An ultra-high gain and efficient amplifier based on Raman amplification in plasma

Raman amplification arising from the excitation of a density echelon in plasma could lead to amplifiers that significantly exceed current power limits of conventional laser media. Here we show that 1-100 J pump pulses can amplify picojoule seed pulses to nearly joule level. The extremely high gain also leads to significant amplification of backscattered radiation from "noise", arising from stochastic plasma fluctuations that competes with externally injected seed pulses, which are amplified to similar levels at the highest pump energies. The pump energy is scattered into the seed at an oblique angle with 14 J sr-1, and net gains of more than eight orders of magnitude. The maximum gain coefficient, of 180 cm-1, exceeds high-power solid-state amplifying media by orders of magnitude. The observation of a minimum of 640 J sr-1 directly backscattered from noise, corresponding to ≈10% of the pump energy in the observation solid angle, implies potential overall efficiencies greater than 10%.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit T follicular helper cell in lupus-prone mice

Background The objective of this paper is to analyze the role of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on the differentiation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in lupus-prone mice. Methods Bone marrow cells were isolated from C57BL/6 (B6) mice and cultured in vitro, and surface markers were identified by flow cytometry. Naïve CD4⁺ T cells, splenocytes and Tfh cells were isolated from B6 mice spleens and co-cultured with BM-MSCs. The proliferation and the differentiation of CD4⁺ T cells and Tfh cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Lupus-prone MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice were treated via intravenous injection with expanded BM-MSCs, the differentiation of Tfh cells was detected, and the relief of lupus nephritis was analyzed. Results MSCs could be successfully induced from bone marrow cells, and cultured BM-MSCs could inhibit T cell proliferation dose-dependently. BM-MSCs could prevent Tfh cell development from naïve CD4⁺ T cells and splenocytes. BM-MSCs could inhibit IL-21 gene expression and cytokine production and inhibit isolated Tfh cells and STAT3 phosphorylation. In vivo study proved that BM-MSCs intravenous injection could effectively inhibit Tfh cell expansion and IL-21 production, alleviate lupus nephritis, and prolong the survival rate of lupus-prone mice. Conclusions BM-MSCs could effectively inhibit the differentiation of Tfh cells both in vitro and in vivo. BM-MSC treatment could relieve lupus nephritis, which indicates that BM-MSCs might be a promising therapeutic method for the treatment of SLE.

Pre-transplantation thymic function is associated with the risk of acute graft versus host disease and cytomegalovirus viremia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the kinetics of T-cell subsets and thymic function reconstitution after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT); to determine whether sjTREC (signal joint TCR rearrangement excision circle) and CD31-positive recent thymic emigrant (CD31 + RTE) are correlated with acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) or CMV (cytomegalovirus) viremia after AHSCT.

METHODS

Forty-nine patients who underwent AHSCT in our institution were prospectively enrolled. Periphery blood samples were collected before conditioning and at 1, 2, 3 months after AHSCT. T-cell subsets were analyzed with flow cytometry. Genomic DNA was purified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and sjTREC was quantified by real-time PCR. Impact of sjTREC and CD31 + RTE on aGVHD and CMV viremia was evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

The analyzed T-cell subsets and sjTREC of patients before AHSCT were all significantly lower than those of healthy donors (p < 0.05). sjTREC and CD31 + RTE were remarkably decreased in 3 months after AHSCT (p < 0.05). Patients with lower pre-transplantation sjTREC and CD31 + RTE level had higher incidence of CMV viremia after AHSCT (p < 0.05). sjTREC/10⁶ PBMCs was negatively correlated with aGVHD (p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Thymic function was impaired before transplantation, and was consistently decreased in 3 months after AHSCT. Patients who had lower pre-transplantation sjTREC level were at high risk of aGVHD and CMV viremia after AHSCT, low pre-transplantation CD31 + RTE was correlated with CMV viremia after AHSCT.

Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Profiling of Sugar Transporter Family in the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Sugar transporters (STs) play pivotal roles in the growth, development, and stress responses of phloem-sucking insects, such as the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. In this study, 137 sugar transporters (STs) were identified based on analysis of the genome and transcriptome of B. tabaci MEAM1. B. tabaci MEAM1 encodes a larger number of STs than other selected insects. Phylogenetic and molecular evolution analysis showed that the 137 STs formed three expanded clades and that the genes in Sternorrhyncha expanded clades had accelerated rates of evolution. B. tabaci sugar transporters (BTSTs) were divided into three groups based on their expression profiles across developmental stages; however, no host-specific BTST was found in B. tabaci fed on different host plants. Feeding of B. tabaci adults with feeding diet containing dsRNA significantly reduced the transcript level of the target genes in B. tabaci and mortality was significantly improved in B. tabaci fed on dsRNA compared to the control, which indicates the sugar transporters may be used as potential RNAi targets for B. tabaci bio-control. These results provide a foundation for further studies of STs in B. tabaci.

An analysis of the polymorphisms of the GLUT1 gene in urothelial cell carcinomas of the bladder and its correlation with p53, Ki67 and GLUT1 expressions

Frequencies of two glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (XbaI G>T and HaeIII T>C) were studied with urothelial cell carcinomas of the bladder (UCC) and 204 normal persons. And the expression of the p53, Ki67 and GLUT1 was assayed by immunohistochemistry. The frequency of the TT genotype and T allele of the XbaI G>T SNP was decreased in the patients with UCC. The frequency of the CC genotype and C allele of the HaeIII T>C SNP was decreased in the patients with UCC. The GLUT1 XbaI genotype GG was more frequent in higher tumor stage and higher tumor grade patients. In the XbaI G>T SNP, the GG genotype was significantly related to higher Remmele immunoreactive score (IRS) of Ki67 and higher IRS of GLUT1. In conclusion, the TT genotype in XbaI G>T SNP and CC genotype of HaeIII T>C SNP may have protective effect in the carcinogenesis process of UCC. In the XbaI G>T SNP, the GG genotype of was positively related to tumor proliferation, glucose metabolism, tumor grade and stage. Therefore, the variant might become a possible proliferation-related prognostic factor for UCC.

Genome-wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Amino Acid Transporters in the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a cosmopolitan and devastating pest of agricultural crops and ornamentals. B. tabaci causes extensive damage by feeding on phloem and by transmitting plant viruses. Like many other organisms, insects depend on amino acid transporters (AATs) to transport amino acids into and out of its cells. We present a genome-wide and transcriptome-wide investigation of the following two families of AATs in B. tabaci biotype B: amino acid/auxin permease (AAAP) and amino acid/polyamine/organocation (APC). A total of 14 putative APCs and 25 putative AAAPs were identified, and a 10-paralog B. tabaci-specific expansion of AAAPs was found by maximum likelihood phylogeny. Detailed gene structure information revealed that 9 members of the B. tabaci-specific AAAP family expansion closely situated on a same scaffold. Expression profiling of the B. tabaci B APC and AAAP genes as affected by stage and plant host showed diverse expression patterns. The analysis of evolutionary rates indicated that purifying selection can explain the B. tabaci-specific AAAP expansion. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated suppression of two AAAP genes (BtAAAP15 and BtAAAP21) significantly increased the mortality of B. tabaci B adults. The results provide a foundation for future functional analysis of APC and AAAP genes in B. tabaci.

Incidence and Risk Factors of De novo Stress Urinary Incontinence after Pelvic Floor Reconstruction: A Nested Case-control Study

Background:

Some patients with pelvic organ prolapse may suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), especially stress urinary incontinence (SUI) named de novo SUI after pelvic floor reconstruction. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of de novo SUI.

