The compound 13-D selectively induces apoptosis in white blood cancers versus other cancer cell types

As general cytotoxins are still the backbone of anticancer chemotherapy, the identification of selective inducers of cell death in defined cancer types and subtypes is one of the major goals of modern oncology research. Thus, compounds identified with such selectivity have utility as probes of cancer-type-specific biological pathways, and optimized versions have potential in targeted anticancer therapy. Described herein is the discovery that compound 13-D selectively induces apoptotic cell death in white blood cancer cell lines but not in other cancer cell lines. Further experiments indicate that this selectivity is not simply due to selective cell permeability. The compound localizes to both the nucleus and cytoplasm and arrests cells in the prophase/prometaphase of the cell cycle, and there is a very sharp dependence of activity on compound structure, with the trans-alpha,beta-unsaturated amide of 13-D being critical for inducing cell death. The macromolecular target of 13-D could be involved in white blood cell-specific oncogenic pathways.     

Biomarkers in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: The State of the Art in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the progressive loss of lower motor neurons, weakness and muscle atrophy. ALS lacks an effective cure and diagnosis is often made by exclusion. Thus, it is imperative to search for biomarkers. Biomarkers can help in understanding ALS pathomechanisms, identification of targets for treatment and development of effective therapies. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) represent a valid source for biomarkers compared to cerebrospinal fluid, as they are simple to collect, and to plasma, because of the possibility of detecting lower expressed proteins. They are a reliable model for patients’ stratification. This review provides an overview on PBMCs as a potential source of biomarkers in ALS. We focused on altered RNA metabolism (coding/non-coding RNA), including RNA processing, mRNA stabilization, transport and translation regulation. We addressed protein abnormalities (aggregation, misfolding and modifications); specifically, we highlighted that SOD1 appears to be the most characterizing protein in ALS. Finally, we emphasized the correlation between biological parameters and disease phenotypes, as regards prognosis, severity and clinical features. In conclusion, even though further studies are needed to standardize the use of PBMCs as a tool for biomarker investigation, they represent a promising approach in ALS research.     

Involvement of Molecular Mechanisms between T/B Cells and IL-23: From Palmoplantar Pustulosis to Autoimmune Diseases

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a disease that causes recurrent blisters and aseptic pustules on the palms and soles. It has been suggested that both innate and acquired immunity are involved. In particular, based on the tonsils and basic experiments, it has been assumed that T and B cells are involved in its pathogenesis. In addition, the results of clinical trials have suggested that IL-23 is closely related to the pathogenesis. This review describes PPP and the genetic background, the factors involved in the onset and exacerbation of disease and its relation to the molecular mechanism. In addition, we describe the usefulness of biological therapy and its implications in relation to the importance in pathology, the pathogenesis of PPP, the importance of the role of the IL-23–Th17 axis and IL-36 in PPP. Furthermore, we describe an animal experimental model of PPP, the efficacy and mechanism of action of guselkumab, an anti-IL-23 antibody, the latest research, and finally the possibility for it to be effective for other autoimmune diseases.     

水痘-带状疱疹病毒疫苗株在Vero细胞中的传代适应

目的探索水痘-带状疱疹病毒(VZV)疫苗株在Vero细胞中的传代适应及大量制备抗原的可行性。方法以VZV疫苗株在Vero细胞中传代适应,并检测适应株的生物学性状,采用15L旋转培养瓶培养,大量制备VZV ELISA抗原,并检测抗原的特异性。结果VZV疫苗株在Vero细胞中传代至第9代时,CPE明显增多,病毒滴度从2～3logPFU/ml提高到不低于4·2logPFU/ml。所制备毒种的适宜MOI为0·01,在72h左右收获的病毒滴度较高。毒种在-70℃保存1年后,病毒滴度未显著降低。抗VZV阳性血清检测证实制备的抗原具有较好特异性,抗原最适稀释浓度为1:4000。结论VZV疫苗株在Vero细胞中能传代适应,并可用15L瓶旋转培养大量制备VZV抗原。     

