Superconductivity at 250 K in lanthanum hydride under high pressures.

With the discovery1 of superconductivity at 203 kelvin in H3S, attention returned to conventional superconductors with properties that can be described by the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer and the Migdal-Eliashberg theories. Although these theories predict the possibility of room-temperature superconductivity in metals that have certain favourable properties-such as lattice vibrations at high frequencies-they are not sufficient to guide the design or predict the properties of new superconducting materials. First-principles calculations based on density functional theory have enabled such predictions, and have suggested a new family of superconducting hydrides that possess a clathrate-like structure in which the host atom (calcium, yttrium, lanthanum) is at the centre of a cage formed by hydrogen atoms2-4. For LaH10 and YH10, the onset of superconductivity is predicted to occur at critical temperatures between 240 and 320 kelvin at megabar pressures3-6. Here we report superconductivity with a critical temperature of around 250 kelvin within the [Formula: see text] structure of LaH10 at a pressure of about 170 gigapascals. This is, to our knowledge, the highest critical temperature that has been confirmed so far in a superconducting material. Superconductivity was evidenced by the observation of zero resistance, an isotope effect, and a decrease in critical temperature under an external magnetic field, which suggested an upper critical magnetic field of about 136 tesla at zero temperature. The increase of around 50 kelvin compared with the previous highest critical temperature1 is an encouraging step towards the goal of achieving room-temperature superconductivity in the near future.

Tunneling Spectroscopy at Megabar Pressures: Determination of the Superconducting Gap in Sulfur.

The recent discovery of high-temperature, high-pressure superconductors, such as hydrides and nickelates, has opened exciting avenues in studying high-temperature superconductivity. The primary superconducting properties of these materials are well characterized by measuring various electrical and magnetic properties, despite the challenges posed by the high-pressure environment. Experimental microscopic insight into the pairing mechanism of these superconductors is even more challenging, due to the lack of direct probes of the superconducting gap structures at high pressure conditions. Here, we have developed a planar tunnel junction technique for diamond anvil cells and present ground-breaking tunneling spectroscopy measurements at megabar pressures. We determined the superconducting gap of elemental sulfur at 160 GPa, a key constituent of the high-temperature superconductor H_{3}S. High quality tunneling spectra indicate that ß-Po phase sulfur is a type II superconductor with a single s-wave gap with a gap value 2Δ(0)=5.6 meV. This technique is compatible with superconducting compounds synthesized in diamond anvil cells and provides insight into the pairing mechanism in novel superconductors under high-pressure conditions.

Potential utility of telomere length assessment in breast cancer in a diagnostic histopathology setting.

INTRODUCTION: Telomeres shorten with cell cycling but are restored above mortality threshold in many cancers making them potentially exploitable for differentiating malignant from benign tissues, and for cancer evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed telomeres in a diagnostic histopathology setting using quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridisation on 33 fibroadenoma (FA) and 73 invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST) (prototypes of benign and malignant breast tumours, respectively) with paired benign, non-lesional breast tissues (BNL). Telomere lengths were expressed as telomere/chromosome-2-centromere ratio (TCR). The telomere length cut-off for malignancy was also determined. RESULTS: Mean TCR of IBC-NST was significantly shorter than FA and BNL (p<0.001). Mean TCR of FA was shorter than BNL but not significantly (p>0.05). TCR cut-off for IBC-NST based on FA was ≤0.29 (sensitivity=75.3%; specificity=78.8%), and ≤0.30 based on BNL (sensitivity=76.7%; specificity=89.0%). TCR of IBC-NST did not differ in relation to histological grade, nodal and hormonal status (p>0.05) but was significantly shorter in HER2-overexpressing cancers (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated a first-step to the development of methodologybased cut-off values of mean telomere length for distinguishing benign from malignant breast tissues. Telomere length may not value-add to the standard prognostic and predictive parameters, but has potential in relation to HER2.

Blends of palm kernel oil, soybean oil and palm stearin as an alternative to milk fat for frozen dessert application.

In this study, the ternary blends of palm kernel oil (PKO), soybean oil (SBO) and two types of palm stearin (PS) (PS33 and PS38) were systematically prepared and evaluated for their application as an alternative to milk fat in frozen dessert. The physicochemical characteristics namely fatty acids constituent, triacylglycerols (TAGs) composition, melting behavior, solid fat content (SFC) and microstructure were studied. All ternary blends of PKO/SBO/PS33 and PKO/SBO/PS38 had comparable microstructure to that of milk fat. However, 80/15/5 (PKO/SBO/PS33) and 80/15/5 to 80/5/15 (PKO/SBO/PS38) mixtures were found to have similar SFC as milk fat at temperature above 20 °C, allowing these ternary blends to be completely melted at body temperature. With this, 80/15/5 (PKO/SBO/PS33) and 80/15/5 to 80/5/15 (PKO/SBO/PS38) mixtures were able to provide similar meltdown and mouth feel as milk fat at room temperature. Nonetheless, fatty acids constituent, TAGs composition and melting behavior of the blends were different from milk fat. This study showed that ternary blends of PKO, SBO and PS at ratios 80/15/5 (PKO/SBO/PS33) and 80/15/5 to 80/5/15 (PKO/SBO/PS38) can be potentially used as a milk fat alternative for frozen dessert application based on its similar microstructure and SFC profile as the milk fat. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05507-z.

FISHing for 1p19q codel in oligodendroglioma.

Together with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation, co-deletion of 1p19q (1p19q codel) is a prerequisite for diagnosis of oligodendroglioma, making it imperative that histopathology laboratories introduce testing for 1p19q codel. To date there is still no consensus reference range and cut-offs that confirm deletion of 1p or 19q. We embarked on determining our reference range in 11 formalinfixed, paraffin-embedded non-neoplastic brain tissue using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with the Vysis 1p36/1q25 and 19q13/19p13 FISH Probe Kit (Abbott Molecular Inc., USA). At same time we attempted to validate our methodology in 13 histologically-confirmed IDH-mutant oligodendrogliomas. For 1p, percentage cells with deletion (range=8-23%; mean±SD = 15.73±5.50%) and target: control (1p36:1q25) ratio (range = 0.89-0.96; mean±SD = 0.92±0.03) in non-neoplastic brain, differed significantly (p<0.000) from oligodendroglioma (percentage cells with deletion: range = 49-100%; mean±SD = 82.46±15.21%; target:control ratio range:0.50-0.76; mean±SD = 0.59±0.08). For 19q, percentage cells with deletion (range = 7-20%; mean±SD = 12.00±3.49%) and target:control (19q13/19p13) ratio (range:0.90-0.97; mean±SD = 0.94±0.02) in non-neoplastic brain also differed significantly from oligodendroglioma (percentage cells with deletion: range = 45-100%; mean±SD = 82.62±18.13%; target:control ratio range:0.50-0.78; mean±SD = 0.59±0.09). Using recommended calculation method, for diagnosis of 1p deletion, percentage of cells showing deletion should be >32-33% and/or target:control ratio <0.83. For 19q, percentage of cells showing deletion should be >22% and target:control ratio <0.88. Using these cut-offs all 13 oligodendroglioma demonstrated 1p19q codel.

Preventing Soil Inoculum of Calonectria pseudonaviculata from Splashing onto Healthy Boxwood Foliage by Mulching.

Boxwood blight, caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata, is an emerging disease of great concern to horticulturists in the United States and other affected countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of mulching as a physical barrier to prevent soil inoculum from splashing onto healthy boxwood foliage. A field trial consisting of two treatments, mulched and nonmulched, was conducted under field conditions in Lowgap, North Carolina, and in a residential landscape setting near Richmond, Virginia, for 2 years at each site. Mulching efficacy was assessed by monitoring and comparing boxwood blight development on detector plants: containerized 'Justin Brouwers' boxwood, which were rotated through mulched and nonmulched plots at 1- and 2-week intervals in the Lowgap and Richmond sites, respectively. Boxwood blight was observed on detector plants in a combined 55 of the 88 monitoring periods during this study at the two sites. Mulching provided complete protection of Justin Brouwers boxwood from infection by C. pseudonaviculata soil inoculum during 33 of the 55 positive monitoring periods (60%) and good to excellent protection during 13 monitoring periods (24%). The potential applications of mulching for boxwood blight mitigation are discussed.

Reliability of quadriceps surface electromyography measurements is improved by two vs. single site recordings.

PURPOSE: The reliability of surface electromyography (sEMG) is typically modest even with rigorous methods, and therefore further improvements in sEMG reliability are desirable. This study compared the between-session reliability (both within participant absolute reliability and between-participant relative reliability) of sEMG amplitude from single vs. average of two distinct recording sites, for individual muscle (IM) and whole quadriceps (WQ) measures during voluntary and evoked contractions. METHODS: Healthy males (n = 20) performed unilateral isometric knee extension contractions: voluntary maximum and submaximum (60%), as well as evoked twitch contractions on two separate days. sEMG was recorded from two distinct sites on each superficial quadriceps muscle. RESULTS: Averaging two recording sites vs. using single site measures improved reliability for IM and WQ measurements during voluntary (16-26% reduction in within-participant coefficient of variation, CVW) and evoked contractions (40-56% reduction in CVW). CONCLUSIONS: For sEMG measurements from large muscles, averaging the recording of two distinct sites is recommended as it improves within-participant reliability. This improved sensitivity has application to clinical and research measurement of sEMG amplitude.

Anomalous perovskite PbRuO3 stabilized under high pressure.

Perovskite oxides ABO3 are important materials used as components in electronic devices. The highly compact crystal structure consists of a framework of corner-shared BO6 octahedra enclosing the A-site cations. Because of these structural features, forming a strong bond between A and B cations is highly unlikely and has not been reported in the literature. Here we report a pressure-induced first-order transition in PbRuO3 from a common orthorhombic phase (Pbnm) to an orthorhombic phase (Pbn21) at 32 GPa by using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. This transition has been further verified with resistivity measurements and Raman spectra under high pressure. In contrast to most well-studied perovskites under high pressure, the Pbn21 phase of PbRuO3 stabilized at high pressure is a polar perovskite. More interestingly, the Pbn21 phase has the most distorted octahedra and a shortest Pb-Ru bond length relative to the average Pb-Ru bond length that has ever been reported in a perovskite structure. We have also simulated the behavior of the PbRuO3 perovskite under high pressure by first principles calculations. The calculated critical pressure for the phase transition and evolution of lattice parameters under pressure match the experimental results quantitatively. Our calculations also reveal that the hybridization between a Ru:t2g orbital and an sp hybrid on Pb increases dramatically in the Pbnm phase under pressure. This pressure-induced change destabilizes the Pbnm phase to give a phase transition to the Pbn21 phase where electrons in the overlapping orbitals form bonding and antibonding states along the shortest Ru-Pb direction at P > Pc.

Decitabine as a conditioning regimen in haploidentical stem cell transplantation for refractory acute myeloid leukaemia.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Chemotherapy can increase treatment-related mortality associated with future haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). There is usually insufficient time to find a suitable unrelated donor for these patients. We report on the use of decitabine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor as a conditioning regimen for a patient undergoing HSCT. CASE SUMMARY: Our patient was a 21-year-old male diagnosed with AML-M1 with 84·5% blast cells and a normal karyotype. His risk stratum was intermediate, without specific mutations of FLT3/ITD, NPM1, CEBPA and C-kit. He underwent successful haploidentical HSCT using decitabine, a conditioning regimen. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: We present the first report of a patient with refractory AML (with 58% blast cells) treated successfully with decitabine as a conditioning regimen in haploidentical HSCT.

Universal diamond edge Raman scale to 0.5 terapascal and implications for the metallization of hydrogen.

The recent progress in generating static pressures up to terapascal values opens opportunities for studying novel materials with unusual properties, such as metallization of hydrogen and high-temperature superconductivity. However, an evaluation of pressure above ~0.3 terapascal is a challenge. We report a universal high-pressure scale up to ~0.5 terapascal, which is based on the shift of the Raman edge of stressed diamond anvils correlated with the equation of state of Au and does not require an additional pressure sensor. According to the new scale, the pressure values are substantially lower by 20% at ~0.5 terapascal compared to the extrapolation of the existing scales. We compare the available data of H2 at the highest static pressures. We show that the onset of the proposed metallization of molecular hydrogen reported by different groups is consistent when corrected with the new scale and can be compared with various theoretical predictions.

Pressure tuning of the spin-orbit coupled ground state in Sr2IrO4.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of the magnetic-insulating ground state of Sr2IrO4 at ambient pressure show a clear deviation from a strong spin-orbit (SO) limit J(eff)=1/2 state, a result of local exchange interactions and a nonzero tetragonal crystal field mixing SO split J(eff)=1/2, 3/2 states. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements in a diamond anvil cell show a magnetic transition at a pressure of ∼17 GPa, where the "weak" ferromagnetic moment is quenched despite transport measurements showing insulating behavior to at least 40 GPa. The magnetic transition has implications for the origin of the insulating gap and the nature of exchange interactions in this SO coupled system. The expectation value of the angular part of the SO interaction, , extrapolates to zero at ∼80-90 GPa where an increased bandwidth strongly mixes J(eff)=1/2, 3/2 states and SO interactions no longer dominate the electronic ground state of Sr2IrO4.

Pressure effect on the structural transition and suppression of the high-spin state in the triple-layer T'-La4Ni3O8.

We report a comprehensive high-pressure study on the triple-layer T'-La4Ni3O8 with a suite of experimental probes, including structure determination, magnetic, and transport properties up to 50 GPa. Consistent with a recent ab inito calculation, application of hydrostatic pressure suppresses an insulator-metal spin-state transition at P(c)≈6 GPa. However, a low-spin metallic phase does not emerge after the high-spin state is suppressed to the lowest temperature. For P>20 GPa, the ambient T' structure transforms gradually to a T(†)-type structure, which involves a structural reconstruction from fluorite La-O2-La blocks under low pressures to rock-salt LaO-LaO blocks under high pressures. Absence of the metallic phase under pressure has been discussed in terms of local displacements of O2- ions in the fluorite block under pressure before a global T(†) phase is established.

A γ-aminobutyrate type A receptor-associated protein involved in the immune response of Eriocheir sinensis.

The γ-aminobutyrate type A receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) is a ubiquitin-like modifier, which is implicated in membrane trafficking and fusion events of γ-aminobutyrate type A receptor, autophagy and apoptosis. In the present study, the gene encoding GABARAP (designated EsGABARAP) was cloned from Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends approach and expression sequence tag (EST) analysis. The full-length cDNA of EsGABARAP was of 457 bp, containing a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 77 bp, a 3' UTR of 32 bp with a poly(A) tail and an open reading frame (ORF) of 348 bp encoding a polypeptide of 116 amino acids with the predicted molecular weight of 13.81 kDa and theoretical isoelectric point of 8.73. The deduced amino acid sequence of EsGABARAP shared higher similarity (91.8-97.4%) with those of other GABARAPs, and it contained a conserved MAP1_LC3 domain. In the phylogenetic tree, EsGABARAP was firstly clustered with GABARAPs from other animals and then gathered together with the same family proteins of GABARAP. The mRNA expression level of EsGABARAP in six tissues and its temporal expression level in haemocytes of crabs challenged with Listonella anguillarum were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The mRNA transcripts of EsGABARAP could be detected ubiquitously in the examined tissues, including haemocytes, hepatopancreas, muscle, gill, heart and gonad, with the highest expression level in hepatopancreas. The expression level of EsGABARAP mRNA in haemocytes was up-regulated after L. anguillarum challenge and reached 6.58-fold of that in blank group at 24 h (P < 0.05) and 7.52-fold at 48 h (P < 0.05). The increasing transcripts in haemocytes after L. anguillarum challenge gave the preliminary evidence for the involvement of EsGABARAP as a part of immune response against bacteria challenge in crabs.

Phytophthora hedraiandra Detected from Irrigation Water at a Perennial Ornamental Plant Nursery in Virginia.

Water survey for Phytophthora spp. by baiting with rhododendron leaves in April 2006 at a perennial ornamental plant nursery in Virginia detected five isolates showing a unique, previously unknown single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) fingerprint (1). These cultures were isolated from two reservoirs at different depths of water column from surface to 2 m. They were homothallic and produced smooth-surfaced spherical oogonia with an average diameter of 27 µm on 10% V8 agar. Oospores were aplerotic. The paragynous antheridia were averaging 12 µm in diameter. Sporangia were papillate, spherical to ovoid, averaging 39 by 28 µm (length by width). They were caducous with short (<4 µm) pedicels. Chlamydospores and hyphal swellings were not observed. Two isolates were sequenced for rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 and 2 regions and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (Cox 1) gene. ITS sequences of both isolates (GenBank Accession Nos. JN376065 and JN376066) were identical to that of Phytophthora hedraiandra type culture (GenBank Accession No. AY707987). Also, the Cox 1 sequence of an isolate (Accession No. JN376067) had 99% homology with that of the type culture (GenBank Accession No. AY69115). Pathogenicity of both isolates was tested on Rhododendron catawbiense and Viburnum tinus, two known hosts of P. hedraiandra (2). For each isolate and host, five leaves and stems on potted plants were wounded by needles and then inoculated by placing over each wound a 5-mm2 mycelial plug from a 7-day-old culture and securing with Parafilm. V8 agar was used instead of mycelial plugs on control plants. After inoculation, each plant was enclosed in a plastic bag for 1 day and then incubated at 22°C with a 12-h photoperiod. Distilled water was sprayed daily for 5 days postinoculation (dpi) until disease symptoms were observed. At 15 dpi, 3 of the 10 inoculated rhododendron leaves and 6 of the 10 stems showed leaf lesions, wilting, dieback, and cankers, eventually leading to rhododendron death. Two of the 10 viburnum leaves and 4 of the 10 stems showed similar symptoms. Leaf lesions were approximately 3 to 5 cm in diameter. P. hedraiandra was recovered from diseased tissues and all resulting cultures showed an identical SSCP fingerprint to tested isolates as well as a P. hedraiandra isolate from Minnesota (3). No symptom developed on control plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. hedraiandra in Virginia. Considering neither host plant has been grown or bought for resale by this nursery, this study indicates that P. hedraiandra may have a wider host range than is currently known. This possibility and the importance of water dispersal for P. hedraiandra in disease epidemiology warrant further investigation. References: (1) P. Kong et al. Fungal Genet. Biol. 39:238, 2003. (2) W. A. Man in't Veld et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 117:25, 2007. (3) B. W. Schwingle et al. Plant Dis. 90:109, 2006.

Influence of combat boot types on in-shoe forces and perceived comfort during unloaded and loaded walking.

INTRODUCTION: Combat boots are essential protective gear for military personnel. The purposes of the present study were to examine (1) the influence of combat boot type on ground reaction force (GRF) variables and perceived comfort during unloaded and loaded walking and (2) the relationship between comfort and biomechanical measurements. METHODS: Four types of combat boots with different physical features (eg, mass, thickness) and mechanical properties (eg, cushioning, rigidity) were compared across 61 male participants with experience in military marching while carrying heavy loads. In each boot type, participants completed a 10-m walk under an unloaded and a 20-kg loaded conditions at their preferred speeds. Peak force and loading rate during walking were measured using the loadsol wireless in-shoe sensor system. Comfort level was assessed using a 7-point Likert scale. Difference between loaded and unloaded walking, and across boot types were statistically compared. Correlation analyses were performed between comfort and GRF variables. RESULTS: On average across all boot types, participants walked 2.1% slower when carrying 20-kg loads while experiencing 24.3% higher peak force and 20.8% higher loading rate. Boot D was perceived as most comfortable, followed by boots C, B and A (χ2(2)=115.4, p<0.001). Participants walked slightly faster (p=0.022, ηp 2 = 0.052) and displayed higher loading rates (p<0.001, ηp 2=0.194) in the two more comfortable boots (C and D) than the less comfortable boots (A and B). No significant correlations were found between perceived comfort and any GRF variables. CONCLUSIONS: Combat boot features can influence perceived comfort ratings substantially during walking, whereas biomechanical differences among boot types are more subtle regardless of load conditions. The lack of relationship between comfort and force variables suggests that both subjective and objective measurements should be considered for comprehensive evaluation of combat boots.

Structural defects of monolayer wet particles during melting under vertical vibration.

The evolution of structural defects during phase transition is of great significance to the understanding of the mechanism of solid-liquid transition. However, the current research on topological defects still uses the pair-correlation function and the orientational order correlation function, so it is difficult to quantify the detailed changes of structural defects locally. In this paper, the local volume fraction is proposed as a key parameter to accurately quantify the variation of structural defects. The experimental results indicate that the evolution of structural defects in the particle system is caused by the decrease of local volume fraction, so the critical value of phase transition could be determined by the minimum local volume fraction ϕ_{min}. Furthermore, according to the evolution law of structural defects, it can be deduced that the phase transition is continuous, which is consistent with the Kosterlitz-Thouless-Halperin-Nelson-Young theory. Therefore, the quantitative analysis of structural defects by using local volume fraction can help make the mechanism of solid-liquid phase transformation clearer.

Regression model for predicting knee flexion angles using ankle plantar flexion angles, body mass index and generalised joint laxity.

Increased knee flexion angles are associated with reduced non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risks. Ankle plantar flexion angles and internal risk factors could influence knee flexion angles, but their correlations are unknown. This study aimed to establish and validate a regression model to predict knee flexion angles using ankle plantar flexion angles, body mass index (BMI) and generalised joint laxity (GJL) at initial contact of single-leg drop landings. Thirty-two participants performed single-leg drop landings from a 30-cm-high platform. Kinematics and vertical ground reaction forces were measured using a motion capture system and force plate. A multiple regression was performed, and it was validated using a separate data set. The prediction model explained 38% (adjusted R2) of the change in knee flexion angles at initial contact (p = 0.001, large effect size). However, only the ankle plantar flexion angle (p < 0.001) was found to be a significant predictor of knee flexion angles. External validation further showed that the model explained 26% of knee flexion angles (large effect size). The inverse relationship between ankle plantar flexion and knee flexion angles suggests that foot landing strategies could be used to increase knee flexion angles, thereby reducing non-contact ACL injury risks.

HIF-1α repairs degenerative chondrocyte glycolytic metabolism by the transcriptional regulation of Runx2.

OBJECTIVE: HIF-1α and Runx2 expression usually increase in chondrocytes (CHs) during osteoarthritis (OA), which involves the changes in glycolytic metabolism. However, the molecular regulation of HIF-1α related to the CHs glycolytic metabolism is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to reveal the mediation of HIF-1α by Runx2 and its effect on the glycolytic metabolism of degenerative CHs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of HIF-1α, Runx2, and the degenerative markers of CHs in both natural conditions from the OA patients and IL-1ß treated in vitro model was analyzed by a Western blot or real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The glycolytic metabolism was determined by the intracellular glucose uptake and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation. Transfection of siRNA coding HIF-1α or Runx2 was used to clear the function between HIF-1α and Runx2 in the glycolytic metabolism of degenerated CHs caused by IL-1ß. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and Luciferase reporter gene assay were used to verify the Runx2 protein binds to the promoter of HIF-1α and promote its expression. RESULTS: HIF-1α and Runx2 were increased, and glucose uptake and ATP generation were decreased in the degenerative CHs from both OA and IL-1ß conditions. Under the stimulation of IL-1ß, Runx2 silencing rejected the upregulation of HIF-1α and further aggravated the glycolytic metabolism. When HIF-1α was silenced, the glycolytic metabolism of CHs was also suppressed. Besides, Runx2 protein could regulate HIF-1α expression in the transcriptional level by binding to its promoter. CONCLUSIONS: OHIF-1α plays a role in the self-repair of the glycolytic metabolism of degenerative CHs via the transcriptional regulation of Runx2.

Evidence for a DC-specific inhibitory mechanism that depends on MyD88 and SIGIRR.

Dendritic cells (DC) are an essential link between the innate and adaptive immune response. To become effective antigen-presenting cells DC need to undergo maturation, during which they up-regulate co-stimulatory molecules and produce cytokines. There is great interest in utilizing DC in vaccination regimes. Over recent years, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling has been recognized to be one of the major inducers of DC maturation. This study describes a mutant version of the TLR adaptor molecule MyD88 (termed MyD88lpr) as a novel adjuvant for vaccination regimes. MyD88lpr specifically activates DC by disrupting a DC intrinsic inhibitory mechanism, which is dependent on single immunoglobulin IL-1R-related. Moreover, MyD88lpr was able to induce an IgG2a-dominated response to a co-expressed antigen, suggesting Th1 immunity. However, when used as a vaccine adjuvant for Influenza nucleoprotein there was no significant difference in the lung viral titres during the infection. This study describes MyD88lpr as a potential adjuvant for vaccinations, which would be able to target DC specifically.