Methods:

This is a nested case-control study of 533 patients who underwent pelvic floor reconstruction due to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) at the Department of Gynecology in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2011 to March 2013. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 401 patients were enrolled in the study with the follow-up rate of 74.8% (101 patients lost to follow-up). There were 75 patients with de novo SUI postoperatively. According to the ratio of 1:3, we ensured the number of control group (n = 225). The preoperative urinary dynamics, POP-quantification scores, and LUTS were compared between the two groups by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to investigate the risk factors of de novo SUI.

Results:

The incidence of de novo SUI was 25% (75/300). Univariate analysis showed that the ratio of lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) before surgery in de novo SUI group was significantly higher than the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.1–4.0], P = 0.022). The interaction test of LUTO and other factors displayed that Aa value was an interaction factor. With the increasing score of Aa, the incidence of de novo SUI become higher (OR = 2.1, 95% CI [1.0–3.7], P = 0.045). After multivariable adjustment, multiple regression analysis showed that LUTO was independently associated with a greater risk of de novo SUI after pelvic floor surgery (OR = 2.3, 95% CI [1.2–4.6], P = 0.013).

Conclusions:

Preoperative LUTO in patients with POP is a high-risk factor of de novo SUI, and high score of Aa-point is related to the occurrence of de novo SUI, which might be due to the outlet obstruction caused by bladder prolapse.

Chromosome microarray analysis in the investigation of children with congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Our study was aimed to explore the clinical implication of chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) in genetically etiological diagnosis of children with congenital heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

A total of 104 children with CHD with or without multiple congenital anomalies (MCA) or intellectual disabilities/developmental delay (ID/DD) but normal karyotype were investigated using Affymetrix CytoScan HD array.

RESULT

Pathogenic copy number variations (PCNVs) were identified in 29 children (27.9%). The detection rates in children with simple CHD and complex CHD were 31.1% (19/61) and 23.2% (10/43), respectively. The detection rates of PCNVs were 17.9% (7/39), 20% (5/25), 63.2% (12/19) and 23.8% (5/21) in isolated CHD, CHD plus MCA, CHD plus ID/DD, CHD plus MCA and ID/DD, respectively. The PCNVs rate of CHD plus ID/DD was significantly higher than that of isolated CHD. Two genomic loci including 15q11.2 deletion and 1q43-q44 deletion were considered as CHD locus. The DVL1, SKI, STIM1, CTNNA3 and PLN were identified as candidate genes associated with CHD phenotypes.

CONCLUSION

CMA can increase the diagnostic rate and improve the etiological diagnosis in children with CHD. We suggest CMA as a first-tier test in children with CHD, especially in children with CHD plus ID/DD.

Sequencing and de novo assembly of a near complete indica rice genome

A high-quality reference genome is critical for understanding genome structure, genetic variation and evolution of an organism. Here we report the de novo assembly of an indica rice genome Shuhui498 (R498) through the integration of single-molecule sequencing and mapping data, genetic map and fosmid sequence tags. The 390.3 Mb assembly is estimated to cover more than 99% of the R498 genome and is more continuous than the current reference genomes of japonica rice Nipponbare (MSU7) and Arabidopsis thaliana (TAIR10). We annotate high-quality protein-coding genes in R498 and identify genetic variations between R498 and Nipponbare and presence/absence variations by comparing them to 17 draft genomes in cultivated rice and its closest wild relatives. Our results demonstrate how to de novo assemble a highly contiguous and near-complete plant genome through an integrative strategy. The R498 genome will serve as a reference for the discovery of genes and structural variations in rice.

High-quality reference genomes facilitate analysis of genome structure and variation. Here Du et al. create a near-complete assembly of the indica rice genome by combining single molecule sequencing with mapping data and fosmid sequences and identify genetic variants by comparison with other rice genomes.

