Search

Background: The cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) non‐response rate can reach 30% in heart failure (HF) patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). This study aimed to evaluate the value of baseline q waves in leads I, V5, or V6 in predicting response to CRT in patients with HF and LBBB. Methods: Patients with HF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%) and LBBB receiving CRT implantation were retrospectively enrolled. Baseline characteristics and electrocardiogram parameters, including lateral and left precordial q waves were evaluated. Non‐response to CRT was defined as the improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 5% at a 6‐month follow‐up. Results: A total of 132 patients (mean age 63.0 ± 10.4 years, 94 [71.2%] male) were included. Among them, 32 patients with q waves in leads I, V5, or V6 were classified into the qLBBB (+) group, and the rest without q waves in these leads were defined as the qLBBB (‐) group. The CRT non‐response rate in the qLBBB (+) group was markedly higher than that in the qLBBB (‐) group (68.8% vs. 33.3%, p <.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of baseline q waves in leads I, V5, or V6 remained significantly associated with a higher rate of CRT non‐response in patients with HF and LBBB (odds ratio: 4.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–15.0, p =.007). Conclusion: Any q wave in leads I, V5, or V6 was an independent predictive factor for CRT non‐response in patients with HF and LBBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A robust ionospheric model is indispensable for providing the atmospheric delay corrections for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) navigation and positioning and forecasting the space environment. The accuracy of ionospheric models is limited due to the simplified model structures. Complicated spatiotemporal variations in total electron content (TEC) biases between GNSS and international reference ionosphere (IRI) suggest a robust strategy to optimally combine GNSS and IRI TEC for high-precision modeling. In this paper, we propose a novel ionospheric data assimilation method, which is a local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF), to construct an ionospheric model over Yunnan in southwestern China. We used the LETKF method to assimilate the ionospheric TEC extracted from GNSS observations in Yunnan into the IRI-2016 model. The experimental results indicate that the ionospheric data assimilation has a more pronounced improvement effect on the IRI empirical model during periods of geomagnetic quiet than during periods of geomagnetic disturbance. On quiet magnetic days, the skill score (SKS) of the assimilation is 0.60 and the root mean square error (RMSE) values before and after assimilation are 5.08 TECU and 2.02 TECU, respectively. The correlation coefficient after assimilation increases from 0.94 to 0.99. On magnetic storm days, the SKS of the assimilation is 0.42 and the RMSE values before and after assimilation are 5.99 TECU and 3.46 TECU, respectively. The correlation coefficient after assimilation increases from 0.98 to 0.99. The results suggest that the LETKF algorithm can be considered an effective method for ionospheric data assimilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionospheric total electron content (TEC) is important data for ionospheric morphology, and also an important parameter for ionospheric correction in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) precise positioning, navigation, and radio science. In this study, we present a data assimilation model for regional ionosphere based on a local ensemble Kalman filter (LEnKF) with the International Reference Ionosphere 2016 (IRI-2016) model as the background, to assimilate ionospheric TEC observations from GNSS. To demonstrate the results, the TEC estimates from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC), which is about 260 stations in China, are applied as observation. The assessments are performed against the TEC estimates from BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) geostationary earth orbit (GEO) and against the final products from the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE). The assimilation results are in good agreement with BDS GEO TEC and the CODE TEC on a quiet or disturbed day. The correlation coefficient after assimilation is increased by about 17% compared with that before assimilation, and the RMSE after assimilation is decreased by about 42% compared with that before assimilation. Furthermore, the assimilated method is also evaluated in the single-frequency precise point positioning (PPP). The experimental results indicate that the PPP/Assimilated method can improve the GNSS positioning accuracy more effectively in comparison to the PPP/CODE. These results reveal that the LEnKF method can be considered as a useful tool for ionospheric assimilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thripidae, one of the largest families of Thysanoptera, is widely distributed throughout the world. To explore the phylogenetic relationships and current classification of Thripidae, a cladistic analysis is presented based on 117 morphological characters scored from 114 species representing 94 genera. This analysis was used to reconstruct the ancestral feeding habits of Thripidae, with the result that leaf-feeding is recognised as ancestral within