MiR-142-3p Regulates ILC1s by Targeting HMGB1 via the NF-κB Pathway in a Mouse Model of Early Pregnancy Loss

Objective Innate lymphoid cells(ILCs)are a class of newly discovered immunocytes.Group 1 ILCs(ILC1s)are identified in the decidua of humans and mice.High mobility group box 1(HMGB1)is predicted to be one of the target genes of miR-142-3p,which is closely related to pregnancy-related diseases.Furthermore,miR-142-3p and HMGB1 are involved in regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway.This study aimed to examine the regulatory effect of miR-142-3p on ILC1s and the underlying mechanism involving HMGB1 and the NF-κB signaling pathway.Methods Mouse models of normal pregnancy and abortion were constructed,and the alterations of ILC1s,miR-142-3p,ILC1 transcription factor(T-bet),and pro-inflammatory cytokines of ILC1s(TNF-α,IFN-γand IL-2)were detected in mice from different groups.The targeting regulation of HMGB1 by miR-142-3p in ILC1s,and the expression of HMGB1 in normal pregnant mice and abortive mice were investigated.In addition,the regulatory effects of miR-142-3p and HMGB1 on ILC1s were detected in vitro by CCK-8,Annexin-V/PI,ELISA,and RT-PCR,respectively.Furthermore,changes of the NF-κB signaling pathway in ILC1s were examined in the different groups.For the in vivo studies,miR-142-3p-Agomir was injected in the uterus of abortive mice to evaluate the abortion rate and alterations of ILC1s at the maternal-fetal interface,and further detect the expression of HMGB1,pro-inflammatory cytokines,and the NF-κB signaling pathway.Results The number of ILC1s was significantly increased,the level of HMGB1 was significantly upregulated,and that of miR-142-3p was considerably downregulated in the abortive mice as compared with the normal pregnant mice(all P<0.05).In addition,miR-142-3p was found to drastically inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway(P<0.05).The number of ILC1s and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly downregulated and the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited in the miR-142-3p Agomir group(all P<0.05).Conclusion miR-142-3p can regulate ILC1s by targeting HMGB1 via the NF-κB signaling pathway,and attenuate the inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface in abortive mice.

Involvement of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in up-regulation of 14-3-3 protein induced by hydrogen peroxide preconditioning in PC12 cells

Objective To investigate the protective effects of hydrogen peroxide preconditioning （HPP） on the pheochromocytoma （PC12） cells treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium （MPP^＋） and to explore the potential mechanisms. Methods The viability and apoptosis of PC 12 cells were determinded by 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay and 4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenylindole （DAPI） staining, respectively. The expressions of 14-3-3 protein and phospholylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） were determined by Western blot. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure the activity of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2）. Results The cell viability decreased and the number of apoptotic cells increased dramatically in MPP^＋ group compared with that in Control group. HPP induced a significant increase in cell viability and a marked decrease in population of apoptotic cells of the MPP^＋- treated PC 12 cells, accompanied with up-regulation of 14-3-3 protein and increase of ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK activities. The 14-3-3 protein expression was positively correlated with the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Furthermore, inhibition of the ERK1/2 with PD98059 abolished the 14-3-3 protein up-regulation in PC 12 cells induced by HPP. Conclusion HPP protects PC 12 cells against MPP＋ toxicity by up-regulating 14-3-3 protein expression through the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

Potential role of chitinase 3-like-1 in inflammation-associated carcinogenic changes of epithelial cells

The family of mammalian chitinases includes members both with and without glycohydrolase enzymatic activity against chitin, a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine. Chitin is the structural component of fungi, crustaceans, insects and parasitic nematodes, but is completely absent in mammals. Exposure to antigens containing chitin- or chitin-like structures sometimes induces strong T helper type-I responses in mammals, which may be associated with the induction of mammalian chitinases. Chitinase 3-like-1 （CHI3L1）, a member of the mammalian chitinase family, is induced specifically during the course of inflammation in such disorders as inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis and asthma. In addition, CHI3L1 is expressed and secreted by several types of solid tumors including glioblastoma, colon cancer, breast cancer and malignant melanoma. Although the exact function of CHI3L1 in inflammation and cancer is still largely unknown, CHI3L1 plays a pivotal role in exacerbating the inflammatory processes and in promoting angiogenesis and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. CHI3L1 may be highly involved in the chronic engagement of inflammation which potentiates development of epithelial tumorigenesis presumably by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase and the protein kinase B signaling pathways. Anti-CHI3L1 antibodies or pan-chitinase inhibitors may have the potential to suppress CHI3Ll-mediated chronic inflammation and the subsequent carcinogenic change in epithelial cells.