Highly efficient evaluation of a gas mixer using a hollow waveguide based laser spectral sensor

This paper aims to provide a fast, sensitive, and accurate characterization of a Mass Flow Controller (MFC) based gas mixer. The gas mixer was evaluated by using a hollow waveguide based laser spectral sensor with high efficiency. Benefiting from the sensor's fast response, high sensitivity and continuous operation, multiple key parameters of the mixer, including mixing uncertainty, linearity, and response time, were acquired by a one-round test. The test results show that the mixer can blend multi-compound gases quite efficiently with an uncertainty of 1.44% occurring at a flow rate of 500 ml/min, with the linearity of 0.998 43 and the response time of 92.6 s. The results' reliability was confirmed by the relative measurement of gas concentration, in which the isolation of the sensor's uncertainty was conducted. The measured uncertainty has shown well coincidence with the theoretical uncertainties of the mixer, which proves the method to be a reliable characterization. Consequently, this sort of laser based characterization's wide appliance on gas analyzer's evaluations is demonstrated.

Effects of Home-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression on Anxiety Symptoms among Rural, Ethnically Diverse Older Adults

BACKGROUND

We examined the effects of home-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression on anxiety symptoms in an ethnically diverse, low resource, and medically frail sample of rural, older adults.

METHOD

This was a secondary analysis of a randomized clincial trial with 134 rural-dwelling adults 65 years and older with decreased quality of life and elevated psychological symptomatology. Anxiety symptoms were assessed with the anxiety and phobic anxiety subscales of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R).

RESULTS

Compared to a minimal support control condition, CBT for depression resulted in significantly greater improvements in symptoms of anxiety and phobic anxiety from pre-treatment to post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

Home-delivered CBT for depression can be an effective treatment for anxiety in a hard-to-reach older populations.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Additional research should explore integrated anxiety and depression protocols and other treatment modalities, including bibliotherapy or telehealth models of CBT, to reduce costs associated with its in home delivery. Flexibility in administration and adaptations to the CBT protocol may be necessary for use with vulnerable, rural older adults.

Noninvasive Assessment of IDH Mutational Status in World Health Organization Grade II and III Astrocytomas Using DWI and DSC-PWI Combined with Conventional MR Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) has been shown to have both diagnostic and prognostic implications in gliomas. The purpose of this study was to examine whether DWI and DSC-PWI combined with conventional MR imaging could noninvasively predict IDH mutational status in World Health Organization grade II and III astrocytomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed DWI, DSC-PWI, and conventional MR imaging in 42 patients with World Health Organization grade II and III astrocytomas. Minimum ADC, relative ADC, and relative maximum CBV values were compared between IDH-mutant and wild-type tumors by using the Mann-Whitney U test. Receiver operating characteristic curve and logistic regression were used to assess their diagnostic performances.

RESULTS

Minimum ADC and relative ADC were significantly higher in IDH-mutated grade II and III astrocytomas than in IDH wild-type tumors (P < .05). Minimum ADC with the cutoff value of ≥1.01 × 10^-3 mm²/s could differentiate the mutational status with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 76.9%, 82.6%, 91.2%, and 60.5%, respectively. The threshold value of <2.35 for relative maximum CBV in the prediction of IDH mutation provided a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 100.0%, 60.9%, 85.6%, and 100.0%, respectively. A combination of DWI, DSC-PWI, and conventional MR imaging for the identification of IDH mutations resulted in a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 92.3%, 91.3%, 96.1%, and 83.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of conventional MR imaging, DWI, and DSC-PWI techniques produces a high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for predicting IDH mutations in grade II and III astrocytomas. The strategy of using advanced, semiquantitative MR imaging techniques may provide an important, noninvasive, surrogate marker that should be studied further in larger, prospective trials.

Combined Kidney Transplantation and Splenic Fossa Auxiliary Heterotopic Liver Transplantation in a Highly Sensitized Recipient: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Combined kidney and auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation from the same donor is used to treat highly sensitized renal transplant recipients. Auxiliary liver can protect the transplanted kidney against hyperacute rejection.

METHODS

In the current case, combined kidney and splenic fossa auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation was performed from the same donor for a highly sensitized recipient without preoperative preconditioning. No postoperative hyperacute rejection occurred.

