Study of selenium enrichment metabolomics in Bacillus subtilis BSN313 via transcriptome analysis.

In this study, the transcriptome analysis was practiced to identify potential genes of probiotic Bacillus subtilis BSN313 involved in selenium (Se) enrichment metabolism. The transcriptomic variation of the strain was deliberated in presence of three different sodium selenite concentrations (0, 3, and 20 µg/mL). The samples were taken at 1 and 13 h subsequent to inoculation of selenite and gene expression profiles in Se metabolism were analyzed through RNA sequencing. The gene expression levels of the pre log phase were lower than the stationary phase. It is because, the bacteria has maximum grown with high concentration of Se (enriched with organic Se), at stationary phase. Bacterial culture containing 3 µg/mL concentration of inorganic Se (sodium selenite) has shown highest gene expression as compared to no or high concentration of Se. This concentration (3 µg/mL) of sodium selenite (as Se) in the medium promoted the upregulation of thioredoxin reductase expression, whereas its higher Se concentration inhibited the formation of selenomethionine (SeMet). The result of 5 L bioreactor fermentation showed that SeMet was also detected in the fermentation supernatant as the growth entered in the late stationary phase and reached up to 857.3 ng/mL. The overall intracellular SeMet enriched content in BSN313 was extended up to 23.4 µg/g dry cell weight. The other two selenoamino acids (Se-AAs), methyl-selenocysteine, and selenocysteine were hardly detected in medium supernatant. From this study, it was concluded that SeMet was the highest content of organic Se byproduct biosynthesized by B. subtilis BSN313 strain in Se-enriched medium during stationary phase. Thus, B. subtilis BSN313 can be considered a commercial probiotic strain that can be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This is because it can meet the commercial demand for Se-AAs (SeMet) in both industries.

Timing of hormone therapy and its association with cardiovascular risk and metabolic parameters in 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide-induced primary ovarian insufficiency mouse model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of various initiation time points and durations of hormone therapy (HT) on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters of premenarche, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) mouse model, induced by 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide. METHODS: A total of 50 mice at 4 weeks of age were developed into POI mouse model, further randomly categorized into 5 groups: control group without any intervention; no HT group with only high-fat diet (NT); group 1 with delayed estradiol treatment (T1); group 2 with on-time, continuous estradiol treatment (T2); and group 3 with on-time estradiol treatment but early stop (T3). Cardiovascular risk and metabolic parameters were measured. RESULTS: Presenting with similar body weights, blood glucose levels of T1, T2, and T3 were all significantly lower than NT (p < .001). Serum total cholesterol and insulin were also significantly lower in all HT groups than in NT, especially in T2 (p < .001). For serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, only T2 resulted in the statically lower level than those of NT, T1, and T3 (p < .001). Aortic thickness was significantly increased with aggravated fibrotic change of the intima in NT, and such consequence was significantly ameliorated in HT groups, mostly lowered in T2 (p < .05). Last, serum pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly low in the HT groups than in NT, especially in T2 with the lowest level (p < .05). . CONCLUSIONS: On-time, continuous E2 treatment immediately after a biologic estrogen deprivation event significantly reduced metabolic and cardiovascular risks in young, pre-menarche female mouse models of POI, confirming decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Excited-State Modification of Phenylimidazole-Based Cyclometalated Ir(III) Complexes through Secondary Bulky Aryl Substitution and Inductive Modification Enhances the Blue Emission Efficiency in Phosphorescent OLEDs.