Ⅳ型登革病毒中国株LD34在KMB17细胞上的适应性及其生物学特性

目的研究Ⅳ型登革病毒中国株LD34在人胚肺二倍体细胞KMB17上的传代适应性及其生物学特性。方法将Ⅳ型登革病毒中国株LD34在C6/36细胞上扩增,并采用微量细胞病变法测定病毒的感染性滴度。以2.0 MOI的病毒接种KMB17细胞传代培养,筛选KMB17细胞适应株,并进行培养条件的优化。将Ⅳ型登革病毒中国株LD34 KMB17细胞适应株连续传10代,测定病毒的感染性滴度,免疫荧光法检测病毒的抗原性,RT-PCR法扩增登革病毒的特异性基因。结果筛选出的Ⅳ型登革病毒中国株LD34在KMB17细胞上的最佳培养条件为病毒接种MOI 0.4,培养基血清浓度5%;其感染KMB17细胞后可产生明显的细胞病变(CPE),连续传10代,病毒滴度达7.75 CCID50/ml;第10代病毒的抗原性呈阳性;第10代病毒能扩增出511 bp的登革病毒特异性基因和393 bp的Ⅳ型登革病毒特异性基因。结论获得了Ⅳ型登革病毒中国株LD34 KMB17细胞适应株,病毒保持了原始毒株的基本生物学特性,且具有较好的抗原性。     

Ⅰ型登革病毒D06063株人二倍体细胞适应株的筛选及纯化

目的筛选Ⅰ型登革病毒(Dengue virus,DV)中国株D06063人胚肺二倍体细胞KMB17的适应株,经噬斑纯化后,分析其生物学特性。方法将Ⅰ型DV中国株D06063在C6/36细胞上进行扩增,采用微量滴定法测定病毒的感染性滴度;RT-PCR法鉴定DV型别;病毒连续以4.0 MOI的量感染KMB17细胞,传代至病毒完全适应在细胞内扩增,再连续传10代,筛选出KMB17细胞适应株,并进行3轮噬斑纯化;免疫荧光法检测纯化病毒,电镜观察病毒颗粒的形态。结果在C6/36细胞上扩增的Ⅰ型DV D06063株的滴度为6.0 lg CCID50/ml,经RT-PCR可扩增出511 bp的DV特异基因和482 bp的Ⅰ型DV型特异性基因;病毒感染KMB17细胞后,可产生明显的细胞病变,至第10代,病毒的感染性滴度达峰值,为6.75 lg CCID50/ml;纯化的病毒经免疫荧光检测呈阳性,电镜观察显示病毒形态正常。结论成功筛选出传代稳定性好、病毒扩增量高的Ⅰ型DVKMB17细胞适应株,纯化的病毒株保持了原始毒株的基本生物学特性。     

轮状病毒P[8]G1株在KMB17细胞上的适应性及其免疫原性

目的研究轮状病毒P[8]G1株(Wa株)在人胚肺二倍体细胞KMB17上的适应性及其免疫原性。方法将人轮状病毒P[8]G1株(Wa株)在KMB17细胞上进行适应培养,连续传代10代,免疫荧光法检测病毒的增殖情况,免疫胶体金法检测病毒的抗原性,微量滴定法检测病毒的感染性滴度,并进行病毒基因组稳定性及免疫原性检测。结果轮状病毒Wa株在KMB17细胞上连续传代后,细胞病变逐渐增快;抗原性逐渐增强;至第10代达增殖高峰,病毒滴度达4.25CCID50/ml;在传代过程中,病毒基因组核酸带型保持一致;经皮下和口服2种途径免疫小鼠,血清抗体效价均达1:8192。结论轮状病毒Wa株可在KMB17细胞上稳定增殖,病毒保持了毒株的基本生物学特性,且具有较好的免疫原性。     

The Use of a Modified Mixed Mode Bending Test for Characterization of Mixed-mode Fracture Behavior of Adhesively Bonded Metal Joints

This paper summarizes recent mixed-mode I and II fracture experiments on adhesively bonded metal joints using a modified mixed-mode bending (MMB) test fixture and double cantilever beam (DCB)-type specimens. The MMB test had been previously developed and used for mixed-mode I and II delamination testing of composite laminates, but in the present research it is adapted and modified for fracture testing of adhesively bonded joints with metallic adherends. Strain energy release rates were evaluated by the use of improved analytical models. Mixed-mode fracture behavior of AA5754-0 aluminum alloy specimens bonded with a tough one-part epoxy adhesive (Dow Automotive Betamate 4601 ® ) was characterized.     

Roles and Applications of Red Blood Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Health and Diseases

Red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles (RBCEVs) are vesicles naturally produced by red blood cells and play multiple roles such as acting as cell-to-cell communication messengers in both normal physiological and diseased states. RBCEVs are highly promising delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents such as biomolecules and nucleic acids as they are easy to source, safe, and versatile. RBCEVs autonomously target the liver and pass the blood–brain barrier into the brain, which is highly valuable for the treatment of liver and brain diseases. RBCEVs can be modified by various functional units, including various functional molecules and nanoparticles, to improve their active targeting capabilities for tumors or other sites. Moreover, the RBCEV level is significantly shifted in many diseased states; hence, they can also serve as important biomarkers for disease diagnoses. It is clear that RBCEVs have considerable potential in multiple medical applications. In this review, we briefly introduce the biological roles of RBCEVs, presented interesting advances in RBCEV applications, and discuss several challenges that need to be addressed for their clinical translation.     

