Anti-ganglioside antibody positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with peripheral neuropathy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is a group of autoimmune-mediated disorders of the central nervous system primarily involving the optic nerve and spinal cord. There are limited reports of NMOSD associated with peripheral nerve damage. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 57-year-old female patient who met the diagnostic criteria for aquaporin 4 (AQP4)-IgG positive NMOSD with undifferentiated connective tissue disease and multiple peripheral neuropathy. In addition, the patient was positive for multiple anti-ganglioside antibodies (anti-GD1a IgG antibodies and anti-GD3 IgM antibodies) and anti-sulfatide IgG antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. After treatment with methylprednisolone, gamma globulin, plasma exchange, and rituximab, the patient's status improved and was subsequently discharged from our hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The neurologist should be aware of the unusual association between NMOSD and immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy undifferentiated connective tissue disease and nerve damage mediated by multiple antibodies may have combined to cause peripheral nerve damage in this patient.

Mechanically reinforced biotubes for arterial replacement and arteriovenous grafting inspired by architectural engineering.

There is a lack in clinically-suitable vascular grafts. Biotubes, prepared using in vivo tissue engineering, show potential for vascular regeneration. However, their mechanical strength is typically poor. Inspired by architectural design of steel fiber reinforcement of concrete for tunnel construction, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fiber skeletons (PSs) were fabricated by melt-spinning and heat treatment. The PSs were subcutaneously embedded to induce the assembly of host cells and extracellular matrix to obtain PS-reinforced biotubes (PBs). Heat-treated medium-fiber-angle PB (hMPB) demonstrated superior performance when evaluated by in vitro mechanical testing and following implantation in rat abdominal artery replacement models. hMPBs were further evaluated in canine peripheral arterial replacement and sheep arteriovenous graft models. Overall, hMPB demonstrated appropriate mechanics, puncture resistance, rapid hemostasis, vascular regeneration, and long-term patency, without incidence of luminal expansion or intimal hyperplasia. These optimized hMPB properties show promise as an alternatives to autologous vessels in clinical applications.

Onyx embolization for dural arteriovenous fistulas: a multi-institutional study.

BACKGROUND: Although the liquid embolic agent, Onyx, is often the preferred embolic treatment for cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), there have only been a limited number of single-center studies to evaluate its performance. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a multicenter study to determine the predictors of complications, obliteration, and functional outcomes associated with primary Onyx embolization of DAVFs. METHODS: From the Consortium for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes Research (CONDOR) database, we identified patients who were treated for DAVF with Onyx-only embolization as the primary treatment between 2000 and 2013. Obliteration rate after initial embolization was determined based on the final angiographic run. Factors predictive of complete obliteration, complications, and functional independence were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total 146 patients with DAVFs were primarily embolized with Onyx. Mean follow-up was 29 months (range 0-129 months). Complete obliteration was achieved in 80 (55%) patients after initial embolization. Major cerebral complications occurred in six patients (4.1%). At last follow-up, 84% patients were functionally independent. Presence of flow symptoms, age over 65, presence of an occipital artery feeder, and preprocedural home anticoagulation use were predictive of non-obliteration. The transverse-sigmoid sinus junction location was associated with fewer complications, whereas the tentorial location was predictive of poor functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter study, we report satisfactory performance of Onyx as a primary DAVF embolic agent. The tentorium remains a more challenging location for DAVF embolization, whereas DAVFs located at the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction are associated with fewer complications.

Lower complication rates associated with transradial versus transfemoral flow diverting stent placement.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no large-scale studies in the neurointerventional literature comparing safety between transradial (TRA) and transfemoral (TFA) approaches for flow diversion procedures. This study aims to assess complication rates in a large multicenter registry for TRA versus TFA flow diversion. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed flow diversion cases for cerebral aneurysms from 14 institutions from 2010 to 2019. Pooled analysis of proportions was calculated using weighted analysis with 95% CI to account for results from multiple centers. Access site complication rate and overall complication rate were compared between the two approaches. RESULTS: A total of 2,285 patients who underwent flow diversion were analyzed, with 134 (5.86%) treated with TRA and 2151 (94.14%) via TFA. The two groups shared similar patient and aneurysm characteristics. Crossover from TRA to TFA was documented in 12 (8.63%) patients. There were no access site complications in the TRA group. There was a significantly higher access site complication rate in the TFA cohort as compared with TRA (2.48%, 95% CI 2.40% to 2.57%, vs 0%; p=0.039). One death resulted from a femoral access site complication. The overall complications rate was also higher in the TFA group (9.02%, 95% CI 8.15% to 9.89%) compared with the TRA group (3.73%, 95% CI 3.13% to 4.28%; p=0.035). CONCLUSION: TRA may be a safer approach for flow diversion to treat cerebral aneurysms at a wide range of locations. Both access site complication rate and overall complication rate were lower for TRA flow diversion compared with TFA in this large series.

