Repetition rate tuning and locking of solitons in a microrod resonator.

Recently, there has been significant interest in the generation of coherent temporal solitons in optical microresonators. In this Letter, we present a demonstration of dissipative Kerr soliton generation in a microrod resonator using an auxiliary-laser-assisted thermal response control method. In addition, we are able to control the repetition rate of the soliton over a range of 200 kHz while maintaining the pump laser frequency, by applying external stress tuning. Through the precise control of the PZT voltage, we achieve a stability level of 3.9 × 10-10 for residual fluctuation of the repetition rate when averaged 1 s. Our platform offers precise tuning and locking capabilities for the repetition frequency of coherent mode-locked combs in microresonators. This advancement holds great potential for applications in spectroscopy and precision measurements.

Potential role of TRIM3 as a novel tumour suppressor in colorectal cancer (CRC) development.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Recent cancer genome-sequencing efforts and complementary functional studies have led to the identification of a collection of candidate 'driver' genes involved in CRC tumorigenesis. Tripartite motif (TRIM3) is recently identified as a tumour suppressor in glioblastoma but this tumour-suppressive function has not been investigated in CRC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, we investigated the potential role of TRIM3 as a tumour suppressor in CRC development by manipulating the expression of TRIM3 in two authentic CRC cell lines, HCT116 and DLD1, followed by various functional assays, including cell proliferation, colony formation, scratch wound healing, soft agar, and invasion assays. Xenograft experiment was performed to examine in vivo tumour-suppressive properties of TRIM3. RESULTS: Small-interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated knockdown of TRIM3 conferred growth advantage in CRC cells. In contrast, overexpression of TRIM3 affected cell survival, cell migration, anchorage independent growth and invasive potential in CRC cells. In addition, TRIM3 was found to be down-regulated in human colon cancer tissues compared with matched normal colon tissues. Overexpression of TRIM3 significantly inhibited tumour growth in vivo using xenograft mouse models. Mechanistic investigation revealed that TRIM3 can regulate p53 protein level through its stabilisation. CONCLUSIONS: TRIM3 functions as a tumour suppressor in CRC progression. This tumour-suppressive function is exerted partially through regulation of p53 protein. Therefore, this protein may represent a novel therapeutic target for prevention or intervention of CRC.

IL-37b gene transfer enhances the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchumal stromal cells in DSS-induced colitis mice.

AIM: To investigate whether the transfer of the IL-37b gene, a newly identified inhibitor of both innate and adaptive immunity, could improve the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchumal stromal cells (MSCs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: The expression of IL-37 in biopsied specimens of the patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) was detected using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Mice were treated with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 8 days to induce colitis. Before DSS treatment, the mice were injected with MSCs, MSC-eGFP or MSC-IL37b. Their body weight was measured each day, and the colons and spleens were harvested on d 10 for pathological and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: In biopsied specimens of the patients with active UC, the expression of IL-37 was dramatically elevated in inflamed mucosa, mainly in epithelial cells and infiltrating immune cells. Compared to MSC-eGFP or MSCs, MSC-IL37b administration significantly attenuated the body weight and colon length reduction, and decreased the histological score in DSS-induced colitis mice. Furthermore, MSC-IL37b administration increased the percentage of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) among total splenic mononuclear cells as well as the percentage of regulatory T cells (Tregs) among splenic CD4+ T cells in the mice. Moreover, MSC-IL37b administration increased the IL-2+ cells and decreased the IFN-γ+ cells among splenic CD4+ T cells. CONCLUSION: IL-37 is involved in the pathophysiology of UC. IL-37b gene transfer enhances the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in DSS-induced colitis mice by inducing Tregs and MDSCs and regulating cytokine production.

Transfer of the IL-37b gene elicits anti-tumor responses in mice bearing 4T1 breast cancer.

AIM: IL-37b has shown anti-cancer activities in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of IL-37b on breast carcinoma growth in mice and to determine the involvement of T cell activation in the effects. METHODS: IL-37b gene was transferred into mouse breast carcinoma cell line 4T1 (4T1-IL37b cells), the expression of secretory IL-37b by the cells was detected, and the effects of IL-37b expression on the cell proliferation in vitro was evaluated. After injection of 4T1 cells or 4T1-IL37b cells into immunocompetent BALB/c mice, immunodeficient BALB/c nude mice and NOD-SCID mice, the tumor growth and survival rate were measured. The proliferation of T cells in vitro was also detected. RESULTS: IL-37b was detected in the supernatants of 4T1-IL37b cells with a concentration of 12.02 ± 0.875 ng/mL. IL-37b expression did not affect 4T1 cell proliferation in vitro. BALB/c mice inoculated with 4T1-IL37b cells showed significant retardation of tumor growth. BALB/c mice inoculated with both 4T1 cells and mitomycin C-treated 4T1-IL37b cells also showed significant retardation of tumor growth. But the anti-cancer activity of IL-37b was abrogated in BALB/c nude mice and NOD-SCID mice inoculated with 4T1-IL37b cells. Recombinant IL-37b slightly promoted CD4(+) T cell proliferation without affecting CD8(+) T cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: IL-37b exerts anti-4T1 breast carcinoma effects in vivo by modulating the tumor microenvironment and influencing T cell activation.

Generation of an azimuthally polarized beam with a metallic ring core fiber.

A fiber with a thin-metallic layer introduced between the central core and the cladding is proposed to lift the near-degeneracy of the modes TE01, TM01, and HE21. It can be used to obtain the pure mode TE01 as both the active and passive fibers. In the case of the active fiber, the fiber with the appropriate rare earth doping profile in the central core is presented as the gain medium of a fiber laser. The numerical results show that the pure mode TE01 (99.99%) can be obtained. In the case of the passive fiber, Gaussian light beams with suitable shift distance from the center core are coupled into the fiber. The results indicate that only the mode TE01 remains with the increasing propagation distance.

A comparison of Doppler measures of ovarian blood flow between women with and without ovarian dysfunction and correlations of Doppler indices with ovarian dysfunction markers: a meta-analysis.

Background: Doppler ultrasonography is used to study ovarian vascular characteristics. However, the outcomes are reported with a considerable variability in literature. Here we review the differences in Doppler ultrasound-measured ovarian blood flow indices between women with and without ovarian dysfunction and seeks correlations between Doppler measures and ovarian markers. Methods: A literature search was conducted in electronic databases (Google Scholar, Ovid, PubMed, Science Direct, and Springer) to identify studies that used Doppler for ovarian blood flow examination and reported Doppler measures in women with and without ovarian dysfunction and/or the correlations between wDoppler indices and markers of ovarian dysfunction. After quality assessment of included studies, a meta-analysis of weighted mean differences (WMDs) between women with and without ovarian dysfunction in vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), vascularization flow index (VFI), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) was performed. Correlation coefficients between Doppler indices and markers of ovarian dysfunction were pooled to achieve overall estimates. Results: A total of 27 studies [2,377 women with ovarian dysfunction and 308 controls; age 27.7 years, 95% confidence interval (CI): 26.4 to 29.1] were included. These studies were of moderate quality. The VI (WMD 9.75; P<0.0001), FI (WMD 2.73; P<0.0001), and VFI (WMD 1.29; P<0.0001) were significantly higher whereas PI (WMD -1.08; P=0.001) and RI (WMD -0.26; P<0.0001) were significantly lower in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) than in normal women. In women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), antral follicle count was positively correlated with VI (r=0.24; P=0.001), FI (r=0.42; P<0.0001), and VFI (r=0.25; P=0.002). In women with PCOS, testosterone had statistically non-significant correlations with VI (r=0.40; P=0.081), and VFI (r=0.39; P=0.063) and was inversely correlated with PI (r=-0.30; P<0.0001) and RI (r=-0.48; P<0.0001). In women with PCOS, luteinizing hormone (LH) was inversely correlated with PI (r=-0.26; P=0.086) and RI (r=-0.25; P=0.007). Conclusions: Doppler indices are found significantly different in women with and without ovarian dysfunction and have significant correlations with markers of ovarian dysfunction. These results support the use of Doppler ultrasound to examine ovarian dysfunction. High statistical heterogeneity observed herein should be studies in future investigations.

[Research on the method of copper converting process determination based on emission spectrum analysis].

A method of copper converting process determination based on PbO/PbS emission spectrum analysis was described. According to the known emission spectrum of gas molecules, the existence of PbO and PbS was confirmed in the measured spectrum. Through the field experiment it was determined that the main emission spectrum of the slag stage was from PbS, and the main emission spectrum of the copper stage was from PbO. The relative changes in PbO/PbS emission spectrum provide the method of copper converting process determination. Through using the relative intensity in PbO/PbS emission spectrum the copper smelting process can be divided into two different stages, i.e., the slag stage (S phase) and the copper stage (B phase). In a complete copper smelting cycle, a receiving telescope of appropriate view angle aiming at the converter flame, after noise filtering on the PbO/PbS emission spectrum, the process determination agrees with the actual production. Both the theory and experiment prove that the method of copper converting process determination based on emission spectrum analysis is feasible.