To elucidate the key parameters governing the emission properties of phenylimidazole (pim)-based Ir(III) emitters, including their electronic structure and the bulky aryl substitution effect, a series of pim-based iridium(III) complexes (Ir(Rpim-X)3, Rpim-X = 1-R-2-(X-phenyl)-1H-imidazole) bearing secondary pendants of increasing bulkiness [R = methyl (Me), phenyl (Ph), terphenyl (TPh), or 4-isopropyl terphenyl (ITPh)] and three different primary pim ligands (X = F, F2, and CN) were designed and synthesized. Based on photophysical and electrochemical analyses, it was found that the excited state properties are highly dependent on the bulkiness of the secondary substituent and the inductive nature of the primary pim ligand. The incorporation of bulky TPh/ITPh substituents in the second coordination sphere significantly enhanced the emission efficiencies in the solid state (ΦPL = 72.1-84.9%) compared to those of the methyl- or phenyl-substituted Ir(III) complexes (ΦPL = 30.4% for Ir(Mepim)3 and 63.7% for Ir(Phpim)3). Further modification of the secondary aryl substituent (Ir(TPhpim)3 → Ir(ITPhpim)3) through the incorporation of an isopropyl group and F substitution on the primary pim ligand (Ir(TPh/ITPhpim)3 → Ir(TPh/ITPhpim-F/F2)3) resulted in a slight decrease in the LUMO and a significant decrease in the HOMO energy levels, respectively; these energy level adjustments consequently amplified emission blue shifts, thereby enabling efficient blue electroluminescence in phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes. Theoretical calculations revealed that the excited-state properties of pim-based Ir(III) complexes can be modulated by the nature of the peripheral substituent and the presence of an EWG substituent. Among the fabricated blue-emitting TPh/ITPh-substituted Ir(III) complexes, Ir(ITPhpim-F)3, Ir(TPhpim-F2)3, and Ir(ITPhpim-F2)3 were tested as blue-emitting dopants for blue phosphorescent OLEDs owing to their high solid radiative quantum yields (ΦPL = 75.9-84.9%). The Ir(ITPhpim-F)3-doped multilayer device displayed the best performance with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 21.0%, a maximum current efficiency of 43.6 cd/A, and CIE coordinates of 0.18 and 0.31.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 on ovarian surface epithelium-derived ovarian stem cells and ovarian function in a 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide-induced murine model of ovarian failure.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can rescue ovarian aging and that ovarian surface epithelium (OSE)-derived ovarian stem cells (OSCs) are useful for treating infertility due to ovarian aging. However, few studies have examined the effect of CoQ10 on OSCs. This study was aimed to investigate whether CoQ10 activates OSCs and recovers ovarian function in a 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced mouse model of ovarian failure. METHODS: Forty female C57BL/6 mice aged 6 weeks were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10/group): a control group administered saline orally, a CoQ10 group administered 150 mg/kg/day of CoQ10 orally in 1 mL of saline daily for 14 days, a VCD group administered 160 mg/kg/day of VCD i.p. in 2.5 mL of saline/kg for 5 days, and a VCD + CoQ10 group administered VCD i.p. for 5 days injection and CoQ10 (150 mg/kg/day) orally for 14 days. After treatment, follicle counts were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and ovarian mRNA expressions of Bmp-15, Gdf-9, and c-Kit were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Serum FSH, AMH, and ROS levels were also measured. Oocyte-like structure counts and the expressions of Oct-4 and MVH were also evaluated after culturing OSE for 3 weeks. In a second experiment, 32 female mice were administered CoQ10 as described above, induced to superovulate using PMSG and hCG, and mated. Numbers of zygotes and embryo development rate were examined. RESULTS: Postcultured OSE showed significant increases in the numbers of oocyte-like structure and that the expression of Oct-4 and MVH were higher in the VCD + CoQ10 group than in the VCD group (p < 0.05). Numbers of surviving follicles from primordial to antral follicles, numbers of zygotes retrieved and embryo development rate to blastocyst were significantly greater in the VCD + CoQ10 group than in the VCD group (p < 0.01). Serum AMH level and ovarian expressions of Bmp-15, Gdf-9 and c-Kit were also significantly greater in the VCD + CoQ10 group than in the VCD group (p < 0.05). In contrast, serum ROS level was significantly lower in the VCD + CoQ10 group than in the VCD group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows that CoQ10 stimulates the differentiation of OSE-derived OSCs and confirms that CoQ10 can reduce ROS levels and improve ovarian function and oocyte quality in mice with VCD-induced ovarian failure.

Delphinidin enhances radio-therapeutic effects via autophagy induction and JNK/MAPK pathway activation in non-small cell lung cancer.