this family, and flower-feeding derived. Thripidae is recovered as a monophyletic group, but the three subfamilies Dendrothripinae, Sericothripinae and Panchaetothripinae are all recovered as nested within the fourth and major subfamily Thripinae. Sericothripinae is related to the Scirtothrips genus-group in Thripinae, but a close relationship to Echinothrips is not supported. Intergeneric relationships within Dendrothripinae are relatively well resolved. Three tribes in Panchaetothripinae are not monophyletic but Tryphactothripini genera form a clade with Panchaetothrips. Subfamily Thripinae is paraphyletic, but includes several monophyletic genus-groups (Rhamphothrips genus-group, Trichromothrips genus-group, Thrips genus-group, Frankliniella genus-group, Chirothrips genus-group). Relationships within the Thrips genus-group are poorly resolved, presumably due to a high degree of homoplasy. Five genera (Amomothrips , Moundinothrips , Smilothrips , Ctenothrips and Sciothrips) are placed into the Taeniothrips genus-group, and three genera (Salpingothrips , Tusothrips and Chaetanaphothrips) are proposed as the Chaetanaphothrips genus-group. The previously accepted Anaphothrips genus-group and Mycterothrips genus-group are not recovered, presumably because the supporting characters are merely superficial resemblance with no phylogenetic significance. This work resolves the systematic relationships among most thripid genera, as well as providing a morphological background for the evolution of Thripidae. Thripidae is the second largest family of Thysanoptera, but little emphasis has been placed on phylogenetic relationships among genera. This cladistic analysis based on morphology revealed the monophyly of the subfamilies and several genus-groups, and resolved the systematic relationships among most genera. This work provides a factual background for better understanding the evolution of Thripidae genera, as well as the phylogeny of Thysanoptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absence of effective therapeutic methods for avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) is still perplexing the world's medical community. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) adoptive cell therapy combined with core decompression is a promising modality, which is highly dependent on the cellular activities of BMSCs. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a survival factor for BMSCs, yet the underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of multiplicity of infections (MOIs) of recombinant adenovirus carrying HGF gene (rAd-HGF) on human BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were systemically examined. Infection of rAd-HGF produced secretory HGF and promoted hBMSC proliferation in a MOI-dependent manner, while the osteogenesis was also strengthened as indicated by enhanced calcium nodule formation with the strongest effects achieved at MOI = 250. Blocking the activities of c-MET or its downstream signaling pathways, WNT, ERK1/2, and PI3K/AKT led to differential consequents. Specifically, blockage of the WNT pathway significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation, which also showed additive effects when combined application with rAd-HGF. Our data demonstrated the pro-osteogenic effects of optimized MOIs of rAd-HGF, while inhibition of WNT pathway or activation of PI3K/AKT pathway may act as candidate adjuvant modalities for promoting osteogenic differentiation in rAd-HGF-modified hBMSC treatment on ANFH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arctigenin (ARC), a phenylpropanoid dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan derived from Arctium lappa L, has been reported to protect against cerebral ischemia injury in rats, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we investigated whether ARC ameliorated ischemic stroke by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-derived neuroinflammation and whether SIRT1 signaling was involved in this process. ARC (20 mg/kg) or vehicle were intraperitoneally injected to Sprague-Dawley rats for 3 days before middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery performed. The infarct volume, neurological score, brain water content, neuroinflammation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and SIRT1 protein expression were assessed. Furthermore, we also investigated whether ARC protected against cerebral ischemia via SIRT1-dependent inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by administrating EX527, a specific SIRT1 inhibitor, under oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) condition. We found that ARC pretreatment decreased infarct volume, neurological score and brain water content. Moreover, ARC treatment effectively inhibited cerebral ischemia induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β, IL-18 secretion both in vivo and in vitro . Futhermore, ARC treatment activated Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) singnaling in the brain. Importantly, suppress of SIRT1 reversed the inhibitory effect of ARC on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Taken together our results demonstrated that ARC may confer protection against ischemic stroke by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The activation of SIRT1 signaling pathway may contribute to the neuroprotection of ARC in MCAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LongShengZhi