up to 30 MPa, and the correlation for R1234ze(E) is valid from the triple point (169 K) to 420 K at pressures up to 100 MPa. The estimated uncertainty for both correlations at a 95 % confidence level is 2 % for the liquid phase over the temperature range 243 K to 363 K at pressures to 30 MPa, and 3 % for the gas phase at atmospheric pressure. PMID:27840461

  2. SAGE III/ISS L2 Solar Event Species Profiles (Native) V5 (g3bsspb)

    Atmospheric Science Data Center

    2017-12-21

    SAGE III/ISS L2 Solar Event Species Profiles (Native) V5 (g3bsspb)   Project ... present Temporal Resolution:  1 file per event File Format:  BINARY Tools:  Earthdata ... Radiation Longwave Radiation Shortwave Radiation Event Tag Event Type Obs Beta Angle Order Data:  ...

  3. SAGE III/ISS L2 Lunar Event Species Profiles (Native) V5 (g3blspb)

    Atmospheric Science Data Center

    2018-01-08

    SAGE III/ISS L2 Lunar Event Species Profiles (Native) V5 (g3blspb)   Project ... present Temporal Resolution:  1 file per event File Format:  BINARY Tools:  Earthdata ... Radiation Longwave Radiation Shortwave Radiation Event Tag Event Type Obs Beta Angle Order Data:  ...

  4. Induction of apoptosis in human liver carcinoma HepG2 cell line by 5-allyl-7-gen-difluoromethylenechrysin.

    PubMed

    Tan, Xiang-Wen; Xia, Hong; Xu, Jin-Hua; Cao, Jian-Guo

    2009-05-14

    To investigate the effect of 5-allyl-7-gen-difluoromethylenechrysin (ADFMChR) on apoptosis of human liver carcinoma HepG2 cell line and the molecular mechanisms involved. HepG2 cells and L-02 cells were cultured in vitro and the inhibitory effect of ADFMChR on their proliferation was measured by MTT assay. The apoptosis of HepG2 cells was determined by flow cytometry (FCM) using propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence staining. DNA ladder bands were observed by DNA agarose gel electrophoresis. The influence of ADFMChR on the proxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), NF-kappaB, Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression of HepG2 cells were analyzed by Western blotting. MTT assay showed that ADFMChR significantly inhibited proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with little effect on growth of L-02 cells, and when IC(50) was measured as 8.45 micromol/L and 191.55 micromol/L respectively, the potency of ADFMChR to HepG2 cells, was found to be similar to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, IC(50) was 9.27 micromol/L). The selective index of ADFMChR cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells was 22.67 (191.55/8.45), higher than 5-FU (SI was 7.05 (65.37/9.27). FCM with PI staining demonstrated that the apoptosis rates of HepG2 cells treated with 3.0, 10.0 and 30.0 micromol/L ADFMChR for 48 h were 5.79%, 9.29% and 37.8%, respectively, and were significantly higher when treated with 30.0 micromol/L ADFMChR than when treated with 30.0 micromol/L ChR (16.0%) (P < 0.05) and were similar to those obtained with 30.0 micromol/L 5-FU (41.0%). DNA agarose gel electrophoresis showed that treatment of HepG2 cells with 10.0 micromol/L ADFMChR for 48 h and 72 h resulted in typical DNA ladders which could be reversed by 10.00 micromol/L GW9662, a blocker of PPARgamma. Western blotting analysis revealed that after 24 h of treatment with 3.0, 10.0, 30.0 micromol/L ADFMChR, PPARgamma and Bax protein expression in HepG2 cells increased but Bcl-2 and NF-kappaB expression decreased; however, pre

  5. Ankyrin repeats of ANKRA2 recognize a PxLPxL motif on the 3M syndrome protein CCDC8.

    PubMed

    Nie, Jianyun; Xu, Chao; Jin, Jing; Aka, Juliette A; Tempel, Wolfram; Nguyen, Vivian; You, Linya; Weist, Ryan; Min, Jinrong; Pawson, Tony; Yang, Xiang-Jiao

    2015-04-07

    Peptide motifs are often used for protein-protein interactions. We have recently demonstrated that ankyrin repeats of ANKRA2 and the paralogous bare lymphocyte syndrome transcription factor RFXANK recognize PxLPxL/I motifs shared by megalin, three histone deacetylases, and RFX5. We show here that that CCDC8 is a major partner of ANKRA2 but not RFXANK in cells. The CCDC8 gene is mutated in 3M syndrome, a short-stature disorder with additional facial and skeletal abnormalities. Two other genes mutated in this syndrome encode CUL7 and OBSL1. While CUL7 is a ubiquitin ligase and OBSL1 associates with the cytoskeleton, little is known about CCDC8. Binding and structural analyses reveal that the ankyrin repeats of ANKRA2 recognize a PxLPxL motif at the C-terminal region of CCDC8. The N-terminal part interacts with OBSL1 to form a CUL7 ligase complex. These results link ANKRA2 unexpectedly to 3M syndrome and suggest novel regulatory mechanisms for histone deacetylases and RFX7. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Passive avoidance and complex maze learning in the senescence accelerated mouse (SAM): age and strain comparisons of SAM P8 and R1.

    PubMed

    Spangler, Edward L; Patel, Namisha; Speer, Dorey; Hyman, Michael; Hengemihle, John; Markowska, Alicja; Ingram, Donald K

    2002-02-01

    Two strains of the senescence accelerated mouse, P8 and R1,were tested in footshock-motivated passive avoidance (PA; P8, 3-21 months; R1, 3-24 months) and 14-unit T-maze (P8 and R1, 9, and 15 months) tasks. For PA, entry to a dark chamber from a lighted chamber was followed by a brief shock. Latency to enter the dark chamber 24 hours later served as a measure of retention. Two days of active avoidance training in a straight runway preceded 2 days (8 trials/day) of testing in the 14-unit T-maze. For PA retention, older P8 mice entered the dark chamber more quickly than older R1 mice, whereas no differences were observed between young P8 or R1 mice. In the 14-unit T-maze, age-related learning performance deficits were reflected in higher error scores for older mice. P8 mice were actually superior learners; that is, they had lower error scores compared with those of age-matched R1 counterparts. Although PA learning results were in agreement with other reports, results obtained in the 14-unit T-maze were not consistent with previous reports of learning impairments in the P8 senescence accelerated mouse.

  7. miR-8-3p regulates mitoferrin in the testes of Bactrocera dorsalis to ensure normal spermatogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Tariq, Kaleem; Metzendorf, Christoph; Peng, Wei; Sohail, Summar; Zhang, Hongyu

    2016-01-01

    Genetics-enhanced sterile insect techniques (SIT) are promising novel approaches to control Bactrocera dorsalis, the most destructive horticultural pest in East Asia and the Pacific region. To identify novel genetic agents to alter male fertility of B. dorsalis, previous studies investigated miRNA expression in testes of B. dorsalis. One miRNA, miR-8-3p was predicted to bind the 3′UTR of putative B. dorsalis mitoferrin (bmfrn). The ortholog of bmfrn in D. melanogaster is essential for male fertility. Here we show that bmfrn has all conserved amino acid residues of known mitoferrins and is most abundantly expressed in B. dorsalis testes, making miR-8-3p and mitoferrin candidates for genetics-enhanced SIT. Furthermore, using a dual-luciferase reporter system, we show in HeLa cells that miR-8-3p interacts with the 3′UTR of bmfrn. Dietary treatments of adult male flies with miR-8-3p mimic, antagomiR, or bmfrn dsRNA, altered mitoferrin expression in the testes and resulted in reduced male reproductive capacity due to reduced numbers and viability of spermatozoa. We show for the first time that a mitoferrin is regulated by a miRNA and we demonstrate miR-8-3p as well as bmfrn dsRNA to be promising novel agents that could be used for genetics-enhanced SIT. PMID:26932747

  8. MLH1 V384D polymorphism associates with poor response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with EGFR L858R-positive lung adenocarcinoma.

    PubMed

    Chiu, Chao-Hua; Ho, Hsiang-Ling; Doong, Howard; Yeh, Yi-Chen; Chen, Mei-Yu; Chou, Teh-Ying; Tsai, Chun-Ming

    2015-04-10

    A significant fraction of patients with lung adenocarcinomas harboring activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations do not experience clinical benefits from EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Using next-generation sequencing, we screened 739 mutation hotspots in 46 cancer-related genes in EGFR L858R-mutant lung adenocarcinomas from 29 patients who received EGFR-TKI therapy; 13 had short (< 3 months) and 16 had long (> 1 year) progression-free survival (PFS). We discovered MLH1 V384D as a genetic variant enriched in the group of patients with short PFS. Next, we investigated this genetic variation in 158 lung adenocarcinomas with the EGFR L858R mutation and found 14 (8.9%) patients had MLH1 V384D; available blood or non-tumor tissues from patients were also tested positive for MLH1 V384D. Patients with MLH1 V384D had a significantly shorter median PFS than those without (5.1 vs. 10.6 months; P= 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that MLH1 V384D polymorphism was an independent predictor for a reduced PFS time (hazard ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 7.2; P= 0.001). In conclusion, MLH1 V384D polymorphism is associated with primary resistance to EGFR-TKIs in patients with EGFR L858R-positive lung adenocarcinoma and may potentially be a novel biomarker to guide treatment decisions.

  9. HAER COLO,30LAKWD.V,2G (sheet 1 of 1) Glenn L. Martin ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    HAER COLO,30-LAKWD.V,2G- (sheet 1 of 1) - Glenn L. Martin Company, Titan Missile Test Facilities, Cold Flow Laboratory Building B, Waterton Canyon Road & Colorado Highway 121, Lakewood, Jefferson County, CO

  10. Phonetic training with acoustic cue manipulations: A comparison of methods for teaching English /r/-/l/ to Japanese adults

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Iverson, Paul; Hazan, Valerie; Bannister, Kerry

    2005-11-01

    Recent work [Iverson et al. (2003) Cognition, 87, B47-57] has suggested that Japanese adults have difficulty learning English /r/ and /l/ because they are overly sensitive to acoustic cues that are not reliable for /r/-/l/ categorization (e.g., F2 frequency). This study investigated whether cue weightings are altered by auditory training, and compared the effectiveness of different training techniques. Separate groups of subjects received High Variability Phonetic Training (natural words from multiple talkers), and 3 techniques in which the natural recordings were altered via signal processing (All Enhancement, with F3 contrast maximized and closure duration lengthened; Perceptual Fading, with F3 enhancement reduced during training; and Secondary Cue Variability, with variation in F2 and durations increased during training). The results demonstrated that all of the training techniques improved /r/-/l/ identification by Japanese listeners, but there were no differences between the techniques. Training also altered the use of secondary acoustic cues; listeners became biased to identify stimuli as English /l/ when the cues made them similar to the Japanese /r/ category, and reduced their use of secondary acoustic cues for stimuli that were dissimilar to Japanese /r/. The results suggest that both category assimilation and perceptual interference affect English /r/ and /l/ acquisition.

  11. Safety and immunogenicity of the rVSV∆G-ZEBOV-GP Ebola virus vaccine candidate in healthy adults: a phase 1b randomised, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response study.

    PubMed

    Heppner, D Gray; Kemp, Tracy L; Martin, Brian K; Ramsey, William J; Nichols, Richard; Dasen, Emily J; Link, Charles J; Das, Rituparna; Xu, Zhi Jin; Sheldon, Eric A; Nowak, Teresa A; Monath, Thomas P

    2017-08-01

    The 2014 Zaire Ebola virus outbreak highlighted the need for a safe, effective vaccine with a rapid onset of protection. We report the safety and immunogenicity of the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus-Zaire Ebola virus envelope glycoprotein vaccine (rVSV∆G-ZEBOV-GP) across a 6 log 10 dose range in two sequential cohorts. In this phase 1b double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response study we enrolled and randomly assigned healthy adults (aged 18-61 years) at eight study sites in the USA to receive a single injection of vaccine or placebo, administered by intramuscular injection. In cohort 1, participants were assigned to receive 3 × 10 3 , 3 × 10 4 , 3 × 10 5 , or 3 × 10 6 PFU doses of rVSV∆G-ZEBOV-GP or placebo. In cohort 2, participants were assigned to receive 3 × 10 6 , 9 × 10 6 , 2 × 10 7 , or 1 × 10 8 PFU doses of rVSV∆G-ZEBOV-GP or placebo. Participants were centrally allocated by the study statistician to vaccine groups or placebo through computer-generated randomisation lists. The primary safety outcome was incidence of adverse events within 14 days in the modified intention-to-treat population (all randomly assigned participants who received vaccine or placebo), and the primary outcome for immunogenicity was IgG ELISA antibody titres at day 28 in the per-protocol population. Surveillance was enhanced for arthritis and dermatitis through to day 56. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02314923. Between Dec 26, 2014, and June 8, 2015, 513 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned; one was not immunised because of unsuccessful phlebotomy. In cohort 1, 256 participants received vaccine (3 × 10 3 [n=64], 3 × 10 4 [n=64], 3 × 10 5 [n=64], or 3 × 10 6 PFU [n=64]) and 74 received placebo. In cohort 2, 162 participants received vaccine (3 × 10 6 [n=20], 9 × 10 6 [n=47], 2 × 10 7 [n=47], or 1 × 10 8 PFU [n=48]) and 20 received placebo. Most

  12. The polymorphisms K469E and G261R of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Song, Gwan Gyu; Lee, Young Ho

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study was to explore whether polymorphisms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) are associated with susceptibility to Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The authors conducted a meta-analysis on the associations between the polymorphisms K469E and G241R of ICAM-1 and susceptibility to CD and UC. A total of 8 studies with 801 patients with CD, 672 patients with UC, and 1,828 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed no association between CD and the ICAM-1 469E allele among the subjects (OR = 1.175, 95% CI = 0.901-1.533, p = 0.233). However, stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the ICAM-1 469E allele and CD in Europeans (OR = 1.425, 95% CI = 1.013-2.002, p = 0.042). Meta-analysis using the homozygosity also showed an association with CD in Europeans (OR = 2.054, 95% CI = 1.036-4.073, p = 0.039). The meta-analysis revealed no association between UC and the ICAM-1 K469E polymorphism. No association between CD or UC and the ICAM-1 G241R polymorphism was observed. This meta-analysis demonstrates that the ICAM-1 K469E polymorphism may be associated with susceptibility to CD in Europeans, but no association was found between ICAM-1 K469E and UC. In contrast, the G241R polymorphism was not found to be associated with susceptibility to either CD or UC.

  13. Effects of Cyclic Mechanical Stretch on the Proliferation of L6 Myoblasts and Its Mechanisms: PI3K/Akt and MAPK Signal Pathways Regulated by IGF-1 Receptor.

    PubMed

    Fu, Shaoting; Yin, Lijun; Lin, Xiaojing; Lu, Jianqiang; Wang, Xiaohui

    2018-06-02

    Myoblast proliferation is crucial to skeletal muscle hypertrophy and regeneration. Our previous study indicated that mechanical stretch altered the proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts, associated with insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-mediated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt (also known as protein kinase B) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways through IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R). The purpose of this study was to explore the same stretches on the proliferation of L6 myoblasts and its association with IGF-1-regulated PI3K/Akt and MAPK activations. L6 myoblasts were divided into three groups: control, 15% stretch, and 20% stretch. Stretches were achieved using FlexCell Strain Unit. Cell proliferation and IGF-1 concentration were detected by CCK8 and ELISA, respectively. IGF-1R expression, and expressions and activities of PI3K, Akt, and MAPKs (including extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and p38) were determined by Western blot. We found that 15% stretch promoted, while 20% stretch inhibited L6 myoblast proliferation. A 15% stretch increased IGF-1R level, although had no effect on IGF-1 secretion of L6 myoblasts, and PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 (not p38) inhibitors attenuated 15% stretch-induced pro-proliferation. Exogenous IGF-1 reversed 20% stretch-induced anti-proliferation, accompanied with increases in IGF-1R level as well as PI3K/Akt and MAPK (ERK1/2 and p38) activations. In conclusion, stretch regulated L6 myoblasts proliferation, which may be mediated by the changes in PI3K/Akt and MAPK activations regulated by IGF-1R, despite no detectable IGF-1 from stretched L6 myoblasts.

  14. Nisin production of Lactococcus lactis N8 with hemin-stimulated cell respiration in fed-batch fermentation system.

    PubMed

    Kördikanlıoğlu, Burcu; Şimşek, Ömer; Saris, Per E J

    2015-01-01

    In this study, nisin production of Lactococcus lactis N8 was optimized by independent variables of glucose, hemin and oxygen concentrations in fed-batch fermentation in which respiration of cells was stimulated with hemin. Response surface model was able to explain the changes of the nisin production of L. lactis N8 in fed-batch fermentation system with high fidelity (R(2) 98%) and insignificant lack of fit. Accordingly, the equation developed indicated the optimum parameters for glucose, hemin, and dissolved oxygen were 8 g L(-1) h(-1) , 3 μg mL(-1) and 40%, respectively. While 1711 IU mL(-1) nisin was produced by L. lactis N8 in control fed-batch fermentation, 5410 IU mL(-1) nisin production was achieved within the relevant optimum parameters where the respiration of cell was stimulated with hemin. Accordingly, nisin production was enhanced 3.1 fold in fed-batch fermentation using hemin. In conclusion the nisin production of L. lactis N8 was enhanced extensively as a result of increasing the biomass by stimulating the cell respiration with adding the hemin in the fed-batch fermentation. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

  15. MBD3L2 interacts with MBD3 and components of the NuRD complex and can oppose MBD2-MeCP1-mediated methylation silencing.

    PubMed

    Jin, Seung-Gi; Jiang, Chun-Ling; Rauch, Tibor; Li, Hongwei; Pfeifer, Gerd P

    2005-04-01

    MBD2 and MBD3 are two proteins that contain methyl-CpG binding domains and have a transcriptional repression function. Both proteins are components of a large CpG-methylated DNA binding complex named MeCP1, which consists of the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylase complex Mi2-NuRD and MBD2. MBD3L2 (methyl-CpG-binding protein 3-like 2) is a protein with substantial homology to MBD2 and MBD3, but it lacks the methyl-CpG-binding domain. Unlike MBD3L1, which is specifically expressed in haploid male germ cells, MBD3L2 expression is more widespread. MBD3L2 interacts with MBD3 in vitro and in vivo, co-localizes with MBD3 but not MBD2, and does not localize to methyl-CpG-rich regions in the nucleus. In glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays, MBD3L2 is found associated with several known components of the Mi2-NuRD complex, including HDAC1, HDAC2, MTA1, MBD3, p66, RbAp46, and RbAp48. Gel shift experiments with nuclear extracts and a CpG-methylated DNA probe indicate that recombinant MBD3L2 can displace a form of the MeCP1 complex from methylated DNA. MBD3L2 acts as a transcriptional repressor when tethered to a GAL4-DNA binding domain. Repression by GAL4-MBD3L2 is relieved by MBD2 and vice versa, and repression by MBD2 from a methylated promoter is relieved by MBD3L2. The data are consistent with a role of MBD3L2 as a transcriptional modulator that can interchange with MBD2 as an MBD3-interacting component of the NuRD complex. Thus, MBD3L2 has the potential to recruit the MeCP1 complex away from methylated DNA and reactivate transcription.

  16. Association of The IDH1 C.395G>A (R132H) Mutation with Histological Type in Malay Brain Tumors

    PubMed

    Mohamed Yusoff, Abdul Aziz; Zulfakhar, Fatin Najwa; Sul’ain, Mohd Dasuki; Idris, Zamzuri; Abdullah, Jafri Malin

    2016-12-01

    Background: Brain tumors, constituting one of the most deadly forms of cancer worldwide, result from the accumulation of multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations in genes and signaling pathways. Isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme isoform 1 (IDH1) mutations are frequently identified in primary brain tumors and acute myeloid leukemia. Studies on IDH1 gene mutations have been extensively performed in various populations worldwide but not in Malaysia. This work was conducted to study the prevalence of IDH1 c.395G>A (R132H) hotspot mutations in a group of Malaysian patients with brain tumors in order to gain local data for the IDH1 mutation profile in our population. Methods: Mutation analysis of c.395G>A (R132H) of IDH1 was performed in 40 brain tumor specimens by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP) and then verified by direct sequencing. Associations between the IDH1 c.395G>A (R132H) mutation and clinicopathologic characteristics were also analyzed. Results: The IDH1 c.395G>A (R132H) mutation was detected in 14/40 patients (35%). A significant association was found with histological tumor types, but not with age, gender and race. Conclusions: IDH1 is frequently mutated and associated with histological subtypes in Malay brain tumors. Creative Commons Attribution License

  17. Association of The IDH1 C.395G>A (R132H) Mutation with Histological Type in Malay Brain Tumors

    PubMed Central

    Yusoff, Abdul Aziz Mohamed; Zulfakhar, Fatin Najwa; Sul’ain, Mohd Dasuki; Idris, Zamzuri; Abdullah, Jafri Malin

    2016-01-01

    Background: Brain tumors, constituting one of the most deadly forms of cancer worldwide, result from the accumulation of multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations in genes and signaling pathways. Isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme isoform 1 (IDH1) mutations are frequently identified in primary brain tumors and acute myeloid leukemia. Studies on IDH1 gene mutations have been extensively performed in various populations worldwide but not in Malaysia. This work was conducted to study the prevalence of IDH1 c.395G>A (R132H) hotspot mutations in a group of Malaysian patients with brain tumors in order to gain local data for the IDH1 mutation profile in our population. Methods: Mutation analysis of c.395G>A (R132H) of IDH1 was performed in 40 brain tumor specimens by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP) and then verified by direct sequencing. Associations between the IDH1 c.395G>A (R132H) mutation and clinicopathologic characteristics were also analyzed. Results: The IDH1 c.395G>A (R132H) mutation was detected in 14/40 patients (35%). A significant association was found with histological tumor types, but not with age, gender and race. Conclusions: IDH1 is frequently mutated and associated with histological subtypes in Malay brain tumors. PMID:28125199

  18. Efeito do Solo do Materias Organicos E do Adubo Formula 4N:14P:8K Para Producao DA Batata (Solanum tuberosum L.) Semente Pre-Basica no Casa de Vegetacao

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    László, Márton

    2010-05-01

    Widely well know that the potato is an important vegetable crop at Brazíl. Plant grown on about 173.000 ha, with total yield of 2.6 million tons year-1. The average yield is about 15 t ha-1. This level is very low because degeneration of crop is rapid under high temperature and high viruses pressure. Therefore seed potato propagation and production is principal on consumption potato production. This is why we found it necessary to develop it. The latossolo vermelho soil-farmyard manure- burnt rice straw-fertilizer 4N:14P:8K greenhouse pot trial was set up at the National Vegetable Crops Research Center, Brasília-DF, Brazíl in 1990. The methods of the experiments were soil x farmyard manure x burnt rice straw, soil x 4N:14P:8K fertilizer and soil x farmyard manure x burnt rice straw x 4N:14P:8K fertilizer on randomized block design in total 29 combination of treatments in 5, 5 and 3 repetitions with in a total parcel of 116. According to chemical analysis of the a., soil, b., farmyard manure and c., burnt rice straw the agrochemistry parameters were as follows: a., latossolo vermelho soil: CaCO3 0.3-0.7%, humo 0.9-1.0%, pH (H2O) 5.3, pH (KCl) 4.5, AL- P2O5 3.2-3.5 mg kg-1, AL- K2O 180 mg kg-1, Mg (KCl) 70 mg kg-1, EDTA-Zn 0.5-0.8 mg kg-1, EDTA-Cu 0.5-0.6 mg kg-1, b., farmyard manure: N 1.8 g kg-1, P2O5 2.0 g kg-1, K2O 4.0 g kg-1, c., burnt rice straw: N 0.8 g kg-1, P2O5 7.0 g kg-1, K2O 4.5 g kg-1. The experimental datas were estimated by analysis of variance, ANOVA and MANOVA. The main conclusions were as follows: 1. Mixture of 80% latossolo vermelho, 10% burnt rice straw and 10% farmyard manure were shown best performance on seed potato productivity. The piece of tubers with a 0-20 mm (consumption seeds) was increased by 77%. 2. Total seed potato number was reached maximum at 10.8 g pot-1 4N:14P:8K fertilizer regarding to average of treatments with a 33%. 3. Dry biomassa production plant-1 was decreased by high dose of 4N:14P:8K fertilizer (18.0 g pot-1) with a

  19. Enquête internationale sur l'état de l'art et l'état de la pratique en géotechnique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Acosta-Martinez, Hugo; Delage, Pierre; Nicks, Jennifer; Day, Peter

    2018-05-01

    Cet article présente une synthèse des résultats de l'enquête internationale sur l'état de l'art et l'état de la pratique en ingénierie géotechnique lancée par le Groupe présidentiel des entreprises associées et le Comité de supervision technique de la Société internationale de mécanique des sols et de géotechnique en mars 2017. Il résume également les discussions qui ont eu lieu sur le sujet durant le 19e CIMSG à Séoul, le 20 septembre 2017.

  20. Andrographolide inhibits adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells by suppressing C/EBPβ expression and activation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, Ching-Chu

    Andrographolide, a diterpenoid, is the most abundant terpenoid in Andrographis paniculata, a popular Chinese herbal medicine. Andrographolide displays diverse biological activities including hypoglycemia, hypolipidemia, anti-inflammation, and anti-tumorigenesis. Recent evidence indicates that andrographolide displays anti-obesity property by inhibiting lipogenic gene expression, however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, the effects of andrographolide on transcription factor cascade and mitotic clonal expansion in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation into adipocyte were determined. Andrographolide dose-dependently (0–15 μM) inhibited CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) and C/EBPβ mRNA and protein expression as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) protein level during the adipogenesis ofmore » 3T3-L1 cells. Concomitantly, fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase expression and lipid accumulation were attenuated by andrographolide. Oil-red O staining further showed that the first 48 h after the initiation of differentiation was critical for andrographolide inhibition of adipocyte formation. Andrographolide inhibited the phosphorylation of PKA and the activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in response to a differentiation cocktail, which led to attenuated C/EBPβ expression. In addition, ERK and GSK3β-dependent C/EBPβ phosphorylation was attenuated by andrographolide. Moreover, andrographolide suppressed cyclin A, cyclin E, and CDK2 expression and impaired the progression of mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) by arresting the cell cycle at the Go/G1 phase. Taken together, these results indicate that andrographolide has a potent anti-obesity action by inhibiting PKA-CREB-mediated C/EBPβ expression as well as C/EBPβ transcriptional activity, which halts MCE progression and attenuates C/EBPα and PPARγ expression. - Highlights: • Andrographolide is a diterpenoid

  1. Reactive glia promote development of CD103+ CD69+ CD8+ T-cells through programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1).

    PubMed

    Prasad, Sujata; Hu, Shuxian; Sheng, Wen S; Chauhan, Priyanka; Lokensgard, James R

    2018-06-01

    Previous work from our laboratory has demonstrated in vivo persistence of CD103 + CD69 + brain resident memory CD8 + T-cells (bT RM ) following viral infection, and that the PD-1: PD-L1 pathway promotes development of these T RM cells within the brain. Although glial cells express low basal levels of PD-L1, its expression is upregulated upon IFN-γ-treatment, and they have been shown to modulate antiviral T-cell effector responses through the PD-1: PD-L1 pathway. We performed flow cytometric analysis of cells from co-cultures of mixed glia and CD8 + T-cells obtained from wild type mice to investigate the role of glial cells in the development of bT RM . In this study, we show that interactions between reactive glia and anti-CD3 Ab-stimulated CD8 + T-cells promote development of CD103 + CD69 + CD8 + T-cells through engagement of the PD-1: PD-L1 pathway. These studies used co-cultures of primary murine glial cells obtained from WT animals along with CD8 + T-cells obtained from either WT or PD-1 KO mice. We found that αCD3 Ab-stimulated CD8 + T-cells from WT animals increased expression of CD103 and CD69 when co-cultured with primary murine glial cells. In contrast, significantly reduced expression of CD103 and CD69 was observed using CD8 + T-cells from PD-1 KO mice. We also observed that reactive glia promoted high levels of CD127, a marker of memory precursor effector cells (MPEC), on CD69 + CD8 + T-cells, which promotes development of T RM cells. Interestingly, results obtained using T-cells from PD-1 KO animals showed significantly reduced expression of CD127 on CD69 + CD8 + cells. Additionally, blocking of glial PD-L1 resulted in decreased expression of CD103, along with reduced CD127 on CD69 + CD8 + T-cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate a role for activated glia in promoting development of bT RM through the PD-1: PD-L1 pathway. © 2018 The Authors. Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  2. Tumoral immune-infiltrate (IF), PD-L1 expression and role of CD8/TIA-1 lymphocytes in localized osteosarcoma patients treated within protocol ISG-OS1.

