Multiprotein bridging factor 2 regulates the expression of the fibroin heavy chain gene by interacting with Bmdimmed in the silkworm Bombyx mori

Multiprotein bridging factor 2 (MBF2) was first isolated from the posterior silk gland of Bombyx mori. However, its function in B. mori is still unknown. Herein, MBF2 transcripts were detected mainly in the posterior silk gland and Malpighian tubules of B. mori larvae via a quantitative PCR analysis. An analysis of temporal expression patterns showed that the expression pattern of MBF2 was the opposite of that of the fibroin heavy chain (fibH) gene, as its expression was high during the fourth-instar moulting stage, decreased gradually during the fifth-instar feeding stage and disappeared at the end of the fifth-instar phase. Furthermore, bimolecular fluorescent complementation and Far-Western blot assays showed that MBF2 interacted with the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Bmdimmed. Dual luciferase reporter assays showed that MBF2 down-regulated the promoter activity of fibH and inhibited the effect of Bmdimmed (Bmdimm) on fibH expression. MBF2 expression was induced in silk glands after treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest that MBF2 is a transcriptional repressor that is involved in controlling the regulation of the fibH gene in the posterior silk gland by interacting with Bmdimm.

Numerical Analysis of Microcellular Injection Molding

This study presents a simulation model for the microcellular injection molding process in which supercritical fluid such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen is mixed with molten polymer and injected into the mold. Our model simulates the development of cells in the melt during injection molding. The effects of cell growth on material properties and flow have been investigated. Some simulation results such as melt pressure and final cell size distribution are compared with experimental results.

[Correlation analysis between 18F-FDG uptake features and the prognosis in patients with pathologic stage Ⅰ lung adenocarcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the (18)F-FDG uptake features and the correlation between (18)F-FDG uptake and the prognosis in patients with pathologic stageⅠlung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

One hundred and seventeen patients with stageⅠlung adenocarcinoma proved by surgery, who underwent a preoperative (18)F-FDG PET-CT, were studied retrospectively. The tumors' SUVmax in different groups of clinicopathologic factors were compared. The correlations between the SUVmax and clinicopathologic factors were analyzed using Spearman rank correlation. The ROC was plotted to estimate the most discriminative cut-off point for SUVmax in predicting the recurrence or progression of tumor. The progression-free survival (PFS) in different clinicopathologic groups were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test.

RESULTS

The SUVmax of pathologic stageⅠlung adenocarcinomas were significantly different in different groups of gender, tumor size, density, tumor differentiation grade and T staging, respectively (P<0.05 for all). Patients with a larger tumor size, a higher proportion of solid component, poorer grade of tumor differentiation had a higher SUVmax. The T1b group had a higher SUVmax than T1a and T2a groups. The male group had a higher SUVmax than the female group. The SUVmax was positively correlated with the size of the adenocarcinomas (P<0.01), and was negatively correlated with both the density and tumor differentiation grade (P<0.01). But there was no correlation between SUVmax and the T stage (P>0.05). The patients with an SUVmax of <3.0 had a much better PFS (75.1±3.0 month)than those with an SUVmax of ≥3.0 (52.7±5.9 month)(P<0.01). The tumor with a poorer differentiation grade was associated with reduced PFS (45.7±5.4 months) compared with those with well differentiated tumor (76.7±4.2 month)(P<0.05). The PFS showed no statistically significant differences in different gender, age, smoking history, tumor size, density and T staging groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

(18)F-FDG uptake is correlated with the tumor size, density, and differentiation grade, and has a prognostic value for predicting the PFS in the patients with pathologic stageⅠ lung-adenocarcinoma. Patients with an SUVmax of <3.0 have a much better PFS than those with an SUVmax of ≥3.0.

14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid promotes production of brain derived neurotrophic factor from astrocytes and exerts neuroprotective effects during ischaemic injury

AIMS

14,15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET) is abundantly expressed in brain and exerts protective effects against ischaemia. 14,15-EET is hydrolysed by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). sEH^-/- mice show a higher level of 14,15-EET in the brain. Astrocytes play a pivotal role in neuronal survival under ischaemic conditions. However, it is unclear whether the neuroprotective effect of 14,15-EET is associated with astrocytes.

METHODS

A mouse model of focal cerebral ischaemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) was performed on cultured murine astrocytes, neurons and a human cell line. Cell viabilities were measured by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The mRNA expressions were quantified by real-time PCR. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration was measured by ELISA. Protein expressions were quantified by Western blotting. BDNF and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expressions were analysed by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

Decreased infarct volumes, elevated BDNF expression and increased numbers of BDNF/GFAP Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein double-positive cells were observed in the ischaemic penumbra of sEH^-/- mice. The decreased infarct volumes of sEH^-/- mice were diminished by intracerebroventricular injection of a blocker of BDNF receptor. 14,15-EET increases BDNF expression and cell viability of murine astrocytes and U251 cells by BDNF-TrkB Tyrosine receptor kinase-B-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signalling during OGD/R. 14,15-EET protects neurons from OGD/R by stimulating the production of astrocyte-derived BDNF. 14,15-EET stimulates the production of astrocyte-derived BDNF through PPAR-γ/p-cAMP-response element binding protein signal pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the importance of 14,15-EET-mediated production of astrocyte-derived BDNF for enhancing viability of astrocytes and protecting neurons from the ischaemic injury and provides insights into the mechanism by which 14,15-EET is involved in neuroprotection.

