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As one genotype of porcine circovirus (PCV) identified in 2016, PCV3 has brought huge hidden dangers to the global swine industry together with PCV2. Virus-like particles (VLPs) of capsid protein (Cap) of PCV2 serve as an alternative nano-antigen delivery strategy to efficiently induce antiviral immune response against PCV2 and/or other covalently displayed swine pathogens. However, the current understanding is limited on the capability of PCV3 as a nano-vaccine vehicle. Here we systematically compared the characteristics and the immunogenic efficacy of PCV3 Cap (Cap3) and PCV2 Cap (Cap2) in a VLP form. Cap3 VLPs presented higher internalization efficiency into cells and cytokines production compared to those of Cap2. Meanwhile, cross-reactive immunity between Cap3 VLPs and Cap2 VLPs was detected. Furthermore, to evaluate the function of Cap3 VLPs and Cap2 VLPs as vaccine vehicles carrying foreign proteins, the non-structural protein 6 of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was fused to C-terminus of Cap. Cap3-based chimeric particles induced a higher level of nsp6-specific immune response and PRRSV inhibition. Collectively, these self-assembling, Cap-based VLPs offer a compelling platform for enhancing the effectiveness of subunit vaccinations against newly emerging diseases and hold great promise for the development of Cap3-based chimeric subunit vaccines.
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BACKGROUND: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a prevalent swine pathogen, which has caused adverse impact on the global swine industry for almost 30 years. However, due to the immune suppression caused by the virus and the genetic diversity in PRRSV, no virus-targeting broad neutralizing strategy has been successfully developed yet. Antiviral peptide and nanobody have attracted extensive attention with the ease in production and the efficacy in practice. In this study, four new fusion proteins named nanobody peptide conjugates (NPCs) were developed by combining PRRSV specific non-neutralizing nanobodies with CD163-derived peptides targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) of PRRSV proteins. RESULTS: Four NPCs were successfully constructed using two nanobodies against PRRSV N and nsp9 individually, recombining with two antiviral peptides 4H7 or 8H2 from porcine CD163 respectively. All four NPCs demonstrated specific capability of binding to PRRSV and broad inhibitory effect against various lineages of PRRSV in a dose-dependent manner. NPCs interfere with the binding of the RBD of PRRSV proteins to CD163 in the PRRSV pre-attachment stage by CD163 epitope peptides in the assistance of Nb components. NPCs also suppress viral replication during the stage of post-attachment, and the inhibitory effects depend on the antiviral functions of Nb parts in NPCs, including the interference in long viral RNA synthesis, NF-κB and IFN-ß activation. Moreover, an interaction was predicted between aa K31 and T32 sites of neutralizing domain 4H7 of NPC-N/nsp9-4H7 and the motif 171NLRLTG176 of PRRSV GP2a. The motif 28SSS30 of neutralizing domain 8H2 of NPC-N/nsp9-8H2 could also form hydrogens to bind with the motif 152NAFLP156 of PRRSV GP3. The study provides valuable insights into the structural characteristics and potential functional implications of the RBD of PRRSV proteins. Finally, as indicated in a mouse model, NPC intranasally inoculated in vivo for 12-24 h sustains the significant neutralizing activity against PRRSV. These findings inspire the potential of NPC as a preventive measure to reduce the transmission risk in the host population against respiratory infectious agents like PRRSV. CONCLUSION: The aim of the current study was to develop a peptide based bioactive compound to neutralize various PRRSV strains. The new antiviral NPC (nanobody peptide conjugate) consists of a specific nanobody targeting the viral protein and a neutralizing CD163 epitope peptide for virus blocking and provides significant antiviral activity. The study will greatly promote the antiviral drug R&D against PRRSV and enlighten a new strategy against other viral diseases.