Delphinidin is a major anthocyanidin compound found in various vegetables and fruits. It has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and various other biological activities. In this study we demonstrated the anti-cancer activity of delphinidin, which was related to autophagy, in radiation-exposed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Radiosensitising effects were assessed in vitro by treating cells with a subcytotoxic dose of delphinidin (5 µM) before exposure to γ-ionising radiation (IR). We found that treatment with delphinidin or IR induced NSCLC cell death in vitro; however the combination of delphinidin pre-treatment and IR was more effective than either agent alone, yielding a radiation enhancement ratio of 1.54 at the 50% lethal dose. Moreover, combined treatment with delphinidin and IR, enhanced apoptotic cell death, suppressed the mTOR pathway, and activated the JNK/MAPK pathway. Delphinidin inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR, and increased the expression of autophagy-induced cell death associated-protein in radiation-exposed NSCLC cells. In addition, JNK phosphorylation was upregulated by delphinidin pre-treatment in radiation-exposed NSCLC cells. Collectively, these results show that delphinidin acts as a radiation-sensitizing agent through autophagy induction and JNK/MAPK pathway activation, thus enhancing apoptotic cell death in NSCLC cells.

Photophysical properties of structural isomers of homoleptic Ir-complexes derived from xylenyl-substituted N-heterocyclic carbene ligands.

The phosphorescence properties of fac-Ir(pmp)3, mer-Ir(pmp)3, fac-Ir(dmpmp)3 and mer-Ir(dmpmp)3 (where pmp = 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine and dmpmp = 1-(2',6'-dimethylbiphenyl-2-yl)-3-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine) in CH2Cl2 were investigated. At 77 K, the fac-isomers showed blue emission with a vibronic structure, while the mer-isomers showed less structured emissions. At 300 K, all complexes showed broad and markedly red-shifted emission spectra compared to those at 77 K. The quantum yields of the Ir(dmpmp)3 isomers were very low, and their emission lifetimes were very short compared to those of Ir(pmp)3. In order to understand the large differences between the photodynamic properties of Ir(pmp)3 and Ir(dmpmp)3, we performed femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption (TA) spectroscopic measurements. The TA spectra of Ir(dmpmp)3 were almost the same as those of Ir(pmp)3 at a short delay time. However, Ir(dmpmp)3 showed a new broad TA band at around 720 nm with increasing delay time. The rise time of this band was ca. 10 ps for both isomers, and this may be attributed to the geometrical change in the excited state, which is associated with the steric hindrance of the bulky dimethylphenyl substituent. Actually, Ir(dmpmp)3 showed a strong rigidochromic shift in the emission spectra with varying temperature. To understand the molecular orbitals and the energy levels, theoretical calculations were performed using density functional theory. As a result, structural displacement takes place accompanied by the fast migration of localization of excited states via intraligand charge transfer.

Photoinduced electron and hole transfers in carbazole dendrimers with heteroleptic Ir-complex cores.

We synthesised carbazole (Cz) dendrimers with heteroleptic Ir-complex cores. Upon excitation of the carbazole (Cz) dendrons, the phosphorescence of the core Ir(iii) complex was quenched due to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. The PET dynamics of the excited Cz-dendrons were investigated using the femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption technique. A broad transient absorption (TA) band attributed to the S1-Sn transition of the 1Cz*-dendron was observed at around 630 nm in the first generation Cz-dendrimer (G1). This TA band in the second-generation dendrimer (G2) decayed with a longer lifetime of 55.5 ps compared to that of G1 (9.8 ps), because G2 has a larger distance between the Cz-dendron and Ir-complex core than that of G1. The decay time of the free 1Cz*-dendron was 6.3 ns, and thus, the reduced decay time in Gn corresponds to the PET dynamics. As a result of the PET process, the Cz cationic radical species (Cz˙+) was observed at around 780 nm. Interestingly, when the core Ir-complex in the dendrimer was excited with a 400 nm pulse selectively, the TA band of Cz˙+ was also detected at around 780 nm. This may be due to the photoinduced hole transfer (PHT) from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy state of Cz to the lowest singly occupied molecular orbital (LSOMO) energy state of the excited Ir-complex. The oxidation potential of Cz is lower than that of the Ir-complex, indicating that the HOMO of the Cz-dendron is located at a higher energy state than that of the Ir-complex. To investigate the relative order of the energy states and their orbital shapes, we performed theoretical calculations using density functional theory. The TA spectra were globally deconvoluted to generate the decay-associated spectra (DAS), from which the species-associated spectra (SAS) were calculated. The SAS can distinguish the individual intermediate species participating in the PET and PHT processes. The analysed rate constants of SAS were consistent with the results determined by the TA decays.