Spatially directed vesicle capture in the ordered pores of breath-figure polymer films

This work describes a new method to selectively capture liposomes and other vesicle entities in the patterned pores of breath-figure polymer films. The process involves the deposition of a hydrophobe containing biopolymer in the pores of the breath figure, and the tethering of vesicles to the biopolymer through hydrophobic interactions. The process is versatile, can be scaled up and extended to the deposition of other functional materials in the pores of breath figures.

Comparison of neonatal outcomes in macrosomic infants of diabetic and non-diabetic mothers

OBJECTIVE

To compare the neonatal outcomes in macrosomic term infants of diabetic mothers and non-diabetic mothers.

METHODS

This is a retrospective survey of all live-born term singletons with a birth weight ≥4000 g, admitted at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between 2010 and 2013. Data collected for the mothers included age, parity, gestational age, method of glycemic control and mode of delivery. Data for the infants included sex, birth weight, birth length, duration of hospital stay and laboratory tests. Outcomes were compared between infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) and infants of non-diabetic mothers (Non-IDMs). All data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 17.0.

RESULTS

One hundred and eleven infant-mother pairs met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-seven were IDMs while 54 were non-IDMs. Seven (12.28%) of the IDMs were delivered vaginally while 50 (87.72%) were delivered via Caesarian section (CS). Seventeen (31.48%) of the non-IDMs were delivered vaginally while 37 (68.51%) were delivered by CS. Respiratory distress was the most common morbidity affecting 52.6% of the IDMs and 40.7% of the non-IDMs. Hyperbilirubinemia was observed in 49.1% of the IDMs and 14.8% of the non-IDMs. Hypoglycemia affected 38.6% of the IDMs and 7.4% of the non-IDMs. Cardiac enzymes were higher in IDMs than in non-IDMs. On average, IDMs had a longer duration of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Macrosomic IDMs in comparison to macrosomic non-IDMs are at an increased risk for adverse neonatal outcomes.

Liposomes tethered to a biopolymer film through the hydrophobic effect create a highly effective lubricating surface

Liposomal coatings are formed on films of a biopolymer, hydrophobically modified chitosan (hm-chitosan), containing dodecyl groups as hydrophobes along the polymer backbone. The alkyl groups insert themselves into the liposome bilayer through hydrophobic interactions and thus tether liposomes, leading to a densely packed liposome layer on the film surface. Such liposomal surfaces exhibit effective lubrication properties due to their high degree of hydration, and reduce the coefficient of friction to the biologically-relevant range. The compliancy and robustness of these tethered liposomes allow retention on the film surface upon repeated applications of shear. Such liposome coated films have potential applications in biolubrication.

MicroRNA-207 enhances radiation-induced apoptosis by directly targeting Akt3 in cochlea hair cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles in various types of cellular biological processes. Our study aimed to determine whether miRNAs function in the regulation of ionizing radiation (IR)-induced cell death in auditory cells and to determine how they affect the cellular response to IR. Microarray and qRT-PCR were performed to identify and confirm the differential expression of miRNAs in the cochlea hair cell line HEI-OC1 and in vivo after IR. Upregulation or downregulation of miRNAs using miRNA mimics or inhibitor were detected to characterize the biological effects of the indicated miRNAs. Bioinformatic analyses, luciferase reporter assays and mRNA knockdown were performed to identify a miRNA target gene. We determined that miR-207 was significantly upregulated after IR. MiR-207 enhances IR-induced apoptosis and DNA damage in HEI-OC1 cells. Furthermore, Akt3 was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-207. Downregulation of Akt3 mimics the effects of miR-207. MiR-207 enhances IR-induced apoptosis by directly targeting Akt3 and anti-miR-207 may have a potential role in protecting cochlea hair cells from IR.

Demand Side Energy Management via Multiagent Coordination in Consumer Cooperatives

A key challenge in creating a sustainable and energy-efficient society is to make consumer demand adaptive to the supply of energy, especially to the renewable supply. In this article, we propose a partially-centralized organization of consumers (or agents), namely, a consumer cooperative that purchases electricity from the market. In the cooperative, a central coordinator buys the electricity for the whole group. The technical challenge is that consumers make their own demand decisions, based on their private demand constraints and preferences, which they do not share with the coordinator or other agents. We propose a novel multiagent coordination algorithm, to shape the energy demand of the cooperative. To coordinate individual consumers under incomplete information, the coordinator determines virtual price signals that it sends to the consumers to induce them to shift their demands when required. We prove that this algorithm converges to the central optimal solution and minimizes the electric energy cost of the cooperative. Additionally, we present results on the time complexity of the iterative algorithm and its implications for agents' incentive compatibility. Furthermore, we perform simulations based on real world consumption data to (a) characterize the convergence properties of our algorithm and (b) understand the effect of differing demand characteristics of participants as well as of different price functions on the cost reduction. The results show that the convergence time scales linearly with the agent population size and length of the optimization horizon. Finally, we observe that as participants' flexibility of shifting their demands increases, cost reduction increases and that the cost reduction is not sensitive to variation in consumption patterns of the consumers.

