Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells sense succinate to stimulate myoepithelial cell contraction

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Role ofDrosophila TRP in inositide-mediated Ca2+ entry

Inositol lipid signaling relies on an InsP₃-induced Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores and on extracellular Ca²⁺ entry, which takes place when the Ca²⁺ stores become depleted of Ca²⁺. This interplay between Ca²⁺ release and Ca²⁺ entry has been termed capacitative Ca²⁺ entry and the inward current calcium release activated current (CRAC) to indicate gating of Ca²⁺ entry by Ca²⁺-store depletion. The signaling pathway and the gating mechanism of capacitative Ca²⁺ entry, however, are largely unknown and the molecular participants in this process have not been identified. In this article we review genetic, molecular, and functional studies of wild-type and mutantDrosophila photoreceptors, suggesting that thetransient receptor potential mutant (trp) is the first putative capacitative Ca²⁺ entry mutant. Furthermore, several lines of evidence suggest that thetrp gene product TRP is a candidate subunit of the plasma membrane channel that is activated by Ca²⁺ store depletion.     

Formation of a native-like subdomain in a partially folded intermediate of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor.

In the folding of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI), the single-disulfide intermediate [30-51] plays a key role. We have investigated a recombinant analog of [30-51] using a 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR). This recombinant analog, named [30-51]Ala, contains a disulfide bond between Cys-30 and Cys-51, but contains alanine in place of the other cysteines in BPTI to prevent the formation of other intermediates. By 2D-NMR, [30-51]Ala consists of 2 regions-one folded and one predominantly unfolded. The folded region resembles a previously characterized peptide model of [30-51], named P alpha P beta, that contains a native-like subdomain with tertiary packing. The unfolded region includes the first 14 N-terminal residues of [30-51] and is as unfolded as an isolated peptide containing these residues. Using protein dissection, we demonstrate that the folded and unfolded regions of [30-51]Ala are structurally independent. The partially folded structure of [30-51]Ala explains many of the properties of authentic [30-51] in the folding pathway of BPTI. Moreover, direct structural characterization of [30-51]Ala has revealed that a crucial step in the folding pathway of BPTI coincides with the formation of a native-like subdomain, supporting models for protein folding that emphasize the formation of cooperatively folded subdomains.     

Differentiation of immortalized epithelial cells derived from cystic fibrosis airway submucosal glands

Summary Cystic fibrosis (CF) involves abnormalities in mucus production and secretion of the airway. Studies of the regulation of airway mucin production and secretion has been difficult due to the lack of in vitro models of the airway epithelial cells which express functional differentiation. Because the majority of the mucin in the airway is apparently produced by the submucosal glands, we have focused our attention on the development of cell culture models of human airway submucosal glands. This report describes the propagation of CF airway submucosal gland epithelial cells which continue to express mucin production. The CF bronchus was obtained from a 31-yr-old patient who received a double lung transplant. The glands were dissected out and primary cultures prepared by the explant/outgrowth procedure. The cells were immortalized by infection with Adl2-SV40 hybrid virus. The cultures are maintained in serum-free keratinocyte basal medium supplemented with insulin (5μg/ml), hydrocortisone (0.5μg/ml), epidermal growth factor (10 ng/ml), bovine pituitary extract (25μg/ml), and antibiotics. Cultures were passaged using 0.125% trypsin in Ca⁺² and Mg⁺²-free Hanks’, balanced salt solution. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis demonstrated that the cells were homozygous for the ΔF508 mutation. Morphologic observations showed that the cells were epithelial and were interconnected by sparsely distributed desmosomes. Their cytoplasm contained secretory-type structures including abundant Golgi, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and secretory vesicles. Immunofluorescent studies determined that all cells were positive for cytokeratins, mucin glycoconjugates, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. The cultures secreted substantial amounts of mucin glycoproteins and expressed the MUC-2 mucin gene. Patch clamp experiments revealed that the cells expressed defective Cl⁻ channels which were not activated by Forskolin.     