Differential expression of visfatin, leptin, stromal cell derived factor-1α, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and vascular endothelial growth factor in human leiomyomas.

AIM: This study was aimed to understand expressions of the visfatin, leptin, stromal cell derived factor (SDF)-1α, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human uterine leiomyomas (UL) and normal myometrium. METHOD: This study investigated expression of visfatin, leptin, SDF-1α, eNOS and VEGF in 23 uterine leiomyoma patients and 10 normal myometrium by RT-PCR and western blot. Messenger RNA transcripts of SDF-1α, eNOS, VEGF and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were analyzed according to the size of UL by real-time PCR. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in expressions of visfatin and leptin between UL compared with normal myometrium. However, expressions of eNOS, SDF-1α and VEGF were significantly higher in both intramural and subserosal UL compared with normal myometrium. The expression of SDF1-α was significantly increased in small UL (<5 cm) compared to the large UL (≥5 cm), whereas the expressions of eNOS, VEGF and HIF-1α were higher in large UL than small UL. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that expression of SDF-1α, eNOS and VEGF were significantly higher in UL than myometrium with a different expression pattern according to the size of UL. However, expressions of visfatin and leptin had no significant differences between the two groups.

Inhibitory effect of puerarin on vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation induced by oxidised low-density lipoprotein via suppressing ERK 1/2 phosphorylation and PCNA expression.

Puerarin, an isoflavonoid isolated from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Pueraria lobata (Wild.) Ohwi, has been shown to process antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-hypercholesterolemic, and anti-hyperglycemic activities in vivo and in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antiproliferative effects and the possible mechanisms of puerarin in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) stimulated with oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). VSMCs were cultured and pretreated with different concentrations of puerarin (0, 1, 10, 50 µM) before stimulated by ox-LDL (50 µg/mL). Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to study the influence of puerarin on cell cycle. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 were detected by western blotting analysis. The results indicated that puerarin significantly inhibited VSMCs proliferation induced by ox-LDL and phosphorylation of ERK 1/2. Furthermore, puerarin also blocked the ox-LDL-induced cell-cycle progression at G1/S-interphase and down-regulated the expression of PCNA of VSMCs. The results suggest puerarin inhibits ox-LDL-induced proliferation of VSMCs by suppressing ERK 1/2 phosphorylation and PCNA expression.

The Gamburtsev mountains and the origin and early evolution of the Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Ice-sheet development in Antarctica was a result of significant and rapid global climate change about 34 million years ago. Ice-sheet and climate modelling suggest reductions in atmospheric carbon dioxide (less than three times the pre-industrial level of 280 parts per million by volume) that, in conjunction with the development of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, led to cooling and glaciation paced by changes in Earth's orbit. Based on the present subglacial topography, numerical models point to ice-sheet genesis on mountain massifs of Antarctica, including the Gamburtsev mountains at Dome A, the centre of the present ice sheet. Our lack of knowledge of the present-day topography of the Gamburtsev mountains means, however, that the nature of early glaciation and subsequent development of a continental-sized ice sheet are uncertain. Here we present radar information about the base of the ice at Dome A, revealing classic Alpine topography with pre-existing river valleys overdeepened by valley glaciers formed when the mean summer surface temperature was around 3 degrees C. This landscape is likely to have developed during the initial phases of Antarctic glaciation. According to Antarctic climate history (estimated from offshore sediment records) the Gamburtsev mountains are probably older than 34 million years and were the main centre for ice-sheet growth. Moreover, the landscape has most probably been preserved beneath the present ice sheet for around 14 million years.

Prediction of preterm delivery using levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and leptin in amniotic fluid from the second trimester.

PURPOSE: Impaired angiogenesis of the developing placenta in the early pregnancy is one etiology of preterm delivery. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of normal angiogenesis. Leptin stimulates other angiogenic factors, including VEGF. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether levels of VEGF and leptin in amniotic fluid during the second trimester could serve as markers for preterm delivery. METHODS: This study was conducted on second trimester amniotic fluid samples obtained from women undergoing genetic amniocentesis at 16-20 weeks of gestation. VEGF and leptin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in every case of delivery at <37 weeks' gestation (n = 36) and in 36 matched controls who delivered at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid VEGF levels in the preterm group (32.24 ± 4.87 pg/ml) were significantly higher than those in the control group (23.49 ± 2.09 pg/ml) (p < 0.05). Leptin levels in the amniotic fluid were higher in the preterm group (6.64 ± 0.68 ng/ml) compared to the control group (5.35 ± 0.59 ng/ml), but this difference was not significant. Amniotic fluid VEGF and leptin levels were highest in women with placenta previa and were lowest in women with intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy-induced hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that amniotic fluid VEGF levels in the second trimester are more predictive of preterm delivery than leptin levels. This study also demonstrates that VEGF levels vary depending on the cause of preterm delivery.

miR-150 is a factor of survival in prostate cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common malignant disease in males and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in men in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether microRNA (miR)-150 is a factor influencing survival in prostate cancer patients. METHODS: miR-150 mRNA and protein expression levels in prostatic cancer cell lines and healthy tissues were determined by quantitative (q) RT-PCR and Western blotting. Additionally, the protein expression of miR-150 was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: High miR-150 expression was positively correlated with tumor recurrence or metastasis (p=0.010). In addition, PC patients with high miR-150 expression had significantly poorer overall survival/OR (hazard ratio/HR, 1.87; 95% confidence interval/CI, 1.19-2.94; p=0.006) and poorer disease-free survival/DFS (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.21- 2.98; p=0.005) than those with low miR-150 expression. The cumulative 5-year OS was only 35.19% (95% CI, 26.18- 44.20) in the high miR-150 expression group, whereas it was 55.93% (95% CI, 43.26-68.60) in the low miR-150 expression group (p<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the expression of miR-150, tumor size, and number of tumor lesions were independent prognostic predictors for OS in PC patients. CONCLUSION: miR-150 was overexpressed in PC at both the mRNA and protein levels, and high expression of miR-150 could serve as a novel and reliable prognostic biomarker for PC patients.

Differential expression of pluripotent and germ cell markers in ovarian surface epithelium according to age in female mice.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have proposed that putative ovarian stem cells (OSCs) derived from the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) layer of adult mammalian ovaries can produce oocytes. Few studies have reported that ovaries of aged mammalian females including mice and women possess rare premeiotic germ cells that can generate oocytes. However, no studies have reported the changes of OSCs according to the age of the female. Therefore, this study evaluated pluripotent and germ cell marker expression in the intact ovary, scraped OSE, and postcultured OSE according to age in female mice. METHODS: C57BL/6 female mice of 2 age groups (6-8 and 28-31 weeks) were superovulated by injection with 5 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Both ovaries were removed after 48 hours and scrapped to obtain OSE. Gene expressions of pluripotent (Oct-4, Sox-2, Nanog) and germ cell markers (c-Kit, GDF-9, and VASA) were evaluated by RT-PCR. VASA and GDF-9 were immune-localized in oocyte-like structures. RESULTS: Expressions of germ cell markers in the intact ovary were significantly decreased in aged females, whereas expressions of pluripotent markers were not detected, regardless of age. Scraped OSE expression of all pluripotent and germ cell markers, except for c-Kit, was similar between both age groups. Three weeks postcultured OSE had significantly decreased expression of GDF-9 and VASA , but not c-Kit, in old mice, as compared to young mice; however there was no difference in the expression of other genes. The number of positively stained Oct-4 by immunohistochemistry in postcultured OSE was 2.5 times higher in young mice than aged mice. Oocyte-like structure was spontaneously produced in postcultured OSE. However, while that of young mice revealed a prominent nucleus, zona pellucida-like structure and cytoplasmic organelles, these features were not observed in old mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that aged female mice have putative OSCs in OSE, but their differentiation potential, as well as the number of OSCs differs from those of young mice.

Eu(3+)-doped gadolinium oxide nanoparticles synthesized by chemical coprecipitation predicted by thermodynamic modeling.

