Distinct invasive patterns in situ between estrogen receptor-positive and triple-negative breast cancer through the intraductal tracking of carbon nanoparticles.

Given that the transition from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast cancer (BC) is crucial during the BC progression, the mechanism involved in the invasion transition behind triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) subtype has remained elusive. This article detected distinct invasion patterns of BC cells between the ER-positive and TNBC using intraductal murine models with intraductal administration of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs). First, the feasibility of the utility of CNPs as a tracer was proved. The area ratio of CNPs and tumor cells invading the stroma at the late stage was found significantly higher than that in the early stage in MNU-induced ER-positive BC. However, opposite results were obtained in the triple-negative model. Consequently, we proposed that the ER-positive phenotype cells behave differently between different stages during tumor progression while there is no such difference in the invasion process of TNBC cells. The analysis regarding the duct integrity along with immunohistochemical characteristics further explained the distinct invasion features between the ER-positive and triple-negative subtypes. Last, the relationship between the duct thickness and the duct integrity suggested that ER-positive tumors gradually increased in size within the lumen before the invasion. Overall, this study suggested the different invasion characteristics of ER-positive BC and TNBC in vivo.

Ultrasensitive multiplex SERS immunoassay based on porous Au-Ag alloy nanoparticle-amplified Raman signal probe and encoded photonic crystal beads.

An ultrasensitive multiplex surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunoassay was developed using porous Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles (p-AuAg NPs) as Raman signal amplification probe coupling with encoded photonic crystal microsphere. p-AuAg NPs were synthesized and modified with the second antibody (Ab2) and Raman tag (mercaptobenzoic acid, MBA) to prepare a Raman signal-amplified probe. The high porosity of the p-AuAg NPs enables significant coupling of the localized surface plasmon resonance and thus abundant inherent hotspots for Raman signal enhancement. 3D-ordered silver nanoparticles-coated silica photonic crystal beads (Ag/SPCBs) were prepared as encoded SERS substrate for multiplex detection using their reflection peaks. The signal-amplified probe was used for multiplex detection of tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP). The wide linear ranges of 10-7-103 ng/mL for CEA and 10-4-103 ng/mL for AFP with detection limits of 1.22 × 10-8 ng/mL and 2.47 × 10-5 ng/mL for CEA and AFP at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 were obtained. The proposed multiplex SERS immunoassay method displays ultrahigh sensitivity, wide linear range, and excellent specificity, which can be successfully applied to measure clinical serum samples with satisfactory results. The research provides a novel SERS signal enhancement strategy for the multiplex bioassay.

9-cis-Neoxanthin in Light Harvesting Complexes of Photosystem II Regulates the Binding of Violaxanthin and Xanthophyll Cycle.

The light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b complex of photosystem II (LHCII) is able to switch to multiple functions under different light conditions (i.e. harvesting solar energy for photosynthesis and dissipating excess excitation energy for photoprotection). The role of the different carotenoids bound to LHCII in regulating the structure and function of the complex is a long-lasting question in photosynthesis research. 9-cis-Neoxanthin (Nx) is one of the important carotenoids, which can only be found in the LHCIIs. High-resolution structural analysis of LHCII shows that Nx is located between different monomeric LHCIIs, with one side protruding into the lipid membrane. In this study, the various functional significances of this unique feature of Nx binding in LHCII are studied with the in vitro reconstituted LHCIIs both with and without Nx and the native complexes isolated either from wild-type Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) or from its mutant aba4-3 lacking Nx Our results reveal that the binding of Nx affects the binding affinity of violaxanthin (Vx) to LHCII significantly. In the absence of Nx, Vx has a much higher binding affinity to trimeric LHCII. The strong coordination between Nx and Vx at the interfaces of adjacent monomers of LHCII plays an important role both in operating the xanthophyll cycle and in the transient modulation of nonphotochemical quenching.

