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Arcticibacterium luteifluviistationis SM1504T was isolated from Arctic surface seawater and classified as a novel genus of the phylum Bacteroides. To date, no Arcticibacterium genomes have been reported, their genomic compositions and metabolic features are still unknown. Here, we reported the complete genome sequence of A. luteifluviistationis SM1504T, which comprises 5,379,839 bp with an average GC content of 37.20%. Genes related to various stress (such as radiation, osmosis and antibiotics) resistance and gene clusters coding for carotenoid and flexirubin biosynthesis were detected in the genome. Moreover, the genome contained a 245-kb genomic island and a 15-kb incomplete prophage region. A great percentage of proteins belonging to carbohydrate metabolism especially in regard to polysaccharides utilization were found. These related genes and metabolic characteristics revealed genetic basis for adapting to the diverse extreme Arctic environments. The genome sequence of A. luteifluviistationis SM1504T also implied that the genus Arcticibacterium may act as a vital organic carbon matter decomposer in the Arctic seawater ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A nano-flake network cobalt hydroxide and well-ordered hexagonal mesoporous silica SBA-15 molecular sieves nanocomposite materials (designated as Co(OH)2/SBA-15) for electrochemical capacitor electrode have been prepared using a liquid-precipitated method. The electrochemical capacitance characterization of the Co(OH)2/SBA-15 materials was performed using cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and impedance spectroscopy, respectively. These nano-flakes cobalt hydroxide maintain high utilization at high rates of discharge. A maximum specific capacitance of 467.5Fg−1 can be achieved in 2M aqueous KOH with the potential range from −0.2 to 0.4V (vs. SCE) in a three-electrode glass cell at room temperature for the Co(OH)2/SBA-15 electrode, suggesting its potential application in electrochemical capacitors. Furthermore, the effect of annealing temperatures on the electrochemical capacitance characteristics has also been explored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ferroptosis is a recently recognized type of programmed cell death and emerges to play an important role in cancer biology and therapies. This unique form of cell death, characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, is exquisitely regulated by the cellular metabolic networks such as lipid, iron and amino acid metabolism. The sensitivity to ferroptosis varies among different tumors. Recent evidence reveals that triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive disease with limited effective targeted therapies is particularly vulnerable to ferroptosis inducers, suggesting this new form of non-apoptotic cell death as an attractive target for the treatment of the "difficult-to-treat" tumor. Intriguingly, ferroptosis has recently been implicated to be involved in T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity and affect the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Better understanding of this ferroptotic cell death will shed light on the discovery of novel combination therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Herein, we provide an overview of the key hallmarks of ferroptosis, use TNBC as a model to characterize the regulation of ferroptosis in cancer, and highlight ferroptosis-modulating combination therapeutic strategies in the context of cancer immunotherapy., Competing Interests: None., (AJCR Copyright © 2021.)

The ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase plays a crucial role in maintaining genome stability in response to DNA damage. Once activated, ATR acts via its downstream target to arrest the cell cycle, promote DNA repair, and enhance cell survival. Therefore, ATR has become an attractive therapeutic target in cancer therapy. Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that ATR inhibitors can sensitize cancer cells to conventional DNA damaging agents. However, the potential effects of ATR inhibitors on immune response in the tumor microenvironment, especially on the expression of immune checkpoint-related proteins, remain elusive. Here we show that DNA damaging agents, such as ionizing radiation and cisplatin, significantly induce cell surface PD-L1 expression in various cancer cell types. This effect is blocked by depletion or pharmacological inhibition of ATR, suggesting the essential role of ATR in DNA damage-induced PD-L1 expression. Mechanistically, we show that disruption of ATR destabilizes PD-L1 in a proteasome-dependent manner. Furthermore, clinical ATR kinase inhibitor downregulates PD-L1 expression to attenuate PD-L1/PD-1 interaction and sensitize cancer cells to T cell killing. Collectively, our findings indicate that in addition to potentiating DNA damage, ATR inhibitor concurrently downregulates PD-L1 levels and enhances anti-tumor immune responses. Moreover, our data reveal a potential crosstalk between DNA damage response signaling and immune checkpoints, providing a rationale for the combination therapy of ATR inhibitor and immune checkpoint blockade., Competing Interests: None.

Inflammation after stroke is the main cause of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Cascading events after injury can lead to cell death. Heat shock protein 70 and other endogenous injury-signaling molecules are released by damaged cells, which can lead to systemic stress reactions. Protecting the brain through repair begins with the stress-injury-repair signaling chain. This study aimed to verify whether acupuncture acts through this chain to facilitate effective treatment of ischemic stroke. Rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were established by Zea Longa's method, and injury sites were identified by assessing neurological function, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Electroacupuncture at acupoints Baihui (DU20) and Zusanli (ST36) was performed in the model rats with dilatational waves, delivered for 20 minutes a day at 2-100 Hz and an amplitude of 2 mA. We analyzed the blood serum from the rats and found that inflammatory cytokines affected the levels of adrenotrophin and heat shock protein 70, each of which followed a similar bimodal curve. Specifically, electroacupuncture lowered the peak levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone and heat shock protein 70. Thus, electroacupuncture was able to inhibit excessive stress, reduce inflammation, and promote the repair of neurons, which facilitated healing of ischemic stroke., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: None declared.

