The multiplexed light storage of Orbital Angular Momentum based on atomic ensembles

The improvement of the multi-mode capability of quantum memory can further improve the utilization efficiency of the quantum memory and reduce the requirement of quantum communication for storage units. In this letter, we experimentally investigate the multi-mode light multiplexing storage of orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode based on rubidium vapor, and demultiplexing by a photonic OAM mode splitter which combines a Sagnac loop with two dove prisms. Our results show a mode extinction ratio higher than 80$\%$ at 1 $\mu$s of storage time. Meanwhile, two OAM modes have been multiplexing stored and demultiplexed in our experimental configuration. We believe the experimental scheme may provide a possibility for high channel capacity and multi-mode quantum multiplexed quantum storage based on atomic ensembles

Inhibition of Nur77 expression and translocation by compound B6 reduces ER stress and alleviates cigarette smoke-induced inflammation and injury in bronchial epithelial cells

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death worldwide with inflammation and injury in airway epithelial cells. However, few treatment options effectively reduce severity. We previously found that Nur77 is involved in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and injury of lung tissue. Here, we established an in vitro model of COPD-related inflammation and injury in 16-HBE cells induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE). In these cells, Nur77 expression and localization to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) increased following CSE treatment, as did ER stress marker (BIP, ATF4, CHOP) expression, inflammatory cytokine expression, and apoptosis. The flavonoid derivative, named B6, which was shown to be a modulator of Nur77 in previous screen, molecular dynamics simulation revealed that B6 binds strongly to Nur77 through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Treating CSE-stimulated 16-HBE cells with B6 resulted in a reduction of both inflammatory cytokine expression and secretion, as well as attenuated apoptosis. Furthermore, B6 treatment resulted in a decrease in Nur77 expression and translocation to the ER, which was accompanied by a concentration-dependent reduction in the expression of ER stress markers. Meanwhile, B6 played a similar role in CSE-treated BEAS-2B cells. These combined effects suggest that B6 could inhibit inflammation and apoptosis in airway epithelial cells after cigarette smoke stimulation, and support its further development as a candidate intervention for treating COPD-related airway inflammation

Comparison of Melatonin, Hypertonic Saline, and Hydroxyethyl Starch for Resuscitation of Secondary Intra-Abdominal Hypertension in an Animal Model.

A variety of agents may have a beneficial effect in reducing injury-induced intestinal edema of fluid, but studies confirming the efficacy and mechanisms of these agents in secondary intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) are lacking. This study was to compare the effectiveness of melatonin, 7.5% hypertonic saline (HS), and hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (HES) on the resuscitation of secondary IAH in a rat model. Female SD rats were divided into: sham group, shock group, lactated Ringer solution (LR) group, melatonin group, HS group, and HES group. Except for the sham group, all rats underwent a combination of inducing portal hypertension, hemorrhaging to a MAP of 40 mmHg for 2 hr, and using an abdominal restraint device. The collected blood was reinfused and the rats were treated with LR (30ml/h), melatonin (50 mg/kg) + LR, HS (6 ml/kg) + LR, and HES (30 ml/kg) + LR, respectively. The shock group received no fluids. LR was continuously infused for 6hr. The intestinal permeability, immunofluorescence of tight junction proteins, transmission electron microscopy, level of inflammatory mediators (TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6) and of biochemical markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase activity, and glutathione peroxidase) were assessed. Expressions of the protein kinase B (Akt) and of tight junction proteins were detected by Western blot. Compared with LR, HS, and HES, melatonin was associated with less inflammatory and oxidative injury, less intestinal permeability and injury, and lower incidence of secondary IAH in this model. The salutary effect of melatonin in this model was associated with the upregulation of intestinal Akt phosphorylation

The effects of intra-abdominal hypertension on the secretory function of canine adrenal glands.

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) can damage multiple organ systems, but the explicit impact on the adrenal gland is unclear. To evaluate the effects of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on the secretory function of the adrenal glands, we established canine models of IAH. By comparing morphology; hemodynamics; plasma cortisol, aldosterone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations; and the expression of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in adrenal gland tissue from these dogs, we found that hemodynamic instability occurred after IAH and that IAH increased the plasma cortisol, aldosterone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations. Higher IAPs resulted in more significant changes, and the above indicators gradually returned to normal 2 h after decompression. Compared with the sham-operated group, IAH significantly increased IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in adrenal tissue, with larger increases in the presence of higher IAPs. However, the concentrations of these markers remained higher than those in the sham-operated group despite their decrease after 2 h of decompression. Histopathological examination revealed congestion, red blood cell exudation, and neutrophil infiltration in the adrenal glands when IAP was elevated; these conditions became more significant with more severe IAH. These results suggest that the secretion of adrenal hormones and adrenal gland inflammation are positively correlated with IAP and that abdominal decompression effectively corrects adrenal gland function

Schematic diagram of the experiment protocol.

<p>Rats were randomized into: sham group (sham, n = 8), no treatment was performed after anesthetization. Shock group (S,n = 8), no fluids were given after shock. Lactated Ringer solution (LR) group (LR, n = 8), after blood reinfusion, rats were resuscitated with LR (30 mL/h × 6hr). Melatonin group (MT, n = 8), after blood reinfusion, the rats were infused with melatonin (50mg/kg), then resuscitated with LR (30 mL/h × 6hr). Hypertonic saline group (HS, n = 8), after blood reinfusion, rats were infused with 7.5% hypertonic saline (6ml/kg), then resuscitated with LR (30 mL/h × 6hr). Hydroxyethyl starch group (HES, n = 8), after blood reinfusion, rats were infused with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (30ml/kg), then resuscitated with LR (30 mL/h × 6hr). The IVCP after blood reinfusion was set as the starting point, and the secondary IAH was determined by an elevation of 12.5 mmHg (170 mmH2O) of IVCP from the starting point.</p

Changes in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and inferior vena cava pressure (IVCP) during the crystalloid resuscitation time and comparisons of urine output between groups.

<p>(A) Changes in the MAP of groups during the crystalloid resuscitation time. (B) Changes in the IVCP of groups during the crystalloid resuscitation time. (C) Comparison of urine output during the crystalloid resuscitation time. Data are presented as means ± S.E.M., n = 8 in each group. * <i>P</i> < 0.05 in comparison with the sham group, ^<i>#</i> <i>P</i> < 0.05 in comparison with the LR group, ⁺ <i>P</i> < 0.05 in comparison with the MT group.</p

Intestinal inflammatory and oxidative injury mediators in each group.

<p>Intestinal inflammatory and oxidative injury mediators in each group.</p

The type and amount of fluids given in each group.

<p>The type and amount of fluids given in each group.</p

Expression of total and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) and tight junction proteins in intestine between groups.

<p>The intestinal sample extracts were immunoblotted for the expression of phosphorylated (p)-Akt, total (t)-Akt, ZO-1 and occludin. Representative images of the Western blots are shown (A). Expression of p-Akt and t-Akt among groups (B); Expression of ZO-1 among groups; (C). Expression of occludin among groups. Data are presented as means ± S.E.M., n = 8 in each group. Data are presented as means ± S.E.M., n = 8 in each group. * <i>P</i> < 0.05 in comparison with the sham group, ^<i>§</i> <i>P</i> < 0.05 in comparison with the S group, ^# <i>P</i> < 0.05 in comparison with the LR group, ⁺ <i>P</i> < 0.05 in comparison with the MT group.</p