Decreased programmed cell death ligand 2-positive monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and programmed cell death protein 1-positive T-regulatory cells in patients with type 2 diabetes: implications for immunopathogenesis

Objectives: The activation of immune cells plays a significant role in the progression of type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and T-regulatory cells (Tregs) in type 2 diabetes. Methods: A total of 61 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Clinical characteristics were reviewed and peripheral blood samples were collected. We calculated the percentage of different cells. Frequencies of MDS C subsets refered to the percentage of G-MDSCs (CD15+CD33+CD11b+CD14-HLA-DR-/low) in CD45 positive cells and the percentage of M-MDSCs (CD14+CD15-CD11b+CD33+HLA-DR-/low) in lymphocytes plus monocytes. Results: Frequencies of programmed cell death ligand 1-positive granulo cytic MDSCs (PD-L1+ G-MDSCs), programmed cell death ligand 2-positive monocytic MDSCs (PD-L2+ M-MDSCs), PD-L2+ G-MDSC, and programmed cell death protein 1-positive Tregs (PD-1+Tregs) were decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes. The frequency of PD-1+ Tregs was positively related to PD-L2+ M-MDSCs (r = 0.357, P = 0.009) and negatively related to HbA1c (r = -0.265, P = 0.042), fasting insulin level (r = −0.260, P = 0.047), and waist circumference (r = −0.373, P = 0.005). Conclusions: Decreased PD-L2+ M-MDSCs and PD-1+ Tregs may promote effector T cell activation, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation in type 2 diabetes. These findings highlight the contribution of MDSCs and Tregs to the immunopathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and suggest their potential as targets for new therapeutic approaches

Suppressive Effects on the Immune Response and Protective Immunity to a JEV DNA Vaccine by Co-administration of a GM-CSF-Expressing Plasmid in Mice

As a potential cytokine adjuvant of DNA vaccines, granulocyte-macrophage colony–stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has received considerable attention due to its essential role in the recruitment of antigen-presenting cells, differentiation and maturation of dendritic cells. However, in our recent study of a Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) DNA vaccine, co-inoculation of a GM-CSF plasmid dramatically suppressed the specific IgG response and resulted in decreased protection against JEV challenge. It is known that GM-CSF has been used in clinic to treat neutropenia for repopulating myeloid cells, and as an adjuvant in vaccine studies; it has shown various effects on the immune response. Therefore, in this study, we characterized the suppressive effects on the immune response to a JEV DNA vaccine by the co-administration of the GM-CSF-expressing plasmid and clarified the underlying mechanisms of the suppression in mice. Our results demonstrated that co-immunization with GM-CSF caused a substantial dampening of the vaccine-induced antibody responses. The suppressive effect was dose- and timing-dependent and likely related to the immunogenicity of the antigen. The suppression was associated with the induction of immature dendritic cells and the expansion of regulatory T cells but not myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Collectively, our findings not only provide valuable information for the application of GM-CSF in clinic and using as a vaccine adjuvant but also offer further insight into the understanding of the complex roles of GM-CSF

Investigation of Statistical Distribution of C/C-SiC Composite’s Mechanical Properties

Because of the excellent fracture toughness and oxidation resistance, carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (C/C-SiC or C/SiC) exhibits a sound potential in various application areas such as aerospace technology and high-performance braking systems. For the composite’s reliable design, production, examination, quality assurance and verification, however, the statistical distribution of mechanical properties is of crucial interest and has not been investigated in detail yet. In this work, the strength values of C/C-SiC composite, which was developed via Liquid Silicon Infiltration at the Institute of Structures and Design of German Aerospace Center (DLR), were measured under tensile, bending and compression load. The results were analyzed by normal and Weibull distribution statistics and verified by Kolmogorov–Smirnov-test (KS-test) and Anderson–Darling-test (AD-test). Based on the statistical analysis, the 4PB-strength of C/C-SiC composite can be better described by Weibull distribution. In comparison, normal distribution is more suitable for the compression strength. The influence of different numbers of coupons on the mechanical properties has been identified. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to analyze the fracture surface, which confirmed that the different statistical distribution of strength values was caused by various failure mechanisms

A Brief Analysis of the Current Situation and Development Trend on Green Transportation Standard System

It is great significance to improve green transportation standards system for promoting the construction of ecological civilization and the sustainable development of recycling and low carbon of transportation. This paper summarizes the status of green transportation standards system and the progress of standard publication and revision. According to the key areas and links of green transportation development, the development trends of green transportation and the requirement of green transportation standards were analysed, and policy recommendations for improving the construction of green transportation standards system was proposed. The paper is trying to provide decisive support for the industry to promote the development of green transportation standardization

Chloroplast phylogenomics and divergence times of Lagerstroemia (Lythraceae)

Abstract Background Crape myrtles, belonging to the genus Lagerstroemia L., have beautiful paniculate inflorescences and are cultivated as important ornamental tree species for landscaping and gardening. However, the phylogenetic relationships within Lagerstroemia have remained unresolved likely caused by limited sampling and the insufficient number of informative sites used in previous studies. Results In this study, we sequenced 20 Lagerstroemia chloroplast genomes and combined with 15 existing chloroplast genomes from the genus to investigate the phylogenetic relationships and divergence times within Lagerstroemia. The phylogenetic results indicated that this genus is a monophyletic group containing four clades. Our dating analysis suggested that Lagerstroemia originated in the late Paleocene (~ 60 Ma) and started to diversify in the middle Miocene. The diversification of most species occurred during the Pleistocene. Four variable loci, trnD-trnY-trnE, rrn16-trnI, ndhF-rpl32-trnL and ycf1, were discovered in the Lagerstroemia chloroplast genomes. Conclusions The chloroplast genome information was successfully utilized for molecular characterization of diverse crape myrtle samples. Our results are valuable for the global genetic diversity assessment, conservation and utilization of Lagerstroemia

Cyclin D1 G870A polymorphism contributes to colorectal cancer susceptibility: evidence from a systematic review of 22 case-control studies.

BACKGROUND: Cyclin D1 (CCND1) plays a vital role in cancer cell cycle progression. Numerous epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between the CCND1 G870A polymorphism and the risk of colorectal cancer. However, these studies have yielded conflicting results. To derive a more precise estimation of this association, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A comprehensive search was conducted to identify eligible studies of the CCND1 G870A polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from a fixed effect or random effect model. We applied a grading system (Venice criteria) that assessed the epidemiological strength of the association. A total of 22 publications that included 6157 cases and 8198 controls were identified. We found that the CCND1 G870A polymorphism was significantly associated with overall colorectal cancer risk (homozygote genetic model: OR = 1.130, 95% CI = 1.023-1.248, P = 0.016; heterozygote genetic model: OR = 1.124, 95% CI = 1.030-1.226, P = 0.009; dominant genetic model: OR = 1.127, 95% CI = 1.037-1.224, P = 0.005). After further stratified analyses, the increased risk was observed only in the subgroups of hospital-based studies, PCR-RFLP genotyping methods, sporadic colorectal cancer, and Caucasian ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence demonstrates that the CCND1 870A allele might be a low-penetrant risk factor for colorectal cancer