Genomic and epigenomic profiles to distinguish pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma from lung metastatic colorectal cancer

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Background: As an extremely rare variant of lung adenocarcinoma, the diagnosis of pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma (PEAC) remains challenging in the clinic due to shared morphological and immunohistochemical features with lung metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Current differentiation of PEAC and mCRC mainly relies on clinical history and pathological examination while which still remain risks of misdiagnosis. Due to their distinct treatment regimens, effective molecular markers are essential for accurate diagnosis. However, comprehensive molecular features of PEAC is still poorly understood. Methods: We performed whole-exome sequencing and targeted bisulfite sequencing of 23 PEAC and 20 mCRC and matched normal tissue to improve molecular characterization. For DNA methylation profiling, differentially methylated regions (DMR) were analyzed by comparing PEAC with normal lung tissue and with mCRC. We also trained machine learning methods to distinguish PEAC from mCRC and validated the classifier in an independent cohort with 10 PEAC and 10 mCRC. Results: Mutations of KRAS, APC, and EGFR, alterations of chromosome arms 13q, 14q and 18p were found to be the major differential genetic alterations between PEAC and mCRC (P < 0.05), yet not enough to aid clinical diagnosis. For epigenomic profile, we identified 524 DMRs (false discovery rate ≤0.05) which were further reduced to 30 DMRs according to importance rank by the random forest algorithm. Based on these DMR features, we developed a diagnostic classifier that correctly classified 95.1% of patients in this discovery cohort. We further validated this predictive model in the validation cohort, with a prediction accuracy of 90.0%. We demonstrated its clinical application in two cases with difficulties to diagnosis by traditional methods. Conclusions: We have illustrated the unique genetic and methylation profiles of PEAC and mCRC. Our approach for disease classification may have a substantial impact on diagnostic precision and therapeutic decision for PEAC.

Electroforming in Metal-Oxide Memristive Synapses

Memristors have shown an extraordinary potential to emulate the plastic and dynamic electrical behaviors of biological synapses and have been already used to construct neuromorphic systems with in-memory computing and unsupervised learning capabilities; moreover, the small size and simple fabrication process of memristors make them ideal candidates for ultradense configurations. So far, the properties of memristive electronic synapses (i.e., potentiation/depression, relaxation, linearity) have been extensively analyzed by several groups. However, the dynamics of electroforming in memristive devices, which defines the position, size, shape, and chemical composition of the conductive nanofilaments across the device, has not been analyzed in depth. By applying ramped voltage stress (RVS), constant voltage stress (CVS), and pulsed voltage stress (PVS), we found that electroforming is highly affected by the biasing methods applied. We also found that the technique used to deposit the oxide, the chemical composition of the adjacent metal electrodes, and the polarity of the electrical stimuli applied have important effects on the dynamics of the electroforming process and in subsequent post-electroforming bipolar resistive switching. This work should be of interest to designers of memristive neuromorphic systems and could open the door for the implementation of new bioinspired functionalities into memristive neuromorphic systems.

Accelerated charge transfer of Cd0.5Zn0.5S@ZnS core–shell nano-spheres via decoration of Ni2P and g-C3N4 toward efficient visible-light-driven H2 production

Unique Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S@ZnS-Ni₂P/g-C₃N₄ hybrid nano-spheres demonstrate enhanced photostability, improved light-harvesting and facilitated charge separation toward efficient H₂ evolution from visible-light-driven water-splitting.

CAPABILITIES OF THE ARADOS-WG03 REGIONAL NETWORK FOR LARGE-SCALE RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN ASIA

In 2015, the Asian Radiation Dosimetry Group established a regional network of biological dosimetry laboratories known as the ARADOS-WG03 (Working Group 03; Biological Dosimetry). A survey was conducted in 2017 to evaluate the capabilities and capacities of the participating laboratories for emergency preparedness and responses in large-scale nuclear and/or radiological incidents. The results of this survey were identified and assessed. The data provide important information on the current state of emergency cytogenetic biological dosimetry capabilities in the Asian region.

MiR-34a-5p/PD-L1 axis regulates cisplatin chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in women with an increasing number of cases worldwide. Chemoresistance is the main obstacle for ovarian cancer treatment during clinical therapy. Previous studies found that programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) was associated with chemoresistance of cancer. However, there were little reports about the function of PD-L1 involved in chemoresistance of ovarian cancer. In our study, cisplatin (DDP)-resistant SKOV3 and A2780 ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3/DDP and A2780/DDP) were established. We found that the expression of PD-L1 was increased and miR-34a-5p was decreased in DDP-resistant cells. PD-L1 silencing inhibited chemoresistance of DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells to DDP, as evidenced by decreased proliferation, G1-phase cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis. Western blot assay showed that in the presence of DDP, PD-L1 silencing decreased multidrug resistance protein 1 and Cyclin D1 protein levels, whereas increased cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-PARP protein levels in these cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that miR-34a-5p negatively regulated the expression of PD-L1 by targeting its 3'-untranslated region. The effects of miR-34a-5p mimic on DDP-treated SKOV3/DDP cells were reversed by the overexpression of PD-L1. Moreover, the tumorigenicity of DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells in nude mice treated with DDP was attenuated by miR-34a-5p in vivo. The combined data indicate that miR-34a-5p/PD-L1 axis regulates DDP chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells, providing a deeper insight into the treatment for ovarian cancer.

