Intergenerational toxic effects of parental exposure to [Cn mim]NO3 (n = 2,4,6) on nervous and skeletal development in zebrafish offspring.

Ionic liquids (ILs) are thought to have negative effects on human health. Researchers have explored the effects of ILs on zebrafish development during the early stages, but the intergenerational toxicity of ILs on zebrafish development has rarely been reported. Herein, parental zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations (0, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/L) of [Cn mim]NO3 (n = 2, 4, 6) for 1 week. Subsequently, the F1 offspring were cultured in clean water for 96 h. [Cn mim]NO3 (n = 2, 4, 6) exposure inhibited spermatogenesis and oogenesis in F0 adults, even causing obvious lacunae in the testis and atretic follicle oocytes in ovary. After parental exposure to [Cn mim]NO3 (n = 2, 4, 6), the body length and locomotor behavior were measured in F1 larvae at 96 hours post-fertilization (hpf). The results showed that the higher the concentration of [Cn mim]NO3 (n = 2, 4, 6), the shorter the body length and swimming distance, and the longer the immobility time. Besides, a longer alkyl chain length of [Cn mim]NO3 had a more negative effect on body length and locomotor behavior. RNA-seq analysis revealed several downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs)-grin1b, prss1, gria3a, and gria4a-enriched in neurodevelopment-related pathways, particularly the pathway for neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. Moreover, several upregulated DEGs, namely col1a1a, col1a1b, and acta2, were mainly associated with skeletal development. Expression of DEGs was tested by RT-qPCR, and the outcomes were consistent with those obtained from RNA-Seq. We provide evidence showing the effects of parental exposure to ILs on the regulation of nervous and skeletal development in F1 offspring, demonstrating intergenerational effects.

Simultaneous Measurement of Group Refractive Index Dispersion and Thickness of Fused Silica Using a Scanning White Light Interferometer.

In this study, we simultaneously measured the group refractive index dispersion and thickness of fused silica using a scanning white light interferometer on a spectral range from 800 to 1050 nm. A delay error correction was performed using a He-Ne laser. The accuracy of the measured group refractive index dispersion of fused silica, when compared to the temperature-dependent Sellmeier equation, is within 4 × 10-5.

Thermal suppression of high-repetition rate SBS pulse compression in liquid media.

Thermal problems of high-repetition-rate stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) pulse compression in liquid media are theoretically and experimentally analyzed in detail. A wedge lens with less coma-aberration was designed using the ray tracing method and the thermally induced beam-pattern distortion was compensated by inhibiting thermal convection. The heat transfer form and fluid state were quantitatively analyzed for different SBS liquid media. For a 74-W pump power, 3-kHz pulse-compressed phase-conjugation mirror with an energy efficiency of 36.2% is achieved. A potential optimization method of continuously adjusting SBS output characteristics using a mixed medium is proposed and theoretically demonstrated, to improve energy efficiency.

Systematic research of H2dedpa derivatives as potent inhibitors of New Delhi Metallo-ß-lactamase-1.

New Delhi Metallo-ß-lactamase-1 (NDM-1), a Zn (II)-dependent enzyme, can catalyze the hydrolysis of almost all ß-lactam antibiotics including carbapenems, resulting in bacterial antibiotic resistance, which threatens public health globally. Based on our finding that H2dedpa is as an efficient NDM-1 inhibitor, a series of H2dedpa derivatives was systematically prepared. These compounds exhibited significant activity against NDM-1, with IC50 values 0.06-0.94 µM. In vitro, compounds 6k and 6n could restore the activity of meropenem against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis possessing either NDM or IMP. In particular, the activity of meropenem against E. coli producing NDM-4 could be improved up to 5333 times when these two compounds were used. Time-kill cell-based assays showed that 99.9% of P. mirabilis were killed when treated with meropenem in combination with compound 6k or 6n. Furthermore, compounds 6k and 6n were nonhemolytic (HC50 > 1280 µg/mL) and showed low toxicity toward mammalian (HeLa) cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that compounds 6k and 6n inhibit NDM-1 by chelating the Zn2+ ion of the enzyme.

Population Pharmacokinetics and Dosing Optimization of Imipenem in Children with Hematological Malignancies.

Imipenem is widely used for the treatment of children with serious infections. Currently, studies on the pharmacokinetics of imipenem in children with hematological malignancies are lacking. Given the significant impact of disease on pharmacokinetics and increased resistance, we aimed to conduct a population pharmacokinetic study of imipenem and optimize the dosage regimens for this vulnerable population. After children were treated with imipenem-cilastatin (IMP-CS), blood samples were collected from the children and the concentrations of imipenem were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Then, a population-level pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using NONMEM software. Data were collected from 56 children (age range, 2.03 to 11.82 years) with hematological malignancies to conduct a population pharmacokinetic analysis. In this study, a two-compartment model that followed first-order elimination was found to be the most suitable. The parameters of current weight, age, and creatinine elimination rate were significant covariates that influenced imipenem pharmacokinetics. As a result, 41.4%, 56.1%, and 67.1% of the children reached the pharmacodynamic target (the percentage of the time during the total dosing interval that the free drug concentration remains above the MIC of 70%) against sensitive pathogens with an MIC of 0.5 mg/liter with imipenem at 15, 20, and 25 mg/kg of body weight every 6 h (q6h), respectively. However, only 11.1% of the children achieved the pharmacodynamic target against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates with an MIC of 2 mg/liter at a dose of 25 mg/kg q6h. The population pharmacokinetics of imipenem were assessed in children. The current dosage regimens of imipenem result in underdosing against resistant pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii However, for sensitive pathogens, imipenem has an acceptable pharmacodynamic target rate at a dosage of 25 mg/kg q6h. (The study discussed in this paper has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT03113344.).

Remote ischaemic preconditioning ameliorates sinus rhythm restoration rate through Cox maze radiofrequency procedure associated with inflammation reaction reduction.

Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) as adjuvant to selective heart surgery attenuates cardiac injury and atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence. We investigated its effect on sinus rhythm (SR) restoration rate in permanent AF patients undergoing Cox maze (CM) radiofrequency ablation with concomitant mitral valve surgery. From May 2013 to May 2017, 206 patients with rheumatic valve disease concomitant with permanent AF were randomized to receive prosthesis valve replacement and CM radiofrequency ablation procedure with (n = 104) or without (n = 102) RIPC (intermittent arm ischaemia through three cycles of 5-min inflation, followed by 5-min deflation of a blood pressure cuff). The primary end point of the study was freedom from cumulative AF without using antiarrhythmic drugs 1 year after operation; the secondary end points included inflammation reaction index over 48 h postoperatively and clinical outcomes. Baseline characteristics and preoperative data did not differ between groups. The SR restoration rates were significantly higher in the RIPC group, 85.6%, 83.7%, and 82.7%, than those in the control group, 72.5%, 70.6%, and 69.6%, at discharge, 6 months and 12 months, respectively, after the radiofrequency ablation procedure (P < 0.05). The serum concentration of high sensitivity C-reactive protein and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were significantly decreased at 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h postoperatively in the RIPC group compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). RIPC induced by brief ischaemia and reperfusion of the arm ameliorated SR restoration rate in patients with permanent AF through CM radiofrequency ablation procedure and was associated with reduction of postoperative systemic inflammation reaction index.

Rotating off-centered lens in SBS phase conjugation mirror for high-repetition-rate operation.

A new method using a rotating off-centered lens is proposed to reduce the heat accumulation at the focal spot of a stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugation mirror at high-repetition-rate operation. Theoretical simulation of the beam intensity pattern at the focal point indicates there is less coma-aberration using a rotating off-centered focusing lens than with a rotating wedge and a conventional lens. The resultant SBS output parameters using this new method are substantially improved comparable to those of a non-rotating conventional method for high-repetition-rate operation, while the former operates quite well for higher power and the latter operates only for lower input power. High reflected energy and a good beam pattern are demonstrated using the proposed method in the present experimental conditions of 50 mJ at 1 kHz.

Sub-nanosecond stimulated Brillouin scattering pulse compression using HT270 for kHz repetition rate operation.

With mitigation of thermal effects in a generator cell based on a rotating off-centered lens, the effects of thermal blooming, self-defocusing, and thermal convection in the amplifier cell have experimentally proven to be the main factors limiting high-repetition-rate stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) pulse compression. To alleviate these effects, Galden HT270, which has a large viscosity coefficient, is used and compared experimentally. The operating repetition rate using HT270 was improved from 200 Hz to 1,000 Hz, comparable to the values in the literature. With a pump energy of 50 mJ at 1,000 Hz, the pump pulse was compressed down to 820 ps using HT270 with an energy efficiency of 52.2%. If the injection energy is further increased, the SBS energy efficiency can be increased beyond this value.

Minimizing cross sectional pulse width difference between central and edge parts of SBS compressed beam.

For minimizing the spatial cross-sectional pulse width difference in the reflected SBS compressed beam, two new methods, blocking beam edge and parameter optimization, are proposed and compared experimentally. Results show that the sub-nanosecond compressed pulse width at the beam edge can be obtained by using both two methods in this paper. The pulse width difference between the beam center and the edge is minimized through selecting a proper medium and the optimized structural parameters in a single-cell SBS compressor. Its energy efficiency reaches up to 81.5% by using the medium HT110 and is two times higher than that of the blocking beam edge method. The compressed pulse width's stability improved greatly by using these two methods.

CircTRNC18 inhibits trophoblast cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating miR-762/Grhl2 pathway in pre-eclampsia.

Dysfunctions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-regulated cell migration and invasion have been involved in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia (PE). However, the role of circRNAs in EMT of PE has not been widely investigated. In this study, we identified that circTNRC18 was upregulated in PE placentas compared with normal pregnancy placentas. Moreover, circTNRC18 negatively regulated trophoblast cell migration and EMT. Overexpression of circTNRC18 reduced while depletion of circTNRC18 enhanced trophoblast cell migration and EMT. Mechanistically, circTNRC18 sponged miR-762 contributed to inhibit miR-762 activity and elevated EMT-related transcriptional factor Grhl2 protein level. miR-762 expression was lower in PE placentas and played a promoting role in trophoblast cell migration and EMT. In contrast, Grhl2 was highly expressed in PE placentas. Furthermore, we confirmed that upregulation of Grhl2 by circ-TNRC18-induced inhibition of miR-762 led to trophoblast cell migration and EMT. In conclusions, circTNRC18/miR-762/Grhl2 axis plays a key role in trophoblast cell migration and EMT. circTNRC18/miR-762/Grhl2 axis may be a potential therapeutic target in PE.

MicroRNA-29b-3p prevents Schistosoma japonicum-induced liver fibrosis by targeting COL1A1 and COL3A1.

Schistosomiasis is one of the world's major public health problems in terms of morbidity and mortality, causing granulomatous inflammation and cumulative fibrosis. This study explored in vivo and vitro effects of miR-29b-3p in granulomatous liver fibrosis by targeting COL1A1 and COL3A1 in Schistosoma japonicum infection. Thirty male Balb/c mice were assigned to normal control and model (percutaneous infection of cercariae of S. japonicum) groups. NIH-3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts were designated into blank, NC, miR-29b-3p mimic, TGF-ß1, TGF-ß1 + NC, and TGF-ß1 + miR-29b-3p mimic groups. HE and Masson staining were employed to observe the pathological changes and collagenous fibrosis. The expression of α-SMA, COL1A1, COL3A1, TIMP-1 was determined by immunohistochemistry. The RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to determine expression of miR-29b-3p, COL1A1, and COL3A1. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate viability and apoptosis. The relative expression of miR-29b-3p decreased in the model group. The model group showed marked fibrosis in liver tissues. The expression of α-SMA, COL1A1, COL3A1, TIMP-1 was higher in the model group than that in the normal control group. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that miR-29b-3p directly targeted COL1A1 and COL3A1. Compared with the blank, NC, TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß1 + NC groups, the miR-29b-3p mimic group exhibited up-regulated expression of miR-29b-3p and MMP-9 but down-regulated expression of TIMP-1, HSP47, α-SMA, COL1A1, and COL3A1; while lower cell viability but higher apoptosis rate showed. It indicated that miR-29b-3p prevents S. japonicum-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting COL1A1 and COL3A1.

CD40 polymorphism in cervical carcinoma in a subset of Malaysian population.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the allelic frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human CD40 gene in cervical cancer. METHODS: A total of 200 cases were selected from the records of the Department of Pathology, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Malaysia. The samples were collected in three separate groups: cervicitis (n = 61), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 69), and cervical carcinoma (n = 70). The patients' demographic data and the respective paraffin-embedded tissue samples from Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban were obtained upon consent. The sample tissues were submitted for DNA extraction using G-spin Total DNA Extraction Kit. DNA obtained was then submitted for nested PCR before restriction enzyme digestion. RESULTS: SNP rs1883832 showed higher prevalence of T alleles in the cervical carcinoma group compared to the control groups and in rs3765459, a higher prevalence of G alleles in the cervical carcinoma group was noted. The results of rs1800686 and rs4810485 were insignificant. CONCLUSION: The data from our study indicates a potential association between the rs1883832 and rs3765459 CD40 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to cervical cancer.

Assessment of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Korean native chicken breeds using microsatellite markers.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the basic information on genetic structure and characteristics of Korean Native chickens (NC) and foreign breeds through the analysis of the pure chicken populations and commercial chicken lines of the Hanhyup Company which are popular in the NC market, using the 20 microsatellite markers. METHODS: In this study, the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of 445 NC from five different breeds (NC, Leghorn [LH], Cornish [CS], Rhode Island Red [RIR], and Hanhyup [HH] commercial line) were investigated by performing genotyping using 20 microsatellite markers. RESULTS: The highest genetic distance was observed between RIR and LH (18.9%), whereas the lowest genetic distance was observed between HH and NC (2.7%). In the principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) illustrated by the first component, LH was clearly separated from the other groups. The correspondence analysis showed close relationship among individuals belonging to the NC, CS, and HH lines. From the STRUCTURE program, the presence of 5 clusters was detected and it was found that the proportion of membership in the different clusters was almost comparable among the breeds with the exception of one breed (HH), although it was highest in LH (0.987) and lowest in CS (0.578). For the cluster 1 it was high in HH (0.582) and in CS (0.368), while for the cluster 4 it was relatively higher in HH (0.392) than other breeds. CONCLUSION: Our study showed useful genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship data that can be utilized for NC breeding and development by the commercial chicken industry to meet consumer demands.

Association between XPG polymorphisms and stomach cancer susceptibility in a Chinese population.

Xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) protein plays an important role in the DNA repair process by cutting the damaged DNA at the 3' terminus. Previous studies have indicated some polymorphisms in the XPG gene are associated with stomach cancer susceptibility. We performed this hospital-based case-control study to evaluate the association of four potentially functional XPG polymorphisms (rs2094258 C>T, rs751402 C>T, rs2296147 T>C and rs873601G>A) with stomach cancer susceptibility. The four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 692 stomach cancer cases and 771 healthy controls. Logistic regression analysis was conducted, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association of interest. Of the studied SNPs, XPG rs873601G>A polymorphism was found to significantly associate with stomach cancer susceptibility (AA versus GG/AG: OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03-1.66, P = 0.027). Combined analysis of all SNPs revealed that the individuals with two of risk genotypes had a significantly increased stomach cancer risk (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.13-2.06). In the stratification analysis, the association between the rs873601AA genotype and stomach cancer risk was observed in older group (>59 year), as well as patients with non-cardia stomach cancer. Further combined analysis indicated men, smokers, or non-drinkers more than one risk genotypes had a significantly increased stomach cancer risk. Our results indicate that XPG rs873601G>A polymorphism may be associated with the risk of stomach cancer. Further prospective studies with different ethnicities and large sample sizes are needed to validate our findings.

Procyanidins alleviates morphine tolerance by inhibiting activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia.

BACKGROUND: The development of antinociceptive tolerance following repetitive administration of opioid analgesics significantly hinders their clinical use. Evidence has accumulated indicating that microglia within the spinal cord plays a critical role in morphine tolerance. The inhibitor of microglia is effective to attenuate the tolerance; however, the mechanism is not fully understood. Our present study investigated the effects and possible mechanism of a natural product procyanidins in improving morphine tolerance via its specific inhibition on NOD-like receptor protein3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in microglia. METHODS: CD-1 mice were used for tail-flick test to evaluate the degree of pain. The microglial cell line BV-2 was used to investigate the effects and the mechanism of procyanidins. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced from BV-2 cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Cell signaling was measured by western blot assay and immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: Co-administration of procyanidins with morphine potentiated its antinociception effect and attenuated the development of acute and chronic morphine tolerance. Procyanidins also inhibited morphine-induced increase of interleukin-1ß and activation of NOD-like receptor protein3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Furthermore, procyanidins decreased the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, inhibited the translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and suppressed the level of reactive oxygen species in microglia. CONCLUSIONS: Procyanidins suppresses morphine-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammatory responses in microglia, and thus resulting in significant attenuation of morphine antinociceptive tolerance.

Metformin reduces morphine tolerance by inhibiting microglial-mediated neuroinflammation.

BACKGROUND: Tolerance seriously impedes the application of morphine in clinical medicine. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the exact mechanisms and efficient treatment. Microglial activation and neuroinflammation in the spinal cord are thought to play pivotal roles on the genesis and maintaining of morphine tolerance. Activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (AMPK) has been associated with the inhibition of inflammatory nociception. Metformin, a biguanide class of antidiabetic drugs and activator of AMPK, has a potential anti-inflammatory effect. The present study evaluated the effects and potential mechanisms of metformin in inhibiting microglial activation and alleviating the antinociceptive tolerance of morphine. METHODS: The microglial cell line BV-2 cells and mouse brain-derived endothelial cell line bEnd3 cells were used. Cytokine expression was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell signaling was assayed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. The antinociception and morphine tolerance were assessed in CD-1 mice using tail-flick tests. RESULTS: We found that morphine-activated BV-2 cells, including the upregulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) phosphorylation, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) mRNA expression, which was inhibited by metformin. Metformin suppressed morphine-induced BV-2 cells activation through increasing AMPK phosphorylation, which was reversed by the AMPK inhibitor compound C. Additionally, in BV-2 cells, morphine did not affect the cell viability and the mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. In bEnd3 cells, morphine did not affect the mRNA expression of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), but increased IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression; the effect was inhibited by metformin. Morphine also did not affect the mRNA expression of TLR-4 and chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). Furthermore, systemic administration of metformin significantly blocked morphine-induced microglial activation in the spinal cord and then attenuated the development of chronic morphine tolerance in mice. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin significantly attenuated morphine antinociceptive tolerance by suppressing morphine-induced microglial activation through increasing AMPK phosphorylation.

High resolution three-dimensional flash LIDAR system using a polarization modulating Pockels cell and a micro-polarizer CCD camera.

An innovative flash LIDAR (light detection and ranging) system with high spatial resolution and high range precision is proposed in this paper. The proposed system consists of a polarization modulating Pockels cell (PMPC) and a micro-polarizer CCD camera (MCCD). The Pockels cell changes its polarization state with respect to time after a laser pulse is emitted from the system. The polarization state of the laser-return pulse depends on the arrival time. The MCCD measures the intensity of the returning laser pulse to calculate the polarization state, which gives the range. A spatial resolution and range precision of 0.12 mrad and 5.2 mm at 16 m were obtained, respectively, in this experiment.

Coherent beam combination using self-phase locked stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugate mirrors with a rotating wedge for high power laser generation.

The self-phase locking of a stimulated Brillouin scattering-phase conjugate mirror (SBS-PCM) allows a simple and scalable coherent beam combination of existing lasers. We propose a simple optical system composed of a rotating wedge and a concave mirror to overcome the power limit of the SBS-PCM. Its phase locking ability and the usefulness on the beam-combination laser are demonstrated experimentally. A four-beam combination is demonstrated using this SBS-PCM scheme. The relative phases between the beams were measured to be less than λ/24.7.

The tumor promoting roles of HSP60 and HIF2α in gastric cancer cells.

The roles of HSP60 and HIF2α in diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention and treatment of various human cancers have been detected. However, the combined roles of HSP60 and HIF2α on the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer remain unclear. In this work, we confirmed that the levels of HSP60 and HIF2α messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were higher in gastric cancer tissues than that in matched normal tissues by using real-time PCR and Western blot. Furthermore, we confirmed that inhibition of HSP60 or HIF2α could induce apoptosis and inhibit cell mobility. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) was performed to determine the interaction between HSP60 and HIF2α. Lastly, we confirmed that knockdown of HSP60 or HIF2α induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells is negatively related to the MEK/ERK signaling in vitro. In summary, HSP60 or HIF2α protein expression may be a predictive marker for the prognosis of the patients with gastric cancer. Targeting HSP60 and HIF2α could be a future strategy to improve survival of gastric patients with poor prognosis.

Feasibility of cascaded multi-dithering technique for coherent addition of a large number of beam elements.

The capacity of cascaded multi-dithering technique in terms of scalability is analyzed by developing equations and performing simulations whose results are found to be in agreement with the earlier experimental result of a sixteen fiber beam combination using the cascaded multi-dithering technique.