    PubMed

    Palmerini, Emanuela; Agostinelli, Claudio; Picci, Piero; Pileri, Stefano; Marafioti, Teresa; Lollini, Pier-Luigi; Scotlandi, Katia; Longhi, Alessandra; Benassi, Maria Serena; Ferrari, Stefano

    2017-12-19

    We hypothesized that immune-infiltrates were associated with superior survival, and examined a primary osteosarcoma tissue microarrays (TMAs) to test this hypothesis. 129 patients (pts) with localized osteosarcoma treated within protocol ISG-OS1 were included in the study. Clinical characteristics, expression of CD8, CD3, FOXP3, CD20, CD68/CD163 (tumor associated macrophage, TAM), Tia-1 (cytotoxic T cell), CD303 (plasmacytoid dendritic cells: pDC), Arginase-1 (myeloid derived suppressor cells: MDSC), PD-1 on immune-cells (IC), and PD-L1 on tumoral cells (TC) and IC were analysed and correlated with outcome. Most of the cases presented tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (CD3+ 90%; CD8+ 86%). Tia-1 was detected in 73% of the samples. PD-L1 expression was found in 14% patients in IC and 0% in TC; 22% showed PD-1 expression in IC.With a median follow-up of 8 years (range 1-13), the 5-year overall survival (5-year OS) was 74% (95% CI 64-85). Univariate analysis showed better 5-year OS for: a) pts with a good histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.0001); b) pts with CD8/Tia1 tumoral infiltrates (p = 0.002); c) pts with normal alkaline phosphatas (sALP) (p = 0.04). After multivariate analysis, histologic response (p = 0.007) and CD8/Tia1 infiltration (p = 0.01) were independently correlated with survival. In the subset of pts with CD8+ infiltrate, worse (p 0.02) OS was observed for PD-L1(IC)+ cases. Our findings support the hypothesis that CD8/Tia1 infiltrate in tumor microenvironment at diagnosis confers superior survival for pts with localized osteosarcoma, while PD-L1 expression is associated with worse survival.

  3. 75 FR 70104 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model SA330F, G, and J; and AS332C, L, L1, and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-11-17

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model SA330F, G, and J; and AS332C, L, L1, and L2 Helicopters... (ASB) No. 52.13 for the SA330F, G, and J helicopters, and 52.00.38 for the AS332C, C1, L, L1, and L2... authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec...

  4. 1 CFR 8.3 - Periodic updating.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 1 General Provisions 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Periodic updating. 8.3 Section 8.3 General... the intent and purpose of the Administrative Committee as stated in § 8.1. (b) Staggered publication... before the “As of” date. Thus, each title updated as of July 1 each year will reflect all amendatory...

  5. 1 CFR 8.3 - Periodic updating.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 1 General Provisions 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Periodic updating. 8.3 Section 8.3 General... the intent and purpose of the Administrative Committee as stated in § 8.1. (b) Staggered publication... before the “As of” date. Thus, each title updated as of July 1 each year will reflect all amendatory...

  6. 1 CFR 8.3 - Periodic updating.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 1 General Provisions 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Periodic updating. 8.3 Section 8.3 General... the intent and purpose of the Administrative Committee as stated in § 8.1. (b) Staggered publication... before the “As of” date. Thus, each title updated as of July 1 each year will reflect all amendatory...

  7. 1 CFR 8.3 - Periodic updating.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 1 General Provisions 1 2014-01-01 2012-01-01 true Periodic updating. 8.3 Section 8.3 General... the intent and purpose of the Administrative Committee as stated in § 8.1. (b) Staggered publication... before the “As of” date. Thus, each title updated as of July 1 each year will reflect all amendatory...

  8. 1 CFR 8.3 - Periodic updating.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 1 General Provisions 1 2013-01-01 2012-01-01 true Periodic updating. 8.3 Section 8.3 General... the intent and purpose of the Administrative Committee as stated in § 8.1. (b) Staggered publication... before the “As of” date. Thus, each title updated as of July 1 each year will reflect all amendatory...

  9. Word Frequency Analysis. MOS: 26Q. Skill Levels 1 & 2.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-05-01

    L! 2 9 Ll- 236 t /G 2 Pi 2 3’,F/G z PU-332jS/l Z z *.I PjkPig5E 2 P :3 IZ/’ 2 wA I A 1i 2 QvA 1 . T ITy 2 .3il.-rss 2 RTZEIVEC Z .F, 11~ k 11:8E R 2 K...ADA0?U ARMY TRAINING DEVELOPMENTS INST FORT MONdROE VA /5/ADWORD FREQUENCY ANALYSIS. MOSI 24. SKILL LEVELS 1 6 2.1U) / MAY 81 A A LONGO UNCLASSIFIED...1qR1 ATTN: ATTG;-DOR 13. NUQBER OF PAGES 14 OIOMlGAEC AEaAOESI dilt.,,.l 1 - ContIrMA OfII..) 15. SECURITY CLASS. fo1 VdI. ftw.f) Unclassified 150

  10. SOUTHWESTERN CORNER OF SECTION 1, WITH (L TO R) BIVOUAC ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    SOUTHWESTERN CORNER OF SECTION 1, WITH (L TO R) BIVOUAC OF THE DEAD TABLET, INVERTED CANNON AND UNION WOMAN’S RELIEF CORPS #44 MONUMENT IN FOREGROUND. VIEW TO NORTHEAST. - Crown Hill Cemetery, Crown Hill National Cemetery, 700 West Thirty-eighth Street, Indianapolis, Marion County, IN

  11. Word Frequency Analysis. MOS: 51N. Skill Levels 1 & 2.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-05-01

    C.s~ss t C: 4i,40 16 CoD.J,1U 4 I CE s!Z 26 rCLL 9 CELL ! I CEAENf. 24 CFNT;R 3 C.J7’.1-T-CENTEft 2 CtNT?-AEr’ 4 Mf~ :aL.ZWE 2 e VrAL C ^’f4 t...GOJ4LTy214I7G 27~~~Z r.4MrL2 JN 7fE43ING 26 PUT?e- CELL 26 4126 pPZPING 2 ~76 Pr, ’S U~R 26S*5INh2 P8!P(NTq25 P-.crsS 25 P.AT8 25 INCI 25 PTSVRE 15 u 5...rL 2 CPAL 11𔃻? .1G 2 C IrIL2:", I DE I L 2 CIRZCJLL-, 2 CIE!Nv, 2 C~LrFCJLC LJD 2 CUA*.Ll 2 ccCoVM4UICATION 2 CELL ; A S 2 :(LLZkS 2 CO4 It~TIOE

  12. Chromium (VI) induced oxidative damage to DNA: increase of urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentrations (8-OHdG) among electroplating workers

    PubMed Central

    Kuo, H; Chang, S; Wu, K; Wu, F

    2003-01-01

    Aims: To investigate the concentration of urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) among electroplating workers in Taiwan. Methods: Fifty workers were selected from five chromium (Cr) electroplating plants in central Taiwan. The 20 control subjects were office workers with no previous exposure to Cr. Urinary 8-OHdG concentrations were determined using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Results: Urinary 8-OHdG concentrations among Cr workers (1149.5 pmol/kg/day) were higher than those in the control group (730.2 pmol/kg/day). There was a positive correlation between urinary 8-OHdG concentrations and urinary Cr concentration (r = 0.447, p < 0.01), and urinary 8-OHdG correlated positively with airborne Cr concentration (r = 0.285). Using multiple regression analysis, the factors that affected urinary 8-OHdG concentrations were alcohol, the common cold, and high urinary Cr concentration. There was a high correlation of urinary 8-OHdG with both smoking and drinking, but multiple regression analysis showed that smoking was not a significant factor. Age and gender were also non-significant factors. Conclusion: 8-OHdG, which is an indicator of oxidative DNA damage, was a sensitive biomarker for Cr exposure. PMID:12883020

  13. Spray Characteristics and Take-off and Landing Stability of Several Modifications of a 1/8-size Model of the PBN-1 Flying Boad - NACA Model 192

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1945-04-01

    di s:{S . Tni s ra~ge, v:hi ch e): tended 1 fl’om 8.;;;· to 13 feet per seconei for the basi c model 192, L WaS :;,’oc.uced to Cl. range froLl 91...f$i I5-::J:n P.r~ !~~pg l :: fh’ t", l -!- : lli~ i# f! ~~ itt ~ ~rt! Im~ :; ::! I ~+ ~I~$1 :~ I ~=:~ I :-:r. .r:::J r.;.; 1111: :tli Uti h!fl : mIlia ...CHARACTERISTICS AND TAKE-OFF AND LANDING STABILITY OF SEVERAL MODIFICATIONS OF A l /8-SI’EE MODEL OF THE PBN- l FInNG BOAT - NACA MODEL 192 By David

  14. A first detection of singlet to triplet conversion from the 1 1B u- to the 1 3A g state and triplet internal conversion from the 1 3A g to the 1 3B u state in carotenoids: dependence on the conjugation length

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rondonuwu, Ferdy S.; Watanabe, Yasutaka; Fujii, Ritsuko; Koyama, Yasushi

    2003-07-01

    Subpicosecond time-resolved absorption spectra were recorded in the visible region for a set of photosynthetic carotenoids having different numbers of conjugated double bonds ( n), which include neurosporene ( n=9), spheroidene ( n=10), lycopene ( n=11), anhydrorhodovibrin ( n=12) and spirilloxanthin ( n=13). Singular-value decomposition and global fitting of the spectral-data matrices lead us to a branched relaxation scheme including both (1) the singlet internal conversion in the sequence of 1 1B u+ → 1 1B u- → 2 1A g- → 1 1A g-(ground), and (2) the singlet-to-triplet conversion of 1 1B u- → 1 3A g followed by triplet internal conversion of 1 3A g1 3B u.

  15. 16 CFR 460.8 - R-value tolerances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 16 Commercial Practices 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false R-value tolerances. 460.8 Section 460.8... INSULATION § 460.8 R-value tolerances. If you are a manufacturer of home insulation, no individual specimen of the insulation you sell can have an R-value more than 10% below the R-value shown in a label, fact...

  16. miR319, miR390, and miR393 Are Involved in Aluminum Response in Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

    PubMed Central

    Zyablitsin, Alexander V.; Rozhmina, Tatiana A.; Speranskaya, Anna S.; Sadritdinova, Asiya F.

    2017-01-01

    Acid soils limit agricultural production worldwide. Major reason of crop losses in acid soils is the toxicity of aluminum (Al). In the present work, we investigated expression alterations of microRNAs in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) plants under Al stress. Flax seedlings of resistant (TMP1919 and G1071/4_k) and sensitive (Lira and G1071/4_o) to Al cultivars and lines were exposed to AlCl3 solution for 4 and 24 hours. Twelve small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced using Illumina platform. In total, 97 microRNAs from 18 conserved families were identified. miR319, miR390, and miR393 revealed expression alterations associated with Al treatment of flax plants. Moreover, for miR390 and miR393, the alterations were distinct in sensitive and resistant to Al genotypes. Expression level changes of miR319 and miR390 were confirmed using qPCR analysis. In flax, potential targets of miR319 are TCPs, miR390–TAS3 and GRF5, and miR393–AFB2-coding transcripts. TCPs, TAS3, GRF5, and AFB2 participate in regulation of plant growth and development. The involvement of miR319, miR390, and miR393 in response to Al stress in flax was shown here for the first time. We speculate that these microRNAs play an important role in Al response via regulation of growth processes in flax plants. PMID:28299328

  17. Role of G308 promoter variant of tumor necrosis factor alpha gene on weight loss and metabolic parameters after a high monounsaturated versus a high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diets.

    PubMed

    de Luis, Daniel A; Aller, Rocío; Izaola, Olatz; Gonzalez Sagrado, Manuel; Conde, Rosa

    2013-09-07

    The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of G-308 promoter variant of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha gene on metabolic changes and weight loss secondary to a high monounsaturated fat vs a high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet in obese subjects. A sample of 261 obese subjects were enrolled in a consecutive prospective way, from May 2011 to July 2012 in a tertiary hospital. In the basal visit, patients were randomly allocated during 3 months to Diet M (high monounsaturated fat hypocaloric diet) and Diet P (high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet). One hundred and ninety seven patients (73.2%) had the genotype G-308G and 64 (26.8%) patients had the genotype G-308A. There were no significant differences between the effects (on weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass) in either genotype group with both diets. With the diet type P and in genotype G-308G, glucose levels (-6.7(22.1)mg/dl vs -3.7(2.2)mg/dl: p = 0.02), HOMA-R (-0.6(2.1)units vs -0.26(3.1)units: p = 0.01), insulin levels (-1.7(6.6)UI/L vs -0.6(7.1)UI/L: p = 0.009), total cholesterol levels (-15.3(31.1)mg/dl vs -8.4(22.1)mg/dl: p = 0.01), LDL cholesterol levels (-10.7(28.1)mg/dl vs -3.8(21.1)mg/dl: p = 0.008) and triglycerides (-12.1(52.1)mg/dl vs -6.6(43.1)mg/dl: p = 0.02) decreased. Carriers of the G-308G promoter variant of TNF alpha gene have a better metabolic response than A-308 obese with a high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

  18. Phylogenetic analysis of human G9P[8] rotavirus strains circulating in Jiangsu, China between 2010 and 2016.

    PubMed

    Xu, Cheng; Fu, Jianguang; Ai, Jing; Zhang, Jun; Liu, Cheng; Huo, Xiang; Bao, Changjun; Zhu, Yefei

    2018-05-02

    Rotavirus A (RVA) is the leading cause of acute viral gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age worldwide. G9P[8] is a common RVA genotype that has been persistently prevalent in Jiangsu, China. To determine the genetic diversity of G9P[8] RVAs, 7 representative G9P[8] strains collected from Suzhou Children's Hospital between 2010 and 2016 (named JS2010-JS2016) were analyzed through whole-genome sequencing. All evaluated strains showed the Wa-like constellation G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed that the VP7 genes of all strains clustered into lineage G9-III and G9-VI. With the exception of strain JS2012 (P[8]-4), the VP4 sequences of all strains belonged to the P[8]-3 lineage. Sequencing further revealed that amino acid substitutions were present in the antigenic regions of the VP7 and VP4 genes of all strains. Moreover, there were multiple substitutions in antigenic sites I and II of the nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4) genes, whereas the other NSP genes were relatively conserved. In conclusion, our phylogenetic analysis of these 7 G9P[8] strains suggests that RVA varied across regions and time. Therefore, our findings suggest that continued surveillance is necessary to explore the molecular evolutionary characteristics of RVA for better prevention and treatment of acute viral gastroenteritis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Sequence analysis of VP7 and VP4 genes of G1P[8] rotaviruses circulating among diarrhoeic children in Pune, India: a comparison with Rotarix and RotaTeq vaccine strains.

    PubMed

    Kulkarni, Ruta; Arora, Ritu; Arora, Rashmi; Chitambar, Shobha D

    2014-08-11

    The G1P[8] rotaviruses are a common cause of rotavirus diarrhoea among children in India. Two rotavirus vaccines licensed in India, Rotarix and RotaTeq, contain strains with G1 and P[8] genotypes. A comparative analysis of these genotypes in the live rotavirus vaccines with circulating rotavirus strains is essential for assessment of rotavirus diversity. G1P[8] strains detected during rotavirus surveillance among diarrhoeic children hospitalized in Pune in 1992-1993 and 2006-2008, were included in the study. Amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 and VP4 genes were carried out for identification of the G1 and P[8] lineages, respectively. Antigenic epitopes of VP7 and VP4 encoded proteins were compared to determine the differences between the G1P[8] strains from Pune and the vaccine strains. G1-Lineage 1, P[8]-Lineage 3 strains were predominant in Pune during 1992-1993 and 2006-2008. Strains of G1-Lineage 2, P[8]-Lineage 3 and G1-Lineage 1, P[8]-Lineage 4 were detected at low levels during 2006-2008. The G1-Lineage 1, P[8]-Lineage 3 strains showed up to eight amino acid changes, each in the VP7 and VP4 epitopes, with respect to the Rotarix vaccine strain (G1-Lineage 2, P[8]-Lineage 1) and the G1 (Lineage-3) and P[8] (Lineage 2) components of the RotaTeq vaccine. The G1-Lineage 2 strains were closer to both vaccine strains with no or only two amino acid substitutions in the VP7 epitopes. The divergent P[8]-Lineage 4 (OP354-like) strains showed fourteen and fifteen amino acid differences, with Rotarix and RotaTeq vaccine strains, respectively, in the VP4 epitopes. The differences between the G1P[8] strains in Pune and the G1 and P[8] components of the vaccine strains need to be described for appropriate evaluation of vaccine shedding. Continuous monitoring of the G1P[8] subgenotypic lineages would be necessary to study any long term impact of vaccine use on G1P[8] strain evolution. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  20. (L)-Valine production with minimization of by-products' synthesis in Corynebacterium glutamicum and Brevibacterium flavum.

    PubMed

    Hou, Xiaohu; Chen, Xinde; Zhang, Yue; Qian, He; Zhang, Weiguo

    2012-12-01

    Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC13032 and Brevibacterium flavum JV16 were engineered for L-valine production by over-expressing ilvEBN ( r ) C genes at 31 °C in 72 h fermentation. Different strategies were carried out to reduce the by-products' accumulation in L-valine fermentation and also to increase the availability of precursor for L-valine biosynthesis. The native promoter of ilvA of C. glutamicum was replaced with a weak promoter MPilvA (P-ilvAM1CG) to reduce the biosynthetic rate of L-isoleucine. Effect of different relative dissolved oxygen on L-valine production and by-products' formation was recorded, indicating that 15 % saturation may be the most appropriate relative dissolved oxygen for L-valine fermentation with almost no L-lactic acid and L-glutamate formed. To minimize L-alanine accumulation, alaT and/or avtA was inactivated in C. glutamicum and B. flavum, respectively. Compared to high concentration of L-alanine accumulated by alaT inactivated strains harboring ilvEBN ( r ) C genes, L-alanine concentration was reduced to 0.18 g/L by C. glutamicum ATCC13032MPilvA△avtA pDXW-8-ilvEBN ( r ) C, and 0.22 g/L by B. flavum JV16avtA::Cm pDXW-8-ilvEBN ( r ) C. Meanwhile, L-valine production and conversion efficiency were enhanced to 31.15 g/L and 0.173 g/g by C. glutamicum ATCC13032MPilvA△avtA pDXW-8-ilvEBN ( r ) C, 38.82 g/L and 0.252 g/g by B. flavum JV16avtA::Cm pDXW-8-ilvEBN ( r ) C. This study provides combined strategies to improve L-valine yield by minimization of by-products' production.

  1. Genetic characterization of human hydatid cysts shows coinfection by Echinococcus canadensis G7 and Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto G1 in Argentina.

    PubMed

    Debiaggi, María Florencia; Soriano, Silvia Viviana; Pierangeli, Nora Beatriz; Lazzarini, Lorena Evelina; Pianciola, Luis Alfredo; Mazzeo, Melina Leonor; Moguillansky, Sergio; Farjat, Juan Angel Basualdo

    2017-09-01

    Human cystic echinococcosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) is a highly endemic disease in the province of Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina. Human infections with E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) G1 and Echinococcus canadensis G6 were reported in Neuquén in previous studies, whereas four genotypes were identified in livestock: G1, G3, G6, and G7. The aim of this study was to identify the genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. isolates from humans of Neuquén province, Patagonia, Argentina, through the 2005-2014 period. Twenty six hydatid cysts were obtained from 21 patients. The most frequent locations were the liver and lungs. Single cysts were observed in 81.0% of patients, and combined infection of liver and lungs was detected in 9.5% of cases. Partial sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes identified the presence of E. granulosus s.s. G1 (n = 11; 42.3%) including three different partial sequences; E. canadensis G6 (n = 14; 53.8%) and E. canadensis G7 (n = 1; 3.9%). Coinfection with G1 and G7 genotypes was detected in one patient who harbored three liver cysts. Most of the liver cysts corresponded to G1 and G6 genotypes. This study presents the first report in the Americas of a human infection with E. canadensis G7 and the second worldwide report of a coinfection with two different species and genotypes of E. granulosus s.l in humans. The molecular diversity of this parasite should be considered to redesign or improve the control program strategies in endemic regions.

  2. Targeting Angiotensin II Type-1 Receptor (AT1R) Inhibits the Harmful Phenotype of Plasmodium-Specific CD8+ T Cells during Blood-Stage Malaria.

    PubMed

    Silva-Filho, João L; Caruso-Neves, Celso; Pinheiro, Ana A S

    2017-01-01

    CD8 + T-cell response is critical in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria during blood-stage. Our group and other have been shown that angiotensin II (Ang II) and its receptor AT 1 (AT 1 R), a key effector axis of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), have immune regulatory effects on T cells. Previously, we showed that inhibition of AT 1 R signaling protects mice against the lethal disease induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection However, most of the Ang II/AT 1 R actions were characterized by using only pharmacological approaches, the effects of which may not always be due to a specific receptor blockade. In addition, the mechanisms of action of the AT 1 R in inducing the pathogenic activity of Plasmodium -specific CD8 + T cells during blood-stage were not determined. Here, we examined how angiotensin II/AT 1 R axis promotes the harmful response of Plasmodium -specific CD8 + T-cell during blood-stage by using genetic and pharmacological approaches. We evaluated the response of wild-type (WT) and AT 1 R -/- Plasmodium -specific CD8 + T cells in mice infected with a transgenic PbA lineage expressing ovalbumin; and in parallel infected mice receiving WT Plasmodium -specific CD8 + T cells were treated with losartan (AT 1 R antagonist) or captopril (ACE inhibitor). Both, AT 1 R -/- OT-I cells and WT OT-I cells from losartan- or captopril-treated mice showed lower expansion, reduced IL-2 production and IL-2Rα expression, lower activation (lower expression of CD69, CD44 and CD160) and lower exhaustion profiles. AT 1 R -/- OT-I cells also exhibit lower expression of the integrin LFA-1 and the chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR3, known to play a key role in the development of cerebral malaria. Moreover, AT 1 R -/- OT-I cells produce lower amounts of IFN-γ and TNF-α and show lower degranulation upon restimulation. In conclusion, our results show the pivotal mechanisms of AT 1 R-induced harmful phenotype of Plasmodium -specific CD8 + T cells during blood-stage malaria.

  3. N-Doped Dual Carbon-Confined 3D Architecture rGO/Fe3O4/AC Nanocomposite for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Ding, Ranran; Zhang, Jie; Qi, Jie; Li, Zhenhua; Wang, Chengyang; Chen, Mingming

    2018-04-25

    To address the issues of low electrical conductivity, sluggish lithiation kinetics and dramatic volume variation in Fe 3 O 4 anodes of lithium ion battery, herein, a double carbon-confined three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposite architecture was synthesized by an electrostatically assisted self-assembly strategy. In the constructed architecture, the ultrafine Fe 3 O 4 subunits (∼10 nm) self-organize to form nanospheres (NSs) that are fully coated by amorphous carbon (AC), formatting core-shell structural Fe 3 O 4 /AC NSs. By further encapsulation by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layers, a constructed 3D architecture was built as dual carbon-confined rGO/Fe 3 O 4 /AC. Such structure restrains the adverse reaction of the electrolyte, improves the electronic conductivity and buffers the mechanical stress of the entire electrode, thus performing excellent long-term cycling stability (99.4% capacity retention after 465 cycles relevant to the second cycle at 5 A g -1 ). Kinetic analysis reveals that a dual lithium storage mechanism including a diffusion reaction mechanism and a surface capacitive behavior mechanism coexists in the composites. Consequently, the resulting rGO/Fe 3 O 4 /AC nanocomposite delivers a high reversible capacity (835.8 mA h g -1 for 300 cycles at 1 A g -1 ), as well as remarkable rate capability (436.7 mA h g -1 at 10 A g -1 ).

  4. Epstein-Barr virus-encoded EBNA2 alters immune checkpoint PD-L1 expression by downregulating miR-34a in B-cell lymphomas.

    PubMed

    Anastasiadou, Eleni; Stroopinsky, Dina; Alimperti, Stella; Jiao, Alan L; Pyzer, Athalia R; Cippitelli, Claudia; Pepe, Giuseppina; Severa, Martina; Rosenblatt, Jacalyn; Etna, Marilena P; Rieger, Simone; Kempkes, Bettina; Coccia, Eliana M; Sui, Shannan J Ho; Chen, Christopher S; Uccini, Stefania; Avigan, David; Faggioni, Alberto; Trivedi, Pankaj; Slack, Frank J

    2018-06-26

    Cancer cells subvert host immune surveillance by altering immune checkpoint (IC) proteins. Some Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated tumors have higher Programmed Cell Death Ligand, PD-L1 expression. However, it is not known how EBV alters ICs in the context of its preferred host, the B lymphocyte and in derived lymphomas. Here, we found that latency III-expressing Burkitt lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) or their EBNA2-transfected derivatives express high PD-L1. In a DLBCL model, EBNA2 but not LMP1 is sufficient to induce PD-L1. Latency III-expressing DLBCL biopsies showed high levels of PD-L1. The PD-L1 targeting oncosuppressor microRNA miR-34a was downregulated in EBNA2-transfected lymphoma cells. We identified early B-cell factor 1 (EBF1) as a repressor of miR-34a transcription. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of EBF1 was sufficient to induce miR-34a transcription, which in turn reduced PD-L1. MiR-34a reconstitution in EBNA2-transfected DLBCL reduced PD-L1 expression and increased its immunogenicity in mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) and in three-dimensional biomimetic microfluidic chips. Given the importance of PD-L1 inhibition in immunotherapy and miR-34a dysregulation in cancers, our findings may have important implications for combinatorial immunotherapy, which include IC inhibiting antibodies and miR-34a, for EBV-associated cancers.

  5. Compression, bend, and tension studies on forged Al67Ti25Cr8 and Al66Ti25Mn(g) L1(2) compounds

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kumar, K. S.; Brown, S. A.; Whittenberger, J. D.

    1991-01-01

    Cast, homogenized, and isothermally forged aluminum-rich L1(2) compounds Al67Ti25Cr8 and Al66Ti25Mn(g) were tested in compression as a function of temperature and as a function of strain rate at elevated temperatures (1000 K and 1100 K). Three-point bend specimens were tested as a function of temperature in the range 300 K to 873 K. Strain gages glued on the tensile side of the ambient and 473 K specimens enabled direct strain measurements. A number of 'buttonhead' tensile specimens were electro-discharge machined, fine polished, and tested between ambient and 1073 K for yield strength and ductility as a function of temperature. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of fracture surfaces from both the bend and tensile specimens revealed a gradual transition from transgranular cleavage to intergranular failure with increasing temperature.

  6. High resolution spectral analysis of oxygen. I. Isotopically invariant Dunham fit for the X(3)Σ(g)(-), a(1)Δ(g), b(1)Σ(g)(+) states.

    PubMed

    Yu, Shanshan; Miller, Charles E; Drouin, Brian J; Müller, Holger S P

    2012-07-14

    We have developed a simultaneous global fit to the MW, THz, infrared, visible, and UV transitions of all six oxygen isotopologues, (16)O(16)O, (16)O(17)O, (16)O(18)O, (17)O(17)O, (17)O(18)O, (18)O(18)O, with the objective of predicting all transitions below the O((3)P) + O((3)P) dissociation threshold as well as the B(3)Σ(u) (-) state from O((3)P)+O((1)D) within state-of-the-art experimental uncertainty. Here, we report an isotopically invariant Dunham fit for the lowest three electronic states, X(3)Σ(g)(-), a(1)Δ(g), and b(1)Σ(g)(+). Experimental transition frequencies involving these three states of all six O(2) isotopologues were critically reviewed and incorporated into the analysis. For the (16)O(16)O isotopologue, experimental data sample vibrational states v = 0-31 for X(3)Σ(g)(-), v = 0-10 for a(1)Δ(g), and v = 0-12 for b(1)Σ(g)(+). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first analysis that simultaneously fits spectra from all six O(2) isotopologues.

  7. Analyses of the peripheral immunome following multiple administrations of avelumab, a human IgG1 anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody.