Association of plasma C-reactive protein with ischaemic stroke: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke (IS). However, the causality of this association is uncertain. The aim is to investigate whether genetically raised plasma CRP concentration levels are associated with IS on the basis of the Mendelian randomization method.

METHODS

Based on the National Center for Biotechnology Information single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) database, the Chinese online genetic database as well as previously published studies, four CRP-associated SNP alleles (rs1130864, rs1205, rs876537 and rs3093059) with minor allele frequency ≥0.15 were selected and the concentration levels of CRP were measured in 378 first-ever IS patients and 613 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Three SNPs were chosen and used as instrumental variables. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence interval (95% CI)] of IS per addition of the modelled allele were 1.07 (0.79-1.45) for rs876537, 0.99 (0.73-1.35) for rs1205 and 1.08 (0.71-1.65) for rs3093059. The OR (95% CI) of IS for plasma CRP ≥2.0 mg/l was 2.19 (1.06-4.53) compared with <2.0 mg/l. The adjusted OR (95% CI) of IS per genetically predicted 10% higher CRP concentration, based on the three SNPs as the instruments, was 1.02 (0.94-1.11). Furthermore, similar results were obtained with adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.00 (0.88-1.13) and 1.04 (0.93-1.16), respectively, for large-artery atherosclerosis and small-artery occlusion per genetically predicted 10% higher CRP concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

This Mendelian randomization study provides no clear support that elevated CRP concentration is causally associated with the risk of IS.

Anti-Parity-Time Symmetric Optical Four-Wave Mixing in Cold Atoms

Non-Hermitian optical systems with parity-time (PT) symmetry have recently revealed many intriguing prospects that outperform conservative structures. The previous works are mostly rooted in complex arrangements with controlled gain-loss interplay. Here, we demonstrate anti-PT symmetry inherent in the nonlinear optical interaction based upon forward optical four-wave mixing in a laser-cooled atomic ensemble with negligible linear gain and loss. We observe that the pair of frequency modes undergo a nontrivial anti-PT phase transition between coherent power oscillation and optical parametric amplification in presence of a large phase mismatch.

The role of adiponectin gene mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of adiponectin (ADPN) gene mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The levels of expression of ADPN were measured by fluorescence quantitative PCR technology, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western-blotting and immunohistochemistry in 78 patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal population, the levels of expression of ADPN and NF-κB mRNA in the blood of patients with type 2 diabetes were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The detection of ADPN gene protein expression in normal population and patients with type 2 diabetes by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that ADPN gene protein expression in type 2 diabetic patients (1.26 ± 0.73) µg/l was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than ADPN gene protein expression of the normal population (3.26 ± 1.25) µg/l. At the same time, the detection of the expression of NF-κB gene showed that the protein expression in type 2 diabetic patients (0.58 ± 0.15) µg/l was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that in the normal population (1.67 ± 1.04) µg/l. The results of Western-blotting were consistent with the results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemical results also showed that the percentage of ADPN positive cells in patients with type 2 diabetes (25.47%) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that in the normal population (79.47%).

CONCLUSIONS

ADPN gene in the human body can be involved in the pathogenesis of T2DM through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Gemini-Type Supramolecular Amphiphile Based on a Water-Soluble Pillar[5]arene and an Azastilbene Guest and Its Application in Stimuli-Responsive Self-Assemblies

Supramolecular amphiphiles are a type of intriguing building blocks to fabricate self-assembled nanostructures that can be applied in diverse fields. Gemini-type supramolecular amphiphiles, containing two hydrophobic tails and two hydrophilic head groups linked by a spacer, are good candidates to fabricate many advanced materials that are able to apply in surface modification, drug/gene delivery, and solubilization. Pillararenes, the fifth generation of macrocyclic host molecules, have been used to fabricate many supramolecular amphiphiles that played important roles in biomedical fields and materials science. However, compared with single-chain and bola-type supramolecular amphiphiles, the studies of gemini-type supramolecular amphiphiles based on pillararenes are very rare. Herein, a new strategy to prepare gemini-type supramolecular amphiphiles was reported. A new acid-responsive host?guest recognition motif in water on the basis of a 4,4?-azastilbene derivative (G1) and a water-soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5) was fabricated. The gemini-type supramolecular amphiphile was constructed by an azastilbene amphiphilic guest (G2) and WP5. Then its application in stimuli-responsive self-assemblies was investigated. G2 self-assembled into nanoribbons in water. Upon addition of WP5, the gemini-type supramolecular amphiphile formed, leading to the formation of disklike micelles. After further addition of hydrochloric acid, the morphology changed into nanosheets.