capsule (LSZ), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used for treatment of patients with vascular diseases. LSZ reduced doxorubicin-induced heart failure by reducing production of reactive oxygen species and inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. This study was to explore whether LSZ could alleviate cardiac remodeling via upregulation of microRNA (miR)-150-5p and the downstream target. Cardiac remodeling was induced by Ang II in vivo and in vitro. LSZ attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in rats, and in primary cardiomyocytes (CMs) and primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). MiR-150-5p was downregulated in Ang II-induced rat heart, CMs and CFs, and these decreases were reserved by LSZ. In vivo overexpression of miR-150-5p by transfection of miR-150-5p agomiR protected Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in rats. Meanwhile, its overexpression also reversed Ang II-induced upregulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) in rat hearts and primary CMs, as well as upregulation of collagen I, collagen III and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in rat hearts and primary CFs. Matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) was validated as the target gene of miR-150-5p, which was overexpressed in Ang II-induced rat heart, rat primary CMs and primary CFs. Notably, overexpression of MMP14 induced cardiac remodeling, and reversed the protective role of miR-150-5p in downregulating Ang II-induced upregulation of hypertrophy and fibrosis markers in vitro. Collectively, LSZ protects Ang II-induced cardiac dysfunction and remodeling via upregulation of miR-150-5p to target MMP14. Administration of LSZ, upregulation of miR-150-5p or targeting of MMP14 may be strategies for cardiac remodeling therapy. [Display omitted] - LongShengZhi (LSZ) improved Ang II-induced cardiac dysfunction and remodeling. - LSZ upregulated microRNA-150-5p to target MMP14. - LSZ administration or upregulation of miR-150-5p may be strategies for cardiac remodeling therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a major pro-inflammatory cytokine that initiates and maintains inflammation. However, the molecular mechanisms as to how IL-17 influences endothelial cells to promote neutrophil recruitment are not fully understood. Methods: Human endothelial cells (HMECs) were stimulated with IL-17, and investigated for proliferation, migration, and tubule formation activities. Transwell chemotaxis and adhesion assays were performed to assess neutrophil recruitment. Cytokine production was measured by Cytokine Array Chip and ELISA. Western blotting and immunofluorescent analysis were used to detect the phosphorylation and translocation of STAT3. Specific inhibitors, small interfering RNA, and phosphorylation mutants were used to confirm that IL-17 induced STAT3 activation via IL-17RA signaling. Results: Activation of HMECs with IL-17 induced STAT3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, which were associated with induction of GRO-a, GM-CSF and IL-8, and neutrophil recruitment. Phosphorylation of STAT3 was identified mainly at the tyrosine in position 705 (Y705), and the Y705F mutants attenuated IL-17-mediated STAT3 activation. Moreover, specific inhibitors, FLLL31, or siRNA silencing of STAT3 attenuated HMECs activation, resulting in inhibition of GRO-a, GM-CSF, IL-8 production, and neutrophil recruitment. Furthermore, phosphorylation of STAT3 was identified as downstream of IL-17RA signaling. Conclusions: IL-17 induced STAT3 activation as a necessary step in endothelial cell activation and neutrophil recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long persistent luminescence materials developed to commercial standards are primarily concentrated in the blue and green regions, with only a few in the red region. Red, as one of the three basic colors, can be mixed in various proportions with blue and green to yield various colors. The development of red persistent phosphors has a broader application potential but remains a challenge. A solid-state reaction method was used to synthesize new red persistent luminescent materials of Ba 1- x Sr x Ga 2 O 4 :Sm3+ (x = 0–0.09). In BaGa 2 O 4 , both Sr2+ and Sm3+ preferentially occupy the Ba2+ site rather than the Ga3+ site. When exposed to UV light at 254 nm, the phosphors emit the characteristic red emission of Sm3+ at wavelengths ranging from 500 nm to 750 nm. After removing the UV light source, an intense red afterglow that lasted more than 1400 s was observed. The red afterglow signal reappears after a heating process. Doping Sr2+ reduces the trap depth and improves the red persistent luminescence significantly. Because the escaped electrons from traps compensate for the emission loss of Sm3+ during the heating process, the red phosphors have unimaginably luminescent thermal stability. Thus, the emission intensity at 200 °C is 1.6 times that at room temperature. The prepared red persistent phosphors show multimode luminescence, with the output signal being time and temperature sensitive, indicating that they are potential luminescent materials for anti-counterfeiting applications. Finally, a building-block strategy for advanced anti-counterfeiting applications of dynamic display information is proposed, with red persistent phosphors serving as an important component combined with upconversion phosphors of NaYF 4 :Yb3+, Tm3+, and