Effects of miR-101-3p on goat granulosa cells in vitro and ovarian development in vivo via STC1

Background:MiRNAs act as pivotal post-transcriptional gene mediators in the regulation of diverse biological processes,including proliferation,development and apoptosis.Our previous study has showed that miR-101-3p is differentially expressed in dairy goat ovaries compared single with multiple litters.The objective of this research was to explore the potential function and molecular mechanism of miR-101-3p via its target STC1 in goat ovarian growth and development.Results:cDNA libraries were constructed using goat granulosa cells transfected with miR-101-3p mimics and negative control by RNA-sequencing.In total,142 differentially expressed unigenes(DEGs)were detected between two libraries,including 78 down-regulated and 64 up-regulated genes.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed the potential impacts of DEGs on ovarian development.STC1 was singled out from DEGs for further research owing to it regulates reproductive-related processes.In vitro,bioinformatics analysis and 3′-UTR assays confirmed that STC1 was a target of miR-101-3p.ELISA was performed to detect the estrogen(E2)and progesterone(P4)levels.CCK8,EdU and flow cytometry assays were performed to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells.Results showed that miR-101-3p regulated STAR,CYP19A1,CYP11A1 and 3β-HSD steroid hormone synthesis-associated genes by STC1 depletion,thus promoted E2 and P4 secretions.MiR-101-3p also affected the key protein PI3K,PTEN,AKT and mTOR in PI3K-AKT pathway by STC1,thereby suppressing proliferation and promoting apoptosis of granulosa cells.In vivo,the distribution and expression levels of miR-101-3p in mouse ovaries were determined through fluorescence in situ hybridisation(FISH).Immunohistochemistry results showed that STC1 expression was suppressed in mouse ovaries in miR-101-3p-agonist and siRNA-STC1 groups.Small and stunted ovarian fragments,decreased numbers of follicles at diverse stages were observed using Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,thereby showing unusual ovarian development after miR-101-3p overexpression or STC1 depletion.Inhibition of miR-101-3p manifested opposite results.Conclusions:Taken together,our results demonstrated a regulatory mechanism of miR-101-3p via STC1 in goat granulosa cells,and offered the first in vivo example of miR-101-3p and STC1 functions required for ovarian development.

Differentially expressed genes and signalling pathways are involved in mouse osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to 17-β estradiol

Oestrogen is essential for maintaining bone mass, and it has been demonstrated to induce osteoblast proliferation and bone formation.In this study, complementary DNA（cDNA） microarrays were used to identify and study the expression of novel genes that may be involved in MC3T3-E1 cells’ response to 17-b estradiol. MC3T3-E1 cells were inoculated in minimum essential media alpha（a-MEM）cell culture supplemented with 17-b estradiol at different concentrations and for different time periods. MC3T3-E1 cells treated with1028mol？L2117-b estradiol for 5 days exhibited the highest proliferation and alkaline phosphatase（ALP） activity; thus, this group was chosen for microarray analysis. The harvested RNA was used for microarray hybridisation and subsequent real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR） to validate the expression levels for selected genes. The microarray results were analysed using both functional and pathway analysis. In this study, microarray analysis detected 5 403 differentially expressed genes,of which 1 996 genes were upregulated and 3 407 genes were downregulated, 1 553 different functional classifications were identified by gene ontology（GO） analysis and 53 different pathways were involved based on pathway analysis. Among the differentially expressed genes, a portion not previously reported to be associated with the osteoblast response to oestrogen was identified. These findings clearly demonstrate that the expression of genes related to osteoblast proliferation, cell differentiation, collagens and transforming growth factor beta（TGF-b）-related cytokines increases, while the expression of genes related to apoptosis and osteoclast differentiation decreases, following the exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells to a-MEM supplemented with 17-b estradiol. Microarray analysis with functional gene classification is critical for a complete understanding of complementary intracellular processes. This microarray analysis provides large-scale gene expression data that require further confirmatory studies.

Upregulation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D_3-1α-hydroxylase by butyrate in Caco-2 cells

AIM： To investigate the possible involvement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1cx-hydroxylase [1α-25（OH）2D3] in butyrate-induced differentiation in human intestinal cell line Caco-2 cells. METHODS： Caco-2 cells were incubated either with 3 mmol/L butyrate and 1 umol/L 25（OH）2D3 or with 1 umol/L 1α-25（OH）2D3 for various time intervals ranging from 0 to 72 h. Additionally, cells were co-incubated with butyrate and either 25（OH）2D3 or 1α-25（OH）2D3. 1α-25（OH）2D3 mRNA was determined semi-quantitatively using the fluorescent dye PicoGreen. Immunoblotting was used for the detection of 1α-25（OH）2D3 protein. Finally, enzymatic activity was measured by ELISA. RESULTS： Both butyrate and 1α-25（OH）2D3 stimulated differentiation of Caco-2 cells after a 48 h incubation period, while 25（OH）2D3 had no impact on cell differentiation. Synergistic effects on differentiation were observed when cells were co-incubated with butyrate and vitamin D metabolite. Butyrate transiently upregulated 1α-25（OH）2D3 mRNA followed by a timely delayed protein upregulation. Coincidently, enzymatic activity was enhanced significantly. The induction of the enzyme allowed for comparable differentiating effects of both vitamin D metabolites. CONCLUSION： Our experimental data provide a further mechanism for the involvement of the vitamin D signaling pathway in colonic epithelial cell differentiation by butyrate. The enhancement of 1α-25（OH）2D3 followed by antiproliferative effects of the vitamin D prohormone in the Caco-2 cell line suggest that 25（OH）2D3 in combination with butyrate may offer a new therapeutic approach forthe treatment of colon cancer.

Rice leaf inclination2, a VIN3-1ike protein, regulates leaf angle through modulating cell division of the collar

As an important agronomic trait, inclination of leaves is crucial Ior crop architecture and grain yields. 10 understand the molecular mechanism controlling rice leaf angles, one rice leaf inclination2 （1c2, three alleles） mutant was identified and functionally characterized. Compared to wild-type plants, lc2 mutants have enlarged leaf angles due to increased cell division in the adaxial epidermis of lamina joint. The LC2 gene was isolated through positional cloning, and encodes a vernalization insensitive 3-like protein. Complementary expression of LC2 reversed the enlarged leaf angles of lc2 plants, confirming its role in controlling leaf inclination. LC2 is mainly expressed in the lamina joint during leaf development, and particularly, is induced by the phytohormones abscisic acid, gibberellic acid, auxin, and brassinosteroids. LC2 is localized in the nucleus and defects of LC2 result in altered expression of cell division and hormone-responsive genes, indicating an important role of LC2 in regulating leaf inclination and mediating hormone effects.

Growth inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma tumor endothelial cells by miR-204-3p and underlying mechanism

AIM: To investigate the mechanism by which miR-204-3p inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor endothelial cells (TECs).

miR-103-3p targets Ndel1 to regulate neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation

The regulation of adult neural stem cells(NSCs) is critical for lifelong neurogenesis. MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are a type of small, endogenous RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and influence signaling networks responsible for several cellular processes. In this study, mi R-103-3 p was transfected into neural stem cells derived from embryonic hippocampal neural stem cells. The results showed that mi R-103-3 p suppressed neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and promoted apoptosis. In addition, mi R-103-3 p negatively regulated Nud E neurodevelopment protein 1-like 1(Ndel1) expression by binding to the 3′ untranslated region of Ndel1. Transduction of neural stem cells with a lentiviral vector overexpressing Ndel1 significantly increased cell proliferation and differentiation, decreased neural stem cell apoptosis, and decreased protein expression levels of Wnt3 a, β-catenin, phosphor-GSK-3β, LEF1, c-myc, c-Jun, and cyclin D1, all members of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings suggest that Ndel1 is a novel mi R-103-3 p target and that mi R-103-3 p acts by suppressing neural stem cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis and differentiation. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Nantong University, China(approval No. 20200826-003) on August 26, 2020.

MiR-25-3p attenuates the proliferation of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line Tca8113

Objective:To investigate the effects of miR-25-3p on the occurrence,development and proliferation of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells.Methods:To establish tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line Tca8113 that stably and highly express miR-25-3p using recombinant reiroviral vector-mediated gene transfer method.The proliferation of transfected Tca8113 was detected by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide(MTT)and cell colony formation assays.eyclnD1,p21^(cipt)and p27^(kipt)mRNA expressions in the transfected Tca-8113 were detected by quantitative PCR.cyclinD1,p21^(cipt),p27^(kipt),AKT,p-AKT,FOXOt and p-FOX01 expressions in the transfected Tca8113 were detected by western blot analysis.In addition,miR-25-3p expression in the tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line and tissue specimen was also detected by quantitative PCR.Results:Quantitative PCR showed that mitt-25-3p expression in the tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell lines and tissue specimen was significantly lower than that in the adjacent tissue.MTT and cell colony formation assays showed that after miR-25-3p overexpression,the proliferation of transfected Tca8113 was obviously attenuated.Western blot analysis and quantitative PCR showed that after miR-25-3p overexpression.p21^(cipt)and p27^(kipt)expressions were upregulated,while cyclinD1,AKT,FOXO1 expressions were downregulated,and AKT and FOXO1 phosphorylation was inactivated in the transfected Tca8113 cells.Conclusions:MiR-25-3p inhibited the proliferation of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells and regulated cell cycle-related protein expression,playing an important role in the occurrence and development of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Circular RNA circFOXM1 triggers the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer through miR-132-3p/TMEM14A axis

Farlier studies indicated that circular RNAs(circRNAs)were found in various cancer clls,and circFOXM1 was reported to act as an oncogane in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).However,the function of circFOXM1 in NSCLC remains undear.The epression lewels of genes were measured using quantative real-time polymerase chain reactions(qRT-PCR).Cell prolferation and apoptosis were determined by 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-25 dipbenyletrazolium bromide solution(MTT)and flow cytometry assay.The rdative protein expression was assed by westen blot Moreower,transwell assays were employed to examine ell migration and invasion.The targeted relationship was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay.The expression of circFOXMI was up-regulated in NSCIC tissues and cell lines.The depletion of circFOXM1 decreased the prolferation,migration,invasion,and induced cell apoptosis of NSCLC cells.MicroRNA-132-3p(MiR-1323p)was idenified as a target of dircFOXMl.The expression level of miR-132-3p was decrased in NSCLC tssues and cell lines and inversely corrdated with circFOXM1 expression.Furthermore,the efects of drdOXMl down regulation on NSCLC cell progression were abolished by mR-1323p inhibitor.Transmembrane protein 14A(TMEM14A)was verifed as a target gene of miR-132-3p.The efects of circFOXM1 depletion on NSCLC cell proliferation,apoptosis,migration,and invasion were reversed by TMEMI4A overexpression.Our study demonstrated that knodkdown of circFOXM1 suppressed NSCLC progression through rqgulating miR-132-3p/TMEMI4A axis,sugesting the drFOXM/miR-132-3p/TMEM14A axis may serve as the novd target for NSCLC diagnosis and therapy.

Determination of <i>α</i>-1,3-Linked Mannose Residue in the Cell Wall Mannan of <i>Candida tropicalis</i>NBRC 1400 Strain

To investigate the chemical structure of cell wall mannan obtained from pathogenic yeast, Candida tropicalis NBRC 1400 (former antigenic standard strain, IFO 1400). As a result of two-dimensional NMR analysis, it was shown that the mannan of this strain is composed of α-1,6-, α-1,3-, α-1,2- and β-1,2-linked mannose residues. In this research, the mannan was subjected to three degradation procedures, acid-treatment, α-mannosidase, and acetolysis under two conditions in order to determine the chemical structure of the antigenic oligomannosyl side chains in this molecule. The 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of resultant oligosaccharides, pentaose and hexaose, demonstrated the existence of the oligomannosyl side chains corresponding to Manα1-3Manα1-2Manα1-2Manα1-2Man and Manα1-3Manα1-2Manα1-2Manα1-2Manα1-2Man, respectively, which have previously also been found in Candida albicans serotype A strain mannans. These findings indicate that C. tropicalis and C. albicans serotype A have no significant difference in the chemical structure of these cell wall mannans. Therefore, it can be interpreted that it is extremely difficult to distinguish both species by targeting the antigenic group in these mannans.

Angiotensin-(1-7)and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin(hCG)Modulate the Nuclear Transcription Factors or Nuclear Receptors Genes in the Tumorigenic Undifferentiated Breast Cancer Cell Line SKBR3

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Angiotensin-(1 - 7) [Ang-(1 - 7)] has been correlated with cancer antiproliferative and apoptotic effects, similar properties of the human Chorionic Gonadotrofin (hCG). The aims of this work are to evaluate the role of Ang-(1 - 7) and of hCG in modulating the expression of Nuclear Receptors and Coregulators related genes in the tumorigenic breast cell line SK-BR3. Three experimental groups were created: control, hCG and hCG + Ang-(1 - 7). Cells were treated for 11 days and then had their RNA extracted. Samples were loaded into PCR Array plates containing 84 genes relate to Nuclear Receptors and Coregulators pathways. Gene expression data were used to construct canonical pathways (MetacoreTM). hCG and hCG + Ang-(1 - 7) treatments markedly modulate the expression of Nuclear Receptors and Coregulators related genes. hCG differentially expressed 17% of the genes, being 29% upregulated and 71% downregulated. Meanwhile, hCG + Ang-(1 - 7) changed the expression of 30% of the genes on the plate, among these genes 56% were upregulated and 44% downregulated. Among these differentially expressed genes, we highlight Esr1, Nr2f2, and Nr2f1, Esr1, Hdac5, and Nr4A1 (>4 fold). Finally MetaCore analysis based on Gene Ontology (GO) generated six networks for hCG and ten networks for the combined treatment. All generated networks are related to regulation of apoptosis or to Programmed Cell Death processes. In summary, our results herein demonstrate that the modulation of sexual hormones and of other nuclear factor genes expression might underlie the tumorigenic protection effect and the induction of cell differentiation caused by the hormones hCG and Ang-(1 - 7), especially in Cancer Stem Cells.

海藻-甘草含药血清对M22诱导的Nthy-ori-3-1细胞增殖的作用研究

目的 探讨海藻-甘草含药血清对人甲状腺正常细胞Nthy-ori-3-1增殖的作用,为进一步研究海藻与甘草配伍抗甲状腺肿大的作用机制奠定基础。方法 体外培养Nthy-ori-3-1细胞,使用不同浓度的促甲状腺激素受体人单克隆抗体M22作用于Nthy-ori-3-1细胞不同时间,观察M22作用的最佳浓度及时间。制备海藻-甘草含药血清,M22刺激细胞24 h后,分别给予5%、10%、15%、20%海藻-甘草含药血清干预24 h,采用CCK-8法检测各组细胞增殖情况。流式细胞术检测细胞周期分布和凋亡情况;透射电镜观察细胞形态;免疫荧光检测微管相关蛋白轻链3(microtubule-associated protein light chain3,LC3)表达情况;Western blotting检测Beclin1蛋白表达。结果 M22明显刺激Nthy-ori-3-1细胞增殖,0.125μg/mL的M22作用24 h时促增殖作用最佳(P<0.01)。经海藻-甘草含药血清干预后,细胞增殖明显抑制(P<0.05、0.01),细胞呈现明显的凋亡形态学变化,G0/G1期细胞比例明显升高(P<0.01),G2/M期细胞比例无显著性差异,细胞凋亡率明显上升(P<0.01),LC3平均荧光强度增加,Beclin1蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01)。结论 M22可刺激Nthy-ori-3-1细胞增殖,海藻-甘草含药血清抑制M22诱导的Nthy-ori-3-1细胞增殖,促进其凋亡,可能通过调节自噬来发挥抑制Nthy-ori-3-1细胞增殖的作用,以达到抗甲状腺肿大的疗效。

Anti-diabetic effects of Caulerpa lentillifera:stimulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells and enhancement of glucose uptake in adipocytes

Objective:To evaluate anti-diabetic effect of Caulrpa kntillifera(C.lentillifera).Methods:The inhibitory effect of C.lentillifera extract on dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and a-glucosidase enzyme was measured in a cell free system.Then,interleukin-1βand interferon-γinduced cell death and insulin secretion were measured in rat insulinoma(RIN)cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and ELISA kit,respectively.Glucose uptake and glucose transporter expression were measured by fluorometry and western blotting,using 3T3-Ll adipocytes.Results:C.lentillifera extract significantly decreased dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and a-glucosidase enzyme activities,and effectively inhibited cell death and iNOS expression in interleukin-1βand interfcron-γinduced RIK cells.Furthermore,C.lntillifera extract significantly enhanced insulin secretion in RTN cells and glucose transporter expression and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1adipocytes.Conclusions:Thus,our results suggest that C.lentillifera could be used as a potential antidiabetic agenl.

Silencing miRNA-324-3p protects against cerebral ischemic injury via regulation of the GATA2/A1R axis

Previous studies have suggested that miR-324-3p is related to the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia,but the mechanism underlying this relationship is unclea r.In this study,we found that miR-324-3p expression was decreased in patients with acute ischemic stroke and in in vitro and in vivo models of ischemic stro ke.miR-324-3p agomir potentiated ischemic brain damage in rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion,as indicated by increased infarct volumes and cell apoptosis rates and greater neurological deficits.In a PC12 cell oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model,a miR-324-3 p mimic decreased cell viability and expression of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL2 and increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX and rates of cell apoptosis,whereas treatment with a miR-324-3p inhibitor had the opposite effects.Silencing miR-324-3p increased adenosine A1 receptor(A1R)expression thro ugh regulation of GATA binding protein 2(GATA2).These findings suggest that silencing miR-324-3p reduces ischemic brain damage via the GATA2/A1R axis.

Preparation and Characterization of Cathode Materials La_(0.7)Sr_(0.3-x)Ca_xCo_(0.9)Fe_(0.1)O_(3-δ) by Reverse Titration Co-Precipitation Method for ITSOFC

The precursors of La0.7Sr0.3-xCaxCo0.9Fe0.1O3-δ(LSCCF, x=0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) as the cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (ITSOFC) were prepared by reverse titration co-precipitation method with metal-nitrates as starting materials and mixed alkali (NaOH and Na2CO3) as a precipitating agent. The formation process of LSCCF from the precursors was monitored by TG-DSC, and the crystal structure and particles morphology of the precursors which were calcined at 600, 800, 1000 ℃ for 3 h were characterized using XRD, SEM technologies. Compared with the solid state reaction of constituent oxides, when the pH value of the precipitating solution was in the range of 9.1～9.5, the LSCCF powders from the precursors caclined at 800 ℃ for 3 h had high purity, homogeneous and single perovskite phase. The electrical conductivity of the LSCCF samples sintered at 1200 ℃ for 3 h, which was measured as a function of temperatures from 100 to 800 ℃ by DC four-probe method in air, decreased with x from 0.05 to 0.20. The value of electrical conductivity was almost equal because of Ca2+, Sr2+ co-dopant resulting in the 'mix effect' while x=0.10 or 0.15. The electrical conductivity of all doped samples was higher than 100 S·cm-1 at intermediate temperatures from 500 to 800 ℃, and there was good compatibility between the LSCCF cathode and Ce0.8Sm0.2O2 electrolyte.