    PubMed

    Donahue, Renee N; Lepone, Lauren M; Grenga, Italia; Jochems, Caroline; Fantini, Massimo; Madan, Ravi A; Heery, Christopher R; Gulley, James L; Schlom, Jeffrey

    2017-01-01

    Multiple anti-PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint monoclonal antibodies (MAb) have shown clear evidence of clinical benefit. All except one have been designed or engineered to omit the possibility to mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) as a second potential mode of anti-tumor activity; the reason for this is the concern of lysis of PD-L1 positive immune cells. Avelumab is a fully human IgG1 MAb which has been shown in prior in vitro studies to mediate ADCC versus a range of human tumor cells, and clinical studies have demonstrated anti-tumor activity versus a range of human cancers. This study was designed to investigate the effect on immune cell subsets in the peripheral blood of cancer patients prior to and following multiple administrations of avelumab. One hundred twenty-three distinct immune cell subsets in the peripheral blood of cancer patients ( n  = 28) in a phase I trial were analyzed by flow cytometry prior to and following one, three, and nine cycles of avelumab. Changes in soluble (s) CD27 and sCD40L in plasma were also evaluated. In vitro studies were also performed to determine if avelumab would mediate ADCC of PBMC. No statistically significant changes in any of the 123 immune cell subsets analyzed were observed at any dose level, or number of doses, of avelumab. Increases in the ratio of sCD27:sCD40L were observed, suggesting potential immune activation. Controlled in vitro studies also showed lysis of tumor cells by avelumab versus no lysis of PBMC from five donors. These studies demonstrate the lack of any significant effect on multiple immune cell subsets, even those expressing PD-L1, following multiple cycles of avelumab. These results complement prior studies showing anti-tumor effects of avelumab and comparable levels of adverse events with avelumab versus other anti-PD-1/PD-L1 MAbs. These studies provide the rationale to further exploit the potential ADCC mechanism of action of avelumab as well as other human IgG1 checkpoint

  8. Human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein complex gH/gL/gO uses PDGFR-α as a key for entry

    PubMed Central

    Boos, Simone; Resch, Moritz; Brizic, Ilija; Mach, Michael; Scrivano, Laura

    2017-01-01

    Herpesvirus gH/gL envelope glycoprotein complexes are key players in virus entry as ligands for host cell receptors and by promoting fusion of viral envelopes with cellular membranes. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has two alternative gH/gL complexes, gH/gL/gO and gH/gL/UL128,130,131A which both shape the HCMV tropism. By studying binding of HCMV particles to fibroblasts, we could for the first time show that virion gH/gL/gO binds to platelet-derived growth factor-α (PDGFR-α) on the surface of fibroblasts and that gH/gL/gO either directly or indirectly recruits gB to this complex. PDGFR-α functions as an entry receptor for HCMV expressing gH/gL/gO, but not for HCMV mutants lacking the gH/gL/gO complex. PDGFR-α-dependent entry is not dependent on activation of PDGFR-α. We could also show that the gH/gL/gO—PDGFR-α interaction starts the predominant entry pathway for infection of fibroblasts with free virus. Cell-associated virus spread is either driven by gH/gL/gO interacting with PDGFR-α or by the gH/gL/UL128,130,131A complex. PDGFR-α-positive cells may thus be preferred first target cells for infections with free virus which might have implications for the design of future HCMV vaccines or anti-HCMV drugs. PMID:28403202

  9. Cross-protective effect of a combined L5 plus L3 Leishmania major ribosomal protein based vaccine combined with a Th1 adjuvant in murine cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Two Leishmania major ribosomal proteins L3 (LmL3) and L5 (LmL5) have been described as protective molecules against cutaneous leishmaniasis due to infection with L. major and Leishmania braziliensis in BALB/c mice when immunized with a Th1 adjuvant (non-methylated CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides; CpG-ODN). In the present study we analyzed the cross-protective efficacy of an LmL3-LmL5-CpG ODN combined vaccine against infection with Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania chagasi (syn. Leishmania infantum) the etiologic agents of different clinical forms of human leishmaniasis in South America. Methods The combined vaccine was administered subcutaneously to BALB/c mice. After immunization the cellular and humoral responses elicited were analyzed. Mice were independently challenged with L. amazonensis and L. chagasi. The size of the cutaneous lesions caused by the infection with the first species, the parasite loads and the immune response in both infection models were analyzed nine weeks after challenge. Results Mice vaccinated with the combined vaccine showed a Th1-like response against LmL3 and LmL5. Vaccinated mice were able to delay lesion development due to L. amazonensis infection and to control parasite loads in the site of infection. A reduction of the parasite burden in the lymph nodes draining the site of infection and in the liver and spleen was observed in the vaccinated mice after a subcutaneous infection with L. chagasi. In both models of infection, protection was correlated to parasite antigen-specific production of IFN-γ and down-regulation of parasite-mediated IL-4 and IL-10 responses. Conclusions The data presented here demonstrate the potential use of L. major L3 and L5 recombinant ribosomal proteins for the development of vaccines against various Leishmania species. PMID:24382098

  10. Cross-protective effect of a combined L5 plus L3 Leishmania major ribosomal protein based vaccine combined with a Th1 adjuvant in murine cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis.

    PubMed

    Ramirez, Laura; Corvo, Laura; Duarte, Mariana C; Chávez-Fumagalli, Miguel A; Valadares, Diogo G; Santos, Diego M; de Oliveira, Camila I; Escutia, Marta R; Alonso, Carlos; Bonay, Pedro; Tavares, Carlos A P; Coelho, Eduardo A F; Soto, Manuel

    2014-01-02

    Two Leishmania major ribosomal proteins L3 (LmL3) and L5 (LmL5) have been described as protective molecules against cutaneous leishmaniasis due to infection with L. major and Leishmania braziliensis in BALB/c mice when immunized with a Th1 adjuvant (non-methylated CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides; CpG-ODN). In the present study we analyzed the cross-protective efficacy of an LmL3-LmL5-CpG ODN combined vaccine against infection with Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania chagasi (syn. Leishmania infantum) the etiologic agents of different clinical forms of human leishmaniasis in South America. The combined vaccine was administered subcutaneously to BALB/c mice. After immunization the cellular and humoral responses elicited were analyzed. Mice were independently challenged with L. amazonensis and L. chagasi. The size of the cutaneous lesions caused by the infection with the first species, the parasite loads and the immune response in both infection models were analyzed nine weeks after challenge. Mice vaccinated with the combined vaccine showed a Th1-like response against LmL3 and LmL5. Vaccinated mice were able to delay lesion development due to L. amazonensis infection and to control parasite loads in the site of infection. A reduction of the parasite burden in the lymph nodes draining the site of infection and in the liver and spleen was observed in the vaccinated mice after a subcutaneous infection with L. chagasi. In both models of infection, protection was correlated to parasite antigen-specific production of IFN-γ and down-regulation of parasite-mediated IL-4 and IL-10 responses. The data presented here demonstrate the potential use of L. major L3 and L5 recombinant ribosomal proteins for the development of vaccines against various Leishmania species.

  11. Integral cross sections for the direct excitation of the A 3 (sigma) u +, B 3 (pi) g, W 3 (delta) u, B' 3 (sigma) u -, a' 1 (sigma) u -, a 1 (pi) g, w 1 (delta) u, and C 3 (pi) u electronic states in

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, P. V.; Malone, C. P.; Kanik, I.

    2005-01-01

    Integral cross sections for electron impact excitation out of the ground state (X 1(sigma)g +) to the A 3(sigma)u +, B 3(pi)g, W 3(delta)u, B' 3(sigma)u -, a' 1(sigma)u -, a 1(pi)g, w 1(delta)u, and states in N2 are reported at incident energies ranging between 10 and 100 eV. These data have been derived by integrating differential cross sections previously reported by this group. New differential cross section measurements for the a 1(pi)g state at 200 eV are also presented to extend the range of the reported integral cross sections for this state, which is responsible for the emissions of the Lyman-Birge-Hopfield band system (a 1(pi)g (rightwards arrow) X 1(sigma)g +). The present results are compared and critically evaluated against existing cross sec In general, the present cross sections are smaller than previous results at low impact energies from threshold through the excitation function peak regions. These lower cross sections have potentially significant implications on our understanding of UV emissions in the atmospheres of Earth and Titan.

  12. MC3T3-E1 cell response to stainless steel 316L with different surface treatments.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hongyu; Han, Jianmin; Sun, Yulong; Huang, Yongling; Zhou, Ming

    2015-11-01

    In the present study, stainless steel 316L samples with polishing, aluminum oxide blasting, and hydroxyapatite (HA) coating were prepared and characterized through a scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical interferometer (surface roughness, Sq), contact angle, surface composition and phase composition analyses. Osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion on the samples was investigated by cell morphology using a SEM (4h, 1d, 3d, 7d), and cell proliferation was assessed by MTT method at 1d, 3d, and 7d. In addition, adsorption of bovine serum albumin on the samples was evaluated at 1h. The polished sample was smooth (Sq: 1.8nm), and the blasted and HA coated samples were much rougher (Sq: 3.2μm and 7.8μm). Within 1d of incubation, the HA coated samples showed the best cell morphology (e.g., flattened shape and complete spread), but there was no significant difference after 3d and 7d of incubation for all the samples. The absorbance value for the HA coated samples was the highest after 1d and 3d of incubation, indicating better cell viability. However, it reduced to the lowest value at 7d. Protein adsorption on the HA coated samples was the highest at 1h. The results indicate that rough stainless steel surface improves cell adhesion and morphology, and HA coating contributes to superior cell adhesion, but inhibits cell proliferation. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  13. Modulation of FABP4 hypomethylation by DNMT1 and its inverse interaction with miR-148a/152 in the placenta of preeclamptic rats and HTR-8 cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Anning; Zhang, Huiping; Sun, Yue; Wang, Yanhua; Yang, Xiaoming; Yang, Xiaoling; Zhang, Hui; Guo, Wei; Zhu, Guangrong; Tian, Jue; Jia, Yuexia; Jiang, Yideng

    2016-10-01

    Inflammation and dysregulated lipid metabolism are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is known to regulate both inflammation and lipid metabolism. In the present study, we elucidated the role of FABP4 using in vitro and in vivo models of preclampsia. We found increased expression of FABP4 in the placenta of preeclamptic rats, which was further confirmed in HTR-8 cells, an extravillous trophoblast cell line, treated with L-NAME. Overexpression of FABP4 in HTR-8 cells resulted in upregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and increased lipid accumulation, suggesting that FABP4 plays a role in preeclampsia. Furthermore, downregulation of methylation in the promotor resulted in increased FABP4 expression, which was mediated by downregulated DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-148a/152 regulated the expression of DNMT1, and additional in vitro studies revealed that miR-148a/152 inhibited DNMT1 expression by directly binding to its 3'-UTR. Interestingly, DNMT1 enhanced the expression of miR-148a/152 by downregulation of methylation in its promotor. Taken together, our results showed that FABP4 may be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, and the expression of FABP4 is enhanced by miR-148a/152 mediated inhibition of DNMT1 expression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Présence de fronts modulés en l'absence d'instabilité modulationnelle : le cas de l'oscillateur paramétrique optique dégénéré

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Durniak, C.; Coulibaly, S.; Taki, M.

    2004-11-01

    La dynamique de formation de structures transverses dans un Oscillateur Paramétrique Optique (OPO) dégénéré pompé en continu est marquée, pour une nouvelle zone de paramètres, par l'apparition de solitons spatiaux en réseaux (fronts modulés), caractérisés analytiquement par leur vitesse et leur période. L'intégration numérique du système bi-dimensionnel confirme ces résultats. Ces fronts jouent un rôle primordial dans la formation de structures spatiales localisées.

  15. TERATOGENIC RESPONSES OF TGFALPHA KNOCKOUT FETUSES TO 2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN (TCDD)

    EPA Science Inventory

    ABBOTT1, B.D., A.R. BUCKALEW1, and P.L. BRYANT2. 1Reproductive Toxicology Division, EPA, RAP, NC; 2Dept. Environ. Sciences & Engineering, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC. Teratogenic responses of TGF knockout fetuses to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

    TCDD induces cl...

  16. Cultivar-Dependent Transcript Accumulation in Wheat Roots Colonized by Pseudomonas fluorescens Q8r1-96 Wild Type and Mutant Strains

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    In Triticum aestivum L. (wheat), the root-colonizing bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Q8r1-96 produces the antifungal metabolite 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG), suppresses damage caused by soilborne root pathogens, and modulates multiple stress or defense pathways in wheat roots. To test...

  17. The presence of PAI-1 4G/5G and ACE DD genotypes increases the risk of early-stage AVF thrombosis in hemodialysis patients.

    PubMed

    Güngör, Yahya; Kayataş, Mansur; Yıldız, Gürsel; Özdemir, Öztürk; Candan, Ferhan

    2011-01-01

    In this study, we investigated the relationship between early arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and thrombophilic factor gene polymorphisms. Thirty-five patients who suffered from three or more fistula thrombosis episodes in the early period after AVF operation and 33 control patients with no history of thrombosis for at least 3 years were enrolled in this study. Factor V G1691A Leiden, factor V H1299R (R2), prothrombin G20210A, factor XIIIV34L, β-fibrinogen-455 G-A, glycoprotein IIIa L33P human platelet antigens (HPA-1), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C gene polymorphisms were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G genotype in the study group and 4G/4G genotype in the control group were significantly higher (p = 0.014). No significant difference was detected in terms of the 5G/5G genotype. With regard to the ACE gene polymorphism, the control group showed more ID genotype (19/33, 57.6%), whereas the study group showed more DD genotype (17/35, 48.6%). II genotype was similar in both groups (x(2) = 7.40, p = 0.025). The rate of ACE inhibitor-angiotensin II receptor blockers use was 5/35 in the study group (14.3%) and 5/33 in the control group (15.2%). Individuals with PAI-1 4G/5G genotype showed 5.03 times more risk of thrombosis when compared with 4G/4G and 5G/5G genotypes [p = 0.008, OR = 5.03, 95% confidence interval (1.44:17.64)]. Individuals with ACE DD genotype showed 4.25 times more risk of thrombosis when compared with II and ID [p = 0.008, OR = 4.25, 95% confidence interval (1.404:12.83)]. PAI-1 4G/5G and ACE DD genotypes are associated with increased risk for early AVF thrombosis.

  18. Aberrant PD-L1 expression through 3'-UTR disruption in multiple cancers.

    PubMed

    Kataoka, Keisuke; Shiraishi, Yuichi; Takeda, Yohei; Sakata, Seiji; Matsumoto, Misako; Nagano, Seiji; Maeda, Takuya; Nagata, Yasunobu; Kitanaka, Akira; Mizuno, Seiya; Tanaka, Hiroko; Chiba, Kenichi; Ito, Satoshi; Watatani, Yosaku; Kakiuchi, Nobuyuki; Suzuki, Hiromichi; Yoshizato, Tetsuichi; Yoshida, Kenichi; Sanada, Masashi; Itonaga, Hidehiro; Imaizumi, Yoshitaka; Totoki, Yasushi; Munakata, Wataru; Nakamura, Hiromi; Hama, Natsuko; Shide, Kotaro; Kubuki, Yoko; Hidaka, Tomonori; Kameda, Takuro; Masuda, Kyoko; Minato, Nagahiro; Kashiwase, Koichi; Izutsu, Koji; Takaori-Kondo, Akifumi; Miyazaki, Yasushi; Takahashi, Satoru; Shibata, Tatsuhiro; Kawamoto, Hiroshi; Akatsuka, Yoshiki; Shimoda, Kazuya; Takeuchi, Kengo; Seya, Tsukasa; Miyano, Satoru; Ogawa, Seishi

    2016-06-16

    Successful treatment of many patients with advanced cancer using antibodies against programmed cell death 1 (PD-1; also known as PDCD1) and its ligand (PD-L1; also known as CD274) has highlighted the critical importance of PD-1/PD-L1-mediated immune escape in cancer development. However, the genetic basis for the immune escape has not been fully elucidated, with the exception of elevated PD-L1 expression by gene amplification and utilization of an ectopic promoter by translocation, as reported in Hodgkin and other B-cell lymphomas, as well as stomach adenocarcinoma. Here we show a unique genetic mechanism of immune escape caused by structural variations (SVs) commonly disrupting the 3' region of the PD-L1 gene. Widely affecting multiple common human cancer types, including adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (27%), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (8%), and stomach adenocarcinoma (2%), these SVs invariably lead to a marked elevation of aberrant PD-L1 transcripts that are stabilized by truncation of the 3'-untranslated region (UTR). Disruption of the Pd-l1 3'-UTR in mice enables immune evasion of EG7-OVA tumour cells with elevated Pd-l1 expression in vivo, which is effectively inhibited by Pd-1/Pd-l1 blockade, supporting the role of relevant SVs in clonal selection through immune evasion. Our findings not only unmask a novel regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 expression, but also suggest that PD-L1 3'-UTR disruption could serve as a genetic marker to identify cancers that actively evade anti-tumour immunity through PD-L1 overexpression.

  19. The AhR and NF-κB/Rel Proteins Mediate the Inhibitory Effect of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin on the 3′ Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Regulatory Region

    PubMed Central

    Salisbury, Richard L.; Sulentic, Courtney E. W.

    2015-01-01

    Transcriptional regulation of the murine immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain gene (Igh) involves several regulatory elements including the 3′Igh regulatory region (3′IghRR), which is composed of at least 4 enhancers (hs3A, hs1.2, hs3B, and hs4). The hs1.2 and hs4 enhancers exhibit the greatest transcriptional activity and contain binding sites for several transcription factors including nuclear factor kappaB/Rel (NF-κB/Rel) proteins and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Interestingly, the environmental immunosuppressant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), which potently inhibits antibody secretion, also profoundly inhibits 3′IghRR and hs1.2 enhancer activation induced by the B-lymphocyte activator lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but enhances LPS-induced activation of the hs4 enhancer. Within the hs1.2 and hs4 enhancers, the AhR binding site is in close proximity or overlaps an NF-κB/Rel binding site suggesting a potential reciprocal modulation of the 3′IghRR by AhR and NF-κB/Rel. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the role of NF-κB/Rel and the AhR on the 3′IghRR and its enhancers using the AhR ligand TCDD, the AhR antagonist CH223191, and toll-like receptor agonists LPS, Resiquimod (R848), or cytosine-phosphate-guanine-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG). Utilizing the CH12.LX B-lymphocyte cell line and variants expressing either a 3′IghRR-regulated transgene reporter or an inducible IκBα (inhibitor kappa B-alpha protein) superrepressor (IκBαAA), we demonstrate an AhR- and NF-κB/Rel-dependent modulation of 3′IghRR and hs4 activity. Additionally, in mouse splenocytes or CH12.LX cells, binding within the hs1.2 and hs4 enhancer of the AhR and the NF-κB/Rel proteins RelA and RelB was differentially altered by the cotreatment of LPS and TCDD. These results suggest that the AhR and NF-κB/Rel protein binding profile within the 3′IghRR mediates the inhibitory effects of TCDD on Ig expression and therefore antibody levels. PMID:26377645

  20. Isotropic C6, C8 and C10 interaction coefficients for CH 4, C 2H 6, C 3H 8, n-C 4H 10 and cyclo- C3H 6

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thomas, Gerald F.; Mulder, Fred; Meath, William J.

    1980-12-01

    The non-empirical generalized Kirkwood, Unsöld, and the single-Δ Unsöld methods (with double-zeta quality SCF wave-functions) are used to calculate isotropic dispersion (and induction) energy coefficients C2n, with n ⩽ 5, for interactions involving ground state CH 4, C 2H 6, C 3H 8, n-C 4H 10 and cyclo-C 3H 6. Results are also given for the related multipole polarizabilities α l, multipole sums S1/(0) and S1(-1) which are evaluated using sum rules, and the permanent multipole moments. for l = 1 (dipole) to l = 3 (octupole). Estimates of the reliability of the non-empirical methods, for the type of molecules considered, are obtained by a comparison with accurate literature values of α 1S1(-1) and C6. This, and the asymptotic properties of the multipolar expansion of the dispersion energy, the use to discuss recommended representation for the isotropic long range interaction energies through R-10 where R is the intermolecular separation.

  1. Associations of MDR1, TBXA2R, PLA2G7, and PEAR1 genetic polymorphisms with the platelet activity in Chinese ischemic stroke patients receiving aspirin therapy.

    PubMed

    Peng, Ling-Ling; Zhao, Yuan-Qi; Zhou, Zi-Yi; Jin, Jing; Zhao, Min; Chen, Xin-Meng; Chen, Ling-Yan; Cai, Ye-Feng; Li, Jia-Li; Huang, Min

    2016-11-01

    Aspirin resistance has an incidence of 5%-65% in patients with ischemic stroke, who receive the standard dose of aspirin, but the platelet function is inadequately inhibited, thereby leading to thrombotic events. Numerous evidence shows that thromboxane A 2 receptor (TXA 2 receptor, encoded by TBXA2R), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 (Lp-PLA 2 , encoded by PLA2G7) and platelet endothelial aggregation receptor-1 (PEAR1, encoded by PEAR1) are crucial in regulating platelet activation, and P-glycoprotein (P-gp, encoded by MDR1) influences the absorption of aspirin in the intestine. In this study we examined the correlation between MDR1, TBXA2R, PLA2G7, PEAR1 genetic polymorphisms and platelet activity in Chinese ischemic stroke patients receiving aspirin therapy. A total of 283 ischemic stroke patients receiving 100 mg aspirin for 7 d were genotyped for polymorphisms in MDR1 C3435T, TBXA2R (rs1131882), PLA2G7 (rs1051931, rs7756935), and PEAR1 (rs12566888, rs12041331). The platelet aggregation response was measured using an automatic platelet aggregation analyzer and a commercially available TXB 2 ELISA kit. Thirty-three patients (11.66%) were insensitive to aspirin treatment. MDR1 3435TT genotype carriers, whose arachidonic acid (AA) or adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation was lower than that of CC+CT genotype carriers, were less likely to suffer from aspirin resistance (odds ratio=0.421, 95% CI: 0.233-0.759). The TBXA2R rs1131882 CC genotype, which was found more frequently in the aspirin-insensitive group (81.8% vs 62.4%) than in the sensitive group, was identified as a risk factor for aspirin resistance (odds ratio=2.712, 95% CI: 1.080-6.810) with a higher level of AA-induced platelet aggregation. Due to the combined effects of PLA2G7 rs1051931 and rs7756935, carriers of the AA-CC haplotype had a higher level of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, and were at considerably higher risk of aspirin resistance than noncarriers (odds ratio=8

  2. The compensatory G88R change is essential in restoring the normal functions of influenza A/WSN/33 virus matrix protein 1 with a disrupted nuclear localization signal.

    PubMed

    Xie, Hang; Lin, Zhengshi; Mosier, Philip D; Desai, Umesh R; Gao, Yamei

    2013-01-01

    G88R emerged as a compensatory mutation in matrix protein 1 (M1) of influenza virus A/WSN/33 when its nuclear localization signal (NLS) was disrupted by R101S and R105S substitutions. The resultant M1 triple mutant M(NLS-88R) regained replication efficiency in vitro while remaining attenuated in vivo with the potential of being a live vaccine candidate. To understand why G88R was favored by the virus as a compensatory change for the NLS loss and resultant replication deficiency, three more M1 triple mutants with an alternative G88K, G88V, or G88E change in addition to R101S and R105S substitutions in the NLS were generated. Unlike the other M1 triple mutants, M(NLS-88R) replicated more efficiently in vitro and in vivo. The G88R compensatory mutation not only restored normal functions of M1 in the presence of a disrupted NLS but also resulted in a strong association of M1 with viral ribonucleoprotein. Under a transmission electron microscope, only the M1 layer of the M(NLS-88R) virion exhibited discontinuous fingerprint-like patterns with average thicknesses close to that of wild-type A/WSN/33. Computational modeling suggested that the compensatory G88R change could reestablish the integrity of the M1 layer through new salt bridges between adjacent M1 subunits when the original interactions were interrupted by simultaneous R101S and R105S replacements in the NLS. Our results suggested that restoring the normal functions of M1 was crucial for efficient virus replication.

  3. Induction of G1 and G2/M cell cycle arrests by the dietary compound 3,3'-diindolylmethane in HT-29 human colon cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Choi, Hyun Ju; Lim, Do Young; Park, Jung Han Yoon

    2009-05-29

    3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM), an indole derivative produced in the stomach after the consumption of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, has been demonstrated to exert anti-cancer effects in both in vivo and in vitro models. We have previously determined that DIM (0 - 30 micromol/L) inhibited the growth of HT-29 human colon cancer cells in a concentration-dependent fashion. In this study, we evaluated the effects of DIM on cell cycle progression in HT-29 cells. HT-29 cells were cultured with various concentrations of DIM (0 - 30 micromol/L) and the DNA was stained with propidium iodide, followed by flow cytometric analysis. [3H]Thymidine incorporation assays, Western blot analyses, immunoprecipitation and in vitro kinase assays for cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) and cell division cycle (CDC)2 were conducted. The percentages of cells in the G1 and G2/M phases were dose-dependently increased and the percentages of cells in S phase were reduced within 12 h in DIM-treated cells. DIM also reduced DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent fashion. DIM markedly reduced CDK2 activity and the levels of phosphorylated retinoblastoma proteins (Rb) and E2F-1, and also increased the levels of hypophosphorylated Rb. DIM reduced the protein levels of cyclin A, D1, and CDK4. DIM also increased the protein levels of CDK inhibitors, p21CIP1/WAF1 and p27KIPI. In addition, DIM reduced the activity of CDC2 and the levels of CDC25C phosphatase and cyclin B1. Here, we have demonstrated that DIM induces G1 and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in HT-29 cells, and this effect may be mediated by reduced CDK activity.

  4. Novel pathways revealed in P. fluorescens Q2-87 and Q8r1-96

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Pseudomonas fluorescens Q2-87 and Q8r1-96, both from a take-all decline field in Quincy, Washington, U.S.A., are almost indistinguishable in vitro, but only strain Q8r1-96 exhibits the “premier” phenotype distinguished by highly aggressive wheat root colonizing ability essential for the natural dise...

  5. Molecular phylogeny based on six nuclear genes suggests that Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato genotypes G6/G7 and G8/G10 can be regarded as two distinct species.

    PubMed

    Laurimäe, Teivi; Kinkar, Liina; Moks, Epp; Romig, Thomas; Omer, Rihab A; Casulli, Adriano; Umhang, Gérald; Bagrade, Guna; Irshadullah, Malik; Sharbatkhori, Mitra; Mirhendi, Hossein; Ponce-Gordo, Francisco; Soriano, Silvia V; Varcasia, Antonio; Rostami-Nejad, Mohammad; Andresiuk, Vanessa; Saarma, Urmas

    2018-05-21

    Tapeworms of the species complex of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.) are the cause of a severe zoonotic disease - cystic echinococcosis, which is listed among the most severe parasitic diseases in humans and is prioritized by the World Health Organization. A stable taxonomy of E. granulosus s. l. is essential to the medical and veterinary communities for accurate and effective communication of the role of different species in this complex on human and animal health. E. granulosus s. l. displays high genetic diversity and has been divided into different species and genotypes. Despite several decades of research, the taxonomy of E. granulosus s. l. has remained controversial, especially the species status of genotypes G6-G10. Here the Bayesian phylogeny based on six nuclear loci (7387 bp in total) demonstrated, with very high support, the clustering of G6/G7 and G8/G10 into two separate clades. According to the evolutionary species concept, G6/G7 and G8/G10 can be regarded as two distinct species. Species differentiation can be attributed to the association with distinct host species, largely separate geographical distribution and low level of cross-fertilization. These factors have limited the gene flow between genotypic groups G6/G7 and G8/G10, resulting in the formation of distinct species. We discuss ecological and epidemiological differences that support the validity of these species.