Should we add atorvastatin to irbesartan for improving renoprotective effects in early diabetic nephropathy? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Angiotensin II receptor blocker has exhibited their renal protective benefits in diabetic nephropathy. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of adding atorvastatin to irbesartan in early diabetic nephropathy. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang database until March 25, 2019. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of adding atorvastatin to irbesartan in early diabetic nephropathy were eligible. Primary endpoint was urinary albumin excretion rate, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. Serum level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, interleukin-6,and C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as blood pressure were secondary endpoints. Seventeen trials involving 1,390 patients were identified. Compared with irbesartan alone, co-administration of atorvastatin and irbesartan significantly reduced urinary albumin excretion rate (weighted mean differences [WMD] -21.22 μg/min; 95% confidence interval [CI] -26.95 to -15.50), serum creatinine (WMD -6.46 μmol/L; 95%CI -8.52 to 4.39),BUN (WMD -0.46 mmol/L; 95%CI -0.64 to -0.27), total cholesterol (WMD -1.79 mmol/L; 95%CI -2.34 to -1.23), triglyceride (WMD -0.93 mmol/L; 95%CI -1.20 to -0.67),and systolic blood pressure (WMD -2.27 mmHg; 95%CI -4.01 to -0.53), CRP (standard mean difference [SMD] 1.57; 95%CI -2.24 to -0.9), and Interleukin-6 (SMD 1.53; 95%CI -2.29 to -0.78). However, there was a significantly increased risk of nausea/vomiting (risk ratio 3.15; 95% CI 1.18-8.38) on the co-administration group. In conclusion, adding atorvastatin to irbesartan achieves additional renal protective benefits in early diabetic nephropathy patients. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to suboptimal methodological quality of the analyzed trials.

Oxidative lipoprotein markers predict poor functional outcome in patients with minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Oxidative stress plays an important role in acute ischaemic stroke. However, the association of oxidative lipoprotein markers, including oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), oxLDL:high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and oxLDL:low-density lipoprotein (LDL), with functional outcome of minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between oxidative lipoprotein markers and poor functional outcome in patients with minor stroke or TIA.

METHODS

All patients with minor stroke or TIA were recruited from the Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients With Acute Non-Disabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial. The poor functional outcome included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 2-6 and 3-6 at 90-day and 12-month follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the associations of oxLDL, oxLDL:HDL and oxLDL:LDL with poor functional outcome.

RESULTS

Among 3019 patients included in this study, the median (interquartile range) oxLDL, oxLDL:HDL and oxLDL:LDL were 13.96 (6.65-28.81), 4.52 (2.08-9.32) and 11.73 (5.27-24.85) μg/dL, respectively. After adjusted for confounding factors, patients in the highest oxLDL quartile had a higher proportion of mRS score 2-6 at 90 days [hazard ratio (HR), 1.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.26-2.52] and 12 months (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.01-1.99), and mRS score 3-6 at 90 days (HR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.29-3.04) and 12 months (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.09-2.89) when compared with the lowest oxLDL quartile (P < 0.05). Similar results were found for oxLDL:HDL and oxLDL:LDL.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of oxidative lipoprotein markers are independent predictors of poor functional outcome in patients with minor stroke or TIA at 90 days and 12 months.

Gene expression changes in cervical squamous cancers following neoadjuvant interventional chemoembolization

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of therapy for cervical cancer is related to the alteration of multiple molecular events and signaling networks during treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate gene expression alterations in advanced cervical cancers before- and after-trans-uterine arterial chemoembolization- (TUACE).

METHODS

Gene expression patterns in three squamous cell cervical cancers before- and after-TUACE were determined using microarray technique. Changes in AKAP12 and CA9 genes following TUACE were validated by quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed that the after-TUACE samples clustered together, which were separated from the before-TUACE samples. Using a 2-fold threshold, we identified 1131 differentially expressed genes that clearly discriminate after-TUACE tumors from before-TUACE tumors, including 209 up-regulated genes and 922 down-regulated genes. Pathway analysis suggests these genes represent diverse functional categories. Results from real-time PCR confirmed the expression changes detected by microarray.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene expression signature significantly changes during TUACE therapy of cervical cancer. Theses alterations provide useful information for the development of novel treatment strategies for cervical cancers on the molecular level.

Co3O4-CuCoO2 Nanomesh: An Interface-Enhanced Substrate that Simultaneously Promotes CO Adsorption and O2 Activation in H2 Purification

Nanomaterials are widely used as redox-type reaction catalysts, while reactant adsorption and O₂ activation are hardly to be promoted simultaneously, restricting their applications in many important catalytic fields such as preferential CO oxidation (CO-PROX) in H₂-rich stream. In this work, an interface-enhanced Co₃O₄-CuCoO₂ nanomesh was initially synthesized by a hydrothermal process using aluminum powder as a sacrificial agent. This nanomesh is systematically characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N₂ adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy, hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction, and oxygen temperature-programmed desorption. It is demonstrated that the nanomesh possesses high-density nanopores, enabling a large number of CO adsorption sites exposed to the surface. Meanwhile, electron transfer from O^2- to Co³⁺/Co²⁺ and the weakened bonding strength of Co-O bond at surfaces promoted the oxygen activation and redox ability of Co₃O₄. When tested as a catalyst for CO-PROX, this nanomesh with an optimized pore structure and a surface electronic structure, exhibits a strikingly high catalytic oxidation activity at low temperatures as well as a broader operation temperature window (i.e., CO conversion >99.0%, 100-200 °C) in the CO selective oxidation reaction. The present finding should be highly useful in promoting the quest for better CO-PROX catalysts, a hot topic for proton exchange membrane fuel cells and automotive vehicles.

