Comparative Analysis of Antiviral Responses in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells and in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are cells that have unlimited capacity for selfrenewal and differentiation. These properties make ESCs a great cell source for application in regenerative medicine. When used for cell therapy, ESC-derived cells could be placed in a wounded area that is likely to be exposed to various pathogens. However, it is not well-understood whether ESCs and ESC-derived cells have active antiviral responses against infectious agents from the environment. To answer this important question, I comparatively analyzed the antiviral responses of ESCs and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs, C3H10Tl/2 cell line) to infectious agents. Using the expression of type I interferon (IFN) as a benchmark of antiviral responses, our results indicated that the type I IFN were robustly induced in C3Hl0Tl/2 cells, but not in ESCs, when they were exposed to polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C), a dsRNA viral analog) and La Crosse Virus (LACV). Our results also showed that TLR3, RIG! and MDA5, the receptors for viral RNA, are expressed at lower levels in mouse ESCs (mESCs) than in C3H10Tl/2 cells. However, mESCs are susceptible to LACV infection resulting in cell death, which can be reduced by IFNP pretreatment. Furthermore, IFNP induced expression of ISG 15, PKR and dsRNA receptor genes that play key roles in antiviral responses. In conclusion, mESCs are deficient in type I IFN expression, but they have functional mechanisms that mediate the antiviral effects of type I IFN

Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Are Deficient in Type I Interferon Expression in Response to Viral Infections and Double-Stranded RNA

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are considered to be a promising cell source for regenerative medicine because of their unlimited capacity for self-renewal and differentiation. However, little is known about the innate immunity in ESCs and ESC-derived cells. We investigated the responses of mESCs to three types of live viruses; La Crosse virus (LACV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Sendai virus (SeV). Our results demonstrated mESCs were susceptible to viral infection, but they were unable to express type I interferons (IFNα and IFNβ,IFNα/β which differ from fibroblasts (10T1/2 cells) that robustly express IFNα/β upon viral infections. The failure of mESCs to express IFNα/β was further demonstrated by treatment with polyIC (polyinosinic-polycytidylic), a synthetic viral dsRNA analog that strongly induced IFNα/β in 10T1/2 cells. Although polyIC transiently inhibited the transcription of pluripotency markers, the stem cell morphology was not significantly affected. However, polyIC can induce dsRNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) in mESCs and this activation resulted in a strong inhibition of cell proliferation. We conclude that the cytosolic receptor PKR is functional, but the mechanisms that mediate type I IFN expression are deficient in mESCs. This conclusion is further supported by the findings that the major viral RNA receptors are either expressed at very low levels (TLR3 and MDA5) or may not be active (RIG-I) in mESCs

Antiviral Responses In Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells: Differential Development of Cellular Mechanisms In Type I Interferon Production and Response

We have recently reported that mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are deficient in expressing type I interferons (IFNs) in response to viral infection and synthetic viral RNA analogs (Wang, R., Wang, J., Paul, A. M., Acharya, D., Bai, F., Huang, F., and Guo, Y. L. (2013) J. Biol. Chem. 288, 15926–15936). Here, we report that mESCs are able to respond to type I IFNs, express IFN-stimulated genes, and mediate the antiviral effect of type I IFNs against La Crosse virus and chikungunya virus. The major signaling components in the IFN pathway are expressed in mESCs. Therefore, the basic molecular mechanisms that mediate the effects of type I IFNs are functional in mESCs; however, these mechanisms may not yet be fully developed as mESCs express lower levels of IFN-stimulated genes and display weaker antiviral activity in response to type I IFNs when compared with fibroblasts. Further analysis demonstrated that type I IFNs do not affect the stem cell state of mESCs. We conclude that mESCs are deficient in type I IFN expression, but they can respond to and mediate the cellular effects of type I IFNs. These findings represent unique and uncharacterized properties of mESCs and are important for understanding innate immunity development and ESC physiology

3D Reconstruction of Images Based on Embedded Processors

3D image reconstruction has very important value in reality. In this paper, based on embedded system, we use Marching Cubes algorithm to realize 3D image reconstruction and furthermore, display the result in web page. By introducing principle and whole process of reconstruction, we can prove that comparing with personal computer, this method has advantage of lower price, small volume, and has good prospect in future

Association between healthy eating index-2015 and abdominal aortic calcification among US Adults

AimsTo evaluate the relationship of the healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) with abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in US adults.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with data extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). AAC score was measured using the scoring system of Kauppila (AAC-24) and Schousboe (AAC-8). HEI-2015, which was used for evaluating compliance with Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), was calculated through two rounds of 24-h recall interviews. HEI-2015 was categorized as inadequate (<50), average (50~70), and optimal (≥70) groups for analysis, while the AAC-24 score was grouped by whether the score was >0. Weighted multiple regression analyses were conducted to estimate the association of HEI-2015 with AAC score and the presence of AAC. Moreover, smooth curve fittings, based on a generalized additive model (GAM), were applied to evaluate a possible non-linear relationship. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to provide more supporting information.ResultsA total of 2,704 participants were included in the study (mean age, 57.61 ± 11.40 years; 51.78% were women). The mean score of HEI-2015 was 56.09 ± 13.40 (41.33 ± 6.28, 59.44 ± 5.54, and 76.90 ± 5.37 for inadequate, average, and optimal groups, respectively). After adjusting for covariates, higher HEI-2015 was associated with decreased AAC score (AAC-24: β = −0.121, 95% CI: −0.214, −0.028, P = 0.010; AAC-8: β= −0.054, 95% CI: −0.088, −0.019, P = 0.003) and lower risk of AAC (OR = 0.921, 95% CI: 0.855, 0.993, P = 0.031). Among the components of HEI-2015, a higher intake of fruits, greens, and beans was associated with a lower AAC score. Subgroup analysis showed that an inverse association of HEI-2015 with AAC score existed among different groups.ConclusionThe study presented that higher HEI-2015 was related to a lower AAC score and decreased risk of having AAC, indicating that greater compliance with 2015–2020 DGA, assessed by HEI-2015, might be beneficial for preventing vascular calcification and CVD among US adults

Regenerative endodontics: a true paradigm shift or a bandwagon about to be derailed?