A novel truncation mutation in CRYBB1 associated with autosomal dominant congenital cataract with nystagmus.

PURPOSE: To identify the potential candidate genes for a large Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital cataract (ADCC) and nystagmus, and investigate the possible molecular mechanism underlying the role of the candidate genes in cataractogenesis. METHODS: We combined the linkage analysis and direct sequencing for the candidate genes in the linkage regions to identify the causative mutation. The molecular and bio-functional properties of the proteins encoded by the candidate genes was further explored with biophysical and biochemical studies of the recombinant wild-type and mutant proteins. RESULTS: We identified a c. C749T (p.Q227X) transversion in exon 6 of CRYBB1, a cataract-causative gene. This nonsense mutation changes a phylogenetically conserved glutamine to a stop codon and is predicted to truncate the C-terminus of the wild-type protein by 26 amino acids. Comparison of the biophysical and biochemical properties of the recombinant full-length and truncated ßB1-crystallins revealed that the mutation led to the insolubility and the phase separation phenomenon of the truncated protein with a changed conformation. Meanwhile, the thermal stability of the truncated ßB1-crystallin was significantly decreased, and the mutation diminished the chaperoning ability of αA-crystallin with the mutant under heating stress. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of the C-terminus in ßB1-crystallin in maintaining the crystalline function and stability, and provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of human autosomal dominant congenital cataract.

Resveratrol Reverses the Synaptic Plasticity Deficits in a Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is the most prevalent neurological disease in aged people. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is one of the causes of vascular dementia (VaD) and is also an etiological factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, effective therapy for those two diseases is still missing. Resveratrol is a polyphenol produced by plants that have multiple biological functions, such as increased life span and delay in the onset of diseases associated with aging. It is known supplement with resveratrol could exert neuroprotection against multiple injury factors induced neuronal death and degeneration, as well as the cognitive decline of CCH rat model. METHODS: The morris water maze was used to evaluate the learning and memory, electrophysiological recording was used to detect the synaptic plasticity, the Golgi staining was used to examine the change of dendritic spines, the western blot was used to detect the proteins levels. RESULTS: We reported that resveratrol pretreatment effectively restore the synaptic plasticity in CCH rats both functional and structural. We also found that the PKA-CREB activation may be a major player in resveratrol-mediated neuroprotection in CCH model. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide the mechanistic evidence for the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol in vascular dementia.

Downregulation of microRNA-586 Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion and Metastasis and Promotes Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma U2-OS Cell Line.

In this study, we aim to examine the association of microRNA-586 (miR-586) with osteosarcoma (OS) cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. U2-OS cell lines were divided into 4 groups: an miR-586 group, anti-miR-586 group, control group (empty plasmid) and blank group (no plasmid). qRT-PCR was used to detect miR-586 expression, cell counting kit-8 and EdU assays to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry to detect cell cycle distribution, Annexin V/PI double staining to detect cell apoptosis, and the Transwell assay to detect cell invasion and metastasis. miR-586 expression was significantly higher in the miR-586 group but significantly lower in the anti-miR-586 group compared with the control and blank groups. Cell proliferation at 2-5 days after cell transfection and the EdU-positive cell number increased obviously in the miR-586 group but decreased clearly in the anti-miR-586 group. In the miR-586 group, cells at G0/G1 stage and apoptosis cells significantly decreased, while cells at G2/M and S stages and invasive and metastatic cells significantly increased compared to the control and blank groups; however, opposite trends were found in the anti-miR-586 group. Downregulation of miR-586 expression in OS may inhibit cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, and promote cell apoptosis.