Incorporation of transradial approach in neuroendovascular procedures: defining benchmarks for rates of complications and conversion to femoral access.

BACKGROUND: The transradial approach (TRA) has gained increasing popularity for neuroendovascular procedures. However, the experience with TRA in neuroangiography is still in early stages in most centers, and the safety and feasibility of this approach have not been well established. The purpose of this study is to report the safety and feasibility of TRA for neuroendovascular procedures. METHODS: We reviewed charts from six institutions in the USA to include consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic or interventional neuroendovascular procedures through TRA from July 2018 to July 2019. Collected data included baseline characteristics, procedural variables, complications, and whether there was a crossover to transfemoral access. RESULTS: A total of 2203 patients were included in the study (age 56.1±15.2, 60.8% women). Of these, 1697 (77%) patients underwent diagnostic procedures and 506 (23%) underwent interventional procedures. Successfully completed procedures included aneurysm coiling (n=97), flow diversion (n=89), stent-assisted coiling (n=57), balloon-assisted coiling (n=19), and stroke thrombectomy (n=76). Crossover to femoral access was required in 114 (5.2%). There were no major complications related to the radial access site. Minor complications related to access site were seen in 14 (0.6%) patients. CONCLUSION: In this early stage of transforming to the 'radial-first' approach for neuroendovascular procedures, TRA was safe with low complication rates for both diagnostic and interventional procedures. A wide range of procedures were completed successfully using TRA.

Imaging Characteristics of a Hypervascular Pituitary Spindle Cell Oncocytoma on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Digital Subtraction Angiography.

BACKGROUND: Spindle cell oncocytomas (SCOs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors of the posterior pituitary that are often misdiagnosed as nonfunctional pituitary tumors. Fewer than 50 cases of SCOs have been described in the literature, and many of these reports have documented the tumors to be hypervascular on imaging or histology. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the first cerebral angiography imaging findings of an SCO before primary resection. The discovery of a prominent tumor blush, enlarged meningohypophyseal feeders bilaterally, and prominent tumor draining veins aided in preoperative planning and subsequent successful endoscopic transsphenoidal surgical resection. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being a rare entity, SCOs should be included in the differential diagnosis when working up a hypervascular sellar tumor. Flow voids may be present on initial magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. Subsequent digital subtraction angiography can be used to further investigate abnormal vasculature and aid in surgical planning.

Refined micro-scale geological disaster susceptibility evaluation based on UAV tilt photography data and weighted certainty factor method in Qingchuan County.

Frequent geological disasters based on a range of precipitating factors occur in areas with fragile geological environments, and the traditional artificial geological disaster survey method is often too dangerous to be carried out effectively. In order to achieve more efficient influence factors and refine the evaluation of micro-scale geological disaster susceptibility, this paper used UAV tilt photography and image processing technology to construct a 3D model of the geological environment. Geological disaster influence factors were extracted from a typical geological disaster area within Qingchuan County, Sichuan Province. A weighted certainty factor method and information model method were used to evaluate geological disaster susceptibility. The geological disaster susceptibility index of different characteristic variables was calculated using a certainty factors method, while factor weight was determined using an information model. The geological environment "potentiality parameter" for each grid unit, taken as the basis of geological disaster susceptibility zoning in the area, was calculated by coupling factor weight and CF value. Finally, the ROC test method was used to verify evaluation results of geological hazard susceptibility. This study found that: (1) UAV tilt photogrammetry data can be an effective method for geological disaster susceptibility evaluation. (2) The areas under the ROC curve calculated using the two methods were 66.20% and 81.71%, respectively, showing that accuracy of the weighted certainty factor method was higher than that of the information method.

Lessons Learned from Endovascular Coil Embolization of Pericallosal Artery Aneurysms and Adoption of Flow Diversion: A Retrospective Cohort Assessment of the Efficacy of Coiling and Flow Diversion.