Microbial adaptation in the degradation of phenol byAlcaligenes xylosoxidans Y234

Microbial adaptation was performed to enhance the biological degradation of phenol. WhenAlcaligenes xylosoxidans Y234 was adapted with benzene, it could degrade phenol of 1,000 ppm completely in 60 hours while phenoladapted cell could not. This phenomenon was discussed in terms of intracellular enzyme activity and applied to the degradation of phenol in a packed-bed bioreactor.     

Experimentelle Untersuchung von Schaum in Packungskolonnen

Foam in process engineering can cause severe problems in distillation and absorption towers. Presently, hydrodynamic models cannot consider foaming in respect of process dimensioning. In a proceeding research project, the fluid dynamic performance data (pressure loss, flooding point) of several different mass transfer packings are examined for foaming material systems. The respective origin of foam generation in the packed column is observed separately. A test cell for the qualification of potential foaming material systems adapted on the special demands of packed columns is introduced. Details on the results on the phenology of foaming, on the fluid dynamic performance data of the column operation with foaming material systems and on the experiments of the adapted test cell are given.     

狂犬病毒地鼠肾细胞适应株的选育

将aG株豚鼠脑组织毒种于原代地鼠肾细胞传代适应后，优选出一株感染地鼠肾细胞增殖滴度高，稳定性好并保持原株抗原性的新的适应株，其生物学性状和免疫原性研究结果表明，将有可能取代豚鼠脑毒种，生产出更为安全、有效的狂犬病疫苗。     

Phagocytosis of Erythrocytes from Gaucher Patients Induces Phenotypic Modifications in Macrophages,Driving Them toward Gaucher Cells

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by glucocerebrosidase deficiency leading to the accumulation of sphingolipids in macrophages named “Gaucher’s Cells”. These cells are characterized by deregulated expression of cell surface markers, abnormal secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and iron sequestration. These cells are known to infiltrate tissues resulting in hematological manifestations, splenomegaly, and bone diseases. We have already demonstrated that Gaucher red blood cells exhibit altered properties suggesting their key role in GD clinical manifestations. We hypothesized that Gaucher’s erythrocytes could be prone to premature destruction by macrophages contributing to the formation of altered macrophages and Gaucher-like cells. We conducted in vitro experiments of erythrophagocytosis using erythrocytes from Gaucher’s patients or healthy donors. Our results showed an enhanced erythrophagocytosis of Gaucher red blood cells compared to healthy red blood cells, which is related to erythrocyte sphingolipids overload and reduced deformability. Importantly, we showed elevated expression of the antigen-presenting molecules CD1d and MHC-II and of the iron-regulator hepcidin in macrophages, as well as enhanced secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β after phagocytosis of GD erythrocytes. These results strongly suggested that erythrophagocytosis in GD contribute to phenotypic modifications in macrophages. This present study shows that erythrocytes-macrophages interactions may be crucial in GD pathophysiology and pathogenesis.     

Generation of Matrix Degradation Products Using an In Vitro MMP Cleavage Assay

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play crucial roles in tissue homeostasis and pathologies by remodeling the extracellular matrix. Previous studies have demonstrated the biological activities of MMP-derived cleavage products. Furthermore, specific fragments can serve as biomarkers. Therefore, an in vitro cleavage assay to identify substrates and characterize cleavage patterns could provide important insight in disease-relevant mechanisms and the identification of novel biomarkers. In the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), MMP-2, -8, -9 and -13 are of vital importance. However, it is unclear which protease can cleave which matrix component. To address this question, we established an in vitro cleavage assay using recombinantly expressed MMPs and the two cartilage matrix components, COMP and thrombospondin-4. We found a time- and concentration-dependent degradation and an MMP-specific cleavage pattern for both proteins. Cleavage products can now be enriched and purified to investigate their biological activity. To verify the in vivo relevance, we compared the in vitro cleavage patterns with serum and synovial fluid from OA patients and could indeed detect fragments of similar size in the human samples. The cleavage assay can be adapted to other MMPs and substrates, making it a valuable tool for many research fields.     

Therapeutic Potential of Human Fetal Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Narrative Review

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for diverse diseases and injuries. The biological and clinical advantages of human fetal MSCs (hfMSCs) have recently been reported. In terms of promising therapeutic approaches for diverse diseases and injuries, hfMSCs have gained prominence as healing tools for clinical therapies. Therefore, this review assesses not the only biological advantages of hfMSCs for healing human diseases and regeneration, but also the research evidence for the engraftment and immunomodulation of hfMSCs based on their sources and biological components. Of particular clinical relevance, the present review also suggests the potential therapeutic feasibilities of hfMSCs for musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and osteogenesis imperfecta.     