green persistent phosphors of SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu2+, Dy3+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PIG3 (p53-inducible gene 3), originally identified as one of a set of genes induced by p53 before the onset of apoptosis, was assumed to contribute to early cellular response to DNA damage. Here, we studied the relation between p53 status and the increased expression of PIG3 by ionizing radiation (IR), and the related clues regarding the involvement of PIG3 in the cellular response to IR-induced DNA damage signaling. We demonstrated that the pentanucleotide microsatellite sequence was responsible for the p53-dependent induction of PIG3 transcription after irradiation, while sequence upstream of PIG3 promoter could maintain the basal level of expression which was not inducible by irradiation. The interaction of PIG3 and the KRAB-ZFP-associated protein 1 (KAP1), a DNA damage response protein, was revealed. PIG3 nucleus foci were formed 15 min after γ-ray irradiation, and which were found to partially colocalize with the phospho-KAP-1 foci as well as γ-H2AX foci. Although the lac operator tagged EGFP based reporter system revealed that PIG3 does not remodel chromatin in large scale in the cells under normal growing condition, it indeed prompted the chromatin relaxation in the cellular response to DNA damage signaling. All these data suggest that PIG3 is involved in IR-induced DNA damage response, and which maybe partially attribute to its interaction with KAP1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: HBx, a transcriptional transactivating protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV), is required for viral infection and has been implicated in virus-mediated liver oncogenesis. However, the precise molecular mechanism remains largely elusive. We used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify that HBx interacts with MIF directly. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is implicated in the regulation of inflammation, cell growth, and even tumor formation. The interaction between HBx and MIF was verified with co-immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down, and cellular colocalization. The expression of MIF was up-regulated in HBV particle producing cell 2.2.15 compared with HepG2 cell. Both HBx and MIF cause HepG2 cell G0/G1 phase arrest, proliferation inhibition, and apoptosis. However, MIF can counteract the apoptotic effect of HBx. These results may provide evidence to explain the link between HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Regarding the complex properties of various cations, the design of aqueous batteries that can simultaneously store multi‐ions with high capacity and satisfactory rate performance is a great challenge. Here an amorphization strategy to boost cation‐ion storage capacities of anode materials is reported. In monovalent (H+, Li+, K+), divalent (Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+) and even trivalent (Al3+) aqueous electrolytes, the capacity of the resulting amorphous MoOx is more than quadruple than that of crystalline MoOx and exceeds those of other reported multiple‐ion storage materials. Both experimental and theoretical calculations reveal the generation of ample active sites and isotropic ions in the amorphous phase, which accelerates cation migration within the electrode bulk. Amorphous MoOx can be coupled with multi‐ion storage cathodes to realize electrochemical energy storage devices with different carriers, promising high energy and power densities. The power density exceeded 15000 W kg−1, demonstrating the great potential of amorphous MoOx in advanced aqueous batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic modified green mudstone (MGM) was prepared from the green mudstone (GM) residue of Fushun West Open Pit Mine and characterized by XRF, XRD, FTIR, and SEM of GM and MGM. According to the calculation of pore size and the BET equation, the pore size and specific surface area of the MGM were larger. The results of adsorption kinetics and isothermal adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption capacity of MGM for phosphate increased from 0.1 mg/g to 0.71 mg/g, which was obviously better than that of GM. The GM and MGM accorded with the quasi-second-order kinetic model. The isothermal adsorption data of GM accorded with the Freundlich model, and the isothermal data of MGM accorded with the Langmuir model, which indicated that the model of GM and MGM was an adsorption process from a double layer to a single layer. Thermodynamic data showed that the increase in temperature was beneficial to the adsorption of MGM. The internal diffusion model showed that due to the change of pore size structure after modification, the number of adsorption sites that could provide phosphate was increased, and at the same time, the change of internal elements led to the extension of the chemical reaction time by 700 min. Because of the ligand exchange and electrostatic interaction between phosphate, GM, and MGM, the adsorption results showed that acidity was better than alkalinity. To improve the recycling ability of MGM, hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 0.1 mol/L was determined as the best phosphorus resolving agent, and the resolving rate was still close to 80% after five cycles. The results showed that the MGM could be a promising adsorbent for the removal of