BACKGROUND: The adoption of endovascular techniques for treatment of pericallosal artery aneurysms (PAAs) has been comparatively gradual due to anatomic and technological factors. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the outcomes of PAA treatment with coiling and flow diversion at our institution. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients treated endovascularly for PAAs from December 2007 to January 2019. RESULTS: In total, 33 patients with 34 aneurysms were included (25 aneurysms ruptured, 9 unruptured or recurrent). Of the ruptured group, 22 were coiled (88%) and rest treated with flow diversion. Initial angiographic follow up rate was 72%, at median of 159 days. Overall recurrence rate was 40% (10/25) at median of 376 days, all among coiled aneurysms. 6 recurrent aneurysms were retreated with further coiling (2) and flow diversion (4). Of the unruptured/recurrent group, 5 were coiled (55%) and remainder treated with flow diversion. Angiographic follow-up rate was 100% at median of 267 days. Recurrence rate was 22% (2/9), both in coiled aneurysms. Overall, 27 aneurysms were coiled, 9 treated with flow diversion and 3 with "partial" flow diversion. All aneurysms treated with pipeline flow diversion achieved 100% occlusion. No re-rupture or new rupture was observed. Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) was seen in 79% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that endovascular coiling for PAAs is associated with a definite rate of recurrence, which has to be monitored with timely angiography. We also demonstrate the excellent effectiveness of flow diversion for PAAs with either presentation.

iTRAQ-based proteome profiling of hyposaline responses in zygotes of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas.

Low salinity treatment is proven to be the practical polyploidy inducing method for shellfish with advantages of lower cost, higher operability and reliable food security. However, little is known about the possible molecular mechanism of hypotonic induction. In this study, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) based proteomic profiling was pursued to investigate the responses of zygotes of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas to low salinity. A total of 2235 proteins were identified and 87 proteins were considered differentially expressed, of which 14 were up-regulated and 69 were down-regulated. Numerous functional proteins including ADP ribosylation factor 2, DNA repair protein Rad50, splicing factor 3B, tubulin-specific Chaperone D were significantly changed in abundance, and were involved in various biology processes including energy generation, vesicle trafficking, DNA/RNA/protein metabolism and cytoskeleton modification, indicating the prominent modulation of cell division and embryonic development. Parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) analyses were carried out for validation of the expression levels of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), which indicated high reliability of the proteomic results. Our study not only demonstrated the proteomic alterations in oyster zygotes under low salinity, but also provided, in part, clues to the relatively lower hatching rate and higher mortality of induced larvae. Above all, this study presents a valuable foundation for further studies on mechanisms of hypotonic induction.

Resveratrol Activated Sonic Hedgehog Signaling to Enhance Viability of NIH3T3 Cells in Vitro via Regulation of Sirt1.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Injuries of the brain and spinal cord result in the formation of glial (reactive gliosis) and fibrotic (formed by fibroblasts) scars. Recent studies have shown that the fibrotic scar was much more important for hindering regeneration after brain or spinal cord injury than the astrocytic scar. However, it has been given much less attention for effects and mechanism of fibroblasts during formation of the fibrotic scar. Resveratrol may be a potential anti-scarring agent in burn-related scarring and keloid fibroblasts. However, it is unclear whether and how resveratrol affects formation of the fibrotic scar after brain or spinal cord injury. Earlier studies have shown that the activated Shh signaling has anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation properties. Moreover, resveratrol can activate the Shh signaling. However, it is unclear how resveratrol activates the Shh signaling. Resveratrol is a activator of Sirt1. It is unknown whether resveratrol activates the Shh signaling via Sirt1. METHODS: NIH3T3 cells, a fibroblast cell line, were used as model cells and treated with drugs. Cell viability was assessed by Cell Counting Kit 8. The expressions and activity of Shh signaling pathway proteins were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Transcriptional activity of Gli-1 was detected with Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay Kit. RESULTS: Resveratrol, Sirt1 agonist STR1720 and recombinant mouse Shh protein, an activator of hedgehog signaling, enhanced the viability of NIH3T3 cells, promoted Smo to translocated to the primary cilia and Gli-1 entered into the nuclei from cytoplasm, and upregulated expressions of Shh, Ptc-1, Smo, and Gli-1 proteins, which can be reversed by Smo antagonist cyclopamine and Sirt1 antagonist Sirtinol. Additionally, resveratrol increased transcriptional activity of Gli-1. CONCLUSION: We indicate in the first time that it may be mediated by Sirt1 for resveratrol activating the Shh signaling to enhance viability of NIH3T3 cells, and Sirt1 may be a regulator for upstream of the Shh signaling pathway.This study provides a basis for further investigating effects and mechanism of resveratrol during the formation of fibrous scar after brain or spinal cord injury.

High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence for Intracranial Vessel Wall Inflammation Following Endovascular Thrombectomy.

Intracranial high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging evidence of vessel wall inflammation is present following stent retriever manipulation but absent following aspiration thrombectomy. This is presented in a case of rotatory vertebral artery compression causing multiple posterior circulation infarctions requiring multiple separate aspiration and stent retriever thrombectomies.

Transcriptomic analysis of Crassostrea sikamea × Crassostrea angulata hybrids in response to low salinity stress.

Hybrid oysters often show heterosis in growth rate, weight, survival and adaptability to extremes of salinity. Oysters have also been used as model organisms to study the evolution of host-defense system. To gain comprehensive knowledge about various physiological processes in hybrid oysters under low salinity stress, we performed transcriptomic analysis of gill tissue of Crassostrea sikamea ♀ × Crassostrea angulata♂ hybrid using the deep-sequencing platform Illumina HiSeq. We exploited the high-throughput technique to delineate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in oysters maintained in hypotonic conditions. A total of 199,391 high quality unigenes, with average length of 644 bp, were generated. Of these 35 and 31 genes showed up- and down-regulation, respectively. Functional categorization and pathway analysis of these DEGs revealed enrichment for immune mechanism, apoptosis, energy metabolism and osmoregulation under low salinity stress. The expression patterns of 41 DEGs in hybrids and their parental species were further analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). This study will serve as a platform for subsequent gene expression analysis regarding environmental stress. Our findings will also provide valuable information about gene expression to better understand the immune mechanism, apoptosis, energy metabolism and osmoregulation in hybrid oysters under low salinity stress.

Identification of Transcription Factor-Gene Regulatory Network in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common disease with serious mortality and morbidity, worldwide. The present study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and construct a transcription factor-gene regulatory network to further study the early diagnosis of AMI. METHODS: The integrated analysis of publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus datasets of AMI was performed. Differentially expressed genes were identified between AMI and normal blood samples. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and the transcription factor-gene regulatory network were used to obtain insights into the functions of DEGs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR) were performed to validate the expression level of DEGs. RESULTS: A total of 2,502 DEGs, including 917 up-regulated genes and 1,585 down-regulated genes, were identified between AMI and normal blood samples by integrating four expression profiles of AMI. Differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in pathways including complement and coagulation cascades, Staphylococcus aureus infection, and cell adhesion molecules. Transcription factors were screened and performed to construct the regulatory network. The transcription factor-gene regulatory network consisted of 871 interactions between 80 transcription factors and 716 DEGs. ETS homologous factor (EHF) was one of transcription factors that had high connectivity with DEGs and regulated CACNB4 in the network. Verification by qRT-PCR revealed that EHF, KRT6A and DSG3 were significantly up-regulated, while CACNG4 was significantly down-regulated in AMI. Furthermore, CACNG6, CACNB4 and CLDN18 had a tendency to be down-regulated, and CALML3 had a tendency to be up-regulated in AMI. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of important differentially expressed transcription factors and genes in the development of AMI would be the groundwork for the early diagnosis and early intervention of AMI.

The HR97 (NR1L) group of nuclear receptors: a new group of nuclear receptors discovered in Daphnia species.

The recently sequenced Daphnia pulex genome revealed the NR1L nuclear receptor group consisting of three novel receptors. Phylogenetic studies show that this group is related to the NR1I group (CAR/PXR/VDR) and the NR1J group (HR96), and were subsequently named HR97a/b/g. Each of the HR97 paralogs from Daphnia magna, a commonly used crustacean in toxicity testing, was cloned, sequenced, and partially characterized. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the HR97 receptors are present in primitive arthropods such as the chelicerates but lost in insects. qPCR and immunohistochemistry demonstrate that each of the receptors is expressed near or at reproductive maturity, and that HR97g, the most ancient of the HR97 receptors, is primarily expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, mandibular region, and ovaries, consistent with a role in reproduction. Transactivation assays using an HR97a/b/g-GAL4 chimera indicate that unlike Daphnia HR96 that is promiscuous with respect to ligand recognition, the HR97 receptors do not respond to many of the ligands that activate CAR/PXR/HR96 nuclear receptors. Only three putative ligands of HR97 receptors were identified in this study: pyriproxyfen, methyl farnesoate, and arachidonic acid. Only arachidonic acid, which acts as an inverse agonist, alters HR97g activity at concentrations that would be considered within physiologically relevant ranges. Overall, this study demonstrates that, although closely related to the promiscuous receptors in the NR1I and NR1J groups, the HR97 receptors are mostly likely not multi-xenobiotic sensors, but rather may perform physiological functions, potentially in reproduction, unique to crustaceans and other non-insect arthropod groups.

Daphnia HR96 is a promiscuous xenobiotic and endobiotic nuclear receptor.

Daphnia pulex is the first crustacean to have its genome sequenced. The genome project provides new insight and data into how an aquatic crustacean may respond to environmental stressors, including toxicants. We cloned Daphnia pulex HR96 (DappuHR96), a nuclear receptor orthologous to the CAR/PXR/VDR group of nuclear receptors. In Drosophila melanogaster, (hormone receptor 96) HR96 responds to phenobarbital exposure and has been hypothesized as a toxicant receptor. Therefore, we set up a transactivation assay to test whether DappuHR96 is a promiscuous receptor activated by xenobiotics and endobiotics similar to the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and the pregnane X-receptor (PXR). Transactivation assays performed with a GAL4-HR96 chimera demonstrate that HR96 is a promiscuous toxicant receptor activated by a diverse set of chemicals such as pesticides, hormones, and fatty acids. Several environmental toxicants activate HR96 including estradiol, pyriproxyfen, chlorpyrifos, atrazine, and methane arsonate. We also observed repression of HR96 activity by chemicals such as triclosan, androstanol, and fluoxetine. Nearly 50% of the chemicals tested activated or inhibited HR96. Interestingly, unsaturated fatty acids were common activators or inhibitors of HR96 activity, indicating a link between diet and toxicant response. The omega-6 and omega-9 unsaturated fatty acids linoleic and oleic acid activated HR96, but the omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid inhibited HR96, suggesting that these two distinct sets of lipids perform opposing roles in Daphnia physiology. This also provides a putative mechanism by which the ratio of dietary unsaturated fats may affect the ability of an organism to respond to a toxic insult. In summary, HR96 is a promiscuous nuclear receptor activated by numerous endo- and xenobiotics.

Three novel myxobolid species of genera Henneguya and Myxobolus (Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) from marine fish in Japan.

Myxosporean genera Henneguya and Myxobolus (Bivalvulida: Myxobolidae) are closely related in morphology and molecular phylogeny, speciose with approximately 1,000 nominal species. The majority of them are recorded from freshwater fish worldwide, and few are known from marine fish. In this study, three myxobolid spp. are described from marine fish around Japan. Two novel Henneguya spp., Henneguya ogawai sp. n. and Henneguya yokoyamai sp. n., are described from two black sea breams (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) fished in the Inland Sea (Setonaikai), Japan. Plasmodia of the former species were localized in the esophageal or intestinal wall, and those of the latter species were in the wall of the gall bladder and peritoneum. Spore development in plasmodia of these two species was synchronous. The spore body of H. ogawai sp. n. was 11.0 (8.9-12.2) µm in length, 6.9 (6.3-7.5) µm in width, 5.9 (5.2-6.6) µm in thickness, with a bifurcated caudal process of equal length, 10.0 (8.4-12.7) µm long; total spore length, 21.1 (19.2-23.4) µm. It contained two polar capsule, 4.3 (3.8-5.2) × 1.9 (1.4-2.3) µm. The spore body of H. yokoyamai sp. n. was 11.0 (10.1-13.7) µm in length, 7.1 (6.6-7.5) µm in width, and 5.6 (4.5-6.4) µm in thickness, with a bifurcated caudal process of equal length, 14.1 (10.8-17.0) µm long; total spore length, 25.0 (21.9-29.2) µm. It contained two polar capsules, 3.7 (3.1-4.2) × 2.0 (1.8-2.4) µm. A novel Myxobolus sp., Myxobolus machidai sp. n., is described from a spotted knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus) fished in the Sea of Japan, off Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Plasmodia were embedded in the esophageal wall. Its round spore was small in size, 9.0 (8.1-9.4) µm in length, 7.8 (7.5-8.3) µm in width, and 5.5 (5.1-6.0) µm in thickness. It contained two polar capsules, 3.5 (3.2-3.8) × 2.3 (2.2-2.5) µm. Spore development in a plasmodium was asynchronous. Nucleotide sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) of these two novel Henneguya spp. revealed a close phylogenetic relationship with the marine clade of Henneguya spp.; however, they were distinct in morphology and SSU rDNA sequence from any known species. M. machidai sp. n. was grouped with freshwater Henneguya spp. in a phylogenetic tree based on the SSU rDNA, distant from a known marine clade of Myxobolus spp. reported mainly from the Mediterranean Sea. This is the first record of Henneguya-Myxobolus spp. from natural marine water in Japan.