INTU-siRNA质粒的构建及在人甲状腺Nthy-ori-3-1细胞中的筛选

目的:构建人源靶向特异INTU-si RNA质粒,转染人源性甲状腺Nthy-ori-3-1细胞以构建INTU基因沉默的Nthy-ori-3-1细胞模型,为探索Graves病的发病机制提供合适的细胞模型。方法:构建四对人源INTU序列(编号分别为INTU-29、INTU-31、INTU-33、INTU-35)si RNA质粒和空载体质粒,将空载体和四对INTU-si RNA质粒分别转染Nthy-ori-3-1细胞培养24 h,通过倒置荧光显微镜观察质粒转染细胞后的荧光表达,使用多功能酶标仪检测荧光强度,通过荧光定量PCR法验证INTU基因的沉默效率,通过蛋白质免疫印迹法验证各组细胞内INTU蛋白的表达水平,筛选沉默INTU基因效率最佳的质粒。结果:空载体和INTU-si RNA质粒转染入Nthy-ori-3-1细胞24 h后,倒置荧光显微镜和荧光酶标仪检测结果显示空载体和四组INTU-si RNA组呈现绿色的荧光表达,与正常组相比,空载体与四组INTU-si RNA组的荧光强度均显著高于正常组(P<0.01),提示质粒均转染成功。荧光定量PCR结果显示,与正常组和空载体组相比,四组INTU-si RNA组的INTU基因m RNA相对表达量均显著降低(P<0.01),其中INTU-35组表达降低最显著,INTU的m RNA表达降低了61.02%。蛋白质免疫印迹法结果显示,与正常组和空载体相比,INTU-29组和INTU-31组并无显著降低,INTU-33和INTU-35组较正常组和空载体组明显下降(P<0.05,P<0.01),其中INTU-35组最佳,INTU的蛋白表达降低了44.54%。以上结果提示INTU-35组沉默INTU基因效果最佳。结论:本研究成功构建INTU-si RNA质粒,并将该质粒成功转染人源甲状腺Nthy-ori-3-1的细胞模型。INTU-si RNA甲状腺细胞模型的构建,为进一步探索Graves病的发病机制奠定了实验基础。

Comparison of three fluorescence labeling and tracking methods of endothelial progenitor cells in laser-injured retina

AIM： To compare three kinds of fluorescent probes for in vitro labeling and in vivo tracking of endothelial progenitor cells（EPCs） in a mouse model of laser-induced retinal injury.METHODS： EPCs were isolated from human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells and labeled with three different fluorescent probes： 5-（and-6）-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester（CFSE）, 1,1′-dilinoleyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindo-carbocyanine perchlorate linked acetylated low-density lipoprotein（Di I-Ac LDL）, and green fluorescent protein（GFP）. The fluorescent intensity of EPCs was examined by confocal microscopy. Survival rate of labeled EPCs was calculated with trypan blue staining, and their adhesive capability was assessed. A mouse model of retinal injury was induced by laser, and EPCs were injected into the vitreous cavity. Frozen section and fluorescein angiography on flat-mounted retinal samples was employed to track the labeled EPCs in vivo.RESULTS： EPCs labeled with CFSE and Di I-Ac LDL exhibited an intense green and red fluorescence at the beginning; the fluorescence intensity decreased gradually to 20.23% and 49.99% respectively, after 28 d. On the contrary, the florescent intensity of GFP-labeled EPCs increased in a time-dependent manner. All labeled EPCs showed normal morphology and no significant change in survival and adhesive capability. In the mouse model, transplantation of EPCs showed a protective effect against retinal injury. EPCs labeled with CFSE and Di I-Ac LDL were successfully tracked in mice during the development of retinal injury and repair; however, GFP-labeled EPCs were not detected in the laser-injured mouse retina.CONCLUSION： The three fluorescent markers used in this study have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. CFSE and Di I-Ac LDL are suitable for short-term EPClabeling, while GFP should be used for long-term labeling. The choice of fluorescent markers should be guided by the purpose of the study.

Electrical Properties of La_(0.8)Sr_(0.2)Co_(1-y)Fe_yO_(3-δ) for SOFC Cathodes

La0.8Sr0.2Co1-yFeyO3-δ (y=0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) powders were synthesized by ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) complexing sol-gel process. The powders were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results showed that single-phased perovskite-type oxide powders with small particle size were obtained by the process, and the compositions of the productions agreed with the designed molar ratio. The electronic conductivity and ionic conductivity of La0.8Sr0.2Co1-yFeyO3-δ were investigated by DC four-terminal method and AC impedance spectroscopy, respectively. The electronic conductivity of La0.8Sr0.2Co1-yFeyO3-δ is approximately 2～4 orders of magnitude higher than the ionic conductivity. It was confirmed that the conductivities of the materials were strongly influenced by the composition anions, temperature and sample preparing process.