Differential expression and effect of the porcine ANGPTL4 gene on intramuscular fat

In a previous study, we investigated differences in gene expression in backfat between Meishan and Large White pigs and their F1 hybrids, Large White x Meishan, and Meishan x Large White pigs. One potential differentially expressed sequence tag from the mRNA differential display was a homolog of the human angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) gene, which encodes a protein that is secreted by both liver and white adipose tissues and can inhibit lipoprotein lipase activity and stimulate white adipose tissue lipolysis. Here, ANGPTL4 mRNA was found to be upregulated in the backfat of Large White compared with that in the Meishan pigs and the F1 hybrids, Meishan x Large White and Large White x Meishan, whereas expression was lowest both in the longissimus dorsi and the heart, as shown by the tissue distribution profile. Only one mutation, a G/A transition located in the third intron, was found. The ANGPTL4 G/A polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) showed a significant effect on intramuscular fat (IMF), water moisture of the longissimus dorsi, meat marbling of the longissimus dorsi, and pH of the longissimus dorsi (P < 0.05). This site seemed to be significantly (P < 0.05) additive in its actions on IMF, water moisture, and pH, whereas it showed significant dominance in its action on meat marbling (P < 0.05). This locus can be potentially considered as a marker for IMF improvement.

Abnormal gene expression and gene fusion in lung adenocarcinoma with high-throughput RNA sequencing

To explore the universal law of the abnormal gene expression and the structural variation of genes related to lung adenocarcinoma, the gene expression profile of GSE37765 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed with t-test and NOISeq tool, and the core DEGs were screened out by combining with another RNA-seq data containing totally 77 pairs of samples in 77 patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Moreover, the functional annotation of the core DEGs was performed by using the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery following selection of oncogene and tumor suppressor by combining with tumor suppressor genes and Cancer Genes database, and motif-finding of core DEGs was performed with motif-finding algorithm Seqpos. We also used Tophat-fusion tool to further explore the fusion genes. In total, 850 downregulated DEGs and 206 upregulated DEGs were screened out in lung adenocarcinoma tissues. Next, we selected 543 core DEGs, including 401 downregulated and 142 upregulated genes, and vasculature development (P=1.89E-06) was significantly enriched among downregulated core genes, as well as mitosis (P=6.26E-04) enriched among upregulated core genes. On the basis of the cellular localization analysis of core genes, wnt-1-induced secreted protein 1 (WISP1) and receptor (G protein-coupled) activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) identified mainly located in extracellular region and extracellular space. We also screened one oncogene, v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog-like 2 (MYBL2). Moreover, transcription factor GATA2 was mined by motif-finding analysis. Finally, four fusion genes belonged to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) family. WISP1, RAMP1, MYBL2 and GATA2 could be potential targets of treatment for lung adenocarcinoma and the fusion of HLA family genes might have important roles in lung adenocarcinoma.

Efficacy of early postoperative enteral nutrition in supporting patients after esophagectomy

AIM

This study aims to investigate and evaluate the efficacy and safety of early enteral nutrition (EN) in maintaining and improving the postoperative nutritional status in patients undergoing esophagectomy.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted in 120 adult patients with esophageal cancer and undergoing esophagectomy. Patients were randomly divided into two groups receiving either EN (N.=64) or parenteral nutrition (PN) (N.=56) postoperatively. The nutritional intake was isonitrogenic and isocalorie for both groups. Nutritional status was evaluated preoperatively as well as on postoperative day I and day 8. Daily nitrogen balance was measured and 7-day cumulative nitrogen balance was calculated. The levels of serum markers including d-lactate, diamine oxidase (DAO), and endotoxin were determined on 1st, 4th and 8th postoperative day for analyzing intestinal barrier function. Postoperative infection rate and the incidence of nutrition support-related complications were examined.

RESULTS

The concentrations of serum albumin and prealbumin in patients of EN group were significantly higher than those in PN group and the concentrations of blood glucose, γ-GT, AKP, TB, and DB were significantly lower compared to those in the PN group (P<0.05). Both daily nitrogen balance and cumulative nitrogen balance of EN group were better than those of PN group since postoperative day III. The serum levels of d-lactate, DAO, and endotoxin of EN group were significantly lower than those of PN group on postoperative day VIII (P<0.01). The incidence of postoperative infections in blood, lung, and intestinal tract in EN group was lower compared to PN group (P<0.05). No severe complications associated with nutritional support occurred in EN group. The time to flatus passage in EN group was significantly shorter, and the cost of nutritional support was significantly less compared to PN group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative early enteral nutrition was safe and feasible for patients undergoing esophagectomy. Compared to PN, EN more efficiently ameliorated postoperational nutritional status of the patients undergoing esophagectomy, played an important role in restoring intestinal barrier function postoperatively, reduced the incidence of postoperative infection, and decreased the cost of hospital stay.