Actin polymerization does not provide direct mechanical forces for vesicle fission during clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

Actin polymerization is important for vesicle fission during clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), and it has been proposed that actin polymerization may promote vesicle fission during CME by providing direct mechanical forces. However, there is no direct evidence in support of this hypothesis. In the present study, the role of actin polymerization in vesicle fission was tested by analyzing the kinetics of the endocytic tubular membrane neck (the fission-pore) with cell-attached capacitance measurements to detect CME of single vesicles in a millisecond time resolution in mouse chromaffin cells. Inhibition in dynamin GTPase activity increased the fission-pore conductance (Gp), supporting the mechanical role of dynamin GTPase in vesicle fission. However, disruptions in actin polymerization did not alter the fission-pore conductance Gp, thus arguing against the force-generating role of actin polymerization in vesicle fission during CME. Similar to disruptions of actin polymerization, cholesterol depletion results in an increase in the fission-pore duration, indicating a role for cholesterol-dependent membrane reorganization in vesicle fission. Further experiments suggested that actin polymerization and cholesterol might function in vesicle fission during CME in the same pathway. Our results thus support a model in which actin polymerization promotes vesicle fission during CME by inducing cholesterol-dependent membrane reorganization.

Anorectic estrogen mimics leptin's effect on the rewiring of melanocortin cells and Stat3 signaling in obese animals.

Metabolic hormones, such as leptin, alter the input organization of hypothalamic circuits, resulting in increased pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) tone, followed by decreased food intake and adiposity. The gonadal steroid estradiol can also reduce appetite and adiposity, and it influences synaptic plasticity. Here we report that estradiol (E2) triggers a robust increase in the number of excitatory inputs to POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus of wild-type rats and mice. This rearrangement of synapses in the arcuate nucleus is leptin independent because it also occurred in leptin-deficient (ob/ob) and leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice, and was paralleled by decreased food intake and body weight gain as well as increased energy expenditure. However, estrogen-induced decrease in body weight was dependent on Stat3 activation in the brain. These observations support the notion that synaptic plasticity of arcuate nucleus feeding circuits is an inherent element in body weight regulation and offer alternative approaches to reducing adiposity under conditions of failed leptin receptor signaling.

Effect of complement C1q expression on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

The effect of the complement C1q expression on total hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats was investigated. Sixty healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats weighing 180-200 g were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham-operation group (S group, n=12); group of I/R for 1 h (I/R 1 h group, n=12); group of I/R for 3 h (I/R 3 h group, n=12); group of I/R for 6 h (I/R 6 h group, n=12); group of I/R for 24 h (I/R 24 h group, n=12). The hepatic I/R model of rats was established, and liver tissues were obtained 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 24 h after hepatic I/R, respectively. Furthermore, the tissues were stained using hematoxylin-eosin, and the liver injuries of rats were observed using a microscope. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver tissue were determined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of C1q mRNA and protein, respectively. As compared with the S group, the histopathological changes in I/R 1 h-24 h groups were gradually aggravated with the extension of I/R time. As compared with the S group, SOD activity and MDA content in the I/R groups were reduced and increased respectively with the extension of I/R time (P<0.01). Furthermore, the C1q expression at mRNA and protein levels in the I/R groups (especially in the I/R 3 h group) was significantly higher than that in the S group (P<0.05). It is suggested that C1q expression may play a principal role in hepatic I/R injury, particularly at the early stage of perfusion.

Ziyin Bushen Fang improves Diabetic Osteoporosis by Inhibiting Autophagy and Oxidative Stress In vitro and In vivo.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) belongs to the group of diabetes-induced secondary osteoporosis and is the main cause of bone fragility and fractures in many patients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine whether Ziyin Bushen Fang (ZYBSF) can improve DOP by inhibiting autophagy and oxidative stress. METHODS: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) was induced in rats using a high-fat high-sugar diet combined with streptozotocin. Micro-CT scanning was used to quantitatively observe changes in the bone microstructure in each group. Changes in the serum metabolites of DOP rats were analyzed using UHPLC-QTOF-MS. The DOP mouse embryonic osteoblast precursor cell model (MC3T3-E1) was induced using high glucose levels. RESULTS: After ZYBSF treatment, bone microstructure significantly improved. The bone mineral density, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness in the ZYBSF-M and ZYBSF-H groups significantly increased. After ZYBSF treatment, the femur structure of the rats was relatively intact, collagen fibers were significantly increased, and osteoporosis was significantly improved. A total of 1239 metabolites were upregulated and 1527 were downregulated in the serum of T1DM and ZYBSF-treated rats. A total of 20 metabolic pathways were identified. In cellular experiments, ZYBSF reduced ROS levels and inhibited the protein expression of LC3II / I, Beclin-1, and p-ERK. CONCLUSION: ZYBSF may improve DOP by inhibiting the ROS/ERK-induced autophagy signaling pathway.

