Exosome-transported circ_0061407 and circ_0008103 play a tumour-repressive role and show diagnostic value in non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs), one of the major contents of exosomes, have been shown to participate in the occurrence and progression of cancers. The role and the diagnostic potential of exosome-transported circRNAs in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain largely unknown. METHODS: The NSCLC-associated exosomal circ_0061407 and circ_0008103 were screened by circRNA microarray. The role of circ_0061407 and circ_0008103 in NSCLC was examined in vitro and in vivo. The encapsulation of the two circRNAs into exosomes and the transport to recipient cells were observed by confocal microscopy. The effects of exosome-transported circ_0061407 and circ_0008103 on recipient cells were investigated using a co-culture device. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to predict the mechanisms by which circ_0061407 and circ_0008103 affected NSCLC. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the exosome-containing circ_0061407 and circ_0008103 in the serum samples of healthy, pneumonia, benign lung tumours, and NSCLC. The diagnostic efficacy was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: The levels of circ_0061407 and circ_0008103 within exosomes were down-regulated in the serum of patients with NSCLC. The up-regulation of circ_0061407 and circ_0008103 inhibited the proliferation, migration/invasion, cloning formation of NSCLC cells in vitro and inhibited lung tumour growth in vivo. Circ_0061407 and circ_0008103 were observed to be packaged in exosomes and transported to recipient cells, where they inhibited the proliferation, migration/invasion, and cloning formation abilities of the recipient cells. Moreover, circ_0061407 and circ_0008103 might be involved in the progression of NSCLC by interacting with microRNAs and proteins. Additionally, lower serum exosomal circ_0061407 and circ_0008103 levels were associated with advanced pathological staging and distant metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified two novel exosome-transported circRNAs (circ_0061407 and circ_0008103) associated with NSCLC. These findings may provide additional insights into the development of NSCLC and potential diagnostic biomarkers for NSCLC.

Potential transceptor AtNRT1.13 modulates shoot architecture and flowering time in a nitrate-dependent manner.

Compared with root development regulated by external nutrients, less is known about how internal nutrients are monitored to control plasticity of shoot development. In this study, we characterize an Arabidopsis thaliana transceptor, NRT1.13 (NPF4.4), of the NRT1/PTR/NPF family. Different from most NRT1 transporters, NRT1.13 does not have the conserved proline residue between transmembrane domains 10 and 11; an essential residue for nitrate transport activity in CHL1/NRT1.1/NPF6.3. As expected, when expressed in oocytes, NRT1.13 showed no nitrate transport activity. However, when Ser 487 at the corresponding position was converted back to proline, NRT1.13 S487P regained nitrate uptake activity, suggesting that wild-type NRT1.13 cannot transport nitrate but can bind it. Subcellular localization and ß-glucuronidase reporter analyses indicated that NRT1.13 is a plasma membrane protein expressed at the parenchyma cells next to xylem in the petioles and the stem nodes. When plants were grown with a normal concentration of nitrate, nrt1.13 showed no severe growth phenotype. However, when grown under low-nitrate conditions, nrt1.13 showed delayed flowering, increased node number, retarded branch outgrowth, and reduced lateral nitrate allocation to nodes. Our results suggest that NRT1.13 is required for low-nitrate acclimation and that internal nitrate is monitored near the xylem by NRT1.13 to regulate shoot architecture and flowering time.

Genetic exploration of roles of acid-sensing ion channel subtypes in neurosensory mechanotransduction including proprioception.

Although acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated ion channels responsible for sensing tissue acidosis, accumulating evidence has shown that ASICs are also involved in neurosensory mechanotransduction. However, in contrast to Piezo ion channels, evidence of ASICs as mechanically gated ion channels has not been found using conventional mechanoclamp approaches. Instead, ASICs are involved in the tether model of mechanotransduction, with the channels gated via tethering elements of extracellular matrix and intracellular cytoskeletons. Methods using substrate deformation-driven neurite stretch and micropipette-guided ultrasound were developed to reveal the roles of ASIC3 and ASIC1a, respectively. Here we summarize the evidence supporting the roles of ASICs in neurosensory mechanotransduction in knockout mouse models of ASIC subtypes and provide insight to further probe their roles in proprioception.

Syringe-assisted test-aspiration with mechanical aspiration thrombectomy results in good safety and short-term outcomes in the treatment of patients with deep venous thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term outcomes and safety of syringe-assisted test-aspiration with mechanical aspiration thrombectomy in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study of hospitalized patients with iliofemoral and/or inferior vena caval deep venous thrombosis, excluding those with pulmonary embolism. We collected the following patient data from the electronic medical records: age, sex, provoked/unprovoked deep venous thrombosis, symptom duration, thrombosed segments, and the presence of a tumor, thrombophilia, diabetes, and/or iliac vein compression syndrome. Venography and computed tomographic venography were performed in all patients before the procedure. All patients underwent syringe-assisted test-aspiration with mechanical aspiration thrombectomy under local anesthesia and sedation, and all received low-molecular-weight heparin peri-operatively. All patients underwent implantation of an inferior vena caval filter. Rivaroxaban was administered post-procedure, instead of heparin, for 3-6 months, with lower extremity compression. RESULTS: Overall, 29 patients with deep venous thrombosis underwent syringe-assisted test-aspiration with mechanical aspiration thrombectomy from January 2022 to October 2022 in our institution. Technical success (>70% thrombus resolution) was achieved in all patients, and using a single procedure in 25/29 patients (86%). Concomitant stenting was performed in 18/29 (62%) of the patients, and 21/29 (69%) underwent angioplasty. The median (interquartile range) procedure time was 110 min (100-122), the median intra-operative bleeding volume was 150 mL (120-180), and the median decrease in the hemoglobin concentration from pre- to post-operative was 7 g/L (4-14). The median follow-up duration was 7 months (5-9). All patients obtained symptomatic relief, and 27/29 achieved near-remission or full remission (combined total). No patients experienced peri-operative bleeding complications, or symptom recurrence or post-thrombectomy syndrome during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The short-term outcomes following syringe-assisted test-aspiration with mechanical aspiration thrombectomy in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis were excellent, and the procedure was safe.

Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model Induced by Periarterial Incubation of Papain.

For decades, numerous experimental animal models have been developed to examine the pathophysiologic mechanisms and potential treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in diverse species with varying chemical or surgical approaches. This study aimed to create an AAA mouse model by the periarterial incubation with papain, which can mimic human AAA with advantages such as simplicity, convenience, and high efficiency. Eighty C57BL/6J male mice were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 groups: papain (1.0 or 2.0 mg), porcine pancreatic elastase, and phosphate-buffered solution. The aortic segment was wrapped for 20 minutes, and the diameter was measured using ultrasound preoperatively and postoperative days 7 and 14. Then, the mice were killed for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. According to ultrasound measurements and histomorphometric analyses, on postoperative day 7, 65% of mice in the 1.0-mg papain group and 60% of mice in the 2.0-mg papain group developed AAA. In both papain groups, 100% of mice developed AAA, and 65% of mice in the porcine pancreatic elastase group developed AAA on postoperative day 14. Furthermore, hematoxylin/eosin, elastin van Gieson, and Masson staining of tissues from the papain group revealed thickened media and intimal hyperplasia, collagen sediments, and elastin destruction, indicating that AAA histochemical alteration was similar to that of humans. In addition, the immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to detect infiltrated inflammatory cells, such as macrophages and leukocytes, in the aortic wall and hyperplasic adventitia. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 was significantly upregulated in papain and human AAA tissues. Periarterial incubation with 1.0 mg of papain for 20 minutes can successfully create an experimental AAA model in mice for 14 days, which can be used to explore the mechanism and treatment of human AAA.

STOP-Bang Questionnaire Is Associated With Aortic Remodeling in Patients With Acute Type B Aortic Dissection Undergoing Standard Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the STOP-Bang questionnaire, which is a tool for evaluating obstructive sleep apnea, is associated with aortic remodeling after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD). METHODS: Patients with TBAD who underwent standard TEVAR at our center from January 2015 to December 2020 were enrolled. For the included patients, we recorded baseline characteristics, comorbidities, preoperative computed tomographic angiography findings, procedure details, and complications. The STOP-Bang questionnaire was administered to each patient. Total scores comprised points for 4 yes/no questions and 4 clinical measurements. STOP-Bang ≥5 and STOP-Bang <5 groups were then created using the STOP-Bang total scores. We evaluated aortic remodeling 1 year after discharge and the reintervention rate, as well as false lumen complete thrombosis (FLCT) and non-FLCT length. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were enrolled in the study; STOP-Bang <5, n=36, and STOP-Bang ≥5, n=19. Compared with the STOP-Bang ≥5 group, the STOP-Bang <5 group achieved statistically significantly higher descending aorta positive aortic remodeling (PAR) rates in zones 3 to 5 (zone 3: p=0.002; zone 4: p=0.039; zone 5: p=0.023), higher total descending aorta-PAR rate (66.7% vs 36.8%, respectively; p=0.004), and lower reintervention rate (8.1% vs 38.9%, respectively; p=0.005). In the logistic regression analysis, STOP-Bang ≥5 had an odds ratio of 0.12 (95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.58; p=0.008). There was no significant difference in overall survival between the groups. CONCLUSION: STOP-Bang questionnaire scores were associated with aortic remodeling after TEVAR in patients with TBAD. Increasing the frequency of surveillance after TEVAR might be beneficial in these patients. CLINICAL IMPACT: We analysed aortic remodelling 1 year after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) patients with STOP-Bang < 5 and STOP-Bang ≥ 5. Aortic remodelling was better, and the reintervention rate was higher in patients with STOP-Bang < 5 compared with patients with STOP-Bang ≥ 5. In patients with STOP-Bang ≥ 5, aortic remodelling was worse in zones 3-5 compared with zones 6-9. This study suggests that the STOP-Bang questionnaire results is associated with aortic remodelling after TEVAR in patients with TBAD.

Pediatric Cardiac Lymphoblastic Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Cardiac lymphoma is rare in children. Treatment typically includes chemotherapy, combination of radiotherapy, or surgery. We report a case of stage IV precursor B lymphoblastic lymphoma with secondary involvement of the heart in an 11-year-old girl who was treated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia-based chemotherapy. Also, we review the literature on this uncommon malignancy.

The Relationship Between the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System Inframalleolar Modifier and the Outcomes of Diabetic Foot Ulcer with Peripheral Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the relationship between the condition of the inframalleolar (IM) arteries, as assessed by the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System Inframalleolar (GLASS IM) modifier, and the outcomes of patients with diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: The data of 215 patients, who underwent endovascular therapy from January 2016 to May 2020 at our center, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into the P0, P1, and P2 groups according to the angiography results. The rates of ulcer healing, limb salvage, survival, and amputation-free survival were compared during the 2-year period after discharge. RESULTS: Of the 216 affected limbs, 35 (16%) were classed as P0, 122 (57%) as P1, and 59 (27%) as P2. Compared with the P2 group, the P0 + P1 group had a higher ulcer healing rate (P = 0.001), a shorter ulcer healing time (P = 0.004), and a higher survival rate (P = 0.044). GLASS IM Modifier classification P2 was an independent predictor of nonhealing ulcers. No significant difference was observed between the P0 versus P1 groups. CONCLUSIONS: GLASS IM modifier classification P2 is an independent risk factor for a poor outcome. GLASS IM modifier classification P0 versus P1 demonstrates similar outcomes to each other.