Intracavity cold atomic ensemble with high optical depth

We describe the apparatus of an optical cavity loaded with cold ⁸⁵Rb atoms of high optical depth (OD) in the weak coupling regime. The relevant cavity-atom parameters are the single-photon Rabi frequency g₀ = 2π × 0.25 MHz, the cavity power decay rate κ = 2π × 9.0 MHz, and the atomic excited state decay rate Γ = 2π × 5.75 MHz. In this bad-cavity configuration where the atomic natural linewidth (Γ/2π) is less than the cavity linewidth (κ/2π), the cavity enhancement factor for the longitudinal OD is about 188. We obtain a cavity enhanced OD up to 7600, corresponding to an atomic ensemble with a bare single-pass OD of 40, coupled to the cavity mode. Our intracavity cold atomic ensemble with high OD may have many applications in studying collective atom-light interaction inside an optical cavity.

Oldhamianoside inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer both in vitro and in vivo via adjusting inflammation and angiogenesis signals

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the effects and possible mechanisms of oldhamianoside on the growth of human ovarian cancer both in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

CCK-8 assay was applied to estimate the effect of oldhamianoside on cell proliferation inhibition in vitro. Nude mice bearing human ovarian SKOV3 xenograft tumors were treated with oldhamianoside to investigate the effects of compound administration on tumor growth in vivo. To further investigate the mechanisms of inhibition effects of oldhamianoside on ovarian cancer growth in vivo, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 in plasma from the mice were measured by ELISA. Western blot was used to detect the expression of angiogenesis- and/or apoptosis-related proteins.

Results

We found that oldhamianoside treatment inhibited SKOV3 proliferation and growth both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 in plasma were markedly suppressed in oldhamianoside-treated mice. Additionally, oldhamianoside treatment inhibited the expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 and decreased the expression of caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that oldhamianoside has an obvious inhibition effect on SKOV3 proliferation, and the mechanisms might be related to inhibition of cell growth, apoptosis induction, and adjusting the inflammatory response and angiogenesis signal.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of curcumin loaded hollow microspheres prepared with ethyl cellulose and citric acid

Curcumin (CUR) demonstrates a variety of biological activities; however, the poor oral bioavailability limits its clinical application. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate characteristics and bioavailability of hollow microspheres loading curcumin (CUR-HPs). CUR-HPs were prepared by solvent diffusion and evaporation method. The effect of viscosity of ethyl cellulose (EC), amount of EC, citric acid (CA) and CUR on physicochemical characteristics and in vitro release profile of CUR-HPs were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed microspheres had smooth surfaces with hollow structures. The yield of CUR-HPs was (96 ± 1.80) %. The floating rate at 24 h was (89.67 ± 4.91) % and the drug loading was (3.41 ± 0.21) %. Nearly 95% of CUR was released from the HPs at 24 h. In vitro release profiles of CUR-HPs fitted the Korsmeyer et al.'s equation and indicated that CUR was released through the combination of diffusion and erosion mechanisms. The bioavailability of CUR-HPs was 12-fold higher than that of CUR. The peak time was delayed for 7.5 h and peak concentration of CUR-HPs was 3.21 times than that of free CUR. The CUR-HPs might be a promising strategy to achieve sustained release and increase oral bioavailability of CUR.

Synergistic effect of metformin and medroxyprogesterone 17‑acetate on the development of endometrial cancer

Accumulating data indicate that insulin resistance and unopposed estrogen are important risk factors of endometrial cancer (EC). Medroxyprogesterone 17‑acetate (MPA) has been used in the treatment of EC for many years. However, the therapeutic effect of this agent on EC has not been satisfactory. 36 arMetformin was recently reported to be a promising agent for the treatment of malignant diseases including EC. However, information on the synergistic effect of the two agents in EC is limited. With the aim to evaluate the synergistic effect of metformin and MPA, we conducted the present study in vitro and in vivo. We found that the combined application of metformin and MPA significantly inhibited the proliferation of the Ishikawa cells and arrested the cells in the G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, the apoptosis rate of the Ishikawa cells was significantly increased. In the animal study, the development of the xenograft tumors was significantly suppressed by the combined application of the two agents. Further investigation revealed that the synergistic inhibitory effect of the two agents on EC can be at least partly, explained by the decreased expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E. The results of the current study provide novel insights into the treatment of EC.

Synergistic enhancing effect for mechanical and electrical properties of tungsten copper composites using spark plasma infiltrating sintering of copper-coated graphene

Successful applications of WCu alloys in high voltage electrical switches require their high strength and excellent conductivity. Unfortunately, the strategies for increasing their strength such as doping with fine particles and alloying often significantly decrease their conductivity. In this paper, we developed a new pathway for fabricating WCu alloys using spark plasma infiltrating sintering of copper-coated graphene (Cu@Gr) composite powders. Cu@Gr was found to partially prevent the formation of WC after sintering, and graphene was uniformly distributed on the surfaces of network Cu phases. Electrical conductivity of 38.512 M·S/m, thermal conductivity of 264 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ and microhardness of 278 HV were achieved for the sintered WCu composites doped with only 0.8 wt.% Cu@Gr powders, which showed 95.3%, 24.3%, 28% enhancement compared with those from the conventional sintering using the undoped WCu powders.

Timed Knickkopf function is essential for wing cuticle formation in Drosophila melanogaster

The insect cuticle is an extracellular matrix that consists of the polysaccharide chitin, proteins, lipids and organic molecules that are arranged in distinct horizontal layers. In Drosophila melanogaster, these layers are not formed sequentially, but, at least partially, at the same time. Timing of the underlying molecular mechanisms is conceivably crucial for cuticle formation. To study this issue, we determined the time period during which the function of Knickkopf (Knk), a key factor of chitin organization, is required for wing cuticle differentiation in D. melanogaster. Although knk is expressed throughout metamorphosis, we demonstrate that its expression 30 h prior and 48 h after pupariation is essential for correct wing cuticle formation. In other words, expression beyond this period is futile. Importantly, manipulation of Knk expression during this time causes wing bending suggesting an effect of Knk amounts on the physical properties of the wing cuticle. Manipulation of Knk expression also interferes with the structure and function of the cuticle surface. First, we show that the shape of surface nano-structures depends on the expression levels of knk. Second, we find that cuticle impermeability is compromised in wings with reduced knk expression. In summary, despite the extended supply of Knk during metamorphosis, controlled amounts of Knk are important for correct wing cuticle differentiation and function in a concise period of time.

[Genotype distribution of human enteroviruses isolated from swage in Shanghai during year 2013-2014]

Objective: To explore the time and genotype distribution of human enterovirus (HEV) isolated from sewage in Shanghai in 2013-2014. Methods: One sewage sample each was collected from two local sewage plants located in Minhang District and Jiading District on the same day at the day 24-28 of every month from 2013 to 2014. Each sample weighed 1 L. The specimens were concentrated by anionic membrane absorption, eluted with beef extract solution, and then used to inoculate RD, HEp-2, and L20B cell lines. A total of 249 enterovirus strains were isolated from sewage samples during the study period, including 185 non-polio enterovirus (NPEV) and 64 poliovirus (PV) strains, which were identified as vaccine strains. RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify HEV genotypes. Homologous analysis of VP1 sequences was conducted using BioEdit (version 7.0.0). Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the neighbor-joining method based on the alignment of VP1 gene sequences using MEGA (version 4.0.2). Results: Among 185 NPEV strains, 178 strains were successfully sequenced and classified into 15 genotypes, including coxsackievirus group B (CVB) 2, 3, and 5; enteric cytopathic human orphan (ECHO) virus 1, 3, 6, 7, 11, 13, 19, 20, 24, 25, and 30; and coxsackievirus group A 4. CVB5 and ECHO6 genotypes accounted for 33.5% (56 strains) and 24.9% (43 strains) of NPEV isolates, respectively. During the study period, HEV isolates were mainly isolated in summer and autumn in Minhang District. ECHO6 strains were frequently isolated from June 2013 to July 2014. Thereafter, the number of ECHO6 strains gradually reduced in the second half of 2014. CVB5 strains demonstrated scattered distribution from 2013 to the first half of 2014 and gradually increased in the second half of 2014. The distribution of ECHO6 and CVB5 strains in Jiading District was similar to that in Minhang District. In 2013-2014, CVB5 strains comprised C6 and C8 subgenotypes, which belong to two transmission chains and show large differences compared with foreign strains isolated during the same period. ECHO6 strains comprised C6, C8, and D9 subgenotypes, which belong to three transmission chains. Moreover, ECHO6 subgenotype D9 was a dominant subgenotype in Shanghai, with broad geographical distribution both at home and abroad. Conclusion: Poliovirus was identified as a vaccine strain in environmental surveillance from June 2013 to April 2014 in Shanghai. Several transmission strains of ECHO6 and CVB5 were identified, which were the dominant serotypes.

A unique antiphospholipid assay recognizing phospholipid mixture compared with criteria antiphospholipid immunoassays in lupus patients

Background While essential for the classification of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), anticardiolipin (aCL) assays lack specificity and anti-β2glycoproteinI (anti-β2GPI) assays lack sensitivity in this regard. Our aim was to perform a comparative analysis of the APhL ELISA assay (IgG/IgM) and criteria antiphospholipid (aPL) immunoassays in identifying APS-related clinical manifestations in a large group of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Serum samples from 1178 patients from the Hopkins ( n = 543), LUMINA ( n = 588) and Jamaican SLE cohorts ( n = 47) were examined for IgG/IgM positivity in aCL (in-house), anti-β2GPI (two commercial kits) and APhL (Louisville APL) ELISA assays. Correlation of assay positivity with clinical manifestations and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios were evaluated. A case series analysis was also performed in patients for whom there was isolated positivity in the specific aPL assays. Results The prevalence of aCL positivity was 34.9%, anti-β2GPI kit A was 22.6%, APhL was 11.5% and anti-β2GPI kit B was 7.6% in the study population. Anti-β2GPI kit B, aCL and APhL assays were correlated with venous thrombosis, while only APhL was significantly correlated with arterial thrombosis and consistently correlated with pregnancy-related morbidity. No significant correlations were noted for anti-β2GPI kit A. Sensitivity was greatest for aCL assays followed by anti-β2GPI kit A, APhL and anti-β2GPI kit B, while specificity was greatest and equal for anti-β2GPI kit B and APhL assays. Conclusions Overall, APhL antibodies, especially IgG, represent a promising biomarker for the classification of APS patients in the context of autoimmunity and in risk assessment with regards to pregnancy morbidity and thrombotic manifestations.

A crucial role of SUMOylation in modulating Sirt6 deacetylation of H3 at lysine 56 and its tumor suppressive activity

Sirt6 is a histone deacetylase with NAD(+)-dependent activity. Sirt6 has been shown as a tumor suppressor partially via inhibiting the expression of c-Myc target genes and ribosome biogenesis. However, how to regulate Sirt6 activity is largely unknown. In this study, we identify that Sirt6 can be modified by small ubiquitin-like modifier. Sirt6 SUMOylation deficiency specifically decreases its deacetylation of H3K56 but not H3K9 in vivo. Mechanistically, we find that SUMOylation deficiency decreases Sirt6 binding with c-Myc, decreasing Sirt6 occupancy on the locus of c-Myc target genes. Therefore, Sirt6 SUMOylation deficiency reduces its deacetylation of H3k56 and its repression of c-Myc target genes. Moreover, Sirt6 SUMOylation deficiency reduces its suppression of cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Thus, these results reveal that SUMOylation has an important role in regulation of Sirt6 deacetylation on H3K56, as well as its tumor suppressive activity.

Effect of neural stem cell transplantation combined with erythropoietin injection on axon regeneration in adult rats with transected spinal cord injury

We investigated the effect of neural stem cells (NSC) and erythropoietin (EPO) on axon regeneration in adult rats with transected spinal cord injury, and provided an experimental basis for clinical treatment. Forty Wistar rats with T10-transected spinal cord injury were randomly divided into four groups of ten rats: a control group (group A), an NSC-transplant group (group B), an NSC-transplant and EPO group (group C), and an EPO group (group D). Biotinylated dextran amines (BDA) anterograde corticospinal cord neuronal tracing and Fluoro-Gold (FG) retrograde tracing were carried out at the 8th week after operation to observe the regeneration of nerve fibers. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor score was used to evaluate restoration. 1) BDA and FG immunofluorescence staining: in group C, a large number of regenerated axons were observed and some penetrated the injured area. In group B, only a small number of regenerated axons were observed and none penetrated the injured area. In group D, only sporadic regenerated nerve fibers were observed occasionally, while in group A, no axonal regeneration was observed. In group C, a small number of cones and axons emitted yellow fluorescence, and no FG-labeled cells were observed in the other groups. 2) The BBB scores for group C were higher than those for the other groups, and the differences were statistically significance (P < 0.05). NSC transplantation combined with EPO intraperitoneal injection may benefit axon regeneration in rats with transected spinal cord injury, and accelerate the functional recovery of the hindlimb locomotor.

Insulin is an important risk factor of endometrial cancer among premenopausal women: a case-control study in China

The aim of the article was to evaluate the important role played by insulin in the development of endometrial cancer (EC) among Chinese premenopausal women. In this study, 128 endometrial cancer patients and 294 controls who were all premenopausal were included. Baseline characteristics data were collected and serum insulin, C-peptide, sex hormone-binding globulin, C-reaction protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were measured. Paired t test, χ(2) test, Spearman correlation coefficients, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used in data analysis. Furthermore, insulin levels were categorized into quartiles, and likelihood ratio was calculated for the four categories. Blood insulin levels of the patients were significantly higher than those of the controls (P < 0.001). Factor analysis identified insulin (OR = 2.46; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.55-3.91; P < 0.001) as the independent risk factor of EC. When insulin levels were categorized into quartiles, we found that insulin was positively associated with endometrial cancer risk [HR comparing extreme quartiles (HR q4-q1) = 4.44; 95 % CI = 2.59-7.62; P trend = 0.025]. After adjustment for body mass index (BMI) or waist-hip ratio (WHR), this association was attenuated, but still significant. In conclusion, insulin plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of EC among premenopausal women. Treatment targeting down-regulation of blood insulin levels seems effective in the prevention of this malignancy.