RESULTS

Seven days after surgery, preexisting antibody levels rose and decreased after treatment; meanwhile, the function of transplanted kidney returned to normal. During 24 months of follow-up, the grafts showed good blood perfusion and functioned well. The levels of preexisting antibodies, donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and C1q-fixing human leukocyte antigen (C1q-HLA) antibodies, all decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined kidney and splenic fossa auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation can be used in renal transplantation for highly sensitized recipients.

Transporter-Mediated Disposition, Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Cholestatic Potential of Glyburide and Its Primary Active Metabolites

Glyburide is widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We studied the mechanisms involved in the disposition of glyburide and its pharmacologically active hydroxy metabolites M1 and M2b and evaluated their clinical pharmacokinetics and the potential role in glyburide-induced cholestasis employing physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. Transport studies of parent and metabolites in human hepatocytes and transfected cell systems imply hepatic uptake mediated by organic anion-transporting polypeptides. Metabolites are also subjected to basolateral and biliary efflux by P-glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein, and multidrug resistance-associated proteins, and are substrates to renal organic anion transporter 3. A PBPK model in combination with a Bayesian approach was developed considering the identified disposition mechanisms. The model reasonably described plasma concentration time profiles and urinary recoveries of glyburide and the metabolites, implying the role of multiple transport processes in their pharmacokinetics. Predicted free liver concentrations of the parent (∼30-fold) and metabolites (∼4-fold) were higher than their free plasma concentrations. Finally, all three compounds showed bile salt export pump inhibition in vitro; however, significant in vivo inhibition was not apparent for any compound on the basis of a predicted unbound liver exposure-response effect model using measured in vitro IC₅₀ values. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the important role of multiple drug transporters in the disposition of glyburide and its active metabolites, suggesting that variability in the function of these processes may lead to pharmacokinetic variability in the parent and the metabolites, potentially translating to pharmacodynamic variability.

5-methylcytosine promotes mRNA export - NSUN2 as the methyltransferase and ALYREF as an m5C reader

5-methylcytosine (m⁵C) is a post-transcriptional RNA modification identified in both stable and highly abundant tRNAs and rRNAs, and in mRNAs. However, its regulatory role in mRNA metabolism is still largely unknown. Here, we reveal that m⁵C modification is enriched in CG-rich regions and in regions immediately downstream of translation initiation sites and has conserved, tissue-specific and dynamic features across mammalian transcriptomes. Moreover, m⁵C formation in mRNAs is mainly catalyzed by the RNA methyltransferase NSUN2, and m⁵C is specifically recognized by the mRNA export adaptor ALYREF as shown by in vitro and in vivo studies. NSUN2 modulates ALYREF's nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling, RNA-binding affinity and associated mRNA export. Dysregulation of ALYREF-mediated mRNA export upon NSUN2 depletion could be restored by reconstitution of wild-type but not methyltransferase-defective NSUN2. Our study provides comprehensive m⁵C profiles of mammalian transcriptomes and suggests an essential role for m⁵C modification in mRNA export and post-transcriptional regulation.

Effects of rhamnolipids on microorganism characteristics and applications in composting: A review

Biosurfactant rhmnolipids have been applied in many fields, especially in environmental bioremediation. According to previous researches, many research groups have studied the influence of rhamnolipids on microorganism characteristics and/or its application in composting. In this review, the effects of rhamnolipids on the cell surface properties of microorganisms was discussed firstly, such as cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), electrical, surface compounds, etc. Moreover, the deeper mechanisms were also discussed, such as the effects of rhamnolipids on the structural characteristics and functional characteristics of the cell membrane, and the effects of rhamnolipids on the related enzymes and genes. Additionally, the application of rhamnolipids in composting was discussed, which is an important way for pollutant biodegradation and resource reutilization. It is believed that rhamnolipids will play more and more important role in composting.