Micro-liquid enclosure array and its semi-automated assembling system for x-ray free-electron laser diffractive imaging of samples in solution.

We developed micro-liquid enclosure arrays (MLEAs) for holding solution samples in coherent diffractive imaging (CDI) using x-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs). Hundreds of fully isolated micro-liquid enclosures are arranged in a single MLEA chip for efficient measurement, where each enclosure is destroyed after exposure to a single XFEL pulse. A semi-automated MLEA assembling system was also developed to enclose solution samples into MLEAs efficiently at high precision.

Design of a liquid cell toward three-dimensional imaging of unidirectionally-aligned particles in solution using X-ray free-electron lasers.

X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) opened up a possibility for molecular-scale single particle imaging (SPI) without the need for crystallization. In SPI experiments, the orientation of each particle has to be determined from the measured diffraction pattern. Preparing unidirectionally-aligned particles can facilitate the determination of the sample orientation.

Dual wavelength 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy using a novel flexible light-emitting diode unit.

Background: Photosensitizers used for photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat dermatologic disease are metabolized into mainly protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which has five absorption wavelength peaks: 410 nm, 510 nm, 545 nm, 580 nm, and 630 nm. Although only red light around 635 nm and blue light around 400 nm are used as light sources for PDT, the efficiency of PDT might be improved by using multiple wavelengths, including those that correspond to the other absorption peaks of PpIX. Furthermore, because the target disease often occurs on the face, a flexible-type light-source unit that can be fitted to the lesion without unnecessarily exposing the mucous membranes, e.

Ras homolog gene family H (RhoH) deficiency induces psoriasis-like chronic dermatitis by promoting T17 cell polarization.

Background: Ras homolog gene family H (RhoH) is a membrane-bound adaptor protein involved in proximal T-cell receptor signaling. Therefore RhoH plays critical roles in the differentiation of T cells; however, the function of RhoH in the effecter phase of the T-cell response has not been fully characterized.

Objective: We sought to explore the role of RhoH in inflammatory immune responses and investigated the involvement of RhoH in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Ultraviolet B-Induced Maturation of CD11b-Type Langerin Dendritic Cells Controls the Expansion of Foxp3 Regulatory T Cells in the Skin.

Skin dendritic cells (DCs) are divided into several subsets with distinctive functions. This study shows a previously unappreciated role of dermal CD11b-type Langerin DCs in maintaining immunological self-tolerance after UVB exposure. After UVB exposure, dermal CD11b-type Langerin DCs upregulated surface CD86 expression, induced proliferation of Foxp3 regulatory T (Treg) cells without exogenous Ags, and upregulated a set of genes associated with immunological tolerance.

Bath-PUVA therapy improves impaired resting regulatory T cells and increases activated regulatory T cells in psoriasis.

Background: Bath-psoralen plus ultraviolet light A (PUVA) therapy is an effective, safe, and inexpensive treatment for psoriasis. Psoriasis might be due to an unbalanced ratio of Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Treg). The Treg functional ratio is significantly lower in patients with psoriasis compared with controls and is inversely correlated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score.

Homeostasis of thymus-derived Foxp3+ regulatory T cells is controlled by ultraviolet B exposure in the skin.

Accumulating evidence shows that immunological tolerance induced by Ag administration together with UVB irradiation is dependent on Foxp3(+) CD4(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells. However, the mechanisms by which UVB controls Treg cells in the skin are currently unclear. In this study, we have shown that exposure to UVB induced expansion of Treg cells up to 50-60% of the CD4(+) T cells in the irradiated skin.

Antitumor activity of an interleukin-2 monoclonal antibody in a murine osteosarcoma transplantation model.

Background: Injection of monoclonal antibody to interleukin-2 (S4B6) into mice depletes regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and exhibits antitumor activities mediated through an autoimmune reaction. In this study, we demonstrate that administration of S4B6 suppresses the murine osteosarcoma cell line, LM8.

Materials And Methods: LM8 osteosarcoma cells were transplanted subcutaneously into C3H mice (n=58).

Tobacco smoke is related to Th17 generation with clinical implications for psoriasis patients.

Environmental factors contribute to the increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases via T helper type-17 cell (Th17) activation. Tobacco smoking increases the risk of psoriasis, but the mechanisms are not clear. We evaluated the percentage of circulating Th17 among CD3(+) cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from 27 healthy volunteers (2.

Increased peripheral Th17 in patients with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris.

Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (PPP) is a chronic recurrent dermatitis characterized by intraepidermal pustules with erythematous scaling on the palms and soles. PPP shares many characteristics with psoriasis, but has a different genetic background. T helper 17 cells (Th17) have an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Suppression of tumour metastasis in a murine osteosarcoma model with anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody treatment.

Background: Mouse regulatory T cells (Treg) may be deleted by intraperitoneal injection of anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (mAb) (PC61). When Treg populations are thus suppressed, the immune system attacks tumours in autoimmune reactions.

Materials And Methods: An osteosarcoma (LM8) was transplanted subcutaneously into C3H/He mice.