Coordination between ECM and cell-cell adhesion regulates the development of islet aggregation, architecture, and functional maturation.

Pancreatic islets are three-dimensional cell aggregates consisting of unique cellular composition, cell-to-cell contacts, and interactions with blood vessels. Cell aggregation is essential for islet endocrine function; however, it remains unclear how developing islets establish aggregation. By combining genetic animal models, imaging tools, and gene expression profiling, we demonstrate that islet aggregation is regulated by extracellular matrix signaling and cell-cell adhesion. Islet endocrine cell-specific inactivation of extracellular matrix receptor integrin ß1 disrupted blood vessel interactions but promoted cell-cell adhesion and the formation of larger islets. In contrast, ablation of cell-cell adhesion molecule α-catenin promoted blood vessel interactions yet compromised islet clustering. Simultaneous removal of integrin ß1 and α-catenin disrupts islet aggregation and the endocrine cell maturation process, demonstrating that establishment of islet aggregates is essential for functional maturation. Our study provides new insights into understanding the fundamental self-organizing mechanism for islet aggregation, architecture, and functional maturation.

Detection and partial characterization of extracellular inducers of persistence in Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus.

Introduction. This study describes the identification and partial characterization of persistence-inducing factors (PIFs) from staphylococci.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Increases in persisters during mid-log phase growth indicate that quorum-sensing factors might be produced by staphylococci.Aim. To identify and partially characterize PIFs from Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A and Staphylococcus aureus SH1000.Methodology. Others have demonstrated a significant increase in persister numbers during mid-log phase. Inducers of this mid-log increase have yet to be identified in staphylococci. Optical density at 600 nm (OD600) was used instead of time to determine when persister numbers increased during logarithmic growth. Concentrated culture filtrates (CCFs) from S. epidermidis and S. aureus were obtained at various OD600s and following incubation at 16 h. The CCFs were used to develop a PIF assay. The PIF assay was used to partially characterize PIF from S. epidermidis and S. aureus for sizing of PIF activity, temperature and protease sensitivity and inter-species communications.Results. The optimal OD600s for S. epidermidis and S. aureus PIF assays were 2.0 and 0.5, respectively. The highest PIF activity for both species was from CCF following incubation overnight (16 h). S. epidermidis' PIF activity was decreased by storage at 4 oC but not at 20 oC (16 h), 37 oC (1 h) or 100 oC (15 min). S. aureus' PIF activity was decreased following storage at 4 oC (2 weeks) and after boiling at 100 oC for 5 min but not after incubation at 37 oC (1 h). PIF activity from both species went through a 3000 molecular weight cutoff ultrafilter. Proteinase K treatment of S. aureus PIF decreased activity but did not decrease the PIF activity of S. epidermidis. PIF from S. epidermidis did not increase persisters when used to treat S. aureus cells and nor did PIF from S. aureus increase persisters when used to treat S. epidermidis cells.Conclusions. Attempts to discover PIFs for staphylococci were unsuccessful due to the time-based means used to identify mid-log. Both staphylococcal species produce extracellular, low-molecular-weight inducers of persistence when assayed using an OD600 -based PIF assay.

Radiolabeling strategies and pharmacokinetic studies for metal based nanotheranostics.

Radiolabeled metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) have drawn considerable attention in the fields of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, drug delivery, and radiation therapy, given the fact that they can be potentially used as diagnostic imaging and/or therapeutic agents, or even as theranostic combinations. Here, we present a systematic review on recent advances in the design and synthesis of MNPs with major focuses on their radiolabeling strategies and the determinants of their in vivo pharmacokinetics, and together how their intended applications would be impacted. For clarification, we categorize all reported radiolabeling strategies for MNPs into indirect and direct approaches. While indirect labeling simply refers to the use of bifunctional chelators or prosthetic groups conjugated to MNPs for post-synthesis labeling with radionuclides, we found that many practical direct labeling methodologies have been developed to incorporate radionuclides into the MNP core without using extra reagents, including chemisorption, radiochemical doping, hadronic bombardment, encapsulation, and isotope or cation exchange. From the perspective of practical use, a few relevant examples are presented and discussed in terms of their pros and cons. We further reviewed the determinants of in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters of MNPs, including factors influencing their in vivo absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination, and discussed the challenges and opportunities in the development of radiolabeled MNPs for in vivo biomedical applications. Taken together, we believe the cumulative advancement summarized in this review would provide a general guidance in the field for design and synthesis of radiolabeled MNPs towards practical realization of their much desired theranostic capabilities. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Conditional Myh9 and Myh10 inactivation in adult mouse renal epithelium results in progressive kidney disease.