  6. MiR-509-3-5p causes aberrant mitosis and anti-proliferative effect by suppression of PLK1 in human lung cancer A549 cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Xian-Hui; Lu, Yao; Liang, Jing-Jing

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potent post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and play roles in DNA damage response (DDR). PLK1 is identified as a modulator of DNA damage checkpoint. Although down-regulation of PLK1 by certain microRNAs has been reported, little is known about the interplay between PLK1 and miR-509-3-5p in DDR. Here we have demonstrated that miR-509-3-5p repressed PLK1 expression by targeting PLK1 3′-UTR, thereby causing mitotic aberration and growth arrest of human lung cancer A549 cells. Repression of PLK1 by miR-509-3-5p was further evidenced by over-expression of miR-509-3-5p in A549, HepG2 and HCT116p53{sup −/−} cancer cells, in which PLK1 protein wasmore » suppressed. Consistently, miR-509-3-5p was stimulated, while PLK1 protein was down-regulated in A549 cells exposed to CIS and ADR, suggesting that suppression of PLK1 by miR-509-3-5p is a component of CIS/ADR-induced DDR pathway. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence labeling showed that over-expression of miR-509-3-5p in A549 induced G2/M arrest and aberrant mitosis characterized by abnormal bipolar mitotic spindles, condensed chromosomes, lagging DNA and chromosome bridges. In addition, over-expression of miR-509-3-5p markedly blocked A549 cell proliferation and sensitized the cells to CIS and ADR treatment. Taken together, miR-509-3-5p is a feasible suppressor for cancer by targeting PLK1. Our data may provide aid in potential design of combined chemotherapy and in our better understanding of the roles of microRNAs in response to DNA damage. - Highlights: • MiR-509-3-5p represses PLK1 expression by targeting PLK1 3ГЉВ№-UTR. • Expression of miR-509-3-5p is induced and PLK1 repressed upon DNA damage. • Overexpression of miR-509-3-5p induces G2/M arrest and aberrant mitosis. • MiR-509-3-5p inhibits cell proliferation and sensitizes cells to DNA damage agents.« less

  7. Morbidity in New Zealand pesticide producers exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

    PubMed

    't Mannetje, Andrea; Eng, Amanda; Walls, Chris; Dryson, Evan; Douwes, Jeroen; Bertazzi, Pier; Ryder-Lewis, Simon; Scott, David; Brooks, Collin; McLean, Dave; Cheng, Soo; Pearce, Neil

    2018-01-01

    To conduct a cross-sectional morbidity survey among 245 former employees of a pesticide production plant exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in New Zealand. Demographic factors and health information were collected in face-to-face interviews. TCDD, lipids, thyroid hormones, glucose and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were determined in non-fasting blood. For 111 participants, a neurological examination was conducted. Associations between health outcomes and working in a TCDD exposed job (prevalence 49%) and serum TCDD concentration≥10pg/g lipid (18%) were assessed using logistic regression whilst controlling for age, gender, smoking, body mass index and ethnicity. Diabetes was more common in those who had worked in TCDD exposed jobs (OR 4.0, 95%CI 1.0-15.4) and in those with serum TCDD ≥10pg/g (OR 3.1, 95%CI 0.9-10.7). Non-fasting glucose levels >6.6mmol/l were more common in those with TCDD exposed jobs (OR 3.6, 95%CI 1.0-12.9), as were serum free thyroxine 4<12.8pmol/l (OR 4.5, 95%CI 1.4-14.4), triglycerides >1.7mmol/l (OR 2.5, 95%CI 1.1-5.7) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) <1mmol/l (OR 4.0, 95%CI 1.2-13.2). IgG was negatively associated with TCDD (linear regression p=0.05). The neurological examination revealed a higher frequency of abnormal reflexes in those with serum TCDD ≥10pg/g (OR 4.8, 95%CI 1.1-21.0). In this occupationally exposed population, TCDD was associated with an increased risk of diabetes and a range of subclinical responses in multiple systems (peripheral nervous system, immune system, thyroid hormones and lipid metabolism), several decades after last exposure. These results need to be interpreted with caution due to the small study size and the cross-sectional nature of the study. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Occupational Survey Report AFSC 3E6X1; Operations Management

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-02-01

    Lt Bryan Pickett Feb 04 Occupational Survey Report AFSC 3E6X1 Operations Management I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e...Report AFSC 3E6X1 Operations Management 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK...Nellis AFB NV (5) • Fairchild AFB WA (5) • Hurlburt Field FL (6) • Eglin AFB FL (4) • Ramstein AB (5) Operations Management 3E6X1 February 2004 (Approved

  9. C3aR and C5aR1 act as key regulators of human and mouse β-cell function.

    PubMed

    Atanes, Patricio; Ruz-Maldonado, Inmaculada; Pingitore, Attilio; Hawkes, Ross; Liu, Bo; Zhao, Min; Huang, Guo Cai; Persaud, Shanta J; Amisten, Stefan

    2018-02-01

    Complement components 3 and 5 (C3 and C5) play essential roles in the complement system, generating C3a and C5a peptides that are best known as chemotactic and inflammatory factors. In this study we characterised islet expression of C3 and C5 complement components, and the impact of C3aR and C5aR1 activation on islet function and viability. Human and mouse islet mRNAs encoding key elements of the complement system were quantified by qPCR and distribution of C3 and C5 proteins was determined by immunohistochemistry. Activation of C3aR and C5aR1 was determined using DiscoverX beta-arrestin assays. Insulin secretion from human and mouse islets was measured by radioimmunoassay, and intracellular calcium ([Ca 2+ ]i), ATP generation and apoptosis were assessed by standard techniques. C3 and C5 proteins and C3aR and C5aR1 were expressed by human and mouse islets, and C3 and C5 were mainly localised to β- and α-cells. Conditioned media from islets exposed for 1 h to 5.5 and 20 mM glucose stimulated C3aR and C5aR1-driven beta-arrestin recruitment. Activation of C3aR and C5aR1 potentiated glucose-induced insulin secretion from human and mouse islets, increased [Ca 2+ ]i and ATP generation, and protected islets against apoptosis induced by a pro-apoptotic cytokine cocktail or palmitate. Our observations demonstrate a functional link between activation of components of the innate immune system and improved β-cell function, suggesting that low-level chronic inflammation may improve glucose homeostasis through direct effects on β-cells.

  10. Ribosomal protein L5 has a highly twisted concave surface and flexible arms responsible for rRNA binding.

    PubMed

    Nakashima, T; Yao, M; Kawamura, S; Iwasaki, K; Kimura, M; Tanaka, I

    2001-05-01

    Ribosomal protein L5 is a 5S rRNA binding protein in the large subunit and plays an essential role in the promotion of a particular conformation of 5S rRNA. The crystal structure of the ribosomal protein L5 from Bacillus stearothermophilus has been determined at 1.8 A resolution. The molecule consists of a five-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet and four alpha-helices, which fold in a way that is topologically similar to the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) domain. The molecular shape and electrostatic representation suggest that the concave surface and loop regions are involved in 5S rRNA binding. To identify amino acid residues responsible for 5S rRNA binding, we made use of Ala-scanning mutagenesis of evolutionarily conserved amino acids occurring in the beta-strands and loop regions. The mutations of Asn37 at the beta1-strand and Gln63 at the loop between helix 2 and beta3-strand as well as that of Phe77 at the tip of the loop structure between the beta2- and beta3-strands caused a significant reduction in 5S rRNA binding. In addition, the mutations of Thr90 on the beta3-strand and Ile141 and Asp144 at the loop between beta4- and beta5-strands moderately reduced the 5S rRNA-binding affinity. Comparison of these results with the more recently analyzed structure of the 50S subunit from Haloarcula marismortui suggests that there are significant differences in the structure at N- and C-terminal regions and probably in the 5S rRNA binding.

  11. Ribosomal protein L5 has a highly twisted concave surface and flexible arms responsible for rRNA binding.

    PubMed Central

    Nakashima, T; Yao, M; Kawamura, S; Iwasaki, K; Kimura, M; Tanaka, I

    2001-01-01

    Ribosomal protein L5 is a 5S rRNA binding protein in the large subunit and plays an essential role in the promotion of a particular conformation of 5S rRNA. The crystal structure of the ribosomal protein L5 from Bacillus stearothermophilus has been determined at 1.8 A resolution. The molecule consists of a five-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet and four alpha-helices, which fold in a way that is topologically similar to the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) domain. The molecular shape and electrostatic representation suggest that the concave surface and loop regions are involved in 5S rRNA binding. To identify amino acid residues responsible for 5S rRNA binding, we made use of Ala-scanning mutagenesis of evolutionarily conserved amino acids occurring in the beta-strands and loop regions. The mutations of Asn37 at the beta1-strand and Gln63 at the loop between helix 2 and beta3-strand as well as that of Phe77 at the tip of the loop structure between the beta2- and beta3-strands caused a significant reduction in 5S rRNA binding. In addition, the mutations of Thr90 on the beta3-strand and Ile141 and Asp144 at the loop between beta4- and beta5-strands moderately reduced the 5S rRNA-binding affinity. Comparison of these results with the more recently analyzed structure of the 50S subunit from Haloarcula marismortui suggests that there are significant differences in the structure at N- and C-terminal regions and probably in the 5S rRNA binding. PMID:11350033

  12. STOPEM: A Simulation Interdiction Model of a Motorized Rifle Division.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-03-01

    4 em t n - - tat ion - 4 Fig 1.9. Simulation Process (Ref 51:24) . 4 2 8 Illy ."’p 4 44. * s ~ ... .. ** % 0;7...10)= 14.964/A( 11) CALL FILEM-(1,A) A(2)-l.0 A(3)-33 A( 4 )-9 A(5)-l. I A(6)-2.2 A(7)-.iA5-\\XX(15)*1.65 A( 8 )=TRIAfG(A(5) ,A(7) ,A(’) , 4 ) A(C 11)-TRIAC...IA),30.0, 1) AC l2)-TRIAC(3.n,XX(IP),5.0, 3) AC 10)_n] 4 .R64/A( 11) CALL FILF.M( 1,A) AC 1)-In A(2)-l.0 A(3)-0 136 7 r r - . ,. - A5=1.6 A( 8

  13. SAGE III/ISS L2 Solar Event Species Profiles (HDF-EOS) V5 (g3bssp)

    Atmospheric Science Data Center

    2017-12-21

    SAGE III/ISS L2 Solar Event Species Profiles (HDF-EOS) V5 (g3bssp)   Project ... present Temporal Resolution:  1 file per event File Format:  HDF-4 Tools:  Earthdata ... Radiation Longwave Radiation Shortwave Radiation Event Tag Event Type Obs Beta Angle Order Data:  ...

  14. SAGE III/ISS L2 Lunar Event Species Profiles (HDF-EOS) V5 (g3blsp)

    Atmospheric Science Data Center

    2018-01-04

    SAGE III/ISS L2 Lunar Event Species Profiles (HDF-EOS) V5 (g3blsp)   Project ... present Temporal Resolution:  1 file per event File Format:  HDF-4 Tools:  Earthdata ... Radiation Longwave Radiation Shortwave Radiation Event Tag Event Type Obs Beta Angle Order Data:  ...

  15. Functional selectivity of allosteric interactions within G protein-coupled receptor oligomers: the dopamine D1-D3 receptor heterotetramer.

    PubMed

    Guitart, Xavier; Navarro, Gemma; Moreno, Estefania; Yano, Hideaki; Cai, Ning-Sheng; Sánchez-Soto, Marta; Kumar-Barodia, Sandeep; Naidu, Yamini T; Mallol, Josefa; Cortés, Antoni; Lluís, Carme; Canela, Enric I; Casadó, Vicent; McCormick, Peter J; Ferré, Sergi

    2014-10-01

    The dopamine D1 receptor-D3 receptor (D1R-D3R) heteromer is being considered as a potential therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders. Previous studies suggested that this heteromer could be involved in the ability of D3R agonists to potentiate locomotor activation induced by D1R agonists. It has also been postulated that its overexpression plays a role in L-dopa-induced dyskinesia and in drug addiction. However, little is known about its biochemical properties. By combining bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, bimolecular complementation techniques, and cell-signaling experiments in transfected cells, evidence was obtained for a tetrameric stoichiometry of the D1R-D3R heteromer, constituted by two interacting D1R and D3R homodimers coupled to Gs and Gi proteins, respectively. Coactivation of both receptors led to the canonical negative interaction at the level of adenylyl cyclase signaling, to a strong recruitment of β-arrestin-1, and to a positive cross talk of D1R and D3R agonists at the level of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Furthermore, D1R or D3R antagonists counteracted β-arrestin-1 recruitment and MAPK activation induced by D3R and D1R agonists, respectively (cross-antagonism). Positive cross talk and cross-antagonism at the MAPK level were counteracted by specific synthetic peptides with amino acid sequences corresponding to D1R transmembrane (TM) domains TM5 and TM6, which also selectively modified the quaternary structure of the D1R-D3R heteromer, as demonstrated by complementation of hemiproteins of yellow fluorescence protein fused to D1R and D3R. These results demonstrate functional selectivity of allosteric modulations within the D1R-D3R heteromer, which can be involved with the reported behavioral synergism of D1R and D3R agonists. U.S. Government work not protected by U.S. copyright.

  16. Key amino acid residues involved in multi-point binding interactions between brazzein, a sweet protein, and the T1R2-T1R3 human sweet receptor

    PubMed Central

    Assadi-Porter, Fariba M.; Maillet, Emeline L.; Radek, James T.; Quijada, Jeniffer; Markley, John L.; Max, Marianna

    2010-01-01

    The sweet protein brazzein activates the human sweet receptor, a heterodimeric G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) composed of subunits T1R2 and T1R3. In order to elucidate the key amino acid(s) responsible for this interaction, we mutated residues in brazzein and each of the two subunits of the receptor. The effects of brazzein mutations were assayed by a human taste panel and by an in vitro assay involving receptor subunits expressed recombinantly in human embryonic kidney cells; the effects of the receptor mutations were assayed by the in vitro assay. We mutated surface residues of brazzein at three putative interaction sites: Site 1 (Loop43), Site 2 (N- and C-terminus and adjacent Glu36, Loop33), and Site 3 (Loop9–19). Basic residues in Site 1 and acidic residues in Site 2 were essential for positive responses from each assay. Mutation of Y39A (Site 1) greatly reduced positive responses. A bulky side chain at position 54 (Site 2), rather than a side chain with hydrogen bonding potential, was required for positive responses as was the presence of the native disulfide bond in Loop 9–19 (Site 3). Results from mutagenesis and chimeras of the receptor indicated that brazzein interacts with both T1R2 and T1R3 and that the Venus fly trap module of T1R2 is important for brazzein agonism. With one exception, all mutations of receptor residues at putative interaction sites predicted by wedge models failed to yield the expected decrease in the brazzein response. The exception, hT1R2:R217A-hT1R3, which contained a substitution in lobe 2 at the interface between the two subunits, exhibited a small selective decrease in brazzein activity. However, because the mutation was found to increase the positive cooperativity of binding by multiple ligands proposed to bind both T1R subunits (brazzein, monellin, and sucralose) but not those that bind to a single subunit (neotame and cyclamate), we suggest that this site in involved in subunit-subunit interaction rather than direct

  17. Regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase: involvement of protein kinase G 1 beta, serine 116 phosphorylation and lipid structures.

    PubMed

    John, Theresa A; Ibe, Basil O; Raj, J Usha

    2008-02-01

    1. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) is important for vascular homeostasis. The role of protein kinase G (PKG) in regulation of NOS3 activity was studied in primary cultures of newborn lamb lung microvascular endothelial cells (LMVEC). 2. We determined the presence of PKG in fetal and neonatal LMVEC as well as subcellular localization of PKG isoforms in the neonatal cells by fluorescence immunohistochemistry. We used diaminofluorescein (DAF) fluorophore to measure nitric oxide (NO) production from neonatal LMVEC. We confirmed that NO measured was from constitutive NOS3 by inhibiting it with NOS inhibitors. 3. To identify a role for PKG in basal NO production, we measured NO release from LMVEC cells using 4-amino-5-methylamino-2',7'-difluorofluorescein (DAF-FM; 0.5-0.8 micromol/L) with and without prior stimulation with the PKG activator 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP; 0.3 and 3 micromol/L) or prior PKG inhibition with beta-phenyl-1,N2-etheno-8-bromoguanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothionate (BPC; 0.3 and 3 micromol/L). With the same drugs, we determined the role of PKG on cellular expression of NOS3 and serine 116 phosphorylated NOS (pSer116-NOS) by qualitative and quantitative immunofluorescence assays, as well as western blotting. 4. Because PKG 1 beta was distributed throughout the cytosol in a punctate expression, we used 2 mmol/L cyclodextrin, a cholesterol extractor, to determine a role for lipid vesicles in PKG regulation of NO production. 5. Protein kinase G 1 beta gave a punctate appearance, indicating its presence in intracellular vesicles. Nitric oxide production decreased by approximately 20% with 300 nmol/L and 3 micromol/L 8-Br cGMP (P < 0.05) and increased by 20.8 +/- 3.7% with 3 micromol/L BPC (P < 0.001), indicating that both stimulated and basal PKG activity has inhibitory effects on basal NOS3 function. Nitric oxide synthase immunofluorescence and immunoblot expression were decreased and pSer116-NOS immunofluorescence was increased by 800 nmol/L

  18. Progesterone inhibits the in vitro L3/L4 molting process in Haemonchus contortus.

    PubMed

    Gutiérrez-Amézquita, R A; Morales-Montor, J; Muñoz-Guzmán, M A; Nava-Castro, K E; Ramírez-Álvarez, H; Cuenca-Verde, C; Moreno-Mendoza, N A; Cuéllar-Ordaz, J A; Alba-Hurtado, F

    2017-12-15

    We evaluated the direct effects of progesterone on the morphology, maturation and behavior of Haemonchus contortus larvae in vitro. The presence and location of possible progesterone receptors in these larvae were also determined. The addition of 8ng/mL of progesterone to larval cultures over 10days reduced larval enlargement, while the addition of 160ng/mL of the hormone increased the enlargement. Up to 62% and 65% of the H. contortus larvae molted from third-stage larvae (L3) to fourth-stage larvae (L4) when cultured in RPMI-1640 media without hormone for 5 and 10days, respectively. The addition of different progesterone concentrations (1, 8, 16, 80 and 160ng/mL) to the larval cultures significantly inhibited the molting process within the same periods. The addition of 8ng/mL or higher progesterone concentrations to the cultures significantly increased larval motility (p<0.05) compared with unstimulated larvae. Flow cytometry showed the expression of progesterone receptors (P4-R) in 15% of the cells from newly isolated H. contortus larvae. When the larvae were cultured for 5days in the presence of the hormone, the percentage of P 4 -R+ cells remained the same. In contrast, unstimulated larvae showed a significant reduction in the number of P 4 -R+ cells. Using confocal microscopy, a greater concentration of P 4 -Rs was immunolocated in the anterior portion of the alimentary tract of the larvae, suggesting that the cells in this region are targeted by the hormone. The results of the present study show that H. contortus larvae have possible P 4 -Rs and respond to this hormone by inhibiting their molting process, thereby suggesting the participation of progesterone in the larval arrest phenomenon. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Rotational spectrum of NSF3 in the ground and v5 = 1 vibrational states: observation of Q-branch perturbation-allowed transitions with delta(k - l) = 0, +/-3, +/-6 and anomalies in the rovibrational structure of the v5 = 1 state.

    PubMed

    Macholl, Sven; Mäder, Heinrich; Harder, Hauke; Margulès, Laurent; Dréan, Pascal; Cosléou, Jean; Demaison, Jean; Pracna, Petr

    2009-01-29

    The rotational spectrum of NSF3 in the ground and v5 = 1 vibrational states has been investigated in the centimeter- and millimeter-wave ranges. R-branch (J + 1 <-- J) transitions for J = 0, 1 and Q-branch rotational transitions for the v5 = 1 vibrational state have been measured by waveguide Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy in the range 8-26.5 GHz. The Q-branch transitions include 28 direct l-type doubling transitions (kl = +1, A1) <--> (kl = +1, A2) with J < or = 62, and 108 direct l-type resonance transitions following the selection rule delta k = delta l = +/-2 with J < or = 60 and G = |k - l| < or = 3. A process called "regional resonance" was observed in which a cluster of levels interacted strongly over a large range in J. This process led to the observation of 55 perturbation-allowed transitions following the selection rules delta(k - l) = +/-3, +/-6. In particular, (kl = +1, A+) <--> (kl = -2, A-), (kl = +4, A+) <--> (kl = +1, A-), (kl = +2) <--> (kl = -1), (kl = +3) <--> (kl = 0), (kl = +2) <--> (kl = -3), and (kl = +3) <--> (kl = -3). The various aspects of the regional resonances are discussed in detail. An accidental near-degeneracy of the kl = 0 and kl = -4 levels at J = 26/27 led to the observation of perturbation-allowed transitions following the selection rule delta(k-l) = +/-6 with (kl = +2) <--> (kl = -4). A corresponding near-degeneracy between kl = -1 and kl = -3 levels at J = 30/31 led to the detection of similar transitions, but with (kl = +3) <--> (kl = -3). In the range 230-480 GHz, R-branch rotational transitions have been measured by absorption spectroscopy up to J = 49 in the ground-state and up to J = 50 in the v5 = 1 vibrational state. The transition frequencies have been analyzed using various reduced forms of the effective Hamiltonians. The data for the v5 = 1 vibrational state have been fitted successfully using two models up to seventh order with delta k = +/-3 interaction parameters constrained (dt constrained to zero, and

  20. VizieR Online Data Catalog: 05 through L3 empirical stellar spectra from SDSS (Kesseli+, 2017)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kesseli, A. Y.; West, A. A.; Veyette, M.; Harrison, B.; Feldman, D.; Bochanski, J. J.

    2017-08-01

    We present a library of empirical stellar spectra created using spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey's Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey. The templates cover spectral types O5 through L3, are binned by metallicity from -2.0dex through +1.0dex, and are separated into main-sequence (dwarf) stars and giant stars. With recently developed M dwarf metallicity indicators, we are able to extend the metallicity bins down through the spectral subtype M8, making this the first empirical library with this degree of temperature and metallicity coverage. The wavelength coverage for the templates is from 3650 to 10200Å at a resolution of better than R~2000. Using the templates, we identify trends in color space with metallicity and surface gravity, which will be useful for analyzing large data sets from upcoming missions like the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope. Along with the templates, we are releasing a code for automatically (and/or visually) identifying the spectral type and metallicity of a star. (3 data files).

  1. Functional Selectivity of Allosteric Interactions within G Protein–Coupled Receptor Oligomers: The Dopamine D1-D3 Receptor Heterotetramer

    PubMed Central

    Guitart, Xavier; Navarro, Gemma; Moreno, Estefania; Yano, Hideaki; Cai, Ning-Sheng; Sánchez-Soto, Marta; Kumar-Barodia, Sandeep; Naidu, Yamini T.; Mallol, Josefa; Cortés, Antoni; Lluís, Carme; Canela, Enric I.; Casadó, Vicent; McCormick, Peter J.

    2014-01-01

    The dopamine D1 receptor–D3 receptor (D1R-D3R) heteromer is being considered as a potential therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders. Previous studies suggested that this heteromer could be involved in the ability of D3R agonists to potentiate locomotor activation induced by D1R agonists. It has also been postulated that its overexpression plays a role in L-dopa–induced dyskinesia and in drug addiction. However, little is known about its biochemical properties. By combining bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, bimolecular complementation techniques, and cell-signaling experiments in transfected cells, evidence was obtained for a tetrameric stoichiometry of the D1R–D3R heteromer, constituted by two interacting D1R and D3R homodimers coupled to Gs and Gi proteins, respectively. Coactivation of both receptors led to the canonical negative interaction at the level of adenylyl cyclase signaling, to a strong recruitment of β-arrestin-1, and to a positive cross talk of D1R and D3R agonists at the level of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Furthermore, D1R or D3R antagonists counteracted β-arrestin-1 recruitment and MAPK activation induced by D3R and D1R agonists, respectively (cross-antagonism). Positive cross talk and cross-antagonism at the MAPK level were counteracted by specific synthetic peptides with amino acid sequences corresponding to D1R transmembrane (TM) domains TM5 and TM6, which also selectively modified the quaternary structure of the D1R-D3R heteromer, as demonstrated by complementation of hemiproteins of yellow fluorescence protein fused to D1R and D3R. These results demonstrate functional selectivity of allosteric modulations within the D1R-D3R heteromer, which can be involved with the reported behavioral synergism of D1R and D3R agonists. PMID:25097189

  2. Role of PD-L1 expression as a biomarker for GEP neuroendocrine neoplasm grading.

    PubMed

    Cavalcanti, Elisabetta; Armentano, Raffaele; Valentini, Anna Maria; Chieppa, Marcello; Caruso, Maria Lucia

    2017-08-24

    Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare, heterogeneous and ubiquitous tumors commonly localized in the gastrointestinal tract, lung, and pancreas. The clinical behavior of NEN is highly unpredictable; in fact, low-grade cases can unexpectedly be associated with metastases. Currently, the 2010 WHO NEN classification employs histological differentiation and the proliferation index for grading tumors but fails to provide reliable prognostic and therapeutic indications. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a better characterization of G2/G3 NENs. Similar to several other tumors, NENs possess immune-escape mechanisms, but very little has yet been done to characterize this crucial aspect. There are no available data describing PD-L1 expression in these tumors. Here we provide, for the first time, evidence of PD-L1 tissue expression in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs). PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with a high-grade WHO classification (G3) (P<0.001) but not with gender, primary site, or lymph node status. The PD-L1 positivity rate and signal intensity are directly correlated (P<0.001) with a grade increase from G1 to G3. In particular in G3 cases, we observed a dichotomy between the morphology (WD- and PD-NENs) and Ki67. Moreover, our study demonstrated a significant association with the grade and PD-L1 expression levels in immune-infiltrating cells (P<0.001). In particular, G3 tumors are characterized by strong PD-L1 expression in both the tumor and infiltrating immune cells (P<0.001), reflecting an unfavorable environment for T-cell-mediated tumor aggression. These findings suggest that NENs might acquire resistance to immune surveillance by upregulating PD-L1 and inhibiting peritumoral and intratumoral infiltrating lymphocytes. Here we demonstrate that PD-L1 is currently the best-known biomarker for G3 NENs, becoming the new gold standard for G3 NEN discrimination. Furthermore, pharmacological approaches using anti-PD-1

  3. Role of PD-L1 expression as a biomarker for GEP neuroendocrine neoplasm grading

    PubMed Central

    Cavalcanti, Elisabetta; Armentano, Raffaele; Valentini, Anna Maria; Chieppa, Marcello; Caruso, Maria Lucia

    2017-01-01

    Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare, heterogeneous and ubiquitous tumors commonly localized in the gastrointestinal tract, lung, and pancreas. The clinical behavior of NEN is highly unpredictable; in fact, low-grade cases can unexpectedly be associated with metastases. Currently, the 2010 WHO NEN classification employs histological differentiation and the proliferation index for grading tumors but fails to provide reliable prognostic and therapeutic indications. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a better characterization of G2/G3 NENs. Similar to several other tumors, NENs possess immune-escape mechanisms, but very little has yet been done to characterize this crucial aspect. There are no available data describing PD-L1 expression in these tumors. Here we provide, for the first time, evidence of PD-L1 tissue expression in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs). PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with a high-grade WHO classification (G3) (P<0.001) but not with gender, primary site, or lymph node status. The PD-L1 positivity rate and signal intensity are directly correlated (P<0.001) with a grade increase from G1 to G3. In particular in G3 cases, we observed a dichotomy between the morphology (WD- and PD-NENs) and Ki67. Moreover, our study demonstrated a significant association with the grade and PD-L1 expression levels in immune-infiltrating cells (P<0.001). In particular, G3 tumors are characterized by strong PD-L1 expression in both the tumor and infiltrating immune cells (P<0.001), reflecting an unfavorable environment for T-cell-mediated tumor aggression. These findings suggest that NENs might acquire resistance to immune surveillance by upregulating PD-L1 and inhibiting peritumoral and intratumoral infiltrating lymphocytes. Here we demonstrate that PD-L1 is currently the best-known biomarker for G3 NENs, becoming the new gold standard for G3 NEN discrimination. Furthermore, pharmacological approaches using anti-PD-1

  4. Transcription of a vaccinia virus late promoter template: requirement for the product of the A2L intermediate-stage gene.

    PubMed Central

    Passarelli, A L; Kovacs, G R; Moss, B

    1996-01-01

    Evidence is presented that a 26-kDa protein encoded by the vaccinia virus A2L open reading frame, originally shown to be one of three intermediate-stage genes that together can transactivate late-stage gene expression in transfection assays (J. G. Keck, C. J. Baldick, and B. Moss, Cell 61:801-809, 1990), is required for in vitro transcription of a template with a late promoter. The critical step in this analysis was the preparation of an extract containing all the required factors except for the A2L protein. This extract was prepared from cells infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase in the presence of the DNA synthesis inhibitor cytosine arabinoside and transfected with plasmids containing the two other known transactivator genes, A1L and G8R, under T7 promoter control. Reaction mixtures made with extracts of these cells had background levels of late transcription activity, unless they were supplemented with extracts of cells transfected with the A2L gene. Active transcription mixtures were also made by mixing extracts from three sets of cells, each transfected with a gene (A1L, A2L, or G8R) encoding a separate factor, indicating the absence of any requirement for their coexpression. To minimize the possibility that the A2L protein functions indirectly by activating another viral or cellular protein, this gene was expressed in insect cells by using a baculovirus vector. The partially purified recombinant protein complemented the activity of A2L-deficient cell extracts. Recombinant A1L, A2L, and G8R proteins, all produced in insect cells, together complemented extracts from mammalian cells containing only viral early proteins, concordant with previous in vivo transfection data. PMID:8676468

  5. The beta-arrestin pathway-selective type 1A angiotensin receptor (AT1A) agonist [Sar1,Ile4,Ile8]angiotensin II regulates a robust G protein-independent signaling network.

    PubMed

    Kendall, Ryan T; Strungs, Erik G; Rachidi, Saleh M; Lee, Mi-Hye; El-Shewy, Hesham M; Luttrell, Deirdre K; Janech, Michael G; Luttrell, Louis M

    2011-06-03

    The angiotensin II peptide analog [Sar(1),Ile(4),Ile(8)]AngII (SII) is a biased AT(1A) receptor agonist that stimulates receptor phosphorylation, β-arrestin recruitment, receptor internalization, and β-arrestin-dependent ERK1/2 activation without activating heterotrimeric G-proteins. To determine the scope of G-protein-independent AT(1A) receptor signaling, we performed a gel-based phosphoproteomic analysis of AngII and SII-induced signaling in HEK cells stably expressing AT(1A) receptors. A total of 34 differentially phosphorylated proteins were detected, of which 16 were unique to SII and eight to AngII stimulation. MALDI-TOF/TOF mass fingerprinting was employed to identify 24 SII-sensitive phosphoprotein spots, of which three (two peptide inhibitors of protein phosphatase 2A (I1PP2A and I2PP2A) and prostaglandin E synthase 3 (PGES3)) were selected for validation and further study. We found that phosphorylation of I2PP2A was associated with rapid and transient inhibition of a β-arrestin 2-associated pool of protein phosphatase 2A, leading to activation of Akt and increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β in an arrestin signalsome complex. SII-stimulated PGES3 phosphorylation coincided with an increase in β-arrestin 1-associated PGES3 and an arrestin-dependent increase in cyclooxygenase 1-dependent prostaglandin E(2) synthesis. These findings suggest that AT(1A) receptors regulate a robust G protein-independent signaling network that affects protein phosphorylation and autocrine/paracrine prostaglandin production and that these pathways can be selectively modulated by biased ligands that antagonize G protein activation.

  6. FERMI LARGE AREA TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS OF THE SUPERNOVA REMNANT G8.7-0.1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ajello, M.; Allafort, A.; Bechtol, K.

    We present a detailed analysis of the GeV gamma-ray emission toward the supernova remnant (SNR) G8.7-0.1 with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. An investigation of the relationship between G8.7-0.1 and the TeV unidentified source HESS J1804-216 provides us with an important clue on diffusion process of cosmic rays if particle acceleration operates in the SNR. The GeV gamma-ray emission is extended with most of the emission in positional coincidence with the SNR G8.7-0.1 and a lesser part located outside the western boundary of G8.7-0.1. The region of the gamma-ray emission overlaps spatially connectedmore » molecular clouds, implying a physical connection for the gamma-ray structure. The total gamma-ray spectrum measured with LAT from 200 MeV-100 GeV can be described by a broken power-law function with a break of 2.4 {+-} 0.6 (stat) {+-} 1.2 (sys) GeV, and photon indices of 2.10 {+-} 0.06 (stat) {+-} 0.10 (sys) below the break and 2.70 {+-} 0.12 (stat) {+-} 0.14 (sys) above the break. Given the spatial association among the gamma rays, the radio emission of G8.7-0.1, and the molecular clouds, the decay of {pi}{sup 0}s produced by particles accelerated in the SNR and hitting the molecular clouds naturally explains the GeV gamma-ray spectrum. We also find that the GeV morphology is not well represented by the TeV emission from HESS J1804-216 and that the spectrum in the GeV band is not consistent with the extrapolation of the TeV gamma-ray spectrum. The spectral index of the TeV emission is consistent with the particle spectral index predicted by a theory that assumes energy-dependent diffusion of particles accelerated in an SNR. We discuss the possibility that the TeV spectrum originates from the interaction of particles accelerated in G8.7-0.1 with molecular clouds, and we constrain the diffusion coefficient of the particles.« less

  7. Fermi Large Area Telescope Observations of the Supernova Remnant G8.7-0.1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ajello, M.; Allafort, A.; /Stanford U., HEPL /KIPAC, Menlo Park /SLAC

    We present a detailed analysis of the GeV gamma-ray emission toward the supernova remnant (SNR) G8.7-0.1 with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. An investigation of the relationship between G8.7-0.1 and the TeV unidentified source HESS J1804-216 provides us with an important clue on diffusion process of cosmic rays if particle acceleration operates in the SNR. The GeV gamma-ray emission is extended with most of the emission in positional coincidence with the SNR G8.7-0.1 and a lesser part located outside the western boundary of G8.7-0.1. The region of the gamma-ray emission overlaps spatially connectedmore » molecular clouds, implying a physical connection for the gamma-ray structure. The total gamma-ray spectrum measured with LAT from 200 MeV-100 GeV can be described by a broken power-law function with a break of 2.4 {+-} 0.6 (stat) {+-} 1.2 (sys) GeV, and photon indices of 2.10 {+-} 0.06 (stat) {+-} 0.10 (sys) below the break and 2.70 {+-} 0.12 (stat) {+-} 0.14 (sys) above the break. Given the spatial association among the gamma rays, the radio emission of G8.7-0.1, and the molecular clouds, the decay of p0s produced by particles accelerated in the SNR and hitting the molecular clouds naturally explains the GeV gamma-ray spectrum. We also find that the GeV morphology is not well represented by the TeV emission from HESS J1804-216 and that the spectrum in the GeV band is not consistent with the extrapolation of the TeV gamma-ray spectrum. The spectral index of the TeV emission is consistent with the particle spectral index predicted by a theory that assumes energy-dependent diffusion of particles accelerated in an SNR. We discuss the possibility that the TeV spectrum originates from the interaction of particles accelerated in G8.7-0.1 with molecular clouds, and we constrain the diffusion coefficient of the particles.« less

  8. Persimmon tannin represses 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation via up-regulating expression of miR-27 and down-regulating expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in the early phase of adipogenesis.

    PubMed

    Zou, Bo; Ge, Zhenzhen; Zhu, Wei; Xu, Ze; Li, Chunmei

    2015-12-01

    Currently, obesity has become a worldwide health problem. Adipocyte differentiation is closely associated with the onset of obesity. Our previous studies suggested that persimmon tannin might be a potent anti-adipogenic dietary bioactive compound. However, the mechanism of persimmon tannin on adipocyte differentiation is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of persimmon tannin on adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and the underlying mechanisms. Adipogenic differentiation was induced by cocktail in the presence or absence of persimmon tannin. Intracellular lipid accumulation was determined by Oil red O staining and enzymatic colorimetric methods. Gene expression and protein levels were measured by real time RT-PCR and Western blot. Persimmon tannin inhibited intracellular lipid accumulation markedly, and the inhibitory effect was largely limited to the early stage of adipocyte differentiation. Persimmon tannin suppressed the expression of C/EBPα and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), significantly. Furthermore, genes related to lipogenesis, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, were down-regulated by persimmon tannin. In addition, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2), which is a target gene of PPARγ, was suppressed by persimmon tannin notably. Correspondingly, the expression of miR-27a and miR-27b were up-regulated by persimmon tannin from Day 2 to Day 8 significantly. Persimmon tannin inhibited adipocyte differentiation through regulation of PPARγ, C/EBPα and miR-27 in early stage of adipogenesis.

  9. Evidence for a role for α6* nAChRs in L-dopa-induced dyskinesias using parkinsonian α6* nAChR gain-of-function mice

    PubMed Central

    Bordia, Tanuja; McGregor, Matthew; McIntosh, J.M.; Drenan, Ryan M.; Quik, Maryka

    2015-01-01

    L-Dopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) are a serious side effect of dopamine replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease. The mechanisms that underlie LIDs are currently unclear. However, preclinical studies indicate that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play a role, suggesting that drugs targeting these receptors may be of therapeutic benefit. To further understand the involvement of α6β2* nAChRs in LIDs, we used gain-of-function α6* nAChR (α6L9S) mice that exhibit a 20-fold enhanced sensitivity to nAChR agonists. Wildtype (WT) and α6L9S mice were lesioned by unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 3 μg/ml) into the medial forebrain bundle. Three to 4 wk later, they were administered L-dopa (3 mg/kg) plus benserazide (15 mg/kg) until stably dyskinetic. L-dopa-induced abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) were similar in α6L9S and WT mice. WT mice were then given nicotine in the drinking water in gradually increasing doses to a final 300 μg/ml, which resulted in a 40% decline AIMs. By contrast, there was no decrease in AIMs in α6L9S mice at a maximally tolerated nicotine dose of 20 μg/ml. However, the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine (1 mg/kg ip 30 min before L-dopa) reduced L-dopa-induced AIMs in both α6L9S and WT mice. Thus, both a nAChR agonist and antagonist decreased AIMs in WT mice, but only the antagonist was effective in α6L9S mice. Since nicotine appears to reduce LIDs via desensitization, hypersensitive α6β2* nAChRs may desensitize less readily. The present data show that α6β2* nAChRs are key regulators of LIDs, and may be useful therapeutic targets for their management in Parkinson's disease. PMID:25813704

  10. Early applications of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can stabilize the blood-optic-nerve barrier and ameliorate inflammation in a rat model of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (rAION).

    PubMed

    Wen, Yao-Tseng; Huang, Tzu-Lun; Huang, Sung-Ping; Chang, Chung-Hsing; Tsai, Rong-Kung

    2016-10-01

    Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was reported to have a neuroprotective effect in a rat model of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (rAION model). However, the therapeutic window and anti-inflammatory effects of G-CSF in a rAION model have yet to be elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to determine the therapeutic window of G-CSF and investigate the mechanisms of G-CSF via regulation of optic nerve (ON) inflammation in a rAION model. Rats were treated with G-CSF on day 0, 1, 2 or 7 post-rAION induction for 5 consecutive days, and a control group were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Visual function was assessed by flash visual evoked potentials at 4 weeks post-rAION induction. The survival rate and apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells were determined by FluoroGold labeling and TUNEL assay, respectively. ON inflammation was evaluated by staining of ED1 and Iba1, and ON vascular permeability was determined by Evans Blue extravasation. The type of macrophage polarization was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were analyzed by western blotting. A therapeutic window during which G-CSF could rescue visual function and retinal ganglion cell survival was demonstrated at day 0 and day 1 post-infarct. Macrophage infiltration was reduced by 3.1- and 1.6-fold by G-CSF treatment starting on day 0 and 1 post-rAION induction, respectively, compared with the PBS-treated group (P<0.05). This was compatible with 3.3- and 1.7-fold reductions in ON vascular permeability after G-CSF treatment compared with PBS treatment (P<0.05). Microglial activation was increased by 3.8- and 3.2-fold in the early (beginning treatment at day 0 or 1) G-CSF-treated group compared with the PBS-treated group (P<0.05). Immediate (within 30 mins of infarct) treatment with G-CSF also induced M2 microglia/macrophage activation. The cytokine levels were lower in the group that received immediate G-CSF treatment compared to

  11. Extracellular forms of IL-37 inhibit innate inflammation in vitro and in vivo but require the IL-1 family decoy receptor IL-1R8.

    PubMed

    Li, Suzhao; Neff, C Preston; Barber, Kristina; Hong, Jaewoo; Luo, Yuchun; Azam, Tania; Palmer, Brent E; Fujita, Mayumi; Garlanda, Cecilia; Mantovani, Alberto; Kim, Soohyun; Dinarello, Charles Anthony

    2015-02-24

    Similar to IL-1α and IL-33, IL-1 family member IL-37b translocates to the nucleus and is associated with suppression of innate and adaptive immunity. Here we demonstrate an extracellular function of the IL-37 precursor and a processed form. Recombinant IL-37 precursor reduced LPS-induced IL-6 by 50% (P < 0.001) in highly inflammatory human blood-derived M1 differentiated macrophages derived from selective subjects but not M2 macrophages. In contrast, a neutralizing monoclonal anti-IL-37 increased LPS-induced IL-6, TNFα and IL-1β (P < 0.01). The suppression by IL-37 was consistently observed at low picomolar but not nanomolar concentrations. Whereas LPS induced a 12-fold increase in TNFα mRNA, IL-37 pretreatment decreased the expression to only 3-fold over background (P < 0.01). Mechanistically, LPS-induced p38 and pERK were reduced by IL-37. Recombinant IL-37 bound to the immobilized ligand binding α-chain of the IL-18 receptor as well as to the decoy receptor IL-1R8. In M1 macrophages, LPS increased the surface expression of IL-1R8. Compared with human blood monocytes, resting M1 cells express more surface IL-1R8 as well as total IL-1R8; there was a 16-fold increase in IL-1R8 mRNA levels when pretreated with IL-37. IL-37 reduced LPS-induced TNFα and IL-6 by 50-55% in mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, but not in dendritic cells derived from IL-1R8-deficient mice. In mice subjected to systemic LPS-induced inflammation, pretreatment with IL-37 reduced circulating and organ cytokine levels. Thus, in addition to a nuclear function, IL-37 acts as an extracellular cytokine by binding to the IL-18 receptor but using the IL-1R8 for its anti-inflammatory properties.

  12. Transformation of Neomycin Resistance Gene (neo(R)) into Silkworm (Bombyx mori.L.).

    PubMed

    Chen, Xiu; Zhao, Yun; Zhang, Feng; Peng, Wei-Ping; Feng, Xiao-Li; Huang, Jun-Ting; Lu, Chang-De

    1999-01-01

    Neomycin resistance gene (neo(R)) flanked by 5' and 3' regions of fibroin H-chain gene of silkworm (Bombyx mori.L.) was transferred into eggs of silkworm by gene gun in the early period of fertilization. The larvae were fed with an artificial diet containing neomycin in early 24 hours post transfettion, and some of them survived. The neo(R) encoding sequence in G(2) generation derived from the survivals was detected by Southern blotting. The results indicated that neo(R) could be used as a selective marker for studies on transgenic silkworm.

  13. Rewiring the reductive tricarboxylic acid pathway and L-malate transport pathway of Aspergillus oryzae for overproduction of L-malate.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jingjing; Xie, Zhipeng; Shin, Hyun-Dong; Li, Jianghua; Du, Guocheng; Chen, Jian; Liu, Long

    2017-07-10

    Aspergillus oryzae finds wide application in the food, feed, and wine industries, and is an excellent cell factory platform for production of organic acids. In this work, we achieved the overproduction of L-malate by rewiring the reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) pathway and L-malate transport pathway of A. oryzae NRRL 3488. First, overexpression of native pyruvate carboxylase and malate dehydrogenase in the rTCA pathway improved the L-malate titer from 26.1gL -1 to 42.3gL -1 in shake flask culture. Then, the oxaloacetate anaplerotic reaction was constructed by heterologous expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase from Escherichia coli, increasing the L-malate titer to 58.5gL -1 . Next, the export of L-malate from the cytoplasm to the external medium was strengthened by overexpression of a C4-dicarboxylate transporter gene from A. oryzae and an L-malate permease gene from Schizosaccharomyces pombe, improving the L-malate titer from 58.5gL -1 to 89.5gL -1 . Lastly, guided by transcription analysis of the expression profile of key genes related to L-malate synthesis, the 6-phosphofructokinase encoded by the pfk gene was identified as a potential limiting step for L-malate synthesis. Overexpression of pfk with the strong sodM promoter increased the L-malate titer to 93.2gL -1 . The final engineered A. oryzae strain produced 165gL -1 L-malate with a productivity of 1.38gL -1 h -1 in 3-L fed-batch culture. Overall, we constructed an efficient L-malate producer by rewiring the rTCA pathway and L-malate transport pathway of A. oryzae NRRL 3488, and the engineering strategy adopted here may be useful for the construction of A. oryzae cell factories to produce other organic acids. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Oxygen K- and Mn L-Edges of La_xMn_yO_3-d Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deleon, Michael; Tyson, Trevor; Qian, Q.; Dubourdieu, C.; Senateur, J. P.; Bosak, A.; Arena, D. A.

    2003-03-01

    The La_xMn_yO_3-d system holds much interest due to it's wide range of magnetic and transport properties with varying compositions. Oxygen defects and lanthanum deficiencies in the parent compound LaMnO3 induce a mixture of valences at the Mn site which enables transitions to a ferromagnetic metallic state through double exchange [1-5]. We have measured the oxygen K-edges and Mn L-edges for La_xMn_yO_3-d films of varying x deposited on (100) SrTiO3 and x=0.8 on varying thickness deposited on (001) LaAlO_3. These results are interpreted by multiplet structure computations. In addition, band structure results will be used to track changes in unoccupied levels on the Mn and O sites. This work is supported by NSF Career Grant DMR-9733862 and DMR-0209243. [1]A. Gupta, T.R. McGuire, P.R. Duncombe, M. Rupp, J. Z. Sun, W. J. Gallagher, G. Xiao. Appl. Phys. Let. 67, 3494 (1995) [2]P. S. I. P. N. de Silva, F.M. Richards, L. F. Cohen, J. A. Alonso, M. J. Martinez-Lope, M. T. Casais, K. A. Thomas, J. L. MacManus-Driscoll. J. A. Phys. 83, 3394(1998) [3] C. Chen, A. de Lozanne. A. Phys. Let. 73, 3950(1998) [4] S. J. Kim, C. S. Kim, S. Park, B. W. Lee. J. A. Phys. 89, 7416 (2001) [5] J. Topfer, J. B. Goodenough. Sol. St. Ionics 101, 1215 (1997)

  15. Lactobacillus casei Ferments the N-Acetylglucosamine Moiety of Fucosyl-α-1,3-N-Acetylglucosamine and Excretes l-Fucose

    PubMed Central

    Rodríguez-Díaz, Jesús; Rubio-del-Campo, Antonio

    2012-01-01

    We have previously characterized from Lactobacillus casei BL23 three α-l-fucosidases, AlfA, AlfB, and AlfC, which hydrolyze in vitro natural fucosyl-oligosaccharides. In this work, we have shown that L. casei is able to grow in the presence of fucosyl-α-1,3-N-acetylglucosamine (Fuc-α-1,3-GlcNAc) as a carbon source. Interestingly, L. casei excretes the l-fucose moiety during growth on Fuc-α-1,3-GlcNAc, indicating that only the N-acetylglucosamine moiety is being metabolized. Analysis of the genomic sequence of L. casei BL23 shows that downstream from alfB, which encodes the α-l-fucosidase AlfB, a gene, alfR, that encodes a transcriptional regulator is present. Divergently from alfB, three genes, alfEFG, that encode proteins with homology to the enzyme IIAB (EIIAB), EIIC, and EIID components of a mannose-class phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) are present. Inactivation of either alfB or alfF abolishes the growth of L. casei on Fuc-α-1,3-GlcNAc. This proves that AlfB is involved in Fuc-α-1,3-GlcNAc metabolism and that the transporter encoded by alfEFG participates in the uptake of this disaccharide. A mutation in the PTS general component enzyme I does not eliminate the utilization of Fuc-α-1,3-GlcNAc, suggesting that the transport via the PTS encoded by alfEFG is not coupled to phosphorylation of the disaccharide. Transcriptional analysis with alfR and ccpA mutants shows that the two gene clusters alfBR and alfEFG are regulated by substrate-specific induction mediated by the inactivation of the transcriptional repressor AlfR and by carbon catabolite repression mediated by the catabolite control protein A (CcpA). This work reports for the first time the characterization of the physiological role of an α-l-fucosidase in lactic acid bacteria and the utilization of Fuc-α-1,3-GlcNAc as a carbon source for bacteria. PMID:22544237

  16. Evaluation of electron population terms for <r-3Se>4p, <r-3S>3p, and <r-3O>(2p): how do HOMO and LUMO shrink or expand depending on nuclear charges?

    PubMed

    Nakanishi, Waro; Hayashi, Satoko; Narahara, Kenji; Yamaki, Daisuke; Hada, Masahiko

    2008-01-01

    Electron population terms <r(-3)N> are evaluated for N=Se, S, and O. Calculations are performed on HOMO and LUMO constructed by pure atomic 4p(Se), 3p(S), and 2p(O) orbitals, employing the 6-311+G(3d) and/or 6-311(++)G(3df,3pd) basis sets at the HF, MP2, and DFT (B3 LYP) levels. Se(4+), Se(2+), Se(0), and Se(2-) with the O(h) symmetry are called G(A: Se) and HSe(+), H(2)Se, and HSe(-) with the C(infinityh) or C(2v) symmetry are named G(B: Se), here [G(A+B: Se) in all]. HOMO and LUMO in G(A+B: N) (N=Se, S, and O) satisfy the conditions of the calculations for <r(-3)N>. The <r(-3)Se>(4p), <r(-3)S>(3p), and <r(-3)O>(2p) values correlate well with the corresponding MO energies (epsilon(N)) for all calculation levels employed. Plots of <r(-3)N>(HOMO) and <r(-3)N>(LUMO) versus Q(N) (N=Se, S, and O) at the HF and MP2 levels are analyzed as two correlations. However, the plots at the DFT level can be analyzed as single correlation. A regression curve is assumed for the analysis. Behaviors of <r(-3)N> clarify how valence orbitals shrink or expand depending on Q(N). The applicability of <r(-3)N> is examined to establish a new method that enables us to analyze chemical shifts with the charge effect separately from others. A utility program derived from the Gaussian 03 (NMRANAL-NH03G) is applied to evaluate <r(-3)N> and examine the applicability to the NMR analysis.

  17. Department of the Navy Justification of Estimates for Fiscal Year 1986 Submitted to Congress February 1985, Operation & Maintenance, Navy. Book 3.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-02-01

    Et COMMUNICATIONS, U G ET A T V T :lT A NNlM E I A G ABUDGET ACTIVITY 9: ADMINISTRATION ft ASSOC ACTS BUDGET ACTIVITY 10: SUPPORT TO OTHER NATIONS...85 628 0318 I r- m~ -Cc. Vc MuL ,n aI I I I8 I 8I1I1. ,. C 0’. CD ODC~ V . q* mY 00t M CO Io -~,r- M~ r- en 0 CO -" C%)0 (%.k LL v koO C)O~ 4n C%. ____r...Property 109 f. Base Operations 131 - ~ ~ V .. O&M.N 3 -4 *• ". .’. i

  18. Influence of an immunodominant herpes simplex virus type 1 CD8+ T cell epitope on the target hierarchy and function of subdominant CD8+ T cells

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) latency in sensory ganglia such as trigeminal ganglia (TG) is associated with a persistent immune infiltrate that includes effector memory CD8+ T cells that can influence HSV-1 reactivation. In C57BL/6 mice, HSV-1 induces a highly skewed CD8+ T cell repertoire, in which half of CD8+ T cells (gB-CD8s) recognize a single epitope on glycoprotein B (gB498-505), while the remainder (non-gB-CD8s) recognize, in varying proportions, 19 subdominant epitopes on 12 viral proteins. The gB-CD8s remain functional in TG throughout latency, while non-gB-CD8s exhibit varying degrees of functional compromise. To understand how dominance hierarchies relate to CD8+ T cell function during latency, we characterized the TG-associated CD8+ T cells following corneal infection with a recombinant HSV-1 lacking the immunodominant gB498-505 epitope (S1L). S1L induced a numerically equivalent CD8+ T cell infiltrate in the TG that was HSV-specific, but lacked specificity for gB498-505. Instead, there was a general increase of non-gB-CD8s with specific subdominant epitopes arising to codominance. In a latent S1L infection, non-gB-CD8s in the TG showed a hierarchy targeting different epitopes at latency compared to at acute times, and these cells retained an increased functionality at latency. In a latent S1L infection, these non-gB-CD8s also display an equivalent ability to block HSV reactivation in ex vivo ganglionic cultures compared to TG infected with wild type HSV-1. These data indicate that loss of the immunodominant gB498-505 epitope alters the dominance hierarchy and reduces functional compromise of CD8+ T cells specific for subdominant HSV-1 epitopes during viral latency. PMID:29206240

  19. Space shuttle flight (STS-45) of L8 myoblast cells results in the isolation of a nonfusing cell line variant.

    PubMed

    Kulesh, D A; Anderson, L H; Wilson, B; Otis, E J; Elgin, D M; Barker, M J; Mehm, W J; Kearney, G P

    1994-08-01

    Myoblast cell cultures have been widely employed in conventional (1g) studies of biological processes because characteristics of intact muscle can be readily observed in these cultured cells. We decided to investigate the effects of spaceflight on muscle by utilizing a well characterized myoblast cell line (L8 rat myoblasts) as cultured in the recently designed Space Tissue Loss Flight Module "A" (STL-A). The STL-A is a "state of the art," compact, fully contained, automated cell culture apparatus which replaces a single mid-deck locker on the Space Shuttle. The L8 cells were successfully flown in the STL-A on the Space Shuttle STS-45 mission. Upon return to earth, reculturing of these spaceflown L8 cells (L8SF) resulted in their unexpected failure to fuse and differentiate into myotubes. This inability of the L8SF cells to fuse was found to be a permanent phenotypic alteration. Scanning electron microscopic examination of L8SF cells growing at 1g on fibronectin-coated polypropylene fibers exhibited a strikingly different morphology as compared to control cells. In addition to their failure to fuse into myotubes, L8SF cells also piled up on top of each other. When assayed in fusion-promoting soft agar, L8SF cells gave rise to substantially more and larger colonies than did either preflight (L8AT) or ground control (L8GC) cells. All data to this point indicate that flying L8 rat myoblasts on the Space Shuttle for a duration of 7-10 d at subconfluent densities results in several permanent phenotypic alterations in these cells.

  20. A Missing PD-L1/PD-1 Coinhibition Regulates Diabetes Induction by Preproinsulin-Specific CD8 T-Cells in an Epitope-Specific Manner

    PubMed Central

    Schuster, Cornelia; Brosi, Helen; Stifter, Katja; Boehm, Bernhard O.; Schirmbeck, Reinhold

    2013-01-01

    Coinhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 (B7-H1) interactions provide critical signals for the regulation of autoreactive T-cell responses. We established mouse models, expressing the costimulator molecule B7.1 (CD80) on pancreatic beta cells (RIP-B7.1 tg mice) or are deficient in coinhibitory PD-L1 or PD-1 molecules (PD-L1−/− and PD-1−/− mice), to study induction of preproinsulin (ppins)-specific CD8 T-cell responses and experimental autoimmune diabetes (EAD) by DNA-based immunization. RIP-B7.1 tg mice allowed us to identify two CD8 T-cell specificities: pCI/ppins DNA exclusively induced Kb/A12–21-specific CD8 T-cells and EAD, whereas pCI/ppinsΔA12–21 DNA (encoding ppins without the COOH-terminal A12–21 epitope) elicited Kb/B22–29-specific CD8 T-cells and EAD. Specific expression/processing of mutant ppinsΔA12–21 (but not ppins) in non-beta cells, targeted by intramuscular DNA-injection, thus facilitated induction of Kb/B22–29-specific CD8 T-cells. The A12–21 epitope binds Kb molecules with a very low avidity as compared with B22–29. Interestingly, immunization of coinhibition-deficient PD-L1−/− or PD-1−/− mice with pCI/ppins induced Kb/A12–21-monospecific CD8 T-cells and EAD but injections with pCI/ppinsΔA12–21 did neither recruit Kb/B22–29-specific CD8 T-cells into the pancreatic target tissue nor induce EAD. PpinsΔA12–21/(Kb/B22–29)-mediated EAD was efficiently restored in RIP-B7.1+/PD-L1−/− mice, differing from PD-L1−/− mice only in the tg B7.1 expression in beta cells. Alternatively, an ongoing beta cell destruction and tissue inflammation, initiated by ppins/(Kb/A12–21)-specific CD8 T-cells in pCI/ppins+pCI/ppinsΔA12–21 co-immunized PD-L1−/− mice, facilitated the expansion of ppinsΔA12–21/(Kb/B22–29)-specific CD8 T-cells. CD8 T-cells specific for the high-affinity Kb/B22–29- (but not the low-affinity Kb/A12–21)-epitope thus require stimulatory ´help from beta cells or inflamed islets to expand in PD-L1

  1. The 3′→5′ Exonuclease of Apn1 Provides an Alternative Pathway To Repair 7,8-Dihydro-8-Oxodeoxyguanosine in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

    PubMed Central

    Ishchenko, Alexander A.; Yang, Xiaoming; Ramotar, Dindial; Saparbaev, Murat

    2005-01-01

    The 8-oxo-7,8-dihydrodeoxyguanosine (8oxoG), a major mutagenic DNA lesion, results either from direct oxidation of guanines or misincorporation of 8oxodGTP by DNA polymerases. At present, little is known about the mechanisms preventing the mutagenic action of 8oxodGTP in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Herein, we report for the first time the identification of an alternative repair pathway for 8oxoG residues initiated by S. cerevisiae AP endonuclease Apn1, which is endowed with a robust progressive 3′→5′ exonuclease activity towards duplex DNA. We show that yeast cell extracts, as well as purified Apn1, excise misincorporated 8oxoG, providing a damage-cleansing function to DNA synthesis. Consistent with these results, deletion of both OGG1 encoding 8oxoG-DNA glycosylase and APN1 causes nearly 46-fold synergistic increase in the spontaneous mutation rate, and this enhanced mutagenesis is primarily due to G · C to T · A transversions. Expression of the bacterial 8oxodGTP triphosphotase MutT in the apn1Δ ogg1Δ mutant reduces the mutagenesis. Taken together, our results indicate that Apn1 is involved in an S. cerevisiae 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase (Ogg1)-independent repair pathway for 8oxoG residues. Interestingly, the human major AP endonuclease, Ape1, also exhibits similar exonuclease activity towards 8oxoG residues, raising the possibility that this enzyme could participate in the prevention of mutations that would otherwise result from the incorporation of 8oxodGTP. PMID:16024777

  2. [Construction and expression of the eukaryotic expression vector carrying HSV-1 gC glycoprotein gene].

    PubMed

    Dang, Yin-li; Yan, Yan; Zhang, Xiao-xiao; Li, Pu-yuan; Yu, Lan; Zhang, Lei; Zhang, Fang-lin; Xu, Zhi-kai; Wu, Xing-an

    2011-05-01

    To stably express herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein C (gC) in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1). The eukaryotic expression vector pCI-mCMV-gC-1-IRES-DHFR-L22R was constructed and transfected into CHO-K1 cells by Lipofectamine 2000. The transfected cells were selected by G418 and methotrexate (MTX). The expression of HSV-1 gC was analyzed by Slot blot. HSV-1 gC proteins were purified with His-Ni Sepharose and then detected by Western blot. The eukaryotic expression vector pCI-mCMV-gC-1-IRES-DHFR-L22R was constructed successfully. CHO-K1 cells stably expressing HSV-1 gC proteins were established and confirmed by Western blot. The HSV-1 gC proteins have been expressed successfully and have good bioactivity. The results make it possible for further study and clinical use of HSV-1 gC.

  3. SDSS (g--r) colors of isolated galaxies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fernández Lorenzo, M.; Sulentic, J.; Verdes-Montenegro, L.; Ruiz, J. E.; Sabater, J.; Sánchez-Expósito, S.

    2013-05-01

    Several processes can affect a galaxy over its lifetime. If effects of interaction with companions are minimized, it is possible to focus on secular evolutionary processes. We present a study of the SDSS (g--r) colors of isolated galaxies in the AMIGA project (Analysis of the interstellar Medium of Isolated GAlaxies; http://www.amiga.iaa.es). Assuming that color is an indicator of the star formation history, this work better records the signature of passive star formation via pure secular evolution. We focused on median values for the main morphological subtypes found in the AMIGA sample (66% Sb--Sc and 14% E/S0) and compared them with equivalent measures of galaxies in denser environments. The main results of this study include: 1) a tendency for AMIGA spiral galaxies to be redder than similar type galaxies in close pairs, but 2) no clear difference when we compare with galaxies in other (e.g. group) environments; 3) a Gaussian distribution of the (g--r) color of isolated galaxies, as might be expected in the case of pure secular evolution; and 4) a smaller median absolute deviation in colors for isolated galaxies compared to both wide and close pairs.

  4. Differential Contributions of Ubiquitin-Modified APOBEC3G Lysine Residues to HIV-1 Vif-Induced Degradation.

    PubMed

    Turner, Tiffany; Shao, Qiujia; Wang, Weiran; Wang, Yudi; Wang, Chenliang; Kinlock, Ballington; Liu, Bindong

    2016-08-28

    Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme-catalytic polypeptide-like 3G (A3G) is a host restriction factor that impedes HIV-1 replication. Viral integrity is salvaged by HIV-1 virion infectivity factor (Vif), which mediates A3G polyubiquitination and subsequent cellular depletion. Previous studies have implied that A3G polyubiquitination is essential for Vif-induced degradation. However, the contribution of polyubiquitination to the rate of A3G degradation remains unclear. Here, we show that A3G polyubiquitination is essential for degradation. Inhibition of ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 by PYR-41 or blocking the formation of ubiquitin chains by over-expressing the lysine to arginine mutation of ubiquitin K48 (K48R) inhibited A3G degradation. Our A3G mutagenesis study showed that lysine residues 297, 301, 303, and 334 were not sufficient to render lysine-free A3G sensitive to Vif-mediated degradation. Our data also confirm that Vif could induce ubiquitin chain formation on lysine residues interspersed throughout A3G. Notably, A3G degradation relied on the lysine residues involved in polyubiquitination. Although A3G and the A3G C-terminal mutant interacted with Vif and were modified by ubiquitin chains, the latter remained more resistant to Vif-induced degradation. Furthermore, the A3G C-terminal mutant, but not the N-terminal mutant, maintained potent antiviral activity in the presence of Vif. Taken together, our results suggest that the location of A3G ubiquitin modification is a determinant for Vif-mediated degradation, implying that in addition to polyubiquitination, other factors may play a key role in the rate of A3G degradation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Tools for mass screening of G6PD deficiency: validation of the WST8/1-methoxy-PMS enzymatic assay in Uganda.

    PubMed

    De Niz, Mariana; Eziefula, Alice C; Othieno, Lucas; Mbabazi, Edith; Nabukeera, Damalie; Ssemmondo, Emmanuel; Gonahasa, Samuel; Tumwebaze, Patrick; Diliberto, Deborah; Maiteki-Sebuguzi, Catherine; Staedke, Sarah G; Drakeley, Chris

    2013-06-19

    The distribution of the enzymopathy glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is linked to areas of high malaria endemicity due to its association with protection from disease. G6PD deficiency is also identified as the cause of severe haemolysis following administration of the anti-malarial drug primaquine and further use of this drug will likely require identification of G6PD deficiency on a population level. Current conventional methods for G6PD screening have various disadvantages for field use. The WST8/1-methoxy PMS method, recently adapted for field use, was validated using a gold standard enzymatic assay (R&D Diagnostics Ltd ®) in a study involving 235 children under five years of age, who were recruited by random selection from a cohort study in Tororo, Uganda. Blood spots were collected by finger-prick onto filter paper at routine visits, and G6PD activity was determined by both tests. Performance of the WST8/1-methoxy PMS test under various temperature, light, and storage conditions was evaluated. The WST8/1-methoxy PMS assay was found to have 72% sensitivity and 98% specificity when compared to the commercial enzymatic assay and the AUC was 0.904, suggesting good agreement. Misclassifications were at borderline values of G6PD activity between mild and normal levels, or related to outlier haemoglobin values (<8.0 gHb/dl or >14 gHb/dl) associated with ongoing anaemia or recent haemolytic crises. Although severe G6PD deficiency was not found in the area, the test enabled identification of low G6PD activity. The assay was found to be highly robust for field use; showing less light sensitivity, good performance over a wide temperature range, and good capacity for medium-to-long term storage. The WST8/1-methoxy PMS assay was comparable to the currently used standard enzymatic test, and offers advantages in terms of cost, storage, portability and use in resource-limited settings. Such features make this test a potential key tool for deployment in the

  6. CHI3L1 polymorphisms associate with asthma in a Taiwanese population

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background A genome-wide association study uncovered Chitinase 3 like 1 (CHI3L1) as a candidate gene for asthma susceptibility. CHI3L1, which encodes the YKL-40 protein, is associated with asthma in Western European and American populations and with atopy in a Korean population. However, asthma-associated polymorphisms remain unknown for a Taiwanese population. Methods We enrolled 628 adult asthmatic patients and 1:1 age-sex matched community-based controls in southern Taiwan and performed a combined effect sizes analysis to test if CHI3L1 polymorphisms were related to genetic risks for asthma in the Asian population. Ten tagSNP polymorphisms for the CHI3L1 gene were selected from the HapMap database and genotyped using a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Results Adjusted odds ratios of the CHI3L1 rs1538372 CC genotype (aOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.23–3.14) and the rs10399931 GG genotype (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.13–2.77) were significantly associated with asthma in the Taiwanese populations. Predictive values of forced expiratory volume in the first second of the forced vital capacity (12.37%, P = 0.03) and of forced vital capacity (12.10%, P = 0.036) decreased in conjunction with an increase in YKL-40 levels among CHI3L1 rs1538372 CC carriers; these values were 16.1% (P = 0.004) and 14.5% (P = 0.011), respectively, among CHI3L1 rs10399931 GG carriers. Furthermore, steroid use by asthma patients did not affect serum YKL-40 levels, but both polymorphisms had significant effects on YKL-40 levels in asthma patients who used steroids. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the CHI3L1 polymorphisms rs1538372 and rs10399931 can be used as genetic markers for predicting asthma risk in the Taiwanese population. PMID:25056157

  7. Comparative In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of Porcine Rotavirus G9P[13] and Human Rotavirus Wa G1P[8

    PubMed Central

    Shao, Lulu; Fischer, David D.; Kandasamy, Sukumar; Rauf, Abdul; Langel, Stephanie N.; Wentworth, David E.; Stucker, Karla M.; Halpin, Rebecca A.; Lam, Ham Ching; Marthaler, Douglas

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT The changing epidemiology of group A rotavirus (RV) strains in humans and swine, including emerging G9 strains, poses new challenges to current vaccines. In this study, we comparatively assessed the pathogenesis of porcine RV (PRV) G9P[13] and evaluated the short-term cross-protection between this strain and human RV (HRV) Wa G1P[8] in gnotobiotic pigs. Complete genome sequencing demonstrated that PRV G9P[13] possessed a human-like G9 VP7 genotype but shared higher overall nucleotide identity with historic PRV strains. PRV G9P[13] induced longer rectal virus shedding and RV RNAemia in pigs than HRV Wa G1P[8] and generated complete short-term cross-protection in pigs challenged with HRV or PRV, whereas HRV Wa G1P[8] induced only partial protection against PRV challenge. Moreover, PRV G9P[13] replicated more extensively in porcine monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) than did HRV Wa G1P[8]. Cross-protection was likely not dependent on serum virus-neutralizing (VN) antibodies, as the heterologous VN antibody titers in the sera of G9P[13]-inoculated pigs were low. Thus, our results suggest that heterologous protection by the current monovalent G1P[8] HRV vaccine against emerging G9 strains should be evaluated in clinical and experimental studies to prevent further dissemination of G9 strains. Differences in the pathogenesis of these two strains may be partially attributable to their variable abilities to replicate and persist in porcine immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs). Additional studies are needed to evaluate the emerging G9 strains as potential vaccine candidates and to test the susceptibility of various immune cells to infection by G9 and other common HRV/PRV genotypes. IMPORTANCE The changing epidemiology of porcine and human group A rotaviruses (RVs), including emerging G9 strains, may compromise the efficacy of current vaccines. An understanding of the pathogenesis and genetic, immunological, and biological features of the new emerging

  8. Poly-L-arginine synergizes with oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG-motifs (CpG-ODN) for enhanced and prolonged immune responses and prevents the CpG-ODN-induced systemic release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

    PubMed

    Lingnau, Karen; Egyed, Alena; Schellack, Carola; Mattner, Frank; Buschle, Michael; Schmidt, Walter

    2002-10-04

    This study describes an entirely synthetic vaccine composed of antigenic peptides (T cell epitopes), oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG-motifs (CpG-ODN) and poly-L-arginine (pR). CpG-ODN are known to be potent inducers of predominantly type 1-like immune responses, while polycationic amino acids, like pR, facilitate the uptake of antigens into antigen presenting cells (APCs). We demonstrate that the application of peptides and pR/CpG-ODN results in strongly enhanced peptide-specific immune responses as compared to the application of peptides with either of the immunomodulators alone. High numbers of antigen-specific T cells can be observed even after only one injection of the vaccine for a remarkably long period of time (at least 372 days). Furthermore, the potentially harmful systemic release of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced upon injection of CpG-ODN is inhibited. Thus, the combined application of CpG-ODN and pR may represent a novel vaccine strategy in humans.

  9. Dynamical analysis on f(R, G) cosmology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Santos da Costa, S.; Roig, F. V.; Alcaniz, J. S.; Capozziello, S.; De Laurentis, M.; Benetti, M.

    2018-04-01

    We use a dynamical system approach to study the cosmological viability of f(R, G) gravity theories. The method consists of formulating the evolution equations as an autonomous system of ordinary differential equations, using suitable variables. The formalism is applied to a class of models in which f(R, G)\\propto RnG1-n and its solutions and corresponding stability are analysed in detail. New accelerating solutions that can be attractors in the phase space are found. We also find that this class of models does not exhibit a matter-dominated epoch, a solution which is inconsistent with current cosmological observations.

  10. Hepatoprotective effects of kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside from Carthamus tinctorius L. on CCl4-induced oxidative liver injury in mice.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yu; Tang, Changyun; Zhang, Hao

    2015-06-01

    Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a traditional medicinal and edible herb with a long history of use in China. In this study, a model of hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) in mice was used to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (K-3-R) and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside (K-3-G), two kaempferol glycosides isolated from C. tinctorius L. K-3-R and K-3-G, at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, were given orally to male mice once/d for 7 days before they received CCl 4 intraperitoneally. Our results showed that K-3-R and K-3-G treatment increased the level of total protein (TP) and prevented the CCl 4 -induced increases in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Additionally, mice treated with K-3-R and K-3-G had significantly restored glutathione (GSH) levels and showed normal catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, compared to CCl 4 -treated mice. K-3-R and K-3-G also mitigated the CCl 4 -induced liver histological alteration, as indicated by histopathological evaluation. These findings demonstrate that K-3-R and K-3-G have protective effects against acute CCl 4 -induced oxidative liver damage. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  11. The Phenylpropanoid Pathway Is Controlled at Different Branches by a Set of R2R3-MYB C2 Repressors in Grapevine1

    PubMed Central

    Cavallini, Erika; Matus, José Tomás; Finezzo, Laura; Zenoni, Sara; Loyola, Rodrigo; Guzzo, Flavia; Schlechter, Rudolf; Ageorges, Agnès; Arce-Johnson, Patricio

    2015-01-01

    Because of the vast range of functions that phenylpropanoids possess, their synthesis requires precise spatiotemporal coordination throughout plant development and in response to the environment. The accumulation of these secondary metabolites is transcriptionally controlled by positive and negative regulators from the MYB and basic helix-loop-helix protein families. We characterized four grapevine (Vitis vinifera) R2R3-MYB proteins from the C2 repressor motif clade, all of which harbor the ethylene response factor-associated amphiphilic repression domain but differ in the presence of an additional TLLLFR repression motif found in the strong flavonoid repressor Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) AtMYBL2. Constitutive expression of VvMYB4a and VvMYB4b in petunia (Petunia hybrida) repressed general phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes and selectively reduced the amount of small-weight phenolic compounds. Conversely, transgenic petunia lines expressing VvMYBC2-L1 and VvMYBC2-L3 showed a severe reduction in petal anthocyanins and seed proanthocyanidins together with a higher pH of crude petal extracts. The distinct function of these regulators was further confirmed by transient expression in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) leaves and grapevine plantlets. Finally, VvMYBC2-L3 was ectopically expressed in grapevine hairy roots, showing a reduction in proanthocyanidin content together with the down-regulation of structural and regulatory genes of the flavonoid pathway as revealed by a transcriptomic analysis. The physiological role of these repressors was inferred by combining the results of the functional analyses and their expression patterns in grapevine during development and in response to ultraviolet B radiation. Our results indicate that VvMYB4a and VvMYB4b may play a key role in negatively regulating the synthesis of small-weight phenolic compounds, whereas VvMYBC2-L1 and VvMYBC2-L3 may additionally fine tune flavonoid levels, balancing the inductive effects of

  12. Total and free cortisol levels during 1 μg, 25 μg, and 250 μg cosyntropin stimulation tests compared to insulin tolerance test: results of a randomized, prospective, pilot study.

    PubMed

    Peechakara, Seenia; Bena, James; Clarke, Nigel J; McPhaul, Michael J; Reitz, Richard E; Weil, Robert J; Recinos, Pablo; Kennedy, Laurence; Hamrahian, Amir H

    2017-09-01

    The appropriate cosyntropin dose during cosyntropin stimulation tests remains uncertain. We conducted a prospective, randomized pilot study to compare 1 μg IV low dose cosyntropin test, 25 μg IM medium dose cosyntropin test, and 250 μg IM standard dose cosyntropin test to evaluate secondary adrenal insufficiency. Insulin tolerance test was used as the gold standard. The study included patients with hypothalamic/pituitary disease (n  = 10) with at least one pituitary axis deficiency other than ACTH deficiency and controls (n  = 12). All tests were done in random order. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for total cortisol and serum free cortisol cut-off levels during cosyntropin stimulation tests. The median (range) age and F/M sex ratios for patients and controls were 54 years (23-62), 2/8, and 33 years (21-51), 6/6, respectively. The best total cortisol cut-off during low dose cosyntropin test, medium dose cosyntropin test, 30 min and 60 min standard dose cosyntropin test were 14.6 μg/dL (100% sensitivity & specificity), 18.7 μg/dL (100% sensitivity, 88% specificity), 16.1 (100% sensitivity & specificity), and 19.5 μg/dL (100% sensitivity & specificity), respectively. There was no difference in the ROC curve for cortisol values between the cosyntropin stimulation tests (p  > 0.41). Using a cortisol cut-off of 18 μg/dL during cosyntropin stimulation tests, only cortisol level at 30 min during standard dose cosyntropin test provided discrimination similar to insulin tolerance test. The best peak free cortisol cut-off levels were 1 μg/dL for insulin tolerance test, 0.9 μg/dL for low dose cosyntropin test, 0.9 μg/dL for medium dose cosyntropin test, and 0.9 μg/dL and 1.3 μg/dL for 30 min and 60 min standard dose cosyntropin test, respectively. All cosyntropin stimulation tests had excellent correlations with insulin tolerance test, when appropriate cut-offs were used. This pilot study does not

  13. A practical deca-gram scale ring expansion of (R)-(-)-carvone to (R)-(+)-3-methyl-6-isopropenyl-cyclohept-3-enone-1.

    PubMed

    Alves, Leandro de C; Desiderá, André L; de Oliveira, Kleber T; Newton, Sean; Ley, Steven V; Brocksom, Timothy J

    2015-07-28

    A route to enantiopure (R)-(+)-3-methyl-6-isopropenyl-cyclohept-3-enone-1, an intermediate for terpenoids, has been developed and includes a highly chemo- and regioselective Tiffeneau-Demjanov reaction. Starting from readily available (R)-(-)-carvone, this robust sequence is available on a deca-gram scale and uses flow chemistry for the initial epoxidation reaction. The stereochemistry of the addition of two nucleophiles to the carbonyl group of (R)-(-)-carvone has been determined by X-ray diffraction studies and chemical correlation.

  14. Functional classification of memory CD8(+) T cells by CX3CR1 expression.

    PubMed

    Böttcher, Jan P; Beyer, Marc; Meissner, Felix; Abdullah, Zeinab; Sander, Jil; Höchst, Bastian; Eickhoff, Sarah; Rieckmann, Jan C; Russo, Caroline; Bauer, Tanja; Flecken, Tobias; Giesen, Dominik; Engel, Daniel; Jung, Steffen; Busch, Dirk H; Protzer, Ulrike; Thimme, Robert; Mann, Matthias; Kurts, Christian; Schultze, Joachim L; Kastenmüller, Wolfgang; Knolle, Percy A

    2015-09-25

    Localization of memory CD8(+) T cells to lymphoid or peripheral tissues is believed to correlate with proliferative capacity or effector function. Here we demonstrate that the fractalkine-receptor/CX3CR1 distinguishes memory CD8(+) T cells with cytotoxic effector function from those with proliferative capacity, independent of tissue-homing properties. CX3CR1-based transcriptome and proteome-profiling defines a core signature of memory CD8(+) T cells with effector function. We find CD62L(hi)CX3CR1(+) memory T cells that reside within lymph nodes. This population shows distinct migration patterns and positioning in proximity to pathogen entry sites. Virus-specific CX3CR1(+) memory CD8(+) T cells are scarce during chronic infection in humans and mice but increase when infection is controlled spontaneously or by therapeutic intervention. This CX3CR1-based functional classification will help to resolve the principles of protective CD8(+) T-cell memory.

  15. Polymorphisms of Leptin (G2548A) and Leptin Receptor (Q223R and K109R) Genes and Blood Pressure During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Cohort.

    PubMed

    Farias, Dayana R; Franco-Sena, Ana B; Rebelo, Fernanda; Salles, Gil F; Struchiner, Cláudio J; Martins, Maisa C; Kac, Gilberto

    2017-02-01

    The genetic component related to blood pressure (BP) changes during pregnancy is still not elucidated. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the association between leptin and leptin receptor polymorphisms and systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) variation during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Prospective cohort of 146 women followed at a Public Health Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during pregnancy and the postpartum. SBP and DBP (mm Hg) were measured using an automatic sphygmomanometer. DNA was extracted by phenol-chloroform protocol and leptin (G2548A) and leptin receptor genes (Q223R and K109R) polymorphisms were genotyped using real-time PCR method. Statistical analyses included longitudinal linear mixed-effect models. Adjusted longitudinal models showed that women carrying the G-allele of leptin gene's polymorphism began pregnancy with higher BP levels compared to the AA genotype and their levels remained higher throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period (β SBP = 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.0-8.0; P = 0.012; β DBP = 2.9; 95% CI = 0.1-5.8; P = 0.040). There was a significant interaction between leptin gene polymorphism and body mass index (BMI), in which the effect of BMI on increasing BP was steeper in women homozygous for the A-allele, compared with those who had at least one G-allele (β G-allele#BMI = -0.8; 95% CI = -1.5 to -0.1; P = 0.022). We did not find significant associations between leptin receptor polymorphisms and BP changes. The G-allele of leptin gene polymorphism (G2548A) was associated with increased BP levels during pregnancy and the postpartum. Furthermore, leptin polymorphism genotypes seem to modify the well-known effect of BMI on BP. © American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2016. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  16. CASC2/miR-24/miR-221 modulates the TRAIL resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cell through caspase-8/caspase-3.

    PubMed

    Jin, Xiaoxin; Cai, Lifeng; Wang, Changfa; Deng, Xiaofeng; Yi, Shengen; Lei, Zhao; Xiao, Qiangsheng; Xu, Hongbo; Luo, Hongwu; Sun, Jichun

    2018-02-23

    Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common solid tumors in the digestive system. The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is still poor due to the acquisition of multi-drug resistance. TNF Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL), an attractive anticancer agent, exerts its effect of selectively inducing apoptosis in tumor cells through death receptors and the formation of the downstream death-inducing signaling complex, which activates apical caspases 3/8 and leads to apoptosis. However, hepatocellular carcinoma cells are resistant to TRAIL. Non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and miRNAs have been regarded as major regulators of normal development and diseases, including cancers. Moreover, lncRNAs and miRNAs have been reported to be associated with multi-drug resistance. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism by which TRAIL resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma is affected from the view of non-coding RNA regulation. We selected and validated candidate miRNAs, miR-24 and miR-221, that regulated caspase 3/8 expression through direct targeting, and thereby affecting TRAIL-induced tumor cell apoptosis TRAIL resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, we revealed that CASC2, a well-established tumor suppressive long non-coding RNA, could serve as a "Sponge" of miR-24 and miR-221, thus modulating TRAIL-induced tumor cell apoptosis TRAIL resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Taken together, we demonstrated a CASC2/miR-24/miR-221 axis, which can affect the TRAIL resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma through regulating caspase 3/8; through acting as a "Sponge" of miR-24 and miR-221, CASC2 may contribute to improving hepatocellular carcinoma TRAIL resistance, and finally promoting the treatment efficiency of TRAIL-based therapies.

  17. Molecular characterization of two rare human G8P[14] rotavirus strains, detected in Italy in 2012.

    PubMed

    Delogu, Roberto; Ianiro, Giovanni; Morea, Anna; Chironna, Maria; Fiore, Lucia; Ruggeri, Franco M

    2016-10-01

    Since 2007, the Italian Rotavirus Surveillance Program (RotaNet-Italy) has monitored the diversity and distribution of genotypes identified in children hospitalized with rotavirus acute gastroenteritis. We report the genomic characterization of two rare human G8P[14] rotavirus strains, identified in two children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in the southern Italian region of Apulia during rotavirus strain surveillance in 2012. Both strains showed a G8-P[14]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A11-N2-T6-E2-H3 genomic constellation (DS-1-like genomic background). Phylogenetic analysis of each genome segment revealed a mixed configuration of genes of animal and zoonotic human origin, indicating that genetic reassortment events generated these unusual human strains. Eight out of 11 genes (VP1, VP2, VP3, VP6, VP7, NSP3, NSP4 and NSP5) of the Italian G8P[14] strains exhibited close identity with a Spanish sheep strain, whereas the remaining genes (VP4, NSP1 and NSP2) were more closely related to human strains. The amino acid sequences of the antigenic regions of outer capsid proteins VP4 and VP7 were compared with vaccine and field strains, showing high conservation between the amino acid sequences of Apulia G8P[14] strains and human and animal strains bearing G8 and/or P[14] proteins, and revealing many substitutions with respect to the RotaTeq™ and Rotarix™ vaccine strains. Conversely, the amino acid analysis of the four antigenic sites of VP6 revealed a high degree of conservation between the two Apulia strains and the human and animal strains analyzed. These results reinforce the potential role of interspecies transmission and reassortment in generating novel rotavirus strains that might not be fully contrasted by current vaccines. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Cytotoxicity evaluation of a new set of 2-aminobenzo[de]iso-quinoline-1,3-diones.

    PubMed

    Al-Salahi, Rashad; Alswaidan, Ibrahim; Marzouk, Mohamed

    2014-12-04

    A new series of 2-amino-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3-diones was synthesized and fully characterized in our previous paper. Here, their cytotoxic effects have been evaluated in vitro in relation to colon HCT-116, hepatocellular Hep-G2 and breast MCF-7 cancer cell lines, using a crystal violet viability assay. The IC50-values of the target compounds are reported in µg/mL, using doxorubicin as a reference drug. The findings revealed that compounds 14, 15, 16, 21 and 22 had significant cytotoxic effects against HCT-116, MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cell lines. Their IC50 values ranged between 1.3 and 8.3 μg/mL in relation to doxorubicin (IC50 ≈ 0.45-0.89 μg/mL). Therefore, these compounds could be used as templates for furthering the development and design of more potent antitumor agents through structural modification.

  19. Triosephosphate isomerase gene promoter variation: -5G/A and -8G/A polymorphisms in clinical malaria groups in two African populations.

    PubMed

    Guerra, Mónica; Machado, Patrícia; Manco, Licínio; Fernandes, Natércia; Miranda, Juliana; Arez, Ana Paula

    2015-06-01

    TPI1 promoter polymorphisms occur in high prevalence in individuals from African origin. Malaria-patients from Angola and Mozambique were screened for the TPI1 gene promoter variants rs1800200A>G, (-5G>A), rs1800201G>A, (-8G>A), rs1800202T>G, (-24T>G), and for the intron 5 polymorphism rs2071069G>A, (2262G>A). -5G>A and -8G>A variants occur in 47% and 53% in Angola and Mozambique, respectively while -24T>G was monomorphic for the wild-type T allele. Six haplotypes were identified and -8A occurred in 45% of the individuals, especially associated with the GAG haplotype and more frequent in non-severe malaria groups, although not significantly. The arising and dispersion of -5G>A and -8G>A polymorphisms is controversial. Their age was estimated by analyses of two microsatellite loci, CD4 and ATN1, adjacent to TPI1 gene. The -5G>A is older than -8G>A, with an average estimate of approximately 35,000 years. The -8A variant arose in two different backgrounds, suggesting independent mutational events. The first, on the -5G background, may have occurred in East Africa around 20,800 years ago; the second, on the -5A background, may have occurred in West Africa some 7500 years ago. These estimates are within the period of spread of agriculture and the malaria mosquito vector in Africa, which could has been a possible reason for the selection of -8A polymorphism in malaria endemic countries. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Citrus aurantium L. dry extracts promote C/ebpβ expression and improve adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells.

    PubMed

    Raciti, Gregory Alexander; Fiory, Francesca; Campitelli, Michele; Desiderio, Antonella; Spinelli, Rosa; Longo, Michele; Nigro, Cecilia; Pepe, Giacomo; Sommella, Eduardo; Campiglia, Pietro; Formisano, Pietro; Beguinot, Francesco; Miele, Claudia

    2018-01-01

    Metabolic and/or endocrine dysfunction of the white adipose tissue (WAT) contribute to the development of metabolic disorders, such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Therefore, the identification of products able to improve adipose tissue function represents a valuable strategy for the prevention and/or treatment of T2D. In the current study, we investigated the potential effects of dry extracts obtained from Citrus aurantium L. fruit juice (CAde) on the regulation of 3T3-L1 cells adipocyte differentiation and function in vitro. We found that CAde enhances terminal adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells raising the expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/Ebpβ), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (Pparγ), glucose transporter type 4 (Glut4) and fatty acid binding protein 4 (Fabp4). CAde improves insulin-induced glucose uptake of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, as well. A focused analysis of the phases occurring in the pre-adipocytes differentiation to mature adipocytes furthermore revealed that CAde promotes the early differentiation stage by up-regulating C/ebpβ expression at 2, 4 and 8 h post the adipogenic induction and anticipating the 3T3-L1 cell cycle entry and progression during mitotic clonal expansion (MCE). These findings provide evidence that the exposure to CAde enhances in vitro fat cell differentiation of pre-adipocytes and functional capacity of mature adipocytes, and pave the way to the development of products derived from Citrus aurantium L. fruit juice, which may improve WAT functional capacity and may be effective for the prevention and/or treatment of T2D.