Thermodynamic modeling of the Gd(3+)-Eu(3+)-O(2-)-CO3(2-)-Cl- system has been adopted as a rational approach to establish routes to the better synthesis conditions for pure phase Eu(3+)-doped Gd2O3 nanoparticles. Quantitative analyses of the different reaction equilibria involved in the coprecipitation of Gd2(CO3)3 and Eu2(CO3)3 x 3H2O from aqueous solutions have been used to determine the optimum synthesis conditions. The characterization and photoluminescence spectra of Gd2O3 nanoparticles doped with Eu3+ activator ions at the concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mol% synthesized by urea-based homogeneous coprecipitation are presented. The surface of the as-prepared mixture of Gd2(CO3)3 and Eu2(CO3)3 x 3H2O particles are coated with silica to avoid the agglomeration followed by annealing the carbonate precursors at 800 degrees C for 3 hours. Subsequently, the silica shell is removed with an alkali solution resulting in well-crystallized Eu(3+)-doped Gd2O3 nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that all the diffraction peaks are well indexed to the cubic Gd2O3 with high crystallinity. The photoluminescence spectra exhibit a characteristic f-f transition band that corresponds to Eu3+. The sharp red emission at 616 nm corresponds to the transition identified as 5D0 __7F2. Both the emission intensity at 616 nm and asymmetry factor of [I(5D0 --> 7F2)/I(5D0 --> 7F1)] exhibit clearly Eu(3+)-doping concentration-dependent luminescence behaviors. The rather fast decay time is closely correlated to the proper occupation of the Eu3+ activator ions in the C2 sites of the Gd2O3 cage, resulting in strong dependence on small changes of the total electric density and defect density. Thus, the best concentration of Eu3+ activator ions for the maximum brightness are the 3 mol% Eu(3+)-doped Gd2O3 at 5D0 --> 7F2 because it shows the longest decay time and more luminescent intensity than the other doping concentrations.

Magnetofluorescent probe of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles modified with poly(TMSMA-r-PEGMA-r-Eu(NTA)3(MMA)(TOPO)3).

In this study, hybrid magnetofluorescent structures composed of organic moiety of poly(TMSMA-r-PEGMA) for biomolecules-resistant surfaces and methyl methacrylate for conjugation of europium complex inorganic moiety of magnetic nanoparticles are reported. Lanthanide complex of europium ion with 4,4,4-Trifluoro-1-(2-naphthyl)-1,3-butanedione (NTA) and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO)[Eu(NTA)3(TOPO)3] were incorporated into poly(TMSMA-r-PEGMA-r-MMA) matrix. Afterward, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were coated with as prepared polymeric europium complex (PEC) to construct hierarchical structure of magnetofluorescent probe. The PL spectra of the PEC@SPIONs excited by UV light showed characteristic emission behavior with a hypersensitive transition 5D0 --> 7F2 at 621 nm. About a 20% quenching in the intensity of the emission peak at 621 nm was found after the addition of SPIONs. Interestingly, when the concentration of PEC against SPIONs is increased, the hypersensitive transition 5D0 --> 7F2 at 621 nm is linearly increased, while 5D1 --> 7F6 at 700 nm is linearly decreased. The cytotoxic effect of PEC@SPIONs was evaluated with U373MG cell by the MTT assay of PEC@SPIONs in cell proliferation. The cell viability in the range of 10-200 ug/ml was more than 80%. No significant difference in cell proliferation until the concentration of 300 ug/ml (77.61 ± 3.33%). The cellular uptake of PEC@SPIONs evaluated by confocal microscopy showed that the magnetofluorescent nanoparticles were internalized extensively in the cytoplasmic region.

Protective effects of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles loaded with erythropoietin stabilized by sodium cholate against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.

The final aim of this study was to confirm the neuroprotective effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles stabilized by sodium cholate (rhEPO-Ch-NP) and compare their effects with those of rhEPO using an in vitro model of cerebral ischemia. Glutamate-induced excitotoxic damage on SH-SY5Y cells, a human neuroblastoma cell line, with or without rhEPO-Ch-NPs was quantitatively evaluated. The rhEPO-Ch-NPs were carefully prepared using a water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsion solvent evaporation technique with PLGA, sodium cholate hydrate, and ethyl acetate. The rhEPO-Ch-NPs were fully characterized by both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In addition, significant intracellular uptake of these particles was monitored by confocal microscopy. Notably, the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and nuclear changes observed by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining in SH-SY5Y cells demonstrated that rhEPO-Ch-NPs were safer at any concentration investigated and rescued more neuronal cells, while preserving normocytic features against glutamate-induced excitotoxic damages compared to rhEPO.

Neuroprotective effect of estradiol-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles on glutamate-induced excitotoxic neuronal death.

Different concentrations of estradiol (E2)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (E2-PLGA-NPs) were synthesized using the emulsion-diffusion method. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the average particle size of E2-PLGA-NPs was 98 ± 1.9 nm when stabilized with polyvinyl alcohol and 103 ± 4.9 nm when stabilized with Tween-80. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy with diamond attenuated total reflectance was used to identify the presence or absence of E2 molecules in PLGA nanocapsules. Cell proliferation was assessed after treating SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with 1 nM-1 µM of E2 and E2-PLGA-NPs. The neuroprotective efficacy against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity was also investigated in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Neuroprotection was greater in E2-PLGA-NP-treated cells than in cells treated with the same concentration of E2. Furthermore, E2- and E2-PLGA-NP-treated cells expressed more p-ERK1/2 and p-CREB than cells treated with glutamate only. Moreover, the expression of p-ERK1/2 was higher than that of p-CREB. In this study, p-ERK1/2 had a greater influence on the neuroprotective effect of E2 and E2-PLGA-NPs than p-CREB.

Effect of propofol on prostaglandin E2 production and prostaglandin synthase-2 and cyclooxygenase-2 expressions in amniotic membrane cells.

PURPOSE: Surgery during pregnancy can be a cause of preterm labor or birth, possibly resulting from anesthetic agents or direct effects of surgery. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of propofol on uterine contractility by examining prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and the expression of PGE synthase 2 (PGES2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in amniotic membrane cells. METHODS: Amniotic membranes were collected from healthy full-term women who underwent cesarean section at 37-40 weeks of gestation. The amniotic cells were cultured in α-modified-Eagle's medium with 10% fetal bovine serum for 24 h at 5% CO2 in a 37 °C incubator. Then, various doses of propofol (0.01-10 µg/ml) were used for treatment for 3 h. PGE2 concentrations in conditioned media were evaluated using ELISA. PGES2 and COX-2 expression were examined using RT-PCR and Western blot. Cell viability and apoptosis were examined by MTT, ATP assays, and the TUNEL method. RESULTS: PGE2 production significantly decreased at 0.1 and 1.0 µg/ml propofol concentrations compared to controls. COX-2 and PGES2 mRNA expression was decreased in a dose-dependent manner with a significant difference at 0.1 µg/ml propofol compared to controls. The protein expression of COX-2 showed a similar result to mRNA expression, but protein expression of PGES2 was not significantly decreased. No effect of propofol was found in cell viability. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that propofol reduced the production of PGE2 and the expression of COX-2 and PGES2 without affecting cell viability.

Taxonomic study of the genus Assara Walker (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae, Phycitinae) in NE China, with description of a new species.

Four species of the genus Assara Walker, 1863 are revised from NE China. Among them, Assara yanbianensis Bae & Qi sp. n. is described as new to science and A. terebrella (Zincken, 1818) is newly recorded from China. A key to the NE Chinese species of the genus Assara with illustrations of adults and genitalia are presented.

Effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate on the differentiation of adipose-derived stromal cells from different subcutaneous adipose tissue depots.

Human adipose-tissue-derived stromal cells (hADSCs) are abundant in adipose tissue and can differentiate into multi-lineage cell types, including adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. In order to define the optimal harvest site of adipose tissue harvest site, we solated hADSCs from different subcutaneous sites (upper abdomen, lower abdomen, and thigh) and compared their proliferation and potential to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts. In addition, this study examined the effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, on proliferation and differentiation of hADSCs to adipocytes or osteoblasts. hADSCs isolated from different subcutaneous depots have a similar growth rate. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed that the expression levels of CD73 and CD90 were similar between hADSCs from abdomen and thigh regions. However, the expression of CD105 was lower in hADSCs from the thigh than in those from the abdomen. Although the adipogenic differentiation potential of hADSCs from both tissue regions was similar, the osteogenic differentiation potential of hADSCs from the thigh was greater than that of hADSCs from the abdomen. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treatment increased osteogenic differentiation and suppressed adipogenic differentiation of all hADSCs without affecting their growth rate and the treatment of Go6983, a general inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC) blocked the PMA effect. These findings indicate that the thigh region might be a suitable source of hADSCs for bone regeneration and that the PKC signaling pathway may be involved in the adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs.