Integrative proteomic and microRNA analysis of primary human coronary artery endothelial cells exposed to low-dose gamma radiation

High doses of ionising radiation significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the vascular endothelium representing one of the main targets. Whether radiation doses lower than 500 mGy induce cardiovascular damage is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate radiation-induced expression changes on protein and microRNA (miRNA) level in primary human coronary artery endothelial cells after a single 200 mGy radiation dose (Co-60). Using a multiplex gel-based proteomics technology (2D-DIGE), we identified 28 deregulated proteins showing more than ±1.5-fold expression change in comparison with non-exposed cells. A great majority of the proteins showed up-regulation. Bioinformatics analysis indicated “cellular assembly and organisation, cellular function and maintenance and molecular transport” as the most significant radiation-responsive network. Caspase-3, a central regulator of this network, was confirmed to be up-regulated using immunoblotting. We also analysed radiation-induced alterations in the level of six miRNAs known to play a role either in CVD or in radiation response. The expression of miR-21 and miR-146b showed significant radiation-induced deregulation. Using miRNA target prediction, three proteins found differentially expressed in this study were identified as putative candidates for miR-21 regulation. A negative correlation was observed between miR-21 levels and the predicted target proteins, desmoglein 1, phosphoglucomutase and target of Myb protein. This study shows for the first time that a low-dose exposure has a significant impact on miRNA expression that is directly related to protein expression alterations. The data presented here may facilitate the discovery of low-dose biomarkers of radiation-induced cardiovascular damage.     

Specific electromagnetic effects of microwave radiation on Escherichia coli

The present study investigated the effects of microwave (MW) radiation applied under a sublethal temperature on Escherichia coli. The experiments were conducted at a frequency of 18 GHz and at a temperature below 40°C to avoid the thermal degradation of bacterial cells during exposure. The absorbed power was calculated to be 1,500 kW/m(3), and the electric field was determined to be 300 V/m. Both values were theoretically confirmed using CST Microwave Studio 3D Electromagnetic Simulation Software. As a negative control, E. coli cells were also thermally heated to temperatures up to 40°C using Peltier plate heating. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis performed immediately after MW exposure revealed that the E. coli cells exhibited a cell morphology significantly different from that of the negative controls. This MW effect, however, appeared to be temporary, as following a further 10-min elapsed period, the cell morphology appeared to revert to a state that was identical to that of the untreated controls. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated dextran (150 kDa) was taken up by the MW-treated cells, suggesting that pores had formed within the cell membrane. Cell viability experiments revealed that the MW treatment was not bactericidal, since 88% of the cells were recovered after radiation. It is proposed that one of the effects of exposing E. coli cells to MW radiation under sublethal temperature conditions is that the cell surface undergoes a modification that is electrokinetic in nature, resulting in a reversible MW-induced poration of the cell membrane.     

First results of Intracor procedure in Croatia

This study reports early outcomes of a cohort of presbyopic patients treated with Intracor. The study took place from December 2010 to May 2011 and was conducted in University Eye Hospital "Svjetlost", Zagreb, Croatia. 95 eyes were enrolled in this prospective clinical trial (49 patients with non dominant eye and 23 with bilateral treatment). All patients gave informed consent prior to enrollment. Follow up consisted of uncorrected and corrected distant and near visual acuity, record of topographic changes, visual disturbances and patient satisfaction at 1 week, 1 and 3 months after the surgery. In this study Intracor procedure presented as both safe and effective with all eyes gaining several lines of uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), and achieving good uncorrected distant visual acuity(UDVA) as well. UDVA was affected by a mild myopic shift, which was effective in reducing mild preexisting hyperopia in some patients but led to a mild myopic outcome in previously emmetropic patients. Statistically significant improvement in UDVA and UNVA was observed in all time points. At 3 months of postoperative follow up all patients gained several lines of UNVA with monocular UNVA Jaeger system 1.67 +/- 0.28. UDVA showed slight improvement over time and initial myopic shift showed tendency of slight decrease with all patients achieving 1.0. Overall patients satisfaction was very high (98%) with only a few (3 patients, 5 eyes) reporting mild halo and glare at 3 months postop.Intracor procedure has proven its short-term safety and efficacy in treating presbyopia. However, longer follow up period is needed.     