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Anticuerpos Neutralizantes , Antígenos CD , Antígenos de Diferenciación Mielomonocítica , Péptidos , Virus del Síndrome Respiratorio y Reproductivo Porcino , Receptores de Superficie Celular , Anticuerpos de Dominio Único , Virus del Síndrome Respiratorio y Reproductivo Porcino/inmunología , Virus del Síndrome Respiratorio y Reproductivo Porcino/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Anticuerpos de Dominio Único/inmunología , Anticuerpos de Dominio Único/farmacología , Anticuerpos de Dominio Único/química , Porcinos , Antígenos de Diferenciación Mielomonocítica/inmunología , Antígenos de Diferenciación Mielomonocítica/metabolismo , Receptores de Superficie Celular/inmunología , Antígenos CD/inmunología , Antígenos CD/metabolismo , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Péptidos/química , Péptidos/farmacología , Péptidos/inmunología , Síndrome Respiratorio y de la Reproducción Porcina/inmunología , Síndrome Respiratorio y de la Reproducción Porcina/prevención & control , Ratones , Replicación Viral/efectos de los fármacos , Línea CelularRESUMEN
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a major swine pathogen, which can survive host antiviral immunity with various mechanisms. PRRSV infection induces macroautophagy/autophagy, facilitating virus replication. MALT1, a central immune regulator, was manipulated by PRRSV to optimize viral infection at different stages of the virus cycle. In this study, the key role of MALT1 in autophagy regulation during PRRSV infection was characterized, enlightening the role of autophagy flux in favor of virus spread and persistent infection. PRRSV-induced autophagy was confirmed to facilitate virus proliferation. Furthermore, autophagic fusion was dynamically regulated during PRRSV infection. Importantly, PRRSV-induced MALT1 facilitated autophagosome-lysosome fusion and autolysosome formation, thus contributing to autophagy flux and virus proliferation. Mechanically, MALT1 regulated autophagy via mediating MTOR-ULK1 and -TFEB signaling and affecting lysosomal homeostasis. MALT1 inhibition by inhibitor Mi-2 or RNAi induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP), leading to the block of autophagic fusion. Further, MALT1 overexpression alleviated PRRSV-induced LMP via inhibiting ROS generation. In addition, blocking autophagy flux suppressed virus release significantly, indicating that MALT1-maintained complete autophagy flux during PRRSV infection favors successful virus spread and its proliferation. In contrast, autophagosome accumulation upon MALT1 inhibition promoted PRRSV reserve for future virus proliferation once the autophagy flux recovers. Taken together, for the first time, these findings elucidate that MALT1 was utilized by PRRSV to regulate host autophagy flux, to determine the fate of virus for either proliferation or reserve.Abbreviations: 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; BafA1: bafilomycin A1; BFP/mBFP: monomeric blue fluorescent protein; CQ: chloroquine; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; dsRNA: double-stranded RNA; GFP: green fluorescent protein; hpi: hours post infection; IFA: indirect immunofluorescence assay; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; LGALS3: galectin 3; LLOMe: L-leucyl-L-leucine-methyl ester; LMP: lysosomal membrane permeabilization; mAb: monoclonal antibody; MALT1: MALT1 paracaspase; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MOI: multiplicity of infection; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NFKB/NF-κB: nuclear factor kappa B; nsp: nonstructural protein; ORF: open reading frame; pAb: polyclonal antibody; PRRSV: porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus; PRRSV-N: PRRSV nucleocapsid protein; Rapa: rapamycin; RFP: red fluorescent protein; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SBI: SBI-0206965; siRNA: small interfering RNA; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TCID50: 50% tissue culture infective dose; TFEB: transcription factor EB; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1.