  1. 3,3′-Diindolylmethane Induces G1 Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Acute T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells

    PubMed Central

    Shorey, Lyndsey E.; Hagman, Amanda M.; Williams, David E.; Ho, Emily; Dashwood, Roderick H.; Benninghoff, Abby D.

    2012-01-01

    Certain bioactive food components, including indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) from cruciferous vegetables, have been shown to target cellular pathways regulating carcinogenesis. Previously, our laboratory showed that dietary I3C is an effective transplacental chemopreventive agent in a dibenzo[def,p]chrysene (DBC)-dependent model of murine T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. The primary objective of the present study was to extend our chemoprevention studies in mice to an analogous human neoplasm in cell culture. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that I3C or DIM may be chemotherapeutic in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells. Treatment of the T-ALL cell lines CCRF-CEM, CCRF-HSB2, SUP-T1 and Jurkat with DIM in vitro significantly reduced cell proliferation and viability at concentrations 8- to 25-fold lower than the parent compound I3C. DIM (7.5 µM) arrested CEM and HSB2 cells at the G1 phase of the cell cycle and 15 µM DIM significantly increased the percentage of apoptotic cells in all T-ALL lines. In CEM cells, DIM reduced protein expression of cyclin dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4, CDK6) and D-type cyclin 3 (CCND3); DIM also significantly altered expression of eight transcripts related to human apoptosis (BCL2L10, CD40LG, HRK, TNF, TNFRSF1A, TNFRSF25, TNFSF8, TRAF4). Similar anticancer effects of DIM were observed in vivo. Dietary exposure to 100 ppm DIM significantly decreased the rate of growth of human CEM xenografts in immunodeficient SCID mice, reduced final tumor size by 44% and increased the apoptotic index compared to control-fed mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate a potential for therapeutic application of DIM in T-ALL. PMID:22514694

  2. Optimization of fermentation conditions for 1,3-propanediol production by marine Klebsiella pneumonia HSL4 using response surface methodology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Lili; Zhou, Sheng; Ji, Huasong; Gao, Ren; Qin, Qiwei

    2014-09-01

    The industrially important organic compound 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) is mainly used as a building block for the production of various polymers. In the present study, response surface methodology protocol was followed to determine and optimize fermentation conditions for the maximum production of 1,3-PDO using marine-derived Klebsiella pneumoniae HSL4. Four nutritional supplements together with three independent culture conditions were optimized as follows: 29.3 g/L glycerol, 8.0 g/L K2 HPO4, 7.6 g/L (NH4)2 SO4, 3.0 g/L KH2 PO4, pH 7.1, cultivation at 35°C for 12 h. Under the optimal conditions, a maximum 1,3-PDO concentration of 14.5 g/L, a productivity of 1.21 g/(L·h) and a conversion of glycerol of 0.49 g/g were obtained. In comparison with the control conditions, fermentation under the optimized conditions achieved an increase of 38.8% in 1,3-PDO concentration, 39.0% in productivity and 25.7% in glycerol conversion in flask. This enhancement trend was further confirmed when the fermentation was conducted in a 5-L fermentor. The optimized fermentation conditions could be an important basis for developing lowcost, large-scale methods for industrial production of 1,3-PDO in the future.

  3. Word Criticality Analysis. MOS: 15E. Skill Level 1 and 2

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-09-01

    3 LADOE 6102 3 LAI’VARtD 711 3 LLVLS .69P1 .... ................. . • 3 LFVrR 22+8 6#. 69,1 32#1 3 L lTI:G 22*2 5*1...3 SE 21! ENCE 12*1 60*1 1 SFa-c’zCEs 4*1 142P1 3SE4EUTIAL ---- 9ol 33,1 34.1 - SERVICES 46*2 34.1- 3 SETS 34*1 - -3 SNAFT--𔃻- 9* *a _ f 4__

  4. High performance Li2MnO3/rGO composite cathode for lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Wei; Xiong, Lilong; Xu, Youlong; Li, Houli; Ren, Zaihuang

    2017-05-01

    The novel composite Li2MnO3 (LMO)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has been synthesized successfully. Based on the scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, LMO is found to distribute separately on the rGO sheets by forming a laminated structure, which is in favor of good electrical contact between the cathode active materials and the rGO matrix, and also facilitates the separation of LMO secondary particles with reduced size. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests show that the charge transfer resistance decreases from 81.2 Ω for LMO to 29.6 Ω for LMO/rGO composite. The Li-ion diffusion coefficient of LMO/rGO composite is almost triple that of LMO. As a result, the LMO/rGO composite delivers an initial discharge capacity of 284.9 mAh g-1 with a capacity retention of 86.6% after 45 cycles at 0.1 C between 2.0 and 4.6 V. Cycle performance is even better at a higher current density 0.2 C while the retention ratio is up to 97.1% after 45 cycles. The rate capability is also significantly enhanced, and the LMO/rGO composite could exhibit a large discharge capacity of 123.7 mAh g-1 which is more than three times larger than that of LMO (40.8 mAh g-1) at a high rate of 8 C.

  5. Silencing of decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) expression by siRNA in pancreatic carcinoma cells induces Fas ligand-mediated apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Jian; Song, Shiduo; He, Songbin; Wang, Zhenxin; Zhang, Bing; Li, Dechun; Zhu, Dongming

    2013-09-01

    Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) is abundantly expressed in human tumors and protects cells from a wide range of apoptotic stimuli. In this study, we demonstrate that DcR3 is overexpressed in pancreatic carcinoma cells, and that the pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, Panc-1 and SW1990, are resistant to Fas ligand (FasL)-mediated apoptosis. To further define the function of DcR3 in cell growth and apoptosis, we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockdown the expression of the DcR3 gene in Panc-1 and SW1990 cells. Our results revealed that the silencing of DcR3 expression enhanced the inhibitory effects of FasL and reduced the capabiltiy of the cells for proliferation and colony formation in vitro. In addition, the downregulation of DcR3 modulated the cell apoptotic regulators, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), caspase‑3 and caspase‑8, thus triggering cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the knockdown of DcR3 inhibited the growth of Panc-1 tumor xenografts. Taken together, our findings indicate that DcR3 is important in cancer progression and may be a used as a potential therapeutic target for the gene therapy of pancreatic carcinoma.

  6. A Fast Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometric Analysis of PETN (Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate), RDX (3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane) and HMX (Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) in Soil, Utilizing a Simple Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction with Minimum Solvent.

    PubMed

    Anilanmert, Beril; Aydin, Muhammet; Apak, Resat; Avci, Gülfidan Yenel; Cengiz, Salih

    2016-01-01

    Direct analyses of explosives in soil using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods are very limited in the literature and require complex procedures or relatively high amount of solvent. A simple and rapid method was developed for the determination of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), 3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX) and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), which are among the explosives used in terrorist attacks. A one-step extraction method for 1.00 g soil with 2.00 mL acetonitrile, and a 8-min LC-MS/MS method was developed. The detection limits for PETN, RDX and HMX were 5.2, 8.5 and 3.4 ng/g and quantitation limits were 10.0, 24.5, 6.0 ng/g. The intermediate precisions and Horwitz Ratio's were between 4.10 - 13.26% and 0.24 - 0.98, in order. This method was applied to a model post-blast debris collected from an artificial explosion and real samples collected after a terrorist attack in Istanbul. The method is easy and fast and requires less solvent use than other methods.

  7. Nuclease digestion and mass spectrometric characterization of oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing 1,2-GpG, 1,2-ApG, and 1,3-GpXpG cisplatin intrastrand cross-links.

    PubMed

    Williams, Renee T; Nalbandian, Jenifer N; Tu, Audrey; Wang, Yinsheng

    2013-05-01

    The primary mode of action for cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II), referred to as cisplatin, toward the treatment of solid malignancies is through formation of cross-links with DNA at purine sites, especially guanines. We prepared oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) containing a 1,2-GpG, 1,2-ApG, or 1,3-GpXpG cisplatin intrastrand cross-link and the corresponding ODNs modified with (15)N2-labeled cisplatin, and characterized these ODNs with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and tandem MS (MS/MS). We also employed LC-MS/MS to characterize the digestion products of these ODNs after treatment with a cocktail of 4 enzymes (nuclease P1, phosphodiesterases I and II, and alkaline phosphatase). 1,2-GpG was released from the ODNs as a dinucleoside monophosphate or a dinucleotide. Analyses of the digestion products of ODNs containing a 1,2-GpG cross-link on the 5' or 3' terminus revealed that the dinucleotide carries a terminal 5' phosphate. On the other hand, digestion of the 1,3-GpXpG intrastrand cross-link yielded 3 dinucleoside products with 0, 1, or 2 phosphate groups. The availability of the ODNs carrying the stable isotope-labeled lesions, MS/MS analyses of the cisplatin-modified ODNs, and the characterization of the enzymatic digestion products of these ODNs set the stage for the future LC-MS/MS quantification of the 1,2-GpG, 1,2-ApG, and 1,3-GpXpG lesions in cellular DNA. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Nuclease Digestion and Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Oligodeoxyribonucleotides Containing 1,2-GpG, 1,2-ApG, and 1,3-GpXpG Cisplatin Intrastrand Cross-links

    PubMed Central

    Williams, Renee T.; Nalbandian, Jenifer; Tu, Audrey; Wang, Yinsheng

    2013-01-01

    Background The primary mode of action for cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II), referred to as cisplatin, towards the treatment of solid malignancies is through formation of cross-links with DNA at purine sites, especially guanines. Methods We prepared oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) containing a 1,2-GpG, 1,2-ApG, or 1,3-GpXpG cisplatin intrastrand cross-link and the corresponding ODNs modified with 15N2-labeled cisplatin, and characterized these ODNs with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and tandem MS (MS/MS). We also employed LC-MS/MS to characterize the digestion products of these ODNs after treatment with a cocktail of 4 enzymes (nuclease P1, phosphodiesterases I and II, and alkaline phosphatase). Results 1,2-GpG was released from the ODNs as a dinucleoside monophosphate or a dinucleotide. Analyses of the digestion products of ODNs containing a 1,2-GpG cross-link on the 5′ or 3′ terminus revealed that the dinucleotide carries a terminal 5′ phosphate. On the other hand, digestion of the 1,3-GpXpG intrastrand cross-link yielded 3 dinucleoside products with 0, 1, or 2 phosphate groups. Results The availability of the ODNs carrying the stable isotope-labeled lesions, MS/MS analyses of the cisplatin-modified ODNs, and the characterization of the enzymatic digestion products of these ODNs set the stage for the future LC-MS/MS quantification of the 1,2-GpG, 1,2-ApG, and 1,3-GpXpG lesions in cellular DNA. PMID:23266768

  9. Structural and catalytic roles of amino acid residues located at substrate-binding pocket in Fibrobacter succinogenes 1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucanase.

    PubMed

    Chen, Je-Hsin; Tsai, Li-Chu; Huang, Hsiao-Chuan; Shyur, Lie-Fen

    2010-10-01

    We created 12 mutant enzymes (E11L, F40I, Y42L, N44L, N44Q, E47I, L62G, K64A, K64M, R137M, R137Q, and N139A) from the truncated Fibrobacter succinogenes 1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucanase (TF-glucanase). The enzymes were used to investigate the structural and catalytic roles of specific amino acid residues located at the catalytic pocket and having direct interactions with glucose subsites of the product beta-1,3-1,4-cellotriose (CLTR). Fluorescence spectrometry showed no discernible changes in secondary structures among purified TF-glucanase and the mutants. Kinetic analyses showed E11L, F40I, Y42L, R137M, and R137Q with a >10-fold decrease of specific activity (11.2- to 67.4-fold), and E11L, N44Q, E47I, K64M, R137M, R137Q, and N139A with a 2.17- to 4.3-fold increase of K(m) value when compared with TF-glucanase. Notably, E11L, R137Q, R137M, F40I, and N139A showed the most significant decrease in catalytic efficiency relative to TF-glucanase, by 2155-, 84.9-, 48.5-, 41.1-, and 19.1-fold, respectively; the five mutants showed the greatest changes in comparative energy DeltaDeltaG(b), with values of 1.94 to 4.92 kcal/mol. Combined with results from kinetic and structure modeling analyses of all mutant enzymes and X-ray crystallography of F40I, we elucidate that Glu11, Phe40, Arg137, and Asn139 play a crucial role in the catalysis of TF-glucanase owing to their local and direct interaction through hydrogen bonds or van der Waals stacking interaction by aromatic rings onto the glucose subsites -3, -2, and -1 of CLTR/substrate. The overall globular structures in the wild-type and mutant F40I enzymes do not differ. 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  10. Interaction of 3,8-diazabicyclo (3.2.1) octanes with mu and delta opioid receptors.

    PubMed

    Cignarella, G; Barlocco, D; Tranquillini, M E; Volterra, A; Brunello, N; Racagni, G

    1988-05-01

    A series of 3,8-diazabicyclo (3.2.1) octanes (DBO) (1) substituted at the nitrogen atoms by acyl and aralkenyl groups, were tested in in vitro binding assays towards mu and delta opioid receptors. The most representative terms (1a, 1d, 1g, 1j,) were also evaluated for the analgesic potency in vivo by the hot plate method. Among the compounds tested the most potent was the p.nitrocinnamyl DBO (1d) which displayed a mu/delta selectivity and an analgesic activity respectively 25 and 17 fold those of morphine. On the contrary, the m.hydroxycinnamyl DBO (1g) was markedly less active as agonist than the parent 1a, thus suggesting that structure 1 interacts with opioid receptors in a different fashion than morphine. Compound 1j isomer of 1a which is provided with high mu affinity, but lower analgesic potency, was found to possess a mixed agonist-antagonist activity.

  11. générescence Maculaire Liée à l' âge et Risque d' Accident Vasculaire Cérébral

    PubMed Central

    Biousse, Valérie; Bousser, Marie-Germaine; Gaudric, Alain

    2010-01-01

    La dégénérescence maculaire liée à l' âge (DMLA) et les accidents vasculaires cérébraux (AVC) affectent un nombre important de sujets de plus de 40 ans à travers le monde et contribuent largement aux dépenses de la santé. Les causes de la DMLA restent mystérieuses et de nombreuses études épidémiologiques ont suggéré une association entre DMLA et facteurs de risque cardio-vasculaire associés aux AVC. Il a également été suggéré que les patients atteints de DMLA ont un risque plus important d' AVC que la population générale du même âge. Les arguments en faveur de cette association entre DMLA et AVC sont résumés dans cet article. PMID:18401309

  12. GPER mediates the inhibitory actions of estrogen on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells through perturbation of mitotic clonal expansion.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Pei; Yuen, Jacky M L; Sham, Kathy W Y; Cheng, Christopher H K

    2013-11-01

    G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) mediates non-genomic signaling of estrogenic events. Here we showed for the first time that Gper/GPER is expressed in Swiss 3T3 mouse embryo preadipocytes 3T3-L1, and that Gper/GPER is up-regulated during differentiation of the cells induced by monocyte differentiation-inducing (MDI) cocktail. Activation of GPER by the natural ligand 17β-estradiol (E2), and the specific agonist G1, was shown to inhibit lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, while such inhibition was reversed upon knockdown of GPER using specific siRNA. GPER was also found to mediate perturbation of mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) in these cells by inhibiting cell cycle arrest during MDI cocktail-induced differentiation. Persistent activation of cell cycle regulating factors cyclin-dependant kinase (CDK) 4, CDK6 and cyclin D1, and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma (Rb) protein at serine 795 was observed in the G1-treated cells. Taken together, our results indicate that E2-GPER signaling leads to an inhibition of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells via perturbation of MCE. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Insulin resistance uncoupled from dyslipidemia due to C-terminal PIK3R1 mutations

    PubMed Central

    Huang-Doran, Isabel; Tomlinson, Patsy; Payne, Felicity; Gast, Alexandra; Sleigh, Alison; Bottomley, William; Harris, Julie; Daly, Allan; Rocha, Nuno; Rudge, Simon; Clark, Jonathan; Kwok, Albert; Romeo, Stefano; McCann, Emma; Müksch, Barbara; Dattani, Mehul; Zucchini, Stefano; Wakelam, Michael; Foukas, Lazaros C.; Savage, David B.; Murphy, Rinki; O’Rahilly, Stephen; Semple, Robert K.

    2016-01-01

    Obesity-related insulin resistance is associated with fatty liver, dyslipidemia, and low plasma adiponectin. Insulin resistance due to insulin receptor (INSR) dysfunction is associated with none of these, but when due to dysfunction of the downstream kinase AKT2 phenocopies obesity-related insulin resistance. We report 5 patients with SHORT syndrome and C-terminal mutations in PIK3R1, encoding the p85α/p55α/p50α subunits of PI3K, which act between INSR and AKT in insulin signaling. Four of 5 patients had extreme insulin resistance without dyslipidemia or hepatic steatosis. In 3 of these 4, plasma adiponectin was preserved, as in insulin receptor dysfunction. The fourth patient and her healthy mother had low plasma adiponectin associated with a potentially novel mutation, p.Asp231Ala, in adiponectin itself. Cells studied from one patient with the p.Tyr657X PIK3R1 mutation expressed abundant truncated PIK3R1 products and showed severely reduced insulin-stimulated association of mutant but not WT p85α with IRS1, but normal downstream signaling. In 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, mutant p85α overexpression attenuated insulin-induced AKT phosphorylation and adipocyte differentiation. Thus, PIK3R1 C-terminal mutations impair insulin signaling only in some cellular contexts and produce a subphenotype of insulin resistance resembling INSR dysfunction but unlike AKT2 dysfunction, implicating PI3K in the pathogenesis of key components of the metabolic syndrome. PMID:27766312

  14. Cross-linked g-C3 N4 /rGO nanocomposites with tunable band structure and enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity.

    PubMed

    Li, Yibing; Zhang, Haimin; Liu, Porun; Wang, Dan; Li, Ying; Zhao, Huijun

    2013-10-11

    Cross-linked rather than non-covalently bonded graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3 N4 )/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites with tunable band structures have been successfully fabricated by thermal treatment of a mixture of cyanamide and graphene oxide with different weight ratios. The experimental results indicate that compared to pure g-C3 N4 , the fabricated CN/rGO nanocomposites show narrowed bandgaps with an increased in the rGO ratio. Furthermore, the band structure of the CN/rGO nanocomposites can be readily tuned by simply controlling the weight ratio of the rGO. It is found that an appropriate rGO ratio in nanocomposite leads to a noticeable positively shifted valence band edge potential, meaning an increased oxidation power. The tunable band structure of the CN/rGO nanocomposites can be ascribed to the formation of C-O-C covalent bonding between the rGO and g-C3 N4 layers, which is experimentally confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) data. The resulting nanocomposites are evaluated as photocatalysts by photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and 4-nitrophenol under visible light irradiation (λ > 400 nm). The results demonstrate that the photocatalytic activities of the CN/rGO nanocomposites are strongly influenced by rGO ratio. With a rGO ratio of 2.5%, the CN/rGO-2.5% nanocomposite exhibits the highest photocatalytic efficiency, which is almost 3.0 and 2.7 times that of pure g-C3 N4 toward photocatalytic degradation of RhB and 4-nitrophenol, respectively. This improved photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the improved visible light utilization, oxidation power, and electron transport property, due to the significantly narrowed bandgap, positively shifted valence band-edge potential, and enhanced electronic conductivity. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. Tumor-targeting Salmonella typhimurium A1-R combined with recombinant methioninase and cisplatinum eradicates an osteosarcoma cisplatinum-resistant lung metastasis in a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) mouse model: decoy, trap and kill chemotherapy moves toward the clinic.

    PubMed

    Igarashi, Kentaro; Kawaguchi, Kei; Kiyuna, Tasuku; Miyake, Kentaro; Miyake, Masuyo; Li, Shukuan; Han, Qinghong; Tan, Yuying; Zhao, Ming; Li, Yunfeng; Nelson, Scott D; Dry, Sarah M; Singh, Arun S; Elliott, Irmina A; Russell, Tara A; Eckardt, Mark A; Yamamoto, Norio; Hayashi, Katsuhiro; Kimura, Hiroaki; Miwa, Shinji; Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki; Eilber, Fritz C; Hoffman, Robert M

    2018-01-01

    In the present study, a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model of recurrent cisplatinum (CDDP)-resistant metastatic osteosarcoma was treated with Salmonella typhimurium A1-R (S. typhimurium A1-R), which decoys chemoresistant quiescent cancer cells to cycle, and recombinant methioninase (rMETase), which selectively traps cancer cells in late S/G 2 , and chemotherapy. The PDOX models were randomized into the following groups 14 days after implantation: G1, control without treatment; G2, CDDP (6 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, weekly, for 2 weeks); G3, rMETase (100 unit/mouse, i.p., daily, for 2 weeks). G4, S. typhimurium A1-R (5 × 10 7 CFU/100 μl, i.v., weekly, for 2 weeks); G5, S. typhimurium A1-R (5 × 10 7 CFU/100 μl, i.v., weekly, for 2 weeks) combined with rMETase (100 unit/mouse, i.p., daily, for 2 weeks); G6, S. typhimurium A1-R (5 × 10 7 CFU/100 μl, i.v., weekly, for 2 weeks) combined with rMETase (100 unit/mouse, i.p., daily, for 2 weeks) and CDDP (6 mg/kg, i.p. injection, weekly, for 2 weeks). On day 14 after initiation, all treatments except CDDP alone, significantly inhibited tumor growth compared to untreated control: (CDDP: p = 0.586; rMETase: p = 0.002; S. typhimurium A1-R: p = 0.002; S. typhimurium A1-R combined with rMETase: p = 0.0004; rMETase combined with both S. typhimurium A1-R and CDDP: p = 0.0001). The decoy, trap and kill combination of S. typhimurium A1-R, rMETase and CDDP was the most effective of all therapies and was able to eradicate the metastatic osteosarcoma PDOX.

  16. A 4-week, dose-ranging study comparing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of latanoprost 75, 100 and 125 μg/mL to latanoprost 50 μg/mL (xalatan) in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Several studies have investigated the effect of latanoprost on intraocular pressure (IOP). We compared the IOP-lowering effects of three higher concentrations of latanoprost with the commercially available concentration of 0.005% (50 μg/mL) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Methods Treatment-naive subjects or those receiving IOP-lowering medication with baseline IOP levels of ≥24 mmHg and ≤36 mmHg in at least one eye after washout were randomized to receive an evening dose of latanoprost 50, 75, 100, or 125 μg/mL for 4 weeks. At weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, ocular examinations were performed and IOP was measured. Ocular symptoms and adverse events were monitored. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in IOP from baseline to week 4 at 8a.m. and 4 p.m. for the per protocol (PP) population using a "worse eye" analysis. Secondary efficacy endpoints were change in IOP at each time point from baseline across all visits, and percentage change in IOP from baseline to week 4 at 8a.m. Results In all, 282 patients were randomized and treated; 274 were included in the PP population. Treatment groups were similar at baseline; 68% were diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma. Mean baseline IOP levels were comparable across treatments. There were no statistically significant differences in IOP reductions from baseline to week 4 at either time point between those treated with higher concentrations of latanoprost versus those receiving 50 μg/mL. Least squares mean IOP changes at 8a.m. were −10.13, -9.59, -10.02, and −9.06 mmHg for latanoprost 50, 75, 100, and 125 μg/mL, respectively, and at 4 p.m. were −8.90, -8.29, -8.81, and −8.34 mmHg, respectively. Results of secondary efficacy analyses supported those of the primary analysis. Conjunctival hyperemia, the most commonly reported adverse event, occurred in 16.9%, 18.6%, 20.8% and 15.9% of subjects receiving latanoprost 50, 75, 100, and

  17. Aircraft Landing Dynamic Analysis. Volume 1. Equations of Motion

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-11-09

    aQh Xp* (WB 1I H 3 Hh pg esd r f, d X, r B dIp ~ b X aH Hf (a, B + b B 3 b) + F d el 1N + b 60 The fB 2 equation is fBEB N G B f2B (M )CS a 1, N ] B...1 a a TBB (A s a’ Ga 3bg a=I a ah a C + F Hb ( B/eB ) B d 6be d H c + e TBg C l e H e 3 Hh Pg esdr x f ?Hd (a r + b XBr) 8 s ) H 3 f TB 1 b VB BY + g...nondecreasing on [a,b] then f is g integrable on [a,b] (Reference (3)). This is denoted by Jb f dg. In the special case where g = I (the identity

  18. Nature of ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition in multiferroic 0.8BiFeO3-0.2Pb(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3 ceramics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Patel, Jay Prakash; Singh, Anar; Pandey, Dhananjai

    2010-05-01

    We present here the results of high temperature powder x-ray diffraction study on 0.8BiFeO3-0.2Pb(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3, which is isostructural with the well known multiferroic BiFeO3 (BF). It is shown that the room temperature ferroelectric phase of 0.8BF-0.2PFN in the R3c space group transforms to the paraelectric/paraelastic cubic (Pm3¯m) phase directly without any intermediate "β" phase reported in the literature for pure BF. This transition is of first order type as confirmed by the coexistence of R3c and Pm3¯m phases over a 100 K range and discontinuous change in the unit cell volume.

  19. Determination of nucleic acids based on the quenching effect on resonance light scattering of the Y(III)-1,6-bi(1'-phenyl-3'-methyl-5'-pyrazolone-4'-)hexane-dione system.

    PubMed

    Wu, Xia; Yang, Jing He; Sun, Shuna; Guo, Changying; Ran, Dehuan; Zheng, Jinhua

    2006-01-01

    Nucleic acids can quench resonance light scattering (RLS) intensity of the Y(III)-1,6-bi(1'-phenyl-3'-methyl-5'-pyrazolone-4'-)hexane-dione(BPMPHD) complex in the pH range 5.0-5.8. Under optimal conditions, there are linear relationships between the quenching of RLS and the concentration of nucleic acids in the range 6.3 x 10(-8)-2.1 x 10(-5) g/mL for fish sperm DNA (fsDNA), 1.2 x 10(-8)-5.0 x 10(-5) g/mL for calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) and 6.0 x 10(-8)-2.0 x 10(-5) g/mL for yeast RNA (yRNA). The detection limits (3 s) of fsDNA, ctDNA and yRNA are 0.7 ng/mL, 3.8 ng/mL and 4.2 ng/mL, respectively. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  20. Whole genome sequencing of a rare rotavirus from archived stool sample demonstrates independent zoonotic origin of human G8P[14] strains in Hungary.

    PubMed

    Marton, Szilvia; Dóró, Renáta; Fehér, Enikő; Forró, Barbara; Ihász, Katalin; Varga-Kugler, Renáta; Farkas, Szilvia L; Bányai, Krisztián

    2017-01-02

    Genotype P[14] rotaviruses in humans are thought to be zoonotic strains originating from bovine or ovine host species. Over the past 30 years only few genotype P[14] strains were identified in Hungary totaling<0.1% of all human rotaviruses whose genotype had been determined. In this study we report the genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of a human genotype G8P[14] strain, RVA/Human-wt/HUN/182-02/2001/G8P[14]. The whole genome constellation (G8-P[14]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A11-N2-T6-E2-H3) of this strain was shared with another Hungarian zoonotic G8P[14] strain, RVA/Human-wt/HUN/BP1062/2004/G8P[14], although phylogenetic analyses revealed the two rotaviruses likely had different progenitors. Overall, our findings indicate that human G8P[14] rotavirus detected in Hungary in the past originated from independent zoonotic events. Further studies are needed to assess the public health risk associated with infections by various animal rotavirus strains. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  1. Synthesis, stereochemical, structural, and biological studies of a series of N‧-(2r,4c-diaryl-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ylidene)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mangalam, M.; Sebastian Antony Selvan, C.; Sankar, C.

    2017-02-01

    A new series of N‧-(2r,4c-diaryl-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ylidene)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazides (8-14) were synthesized by the corresponding 2r,4c-diaryl-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ones (1-7) reaction with pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide. The stereochemistry of the newly synthesized compounds were unambiguously assigned using FT-IR, 1H, 13C, and 2D (COSY, HSQC, HMBC, ROESY) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data. The chemical shifts suggest that all these compounds adopt twin-chair conformation with equatorial orientation of aryl substitutions in solution. Hydrazones were screened for their in vitro antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and antibacterial activity against a set of pathogenic bacteria. Most of the halogenated compounds showed promising antitubercular and antibacterial activities.

  2. Comparative Analysis of gO Isoforms Reveals that Strains of Human Cytomegalovirus Differ in the Ratio of gH/gL/gO and gH/gL/UL128-131 in the Virion Envelope

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Momei; Yu, Qin; Wechsler, Anya

    2013-01-01

    Herpesvirus glycoprotein complex gH/gL provides a core entry function through interactions with the fusion protein gB and can also influence tropism through receptor interactions. The Epstein-Barr virus gH/gL and gH/gL/gp42 serve both functions for entry into epithelial and B cells, respectively. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) gH/gL can be bound by the UL128-131 proteins or gO. The phenotypes of gO and UL128-131 mutants suggest that gO-gH/gL interactions are necessary for the core entry function on all cell types, whereas the binding of UL128-131 to gH/gL likely relates to a distinct receptor-binding function for entry into some specific cell types (e.g., epithelial) but not others (e.g., fibroblasts and neurons). There are at least eight isoforms of gO that differ by 10 to 30% of amino acids, and previous analysis of two HCMV strains suggested that some isoforms of gO function like chaperones, disassociating during assembly to leave unbound gH/gL in the virion envelope, while others remain bound to gH/gL. For the current report, we analyzed the gH/gL complexes present in the virion envelope of several HCMV strains, each of which encodes a distinct gO isoform. Results indicate that all strains of HCMV contain stable gH/gL/gO trimers and gH/gL/UL128-131 pentamers and little, if any, unbound gH/gL. TR, TB40/e, AD169, and PH virions contained vastly more gH/gL/gO than gH/gL/UL128-131, whereas Merlin virions contained mostly gH/gL/UL128-131, despite abundant unbound gO remaining in the infected cells. Suppression of UL128-131 expression during Merlin replication dramatically shifted the ratio toward gH/gL/gO. These data suggest that Merlin gO is less efficient than other gO isoforms at competing with UL128-131 for binding to gH/gL. Thus, gO diversity may influence the pathogenesis of HCMV through effects on the assembly of the core versus tropism gH/gL complexes. PMID:23804643

  3. gC1qR expression in chimpanzees with resolved and chronic infection: Potential role of HCV core/gC1qR-mediated T cell suppression in the outcome of HCV infection

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yao Zhiqang; Shata, Mohamed Tarek; Tricoche, Nancy

    2006-03-15

    Chimpanzee is a unique animal model for HCV infection, in which about 50% of infections resolve spontaneously. It has been reported that the magnitude of T cell responses to HCV core in recovered chimpanzees is greater than that in chronically infected ones. However, the mechanism(s) by which the chimpanzees with resolved infection overcome core-mediated immunosuppression remains unknown. In this study, we examined the effect of HCV core on T cell responsiveness in chimpanzees with resolved and chronic HCV infection. We found that core protein strongly inhibited T cell activation and proliferation in chimpanzees with chronic infection, while this inhibition wasmore » limited in chimpanzees with resolved infection. Notably, the level of gC1qR, as well as the binding of core protein, on the surface of T cells was lower in recovered chimpanzees when compared to chimpanzees with chronic HCV infection. Intriguingly, the observed differences in gC1qR expression levels and susceptibility to core-induced suppression amongst HCV-chronically infected and recovered chimpanzees were observed prior to HCV challenge, suggesting a possible genetic determination of the outcome of infection. These findings suggest that gC1qR expression on the surface of T cells is crucial for HCV core-mediated T cell suppression and viral clearance, and that represents a novel mechanism by which a virus usurps host machinery for persistence.« less

  4. A possible regulatory link between Twist 1 and PPARγ gene regulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

    PubMed

    Ren, Rui; Chen, Zhufeng; Zhao, Xia; Sun, Tao; Zhang, Yuchao; Chen, Jie; Lu, Sumei; Ma, Wanshan

    2016-11-08

    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a critical gene that regulates the function of adipocytes. Therefore, studies on the molecular regulation mechanism of PPARγ are important to understand the function of adipose tissue. Twist 1 is another important functional gene in adipose tissue, and hundreds of genes are regulated by Twist 1. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of Twist 1 and PPARγ expression in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. We induced differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and examined alterations in Twist 1 and PPARγ expression. We used the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone and the PPARγ antagonist T0070907 to investigate the effect of PPARγ on Twist 1 expression. In addition, we utilized retroviral interference and overexpression of Twist 1 to determine the effects of Twist 1 on PPARγ expression. The expression levels of Twist 1 and PPARγ were induced during differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Application of either a PPARγ agonist (pioglitazone) or antagonist (T0070907) influenced Twist 1 expression, with up-regulation of Twist 1 under pioglitazone (1 μM, 24 h) and down-regulation of Twist 1 under T0070907 (100 μM, 24 h) exposure. Furthermore, the retroviral interference of Twist 1 decreased the protein and mRNA expression of PPARγ, while Twist 1 overexpression had the opposite effect. There was a possible regulatory link between Twist 1 and PPARγ in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. This regulatory link enhanced the regulation of PPARγ and may be a functional mechanism of Twist 1 regulation of adipocyte physiology and pathology.

  5. Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3G: a possible role in the resistance to HIV of HIV-exposed seronegative individuals.

    PubMed

    Biasin, Mara; Piacentini, Luca; Lo Caputo, Sergio; Kanari, Yasuyoshi; Magri, Giuliana; Trabattoni, Daria; Naddeo, Valentina; Lopalco, Lucia; Clivio, Alberto; Cesana, Eugenio; Fasano, Francesca; Bergamaschi, Cristina; Mazzotta, Francesco; Miyazawa, Masaaki; Clerici, Mario

    2007-04-01

    Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3G (APOBEC3G), a human cytidine deaminase, is a potent inhibitor of HIV replication. To explore a possible role of this protein in modulating in vivo susceptibility to HIV infection, we analyzed APOBEC3G expression in HIV-exposed seronegative individuals, HIV-seropositive patients, and healthy control subjects. The results showed that the expression of APOBEC3G is significantly increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)--mainly CD14(+) cells--and in cervical tissues of HIV-exposed seronegative individuals. Higher APOBEC3G expression correlated with a reduced susceptibility of PBMCs to in vitro infection with the HIV-1(Ba-L) R5 strain. APOBEC3G could be important in modulating in vivo susceptibility to sexually transmitted HIV infection.

  6. GLP-1 secretion is stimulated by 1,10-phenanthroline via colocalized T2R5 signal transduction in human enteroendocrine L cell

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Park, Jiyoung; Kim, Ki-Suk; Kim, Kang-Hoon

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone is known to regulate blood glucose by an insulinotropic effect and increases proliferation as and also prevents apoptosis of pancreatic β cells. We know that GLP-1 is secreted by nutrients such as fatty acids and sweet compounds but also bitter compounds via stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the gut. Among these, bitter compounds are multiply-contained in phytochemicals or artificial materials and perceived as ligands of various bitter taste receptors. We hypothesized that GLP-1 hormone is secreted through stimulation of a single bitter taste receptor by 1,10-phenanthroline which is known agonist of taste receptor typemore » 2 member 5 (T2R5). To prove this hypothesis, we used the representatively well-known 1,10-phenanthroline as ligand of single receptor and evaluated the existence of T2R5 by double-labeling immunofluorescence and then 1,10-phenanthroline is able to secrete GLP-1 hormone through stimulation of T2R5 in human enteroendocrine cells. Consequently, we verify that GLP-1 hormone is colocalized with T2R5 in the human duodenum and ileum tissue and is secreted by 1,10-phenanthroline via T2R5 signal transduction in differentiated human enteroendocrine L cells. - Highlights: • Taste receptor type 2 member 5 (T2R5) is colocalized with GLP-1 hormone in human enteroendocrine cells. • GLP-1 secretion is stimulated by 1,10-phenanthroline via stimulation of T2R5. • Inhibition of the bitter taste pathway reduce GLP-1 secretion.« less

  7. CSF-1R regulates non-small cell lung cancer cells dissemination through Wnt3a signaling.

    PubMed

    Yu, Yan Xia; Wu, Hai Jian; Tan, Bing Xu; Qiu, Chen; Liu, Hui Zhong

    2017-01-01

    Therapeutic antibodies targeting colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) to block colony stimulating factor-1/colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1/CSF-R) signaling axis have exhibit remarkable efficacy in the treatment of malignant tumor. Yet, little is known about the effects of intrinsic CSF-1R in human non-small-cell carcinoma (NSCLC). Here we demonstrated that NSCLC cell-intrinsic CSF-1R promoted cells growth and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. CSF-1R knocked-down by transfecting with shRNA target CSF-1R suppressed NSCLC cells proliferation and tumor growth in nude mice. Conversely, ectopic expression of CSF-1R promoted cells proliferation and accelerated tumor growth. Mechanistically, the NSCLC CSF-1R modulated downstream effectors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. In addition, CSF-1R overexpression significantly enhanced NSCLC cells mobility, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, whereas silencing CSF-1R inhibits these phenotypes. Microarray analysis suggested that Wnt family member 3a (Wnt3a) function as a downstream factor of CSF-1R. On account of this, we future identified CSF-1R/Wnt3a a signaling pathway sustained NSCLC cells metastasis. Finally, in patients, CSF-1R and Wnt3a expression positively correlated with the of NSCLC patients. Our results identify NSCLC cell intrinsic functions of CSF-1R/Wnt3a axis in dissemination of NSCLC.

  8. CSF-1R regulates non-small cell lung cancer cells dissemination through Wnt3a signaling

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Yan Xia; Wu, Hai Jian; Tan, Bing Xu; Qiu, Chen; Liu, Hui Zhong

    2017-01-01

    Therapeutic antibodies targeting colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) to block colony stimulating factor-1/colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1/CSF-R) signaling axis have exhibit remarkable efficacy in the treatment of malignant tumor. Yet, little is known about the effects of intrinsic CSF-1R in human non-small-cell carcinoma (NSCLC). Here we demonstrated that NSCLC cell-intrinsic CSF-1R promoted cells growth and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. CSF-1R knocked-down by transfecting with shRNA target CSF-1R suppressed NSCLC cells proliferation and tumor growth in nude mice. Conversely, ectopic expression of CSF-1R promoted cells proliferation and accelerated tumor growth. Mechanistically, the NSCLC CSF-1R modulated downstream effectors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. In addition, CSF-1R overexpression significantly enhanced NSCLC cells mobility, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, whereas silencing CSF-1R inhibits these phenotypes. Microarray analysis suggested that Wnt family member 3a (Wnt3a) function as a downstream factor of CSF-1R. On account of this, we future identified CSF-1R/Wnt3a a signaling pathway sustained NSCLC cells metastasis. Finally, in patients, CSF-1R and Wnt3a expression positively correlated with the of NSCLC patients. Our results identify NSCLC cell intrinsic functions of CSF-1R/Wnt3a axis in dissemination of NSCLC. PMID:29218239

  9. Compilation of 1989 Annual Reports of the Navy ELF Communications System Ecological Monitoring Program. Volume 3. Tabs G, H

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-08-01

    MONITORING PROGRAM I INDEX OF 1989 ANNUAL REPORTS 1 A. Herbaceous Plant Cover and Trees: Becker, K. T.; Bruhn, 3. N.; Cattelino, P. 3.; Desanker, P.; Fox, K...wildlife (J.M. Fletcher and R.G. Busnel, Eds.). Academic Press, New York, NY. 3 Martin, A.C., H.S. Zim, and A.L. Nelson. 1951. American wildlife and plants ...concentrating on seeds or fruits I 5 Various small vertebrates (including eggs and young), invertebrates, plants , carrion, etc. (e.g., Omnivores) 6 Ground

  10. The role of T1r3 and Trpm5 in carbohydrate-induced obesity in mice

    PubMed Central

    Glendinning, John I.; Gillman, Jennifer; Zamer, Haley; Margolskee, Robert F.; Sclafani, Anthony

    2012-01-01

    We examined the role of T1r3 and Trpm5 taste signaling proteins in carbohydrate-induced overeating and obesity. T1r3, encoded by Tas1r3, is part of the T1r2+T1r3 sugar taste receptor, while Trpm5 mediates signaling for G protein-coupled receptors in taste cells. It is known that C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and Tas1r3 knock-out (KO) mice are attracted to the taste of Polycose (a glucose polymer), but not sucrose. In contrast, Trpm5 KO mice are not attracted to the taste of sucrose or Polycose. In Experiment 1, we maintained the WT, Tas1r3 KO and Trpm5 KO mice on one of three diets for 38 days: lab chow plus water (Control diet); chow, water and 34% Polycose solution (Polycose diet); or chow, water and 34% sucrose solution (Sucrose diet). The WT and Tas1r3 KO mice overconsumed the Polycose diet and became obese. The WT and Tas1r3 KO mice also overconsumed the Sucrose diet, but only the WT mice became obese. The Trpm5 KO mice, in contrast, showed little or no overeating on the Sucrose and Polycose diets, and gained slightly or significantly less weight than WT mice on these diets. In Experiment 2, we asked whether the Tas1r3 KO mice exhibited impaired weight gain on the Sucrose diet because it was insipid. To test this hypothesis, we maintained the WT and Tas1r3 KO mice on one of two diets for 38 days: chow, water and a dilute (1%) but highly palatable Intralipid emulsion (Control diet); or chow, water and a 34% sucrose + 1% Intralipid solution (Suc+IL diet). The WT and Tas1r3 KO mice both gained weight and became obese on the Suc+IL diet. Our results suggest that nutritive solutions must be highly palatable to cause carbohydrate-induced obesity in mice, and that palatability produces this effect in part by enhancing nutrient utilization. PMID:22683548

  11. R76 in transmembrane domain 3 of the aspartate:alanine transporter AspT is involved in substrate transport.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Satomi; Nanatani, Kei; Abe, Keietsu

    2016-01-01

    The L-aspartate:L-alanine antiporter of Tetragenococcus halophilus (AspT) possesses an arginine residue (R76) within the GxxxG motif in the central part of transmembrane domain 3 (TM3)-a residue that has been estimated to transport function. In this study, we carried out amino acid substitutions of R76 and used proteoliposome reconstitution for analyzing the transport function of each substitution. Both l-aspartate and l-alanine transport assays showed that R76K has higher activity than the AspT-WT (R76), whereas R76D and R76E have lower activity than the AspT-WT. These results suggest that R76 is involved in AspT substrate transport.

  12. Cost Effectiveness of G:CSF in Chemotherapy and Transplant-related Neutropenia.

    PubMed

    Jacobs, P; Wood, L; Schall, R

    1998-01-01

    Sustained fever over 38°C is potentially lethal when neutrophil counts remain below 0.1 × 10(9)/L. To determine whether the addition of a haematopoietic stimulatory peptide to conventional supportive care and antibiotic management was cost-effective, 74 such episodes were analysed. Group I (5μg/kg G: CSF: n = 41); Group II (10 μg/kg: n = 19) and Group III (controls: n = 14): these were similar in respect of race, gender, age and body weight. The median days and range of neutrophil count below 0.1 × 10(9)/Lw as 6 (0-12), 7 (0-20) and 8 (0-20) and the corresponding figures for 0.5 × 10(9)/L were 8 (0-19), 8 (1-23) and 13.5 (3-30) days respectively, while the median hospital period was 26 (18-49), 30 (9-86) and 35 (13-44). Mean, standard deviation and range for bed costs in Group I was R9,528 (2125:6120-1660), the corresponding figures for Group II were Rll,453 (5570:3060-2924), and for Group III Rll,366 (2755: 4420-1496). The approximate fate of exchange is: Rl = US$5.87. When expenditure for growth factor was integrated these figures were approximately R26,071, R37,787 and R27,376. There were no advantages in 10 over 5 μg/kg G: CSF. More red cell transfusions were needed in Group III. The days requiring antimicrobial therapy were 14, 16 and 20 respectively. It is concluded from this study, carried out in reverse isolation at a University Teaching Hospital, that duration of neutropenic fever was significantly shortened on G: CSF but there was no benefit in using the higher dose. Additionally, at equivalent cost, there was a shorter period of hospitalisation thereby reducing risk of acquiring nosocomial infections. Finally, there was concurrently a decreased exposure to potentially nephrotoxic antibiotics. Accordingly, this regimen can be justified in the routine management of this category of patient.

  13. Housefly (Musca domestica L.) control potential of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. (Poales: Poaceae) essential oil and monoterpenes (citral and 1,8-cineole).

    PubMed

    Kumar, Peeyush; Mishra, Sapna; Malik, Anushree; Satya, Santosh

    2013-01-01

    In spite of being a major vector for several domestic, medical, and veterinary pests, the control aspect of the common housefly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) is often neglected. In the present study, the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus and its major components were evaluated for control of housefly. The chemical composition analysis of C. citratus oil by gas chromatographic mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed citral (47 %) and 1,8-cineole (7.5 %) as principal components. The analysis of oil vapor by solid phase microextraction (SPME/GC-MS) showed increase in citral (74.9 %) and 1,8-cineole (8.6 %) content. Assay of oil against housefly larvae and pupae through contact toxicity assay showed lethal concentration (LC)(50) value of 0.41 μl/cm(2) and of percentage inhibition rate (PIR) of 77.3 %, respectively. Fumigation assay was comparatively more effective with LC(50) of 48.6 μl/L against housefly larvae, and a PIR value of 100 % against housefly pupae. The monoterpenes, citral, and 1,8-cineole, when assessed for their insecticidal activity against housefly larvae, showed LC(50) of 0.002 and 0.01 μl/cm(2) (contact toxicity assay) and LC(50) of 3.3 and 2.4 μl/L (fumigation assay). For pupicidal assay, both citral and 1,8-cineole had a PIR value of 100 %. High efficacy of citral and 1,8-cineole against housefly, established them to be an active insecticidal agent of C. citratus oil. The study demonstrates potentiality of C. citratus oil as an excellent insecticide for housefly control, and the results open up the opportunity of oil/monoterpenes being developed into an eco-friendly, economical, and acceptable product.

  14. Monitoring rFVIIa 90 μg kg⁻¹ dosing in haemophiliacs: comparing laboratory response using various whole blood assays over 6 h.

    PubMed

    Brophy, D F; Martin, E J; Christian Barrett, J; Nolte, M E; Kuhn, J G; Gerk, P M; Carr, M E; Pelzer, H; Agersø, H; Ezban, M; Hedner, U

    2011-09-01

    Recombinant FVIIa is a haemostatic agent administered to patients with severe FVIII or FIX deficiency with inhibitors. Although rFVIIa is effective at stopping bleeding, a reliable assay to monitor its effect is lacking. To characterize the pharmacokinetics and global coagulation effects of rFVIIa for 6 h following a IV dose of 90 μg kg⁻¹. Ten non-bleeding subjects with severe FVIII or FIX deficiency were infused with a single-dose of rFVIIa 90 μg k⁻¹ body weight and blood was collected before and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h postdose. Global haemostasis was characterized throughout the study utilizing whole blood analyses (Hemodyne HAS, TEG, ROTEM). The clearance and half-life of factor FVII:C was estimated as 39.0 ± 8.8 mL h⁻¹ kg⁻¹ and 2.1 ± 0.2 h respectively. There was good inter-assay agreement with respect to clot initiation parameters (R, CT and FOT) and these parameters all fell to a mean of approximately 9 min following rFVIIa dosing. The platelet contractile force (PCF) and clot elastic modulus (CEM) were positively correlated to FVII:C (P < 0.0001), and these parameters were dynamic throughout the 6-h period. The MA and MCF did not correlate to FVII:C nor did they significantly change during the study. Prothrombin F1 + 2 significantly increased following rFVIIa dosing (P < 0.001), but remained steady throughout the study. There was no change in D-dimer concentrations over time. The FOT, R and CT characterized clot initiation following rFVIIa dosing. The PCF and CEM were correlated to FVII:C and characterized the dynamics of platelet function and clot strength over the rFVIIa dosing interval. The clinical significance of these findings needs additional study. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  15. Beneficial effect of recombinant rC1rC2 collagenases on human islet function: Efficacy of low-dose enzymes on pancreas digestion and yield.

    PubMed

    Loganathan, Gopalakrishnan; Subhashree, Venugopal; Breite, Andrew G; Tucker, William W; Narayanan, Siddharth; Dhanasekaran, Maheswaran; Mokshagundam, SriPrakash; Green, Michael L; Hughes, Michael G; Williams, Stuart K; Dwulet, Francis E; McCarthy, Robert C; Balamurugan, Appakalai N

    2018-02-01

    A high number of human islets can be isolated by using modern purified tissue dissociation enzymes; however, this requires the use of >20 Wunsch units (WU)/g of pancreas for digestion. Attempts to reduce this dose have resulted in pancreas underdigestion and poor islet recovery but improved islet function. In this study, we achieved a high number of functional islets using a low dose of recombinant collagenase enzyme mixture (RCEM-1200 WU rC2 and 10 million collagen-degrading activity [CDA] U of rC1 containing about 209 mg of collagenase to digest a 100-g pancreas). The collagenase dose used in these isolations is about 42% of the natural collagenase enzyme mixture (NCEM) dose commonly used to digest a 100-g pancreas. Low-dose RCEM was efficient in digesting entire pancreases to obtain higher yield (5535 ± 830 and 2582 ± 925 islet equivalent/g, P < .05) and less undigested tissue (16.7 ± 5% and 37.8 ± 3%, P < .05) compared with low-dose NCEM (12WU/g). Additionally, low-dose RCEM islets retained better morphology (confirmed with scanning electron microscopy) and higher in vitro basal insulin release (2391 ± 1342 and 1778 ± 978 μU/mL; P < .05) compared with standard-dose NCEM. Nude mouse bioassay demonstrated better islet function for low-dose RCEM (area under the curve [AUC] 24 968) compared with low-dose (AUC-38 225) or standard-dose NCEM (AUC-38 685), P < .05. This is the first report indicating that islet function can be improved by using low-dose rC1rC2 (RCEM). © 2017 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

  16. Properties of spin-1/2 triangular-lattice antiferromagnets CuY2Ge2O8 and CuLa2Ge2O8

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cho, Hwanbeom; Kratochvílová, Marie; Sim, Hasung; Choi, Ki-Young; Kim, Choong Hyun; Paulsen, Carley; Avdeev, Maxim; Peets, Darren C.; Jo, Younghun; Lee, Sanghyun; Noda, Yukio; Lawler, Michael J.; Park, Je-Geun

    2017-04-01

    We found new two-dimensional (2D) quantum (S =1 /2 ) antiferromagnetic systems: Cu R E2G e2O8 (R E =Y and La). According to our analysis of high-resolution x-ray and neutron diffraction experiments, the Cu network of Cu R E2G e2O8 (R E =Y and La) exhibits a 2D triangular lattice linked via weak bonds along the perpendicular b axis. Our bulk characterizations from 0.08 to 400 K show that they undergo a long-range order at 0.51(1) and 1.09(4) K for the Y and La systems, respectively. Interestingly, they also exhibit field induced phase transitions. For theoretical understanding, we carried out the density functional theory (DFT) band calculations to find that they are typical charge-transfer-type insulators with a gap of Eg≅2 eV . Taken together, our observations make Cu R E2G e2O8 (R E =Y and La) additional examples of low-dimensional quantum spin triangular antiferromagnets with the low-temperature magnetic ordering.

  17. (2R)-4-Oxo-4[3-(Trifluoromethyl)-5,6-diihydro:1,2,4}triazolo[4,3-a}pyrazin-7(8H)-y1]-1-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butan-2-amine: A Potent, Orally Active Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitor for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, D.; Wang, L.; Beconi, M.

    2010-11-10

    A novel series of {beta}-amino amides incorporating fused heterocycles, i.e., triazolopiperazines, were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. (2R)-4-Oxo-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6-dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazin-7(8H)-yl]-1-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butan-2-amine (1) is a potent, orally active DPP-IV inhibitor (IC{sub 50} = 18 nM) with excellent selectivity over other proline-selective peptidases, oral bioavailability in preclinical species, and in vivo efficacy in animal models. MK-0431, the phosphate salt of compound 1, was selected for development as a potential new treatment for type 2 diabetes.

  18. KINETIC ENERGY DISTRIBUTION OF H(1s) FROM H{sub 2} X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} EXCITATION AND LIFETIMES AND TRANSITION PROBABILITIES OF a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Liu Xianming; Johnson, Paul V.; Malone, Charles P.

    Dissociative excitation of molecular hydrogen plays an important role in the heating of outer planet upper thermospheres. This paper addresses the role of one of the triplet states involved in the process. H{sub 2} excited to the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} state, or higher triplet-ungerade states, is dissociated via the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-b {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub u} continuum. The kinetic energy distribution of H(1s) produced from direct X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J) excitation by electrons is investigated by an accurate theoretical evaluation of spontaneous transition probabilities ofmore » the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J)-b {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub u} continuum transition. It is shown that the X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(0)-a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J) excitation primarily produces H(1s) atoms with kinetic energies lower than 2 eV. In addition to the continuum a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J)-b {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub u} transition probabilities, spontaneous emission lifetimes of the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}(v, J) (v = 0-20, J {<=} 14) levels have been calculated by considering both the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-b {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub u} and a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-c {sup 3}{Pi} {sub u} transitions. The calculated lifetimes show a moderately strong rotational dependence, and the lifetimes for the J = 0 rotational level of the low v levels agree well with previous calculations and experimental measurements. Calculations of the a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-b {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub u} continuum emission spectra from electron impact X {sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g}-a {sup 3}{Sigma}{sup +} {sub g} excitation are included.« less

  19. Effects of miR-155 on proliferation and apoptosis by regulating FoxO3a/BIM in liver cancer cell line HCCLM3.

    PubMed

    Liao, W-W; Zhang, C; Liu, F-R; Wang, W-J

    2018-03-01

    MiR-155 has been shown to be up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis, as its down-regulation is involved in HCC onset. Transcriptional factor FoxO3a mediates BIM expression and is related to HCC pathogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis showed targeted regulation of FoxO3a by miR-155. This study aims to investigate whether miR-155 plays a role in mediating FoxO3a/BIM signal pathway and HCC occurrence. HCC patients were collected for tumor and adjacent tissues, in which microRNA-155 (miR-155) and FoxO3a expressions were examined. In vitro cultured HCCLM3, HepG2 and L-02 cells were tested for basal apoptotic rate by flow cytometry and were compared for miR-155 and FoxO3a expression. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated the targeted relationship between miR-155 and FoxO3a. HCCLM3 cells were treated with miR-155 inhibitor and/or FoxO3a-pMD18-T. Cell apoptosis and proliferation were examined by using flow cytometry and MTT assays, respectively. Western blot and spectrometry assay were employed to quantify the FoxO3a, BIM expressions, and caspase activity. Compared to adjacent tissues, HCC tissues had significantly higher miR-155 and significantly lower FoxO3a expression (p<0.05). HCCLM3 and HepG2 cells had significantly lower FoxO3a expression and basal apoptotic rate compared to L02 cells, whilst miR-155 level was significantly higher (p<0.05). MiR-155 targeted and inhibited 3'-UTR of FoxO3a, increasing BIM expression, caspase-3, and caspase-9 activities, and enhancing cell apoptosis and weakening proliferation. HCC tissues elevated the miR-155 and suppressed the FoxO3a expressions. MiR-155 targeted and inhibited FoxO3a expression to suppress the BIM, depress caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities, therefore inhibiting the HCC cell apoptosis and facilitating proliferation.

  20. Shikonin suppresses ERK 1/2 phosphorylation during the early stages of adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background The naphthoquinone pigment, shikonin, is a major component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and has been shown to have various biological functions, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of shikonin on adipocyte differentiation and its mechanism of action in 3T3-L1 cells. Methods To investigate the effects of shikonin on adipocyte differentiation, 3T3-L1 cells were induced to differentiate using 3-isobutyl-1-methylzanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin (MDI) for 8 days in the presence of 0–2 μM shikonin. Oil Red O staining was performed to determine the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. To elucidate the anti-adipogenic mechanism of shikonin, adipogenic transcription factors, the phosphorylation levels of ERK, and adipogenic gene expression were analyzed by Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. To further confirm that shikonin inhibits adipogenic differentiation through downregulation of ERK 1/2 activity, 3T3-L1 cells were treated with shikonin in the presence of FGF-2, an activator, or PD98059, an inhibitor, of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Results Shikonin effectively suppressed adipogenesis and downregulated the protein levels of 2 major transcription factors, PPARγ and C/EBPα, as well as the adipocyte specific gene aP2 in a dose-dependent manner. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that shikonin inhibited mRNA expression of adipogenesis-related genes, such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, and aP2. Adipocyte differentiation was mediated by ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, which was confirmed by pretreatment with PD98059 (an ERK 1/2 inhibitor) or FGF-2 (an ERK 1/2 activator). The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 during the early stages of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells was inhibited by shikonin. We also confirmed that FGF-2-stimulated ERK 1/2 activity was attenuated by shikonin. Conclusions These results demonstrate that shikonin inhibits adipogenic differentiation via suppression of the ERK signaling pathway