Infectivity, transmission, and pathology of human-isolated H7N9 influenza virus in ferrets and pigs

The emergence of the H7N9 influenza virus in humans in Eastern China has raised concerns that a new influenza pandemic could occur. Here, we used a ferret model to evaluate the infectivity and transmissibility of A/Shanghai/2/2013 (SH2), a human H7N9 virus isolate. This virus replicated in the upper and lower respiratory tracts of the ferrets and was shed at high titers for 6 to 7 days, with ferrets showing relatively mild clinical signs. SH2 was efficiently transmitted between ferrets via direct contact, but less efficiently by airborne exposure. Pigs were productively infected by SH2 and shed virus for 6 days but were unable to transmit the virus to naïve pigs or ferrets. Under appropriate conditions, human-to-human transmission of the H7N9 virus may be possible.

Modelling Post-molding Warping

The post-molding warping of injection molded parts is strongly influenced by thermal expansion history. We show that a thermal expansion hysteresis loop occurs, so that heating and cooling curves can sometimes be different, due to microstructural changes. Following an extensive investigation of thermal expansion for a polypropylene, we propose a model to predict the specific volume change during post thermal treatments. The model predictions are in good agreement with the experimental measurements.

Modelling Post-molding Warping

This paper describes how to use the semi-empirical thermal expansion model, proposed in Part 1 of this paper (Fan et al., 2010), to simulate the post-molding warping of injection molded parts during the post thermal treatment. The post-molding warping of a viscoelastic ribbed plate and a fibre reinforced ribbed plate are simulated using a finite element method. The results of simulations showed that the post-molding warping due to the thermal treatment for viscoelastic ribbed plate is much larger than the de-mold warpage, in contrast to results for fibre reinforced ribbed plates.

SKLB1002, a novel inhibitor of VEGF receptor 2 signaling, induces vascular normalization to improve systemically administered chemotherapy efficacy

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors have shown only modest clinical activity for most tumor types when used as single agents. However, present evidence indicates that these antiangiogenic drugs can cause transient "normalization" of the tumor vasculature, thereby improving the delivery of systemic chemotherapy. We examined temporal changes in tumor vascular function in response to the novel VEGFR2 inhibitor, SKLB1002. Established tumor-bearing animals were evaluated at serial time points for treatment-associated changes in tumor vascular architecture and function. As a result, blocking VEGF signaling by SKLB1002 produced a morphologically and functionally "normalized" vascular network. Consistent with our observations, a 2.2 fold increase in intratumoral doxorubicin levels was determined with SKLB1002 pretreatment compared with administration of doxorubicin alone. Finally, combined SKLB1002 and doxorubicin exhibited significant antitumor (49% of control size) and antimetastatic effects (12% of control metastatic nodules) in vivo. Our results showed SKLB1002 induced vascular normalization and enhanced anticancer drug delivery, which were associated with the observed synergistic effect in vivo.

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided local injections of etanercept into entheses of ankylosing spondylitis patients with refractory Achilles enthesitis

OBJECTIVES

Enthesitis is one of the most common and specific manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, the treatment of enthesitis is still a challenge for rheumatologist so far, especially to those AS patients with serious enthesitis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided local injection of etanercept into entheses of AS patients with refractory Achilles enthesitis.

METHODS

Twelve AS patients with severe unilateral refractory Achilles enthesitis were enrolled. Among them, 5 patients received US-guided local injection of etanercept and the other 7 received betamethasone. BASDAI, BASFI, VAS of the affected heel, the percentage of ASAS20 responders, CRP, ESR and any adverse events were recorded at baseline, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the treatment. US was also used to evaluate the corresponding entheses at baseline and every follow-up visit.

RESULTS

The BASDAI, BASFI, VAS of the affected heel, CRP, ESR, the percentage of ASAS20 responders and the regional blood flow signals detected by colour Doppler were all improved in both the etanercept group and the betamethasone group, at each follow-up visit compared to the baseline data (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the improvements of any of the above parameters between the two groups (p>0.05). In addition, there were no adverse events from the etanercept group, except for the mild acid bilges feeling during the injection procedure, while 1 patient from the betamethasone group developed mild local atrophoderma since the week 4 follow-up visit and the atrophoderma kept stable at the 2 subsequent visits.

CONCLUSIONS

US-guided local injection of etanercept might be a highly effective, safe and well tolerated treatment for Achilles enthesitis in patients with AS.