Anchoring High-Concentration Oxygen Vacancies at Interfaces of CeO(2-x)/Cu toward Enhanced Activity for Preferential CO Oxidation

Catalysts are urgently needed to remove the residual CO in hydrogen feeds through selective oxidation for large-scale applications of hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cells. We herein propose a new methodology that anchors high concentration oxygen vacancies at interface by designing a CeO2-x/Cu hybrid catalyst with enhanced preferential CO oxidation activity. This hybrid catalyst, with more than 6.1% oxygen vacancies fixed at the favorable interfacial sites, displays nearly 100% CO conversion efficiency in H2-rich streams over a broad temperature window from 120 to 210 °C, strikingly 5-fold wider than that of conventional CeO2/Cu (i.e., CeO2 supported on Cu) catalyst. Moreover, the catalyst exhibits a highest cycling stability ever reported, showing no deterioration after five cycling tests, and a super long-time stability beyond 100 h in the simulated operation environment that involves CO2 and H2O. On the basis of an arsenal of characterization techniques, we clearly show that the anchored oxygen vacancies are generated as a consequence of electron donation from metal copper atoms to CeO2 acceptor and the subsequent reverse spillover of oxygen induced by electron transfer in well controlled nanoheterojunction. The anchored oxygen vacancies play a bridging role in electron capture or transfer and drive molecule oxygen into active oxygen species to interact with the CO molecules adsorbed at interfaces, thus leading to an excellent preferential CO oxidation performance. This study opens a window to design a vast number of high-performance metal-oxide hybrid catalysts via the concept of anchoring oxygen vacancies at interfaces.

Inhibition of Drp1 by Mdivi-1 attenuates cerebral ischemic injury via inhibition of the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway after cardiac arrest

Mitochondrial fission is predominantly controlled by the activity of dynamin-related protein1 (Drp1), which has been reported to be involved in mitochondria apoptosis pathways. However, the role of Drp1 in a rat model of cardiac arrest remains unknown. In this study, we found that activation of Drp1 in the mitochondria was increased after cardiac arrest and inhibition of Drp1 by 1.2 mg/kg of mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1) administration after the restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) significantly protected against cerebral ischemic injury, shown by the increased 72-h survival rate and improved neurological function. Moreover, the increase of the vital neuron and the reduction of cytochrome c (CytC) release, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) translocation and caspase-3 activation in the brain indicate that this protection might result from the suppression of neuron apoptosis. Altogether, these results indicated that Drp1 is activated after cardiac arrest and the inhibition of Drp1 is protective against cerebral ischemic injury in a rat of cardiac arrest model via inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

First-line erlotinib versus gemcitabine/cisplatin in patients with advanced EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer: analyses from the phase III, randomized, open-label, ENSURE study

BACKGROUND

The phase III, randomized, open-label ENSURE study (NCT01342965) evaluated first-line erlotinib versus gemcitabine/cisplatin (GP) in patients from China, Malaysia and the Philippines with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients ≥18 years old with histologically/cytologically confirmed stage IIIB/IV EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2 were randomized 1:1 to receive erlotinib (oral; 150 mg once daily until progression/unacceptable toxicity) or GP [G 1250 mg/m(2) i.v. days 1 and 8 (3-weekly cycle); P 75 mg/m(2) i.v. day 1, (3-weekly cycle) for up to four cycles]. Primary end point: investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Other end points include objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 217 patients were randomized: 110 to erlotinib and 107 to GP. Investigator-assessed median PFS was 11.0 months versus 5.5 months, erlotinib versus GP, respectively [hazard ratio (HR), 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-0.51; log-rank P < 0.0001]. Independent Review Committee-assessed median PFS was consistent (HR, 0.42). Median OS was 26.3 versus 25.5 months, erlotinib versus GP, respectively (HR, 0.91, 95% CI 0.63-1.31; log-rank P = .607). ORR was 62.7% for erlotinib and 33.6% for GP. Treatment-related serious adverse events (AEs) occurred in 2.7% versus 10.6% of erlotinib and GP patients, respectively. The most common grade ≥3 AEs were rash (6.4%) with erlotinib, and neutropenia (25.0%), leukopenia (14.4%), and anemia (12.5%) with GP.

CONCLUSION

These analyses demonstrate that first-line erlotinib provides a statistically significant improvement in PFS versus GP in Asian patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC (NCT01342965).

Xylaria hypoxylon Lectin as Adjuvant Elicited Tfh Cell Responses

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) caused by FMD virus (FMDV) is a major health and economic problem in the farming industry. Vaccination of livestock against this highly infectious viral disease is crucial, and inactivated FMD vaccine has been effective at controlling infection. However, accumulated data show that the inactivated vaccine generates weak immune responses and that the oil formulation results in undesirable side effects. Mushroom lectins have recently been shown to display adjuvant effects when incorporated into DNA vaccines. In this study, to enhance the cellular immune response of FMDV antigen (146S), C57BL/6 mice were immunized with 146S combined with Xylaria hypoxylon lectin (XHL). The oil formulation (146S/Oil) was served as control group. Strong humoral immune responses were elicited in mice immunized with 146S/XHL as shown by high 146S antigen-specific IgG levels, and also in 146S/Oil group. Interestingly, XHL in conjunction with inactivated FMD vaccine activated strong Th1 and Tc1 cell responses, especially Tfh cell responses, in immunized mice. XHL stimulated dendritic cell maturation by upregulating expression of major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) molecules and co-stimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86 in immunized mice. No XHL-specific IgG or inflammatory factors were detected indicating the safety of XHL as an adjuvant. Taken together, these results suggest the effectiveness of XHL at inducing cellular immune responses and therefore confirm its suitability as an adjuvant for inactivated FMD vaccine.

TBX6 null variants and a common hypomorphic allele in congenital scoliosis

BACKGROUND

Congenital scoliosis is a common type of vertebral malformation. Genetic susceptibility has been implicated in congenital scoliosis.

METHODS

We evaluated 161 Han Chinese persons with sporadic congenital scoliosis, 166 Han Chinese controls, and 2 pedigrees, family members of which had a 16p11.2 deletion, using comparative genomic hybridization, quantitative polymerase-chain-reaction analysis, and DNA sequencing. We carried out tests of replication using an additional series of 76 Han Chinese persons with congenital scoliosis and a multicenter series of 42 persons with 16p11.2 deletions.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 17 heterozygous TBX6 null mutations in the 161 persons with sporadic congenital scoliosis (11%); we did not observe any null mutations in TBX6 in 166 controls (P<3.8×10(-6)). These null alleles include copy-number variants (12 instances of a 16p11.2 deletion affecting TBX6) and single-nucleotide variants (1 nonsense and 4 frame-shift mutations). However, the discordant intrafamilial phenotypes of 16p11.2 deletion carriers suggest that heterozygous TBX6 null mutation is insufficient to cause congenital scoliosis. We went on to identify a common TBX6 haplotype as the second risk allele in all 17 carriers of TBX6 null mutations (P<1.1×10(-6)). Replication studies involving additional persons with congenital scoliosis who carried a deletion affecting TBX6 confirmed this compound inheritance model. In vitro functional assays suggested that the risk haplotype is a hypomorphic allele. Hemivertebrae are characteristic of TBX6-associated congenital scoliosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Compound inheritance of a rare null mutation and a hypomorphic allele of TBX6 accounted for up to 11% of congenital scoliosis cases in the series that we analyzed. (Funded by the National Basic Research Program of China and others.).

The Porous Structure and Mechanical Properties of Injection Molded HA/PA66 Scaffolds

Hydroxyapatite/polyamide-66 (HA/PA66) composite scaffolds were prepared using injection-molding technique, and also analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mechanical testing. Compared with common methods including solvent casting/particulate leaching, phase separation and so forth to fabricate scaffolds, this process is of a rapid and convenient manner. The increase of HA content can increase the stiffness of composite scaffolds accompanied by the reduction of impact strength, pore size and porosity. The storage modulus of composite scaffolds increases with increasing HA content and with decreasing porosity. The damping (tan δ) of PA66 decreases with the increase of HA content, and the α and β relaxation peaks of PA66 for the foamed HA/PA66 composites slightly shift to lower value, indicating that both HA and gas in the foamed HA/PA66 composites have an effect on the chain mobility of the polymer and the interaction between the polymer chains. The microstructure of the 30 wt% and 40 wt% HA/PA66 composite scaffolds with porosity more than 59 % and pore size ranging from 100 to 500 μm is similar to that of dry human trabecular bone. The obtained composite scaffolds with 30 wt% and 40 wt% HA have a compressive modulus of 232 to 443 MPa, and a compressive strength of 9.3 to 9.8 MPa, similar to or a little higher than those of trabecular bone, and close to those of the cancellous bone.

Glucocorticoid induced autophagy in N1511 chondrocyte cells

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether autophagy was involved in chondrocyte cells post Glucocorticoids (GCs) treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LC3-GFP reporter plasmid transfection and western blotting analysis were conducted to determine the autophagic vesicles and autophagy-associated molecules in the N1511 chondrocyte cells post dexamethasone (Dex) treatment. And the N1511 cell viability was also determined by MTT assay.

RESULTS

We found that autophagy was induced in the N1511 chondrocyte cells post treatment with Dex of 5 µM to 1 mM, and the autophagy-induction by Dex could be inhibited by 3 MA and RU486, a GC antagonist. And the autophagy induced by the high dose of Dex (200 µM or 1 mM) was associated with a reduction of N1511 cell viability.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that GCs could induce autophagy, as might contribute to the viability reduction of chondrocyte cells.

Searching for cheaper catalysts with high activity and stability in Ce–M–O systems (M = Fe, Co, Ni)

A cheaper catalyst with enhanced catalytic activity and stability was investigated among Ce–M–O (M = Fe, Co, Ni) systems.