Stanford A型主动脉夹层孙氏手术患者术后血流感染的影响因素及术前PCT、IL-6、D-D的预测价值研究

摘要 目的：分析Stanford A型主动脉夹层（AD）孙氏手术患者术后血流感染（BSI）的影响因素,并探讨术前血清降钙素原（PCT）、白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、D-二聚体（D-D）对术后发生BSI的预测价值。方法：选取2019年1月～2022年1月贵州医科大学附属医院收治的236例接受孙氏手术的Stanford A型AD患者,根据术后是否BSI分为BSI组和非BSI组。收集患者基础资料和实验室指标,采用多因素Logistic回归分析Stanford A型AD孙氏手术患者术后发生BSI的影响因素,采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析血清PCT、IL-6、D-D水平对Stanford A型AD孙氏手术患者术后发生BSI的预测价值。结果：BSI组年龄≥60岁、糖尿病史、机械通气、气管切开、人工瓣膜植入比例和术后24 h引流量、血清C反应蛋白、PCT、IL-6、D-D水平高于非BSI组,手术时间、心包纵隔管保留时间长于非BSI组（P＜0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,年龄≥60岁、糖尿病史、机械通气、气管切开、术后24 h引流量上升,血清PCT、IL-6、D-D水平上升为Stanford A型AD孙氏手术患者术后发生BSI的危险因素（P＜0.05）。ROC曲线分析显示,血清PCT、IL-6、D-D三项联合预测的Stanford A型AD孙氏手术患者术后发生BSI的曲线下面积大于单独预测。结论：年龄、糖尿病史、机械通气、气管切开、术后24 h引流量、血清PCT、IL-6、D-D水平是Stanford A型AD孙氏手术患者术后发生BSI的影响因素,术前血清PCT、IL-6、D-D水平可作为Stanford A型AD孙氏手术患者术后发生BSI的辅助预测指标。     

Homarus Americanus Stomatogastric Nervous System Dissection

With the goal of understanding how nervous systems produce activity and respond to the environment, neuroscientists turn to model systems that exhibit the activity of interest and are accessible and amenable to experimental methods. The stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) of the American lobster (Homarus americanus; also know was the Atlantic or Maine lobster) has been established as a model system for studying rhythm generating networks and neuromodulation of networks. The STNS consists of 3 anterior ganglia (2 commissural ganglia and an oesophageal ganglion), containing modulatory neurons that project centrally to the stomatogastric ganglion (STG). The STG contains approximately 30 neurons that comprise two central pattern generating networks, the pyloric and gastric networks that underlie feeding behaviors in crustaceans^1,2. While it is possible to study this system in vivo³, the STNS continues to produce its rhythmic activity when isolated in vitro. Physical isolation of the STNS in a dish allows for easy access to the somata in the ganglia for intracellular electrophysiological recordings and to the nerves of the STNS for extracellular recordings. Isolating the STNS is a two-part process. The first part, dissecting the stomach from the animal, is described in an accompanying video article⁴. In this video article, fine dissection techniques are used to isolate the STNS from the stomach. This procedure results in a nervous system preparation that is available for electrophysiological recordings.     

Techniques for Processing Eyes Implanted With a Retinal Prosthesis for Localized Histopathological Analysis

With the recent development of retinal prostheses, it is important to develop reliable techniques for assessing the safety of these devices in preclinical studies. However, the standard fixation, preparation, and automated histology procedures are not ideal. Here we describe new procedures for evaluating the health of the retina directly adjacent to an implant. Retinal prostheses feature electrode arrays in contact with eye tissue. Previous methods have not been able to spatially localize the ocular tissue adjacent to individual electrodes within the array. In addition, standard histological processing often results in gross artifactual detachment of the retinal layers when assessing implanted eyes. Consequently, it has been difficult to assess localized damage, if present, caused by implantation and stimulation of an implanted electrode array. Therefore, we developed a method for identifying and localizing the ocular tissue adjacent to implanted electrodes using a (color-coded) dye marking scheme, and we modified an eye fixation technique to minimize artifactual retinal detachment. This method also rendered the sclera translucent, enabling localization of individual electrodes and specific parts of an implant. Finally, we used a matched control to increase the power of the histopathological assessments. In summary, this method enables reliable and efficient discrimination and assessment of the retinal cytoarchitecture in an implanted eye.     