Selective imaging and killing of cancer cells with protein-activated near-infrared fluorescing nanoparticles.

We present a general approach for the selective imaging and killing of cancer cells using protein-activated near-infrared emitting and cytotoxic oxygen generating nanoparticles. Poly(propargyl acrylate) (PA) particles were surface modified through the copper-catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition of azide-terminated indocyanine green (azICG), a near-infrared emitter, and poly(ethylene glycol) (azPEG) chains of various molecular weights. The placement of azICG onto the surface of the particles allowed for the chromophores to complex with bovine serum albumin when dispersed in PBS that resulted in an enhancement of the dye emission. In addition, the inclusion of azPEG with the chromophores onto the particle surface resulted in a synergistic ninefold enhancement of the fluorescence intensity, with azPEGs of increasing molecular weight amplifying the response. Human liver carcinoma cells (HepG2) overexpress albumin proteins and could be employed to activate the fluorescence of the nanoparticles. Preliminary PDT studies with HepG2 cells combined with the modified particles indicated that a minor exposure of 780 nm radiation resulted in a statistically significant reduction in cell growth.

Interactions of the crustacean nuclear receptors HR3 and E75 in the regulation of gene transcription.

Endocrine signal transduction occurs through cascades that involve the action of both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent nuclear receptors. In insects, two such nuclear receptors are HR3 and E75 that interact to transduce signals initiated by ecdysteroids. We have cloned these nuclear receptors from the crustacean Daphnia pulex to assess their function as regulators of gene transcription in this ecologically and economically important group of organisms. Both nuclear receptors from D. pulex (DappuHR3 (group NR1F) and DappuE75 (group NR1D)) exhibit a high degree of sequence similarity to other NR1F and NR1D group members that is indicative of monomeric binding to the RORE (retinoid orphan receptor element). DappuE75 possesses key amino acid residues required for heme binding to the ligand-binding domain. Next, we developed a gene transcription reporter assay containing a luciferase reporter gene driven by the RORE. DappuHR3, but not DappuE75, activated transcription of the luciferase gene in this system. Co-transfection experiments revealed that DappuE75 suppressed DappuHR3-dependent luciferase transcription in a dose-dependent manner. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that DappuHR3 bound to the RORE. However, we found no evidence that DappuE75 similarly bound to the response element. These experiments further demonstrated that DappuE75 prevented DappuHR3 from binding to the response element. In conclusion, DappuHR3 functions as a transcriptional activator of genes regulated by the RORE and DappuE75 is a negative regulator of this activity. DappuE75 does not suppress the action of DappuHR3 by occupying the response element but presumably interacts directly with the DappuHR3 protein. Taken together with the previous demonstration that daphnid HR3 is highly induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone, these results support the premise that HR3 is a major component of ecdysteroid signaling in some crustaceans and is under the negative regulatory control of E75.

[Study on the pretreatment of the series of HPD macroporous adsorption resin].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a method for the pretreatment of the series of HPD macroporous adsorption resin (MAR). METHOD: The effect of 2% NaOH to pretreatment of the series of HPD MAR was studied by gas chromatography and UV spectrometery. RESULT: The eluting effect by ethanol was better after the MAR was marinated and eluted by 2% NaOH. CONCLUSION: The pretreatment of the series of HPD MAR was: after marinated and eluted by 2% NaOH, the series of HPD MAR were eluted by ethanol at 2 BV x h(-1) at 60 degrees C for 3-4 bed volumes (BV). At then the UV absorbance of eluate was 0.2-0.5. Benzene was not detected and the other residues less than 10 mg x L(-1) in eluted-MAR by GC. And the MARs match to the standard of medicine.