MyoD control of SKIP expression during pig skeletal muscle development

Skeletal muscle and kidney enriched inositol phosphatase (SKIP) was identified as a 5'-inositol phosphatase that hydrolyzes PI(3,4,5)P3 to PI(3,4)P2 that negatively regulates insulin-induced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling in skeletal muscle. In this study, we obtained a 1575-bp mRNA sequence of porcine SKIP that included the full coding region encoding a protein of 450 amino acids. With the use of comparative mapping, we mapped this gene to SSC12 q1.3, where many QTLs affect Backfat thickness at 10th rib, carcass yield, the number of muscle fibers, and ham weight traits. As a candidate gene for growth and carcass traits, a novel single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 12 (G>A) was detected by PCR-RFLP. The results showed that the GG genotype had higher skin percentage (SP), carcass length to first spondyle (CL1), carcass length to first rib (CL2), but lower intramuscular fat (IMF) as compared with genotype AG (P<0.05), and allele G seemed to be associated with an increase in the growth trait. Porcine SKIP was expressed abundantly in skeletal muscle tissue and was transcriptionally upregulated during skeletal muscle differentiation. Analysis of the porcine SKIP promoter sequence demonstrated that MyoD was involved in regulating SKIP mRNA expression in myotubes, partly via the cis-acting elements in SKIP promoter. In summary, we suggested that SKIP might play a role in the regulation of skeletal muscle development in pigs.

Evidence for a new allele at the SERCA1 locus affecting pork meat quality in part through the imbalance of Ca2+ homeostasis

Sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 1 (SERCA1) as a Ca2+ release channel plays a key role in the relaxation of skeletal muscle through pumping cytosolic Ca2+ into the SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum). In this study, a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 8 (C > T) was detected by tetra-primer ARMS-PCR and the tissue expression pattern of SERCA1 was analyzed in eleven tissues. A model of primary skeletal muscle cells in vitro exposed to dexamethasone (DEX, a synthetic corticosteroid) was also employed to determine whether stress hormones cause an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration that is associated with alteration in SERCA1 and in turn subsequently affect meat quality. The results showed that the CC genotype has lower content intramuscular fat and higher water than pig carrying the genotype CT and CC. In addition, the additive effects were both significantly (P < 0.05) and allele T seemed to be associate with increase in intramuscular fat, while decrease in water content. Accompanied with previous studies, the high abundance of porcine SERCA1 was found in skeletal muscle tissue. DEX markedly down-regulated the expression of SERCA1, leading to Ca2+ overload. Furthermore, the imbalance of Ca2+ homeostasis up-regulated the transcription level of Calpain1. Taken together, we demonstrated a novel mechanism that the changes in expression of SERCA1 potential disturb the normal Ca2+ channel as well as the balance of Ca2+ homeostasis and which in turn finally activated Ca2+-dependent proteases such as Calpain1 which could affect meat quality.

A study of the evaporative deposition process: pipes and truncated transport dynamics

We consider contact line deposition of an evaporating thin drop. Following Dupont's proposal (unpublished), we focus on transport dynamics truncated by a maximal concentration as the single deposition mechanism. The truncated transport process, formalized as the "pipe model", admits a characteristic shock front that has a robust functional form and depends only on local hydrodynamic properties. By applying the pipe model, we solve the density profile in different asymptotic regimes. In particular, we find that near the contact line the density profile follows a scaling law that is proportional to the square root of the concentration ratio defined as the initial solute volume concentration divided by the maximal concentration. The maximal deposit density occurs at about 2/3 of the total drying time for uniform evaporation and 1/2 for diffusion-controlled evaporation. Away from the contact line, areal density decays exponentially with the radial distance to the power of -3 for the uniform evaporation and -7 for the diffusion-controlled evaporation.

Polymorphism of the pig 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1 (HSD17B1) gene and its association with reproductive traits

17beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD17B1) is a key enzyme of 17beta-estradiol biosynthesis, which might play an important role in follicular development of the ovary. In this study, we isolated the complete coding sequence of porcine HSD17B1 gene and its unique intron sequences of porcine HSD17B1 gene, identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP: A/C) in intron 4, and developed a PCR-MvaI-RFLP genotyping assay. Association of the SNP and litter size was assessed in two populations (purebred Large White and a experimental synthetic Line (DIV) sows). Statistical analysis demonstrated that, in the first parity, AC animals in experimental synthetic Line (DIV) sows had 0.52 more piglets born compared to the CC animals (P<0.05). In the all parities, pigs with the AA genotype had an additional 1.11 and 0.96 piglets born alive compared to the CC animals (P<0.05) in both experimental synthetic Line (DIV) and purebred Large White, respectively. Experimental synthetic Line (DIV) sows inheriting the AC genotype had additional 0.84 piglets born alive compared to the CC animals (P<0.01) in all parities. In addition, significant additive effect of -0.55+/-0.24 piglets/litter and -0.48+/-0.22 piglets/litter on piglet born alive was detected in both experimental synthetic Line (DIV) sows and purebred Large White lines (P<0.05), respectively. Therefore, HSD17B1 gene was significantly associated with litter size in two populations and could be a useful molecular marker in selection for increasing litter size in pigs.

Molecular characterization and SNPs analysis of the porcine Deleted in AZoospermia Like (pDAZL) gene

The Deleted in AZoospermia Like (DAZL) gene is expressed in prenatal and postnatal germ cells. In this study, we cloned and characterized the porcine Deleted in AZoospermia Like (pDAZL) gene. We found the full-length coding sequence of the pDAZL encoded a protein of 295 amino acids with a RNA recognition motif (amino acids 41-111) and a DAZ repeat (amino acids 167-120). The deduced protein sequence of pDAZL is 92.5% and 91.5% similar to those of human and bovine, respectively. PCR-MspI-RFLP and PCR-TaqI-RFLP were established to detect an A/G mutation in intron 7 and a C/A mutation in intron 9, respectively. Associations of two SNPs with litter size traits were assessed in Large White (n=275) and DIV (n=128) pig populations, and the statistical analysis demonstrated that CC produced 0.716 more (P<0.05) piglets born alive than CD genotypes in Large White pigs at TaqI locus (C/A mutation in intron 9), and the dominance effect was 0.304 pig per litter (P<0.05). This result suggests that the pDAZL gene might be a good candidate gene of litter size trait and provides some marker information for marker-assisted selection (MAS).