phosphorus, providing a new way for resource utilization of mining waste residue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spodoptera litura is an important agricultural pest widely distributed around the world, which can damage numerous crops. Despite its economic importance, research on the population genetics of S. litura has been limited, preventing insight into the spread of the pest. In this study, we conducted a population genetic analysis of 24 populations of S. litura in Southern China using microsatellite markers, demonstrating the information on the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the tested populations. The results will provide pest control management strategies for S. litura in Southern China. Population genetic structure is strongly affected by dispersal events, especially for migratory species. The investigation of population structure is therefore conducive to increasing our understanding of species dispersal. Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important tobacco pest in China causing serious damage to multiple crops. In this study, we explore its dispersal dynamics by clarifying the fine-scale population genetics using 545 S. litura samples collected from tobacco plantations at 24 locations (mainly in Baise, Hechi, and Hezhou, Southern China). We analyzed the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and gene flow of these populations using seven microsatellite loci. Our results revealed high genetic diversity and low population genetic structure among S. litura. The genetic distance was uncorrelated with geographical distance, indicating the complete randomness of dispersal among the local populations. Our results suggest that the movement scope of contemporary S. litura might be much higher than the local-level spatial scale, which will provide a theoretical basis for pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beclin 1 is a well-established core mammalian autophagy protein. Autophagy has been demonstrated to play roles in cellular responses to DNA damage, such as cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated the exact mechanism by which Beclin 1 acts as a bridge between autophagy and cell cycle, when cells are exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Western blotting and coimmunoprecipitation were performed to investigate protein expression levels and interactions. Immunofluorescence was used to monitor the localization and distribution of the indicated proteins. The levels of apoptosis and cell cycle changes were evaluated by flow cytometry. Double thymidine deoxyribonucleoside (TdR) blocking was conducted to differentiate G2 from mitotic delay. In vitro kinase assays using ATM kinase were performed to elucidate the specific phosphorylation site in Beclin 1. In this study, we show that Beclin 1 knockdown reduces IR-induced autophagy. IR enhanced Beclin 1/PIK3CIII complex activity as demonstrated by the results of coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays. An investigation to assess the possible relationship between autophagy and G2/M arrest showed that, similar to the autophagy inhibitor 3MA, Beclin 1 knockdown delayed IR-induced G2/M arrest. Furthermore, the interactions between Beclin 1 and several G2/M checkpoint-related proteins, namely, PLK1 and CDC25C, were observed to increase. In addition, we observed that both 3MA and Beclin 1 inhibition decreased IR-induced apoptosis. Regarding the potential mechanism associated with this phenomenon, we showed that IR induced the interaction between Beclin 1 and Tip60 as well as their redistribution. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Beclin 1 T57 may be a targeted phosphorylation site for ATM. In the present study, we demonstrate the crucial and intricate roles of Beclin 1 in IR-induced autophagy, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Additionally, Tip60 and ATM were identified as important molecular regulators of Beclin 1. Our findings show the precise mechanism of crosstalk between IR-induced autophagy and G2/M cell cycle arrest. • The roles of Beclin 1 in IR-induced autophagy, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. • Tip60 and ATM were identified as important molecular regulators of Beclin 1. • Beclin 1 mediated the crosstalk between IR-induced autophagy and G2/M cell cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 ( NBT) platelets with high aspect ratio were synthesized from Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15 ( NBIT) precursors via a topochemical microcrystal conversion in molten salt conditions. The effect of the synthesis parameters, such as the molten salt system, synthesis temperature, and the molar ratio of Na2 CO3 and NBIT, was investigated. The results showed that NaCl- KCl molten salt environment and excess Na2 CO3 played a positive role in the synthesis, square-shaped NBT was obtained at 950°C in NaCl- KCl molten salt and a TiO2-free environment, and it was a suitable template candidate to achieve NBT-based textured ceramics using the reactive template grain growth ( RTGG) method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO 2 was successfully used as sacrificed template to synthesise SrTiO 3 /TiO 2 microsphere composite via an in-situ hydrothermal process. The diameter of SrTiO 3 /TiO 2 microsphere was about 700 nm with the same size of the template, and all of the microspheres were in good dispersity. The optimized reaction parameters for the phase and morphology of the as-synthesized samples were investigated. The results showed the SrTiO 3 /TiO 2 microsphere can be synthesized at 170 °C when the concentration of sodium hydroxide was 0.1 M. Lower hydrothermal temperature hampered the formation of the SrTiO 3 /TiO 2 composite, the higher alkali concentration, however, will destroy the morphology of products. The formation mechanism of SrTiO 3 /TiO 2 microsphere composite was proposed and the photocatalytic properties of the samples were characterized using methylene blue solution as the pollutant under the UV light irradiation. The results indicated the proper OH − concentration will provide a channel for Sr 2+ to react with Ti 4+ located in the template and form the SrTiO 3 /TiO 2 composite, and those with micro-scaled spherical morphology exhibited good photocatalytic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Potent antitumor responses can be induced through cytokine immunotherapy. Interleukin (IL)-2 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are among the most effective cytokines to induce tumor-specific systemic immune responses and can act synergistically. To overcome the limitations of combined use of these two cytokines, we have constructed an IL2-GMCSF fusion protein and characterized its antitumor effects in this study.Methods: The expression of IL-2 receptor and GM-CSF receptor of cell lines were detected with quantitative real-time PCR. On this basis, the bioactivities of IL2-GMCSF, especially effects on DC2.4 cells were assayed. Another function of IL2-GMCSF-bridge two types of cells-was assessed by cell contact counting and cytotoxicity assays. The anti-tumor activity in vivo of IL2-GMCSF was evaluated in the melanoma model. The statistical significance among treatment groups were determined by One-Way ANOVA.Results: The fusion protein IL2-GMCSF maintained the activities of IL-2 and GM-CSF, and could significantly promote DC2.4 cell activities, including phagocytosis, proliferation and cytokine secretion. In addition to the inherent cytokine activity, IL2-GMCSF bridges direct cell-cell interactions and enhances splenocyte killing efficacy against multiple tumor cell lines in vitro. Co-injection of IL2-GMCSF and inactivated B16F10 mouse melanoma cells induced complete immunoprotective responses in about 30 % of mice.Conclusion: These results suggested that IL2-GMCSF can efficiently regulate immune responses against tumors. Furthermore, as the bridging effect relies on both IL-2R and GM-CSFR and promotes interactions between immune and tumor cells, IL2-GMCSF may be utilized as a useful tool for dissecting specific immune responses for future clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchically structured spherical TiO 2 particles were synthesized in a two-step process. Firstly, amorphous spherical TiO 2 precursor particles with narrow size distribution and good dispersibility were obtained by hydrolysis from Ti(SO 4 ) 2 using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as surfactants. The surface microstructures of the TiO 2 precursors were modified in different solvothermal conditions. The results showed that lychee-like TiO 2 crystals were formed using dimethylformamide (DMF) and Ethylene glycol (EG) solvents by solvothermal treatment at 180 °C for 2 h. When choosing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the surfactant, TiO 2 crystals with an orange peel-like surface were obtained. The hierarchically spherical TiO 2 showed good photodegradation rate in methylene blue (MB) solution under UV irradiation. These amorphous spherical TiO 2 particles are also the precursors to form the similarly shaped perovskite titanate through A-site ion-exchange reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: S-phase cells are more resistant to low-linear energy transfer (LET) ionizing radiation (IR) than nonsynchronized and G1-phase cells, because both nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination repair can repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the S phase. Although it was reported 3 decades ago that S-phase cells did not show more resistance to high-LET IR than cells in other phases, the mechanism remains unclear. We therefore attempted to study the phenotypes and elucidate the mechanism involved. Methods and Materials: Wild-type and NHEJ-deficient cell lines were synchronized using the double-thymidine approach. A clonogenic assay was used to detect the sensitivity of nonsynchronized, synchronized S-phase, and G2-phase cells to high- and low-LET IR. The amounts of Ku bound to DSBs in the high- and low-LET–irradiated cells were also examined. Results: S-phase wild-type cells (but not NHEJ-deficient cells) were more sensitive to high-LET IR than nonsynchronized and G2-phase cells. In addition, S-phase wild-type cells showed less efficient Ku protein binding to DSBs than nonsynchronized and G2-phase cells in response to high-LET IR, although all cells at all phases showed similarly efficient levels of Ku protein binding to DSBs in response to low-LET IR. Conclusions: S-phase cells are more sensitive to high-LET IR than nonsynchronized and G2-phase cells, because of the following mechanism: it is more difficult for Ku protein to bind to high-LET IR-induced DNA DSBs in S-phase cells than in cells at other phases, which results in less efficient NHEJ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]