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Limited bone regeneration, uncontrollable degradation rate, mismatched defect zone and poor operability have plagued the reconstruction of irregular bone defect by tissue-engineered materials. A combination of biomimetic scaffolds with hydroxyapatite has gained great popularity in promoting bone regeneration. Therefore, we designed an injectable, photocurable and in-situ curing hydrogel by methacrylic anhydride -modified carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-MA) loading with spherical hydroxyapatite (HA) to highly simulate the natural bony matrix and match any shape of damaged tissue. The prepared carboxymethyl cellulose-methacrylate/ hydroxyapatite(CMC-MA/HA) composite presented good rheological behavior, swelling ratio and mechanical property under light illumination. Meanwhile, this composite hydrogel promoted effectively proliferation, supported adhesion and upregulated the osteogenic-related genes expression of MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro, as well as the activity of the osteogenic critical protein, Integrin α1, ß1, Myosin 9, Myosin 10, BMP-2 and Smad 1 in Integrin/BMP-2 signal pathway. Together, the composite hydrogels realized promotion of bone regeneration, deformity improvement, and the enhanced new bone strength in skull defect. It also displayed a good histocompatibility and stability of subcutaneous implantation in vivo. Overall, this study laid the groundwork for future research into developing a novel biomaterial and a minimally invasive therapeutic strategies for reconstructing bone defects and contour deficiencies.
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Durapatita , Andamios del Tejido , Carboximetilcelulosa de Sodio , Cráneo , Hidrogeles/farmacología , MiosinasRESUMEN
Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim is one of the traditional Chinese valuable herbs, which is the dried bulb of Fritillaria, a plant of the lily family. The identification of authenticity about F. ussuriensis is still technically challenging. In this study, visual identification was performed by ring-mediated isothermal amplification and nucleic acid colloidal gold techniques. Firstly, multiple sequence comparative analysis was performed by DNAMAN to find the differential sites of F. ussuriensis and its mixed pseudo-products, and the specific identification primers of F. ussuriensis were designed. Genomic DNA was extracted by the modified CTAB method, and the reaction system and reaction conditions were optimized to construct LAMP for the visual detection of F. ussuriensis, meanwhile, the genuine product was cloned and the extracted plasmid was sequenced. The specificity and sensitivity were detected, and also verified by nucleic acid colloidal gold method, and 20 commercially available samples were tested. The extracted DNA met the requirements of the experiment, and the genuine F. ussuriensis PCR product titrated on a test strip showed two bands on the T and C lines, while the counterfeit and negative control showed only one band on the C line, which matched the LAMP results. The specificity was 100 %, and the sensitivity of LAMP assay was up to 0.01 ng µL-1, while that of colloidal gold assay was 0.1 ng µL-1, thus the LAMP assay had high sensitivity. 14 out of 20 commercially available samples of F. ussuriensis were qualified, and 6 were unqualified, and the results of the two methods of identification were consistent. In this study, the combined detection method of LAMP and colloidal gold for nucleic acid was established to be specific, rapid, precise and visualized, which can provide a new technical idea for the detection of F. ussuriensis.
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Fritillaria , Ácidos Nucleicos , Fritillaria/genética , Técnicas de Amplificación de Ácido Nucleico/métodos , Cartilla de ADN/genética , ADN , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In recent years, the thread-lifting technique has become widely used in clinical settings. Several thread products are used in clinical practice, and there are many differences between products in terms of many aspects. METHODS: Six commercial thread products were collected and evaluated. The general structure, microstructure, elastic modulus, and strength were evaluated using microscopies and tensile testing in vitro. Seventy-two female rats were divided into six groups. Tissue samples were harvested and histologically evaluated at 1st, 4th, 8th, and 12th week using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. RESULTS: There were differences between products in terms of barb shape, microstructure, elasticity, and strength, and that could be attributed to the materials and barb structures. All threads showed good biological safety, and the density of collagen area in the dermis was increased compared to that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided an objective evaluation of barbed thread products, which indicated that all products can be used safely with certain effects in different indications.