Neutral endopeptidase inhibits prostate cancer tumorigenesis by reducing FGF-2-mediated angiogenesis

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) is a cell surface peptidase that catalytically inactivates a variety of physiologically active peptides including basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). We investigated the effect of using lentivirus to overexpress NEP in NEP-deficient DU145 prostate cancer cells. Third-generation lentiviral vectors encoding wild-type NEP (L-NEP), catalytically inactive mutant NEP (L-NEPmu), and green fluorescent protein (L-GFP) were stably introduced into DU145 cells. FGF-2 levels in cell culture supernatants decreased by 80% in L-NEP-infected DU145 cells compared to cells infected with L-NEPmu or L-GFP (P<0.05) while levels of other angiogenic factors were not altered. In vitro tubulogenesis of human vascular endothelial cells induced by conditioned media from DU145 cells infected with L-NEP was significantly reduced compared with that from DU145 cells infected with L-GFP (P<0.05). Tumor xenografts from L-NEP-infected DU145 cells were significantly smaller compared to control cell xenografts and vascularity within these tumors was decreased (P<0.05). Our data suggest that stable expression of NEP in DU145 cells inhibits prostate cancer tumorigenicity by inhibiting angiogenesis, with a probable mechanism being proteolytic inactivation of FGF-2.

Lentiviral vector neutral endopeptidase gene transfer suppresses prostate cancer tumor growth

Neprilysin (neutral endopeptidase, NEP) is a cell surface peptidase whose expression is lost in approximately 50% of prostate cancers (PC). NEP normally functions to inactivate peptides such as bombesin and endothelin-1, and potentiates the effects of the PTEN tumor suppressor via a direct protein-protein interaction. NEP loss contributes to PC progression. We investigated the therapeutic efficacy of using a lentiviral vector system to restore NEP expression in PC cells. Third-generation lentiviral vectors encoding wild-type NEP (L-NEP) or green fluorescent protein (L-GFP) were introduced into NEP-deficient 22RV1 PC cells. Cells infected with L-NEP or L-GFP at a multiplicity of infection of 10 demonstrated NEP enzyme activity of 1171.2+/-4.9 and 17.2+/-5.3 pmol/microg/min (P<0.0001), respectively. Cell viability, proliferation and invasion were each significantly inhibited in 22RV1 cells expressing NEP compared with control cells infected with L-GFP (P<0.01). Analysis of known downstream effects of NEP showed NEP-expressing cells exhibiting decreased Akt and focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation and increased PTEN protein expression. Finally, injection of L-NEP into established 22RV1 xenograft tumors significantly inhibited tumor growth (P<0.01). These experiments demonstrate that lentiviral NEP gene transfer is a novel targeted strategy for the treatment of NEP-deficient PC.

Association analyses of polymorphisms in porcine MYF5 and MYOD1 genes with carcass traits

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of polymorphisms of myogenic factor 5 (MYF5) and myogenic differentiation 1 (MYOD1) genes on carcass traits in pigs. PCR-RFLP was used to identify three and one SNP(s) from the MYF5 and the MYOD1 gene, respectively. Association analysis performed on the four polymorphisms in a series of three Large White × Meishan F2 populations totalling near 400 pigs showed: (1) an MYF5 exon 1 Hsp92II polymorphism causing a Met→Leu substitution was significantly associated with fat meat percentage, shoulder fat thickness, thorax-waist fat thickness, average backfat thickness and carcass length to 1st rib (P < 0.05); (2) an MYF5 exon 2 MspI polymorphism and an intron 1 HaeIII polymorphism, which were completely linked, were significantly associated with thorax-waist fat thickness, 6–7th rib fat thickness and carcass length to 1st rib (P < 0.05); (3) an MYOD1 intron 1 DdeI polymorphism was significantly associated with carcass length to 1st rib.

