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1.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4081, 2024 May 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38744844

ABSTRACT

Combination of waning immunity and lower effectiveness against new SARS-CoV-2 variants of approved COVID-19 vaccines necessitates new vaccines. We evaluated two doses, 28 days apart, of ARCT-154, a self-amplifying mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, compared with saline placebo in an integrated phase 1/2/3a/3b controlled, observer-blind trial in Vietnamese adults (ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT05012943). Primary safety and reactogenicity outcomes were unsolicited adverse events (AE) 28 days after each dose, solicited local and systemic AE 7 days after each dose, and serious AEs throughout the study. Primary immunogenicity outcome was the immune response as neutralizing antibodies 28 days after the second dose. Efficacy against COVID-19 was assessed as primary and secondary outcomes in phase 3b. ARCT-154 was well tolerated with generally mild-moderate transient AEs. Four weeks after the second dose 94.1% (95% CI: 92.1-95.8) of vaccinees seroconverted for neutralizing antibodies, with a geometric mean-fold rise from baseline of 14.5 (95% CI: 13.6-15.5). Of 640 cases of confirmed COVID-19 eligible for efficacy analysis most were due to the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. Efficacy of ARCT-154 was 56.6% (95% CI: 48.7- 63.3) against any COVID-19, and 95.3% (80.5-98.9) against severe COVID-19. ARCT-154 vaccination is well tolerated, immunogenic and efficacious, particularly against severe COVID-19 disease.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Neutralizing , Antibodies, Viral , COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology , COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects , COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/immunology , Female , Male , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Adult , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Middle Aged , Immunogenicity, Vaccine , Young Adult , Vaccine Efficacy , Vietnam , Adolescent , mRNA Vaccines , Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology , Vaccines, Synthetic/adverse effects , Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
2.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2748: 267-278, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38070119

ABSTRACT

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell immunotherapy emerges as an effective cancer treatment. However, significant safety concerns remain, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and "on-target, off-tumor" cytotoxicity, due to a lack of precise control over conventional CAR-T cell activity. To address this issue, a nano-optogenetic approach has been developed to enable spatiotemporal control of CAR-T cell activity. This system is comprised of synthetic light-sensitive CAR-T cells and upconversion nanoparticles acting as an in situ nanotransducer, allowing near-infrared light to wirelessly control CAR-T cell immunotherapy.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell , Humans , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics , Immunotherapy , Neoplasms/therapy , Optogenetics , T-Lymphocytes , Immunotherapy, Adoptive
3.
J Biochem ; 175(1): 57-67, 2023 Dec 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37812440

ABSTRACT

The Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs (BAR) domain of endophilin binds to the cell membrane and shapes it into a tubular shape for endocytosis. Endophilin has a Src-homology 3 (SH3) domain at their C-terminal. The SH3 domain interacts with the proline-rich motif (PRM) that is found in proteins such as neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP). Here, we re-examined the binding sites of the SH3 domain of endophilin in N-WASP by machine learning-based prediction and identified the previously unrecognized binding site. In addition to the well-recognized PRM at the central proline-rich region, we found a PRM in front of the N-terminal WASP homology 1 (WH1) domain of N-WASP (NtPRM) as a binding site of the endophilin SH3 domain. Furthermore, the diameter of the membrane tubules in the presence of NtPRM mutant was narrower and wider than that in the presence of N-WASP and in its absence, respectively. Importantly, the NtPRM of N-WASP was involved in the membrane localization of endophilin A2 in cells. Therefore, the NtPRM contributes to the binding of endophilin to N-WASP in membrane remodeling.


Subject(s)
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing , Carrier Proteins , Carrier Proteins/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Binding Sites , src Homology Domains , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Proline/metabolism , Protein Binding
4.
Reprod Biol ; 23(4): 100798, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37717489

ABSTRACT

In the present study, we attempted to improve the developmental competence of vitrified immature porcine oocytes by the preservation of mitochondrial properties using Cyclosporin A (CsA, inhibitor of mitochondrial membrane permeability transition) and Docetaxel (stabilizer of microtubules, hence mitochondrial distribution). In Experiment 1, Mitotracker red staining revealed reduced mitochondrial activity (MA) in vitrified/warmed oocytes at 0 and 22 h of in vitro maturation (IVM) compared with fresh ones. However, by at 46 h of IVM, MA levels in vitrified oocytes were similar to those in fresh control. Treatment of oocytes with CsA or Docetaxel improved MA at 0 h and 22 h of IVM compared with non-treated vitrified oocytes. However, there were no significant differences among groups in percentages of survival, maturation and embryo development after subsequent IVM and parthenogenetic activation. Nevertheless, a pretreatment with a combination of 10 µg/mL CsA and 0.05 µM Docetaxel improved the blastocyst formation of vitrified oocytes compared with non-treatment counterparts (11.2 ± 1.6% vs 5.9 ± 1.6%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, vitrification reduced mitochondrial activity in GV-stage oocytes during 0-22 h of IVM; however, it was normalized by 46 h IVM. Docetaxel or CsA pretreatment alone did not improve development competence of vitrified oocytes. However, pretreatment with a combination of CsA and Docetaxel could improve blastocyst formation rates.


Subject(s)
Cyclosporine , Vitrification , Swine , Animals , Cyclosporine/pharmacology , Docetaxel/pharmacology , Cryopreservation/veterinary , Oocytes , Embryonic Development
5.
Sci Adv ; 9(17): eadf5143, 2023 04 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37126564

ABSTRACT

The higher-order assembly of Bin-amphiphysin-Rvs (BAR) domain proteins, including the FCH-BAR (F-BAR) domain proteins, into lattice on the membrane is essential for the formation of subcellular structures. However, the regulation of their ordered assembly has not been elucidated. Here, we show that the higher ordered assembly of growth-arrested specific 7 (GAS7), an F-BAR domain protein, is regulated by the multivalent scaffold proteins of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)/neural WASP, that commonly binds to the BAR domain superfamily proteins, together with WISH, Nck, the activated small guanosine triphosphatase Cdc42, and a membrane-anchored phagocytic receptor. The assembly kinetics by fluorescence resonance energy transfer monitoring indicated that the GAS7 assembly on liposomes started within seconds and was further increased by the presence of these proteins. The regulated GAS7 assembly was abolished by Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome mutations both in vitro and in cellular phagocytosis. Therefore, Cdc42 and the scaffold proteins that commonly bind to the BAR domain superfamily proteins promoted GAS7 assembly.


Subject(s)
Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins , Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein , Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein/metabolism , Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein, Neuronal/genetics , Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein, Neuronal/metabolism , Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism , Actins/metabolism
6.
Redox Biol ; 60: 102628, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36774778

ABSTRACT

Mitochondrial methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MARS2) canonically mediates the formation of fMet-tRNAifMet for mitochondrial translation initiation. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a major gate of Ca2+ flux from cytosol into the mitochondrial matrix. We found that MARS2 interacts with MCU and stimulates mitochondrial Ca2+ influx. Methionine binding to MARS2 would act as a molecular switch that regulates MARS2-MCU interaction. Endogenous knockdown of MARS2 attenuates mitochondrial Ca2+ influx and induces p53 upregulation through the Ca2+-dependent CaMKII/CREB signaling. Subsequently, metabolic rewiring from glycolysis into pentose phosphate pathway is triggered and cellular reactive oxygen species level decreases. This metabolic switch induces inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via cellular redox regulation. Expression of MARS2 is regulated by ZEB1 transcription factor in response to Wnt signaling. Our results suggest the mechanisms of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and metabolic control of cancer that are exerted by the key factors of the mitochondrial translational machinery and Ca2+ homeostasis.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Lung Neoplasms , Humans , Calcium/metabolism , Calcium Channels/genetics , Calcium Channels/metabolism , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/metabolism , Mitochondria/genetics , Mitochondria/metabolism , Methionine-tRNA Ligase/metabolism
7.
Anim Sci J ; 93(1): e13795, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36562274

ABSTRACT

Vitrification and warming can trigger premature meiosis in immature porcine oocytes. Our aim was to compare the efficacies of two meiotic inhibitors, dibutyryl-cAMP and roscovitine for the meiosis synchronization during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes vitrified at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage. We first compared the efficacy of 1 mM dibutyryl-cAMP and 25 µM roscovitine on meiotic arrest during the first 22 h of IVM. Dibutyryl-cAMP could maintain the GV stage in 83.5% of oocytes; however, roscovitine was even more effective (96.6%), whereas only 17.4% of the oocytes remained at the GV stage without these additives. Temporal meiotic arrest for 22 h by roscovitine did not reduce the percentage of oocytes reaching the Metaphase II stage during subsequent IVM. However, after parthenogenetic stimulation or in vitro fertilization, subsequent embryo development to the blastocyst stage was compromised after roscovitine treatment, whereas dibutyryl-cAMP improved the percentage of blastocyst development. In conclusion, dibutyryl-cAMP could derogate but not completely prevent premature meiosis in vitrified oocytes, whereas roscovitine could more efficiently prevent it. However, for embryo production, the use of roscovitine was disadvantageous, whereas the use of dibutyryl-cAMP was beneficial.


Subject(s)
Embryonic Development , Oocytes , Animals , Swine , Roscovitine/pharmacology , Oocytes/physiology , Meiosis , Vitrification , Fertilization in Vitro/veterinary
8.
Polymers (Basel) ; 14(14)2022 Jul 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35890642

ABSTRACT

Cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) emulsifier is widely applied in the wastewater treatment industry, mining industry, paper industry, cosmetic chemistry, etc. However, optimization of input parameters in the synthesis of CPAM by using the traditional approach (i.e., changing one factor while leaving the others fixed at a particular set of conditions) would require a long time and a high cost of input materials. Onsite mass production of CPAM requires fast optimization of input parameters (i.e., stirring speed, reaction temperature and time, the amount of initiator, etc.) to minimize the production cost of specific-molecular-weight CPAM. Therefore, in this study, we synthesized CPAM using reverse emulsion copolymerization, and proposed response surface models for predicting the average molecular weight and reaction yield based on those input parameters. This study offers a time-saving tool for onsite mass production of specific-molecular-weight CPAM. Based on our response surface models, we obtained the optimal conditions for the synthesis of CPAM emulsions, which yielded medium-molecular-weight polymers and high conversion, with a reaction temperature of 60-62 °C, stirring speed of 2500-2600 rpm, and reaction time of 7 h. Quadratic models showed a good fit for predicting molecular weight (Adj.R2 = 0.9888, coefficient of variation = 2.08%) and reaction yield (Adj.R2 = 0.9982, coefficient of variation = 0.50%). The models suggested by our study would benefit the cost-minimization of CPAM mass production, where one could find optimal conditions for synthesizing different molecular weights of CPAM more quickly than via the traditional approach.

9.
Antioxidants (Basel) ; 11(3)2022 Mar 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35326144

ABSTRACT

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is essential for maintaining cellular function but excess of Pi leads to serious complications, including vascular calcification. Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenic progression of calcific changes. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Pi-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and its detrimental consequences remain unclear. Type III Na+-dependent Pi cotransporter, PiT-1/-2, play a significant role in Pi uptake of vascular smooth muscle cells. Pi influx via PiT-1/-2 increases the abundance of PiT-1/-2 and depolarization-activated Ca2+ entry due to its electrogenic properties, which may lead to Ca2+ and Pi overload and oxidative stress. At least four mitochondrial Pi transporters are suggested, among which the phosphate carrier (PiC) is known to be mainly involved in mitochondrial Pi uptake. Pi transport via PiC may induce hyperpolarization and superoxide generation, which may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress, together with generation of cytosolic ROS. Increase in net influx of Ca2+ and Pi and their accumulation in the cytosol and mitochondrial matrix synergistically increases oxidative stress and osteogenic differentiation, which could be prevented by suppressing either Ca2+ or Pi overload. Therapeutic strategies targeting plasmalemmal and mitochondrial Pi transports can protect against Pi-induced oxidative stress and vascular calcification.

10.
Biomolecules ; 12(3)2022 02 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35327542

ABSTRACT

Most neurodegenerative disorders have complex and still unresolved pathology characterized by progressive neuronal damage and death. Astrocytes, the most-abundant non-neuronal cell population in the central nervous system, play a vital role in these processes. They are involved in various functions in the brain, such as the regulation of synapse formation, neuroinflammation, and lactate and glutamate levels. The development of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reformed the research in neurodegenerative disorders allowing for the generation of disease-relevant neuronal and non-neuronal cell types that can help in disease modeling, drug screening, and, possibly, cell transplantation strategies. In the last 14 years, the differentiation of human iPSCs into astrocytes allowed for the opportunity to explore the contribution of astrocytes to neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the development protocols and applications of human iPSC-derived astrocytes in the most common neurodegenerative conditions.


Subject(s)
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , Neurodegenerative Diseases , Astrocytes/metabolism , Cell Differentiation , Humans , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism , Neurons/metabolism
12.
Nat Nanotechnol ; 16(12): 1424-1434, 2021 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34697491

ABSTRACT

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-based immunotherapy, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, has shown curative potential in patients with haematological malignancies. However, owing to the lack of control over the location and duration of the anti-tumour immune response, CAR T cell therapy still faces safety challenges arising from cytokine release syndrome and on-target, off-tumour toxicity. Herein, we present the design of light-switchable CAR (designated LiCAR) T cells that allow real-time phototunable activation of therapeutic T cells to precisely induce tumour cell killing. When coupled with imaging-guided, surgically removable upconversion nanoplates that have enhanced near-infrared-to-blue upconversion luminescence as miniature deep-tissue photon transducers, LiCAR T cells enable both spatial and temporal control over T cell-mediated anti-tumour therapeutic activity in vivo with greatly mitigated side effects. Our nano-optogenetic immunomodulation platform not only provides a unique approach to interrogate CAR-mediated anti-tumour immunity, but also sets the stage for developing precision medicine to deliver personalized anticancer therapy.


Subject(s)
Immunotherapy, Adoptive , Nanotechnology , Optogenetics , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Animals , Cell Death , Female , Humans , Immunity , Jurkat Cells , Lymphocyte Activation/immunology , Lymphoma/immunology , Lymphoma/pathology , Male , Melanoma, Experimental/immunology , Melanoma, Experimental/pathology , Mice, Inbred C57BL
13.
Int J Mol Sci ; 22(16)2021 Aug 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34445344

ABSTRACT

Thyroid hormones, including 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), cause a wide spectrum of genomic effects on cellular metabolism and bioenergetic regulation in various tissues. The non-genomic actions of T3 have been reported but are not yet completely understood. Acute T3 treatment significantly enhanced basal, maximal, ATP-linked, and proton-leak oxygen consumption rates (OCRs) of primary differentiated mouse brown adipocytes accompanied with increased protein abundances of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU). T3 treatment depolarized the resting mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm) but augmented oligomycin-induced hyperpolarization in brown adipocytes. Protein kinase B (AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were activated by T3, leading to the inhibition of autophagic degradation. Rapamycin, as an mTOR inhibitor, blocked T3-induced autophagic suppression and UCP1 upregulation. T3 increases intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in brown adipocytes. Most of the T3 effects, including mTOR activation, UCP1 upregulation, and OCR increase, were abrogated by intracellular Ca2+ chelation with BAPTA-AM. Calmodulin inhibition with W7 or knockdown of MCU dampened T3-induced mitochondrial activation. Furthermore, edelfosine, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, prevented T3 from acting on [Ca2+]i, UCP1 abundance, Ψm, and OCR. We suggest that short-term exposure of T3 induces UCP1 upregulation and mitochondrial activation due to PLC-mediated [Ca2+]i elevation in brown adipocytes.


Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue, Brown/drug effects , Calcium/metabolism , Mitochondria/drug effects , Triiodothyronine/pharmacology , Adipose Tissue, Brown/metabolism , Animals , Calcium/pharmacology , Calcium Signaling/drug effects , Calcium Signaling/physiology , Cells, Cultured , Energy Metabolism/drug effects , Female , Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mitochondria/metabolism , Oxygen Consumption/drug effects
14.
Trends Cell Biol ; 31(8): 644-655, 2021 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33888395

ABSTRACT

Fes/Cip4 homology Bin/amphiphysin/Rvs (F-BAR) domains, like all BAR domains, are dimeric units that oligomerize and bind membranes. F-BAR domains are generally coupled to additional domains that function in protein binding or have enzymatic activity. Because of their crescent shape and ability to oligomerize, F-BAR domains have been traditionally viewed as membrane-deformation modules. However, multiple independent studies have provided no evidence that certain F-BAR domains are able to tubulate membrane. Instead, a growing body of literature featuring structural, biochemical, biophysical, and microscopy-based studies supports the idea that the F-BAR domain family can be unified only by their ability to form oligomeric assemblies on membranes to provide platforms for molecular assembly.


Subject(s)
Cell Membrane , Cell Membrane/metabolism , Humans , Membranes , Protein Binding
15.
Mar Environ Res ; 168: 105322, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33857701

ABSTRACT

Coastal urbanization causes environmental modifications that directly and indirectly influence the distribution and functioning of coral reefs. However, the capacity of urban infrastructure to support corals and vertically accrete is less understood. Here, we investigated if coral communities on reefs and seawalls in Singapore are distinct, and examined the environmental variables influencing coral carbonate production. Surveys at 22 sites yielded 134 coral species, with richness significantly higher on reefs. Coral cover and Shannon index did not differ between habitat types. Community composition was distinct between habitat types, with seawalls supporting a higher proportion of massive and thick-plating species. 'Distance from mainland' was the single most important variable influencing normalized carbonate production rates (a function of species-specific linear extension rate and skeletal bulk density and site coral cover), which were higher further from the mainland where human activity and development pressures were greater. Our results indicate that environmental filtering strongly shapes coral communities and may influence ecosystem functioning in Singapore's urbanized reef system. The findings will guide the management of reefs on increasingly urbanized coastlines.


Subject(s)
Anthozoa , Animals , Carbonates , Coral Reefs , Ecosystem , Humans , Singapore
16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35532602

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the prevalence of and associated factors with depression and anxiety among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outpatients at Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2020 at the hospital's outpatient department. Those aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with COPD and undergoing COPD treatment, were eligible. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to measure depression and anxiety. Dyspnea was assessed using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale. Among 392 patients, 381 (97%) participated in the study. The number of patients with depression and anxiety was 33.1% and 21.3%, respectively. Compared to men, women were more likely to experience depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-4.24) and anxiety (aOR = 4.11, 95% CI = 1.90-8.87). Those not having caregivers were more likely to experience depression (aOR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.27-7.20) and anxiety (aOR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.26-9.60). Having mMRC dyspnea scale ≥2 was associated with higher odds of experiencing depression (aOR = 5.94, 95% CI = 3.63-9.72) and anxiety (aOR = 6.78, 95% CI = 3.48-13.18). Those not adhering to medication treatment (aOR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.15-4.70) and having comorbidity (aOR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.10-3.73) were more likely to experience anxiety. Routine screening of COPD patients for depression and anxiety is necessary so that early interventions could be provided.


Subject(s)
Outpatients , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive , Adolescent , Adult , Anxiety/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Depression/epidemiology , Dyspnea , Female , Humans , Male , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vietnam/epidemiology
17.
Appl Environ Microbiol ; 87(5)2021 03 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33355096

ABSTRACT

Colistin is extensively used in animal production in many low- and middle-income countries. There is a need to develop methodologies to benchmark and monitor changes in resistance among mixed commensal bacterial populations in farms. We aimed to evaluate the performance of a broth microdilution method based on culturing a pooled Escherichia coli suspension (30-50 organisms) obtained from each sample. To confirm the biological basis and sensitivity of the method, we cultured 16 combinations of one colistin-susceptible and one mcr-1 encoded colistin-resistant E. coli in the presence of 2mg/L colistin. Optical density (OD600nm) readings over time were used to generate a growth curve, and these values were adjusted to the values obtained in the absence of colistin (adjusted Area Under the Curve, AUCadj). The median limit of detection was 1 resistant in 104 susceptible colonies [1st - 3rd quartile, 102:1 -105:1]. We applied this method to 108 pooled faecal samples from 36 chicken flocks from the Mekong Delta (Vietnam), and determined the correlation between this method and the prevalence of colistin resistance in individual colonies harvested from field samples, determined by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration. The overall prevalence of colistin resistance at sample and isolate level (estimated from the AUCadj) was 38.9% [95%CI, 29.8-48.8%] and 19.4% (SD± 26.3%), respectively. Increased colistin resistance was associated with recent (2 weeks) use of colistin (OR=3.67) and other, non-colistin antimicrobials (OR=1.84). Our method is a sensitive and affordable approach to monitor changes in colistin resistance in E. coli populations from faecal samples over time.IMPORTANCE Colistin (polymyxin E) is an antimicrobial with poor solubility in agar-based media, and therefore broth microdilution is the only available method for phenotypic resistance. However, estimating colistin resistance in mixed Escherichia coli populations is laborious since it requires individual colony isolation, identification and susceptibility testing. We developed a growth-based microdilution method suitable for pooled faecal samples. We validated the method by comparing it with individual MIC of 909 E. coli isolates; we then tested 108 pooled faecal samples from 36 healthy chicken flocks collected over their production cycle. A higher level of resistance was seen in flocks recently treated with colistin in water, although the observed generated resistance was short-lived. Our method is affordable, and may potentially be integrated into surveillance systems aiming at estimating the prevalence of resistance at colony level in flocks/herds. Furthermore, it may also be adapted to other complex biological systems, such as farms and abattoirs.

18.
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol ; 319(6): H1302-H1312, 2020 12 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33095057

ABSTRACT

Hyperphosphatemia is the primary risk factor for vascular calcification, which is closely associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence showed that oxidative stress by high inorganic phosphate (Pi) mediates calcific changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, intracellular signaling responsible for Pi-induced oxidative stress remains unclear. Here, we investigated molecular mechanisms of Pi-induced oxidative stress related with intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) disturbance, which is critical for calcification of VSMCs. VSMCs isolated from rat thoracic aorta or A7r5 cells were incubated with high Pi-containing medium. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and mammalian target of rapamycin were activated by high Pi that was required for vascular calcification. High Pi upregulated expressions of type III sodium-phosphate cotransporters PiT-1 and -2 and stimulated their trafficking to the plasma membrane. Interestingly, high Pi increased [Ca2+]i exclusively dependent on extracellular Na+ and Ca2+ as well as PiT-1/2 abundance. Furthermore, high-Pi induced plasma membrane depolarization mediated by PiT-1/2. Pretreatment with verapamil, as a voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC) blocker, inhibited Pi-induced [Ca2+]i elevation, oxidative stress, ERK activation, and osteogenic differentiation. These protective effects were reiterated by extracellular Ca2+-free condition, intracellular Ca2+ chelation, or suppression of oxidative stress. Mitochondrial superoxide scavenger also effectively abrogated ERK activation and osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs by high Pi. Taking all these together, we suggest that high Pi activates depolarization-triggered Ca2+ influx via VGCC, and subsequent [Ca2+]i increase elicits oxidative stress and osteogenic differentiation. PiT-1/2 mediates Pi-induced [Ca2+]i overload and oxidative stress but in turn, PiT-1/2 is upregulated by consequences of these alterations.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The novel findings of this study are type III sodium-phosphate cotransporters PiT-1 and -2-dependent depolarization by high Pi, leading to Ca2+ entry via voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. Cytosolic Ca2+ increase and subsequent oxidative stress are indispensable for osteogenic differentiation and calcification. In addition, plasmalemmal abundance of PiT-1/2 relies on Ca2+ overload and oxidative stress, establishing a positive feedback loop. Identification of mechanistic components of a vicious cycle could provide novel therapeutic strategies against vascular calcification in hyperphosphatemic patients.


Subject(s)
Calcium Signaling/drug effects , Calcium/metabolism , Hyperphosphatemia/chemically induced , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects , Osteogenesis/drug effects , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Phosphates/toxicity , Vascular Calcification/chemically induced , Animals , Calcium Channels/metabolism , Cell Line , Hyperphosphatemia/metabolism , Hyperphosphatemia/pathology , Male , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Sodium-Phosphate Cotransporter Proteins, Type III/metabolism , Vascular Calcification/metabolism , Vascular Calcification/pathology
19.
Anim Sci J ; 91(1): e13412, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32618066

ABSTRACT

The Vietnamese Ban pig is a precious genetic resource that needs to be preserved. In vitro embryo production from in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes is an important tool for the utilization of cryopreserved porcine sperm. The aim of this study was to compare two media for the IVM of Ban pig oocytes. Immature oocytes were subjected to IVM either in a non-defined (TCM-199 + pig follicular fluid) or in a defined base medium (POM + epidermal growth factor). At the end of IVM, the oocytes were in vitro fertilized (IVF) with frozen Ban sperm. Ten hours after IVF, the oocytes were either subjected to orcein staining to check fertilization and maturation status or cultured in vitro for 7 days. There was no difference between the two IVM media in terms of percentages of oocyte maturation and blastocyst production. However, the percentage of male pronuclear formation after IVF and the total cell numbers in blastocysts were higher with the defined system. Zygotes obtained by the two IVM systems survived vitrification at similar rates. In conclusion, the two IVM systems were both effective for the production of Ban pig embryos; however, better embryo quality was achieved with the defined one.


Subject(s)
Blastocyst , Embryo, Mammalian , Fertilization in Vitro/methods , In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques/methods , In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques/veterinary , Oocytes , Spermatozoa , Swine , Vitrification , Zygote , Animals , Cryopreservation/veterinary , Female , Male , Vietnam
20.
Nat Commun ; 11(1): 2736, 2020 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32483194

ABSTRACT

Superplasticity describes a material's ability to sustain large plastic deformation in the form of a tensile elongation to over 400% of its original length, but is generally observed only at a low strain rate (~10-4 s-1), which results in long processing times that are economically undesirable for mass production. Superplasticity at high strain rates in excess of 10-2 s-1, required for viable industry-scale application, has usually only been achieved in low-strength aluminium and magnesium alloys. Here, we present a superplastic elongation to 2000% of the original length at a high strain rate of 5 × 10-2 s-1 in an Al9(CoCrFeMnNi)91 (at%) high-entropy alloy nanostructured using high-pressure torsion. The high-pressure torsion induced grain refinement in the multi-phase alloy combined with limited grain growth during hot plastic deformation enables high strain rate superplasticity through grain boundary sliding accommodated by dislocation activity.

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