Soluble CD40 ligand-activated human peripheral B cells as surrogated antigen presenting cells: A preliminary approach for anti-HBV immunotherapy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We aimed to clarify whether soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) activated B cells may be loaded with HBcAg18-27 peptide and served as antigen-producing cells (APCs) to induce HBV-specific cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Human B cells could be cultured in the presence of sCD40L up to 54 days, and the proportion of B cells in the S phase increased from 0% to 8.34% in the culture. The expression of CD80, CD86, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classes I and II molecules on the sCD40L-activated B cell was significantly increased after long-time culture. Cytometry and fluorescence microscopy showed that more than 98% sCD40L-activated B cells were loaded by the HBcAg peptide. Furthermore, the peptide-pulsed activated B cells could induce HBcAg18-27 specific CTLs.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results demonstrate that sCD40L-activated B cells may function as APCs and induce HBV-specific CTLs.</p

Targeting oncogenic miR-335 inhibits growth and invasion of malignant astrocytoma cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Astrocytomas are the most common and aggressive brain tumors characterized by their highly invasive growth. Gain of chromosome 7 with a hot spot at 7q32 appears to be the most prominent aberration in astrocytoma. Previously reports have shown that microRNA-335 (miR-335) resided on chromosome 7q32 is deregulated in many cancers; however, the biological function of miR-335 in astrocytoma has yet to be elucidated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We report that miR-335 acts as a tumor promoter in conferring tumorigenic features such as growth and invasion on malignant astrocytoma. The miR-335 level is highly elevated in C6 astrocytoma cells and human malignant astrocytomas. Ectopic expression of miR-335 in C6 cells dramatically enhances cell viability, colony-forming ability and invasiveness. Conversely, delivery of antagonist specific for miR-335 (antagomir-335) to C6 cells results in growth arrest, cell apoptosis, invasion repression and marked regression of astrocytoma xenografts. Further investigation reveals that miR-335 targets disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1(Daam1) at posttranscriptional level. Moreover, silencing of endogenous Daam1 (siDaam1) could mimic the oncogenic effects of miR-335 and reverse the growth arrest, proapoptotic and invasion repression effects induced by antagomir-335. Notably, the oncogenic effects of miR-335 and siDAAM1 together with anti-tumor effects of antagomir-335 are also confirmed in human astrocytoma U87-MG cells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These findings suggest an oncogenic role of miR-335 and shed new lights on the therapy of malignant astrocytomas by targeting miR-335.</p

Wet and Dry Atmospheric Depositions of Inorganic Nitrogen during Plant Growing Season in the Coastal Zone of Yellow River Delta

The ecological problems caused by dry and wet deposition of atmospheric nitrogen have been widespread concern in the world. In this study, wet and dry atmospheric depositions were monitored in plant growing season in the coastal zone of the Yellow River Delta (YRD) using automatic sampling equipment. The results showed that SO42- and Na+ were the predominant anion and cation, respectively, in both wet and dry atmospheric depositions. The total atmospheric nitrogen deposition was ~2264.24 mg m−2, in which dry atmospheric nitrogen deposition was about 32.02%. The highest values of dry and wet atmospheric nitrogen deposition appeared in May and August, respectively. In the studied area, NO3-–N was the main nitrogen form in dry deposition, while the predominant nitrogen in wet atmospheric deposition was NH4+–N with ~56.51% of total wet atmospheric nitrogen deposition. The average monthly attribution rate of atmospheric deposition of NO3-–N and NH4+–N was ~31.38% and ~20.50% for the contents of NO3-–N and NH4+–N in 0–10 cm soil layer, respectively, suggested that the atmospheric nitrogen was one of main sources for soil nitrogen in coastal zone of the YRD

Emodin Alleviates Liver Fibrosis of Mice by Reducing Infiltration of Gr1 hi

Emodin, as a major active component of Rheum palmatum L. and Polygonum cuspidatum, has been reported to have antifibrotic effect. However, the mechanism of emodin on antifibrotic effect for liver fibrosis was still obscure. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether emodin can alleviate carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver fibrosis through reducing infiltration of Gr1hi monocytes. Liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal CCl4 injection in mice. Mice in the emodin group received emodin treatment by gavage. Pretreatment with emodin significantly protected mice from liver inflammation and fibrosis revealed by the decreased elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as reduced hepatic necrosis and fibrosis by analysis of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen-I immunohistochemistry staining. Further, compared to CCl4 group, mice in the emodin group showed significantly less intrahepatic infiltration of Gr1hi monocytes. Moreover, emodin significantly inhibited hepatic expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), granulin (GRN), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and chemokine ligand 7 (CCL7), which was in line with the decreased numbers of intrahepatic Gr1hi monocytes. In conclusion, emodin can alleviate the degree of liver fibrosis by reducing infiltration of Gr1hi monocytes. These results suggest that emodin is a promising candidate to prevent and treat liver fibrosis

Clinical analysis of severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia: Case series study

The clinical characteristics and diagnosis of ten cases with severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia were analyzed. Ten patients had high fever, cough, or diarrhea, and all had a history of contact with birds or poultry. The white blood cell count of the patients was normal or slightly increased. The percentage of neutrophils (N%) and C reactive protein of the patients were significantly increased. Chest computer tomography showed patchy consolidation of both lungs, with one-sided lung lobes prominent, and bronchial inflation signs. All the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit due to respiratory failure. Nine patients needed ventilator-assisted ventilation therapy, and one patient needed high-flow oxygen therapy. All patients had sepsis, and five patients developed septic shock. The patients were diagnosed with severe C. psittaci pneumonia by clinical manifestations and contact history. After timely adjustment of tetracycline-based treatment, eight patients recovered and were discharged, and two patients died of septic shock and respiratory failure. Patients with poultry contact should be cautious toward C. psittaci pneumonia. A better method for the detection of C. psittaci is metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Its examination can shorten the diagnosis time. In a later stage, large-sample research is needed to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment

Optimal Design and Planning for Compact Automated Parking Systems

International audienceCompact automated parking (CAP) systems are fully automated parking systems, which store cars densely. Such systems are mainly used in congested cities all over the world, providing rapid parking access and safe vehicle storage. We study a prominent new technology, with relatively low cost and rapid response. The system has a rotating ring equipped with shuttles in each tier for horizontal transport, and uses two lifts in the middle of the CAP system for vertical transport. We present a dedicated lift operating policy under which it uses one lift for storage and another for retrieval, and a general operating policy under which it uses both lifts for storage and retrieval. We propose queuing networks for single-tier and multi-tier systems based on two different policies for operating the lifts (a dedicated and general operating policy). We validate the analytical models using simulation based on a real application. We also conduct a sensitivity analysis in which we vary speeds of lifts and car rotation. Then we use the analytical models to optimize the system layout by minimizing the retrieval time. Furthermore, combining time efficiency and system cost, we find an appropriate system layout for designers. Third, we compare two lifts under dedicated and general operating policies. Forth, we find the optimal number of the lifts through a general compact automated parking system. Finally, we calculate the investment cost of a CAP system under different system configurations and compare it with an alternative design: a cubic parking system.<br/