Synaptotagmin 1 is necessary for the Ca2+ dependence of clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

The role of Ca²âº in synaptic vesicle endocytosis remains uncertain due to the diversity in various preparations where several forms of endocytosis may contribute variably in different conditions. Although recent studies have demonstrated that Ca²âº is important for clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), the mechanistic role of Ca²âº in CME remains to be elucidated. By monitoring CME of single vesicles in mouse chromaffin cells with cell-attached capacitance measurements that offer millisecond time resolution, we demonstrate that the dynamics of vesicle fission during CME is Ca²âº dependent but becomes Ca²âº independent in synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) knock-out cells. Our results thus suggest that Syt1 is necessary for the Ca²âº dependence of CME.

Repeated in vivo exposure of cocaine induces long-lasting synaptic plasticity in hypocretin/orexin-producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus in mice.

Hypocretin (orexin), a neuropeptide synthesized exclusively in the perifornical/lateral hypothalamus, is critical for drug seeking and relapse, but it is not clear how the circuitry centred on hypocretin-producing neurons (hypocretin neurons) is modified by drugs of abuse and how changes in this circuit might alter behaviours related to drug addiction. In this study, we show that repeated, but not single, in vivo cocaine administration leads to a long-lasting, experience-dependent potentiation of glutamatergic synapses on hypocretin neurons in mice following a cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP) protocol. The synaptic potentiation occurs postsynaptically and probably involves up-regulation of AMPA-type glutamate receptors on hypocretin neurons. Phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is also significantly increased in hypocretin neurons in cocaine-treated animals, suggesting that CREB-mediated pathways may contribute to synaptic potentiation in these cells. Furthermore, the potentiation of synaptic efficacy in hypocretin neurons persists during cocaine withdrawal, but reverses to baseline levels after prolonged abstinence. Finally, the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) triggered by a high-frequency stimulation is facilitated in hypocretin neurons in cocaine-treated mice, suggesting that long-lasting changes in synapses onto hypocretin neurons would probably be further potentiated by other stimuli (such as concurrent environmental cues) paired with the drug. In summary, we show here that hypocretin neurons undergo experience-dependent synaptic potentiation that is distinct from that reported in other reward systems, such as the ventral tegmental area, following exposure to cocaine. These findings support the idea that the hypocretin system is important for behavioural changes associated with cocaine administration in animals and humans.

[The impact of dietary methionine-restriction on tight junction expression and function in a rat colonitis model].

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of methionine restriction (MetR) on mucosal histopathology, permeability and tight junction composition in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model, and to explore its underlying mechanism. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal rats fed by a complete amino acid (AA group) diet, normal rats fed by MetR diet (MetR group), DSS treated rats fed by a complete amino acid (DSS+AA group) and DSS treated rats fed by MetR diet (DSS+MetR group), each group had 15 rats.Abdominal aorta blood sampling was taken at day 21 after DSS model been established to analyze blood routine examination, liver and kidney function and level of electrolyte. Morphological changes in colonic mucosa were evaluated and scored by light microscopy. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was measured. The effect of MetR on mucosal permeability of colon strips was detected by Ussing chamber. Claudin2, occludin, claudin3, ZO-1 expression were quantified by Western blot. RESULTS: The early clinical manifestation in the DSS treated rats were loose stool or diarrhea, hematochezia positive and bleeding, and weight losing. HE observation showed prominent colitis in distal colon with manifestations of crypt abscess and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Although MPO activity and WBC account between the DSS+MetR and DSS+AA group did not significantly changed, treatment with MetR diet significantly decreased the extent and severity of epithelial injury of DSS+MetR group (10.55 ± 3.62 vs 15.00 ± 4.89, P = 0.003). There were no significant difference in PCNA immunohistochemical result between the DSS+MetR group and DSS+AA group. Compared to the rats on AA diet, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in DSS+AA group was obvious lower [(28.40 ± 6.78) Ω·cm² vs (46.53 ± 4.03) Ω·cm², P < 0.05], and TEER in MetR group were obviously higher [(60.64 ± 8.40) Ω·cm² vs (46.53 ± 4.03) Ω·cm², P < 0.05]. However, short-circuit current (Isc) in DSS+MetR group was obviously higher that of DSS+AA group [(35.01 ± 2.19) µA/cm² vs (29.61 ± 1.19) µA/cm², P < 0.05]. Western blot suggested that colon claudin2 expression was not found in colon epithelium of normal rats, and an obviously increase expression of claudin3 protein was found in the MetR group, compared to AA group; and an significantly increase in the abundance of claudin3 was found in the DSS+MetR group, but amount of claudin2 was decreased, compared with the DSS+MetR group. CONCLUSION: The MetR diet has obvious therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis model rats induced by DSS, and its mechanism may not by regulating inflammatory cell infiltration and the way of promoting intestinal cell growth to alleviate inflammatory injury, but probably by changing the structure and function of tight junction protein and improve the intestinal mucosal barrier function, and promote the repair of damaged intestinal mucosa.

Bundle management strategy in reducing hospital-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized patients with mental disorders.

Introduction: The incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is high in the medical setting for mental disorders. To date, effective measurements for preventing HAP in hospitalized mental disorder patients are unavailable. Methods: This study was conducted at the Large-Scale Mental Health Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan, China) in two phases: baseline phase (January 2017-December 2019) and intervention phase (May 2020-April 2022). In the intervention phase, the HAP bundle management strategy was implemented in the Mental Health Center, and the data on HAP were collected continuously for analysis. Results: A total of 18,795 and 9,618 patients were included in the baseline and intervention phases, respectively. The age, gender, ward admitted to, type of mental disorder, and Charlson comorbidity index did not differ significantly. After intervention, the rate of HAP occurrence decreased from 0.95 to 0.52% (P < 0.001). Specifically, the HAP rate decreased from 1.70 to 0.95% (P = 0.007) in the closed ward and from 0.63 to 0.35% (P = 0.009) in the open ward. The HAP rate in the subgroups was higher in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (1.66 vs. 0.74%) and organic mental disorders (4.92 vs. 1.41%), and in those ≥65 years old (2.82 vs. 1.11%) but decreased significantly after intervention (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: The implementation of the HAP bundle management strategy reduced the occurrence of HAP in hospitalized patients with mental disorders.

Nanoparticle-Based Photothermal Therapy for Breast Cancer Noninvasive Treatment.

Rapid advancements in materials science and nanotechnology, intertwined with oncology, have positioned photothermal therapy (PTT) as a promising noninvasive treatment strategy for cancer. The breast's superficial anatomical location and aesthetic significance render breast cancer a particularly pertinent candidate for the clinical application of PTT following melanoma. This review comprehensively explores the research conducted on the various types of nanoparticles employed in PTT for breast cancer and elaborates on their specific roles and mechanisms of action. The integration of PTT with existing clinical therapies for breast cancer is scrutinized, underscoring its potential for synergistic outcomes. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying PTT and consequential modifications to the tumor microenvironment after treatment are elaborated from a medical perspective. Future research directions are suggested, with an emphasis on the development of integrative platforms that combine multiple therapeutic approaches and the optimization of nanoparticle synthesis for enhanced treatment efficacy. The goal is to push the boundaries of PTT toward a comprehensive, clinically applicable treatment for breast cancer.

Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang extract protects against chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischemia via hypoxia-inducible-factor-1α-regulated vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in mice.

Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang (HJDT) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula which is widely used clinically. In this study, we investigated the effects of an aqueous (HJDTaq) and an ethanolic (HJDTet) extract of HJDT on chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischemia in mice. The ischemia was induced by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 30 min. HJDTaq (4 g/kg) and HJDTet (200, 400, 800 mg/kg) were orally administered for 21 d from day 7 before ischemia to day 14 after ischemia. The survival rate decreased to less than 50% at 35 d after ischemia. HJDTet at 400 mg/kg increased the survival rate. HJDTaq (4 g/kg) and HJDTet (400, 800 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the neurological dysfunction, brain atrophy and infarct volume after ischemia. There were few cells positive for CD31, hypoxia-inducible-factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Flk-1 in the sham control. After ischemia, the number increased. HJDTaq (4 g/kg) and HJDTet (400 or 800 mg/kg) further increased the numbers of CD31, HIF-1α, VEGF and Flk-1-positive cells in the ischemic hemisphere. We conclude that HJDTaq and HJDTet have neuroprotective effects on chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischemia and lead to accelerated angiogenesis by HIF-1α-regulated VEGF signaling.

[Establishment and evaluation of a Chinese rhesus model of tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To establish and evaluate the Chinese rhesus model of tuberculosis. METHODS: Twelve Chinese rhesus macaques, randomly divided into 3 groups, were inoculated with 2 different doses of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37) Rv strain via both bronchoscopic and intratracheal instillation into the lungs. Clinical observation and laboratory examinations were performed, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, tuberculin skin test and X-ray examination. Histopathological assessments were performed in the 24th week postinfection. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA in the 3 groups. RESULTS: After infection all the animals manifested fever, weight lose, lack of appetite, coughing and other symptoms of tuberculosis. The temperature gradually increased and reached a peak [(40.1 ± 0.2)°C] at the 8th week postinfection. The weight decreased significantly at 24th week postinfection (-5.5 ± 5.6)%. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate elevated significantly at the 6th to 8th week postinfection (36 ± 40) mm/1 h. C-reactive protein was significantly increased at the 6th to 24th week after infection (75.8 ± 49.8) mg/L. The positive rate of tuberculin skin test was 100%. In Group I (bronchoscopic instillation, 20 CFU) the disease developed slowly, and the main manifestation of chest X-ray was patchy shadows. In group II (bronchoscopic instillation, 100 CFU) and group III (intratracheal instillation, 100 CFU) the disease developed rapidly, and the main manifestation of chest X-ray was patchy and nodular lesions during the 4th to the 12th week postinfection, but became large patchy and consolidation lesions during the 12th to the 24th week postinfection. Tuberculosis granuloma and caseous necrosis, similar to the pathological changes of human tuberculosis, were found in the lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes, kidney and spleen. The results of acid-fast stain were positive. The most serious pathological manifestations were observed in group II, followed by group III and group I. The highest bacterial load of the right lung was seen in group II, followed by group I and group III. CONCLUSIONS: A chinese rhesus model of tuberculosis was successfully developed via both bronchoscopic and intratracheal instillation. Their clinical manifestations, disease progression and pathological changes were similar to human primary tuberculosis and hematogenous disseminated tuberculosis.

[Changes in tight junction protein expression and permeability of colon mucosa in rats with dextran sulfate sodium-induced inflammatory bowel disease].

OBJECTIVE: To develop an experimental rat model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and to observe changes in the tight junction protein expression and permeability of colon mucosa. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control (n=27) and IBD model groups (n=27). In the IBD model group, IBD was induced by 6-day administration of 3% DSS in water followed by 14-day administration of water only. The control group was fed with water only. Pathological changes in colon mucosae were observed on days 7, 14 and 21 after DSS administration. Colon tissue specimens were collected on day 21 for measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The transepithelial electric resistance (TEER), transepithelial potential difference (TEPD) and short circuit current (Isc) of the specimens were measured by Ussing chamber. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression of tight junction proteins in colon epithelia. RESULTS: In the IBD model group, diarrhea, hemafecia and weight loss were seen. Inflammation occurred mainly in the distal colon and was characterized by crypt abscess and inflammatory cell infiltration. The IBD model group showed significantly increased MPO activity (P<0.01), significantly decreased TEER (P<0.01) and TEPD (P<0.01), and significantly increased Isc (P<0.01) compared with the control group. No claudin 2 expression of mRNA and protein was detected in the control group, and they were expressed in the IBD model group. The expression levels of claudin 3, occludin and ZO-1 in the IBD model group were significantly decreased compared with in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: IBD rats show colonic barrier dysfunction and changes in the expression of tight junction proteins. The changes in the expression of tight junction proteins may contribute to colonic barrier dysfunction in cases of IBD in the chronic recovery stage.

Electrochemically activated peroxymonosulfate for the abatement of chloramphenicol in water: performance and mechanism.

In this study, electrochemically activated peroxymonosulfate (EC/PMS) with a sacrificial iron electrode was used for the removal of chloramphenicol (CAP) from water. Compared to electrolysis alone, peroxymonosulfate (PMS) alone, and Fe2+/PMS, EC/PMS significantly enhanced the CAP degradation. Various parameters, such as the applied current, electrolyte concentration, and PMS dose, were investigated to optimize the process. In addition, acidic conditions facilitated the CAP degradation. The presence of Cl- slightly enhanced the CAP degradation, while both HCO3- and NO3- exhibited an inhibitory effect on the CAP degradation. The floccules were also analyzed after the reaction by XPS and XRD. Quenching experiments indicated that both sulfate radicals (SO4●-) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) were responsible for the CAP degradation. In addition, the degradation products were identified by LC/TOF/MS, and the degradation pathways were proposed accordingly. These results indicated that EC/PMS is a promising treatment process for the remediation of water polluted by CAP.

Comparative study of degradation of ketoprofen and paracetamol by ultrasonic irradiation: Mechanism, toxicity and DBP formation.

The present study comparatively investigated the ultrasonic degradation of ketoprofen (KET) and paracetamol (PCT) in water. Ultrasonic irradiation at 555 kHz achieved rapid degradation of KET and PCT in water, the removal efficiencies of KET (2.5-80 µM) and PCT (2.5-80 µM) reached 87.7%-100% and 50.6%-86.9%, respectively, after 10 min of reaction under an ultrasonic power of 60 W. The degradation behaviors of both KET and PCT followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. KET was eliminated faster than PCT because of its higher hydrophobicity. Acidic media favored ultrasonic degradation of KET and PCT. Organic compounds in water matrices exerted a great negative effect on the ultrasonic degradation rates of KET and PCT major by competing with target compounds with the generated radicals at the bubble/water interfacial region. The effects of anions were species dependent. The introduction of ClO4- and Cl- enhanced KET and PCT degradation to different extents, while the introduction of HCO3- posed a negative effect on both KET and PCT. KET and PCT degradation are accompanied by the generation of several transform intermediates, as identified via LC/MS/MS analysis, and corresponding reaction pathways have been proposed. A human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) toxicity evaluation indicated that ultrasonic treatment was capable of controlling the toxicity of KET or PCT degradation. Of note, the enhanced formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), i.e., trichloromethane (TCM) and trichloronitromethane (TCNM), was found due to chlorination after ultrasonic treatment for both KET and PCT.