Blood-based biomarkers for detecting aggressive prostate cancer at time of biopsy

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Background: To date, we have applied our unique methodology (the Sentinel Principle) to identify blood-based gene expressed biomarkers for several diseases including osteoarthritis, bladder cancer and psychiatric disorders. It is well known that new biomarkers for prostate cancer detection are needed, particularly aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Our objective was to identify gene expression signatures and to characterize a set of biomarkers from whole blood to identify patients with aggressive forms of prostate cancer at the time of prostate biopsy. Methods: We conducted a two staged study. The first stage was for gene discovery using microarrays (Affymetrix U133Plus2.0 GeneChips) among 47 patients (all Caucasian) who underwent a prostate biopsy for prostate cancer. We included 16 patients (cases) diagnosed with aggressive forms of prostate cancer defined as having a histologic grade of Gleason Score 7 or more and 31 patients with no evidence of cancer at biopsy (controls). The second stage was a validation study (108 patients) using real-time RT-PCR methods. Logistic regression was used to assess the ability of linear combinations of specific transcripts to distinguish cancers from controls. Results: In the first stage, we identified 1661 probes that were significantly different in blood gene expression profiles between cases and controls (p<0.05). In the second stage, real-time RT-PCR assays validated four genes among 33 cases and 75 controls: three up-regulated genes: A 1.4 fold, p<0.001, B 1.2 fold, p=0.03, C 1.3 fold, p=0.08; and one down-regulated gene D 0.70, p=0.008. Linear combination of these 4 genes discriminated the cases from controls with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 53% (AUC: 0.80, 95% C.I.: 0.713∼0.871). The performance of PSA (4 ng/ml cut-off) in the same 108 sample set was 91% sensitivity and 13% specificity (AUC: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.75∼0.98). The performance of combining the four blood biomarkers with PSA yielded an AUC of 0.86 (95% C.I.: 0.77∼0.91) with a sensitivity 90% and specificity 70%. Conclusions: When used with PSA, these four blood-based biomarkers improved the overall accuracy to identify patients with prostate cancer at biopsy. These results would have important implications for new biomarkers discovery for prostate cancer detection.

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Neuropeptide-stimulated cell migration in prostate cancer cells is mediated by RhoA kinase signaling and inhibited by neutral endopeptidase

The neuropeptides bombesin and endothelin-1 stimulate prostate cancer (PC) cell migration and invasion (J Clin Invest, 2000; 106: 1399-1407). The intracellular signaling pathways that direct this cell movement are not well delineated. The monomeric GTPase RhoA is required for migration in several cell types including neutrophils, monocytes and fibroblasts. We demonstrate that bombesin-stimulated PC cell migration occurs via the heterotrimeric G-protein-coupled receptors (G-protein) G alpha 13 subunit leading to activation of RhoA, and Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK). Using siRNA to suppress expression of the three known G-protein alpha-subunit-associated RhoA guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), we also show that two of these RhoA GEFs, PDZ-RhoGEF and leukemia-associated RhoGEF (LARG), link bombesin receptors to RhoA in a non-redundant manner in PC cells. We next show that focal adhesion kinase, which activates PDZ-RhoGEF and LARG, is required for bombesin-stimulated RhoA activation. Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) is expressed on normal prostate epithelium whereas loss of NEP expression contributes to PC progression. We also demonstrate that NEP inhibits neuropeptide activation of RhoA. Together, these results establish a contiguous signaling pathway from the bombesin receptor to ROCK in PC cells, and they implicate NEP as a major regulator of neuropeptide-stimulated RhoA in these cells. This work also identifies members of this signaling pathway as potential targets for rational pharmacologic manipulation of neuropeptide-stimulated migration of PC cells.

Autoantibody production from a thymoma and a follicular dendritic cell sarcoma associated with paraneoplastic pemphigus

BACKGROUND

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is an autoimmune mucocutaneous disease. We previously reported that B cells in a Castleman tumour associated with PNP produced autoantibodies. However, it is uncertain whether the production of autoantibodies from the associated tumour is a common mechanism in PNP.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate autoantibody production in a thymoma and a follicular dendritic cell sarcoma that were excised from two patients with PNP.

METHODS

Tumour cells were cultured, and their surface markers were identified. Indirect immunofluorescence, immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using culture media from the tumours were used to detect PNP autoantibodies.

RESULTS

B cells with markers (CD22+, surface membrane IgG+ and surface membrane IgM+) of mature B lymphocytes constituted a proportion of cultured tumour cells in both tumours. Western blot showed that the medium from both the thymoma and the follicular dendritic cell sarcoma cells recognized 190-kDa periplakin and 210-kDa envoplakin bands of human epithelial proteins as well as recombinant linker regions of periplakin, envoplakin, desmoplakin and bullous pemphigoid antigen 1. ELISA was positive for antidesmoglein 3 antibody.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence and localization in tumours of B-lymphocyte clones against proteins of the plakin family and desmoglein 3 in skin may not be confined to PNP with Castleman disease, but is possibly a common mechanism in PNP associated with various tumours.

Blood-based biomarkers for detecting mild osteoarthritis in the human knee

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to test the utility of a blood-based approach to identify mild osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

METHODS

Blood samples were drawn from 161 subjects, including 85 subjects with arthroscopically diagnosed mild OA of the knee and 76 controls. Following RNA isolation, an in-house custom cDNA microarray was used to screen for differentially expressed genes. A subset of selected genes was then tested using real-time RT-PCR. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate linear combinations of the biomarkers and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the discriminatory power of the combinations.

