Redox Imbalance and Mitochondrial Release of Apoptogenic Factors at the Forefront of the Antitumor Action of Mango Peel Extract

Today, an improved understanding of cancer cell response to cellular stress has become more necessary. Indeed, targeting the intracellular pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance triggering the tumor commitment to cell demise could represent an advantageous strategy to develop cancer-tailored therapies. In this scenario, the present study shows how the peel extract of mango—a tropical fruit rich in phytochemicals with nutraceutical properties—can affect the cell viability of three colon cancer cell lines (HT29, Caco-2 and HCT116), inducing an imbalance of cellular redox responses. By using hydro-alcoholic mango peel extract (MPE), we observed a consistent decline in thiol group content, which was accompanied by upregulation of MnSOD—a mitochondrial scavenger enzyme that modulates the cellular response against oxidative damage. Such an effect was the consequence of an early production of mitochondrial superoxide anions that appeared after just 30 min of exposure of colon cancer cells to MPE. The effect was accompanied by mitochondrial injury, consisting of the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential and a decrease in the level of proteins localized in the mitochondrial membrane—such as voltage-dependent anion-selective channel (VDAC1), mitofilin, and some members of Bcl-2 family proteins (Mcl-1, Bcl-2 and Bcl-X_L)—with the mitochondrial release of apoptogenic factors (cytochrome C and AIF). The analysis of the cytotoxic effects exerted by the different constituents of MPE (gallic acid, mangiferin, citric acid, quinic acid, pentagalloyl glucose, and methyl gallate) allowed us to identify those phytochemicals responsible for the observed anticancer effects, sustaining their future employment as chemopreventive or therapeutic agents.     

Voxel- and atlas-based analysis of diffusion tensor imaging may reveal focal axonal injuries in mild traumatic brain injury -- comparison with diffuse axonal injury

Background

The diagnosis and management of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) continue to be subjects of debate, with varying opinions regarding the extent to which tissue-based impairments versus the impacts of other stressors cause ongoing disability. Detecting areas of the brain with abnormalities that can explain symptoms and behavior in patients with MTBI is important in order to confirm the diagnosis of MTBI.

Methods

In this study, we calculated diffusion maps from results of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) performed in an apparently healthy control group. We then compared these maps with those of patients with MTBI (MTBI group) or diffuse axonal injury (DAI group). All diffusion maps were normalized to the International Consortium for Brain Mapping atlas for atlas-based analysis and were segmented and normalized by the Diffeomorphic Anatomical Registration Through Exponentiated Lie tool in SPM8 to reduce misregistration.

Results

All diffusion measures in the DAI group were lower than in the control group. There were significant differences in the body and splenium of the corpus callosum, fornix and right cerebral peduncle in the DAI group compared with the control group (P<.001). The MTBI group had higher axial diffusivity than the control group in the right corticospinal tract, left medial lemniscus, left inferior cerebellar peduncle, bilateral anterior limb of the internal capsule, right anterior corona radiata, bilateral cingulum (cingulate gyrus) and left superior frontooccipital fasciculus (P<.05).

Conclusions

Voxel- and atlas-based analysis of DTI might suggest that patients with MTBI have focal axonal injury and that the pathophysiology is significantly different from that of DAI. These findings will help in the diagnosis of patients with MTBI.     

爆炸冲击波对肺损伤的数值模拟

采用数值模拟方法,分析了人体胸部在自由空间爆炸场中受冲击波作用的力学过程。利用Mimics 软件对CT图像进行处理,建立人体胸部三维模型。根据人体胸部各生物组织的特性,选择合理的材料模 型和参数,并利用LS-DYNA有限元程序中流固耦合方法,计算分析冲击波作用于人体胸部肺的受力过程。 通过计算获得冲击波入射超压峰值和正压持续时间,参照Bowen损伤曲线评估出肺处于Dc 与D1损伤状态 之间。观察肺部应力变化过程,获得肺部表面的正应力变化规律和损伤最严重的区域。分析剪切应力变化规 律,了解肺受切应力作用损伤的可能性。     

Hepato-protective Effect of Polysaccharides Extracted from Inula Britannica Flower for Mice

The polysaccharides extracted from Inula britannica flower(IBP) exhibited a significant anti-liver injury activity. The properties and chemical compositions of IBP were analyzed via high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and infrared spectroscopy(IR) methods. The results show that the molecular weight distribution of IBP is from 600 to 3500. The weight-average molecular weight is 1099. IBP consists of mannose, glucuronic acid, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose with a molar ratio of 4.1:1:1.4:2.7:14.6:6.3:7.9. The IR spectrum of IBP reveals the typical characteristics of polysaccharides and proteins. After administration of IBP with 100, 50 and 25 mg/kg body mass to liver injury mice induced by CCl₄ or bacillus calmette guerin-lipopolysaccharide (BCG-LPS), not only the blood alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels decreased significantly(P<0.05), but aslo the liver tissue malondialdehyde(MDA) level decreased significantly(P<0.01). The superoxide dismutase(SOD) level increased significantly(P<0.01). IBP shows significant anti-liver injury and anti- oxidation activity.     

Characteristics of the Molecular Weight of Polyhexamethylene Guanidine (PHMG) Used as a Household Humidifier Disinfectant

(1) Background: Household humidifier disinfectant (HD) brands containing polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) have been found to cause the most HD-associated lung injuries (HDLIs) in the Republic of Korea. Nevertheless, no study has attempted to characterize the potential association of the health effects, including HDLI, with the physicochemical properties of PHMG dissolved in different HD brands. This study aimed to characterize the molecular weight (MW) distribution, the number-average molecular weight (M_n), the weight-average molecular weight (M_w), and the structural types of PHMG used in HD products. (2) Methods: Quantitative measurements were made using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The M_n, M_w, and MW distributions were compared among various HD products. (3) Results: The mean M_n and M_w were 542.4 g/mol (range: 403.0–692.2 g/mol) and 560.7 g/mol (range: 424.0–714.70 g/mol), respectively. The degree of PHMG oligomerization ranged from 3 to 7. The MW distribution of PHMG indicated oligomeric compounds regardless of the HD brands. (4) Conclusions: Based on the molecular weight distribution, the average molecular weight of PHMG, and the degree of polymerization, the PHMG collected from HDLI victims could be regarded as an oligomer. PHMG, as used in household humidifiers, should not be exempted from toxic chemical registration as a polymer. Further study is necessary to examine the association of PHMG oligomeric compounds and respiratory health effects, including HDLI.     

具外来感染者和急慢性阶段流行病模型的周期解

建立和研究了一类具有外来感染者和急慢性阶段的流行病模型.我们假设单位时间内有常数量的外来感染者进入所研究地区,并且假设模型具有周期感染率.我们将利用重合度的延拓定理,导出模型周期解的存在性.     

High-performance silicon nanopore hemofiltration membranes

Silicon micromachining provides the precise control of nanoscale features that can be fundamentally enabling for miniaturized, implantable medical devices. Concerns have been raised regarding blood biocompatibility of silicon-based materials and their application to hemodialysis and hemofiltration. A high-performance ultrathin hemofiltration membrane with monodisperse slit-shaped pores was fabricated using a sacrificial oxide technique and then surface-modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Fluid and macromolecular transport matched model predictions well. Protein adsorption, fouling, and thrombosis were significantly inhibited by the PEG. The membrane retained hydraulic permeability and molecular selectivity during a 90-h hemofiltration experiment with anticoagulated bovine whole blood. This is the first report of successful prolonged hemofiltration with a silicon nanopore membrane. The results demonstrate feasibility of renal replacement devices based on these membranes and materials.     

The 3D characteristics of post‐traumatic syringomyelia in a rat model: a propagation‐based synchrotron radiation microtomography study

Many published literature sources have described the histopathological characteristics of post‐traumatic syringomyelia (PTS). However, three‐dimensional (3D) visualization studies of PTS have been limited due to the lack of reliable 3D imaging techniques. In this study, the imaging efficiency of propagation‐based synchrotron radiation microtomography (PB‐SRµCT) was determined to detect the 3D morphology of the cavity and surrounding microvasculature network in a rat model of PTS. The rat model of PTS was established using the infinite horizon impactor to produce spinal cord injury (SCI), followed by a subarachnoid injection of kaolin to produce arachnoiditis. PB‐SRµCT imaging and histological examination, as well as fluorescence staining, were conducted on the animals at the tenth week after SCI. The 3D morphology of the cystic cavity was vividly visualized using PB‐SRµCT imaging. The quantitative parameters analyzed by PB‐SRµCT, including the lesion and spared spinal cord tissue area, the minimum and maximum diameters in the cystic cavity, and cavity volume, were largely consistent with the results of the histological assessment. Moreover, the 3D morphology of the cavity and surrounding angioarchitecture could be simultaneously detected on the PB‐SRµCT images. This study demonstrated that high‐resolution PB‐SRµCT could be used for the 3D visualization of trauma‐induced spinal cord cavities and provides valuable quantitative data for cavity characterization. PB‐SRµCT could be used as a reliable imaging technique and offers a novel platform for tracking cavity formation and morphological changes in an experimental animal model of PTS.     

晚霜冻影响下冬小麦冠层光谱特征与株高要素变化关系

冬小麦遭受晚霜冻害后,生理生态方面会发生显著变化,其中又以株高要素的变化最为显著。提取了包括红边位置、红边振幅在内的15个光谱特征参数,以及包括株高、穗长、穗下节间长和倒二节间长变化率4个株高要素,通过相关分析,筛选出与光谱特征相关性最好的株高变化率参数,并建立逐步回归模型。结果表明:仅有株高变化率在2013和2014年两期试验中均与光谱特征参数达到显著相关;将两期试验数据合并后,则穗长、穗下节间长和倒二节间长的变化率也均达到显著相关。综合考虑模型的Adj.R~2和显著性水平(Sig.)可知,模型拟合效果最好的是穗长变化率,其次是株高,穗下节间和倒二节间长变化率。比较模型的RMSE可知,模型预测精度最高的是穗下节间长变化率。该研究对在冻害胁迫条件下用光谱特征参数预测小麦株高各要素的变化提供了很好的参考,对研究晚霜冻害低温胁迫下冬小麦株高要素变化的规律具有指示性意义。     

基于静电自组装银膜的急性粒白血病氧合血红蛋白表面增强拉曼光谱研究

文中基于高效、生物兼容性纳米结构银膜,采用便携式拉曼光谱仪分别对10个健康人和10个急性粒白血病患者的氧合血红蛋白进行了表面增强拉曼散射(SERS)光谱的研究。实验发现,健康人与急性粒白血病患者的氧合血红蛋白SERS光谱存在显著差异:(1)健康人氧合血红蛋白SERS光谱中位于340cm-1附近很弱的拉曼峰在急性粒白血病患者的SERS光谱中变的很强;(2)健康人氧合血红蛋白SERS光谱中位于655 cm-1附近的拉曼峰在急性粒白血病患者SERS光谱中蓝移到670 cm-1附近,同时在727cm-1附近出现一个新的拉曼峰;(3)对健康人和急性粒白血病患者氧合血红蛋白SERS光谱中位于472、814、1335、1423和1588 cm-1处的拉曼峰相对强度比研究发现,相对强度比I814/I472,I1335/I472、I1423/I472和I1588/I472可以作为较好的区分健康人和急性粒白血病患者的SERS光谱诊断指标,这为基于SERS光谱技术进行急性粒白血病诊断提供了初步实验依据。