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Ritidoplastia , Femenino , Ratas , Animales , Ritidoplastia/métodos , Rejuvenecimiento , Suturas , Cara , MicroscopíaRESUMEN
MAIN CONCLUSION: This study reported seven new plastomes from Impatiens and observed three highly variable regions for phylogeny and DNA barcoding, which resolved the relationships among sections of subgenus Impatiens. Impatiens L. (Balsaminaceae, Ericales) is one of the largest and most diverse genera of angiosperms, widely known for its taxonomic difficulty. In this study, we reevaluated the infrageneric relationships within the genus Impatiens, using complete plastome sequence data. Seven complete plastomes of Impatiens (representing 6 species) were newly sequenced and characterized along with 20 previously published plastomes of other Impatiens species, plus 2 plastomes of outgroups (Hydrocera triflora, Balsaminaceae; Marcgravia coriacea, Marcgraviaceae). The total size of these 29 plastomes ranged from 151,538 bp to 152,917 bp, except 2 samples of Impatiens morsei, which exhibited a shorter length and lost some genes encoding NADH dehydrogenase subunits. Moreover, the number of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) ranged from 51 to 113, and the number of long repeats from 17 to 26. In addition, three highly variable regions were identified (trnG-GCC (The previous one), ndhF-rpl32-trnL-UGA-ccsA, and ycf1). Our phylogenomic analysis based on 80 plastome-derived protein-coding genes strongly supported the monophyly of Impatiens and its two subgenera (Clavicarpa and Impatiens), and fully resolved relationships among the six (out of seven) sampled sections of subgenus Impatiens. Overall, the plastome DNA markers and phylogenetic results reported in this study will facilitate future identification, taxonomic and DNA barcoding studies in Impatiens as well as evolutionary studies in Balsaminaceae.
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Balsaminaceae , Impatiens , Balsaminaceae/genética , Impatiens/genética , Filogenia , Secuencia de Bases , Evolución MolecularRESUMEN
Alternative antibacterial therapies refractory to existing mechanisms of antibiotic resistance are urgently needed. One such attractive therapy is to inhibit bacterial adhesion and colonization. Ser O-heptosylation (Ser O-Hep) on autotransporters of Gram-negative bacteria is a novel glycosylation and has been proven to be essential for bacterial colonization. Herein, we chemically synthesized glycopeptides containing this atypical glycan structure and an absolute C6 configuration through the assembly of Ser O-Hep building blocks. Using glycopeptides as haptens, we generated first-in-class poly- and monoclonal antibodies, termed Anti-SerHep1a and Anti-SerHep1b, that stereoselectively recognize Ser O-heptosylation (d/l-glycero) with high specificity in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, these antibodies effectively blocked diffusely adhering Escherichia coli 2787 adhesion to HeLa cells and in mice in a dose- and Ser O-Hep-dependent manner. Together, these antibodies represent not only useful tools for the discovery of unknown serine O-heptosylated proteins bearing various C6 chiral centers but also a novel class of antiadhesion therapeutic agents for the treatment of bacterial infection.
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Anticuerpos Monoclonales , Polisacáridos , Humanos , Animales , Ratones , Células HeLa , Glicosilación , Polisacáridos/química , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/farmacología , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/uso terapéutico , Escherichia coli , Glicopéptidos/químicaRESUMEN
ABO blood group system is the most commonly used blood group classification system in clinic practice. The relevant antigens, A, B and H determinants, are complex carbohydrate molecules that are expressed in red blood cells and other cell lines and tissues. These antigens are determined by the ABO locus located on chromosome 9 (9q34.1-q34.2). ABO blood group is associated with the development of many human diseases, e.g., cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and tumors. The relationship between the ABO blood group of pregnant women and various pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) and the related diseases, pregnancy associated venous thromboembolism (PA-VTE), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), have become the focus of obstetricians' recent research interest. Herein, we reviewed the relationship between ABO blood group and these pregnancy complications, and found that most of the reported findings supported the following views: 1) Blood type O is a protective factor for PE, while blood type AB increases the risk of PE; 2) blood types other than O are more prone to PA-VTE than blood type O; 3) blood type O or blood type AB may be related to the pathogenesis of GDM; 4) women of blood type O are at higher risks for PPH than those of other blood types. More in-depth epidemiological and genetic studies are needed to confirm these findings in the future. These findings can provide new ideas for researching into the pathogenesis of obstetric diseases and form the theoretical basis for obstetricians to prevent and treat related diseases.