Actin-associated nonmuscle myosin II (NM2) motor proteins play critical roles in a myriad of cellular functions, including endocytosis and organelle transport pathways. Cell type-specific expression and unique subcellular localization of the NM2 proteins, encoded by the Myh9 and Myh10 genes, in the mouse kidney tubules led us to hypothesize that these proteins have specialized functional roles within the renal epithelium. Inducible conditional knockout (cKO) of Myh9 and Myh10 in the renal tubules of adult mice resulted in progressive kidney disease. Prior to overt renal tubular injury, we observed intracellular accumulation of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein uromodulin (UMOD) and gradual loss of Na+ K+ 2Cl- cotransporter from the apical membrane of the thick ascending limb epithelia. The UMOD accumulation coincided with expansion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) tubules and activation of ER stress and unfolded protein response pathways in Myh9&10-cKO kidneys. We conclude that NM2 proteins are required for localization and transport of UMOD and loss of function results in accumulation of UMOD and ER stress-mediated progressive renal tubulointerstitial disease. These observations establish cell type-specific role(s) for NM2 proteins in regulation of specialized renal epithelial transport pathways and reveal the possibility that human kidney disease associated with MYH9 mutations could be of renal epithelial origin.

Roles of the Clinical Ethics Consultant: A Response to Kornfeld and Prager.

We believe that clinical ethics consultants (CECs) should offer advice, options, and recommendations to attending physicians and their teams. In their article in this issue of The Journal of Clinical Ethics, however, Kornfeld and Prager give CECs a somewhat different role. The CEC they describe may at times be more aptly understood as a medical interventionist who appropriates the roles of the attending physician and the medical team than as a traditional CEC. In these remarks, we distinguish the role of the CEC from that of the physician, in contrast to some of these authors' recommendations, which confuse the two roles.

Deterministic optical control of room temperature multiferroicity in BiFeO3 thin films.

Controlling ferroic orders (ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism and ferroelasticity) by optical methods is a significant challenge due to the large mismatch in energy scales between the order parameter coupling strengths and the incident photons. Here, we demonstrate an approach to manipulate multiple ferroic orders in an epitaxial mixed-phase BiFeO3 thin film at ambient temperature via laser illumination. Phase-field simulations indicate that a light-driven flexoelectric effect allows the targeted formation of ordered domains. We also achieved precise sequential laser writing and erasure of different domain patterns, which demonstrates a deterministic optical control of multiferroicity at room temperature. As ferroic orders directly influence susceptibility and conductivity in complex materials, our results not only shed light on the optical control of multiple functionalities, but also suggest possible developments for optoelectronics and related applications.

Nonmuscle myosin 2 proteins encoded by Myh9, Myh10, and Myh14 are uniquely distributed in the tubular segments of murine kidney.

The diverse epithelial cell types of the kidneys are segregated into nephron segments and the collecting ducts in order to endow each tubular segment with unique functions. The rich diversity of the epithelial cell types is highlighted by the unique membrane channels and receptors expressed within each nephron segment. Our previous work identified a critical role for Myh9 and Myh10 in mammalian endocytosis. Here, we examined the expression patterns of Nonmuscle myosin 2 (NM2) heavy chains encoded by Myh9, Myh10, and Myh14 in mouse kidneys as these genes may confer unique nephron segment-specific membrane transport properties. Interestingly, we found that each segment of the renal tubules predominately expressed only two of the three NM2 isoforms, with isoform-specific subcellular localization, and different levels of expression within a nephron segment. Additionally, we identify Myh14 to be restricted to the intercalated cells and Myh10 to be restricted to the principal cells within the collecting ducts and connecting segments. We speculate that the distinct expression pattern of the NM2 proteins likely reflects the diversity of the intracellular trafficking machinery present within the different renal tubular epithelial segments.

Nonconsecutive Pars Interarticularis Defects.

Lumbar spondylolysis is a well-recognized condition occurring in adolescents because of repetitive overuse in sports. Nonconsecutive spondylolysis involving the lumbar spine is rare. In contrast to single-level pars defects that respond well to conservative treatment, there is no consensus about the management of multiple-level pars fractures; a few reports indicated that conservative management is successful, and the majority acknowledged that surgery is often required. The current study presents a rare case of pars fracture involving nonconsecutive segments and discusses the management options. In this case report, we review the patient's history, clinical examination, radiologic findings, and management, as well as the relevant literature. An 18-year-old man presented to the clinic with worsening lower back pain related to nonconsecutive pars fractures at L2 and L5. After 6 months of conservative management, diagnostic computed tomography-guided pars block was used to localize the symptomatic level at L2, which was treated surgically; the L5 asymptomatic pars fracture did not require surgery. At the last follow-up 2 years after surgery, the patient was playing baseball and basketball, and denied any back pain. This article reports a case of rare nonconsecutive pars fractures. Conservative management for at least 6 months is recommended. Successful management depends on the choice of appropriate treatment for each level. Single-photon emission computed tomography scan, and computed tomography-guided pars block are valuable preoperative tools to identify the symptomatic level in such a case.

Concomitant Posterior Hip Dislocation, Ipsilateral Intertrochanteric- and Proximal Tibial- Fractures with Popliteal Artery Injury: A Challenging Trauma Mélange.

Constellation of ipsilateral posterior hip dislocation, intertrochanteric- and proximal tibial fracture with popliteal artery injury is rare. Management of this presentation is challenging. A motor vehicle accident victim presented with these injuries, but without any initial signs of vascular compromise. Popliteal artery injury was diagnosed intra-operatively and repaired. This was followed by external fixation of tibial fracture, open reduction of dislocated hip and internal fixation of intertrochanteric fracture. Patient regained bilateral complete weight bearing and returned to pre-accident activity level. Apt surgical management including early repair of vascular injury in such a trauma mélange allows for a positive postoperative outcome.

The synthesis and the chemical and physical properties of non-aqueous silylamine solvents for carbon dioxide capture.

Silylamine reversible ionic liquids were designed to achieve specific physical properties in order to address effective CO2 capture. The reversible ionic liquid systems reported herein represent a class of switchable solvents where a relatively non-polar silylamine (molecular liquid) is reversibly transformed to a reversible ionic liquid (RevIL) by reaction with CO2 (chemisorption). The RevILs can further capture additional CO2 through physical absorption (physisorption). The effects of changes in structure on (1) the CO2 capture capacity (chemisorption and physisorption), (2) the viscosity of the solvent systems at partial and total conversion to the ionic liquid state, (3) the energy required for reversing the CO2 capture process, and (4) the ability to recycle the solvents systems are reported.

Evaluation of drug load and polymer by using a 96-well plate vacuum dry system for amorphous solid dispersion drug delivery.

It is well recognized that poor dissolution rate and solubility of drug candidates are key limiting factors for oral bioavailability. While numerous technologies have been developed to enhance solubility of the drug candidates, poor water solubility continuously remains a challenge for drug delivery. Among those technologies, amorphous solid dispersions (SD) have been successfully employed to enhance both dissolution rate and solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. This research reports a high-throughput screening technology developed by utilizing a 96-well plate system to identify optimal drug load and polymer using a solvent casting approach. A minimal amount of drug was required to evaluate optimal drug load in three different polymers with respect to solubility improvement and solid-state stability of the amorphous drug-polymer system. Validation of this method was demonstrated with three marketed drugs as well as with one internal compound. Scale up of the internal compound SD by spray drying further confirmed the validity of this method, and its quality was comparable to a larger scale process. Here, we demonstrate that our system is highly efficient, cost-effective, and robust to evaluate the feasibility of spray drying technology to produce amorphous solid dispersions.

Identification of biaryl sulfone derivatives as antagonists of the histamine H3 receptor: discovery of (R)-1-(2-(4'-(3-methoxypropylsulfonyl)biphenyl-4-yl)ethyl)-2-methylpyrrolidine (APD916).

The design of a new clinical candidate histamine-H(3) receptor antagonist for the potential treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is described. Phenethyl-R-2-methylpyrrolidine containing biphenylsulfonamide compounds were modified by replacement of the sulfonamide linkage with a sulfone. One compound from this series, 2j (APD916) increased wakefulness in rodents as measured by polysomnography with a duration of effect consistent with its pharmacokinetic properties. The identification of a suitable salt form of 2j allowed it to be selected for further development.

Organic aqueous tunable solvents (OATS): a vehicle for coupling reactions and separations.

In laboratory-based chemical synthesis, the choice of the solvent and the means of product purification are rarely determined by cost or environmental impact considerations. When a reaction is scaled up for industrial applications, however, these choices are critical: the separation of product from the solvent, starting materials, and byproduct usually constitutes 60-80% of the overall cost of a process. In response, researchers have developed solvents and solvent-handling methods to optimize both the reaction and the subsequent separation steps on the manufacturing scale. These include "switchable" solvents, which are designed so that their physical properties can be changed abruptly, as well as "tunable" solvents, wherein the solvent's properties change continuously through the application of an external stimulus. In this Account, we describe the organic aqueous tunable solvent (OATS) system, examining two instructive and successful areas of application of OATS as well as its clear potential for further refinement. OATS systems address the limitations of biphasic processes by optimizing reactions and separations simultaneously. The reaction is performed homogeneously in a miscible aqueous-organic solvent mixture, such as water-tetrahydrofuran (THF). The efficient product separation is conducted heterogeneously by the simple addition of modest pressures of CO(2) (50-60 bar) to the system. Under these conditions, the water-THF phase splits into two relatively immiscible phases: the organic THF phase contains the hydrophobic product, and the aqueous phase contains the hydrophilic catalyst. We take advantage of the unique properties of OATS to develop environmentally benign and cost-competitive processes relevant in industrial applications. Specifically, we describe the use of OATS for optimizing the reaction, separation, design, and recycling of (i) Rh-catalyzed hydroformylation of olefins such as 1-octene and (ii) enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of 2-phenylacetate. We discuss the advantages of these OATS systems over more traditional processes. We also consider future directions that can be taken with these proven systems as well as related innovations that have recently been reported, including the use of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a tunable adjunct in the solvent and the substitution of propane for CO(2) as the external stimulus. OATS systems in fact represent the ultimate goal for a sustainable process, because in an idealized setup there is only reactant coming in and product going out; in principle, there is no waste stream.