Assessing traffic-related air pollution-induced fiber-specific white matter degradation associated with motor performance declines in aged rats.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is thought to exacerbate Parkinson's disease (PD) in the elderly, and early detection of PD progression may prevent further irreversible damage. Therefore, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for probing microstructural changes after late-life chronic traffic-related PM2.5 exposure. Herein, 1.5-year-old Fischer 344 rats were exposed to clean air (control), high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-filtered ambient air (HEPA group), and ambient traffic-related PM2.5 (PM2.5 group, 9.933 ± 1.021 µg/m3) for 3 months. Rotarod test, DTI tractographic analysis, and immunohistochemistry were performed in the end of study period. Aged rats exposed to PM2.5 exhibited motor impairment with decreased fractional anisotropy and tyrosine hydroxylase expression in olfactory and nigrostriatal circuits, indicating disrupted white matter integrity and dopaminergic (DA) neuronal loss. Additionally, increased radial diffusivity and lower expression of myelin basic protein in PM2.5 group suggested ageing progression of demyelination exacerbated by PM2.5 exposure. Significant production of tumor necrosis factor-α was also observed after PM2.5 exposure, revealing potential inflammation of injury to multiple fiber tracts of DA pathways. Microstructural changes demonstrated potential links between PM2.5-induced inflammatory white matter demyelination and behavioral performance, with indication of pre-manifestation of DTI-based biomarkers for early detection of PD progression in the elderly.

[Oral Care to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia].

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), one of the most common nosocomial infections in critical care units, has been associated with adverse outcomes such as higher medical expenses, prolonged hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. Although studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of oral care in reducing VAP incidence and enhancing patient comfort, few critically ill patients are able to perform oral care independently. Moreover, related evaluations and execution require specialized nursing techniques that rely on well-trained nurses. Unfortunately, descriptions of oral evaluations, caring practices, and hygiene related to pathogenic mechanisms in critically ill patients are scarce in both textbooks and the scientific literature. Based on a review of the related literature, this article discusses: the pathogenic mechanism of VAP; the purpose, principals, and steps of providing oral care to endotracheal tube ventilated patients, with particular emphasis on current evidence on the effect of chlorhexidine on oral care; and the major factors impacting oral care effectiveness. This article is expected to raise awareness of oral care, update the current evidence-based knowledge base, and increase the quality of nursing care provided to critically ill populations.

Angiosome-Guided Endovascular Revascularization for Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers with Peripheral Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Because diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are difficult to heal and cause huge economic losses to the society, accelerating their healing has become extremely important. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of revascularization based on the angiosome concept on DFU. METHODS: Between January 2018 and July 2020, 112 consecutive legs with DFUs, in 111 patients who were discharged from the vascular surgery department of our hospital were retrospectively evaluated. The legs were assigned to two groups depending on whether direct arterial flow to the foot ulcer based on the angiosome concept was achieved. Comparisons of the ulcer healing rate, mean time to ulcer healing, major amputation rate, survival rate, and major amputation-free survival rate between the angiosome direct revascularization (DR) and angiosome indirect revascularization (IR) groups were performed. RESULTS: DR was achieved in 71 legs (63%) compared with IR in 41 legs. The ulcer healing rate (70.4% in the DR group versus 34.1% in the IR group, P < 0.01), the mean time to ulcer healing (7.01 ± 4.26 months versus 10.09 ± 3.24 months, P < 0.01), the survival rate (90.1 vs. 53.7%, P < 0.01), and the major amputation-free survival rate (81.7 vs. 48.8%, P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the DR group than in the IR group. Undergoing DR did not significantly reduce the major amputations rate compared to IR (13.4 and 34.1%, respectively, P = 0.15), but there might be a trend. In multivariate models, DR remained a significant predictor for ulcer healing (HR, 7.07; 95% confidence interval (CI), 6.54-7.60, P < 0.01). Opening multiple infrapopliteal arteries in the DR group compared with restoring only one infrapopliteal artery did not significantly improve the ulcer healing rate (P = 0.59), the mean time to ulcer healing (P = 0.70), major amputation rate (P = 0.83), the survival rate (P = 0.31), and the major amputation-free survival rate (P = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS: Attaining a direct arterial flow based on the angiosome concept may be important for ulcer healing, survival, and amputation-free survival in diabetic foot patients. Opening multiple infrapopliteal arteries in DR patients may not improve the ulcer healing, survival, major amputation or amputation-free survival compared with single DR vessel patency.