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells upon decellularized ovine small intestine submucosa for tissue regeneration: An optimization and comparison method

The extracellular matrix of different mammalian tissues is commonly used as scaffolds in the field of tissue engineering. One of these tissues, which has frequently been studied due to its structural and biological features, is the small intestine submucosal membrane. These research are mainly done on the porcine small intestine. However, a report has recently been published about a scaffold produced from the submucosal layer of the ovine small intestine. In the present study, ovine small intestine submucosal (OSIS) was decellularized in a modified manner and its histological, morphological, and biomechanical properties were studied. Decellularization was performed in two phases: physical and chemical. In this method, a chloroform-methanol mixture, enzymatic digestion, and a constant dose of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used in the least agitation time and its histological property and biocompatibility were evaluated in the presence of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs); furthermore, ADSCs were isolated with a simple method (modified physical washing non-enzymatic isolation). The results were showed that the use of OSIS could be effective and operative. Mechanical properties, histological structure and shape, and glycosaminoglycan content were preserved. In the SDS-treated group, more than 90% of the native cells of tissue were deleted, and also in this group, no toxicity was observed and cell proliferation was supported, compared to the untreated group. Therefore, our results indicate that ADSCs seeded on OSIS scaffold could be used as a new approach in regenerative medicine as hybrid or hydrogel application.     

进展期胃癌的脾门淋巴结转移相关因素的研究

目的:探讨进展期胃癌脾门淋巴结(10组)转移的相关临床病理因素.方法:回顾分析了(2008-2011年)75例胃癌根治术伴10组淋巴结切除的进展期胃癌病例.分析了临床病理学因素和10组淋巴结转移的相关性.结果:本研究结果提示10组淋巴结转移的阳性率为52％.胃下部癌的转移率(20％)相对较低(P=0.000),大弯侧肿瘤的转移率高达76.2％.病灶的侵润深度及病理TNM分期与10组淋巴结阳性率密切相关,组织学类型或分化程度与10组淋巴结转移无统计学相关.病灶小于3 cm病例的10组淋巴结转移的阳性率为0％,而大于9 cm或Borrmann-Ⅳ的肿瘤患者的10组淋巴结转移的阳性率为100％.结论:10组淋巴结转移的高危因素包括:1.中上部胃癌;2.肿瘤位于胃大弯侧;3.大于3 cm; 4.侵达胃壁浆膜层.含以上高危因素的进展期胃癌根治手术中,建议常规行术中快速冰冻检查10组淋巴结是否存在转移;含2个以上高危因素的进展期胃癌建议行脾切除术,或如果技术条件具备应行保留脾的10组淋巴结清扫术以便最终获得R0切除.     

内镜黏膜下剥离术治疗消化系统早癌及癌前病变的临床疗效

目的:探讨内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD)对消化道早癌及癌前病变的治疗效果。方法:选择2013年8月至2014年8月在我院接受治疗的消化道肿瘤患者79例作为研究对象,根据手术方法不同将所选患者分为ESD组(49例)和对照组(30例)。ESD组患者采用内镜黏膜下剥离术治疗,对照组采用传统手术治疗。观察并比较两组患者的手术时间、治愈性切除率、整块完整切除率、术后并发症的发生率及复发、转移情况。结果:ESD组患者的手术时间少于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);两组患者手术治愈性切除率均为100%,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);ESD组手术整块完整切除率(63.27%)低于对照组(86.67%),差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。ESD组患者术后并发症的发生率(4.08%)显著低于对照组(13.3%),差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者术后一年内均未出现原发病灶转移及复发。结论:ESD治疗消化道早癌及癌前病变的临床疗效较好,与传统手术相比,ESD手术并发症较少、且安全性较高,更加适宜临床推广及应用。