Both of Zuogui Wan(ZGW) and Liuwei Dihuang Wan(LWDHW) contain ingredients of Sanbufang(SBF), which have been proven to have antiasthmatic effects. In order to study the antiasthmatic effects of the three tonifying kidney-Yin formulas and their mechanisms, BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 5 groups. Chronic asthma was induced by ovalbumin. Mice in treated groups were respectively given 49.0 g•kg⁻¹ZGW, 35.0 g•kg⁻¹LWDHW and 22.4 g•kg⁻¹SBF by gavage. Those in normal and model group were given normal saline. After treatment, sneeze and nose scratching times of mice were observed. Histological lung sections were prepared to determine the basement membrane thickness(BMT), smooth muscle thickness(SMT), collagen area(CA) and numbers of goblet cells(GCN). Western blotting and RT-PCR were used to determine the expression levels of MMP-9, TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3 and Smad7. The results showed that sneeze and nose scratching times of ZGW group were significantly lower than those of SBF group. Its inhibition degree on airway remodeling was significantly higher than SBF group. Sneeze and nose scratching times of LWDHW group were significantly lower than SBF group. Its CA and GCN were significantly lower than SBF group. Regarding the four airway remodeling related factors, MMP-9, TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 of ZGW group were significantly lower than those of SBF group, and its Smad7 was significantly higher than SBF. Smad7 of LWDHW group was significantly higher than SBF. There was no significant difference in MMP-9 between model group and SBF group. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the antiasthma effect of these tonifying kidney-Yin formulas. The regulatory effects of ZGW and LWDHW on MMP-9 and Smad7 may be correlated with the differences in the inhibitory effect of airway remodeling of the three formulas., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

Purpose: In this study, we validated the precision of 3-D craniofacial reconstruction of hard tissues based on 2-D digital cephalometric radiograph, in order to increase the level of orthognathic diagnosis and treatment, and promote communication between doctors and patients., Methods: Deformation modeling based on 2-D digital radiograph and CT modeling was performed in 7 volunteers. 64 items were measured which described craniofacial hard tissue structure, intuitive overlapping and objective analysis were conducted. SPSS 17.0 software package was used for paired t test., Results: 58 measurement items were not statistically different. Deformation modeling and CT modeling of the consistency was very high., Conclusions: Deformation modeling based on 2-D digital radiograph of craniofacial hard tissues is accurate and reliable, and basic deviation was within the allowed range. This 3-D reconstruction system could be used in clinic for diagnosis and operation simulation.

To investigate the effects of Yupingfeng granule (YPF) on immune factors of the rats with allergic rhinitis (AR) induced by ovalbumin(OVA). OVA 0.3 mg, Al(OH)3 30 mg and saline 1 mL were mixed and intraperitoneally injected for the initial immunization, 4% OVA 200 μg (50 μL) was given to the nose on the 15th day for the second immunization to establish the allergic rhinitis model. Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into allergic rhinitis(AR) model group, Yupingfeng granule three dose (2.7,1.35,0.68 g•kg⁻¹) groups, control drug Biyankang (0.4 g•kg⁻¹) and normal control group. After 14 days, efforts were made to collect blood from abdominal aorta, and take nasopharynx tissues and fasten them into 10% formaldehyde for a pathological examination. The levels of HIS, IgE, IL-4 and TNF-α in serum were examined by radioimmunoassay, and nasal mucosa tissues were examined by HE staining. According to the results, the levels of HIS, IgE, IL-4 and TNF-α in serum of Yupingfeng granule groups were significantly lower than that of AR model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Nasal mucosa tissues showed slight morphological changes and inflammatory cell infiltration, with unobvious necrosis. Yupingfeng granule can improve the pathological changes of nasal mucosa tissues, and reduce the production and release of immune factors during allergic rhinitis (AR) process in vivo by OVA, which may be the important curative mechanism of allergic rhinitis., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

To expand the application scope of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology in quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical ingredients, (19)F nuclear magnetic resonance ((19)F-NMR) spectroscopy has been employed as a simple, rapid, and reproducible approach for the detection of a fluorine-containing model drug, sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate (STG). ciprofloxacin (Cipro) has been used as the internal standard (IS). Influential factors, including the relaxation delay time (d1) and pulse angle, impacting the accuracy and precision of spectral data are systematically optimized. Method validation has been carried out in terms of precision and intermediate precision, linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ), robustness, and stability. To validate the reliability and feasibility of the (19)F-NMR technology in quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical analytes, the assay result has been compared with that of (1)H-NMR. The statistical F-test and student t-test at 95% confidence level indicate that there is no significant difference between these two methods. Due to the advantages of (19)F-NMR, such as higher resolution and suitability for biological samples, it can be used as a universal technology for the quantitative analysis of other fluorine-containing pharmaceuticals and analytes.

Unlabelled: OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on uterine microcirculation in dysmenorrhea rats so as to investigate its mechanism underlying relieving primary dysmenorrheal (PD)., Methods: Female SD rats undergoing diestrus were randomly divided into saline control, model, Sanyinjiao(SP 6), Xuanzhong(GB 39) and non-acupoint groups, with 6 rats in each. PD model was established by subcutaneous injection of estradiol benzoate for 10 days and intra-peritoneal injection of oxytocin (2 U) 1 h after the last estradiol injection. EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1- 1.5 mA) was applied to the above-mentioned acupoints and non-acupoint area for 20 minutes. Numbers and diameters of the uterine microvessels (11-100 microm) and capillaries (< or =10 microm), and the state of the uterine microcirculation were observed by using a Cold Light Microcirculation Detector., Results: In comparison with the saline control group, the numbers and diameters of uterine microvessels and capillaries at the corresponding time-points 5 min, 10 min and 20 min were decreased significantly in the model group (P<0. 05,P<0. 01). While compared with the model group, the numbers and diameters of uterine microvessels and capillaries at 20 min after EA in the SP 6 group were increased significantly (P<0. 05). The diameter of uterus capillaries of SP 6 group was significantly bigger than that of the non-acupoint group at the time-point 20 min (P<0. 05). No significant differences were found among the SP 6, GB 39 and non-acupoint groups in the diameter of uterine microvessels (P>0. 05)., Conclusion: EA of SP 6 can effectively increase the number of uterine microvessels and capillaries and the diameter of the uterine microvessels and capillaries in PD rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving dysmenorrhea by improving uterine microcirculation.

Purpose: In this study, we used data from digital cephalometric radiograph to develop a 3-D craniofacial reconstruction system. The system was developed by Visual C++6.0, VTK on the platform of Windows XP, to increase the level of orthognathic diagnosis and treatment, and promote the communication between doctors and patients., Methods: A model based on CT images was established as a standard model. Then the 3-D coordinate system was constructal and 64 feature points were set up as the initial feature points. The digital radiograph of the patient was adjusted to accord coordinate system of the model and regulated the feature points of the frontal and lateral cephalograms were regulated as the target feature points. Based on a certain deformation algorithm, deformed the standard model was deformed according to the feature points established in the digital radiograph, then the model of craniofacial hard tissue in patient was achieved., Results: The 3-D model reflecting the actual surface construction of the craniofacial hard tissue was constructed. The 3-D image of the model constructed was lively and clear, which could be rotated and zoomed arbitrarily., Conclusions: Separated deformation and then fusion, the hard tissue reconstruction break through convention. Occlusal relation essentially rebuilt is carried out. This system could be used in clinic for diagnosis and operation simulation.

A 39-year-old female had been subject to headache, and intermittent seizures for 9 years and decreasing memory for one year, without obvious neurological signs. An MRI revealed a 2x2 cm contrast-enhanced lesion in the frontal lobe, with a cyst and peritumoral edema, which was not attached to the dura or falx. Preoperatively, it was diagnosed as a glioma. Total surgical removal of the lesion led to a favorable result. Post-operative histo-pathological examination showed characteristic Antoni A and B areas consistent with intraparenchymal schwannoma. Intraparenchymal schwannoma is an extremely uncommon lesion, which is seen mostly in young adults and children. The main clinical symptoms include rising-intracranial-pressure-related manifestations and associated seizure disorders. The possible developmental origins, histological, imaging features, and protocols of treatment for this entity are discussed.

Objective: To establish a new method of SNP typing., Methods: Based on the principle of allele specific PCR and capillary electrophoresis technique, 11 diallelic SNP loci were selected and two forward primers with different length were designed for each SNP, with their 3' ends matched to the two alleles, respectively. An artificially mismatched base was also introduced into the third or fourth base in the 3' end area of the two forward primers in order to enhance the specificity of amplification. A common reverse primer was designed 100-300 bp away from the forward primers, and labeled with fluorescence. The PCR products were separated and analyzed by ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer after all of the 11 SNPs were multiply amplified., Results: A single product peak was observed while the SNP was homozygous, and two product peaks with different height were observed while the SNP was heterozygous. The length of PCR products was different with the different SNPs. According to the length of the products and the number of the product peaks, the genotypes of the 11 SNPs can simultaneously be analyzed, and the results were in accordance with the direct sequencing., Conclusion: Fragment length discrepant allele specific fluorescence labeled multi-PCR (FLDASFLM-PCR) is a simple, rapid and efficient new method for SNP typing.

The protein kinase C (PKC) is known to be a critical component in the signaling cascades that lead to astrocyte-activation. To further understand the mechanism of PKC signaling in astrocyte-activation, we investigated the effect of SSeCKS, a PKC substrate, on LPS-induced cytokine expression in astrocytes by RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Exposure of the cells to LPS induced rapid translocation of SSeCKS to the perinuclear sides, ERK activation and pronounced TNF-alpha production, which can be inhibited by the PKC inhibitor Gö6983. By using siRNA knockdown of SSeCKS expression, LPS-induced signaling events were partly inhibited, including ERK activation, inducible TNF-alpha biosynthesis and secretion. These results suggest that SSeCKS is involved in the LPS-induced TNF-alpha expression in astrocytes mediated by PKC.