RESULTS

Genes differentially expressed (3543 genes) between mild knee OA and control samples were identified through microarray analysis. Subsequent real-time RT-PCR verification identified six genes significantly down-regulated in mild OA: heat shock 90kDa protein 1, alpha; inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells, kinase complex-associated protein; interleukin 13 receptor, alpha 1; laminin, gamma 1; platelet factor 4 (also known as chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 4) and tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 6. Logistic regression analysis identified linear combinations of nine genes--the above six genes, early growth response 1; alpha glucosidase II alpha subunit; and v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B (avian)--as discriminatory between subjects with mild OA and controls, with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 83% in a training set of 78 samples. The optimal biomarker combinations were then evaluated using a blind test set (67 subjects) which showed 72% sensitivity and 66% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Linear combinations of blood RNA biomarkers offer a substantial improvement over currently available diagnostic tools for mild OA. Blood-derived RNA biomarkers may be of significant clinical value for the diagnosis of early, asymptomatic OA of the knee.

Polymorphism, linkage mapping and expression pattern of the porcine skeletal muscle glycogen synthase (GYS1) gene

The glycogen synthase gene (GYS1), which encodes the rate-limiting enzyme for glycogen synthesis of skeletal muscle, is a promising candidate gene for traits related to skeletal muscle in pigs. In this study, a G/A single nucleotide polymorphism in GYS1 intron 7 detected as a FokI PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) showed allele frequency differences among five Chinese indigenous pig breeds and three western commercial pig breeds. Linkage analysis assigned the gene GYS1 to marker interval SW1302-SW1473 on SSC6 in a three-generation Meishan X Large White reference family. The results of association analysis and interval mapping suggested that the FokI PCR-RFLP polymorphism might be linked with the quantitative trait loci affecting carcass traits detected on SSC6 in the F2 intercross pedigree. The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction revealed that the porcine GYS1 gene was expressed in spleen, lung, liver, kidney, small intestine, skeletal muscle, heart and stomach, with the highest expression in skeletal muscle.

cDNA cloning, genomic structure and polymorphism of the porcine FHL3 gene

LIM domain proteins are important regulators of the growth, determination and differentiation of cells. Four-and-a-half LIM-only protein 3 (FHL3) is a type of LIM-only protein that contains four tandemly repeated LIM motifs with an N-terminal single zinc finger (half LIM motif). In this study, we have determined the complete coding sequence of pig FHL3 which encodes a 280 amino acid protein. The coding region of the pig FHL3 gene is organized in five exons and spans an approximately 2.1-kb genomic region. Comparative sequencing of six pig breeds revealed three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within exon 2 of which an A-->G substitution at position 313 changes a codon for arginine into a codon for glycine. The substitution was situated within a PstI recognition site and developed as a PCR-RFLP marker for further use in population variation investigations and association analysis. The A/G polymorphism was segregating only in Landrace pigs. Association studies of the FHL3 polymorphism with carcass traits provided preliminary evidence that the PstI PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) genotype may be associated with variation in several carcass traits of interest for pig breeding. Further investigations in more Landrace pigs are needed to confirm this.

The relationship between consumption of antimicrobial agents and the prevalence of primary Helicobacter pylori resistance

BACKGROUND

Primary and acquired resistance to the antimicrobial agents is a primary reason for the failure of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies. We assessed the primary antibiotic resistance rates of H. pylori to three different antibiotics and its relationship due to the annual antibiotic consumption in Japan during the period prior to approval of anti-H. pylori therapy in Japan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the agar dilution method for clarithromycin, amoxicillin and metronidazole. Isolates were considered resistant when the MIC value was > 8 mg/l for metronidazole, > 1 mg/l for clarithromycin and < 0.5 mg/l for amoxicillin.

RESULTS

Helicobacter pylori isolates were obtained from 593 Japanese patients from 1995 to 2000. Primary resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin was found in 11%, 9% and 0.3% strains, respectively. The proportion with clarithromycin resistance significantly increased from 7% in 1997-98 to 15.2% in 1999-2000 (p =.003). During the same period the metronidazole resistance rate also increased from 6.6% in 1997-98 to 12% in 1999-2000 (p =.02). The prevalence of clarithromycin and metronidazole was related to the annual consumption of these antimicrobial agents.

CONCLUSION

Resistance rates for both clarithromycin and metronidazole appear to reflect the annual consumption of these agents. The high rate of clarithromycin resistance in Japan suggests that the effectiveness of clarithromycin-based therapies may be compromised in the near future.

Human AML cells in NOD/SCID mice: engraftment potential and gene expression

Most cases of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) engraft in irradiated non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice. Intravenous transfer of as few as 10(5) human AML cells resulted in engraftment. Cases with poor prognosis clinical features, including FLT3 mutations, tended to engraft efficiently. Nevertheless, AML cells obtained from patients at relapse did not engraft more efficiently than cells obtained from the same patients at initial diagnosis. One passage of human AML cells in NOD/SCID mice did not appear to select for increased virulence, as measured by serial transplantation efficiency. Finally, cDNA microarray analyses indicated that approximately 95% of genes were expressed at similar levels in human AML cells immunopurified after growth in mice, as compared to cells assessed directly from patients. Thus, the growth of human AML cells in NOD/SCID mice could yield large numbers of human AML cells for direct experimental use and could also function as a renewable, potentially unlimited source of leukemia cells, via serial transplantation.