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Diabetes Gestacional , Preeclampsia , Complicaciones del Embarazo , Tromboembolia Venosa , Sistema del Grupo Sanguíneo ABO/genética , Carbohidratos , Diabetes Gestacional/genética , Femenino , Humanos , Embarazo , Complicaciones del Embarazo/etiología , Factores de Riesgo , Tromboembolia Venosa/complicacionesRESUMEN
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing global problem associated with increasing obesity prevalence. Lifestyle modifications are currently recommended, including weight reduction, exercise, and diet control. This study evaluated the short-term effect of lifestyle modifications on transient elastography (TE) values in an obese population with MAFLD. Thirty-two MAFLD patients were recruited for this prospective study and all subjects participated in a 3-month program of lifestyle modification. Sequential demographic parameters and biochemical tests were compared before and after program completion. Liver fat and fibrosis changes were measured using TE with controlled attenuated parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurements (LSM). The mean age was 38.7 years old (10 males). The body weight (88.09 kg vs. 80.35 kg), body mass index (32.24 kg/m2 vs. 29.4 kg/m2 ), waist (103.19 cm vs. 95.75 cm), and hip circumference (111.67 cm vs. 104.75 cm), and blood pressure (128/78 mmHg vs. 119/71 mmHg) significantly improved before and after the intervention, respectively. Aspartate aminotransaminase (24.06 U/L vs. 18.91 U/L), alanine aminotransaminase (33 U/L vs. 23.72 U/L), creatinine (0.75 mg/dl vs. 0.70 mg/dl), cholesterol (176.41 mg/dl vs. 166.22 m/dl), gamma-glutamyl transferase (26.59 IU/L vs. 19.81 IU/L), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (115.63 mg/dl vs. 103.19 mg/dl) also improved after the 3-month intervention. The average CAP significantly decreased after intervention (297.5 dB/m vs. 255.0 dB/m), however, no significant difference in LSM was observed (5.24 kPa vs. 4.82 kPa). The current study suggests that short-term lifestyle modification can effectively improve hepatic steatosis, and TE may serve as a monitoring tool for therapeutic intervention.
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Diagnóstico por Imagen de Elasticidad , Cirrosis Hepática , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico , Adulto , Alanina , Ácido Aspártico , Creatinina , Femenino , Humanos , Lipoproteínas LDL , Hígado/patología , Cirrosis Hepática/complicaciones , Masculino , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/complicaciones , Obesidad/complicaciones , Estudios Prospectivos , gamma-GlutamiltransferasaRESUMEN
Five undescribed phenylpropanoids, one undescribed phenolic glucoside, and sixteen known compounds were isolated from Brachybotrys paridiformis Maxim. Ex Oliv. The undescribed compounds were named brachoside B-C, brach acid A-B, brachnan A, and brachin D, respectively. Additionally, the anti-hepatitis B virus activities of all isolated compounds were studied. Among them, brachnan A, brach acid A, globoidnan A, 3-carboxy-6,7-dihydroxy-1-(3',4'-dihydroxy-phenyl)-naphthalene, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde showed significant anti-hepatitis B virus activities.
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Boraginaceae , Glucósidos , Virus de la Hepatitis B , Naftalenos , Extractos VegetalesRESUMEN
Laparoscopic gastric banding has been favored for the treatment of morbid obesity because it is minimally invasive, effective, and reversible. One of the complications is gastric band erosion which can cause abdominal pain, hematemesis, and hematochezia. Erosions can be partial and can lead to intra-abdominal free air, peritonitis, and sepsis. Endoscopic removal of the gastric band can be done safely and effectively using a wire and a mechanical lithotripter. We describe a patient with a rare case of an incidental near-complete gastric band erosion without perforation and subsequent endoscopic removal.
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Using chemical and spectroscopic data, this study on Brachybotrys paridiformis Maxim. ex Oliv. identified four undescribed phenylpropanoids, brachin A-C and brachoside A, together with nine other known compounds. The isolated compounds were tested for anti-hepatitis B virus activities in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. Among them, caffeic anhydride showed the most potent activity.