Liposomal solubilization of new 3-hydroxy-quinolinone derivatives with promising anticancer activity: a screening method to identify maximum incorporation capacity

Four new 3-hydroxy-quinolinone derivatives with promising anticancer activity could be solubilized using liposomes as vehicle to an extent that allows their in vitro and in vivo testing without use of toxic solvent(s). A screening method to identify the maximum incorporation capacity of hydrophobic drugs within liposomes was successfully applied. The compounds and lipid(s) were dissolved in methanol, and the solvent was removed by rotary evaporation. The film was resuspended with phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), and the dispersion was sonicated to reduce vesicle size. Ultracentrifugation was used to separate liposome-associated drug from free (i.e., precipitated) drug, and the amount of drug incorporated within the liposomes was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. All four compounds were found to be significantly incorporated within soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) liposomes, resulting in a 200-500-fold increase in apparent solubility. Drug-to-lipid ratios in the range of 2-5 μg/mg were obtained. Interestingly, the four quinolinone derivatives have shown different association tendencies with liposomes, probably due to the physicochemical properties of the different group bonded in position 2 of the quinolinone ring. None of the alternative lipids/lipid blends tested incorporated as much drug as SPC. Photon correlation spectroscopy analyses indicated that use of ultrasounds produced an efficient reduction in liposome size. The present approach appears suitable for incorporation capacity studies of any lipophilic drug in liposomes.     

Influenza vaccine and learning in C57BL mice with an acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Literature data suggest possible link between influenza vaccination and development of autoimmune processes. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of influenza vaccination on spatial learning in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE was induced in eight-week-old C57BL/6J female mice by subcutaneous immunization (MOG_35–55 in complete Freund’s adjuvant) and Pertussis vaccine injected intraperitoneally. Mice were vaccinated with influenza vaccine three days before MOG immunization. The hippocampal-dependent spatial learning test, Morris Water Maze test (MWM), was performed before and after EAE induction. Significant difference (P < 0.05) in the time for completing the Morris Water Maze task was found between mice with mild clinical signs of EAE when compared to other mice. However no significant difference was observed between mice with EAE and mice with EAE that were vaccinated with influenza vaccine. Hippocampal tissue lesions in EAE mice are in correlation with memory impairment. Study shows no influence of influenza vaccine on progression of clinical signs of EAE, spatial learning and memory impairment.     

Gene-chip studies of adipogenesis-regulated microRNAs in mouse primary adipocytes and human obesity

Background

Research has investigated whether communication technologies (e.g. mobile telephony, forums, email) can be used to transfer digital information between healthcare professionals and young people who live with diabetes. The systematic review evaluates the effectiveness and impact of these technologies on communication.

Methods

Nine electronic databases were searched. Technologies were described and a narrative synthesis of all studies was undertaken.

Results

Of 20,925 publications identified, 19 met the inclusion criteria, with 18 technologies assessed. Five categories of communication technologies were identified: video-and tele-conferencing (n = 2); mobile telephony (n = 3); telephone support (n = 3); novel electronic communication devices for transferring clinical information (n = 10); and web-based discussion boards (n = 1). Ten studies showed a positive improvement in HbA1c following the intervention with four studies reporting detrimental increases in HbA1c levels. In fifteen studies communication technologies increased the frequency of contact between patient and healthcare professional. Findings were inconsistent of an association between improvements in HbA1c and increased contact. Limited evidence was available concerning behavioural and care coordination outcomes, although improvement in quality of life, patient-caregiver interaction, self-care and metabolic transmission were reported for some communication technologies.

Conclusions

The breadth of study design and types of technologies reported make the magnitude of benefit and their effects on health difficult to determine. While communication technologies may increase the frequency of contact between patient and health care professional, it remains unclear whether this results in improved outcomes and is often the basis of the intervention itself. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of increasing the use of communication technologies between young people and healthcare professionals.     

Highly selective trapping of enteropathogenic E. coli on Fabry-Pérot sensor mirrors

A novel strategy for the enhancement of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) was developed by combining CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with graphene oxide-chitosan (GO-CHIT). The ECL sensor fabricated with CdSe QDs/GO-CHIT composite exhibited high ECL intensity, good biocompatibility and long-term stability, and was used to detect of cytochrome C (Cyt C). The results show that the ECL sensor has high sensitivity for Cyt C with the linear range from 4.0 to 324 μM and the detection limit of 1.5 μM. Furthermore, the ECL sensor can selectively sense Cyt C from glucose and bovine serum albumin (BSA).     

Cardiovascular risk factors and visiting nurse intervention--evaluation of a Croatian survey and intervention model: the CroHort study

The aim of this study is to identify factors that influence the success of the implementation of the primary and secondary prevention programs in Croatia by the visiting/community services. Two main sources of information were used: reports about regular visiting nurse services in Croatia and research about visiting nurse participation in the Croatian Adult Health Cohort Study (CroHort) 2008. Out of the total number 9,070 respondents who participated in CAHS 2003 survey, during CroHort 2008 program 3,229 (35.6%) participants were re-interviewed. The qualitative analysis was done with a sample of 34 visiting nurses, which participated in the CroHort 2008. Results show that there are three key problems which limit preventive programs: inability of the health care system to recognize the importance of the primary prevention; visiting nurses' lack capacity to implement prevention and populations' lack of motivation and education.