Aims: Regenerative endodontic techniques (RETs) have been hailed as a paradigm shift for the management of traumatised non-vital immature permanent anterior teeth. In this article the aim was to critically appraise the literature with regards to the outcome of regenerative endodontics on root development. Methods: Critical review of the literature where regenerative endodontic techniques have been used in the management of immature non-vital teeth with continuation of root development as the main outcome reported. Results: Most studies published were in the form of case reports and series with very few randomised controlled trials with a high risk of bias. Continuation of root development following the use of RET has been shown to be unpredictable at best with lower success in those teeth losing vitality as a result of dental trauma. Conclusions: Despite the high success of regenerative endodontics in terms of periodontal healing including resolution of clinical and radiographic signs and symptoms of infection, continuation of root development remains an unpredictable outcome. The use of a blood clot as a scaffold in regenerative endodontics should be reviewed carefully as that might offer an environment for repair rather than regeneration. In addition, preservation of structures, such as Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath, may have an important bearing on the success of this approach and should be further investigated

Management of Crown-related Fractures in Children: An Update Review

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a serious public health problem. Epidemiology of dental trauma indicates that these injuries are more prevalent in child population of the world. Children are the sufferers in two-thirds of all TDIs observed. Although being a major fraction, crown-related fractures are a less severe form of TDIs with respect to their complications and sequelae. However, as with other types of traumatic injuries, the delay in seeking for immediate care following a traumatic injury and the lack of appropriate treatment may compromise long-term outcomes. This article reviews the occurrence, management, and prognosis of crown-related fractures in primary and permanent teeth in light of the recent literature

GABA immunostaining in the central complex of dicondylian insects

The central complex is a group of midline-crossing neuropils in the insect brain involved in head direction coding, sky compass navigation, and spatial visual memory. To compare the neuroarchitecture and neurochemistry of the central complex in insects that differ in locomotion, ways of orientation, time of activity (diurnal, nocturnal), and evolutionary history, we studied the distribution of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunostaining in the central complex of 29 species, ranging from Zygentoma to Diptera. In all species, the lower division of the central body was densely innervated by GABA-immunoreactive tangential neurons. These neurons had additional arborizations in the bulb, a distinct region of synaptic complexes in the lateral complex, and somata in a cell cluster mediodorsally to the antennal lobe. Differences in the appearance of GABA immunostaining in the lower division of the central body corresponded to differences in neuropil architecture, such as transformation of the lower division into a toroid in certain Diptera and Heteroptera. In nearly all species two additional systems of tangential neuron of the upper division of the central body were GABA-immunoreactive. One of these systems diffusely invaded a superior layer, while the second system showed fan-like projections in an inferior layer. Sparse immunostaining in the protocerebral bridge was detected in cockroaches, a cricket, and two hemipteran species. The data show that three systems of GABA-immunoreactive tangential neurons of the central body are highly conserved and suggest that the layered organization of the upper division of the central body is, likewise, largely maintained from basal to advanced species

The Changing Landscape for Stroke\ua0Prevention in AF: Findings From the GLORIA-AF Registry Phase 2

Background GLORIA-AF (Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) is a prospective, global registry program describing antithrombotic treatment patterns in patients with newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke. Phase 2 began when dabigatran, the first non\u2013vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC), became available. Objectives This study sought to describe phase 2 baseline data and compare these with the pre-NOAC era collected during phase 1. Methods During phase 2, 15,641 consenting patients were enrolled (November 2011 to December 2014); 15,092 were eligible. This pre-specified cross-sectional analysis describes eligible patients\u2019 baseline characteristics. Atrial fibrillation disease characteristics, medical outcomes, and concomitant diseases and medications were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Of the total patients, 45.5% were female; median age was 71 (interquartile range: 64, 78) years. Patients were from Europe (47.1%), North America (22.5%), Asia (20.3%), Latin America (6.0%), and the Middle East/Africa (4.0%). Most had high stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc [Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age  6575 years, Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke, Vascular disease, Age 65 to 74 years, Sex category] score  652; 86.1%); 13.9% had moderate risk (CHA2DS2-VASc = 1). Overall, 79.9% received oral anticoagulants, of whom 47.6% received NOAC and 32.3% vitamin K antagonists (VKA); 12.1% received antiplatelet agents; 7.8% received no antithrombotic treatment. For comparison, the proportion of phase 1 patients (of N = 1,063 all eligible) prescribed VKA was 32.8%, acetylsalicylic acid 41.7%, and no therapy 20.2%. In Europe in phase 2, treatment with NOAC was more common than VKA (52.3% and 37.8%, respectively); 6.0% of patients received antiplatelet treatment; and 3.8% received no antithrombotic treatment. In North America, 52.1%, 26.2%, and 14.0% of patients received NOAC, VKA, and antiplatelet drugs, respectively; 7.5% received no antithrombotic treatment. NOAC use was less common in Asia (27.7%), where 27.5% of patients received VKA, 25.0% antiplatelet drugs, and 19.8% no antithrombotic treatment. Conclusions The baseline data from GLORIA-AF phase 2 demonstrate that in newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients, NOAC have been highly adopted into practice, becoming more frequently prescribed than VKA in Europe and North America. Worldwide, however, a large proportion of patients remain undertreated, particularly in Asia and North America. (Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation [GLORIA-AF]; NCT01468701