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Boraginaceae , Virus de la Hepatitis B , Antivirales/farmacología , Células Hep G2 , HumanosRESUMEN
The application of medical devices to repair skin damage is clinically accepted and natural polymer enjoys an important role in this field, such as collagen or hyaluronic acid, etc. However, the biosafety and efficacy of these implants are still challenged. In this study, a skin damage animal model was prepared by UV-photoaging and recombinant humanized type III collagen (rhCol III) was applied as a bioactive material to implant in vivo to study its biological effect, comparing with saline and uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA). Animal skin conditions were non-invasively and dynamically monitored during the 8 weeks experiment. Histological observation, specific gene expression and other molecular biological methods were applied by the end of the animal experiment. The results indicated that rhCol III could alleviate the skin photoaging caused by UV radiation, including reduce the thickening of epidermis and dermis, increase the secretion of Collagen I (Col I) and Collagen III (Col III) and remodel of extracellular matrix (ECM). Although the cell-material interaction and mechanism need more investigation, the effect of rhCol III on damaged skin was discussed from influence on cells, reconstruction of ECM, and stimulus of small biological molecules based on current results. In conclusion, our findings provided rigorous biosafety information of rhCol III and approved its potential in skin repair and regeneration. Although enormous efforts still need to be made to achieve successful translation from bench to clinic, the recombinant humanized collagen showed superiorities from both safety and efficacy aspects.
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In order to determine the relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), we retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 1,430 patients in a large tertiary health care network in New York. These patients underwent liver biopsy over a 10-year period and were included in our study if they had evidence of NAFLD/NASH on liver biopsy. Zip codes were used to obtain data necessary to derive the social deprivation index (SDI) from the US Bureau of the Census. The high-SDI group was compared to the low-SDI group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess association between socioeconomic factors and NAFLD parameters, including presence of NASH (NAFLD activity score >4), moderate to severe steatosis (>33%), and significant fibrosis (S2-S4). We included 614 patients with NAFLD/NASH; the median SDI was 31.5. Hemoglobin A1c values were higher in the high-SDI group compared to the low-SDI group (6.46 vs. 6.12, P = 0.02). Socioeconomic factors, such as private versus public health care, percentage being foreign born, percentage without a car, percentage with higher needs (<5 years old and >65 years old), and percentage currently living in renter-occupied and crowded housing units, showed statistically significant associations in predicting NASH. After adjusting for patient age, sex, race, body mass index, and diabetes, we saw a significant association between four or more socioeconomic parameters in predicting NASH (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.099-2.856; P = 0.0190) and six or more socioeconomic parameters in predicting severe steatosis (OR, 1.498; 95% CI, 1.031-2.176; P = 0.0338) but no significant correlation between the number of socioeconomic parameters and significant fibrosis. Conclusion: Greater number of socioeconomic determinants (four or more) are associated with greater severity of NASH. Awareness of NAFLD/NASH needs to be raised in communities with high socioeconomic deprivation.
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Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico , Anciano , Índice de Masa Corporal , Preescolar , Fibrosis , Humanos , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/diagnóstico , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores SocioeconómicosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The Notch signaling regulates numerous cell growth, differentiation, and death. However, the expression pattern of its ligand Delta-like 4 (DLL4) in tumors is still uncertain. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we examined DLL4 expression in colorectal cancer as well as assessed its role as a prognostic indicator in the present study. METHODS: DLL4 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in 289 surgically resected specimens of colorectal cancer and adjacent normal tissues. The relationship between DLL4 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. The association of DLL4 expression with the patients' overall survival rate was assessed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards regression. RESULTS: Increased DLL4 level was detected in colorectal cancer compared with that of normal tissues. Elevated DLL4 level in colorectal cancer was associated with increased body mass index of patients. Moreover, increased DLL4 level was also found to be correlated with tumor invasion, metastases and unfavorable clinical outcom of patients. CONCLUSIONS: DLL4 level is increased in colorectal cancer, especially in patients with increased body mass index, indicating potential involvement of obesity-related tumorigenesis and development. It might also serve as a novel molecular marker to predicate outcome of patients.
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Proteínas Adaptadoras Transductoras de Señales/metabolismo , Proteínas de Unión al Calcio/metabolismo , Neoplasias Colorrectales , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular , Proteínas de Unión al Calcio/genética , Neoplasias Colorrectales/genética , Humanos , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular/metabolismo , Metástasis Linfática , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Mesonephric adenocarcinoma (MNAC) is an extremely rare malignancy in the female genital tract. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature, and most of them occurred in the cervix, with extremely rare cases in the uterine body and ovary. MNAC has never been reported to arise in the fallopian tube. CASE SUMMARY: A 45-year-old woman was referred to our institution with a history of abdominal pain. Ultrasound revealed a cystic and solid mass in left adnexal region. The patient underwent complete staging surgery when intraoperative pathological examination demonstrated that the mass was malignant. The final histological and immunohistochemical results confirmed the diagnosis of MNAC originating from the fallopian tube. Then she received four cycles of combination chemotherapy with carboplatin plus paclitaxel. The tumor recurred with hepatic metastases 4 mo after initial surgery, and second resection of the tumors in the liver plus partial hepatectomy was performed. She was supplemented with five courses of a new combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus carboplatin, and there was no evidence of recurrence within the 22-mo follow-up period after the second surgery. CONCLUSION: MNAC originating from the fallopian tube is an extremely rare and high malignancy with a poor prognosis. It can be very aggressive, even at early stage. Little is known about the clinical characteristics, pathological diagnosis, prognosis, and optimal management strategy of MNAC originating from the fallopian tube. Herein we report the first case of primary MNAC deriving from the fallopian tube.
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Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have a high theoretical energy density and are low cost. However, the undesirable shuttle effect with the solid discharge product, Li2S, greatly impedes their market penetration. Conductive carbon materials with functional elements are beneficial in controlling the shuttle effect and can reactivate the Li2S, leading to improved long term cycling performance of LSBs. Herein, we report zinc (Zn) and nitrogen (N) co-doped ZIF-8 derived hollow carbon (ZHC) as a promising separator coating for LSBs to control the shuttle effect. The hollow area in the ZHC is identified to be around 250 nm with a carbonized outer surface thickness of approximately 50 nm. The presence of Zn and N in the nanohollow carbon structure helps to mitigate polysulfide (PS) diffusion in LSBs. Furthermore, the hollow interior of the carbon acts as a PS pocket to physically capture the PS and in addition Zn and N chemically attract the PS through polar-polar and metal sulfide interactions. The ZHC with its unique architecture and functional groups shows a promising performance with an initial specific capacity (S.cap) of 842 mA h g-1 at 4.80 mg cm-2 and cycling stability until 400 cycles, which is considerably higher in comparison with the cycling performance of parent ZIF-8.
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BACKGROUND: Anatomical knowledge of the zygomatico-orbital artery and its most relevant clinical applications is essential for ensuring the safety of filler injection into the temporal region. The purpose of this study was to provide the precise position, detailed course, and relationship with surrounding structures of the zygomatico-orbital artery. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients who underwent head contrast-enhanced three-dimensional computed tomography and 10 fresh frozen cadavers were investigated. RESULTS: The zygomatico-orbital artery was identified in 93 percent of the samples in this work. Ninety-four percent of the zygomatico-orbital arteries derived directly from the superficial temporal artery, and the remaining arteries started from the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery. According to the origin of the zygomatico-orbital artery, it was classified into type I and type II. Type I arteries were then classified into three subtypes. The trunk of the zygomatico-orbital artery was located between the deep temporal fascia and the superficial temporal fascia. Deep branches of the zygomatico-orbital artery pierced the superficial layer of the deep temporal fascia. The zygomatico-orbital artery originated from 11.3 mm in front of the midpoint of the apex of the tragus, and most of its trunks were located less than 20.0 mm above the zygomatic arch. The mean diameter of the zygomatico-orbital artery was 1.2 ± 0.2 mm. There were extensive anastomoses between the zygomatico-orbital artery and various periorbital arteries at the lateral orbital rim. CONCLUSION: The precise anatomical knowledge of the zygomatico-orbital artery described in this study could be helpful for cosmetic physicians for improving the safety of temporal augmentation.