PinX1 gene transfection enhances the sensitivity of gastric carcinoma cell line to 5-fluorouracil.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Since telomeres and telomerase play crucial roles in maintaining cell immortalization and cancer progression, they may be targets for anticancer treatment. PinX1 is a potent telomerase inhibitor, and a putative tumor suppressor. The use of PinX1 to treat cancers has not been reported yet. METHODOLOGY: In order to use PinX1 in gene therapy for gastric carcinoma, we transfected PinX1 gene into the gastric carcinoma line MKN28 using the eukaryotic expression vector pIRES2-EGFP. PinX1-expressing, drug-resistant clones were screened with G418 and used in the study. RESULTS: MKN28 cells transfected with PinX1 gene grew more slowly than the cells not transfected or transfected with void vectors (p<0.05). The IC50 value decreased markedly in cells transfected with PinX1 gene. PinX1 gene transfection enhanced the sensitivity of MKN28 cells to 5-fluorouracil (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PinX1 may be used in gene therapy for gastric carcinoma.

Anticancer activity of 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B against the HeLa human cervical cell line is due to apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5710.].

Acid and bile salt up-regulate BMP4 expression in human esophageal epithelium cells.

OBJECTIVE: Barrett's esophagus (BE) with an intestinal-type epithelium is thought to be a precancerous lesion of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The pathophysiology of Barrett's metaplasia is poorly understood. Previous studies suggest that differentiation of multipotent cells to columnar epithelium may be one of the possible mechanisms. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), a factor determining the fate of cells, is up-regulated in BE and esophagitis mucosa when compared with normal squamous or non-goblet cell-containing cardiac epithelium. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that BMP4 is a molecular mediator that links etiological agents of BE to the phenotypic changes in human esophagus epithelium cells (HEECs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Primary cultured HEECs were used to investigate the effect of acid and bile salt on BMP4 expression and to examine the biological effects of BMP4 on HEECs. RESULTS: Acid and bile salt increased the expression of BMP4. In addition, recombinant human BMP4 induced villin expression in HEECs, as did chronic acid exposure, which can be effectively inhibited by Noggin, a specific antagonist of BMP4. Results from a Western blot assay suggest that BMP4 induces activation of smad1 and promotes protein expression of ID2 and CDX2. CONCLUSION: BMP4 may play an important role in the development of BE.

Down-regulated expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) involved in the development and progression of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To analyze the differential expression genes (DEGs) between esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and para-cancerous tissue (PCT) and explore the target genes related to the development and progression of EAC. METHODOLOGY: The total RNAs of matched EAC and para-cancerous tissue of EAC patients were isolated using one step Trizol method. Matched RNAs were qualified using 10 g/L agarose gel electrophoresis. cRNAs were synthesized, fluorescence labeled and purified after total RNAs were purified. The RNAs of EAC and PCT were hybridized with Agilent oligomicroarray (30,968 probes). The fluorescence intensity features were detected by Agilent scanner and quantified by feature extraction software. RESULTS: (1)The total RNA, reverse transcription product and fluorescence labeled cRNA were all of high quality; (2)There were 212 up-regulated genes and 126 down-regulated genes am- ong 2-fold DEGs, including 16 genes related to cytochrome P450 (CYP). CONCLUSIONS: Many EAC-assoeiated genes were screened by the high-throughput gene chip method. The development and progression of EAC is a complicated process involving multigenes and multiprocedures. The down-regulated expression of CYP related genes and gene polymorphism of CYP2 subfamily may be involved in the onset and progress of EAC.

Topology optimization of a novel stent platform with drug reservoirs.

The new generation of drug-eluting stents (DES) is required to control drug release kinetics. A novel DES (the Conor stent) with drug reservoirs on struts has been engineered. Topology optimization of one Conor stent strut was based on the commercial finite element analysis code OptiStruct, with the aim of increasing the strut stiffness while retaining its drug holding capacity. Results show that the element density distribution of the strut model was optimized with manufacturing constraints of extrusion constraint and minimum member size control. The optimal result was directly transformed to a clear, manufacturable design concept using the OptiStruct utility OSSmooth. The final manufacturing design increased the strut stiffness and yielded better stress distribution, as compared to the original strut design under the same loading. Topology optimization may help designers devise novel stent platforms for future DES with drug reservoirs and adequate scaffolding.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum supernatants upregulate the serotonin transporter expression in intestinal epithelial cells.

Background/Aims: Probiotics play a role in relieving irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the underlying mechanism is yet unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of the supernatants of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum on the expression of serotonin transporter (SERT) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein. Materials and Methods: HT-29 and Caco-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of L. acidophilus and B. longum supernatants for 12 h and 24 h, respectively. SERT mRNA and proteins levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and Western-blotting. Results: The mRNA levels of SERT in HT-29 and Caco-2 cells treated with different concentrations of L. acidophilus or B. longum supernatants for 12 h and 24 h, each, were higher than that in the control groups. In addition, the expression of the protein in both cells was also upregulated, which was approximately similar to that of the corresponding mRNA. Conclusions: L. acidophilus and B. longum supernatants can upregulate SERT mRNA and protein levels in intestinal epithelial cells.

Anticancer activity of 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B against the HeLa human cervical cell line is due to apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest.

Cervical cancer is one of the primary causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Due to the increasing incidence of cervical cancer, multiple treatment options are required. Initial responses to chemotherapy and surgical interventions are generally positive, however patients often experience relapse and tumor recurrence. Currently, the effects of cucurbitacins on different types of cancer are being investigated, as they exhibit a wide variety of bioactivities. The anticancer activity of the cucurbitacin 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B against a panel of human cervical cancer cell lines was investigated in the current study. Cell viability was determined using an MTT assay and apoptosis was detected using DAPI staining. The proportion of apoptotic cells, cell cycle distribution, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were estimated using flow cytometry. Protein expression was determined using western blot analysis. The results of the current study indicated that 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B inhibited the viability of human cervical cancer cell lines and had an IC50 of 40-60 µM. However, its cytotoxic effects were much less pronounced in normal epithelial fr2 and HerEpiC cells, where it had an IC50 of 125 µM. The underlying mechanisms of this were further studied and the results demonstrated that 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B induced apoptosis in HeLa cells and caused ROS-mediated shifts in the ΔΨm. Additionally, it caused the cell cycle arrest of HeLa cells at the G2/M checkpoint. The phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rampamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) cascade may serve an important role in cancer tumorigenesis, progression and resistance to chemotherapy. The results indicated that 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B significantly decreased the expression of important proteins in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade. Taken together, these results suggest that 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B may be novel method of treating cervical cancer.

Stent expansion in curved vessel and their interactions: a finite element analysis.

Coronary restenosis after angioplasty has been reduced by stenting procedure, but in-stent restenosis (ISR) has not been eliminated yet, especially in tortuous vessels. In this paper, we proposed a finite element method (FEM) to study the expansion of a stent in a curved vessel (the CV model) and their interactions. A model of the same stent in a straight vessel (the SV model) was also studied and mechanical parameters of both models were researched and compared, including final lumen area, tissue prolapse between stent struts and stress distribution. Results show that in the CV model, the vessel was straightened by stenting and a hinge effect can be observed at extremes of the stent. The maximum tissue prolapse of the CV model was more severe (0.079 mm) than the SV model (0.048 mm); and the minimum lumen area of the CV was decreased (6.10 mm(2)), compared to that of the SV model (6.28 mm(2)). Tissue stresses of the highest level were concentrated in the inner curvature of the CV model. The simulations offered some explanations for the clinical results of ISR in curved vessels and gave design suggestions of the stent and balloon for tortuous vessels. This FEM provides a tool to study mechanisms of stents in curved vessels and can improve new stent designs especially for tortuous vessels.

Delivery and release of nitinol stent in carotid artery and their interactions: a finite element analysis.

Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has emerged as an effective alternative to carotid endarterectomy, and nitinol stents are commonly used in CAS. To evaluate biomechanical properties of nitinol carotid stents and their interactions with carotid arteries, a finite element method (FEM) model was built which is composed of a stenotic carotid tissue, a segmented-design nitinol stent and a sheath. Two different stents were considered to show the influence of stent design on the stent-vessel interactions. Results show that the superelastic stents were delivered into the stenotic vessel lumen through the sheath and self-expanded in the internal and common carotid artery. The stent with shorter struts may have better clinical results and the different stent designs can cause different carotid vessel geometry changes. This FEM can provide a convenient way to test and improve biomechanical properties of existing carotid stents and give clues for new nitinol carotid stent designs.

[A study of the clinical classification of 3638 cases of mushroom poisoning].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical classification and characteristics as well as prognosis of mushroom poisoning. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 191 papers published domestically for 3466 cases of mushroom poisoning from 1995 to 2004 and studied the Xinqiao Hospital data of 172 cases of mushroom poisoning treated from 1980 through 2004. We made a retrospective investigation and clinical classification of all the 3638 cases of mushroom poisoning. RESULTS: Among the 3638 patients, clinical manifestations as gastroenteritis were found in 571, all of them were cured. The most common symptoms were those of acute renal failure being found in 1450 cases; 1414 were cases (97.5%) and 36 died (2.5%). Symptoms of toxic hepatitis were found in 1010 cases, 841 were cases (83.3%) and 169 died (16.7%). Psychoneurological disorder was manifested in 214 cases; 197 were cases (92.1%) and 17 died (7.9%). Erythrolysis was found in 73 cases; 71 were cases (97.3%) and 2 died (2.7%). The therapeutic effect and prognosis of mushroom poisoning with different clinical manifestation varied very significantly (P < 0.001). Of the 320 cases clinically unclassified, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome was found in 222 cases; 98 were cases (44.1%) and 124 died (55.9%). Definite classification could not be made in 98 cases; 90 were cases (91.8%) and 8 died (8.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical classification of mushroom poisoning was usually of four types as described in the textbooks or special articles, but it should be of five types according to the analysis of the data of the present study, i.e. gastroenteritis type, acute renal failure type, toxic hepatitis type, psychoneurological disorder type and erythrolysis type. It is not clear whether there is a mixed type or not. Further investigation is needed in this respect.

Early osseointegration of implants with cortex-like TiO2 coatings formed by micro-arc oxidation: A histomorphometric study in rabbits.

In our previous studies, a novel cortex-like TiO2 coating was prepared on Ti surface through micro-arc oxidation (MAO) by using sodium tetraborate as electrolyte, and the effects of the coating on cell attachment were testified. This study aimed to investigate the effects of this cortex-like MAO coating on osseointegration. A sand-blasting and acid-etching (SLA) coating that has been widely used in clinical practice served as control. Topographical and chemical characterizations were conducted by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, contact angle meter, and step profiler. Results showed that the cortex-like coating had microslots and nanopores and it was superhydrophilic, whereas the SLA surface was hydrophobic. The roughness of MAO was similar to that of SLA. The MAO and SLA implants were implanted into the femoral condyles of New Zealand rabbits to evaluate their in-vivo performance through micro-CT, histological analysis, and fluorescent labeling at the bone-implant interface four weeks after surgery. The micro-CT showed that the bone volume ratio and mean trabecular thickness were similar between MAO and SLA groups four weeks after implantation. Histological analysis and fluorescent labeling showed no significant differences in the bone-implant contact between the MAO and SLA surfaces. It was suggested that with micro/nanostructure and superhydrophilicity, the cortex-like MAO coating causes excellent osseointegration, holding a promise of an application to implant modification.

Analysis of the transient expansion behavior and design optimization of coronary stents by finite element method.

The percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) assisted with stenting technique has become a primary therapy to coronary heart disease. In practice, the structure conditions of both ends of stent/balloon system influence a stent's instantaneous expansion behavior. The transitory nonuniform expansion, the so-called dogboning, of stent/balloon system is one of the main reasons to induce the acute vascular injury at the two edges of a stent. This kind of vascular injury has a close relationship with the in-stent restenosis. In the present paper, the finite element method (FEM) was applied to simulate the transient expansion process of stent/balloon system with different stent structure and balloon length under the internal pressure. And two types of stent and six collocations of stent and balloon were modeled. Modeling results showed that the dogboning phenomenon can be eliminated by improving geometry of a stent or/and varying the length of balloon over stent. The above modeled results were further confirmed by following in situ observation.

A Versatile Anisometric Metallic Supercrystal with Controllable Orientation on a Chip as a Stable and Reliable Label-Free Biosensor.

Based on anisometric noble-metal nanocrystals, a universal fabrication protocol for preparing 3D supercrystals with controlled orientation on a chip has been developed. A comparison of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) behavior of 3D nanorod supercrystals aligned vertically and parallel to the chip indicates that the SERS-enhancing ability and reproducibility of the former is superior to the latter. The 3D nanorod supercrystals aligned vertically to the chip have been utilized as highly sensitive SERS substrates for the label-free discrimination of Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Furthermore, to strengthen the stability of the supercrystal substrate for assays of bacteria in biosamples, a coating of the antibiotic vancomycin can dramatically increase adhesion of bacteria on a nanointerface and simultaneously improve the SERS response of bacteria to achieve a layer-by-layer assembled, stable, and reliable biosensor for bacteria.