Reduction in Allergenicity and Induction of Oral Tolerance of Glycated Tropomyosin from Crab.

Tropomyosin (TM) is an important crustacean (Scylla paramamosain) allergen. This study aimed to assess Maillard-reacted TM (TM-G) induction of allergenic responses with cell and mouse models. We analyzed the difference of sensitization and the ability to induce immune tolerance between TM and TM-G by in vitro and in vivo models, then we compared the relationship between glycation sites of TM-G and epitopes of TM. In the in vitro assay, we discovered that the sensitization of TM-G was lower than TM, and the ability to stimulate mast cell degranulation decreased from 55.07 ± 4.23% to 27.86 ± 3.21%. In the serum of sensitized Balb/c mice, the level of specific IgE produced by TM-G sensitized mice was significantly lower than TM, and the levels of interleukins 4 and interleukins 13 produced by Th2 cells in spleen lymphocytes decreased by 82.35 ± 5.88% and 83.64 ± 9.09%, respectively. In the oral tolerance model, the ratio of Th2/Th1 decreased from 4.05 ± 0.38 to 1.69 ± 0.19. Maillard reaction masked the B cell epitopes of TM and retained some T cell epitopes. Potentially, Maillard reaction products (MRPs) can be used as tolerance inducers for allergen-specific immunotherapy.

[Using the Model of Motivation to Improve the Accuracy of Nurses Conducting Aerosol Therapy in Mechanically Ventilated Patients].

ACKGROUND & PROBLEMS: Aerosol therapy is increasingly used in pulmonary critical care and in patients with respiratory disease. However, improper application of the aerosol delivery device will decrease the therapeutic effect as well as increase the incidence of pulmonary infection. An initial assessment conducted in our intensive care unit found an accuracy rate for nursing staff aerosol-therapy execution of only 55.9%. Possible reasons identified for this low rate included lack of learning experience and resources, lack of related standard operating procedures, lack of related performance assessments, complicated / unfamiliar device assembly procedure, diffuse storage of device components, and a lack of illustrations. PURPOSE: This project was developed to increase the accuracy rate of performing aerosol therapy to over 90% in our intensive care unit. METHODS: We designed diverse learning materials using the model of motivation, developed an evaluation system, simplified the assembly of components based on evidence-based research, improved the storage situation, and added reference illustrations. RESULTS: The accuracy rate in aerosol therapy execution for our nursing staff increased from 55.9% to 95.0% after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This project used the model of motivation to develop the teaching materials. By using diverse teaching methods, including both in-person classes and online interactive quizzes, we realized high learning satisfaction and efficacy. Along with simplifying equipment handling, improving the working environment, enhancing nurses' aerosol therapy techniques, establishing standard operating procedure guidelines, and adding an evaluation system, we standardized the entire procedure for potential promotion to other intensive care units.

Electrostatic Reaction Inhibition in Nanoparticle Catalysis.

Electrostatic reaction inhibition in heterogeneous catalysis emerges if charged reactants and products with similar charges are adsorbed on the catalyst and thus repel the approaching reactants. In this work, we study the effects of electrostatic inhibition on the reaction rate of unimolecular reactions catalyzed on the surface of a spherical model nanoparticle using particle-based reaction-diffusion simulations. Moreover, we derive closed rate equations based on an approximate Debye-Smoluchowski rate theory, valid for diffusion-controlled reactions, and a modified Langmuir adsorption isotherm, relevant for reaction-controlled reactions, to account for electrostatic inhibition in the Debye-Hückel limit. We study the kinetics of reactions ranging from low to high adsorptions on the nanoparticle surface and from the surface- to diffusion-controlled limits for charge valencies 1 and 2. In the diffusion-controlled limit, electrostatic inhibition drastically slows down the reactions for strong adsorption and low ionic concentration, which is well described by our theory. In particular, the rate decreases with adsorption affinity because, in this case, the inhibiting products are generated at a high rate. In the (slow) reaction-controlled limit, the effect of electrostatic inhibition is much weaker, as semiquantitatively reproduced by our electrostatic-modified Langmuir theory. We finally propose and verify a simple interpolation formula that describes electrostatic inhibition for all reaction speeds ("diffusion-influenced" reactions) in general.

Heavy metals pollution and health risk assessment in farmed scallops: Low level of Cd in coastal water could lead to high risk of seafood.

Scallops are one of the most common bivalves, large-scale farmed in the coastal areas of China. Three species of scallops (Chlamys farreri, Argopecten irradians and Patinopecten yessoensis) from 10 samples sites along the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea were collected to investigate species-specific and tissues-specific bioaccumulation, spatial-temporal distribution and health risks for people. Cd must be paid attention since Cd concentrations in 96% of scallop samples exceeded standard with the highest Cd bioaccumulation potentials (BCF) >10,000 while those of the other metals were less than the corresponding limits except Zn with exceeding-limit percentage of 13%. The metal pollution index values showed that A. irradians could accumulate more metals than the other two species, and scallops in the Bohai Sea were polluted more seriously by heavy metals than in the Yellow Sea. The capacities of tissues in scallops to accumulate metals generally followed the order of digestive gland > gill > adductor muscle. However, Zn accumulated in gill was more than that in digestive gland and muscle. Adults and children would face the non-cancer risks because of the accumulation Cd in scallops based on health risk assessment. Cd was the major contributor of health risk to account for 85% of total hazard quotient and 48% of total cancer risk. Scallops could accumulate Cd rapidly from ambient environments to cause health risks according to the transplantation test. Moreover, the recommended maximum edible amounts of whole scallops were 127/63 g/week for adult/children on the basis of the provisional tolerance weekly intake. Humans are recommended to only consume adductor muscles for reducing health risks.

Altered sensory nerve excitability in fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To investigate nerve excitability changes in patients with fibromyalgia and the correlation with clinical severity. METHODS: We enrolled 20 subjects with fibromyalgia and 22 sex and age-matched healthy subjects to receive nerve excitability test and nerve conduction study to evaluate the peripheral axonal function. RESULTS: In the fibromyalgia cohort, the sensory axonal excitability test revealed increased superexcitability (%) (P = 0.029) compared to healthy control. Correlational study showed a negative correlation between increased subexcitability (%) (r = -0.534, P = 0.022) with fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) score. Computer modeling confirmed that the sensory axon excitability pattern we observed in fibromyalgia cohort was best explained by increased Barrett-Barrett conductance, which was thought to be attributed to paranodal fast K+ channel dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that paranodal sensory K+ conductance was altered in patients with fibromyalgia. The altered conductance indicated dysfunction of paranodal fast K+ channels, which is known to be associated with the generation of pain.

The SMAC mimetic LCL161 is a direct ABCB1/MDR1-ATPase activity modulator and BIRC5/Survivin expression down-regulator in cancer cells.

Upregulation of ABCB1/MDR1 (P-gp) and BIRC5/Survivin promotes multidrug resistance in a variety of human cancers. LCL161 is an anti-cancer DIABLO/SMAC mimetic currently being tested in patients with solid tumors, but the molecular mechanism of action of LCL161 in cancer cells is still incompletely understood. It is still unclear whether LCL161 is therapeutically applicable for patients with ABCB1-overexpressing multidrug resistant tumors. In this study, we found that the potency of LCL161 is not affected by the expression of ABCB1 in KB-TAX50, KB-VIN10, and NTU0.017 cancer cells. Besides, LCL161 is equally potent towards the parental MCF7 breast cancer cells and its BIRC5 overexpressing, hormone therapy resistance subline MCF7-TamC3 in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that LCL161 directly modulates the ABCB1-ATPase activity and inhibits ABCB1 multi-drug efflux activity at low cytotoxic concentrations (i.e. 0.5xIC50 or less). Further analysis revealed that LCL161 also decreases intracellular ATP levels in part through BIRC5 downregulation. Therapeutically, co-treatment with LCL161 at low cytotoxic concentrations restored the sensitivity to the known ABCB1 substrate, paclitaxel, in ABCB1-expressing cancer cells and increased the sensitivity to tamoxifen in MCF7-TamC3 cells. In conclusion, LCL161 has the potential for use in the management of cancer patients with ABCB1 and BIRC5-related drug resistance. The findings of our study provide important information to physicians for designing a more "patient-specific" LCL161 clinical trial program in the future.

A seed resource for screening functionally redundant genes and isolation of new mutants impaired in CO2 and ABA responses.

The identification of homologous genes with functional overlap in forward genetic screens is severely limited. Here, we report the generation of over 14000 artificial microRNA (amiRNA)-expressing plants that enable screens of the functionally redundant gene space in Arabidopsis. A protocol was developed for isolating robust and reproducible amiRNA mutants. Examples of validation approaches and essential controls are presented for two new amiRNA mutants that exhibit genetically redundant phenotypes and circumvent double mutant lethality. In a forward genetic screen for abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated inhibition of seed germination, amiRNAs that target combinations of known redundant ABA receptor and SnRK2 kinase genes were rapidly isolated, providing a strong proof of principle for this approach. A new ABA-insensitive amiRNA line that targets three avirulence-induced gene 2(-like) genes was isolated . A thermal imaging screen for plants with impaired stomatal opening in response to low CO2 exposure led to the isolation of a new amiRNA targeting two essential proteasomal subunits, PAB1 and PAB2. The seed library of 11000 T2 amiRNA lines (with 3000 lines in progress) generated here provides a new platform for forward genetic screens and has been made available to the Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center (ABRC). Optimized procedures for amiRNA screening and controls are described.

Severe Nitrate Pollution and Health Risks of Coastal Aquifer Simultaneously Influenced by Saltwater Intrusion and Intensive Anthropogenic Activities.

Groundwater quality is critical for regional sustainability and human well-beings in coastal regions, because groundwater is an important water resource for these areas facing water scarcity. Anthropogenic activities might induce nitrate pollution, whereas saltwater intrusion could decrease coastal groundwater discharge into sea to subsequently cause the persistent accumulation of pollutants in coastal aquifer. Rare information is available on the nitrate pollution of coastal aquifer under simultaneous influences of saltwater intrusion and intensive anthropogenic activities. This study investigated the distribution, pollution, possible sources, and potential health risks of groundwater nitrate of typical coastal aquifer simultaneously influenced by saltwater intrusion and intensive anthropogenic activities. The average/maximal concentration of groundwater nitrate was 173.70/824.80 mg/L, indicating the severe accumulation of nitrate in the coastal aquifer. Concentrations of nitrate in coastal groundwater were much higher than those in adjacent seawater. Groundwater salinization did not have significant effects on nitrate distribution. Groundwater in 87.6% of sampling sites was not suitable for drinking based on nitrate evaluation criterion. Anthropogenic activities might induce nitrate pollution in approximately 94.7% of sampling sites. Sources, including sewage and manure, soil nitrogen, and ammonium fertilizers, contributed to groundwater nitrate with concentration > 100 mg/L in the study area, whereas sewage and manure were the predominant source affecting groundwater nitrate in 97.5% of sampling sites. Groundwater nitrate exerted unacceptable noncancer health risks for infants, children, teenagers, and adults in more than 87.6% of the study area. Infants and children were the most susceptibly influenced by groundwater nitrate. It is urgent to take effective measures for controlling groundwater nitrate pollution in the study area.