Changes in the Physicochemical Properties of Blood and Skin Cell Membranes as a Result of Psoriasis Vulgaris and Psoriatic Arthritis Development

Psoriasis is accompanied by disturbed redox homeostasis, with systemic and local oxidative stress promoting the modification of basic components of cellular membranes. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of development of psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis on the composition and physicochemical properties of skin cell membranes (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) and blood cells (lymphocytes, granulocytes and erythrocytes). Both forms of psoriasis are characterized by decreased levels and changes in the localization of membrane phospholipids, and an increased level of sialic acid as well as the lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde), which resulted in an increase in the zeta potential of skin cells and blood cells, with granulocytes and lymphocytes affected more than erythrocytes. Using theoretical equations and the dependence of the cell membrane surface charge density as a function of pH, it was shown that patients with psoriatic arthritis have a greater increase in the concentration of negatively charged groups on the membrane surface and reduced the value of the association constant with H⁺ compared to patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Therefore, it can be suggested that the physicochemical parameters of membranes, skin and blood cells, especially lymphocytes, can be used to assess the severity of the disease.     

Hyperbilirubinemia Maintained by Chronic Supplementation of Unconjugated Bilirubin Improves the Clinical Course of Experimental Autoimmune Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic multisystem disease, therapy of which remains a challenge for basic research. The present work examined the effect of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) administration in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA)—an experimental model, in which oxidative stress (OS), inflammation and inadequate immune response are often similar to RA. Male Lewis rats were randomized into groups: CO—control, AIA—untreated adjuvant-induced arthritis, AIA-BIL—adjuvant-induced arthritis administrated UCB, CO-BIL—control with administrated UCB. UCB was administered intraperitoneally 200 mg/kg of body weight daily from 14th day of the experiment, when clinical signs of the disease are fully manifested, to 28th day, the end of the experiment. AIA was induced by a single intradermal immunization at the base of the tail with suspension of Mycobacterium butyricum in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant. Clinical, hematologic, biochemical and histologic examinations were performed. UCB administration to animals with AIA lead to a significant decrease in hind paws volume, plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and ceruloplasmin, drop of leukocytes, lymphocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin and an increase in platelet count. UCB administration caused significantly lowered oxidative damage to DNA in arthritic animals, whereas in healthy controls it induced considerable oxidative damage to DNA. UCB administration also induced atrophy of the spleen and thymus in AIA and CO animals comparing to untreated animals. Histological signs of joint damage assessed by neutrophils infiltration and deposition of fibrin were significantly reduced by UCB administration. The effects of exogenously administered UCB to the animals with adjuvant-induced arthritis might be identified as therapeutic, in contrast to the effects of UCB administration in healthy animals rather classified as toxic.     

固定化技术在含酚废水处理中的应用研究进展

本文在汇总国内利用生物固定化技术处理含酚废水研究进展的基础上，认为国内该项技术主要使用物理分隔法中的包埋法。其中采用的包埋材料以天然高分子（如海藻酸钠）和合成高分子（如聚乙烯醇和聚丙烯酰胺）为主，但以用天然高分子改性合成高分子为包埋材料时效果最好。工艺流程多采用三相生物流化床技术，除酚效率可达90％以上，但目前尚未工业化应用。文中分析了各种方法的优缺点，认为目前主要的研究工作应是解决固定化条件对生物活性的影响，提出了今后重点研究的方向是使用光固化技术和新的改性聚合物做包埋材料。     

Biological decontamination of oil spills in cold environments

The decontamination of oil‐polluted cold environments has been recognized as an area of particular importance. The biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons at low temperatures has been reported in a variety of soil, water and marine systems in arctic, alpine and antarctic environments. Physical, chemical and biological factors contribute to hydrocarbon loss or alteration. Cold‐adapted indigenous microorganisms are of essential importance for the biological decontamination of cold climates. Enrichments of oil‐degrading microbial communities occur soon after oil contamination. Bioremediation, the acceleration of the natural biodegradation rate through the modification of environmental conditions, has been studied in cold arctic, alpine and antarctic environments. Biostimulation by the addition of inorganic nutrients results in an enhanced oil degradation by the indigenous microorganisms, whereas bioaugmentation with oil‐degrading cold‐adapted microorganisms was sometimes reported to be unsuccessful. The effect of temperature on oil biodegradation and ecological consequences of oil spills are discussed. By using biological decontamination, the contaminant concentration cannot be reduced to zero. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry