Systematic analyses for candidate genes of milk production traits in water buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis)

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is of great economic importance as a provider of milk and meat in many countries. However, the milk yield of buffalo is much lower than that of Holstein cows. Selection of candidate genes related to milk production traits can be applied to improve buffalo milk performance. A systematic review of studies of these candidate genes will be greatly beneficial for researchers to timely and efficiently understand the research development of molecular markers for buffalo milk production traits. Here, we identified and classified the candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits. A total of 517 candidate genes have been identified as being associated with milk performance in different buffalo breeds. Nineteen candidate genes containing 47 mutation sites have been identified using the candidate gene approach. In addition, 499 candidate genes have been identified in six genome-wide association studies (GWASes) including two studies performed with the bovine SNP chip and four studies with the buffalo SNP chip. Genes CTNND2 (catenin delta 2), APOB (apolipoprotein B), FHIT (fragile histidine triad) and ESRRG (estrogen related receptor gamma) were identified in at least two GWASes. These four genes, especially APOB, deserve further study to explore regulatory roles in buffalo milk production. With growth in the number of buffalo genomic studies, more candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits will be identified. Therefore, future studies, such as those investigating gene location and functional analyses, are necessary to facilitate the exploitation of genetic potential and the improvement of buffalo milk performance.

Efficacy of triamcinolone-soaked polyglycolic acid sheet plus fully covered metal stent for preventing stricture formation after large esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection

Esophageal stricture is a major problem for patients with large superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms (SESCNs) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Although many measures could be used as prophylaxis for post-ESD strictures, a well-accepted method has not yet been established. We propose using a triamcinolone-soaked polyglycolic acid sheet plus fully covered metal stent (TS-PGA+FCMS) as a novel method to prevent stricture formation after large esophageal ESD. From June 2016 to May 2017, nine patients with SESCNs (≥3/4 of the esophageal circumference) who underwent TS-PGA+FCMS placement immediately after ESD and did not require additional surgical resection were enrolled in this case series. All stents were removed 4-6 weeks post-ESD. The sizes of mucosal defects in 9 patients were 3/4 (n = 1), 4/5 (n = 2), 1/1 (n = 6). The average size of resection was 90.0 mm (range: 60-140 mm). The incidence of stricture was 33.3% (3/9) of patients. No stricture occurred in 3 patients with noncircumferential resection, while stricture occurred in 50% (3/6) patients with circumferential resection. The median number of EBD sessions was 4 (range: 3-4 sessions). No adverse events or recurrences were observed during the median follow-up period of 15.2 months (range: 12-22 months). The TS-PGA+FCMS method is safe and may decrease the incidence of esophageal stricture and the number of EBD sessions after large esophageal ESD.

[Clinicopathologic analysis of extranodal non-hodgkin lymphoma of the sinonasal cavities: a 15-case report]

Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestation, imaging and histological features of different histological subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.Method:Fifteen NHL patients of the sinonasal region were collected from the Department of Otolaryngology of Peking University Third Hospital from 2010 to 2016. HE staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed. The clinical characteristics and imaging features of different subtypes were described and analyzed.Result::We analyzed a total of 6 patients with localized sinonasal diffuse large B cell lymphoma and 9 patients with localized sinonasal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma. The age distribution for these two subtypes is very distinct. The median age of the patients with localized sinonasal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma was 39 years. There were 5 males and 4 females. Nine sinonasal NHLs were NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, all of which were infected with EBV. The median age of the patients with localized sinonasal diffuse large B cell lymphoma was 64 years. There were 3males and 3 females. Symptoms for patients with SN-DLBCL and SN-ENKTL were significantly different in epiphora, proptosis, diplopia and nasal congestion (P=0.18, 0.004, 0.18, 0.18). Imaging features for patients with SN-DLBCL and SN-ENKTL were significantly different in tumor extended to orbit and inferior turbinate (P>0.05). Positive staining for CD 56 was detected in 9 patients, for CD 3 in 9 patients, for EBER in 9 patients. The Hans algorithm identified 1 patient with the germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype and 5 with the non-GCB subtype.Compared with the control group, the observation group was significantly better than the control group (P < 0.01).Conclusion:Early symptoms of epiphora, proptosis, diplopia, and images finding with orbital invasion should be highly suspected of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Positive staining for CD 56 and EBER were detected in all patients with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, and positive staining for CD20 was detected in all patients with SN-DLBCL.

[Application of endoscope assisted curved laryngoscope in laryngeal microsurgery of patients with difficulty laryngeal exposure]

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical value of endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy in laryngeal microsurgery of patients with difficulty laryngeal exposure. Method:The data of 28 patients with difficulty laryngeal exposure underwent microlaryngosurgery with endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique were collected. Result:Surgeries with endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique were completed successfully one-time in all patients. The fully exposure of glottis was 100%. All cases were followed up for 2 to 18 months. No residual disease or recurrence occurred and no obvious complication occurred. Conclusion:Endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique is a useful solution to difficulty laryngeal exposure. It has satisfactory glottis exposure, clear surgical field and fewer complications which is worthy of promotion.

Molecular characterization and expression patterns of ghrelin in the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

Ghrelin is a novel growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide, which has been identified as an endogenous ligand for the GH-sretagogue receptor. The sequence and expression of ghrelin has been determined in many species. In this study, to reveal the molecular characterization and expression patterns of ghrelin in the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), the full-length DNA and cDNA encoding ghrelin were cloned from reindeer stomach using genome walking and rapid amplification of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid ends (RACE). The expression of ghrelin in almost all tissues was examined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The 4076 bp amplicon of the ghrelin gene consisting of 4 exons and 3 introns was cloned from reindeer. Results of cDNA cloning and sequence analysis revealed that the full-length ghrelin cDNA was composed of 539 bp that included a 5'-untranslated region (46 bp), an open reading frame (ORF) (351 bp), and a 3'-untranslated region (142 bp). In addition, ghrelin was expressed in the all tissues examined, with the expression in the abomasum significantly higher than that in other tissues (p<0.05), followed by the pancreas, duodenum, testis and oesophagus. The results show that the expression of ghrelin in the reindeer gastrointestinal tract is extensive, suggesting its may have a role in regulating the digestive function.

[Application of endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique in transoral laryngopharyngeal minimally invasive surgery]

Objective: To explore the possibility of endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique applied in transoral laryngopharyngeal minimally invasive surgery and evaluate the advantages of this technique. Methods: Eight patients with huge benign lesions in larynx and pharynx undergoing transoral microsurgery at Peking University Third Hospital between February 2016 and February 2017 were enrolled in this study.The diagnosis included cyst at the base of tongue in two patients, cysts in the epiglottis in two patients, hemangioma in two patients, multiple masses of the hypopharynx and amyloidosis in supraglottic area in one patient each.The time and exposure during surgery, occurrence rate of complication and conditions of following-up were recorded. Results: The mean time of surgery was 20 min, the exposure was satisfying.There was no obvious complication after surgery.No residual or recurrent lesion was observed after 1 to 12 months follow-up(mean time 4.5 months). Conclusion: The endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique has advantages in shortening the time of surgery, improving exposure and reducing the rate of complication and recurrence.

Dexamethasone induces docetaxel and cisplatin resistance partially through up-regulating Krüppel-like factor 5 in triple-negative breast cancer

PURPOSE

Dexamethasone (Dex), a glucocorticoid (GC), is used as a pretreatment drug in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Dex functions by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to prevent allergic reactions and severe chemotherapeutic side effects such as nausea and vomiting. However, the mechanisms by which Dex causes chemoresistance remain unknown.

METHODS

We used docetaxel and cisplatin to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells with or without Dex and assessed cell proliferation using a sulforhodamine B colorimetric (SRB) assay. Additionally, Western blotting was employed to measure Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), GR and several apoptosis-related proteins. To determine how the GR regulates KLF5, we used qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter assays and ChIP assays. Finally, we detected the involvement of Dex in TNBC chemotherapeutic resistance using HCC1806 xenograft model in vivo.

RESULTS

In this study, we demonstrated that Dex induces docetaxel and cisplatin resistance in TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Dex up-regulates pro-survival transcription factor KLF5 expression at both mRNA and protein levels dependent on GR. Importantly, Dex failed to promote cancer cell survival and tumor growth when KLF5 induction was blocked.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that KLF5 is a Dex-induced gene that contributes to Dex-mediated drug chemoresistance, providing a potential novel target for TNBC treatment.

Microarray expression profiling of dysregulated long non-coding RNAs in Hirschsprung's disease reveals their potential role in molecular diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is one of the common digestive disorders in the new born. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in various biological processes. However, knowledge on lncRNAs in HSCR is limited.

METHODS

The expression profile of lncRNAs in HSCR was obtained using microarray. A total of 2078 differentially expressed lncRNAs were detected by microarray in HSCR tissues compared with matched normal colon tissues (fold change ≥2, p < 0.05). Candidate biomarkers were selected from these differentially expressed lncRNAs based on artificial criterion (raw signal intensity ≥50; fold change ≥8) and then validated in 80 pairs of HSCR and normal tissues using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, the computational analysis was used to evaluate the lncRNA-microRNA and lncRNA-protein relationships.

KEY RESULTS

A panel of 5-lncRNAs was identified to distinguish HSCR from normal tissues with remarkable sensitivity and specificity. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for HSCR identification in the validation set was 0.875. The bioinformatics analysis reveals that these dysregulated lncRNAs are mainly involved in RNA-protein relationships, including RNA splicing, binding, transport, processing, and localization.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Our results are the first to report the expression profile of dysregulated lncRNAs in HSCR and infer that lncRNAs may serve as novel diagnostic biomarkers for HSCR.

Increased serum ADAMTS-4 in knee osteoarthritis: a potential indicator for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis in early stages

We compared serum levels of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4, ADAMTS-5, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP-3 in patients with different stages of knee osteoarthritis (OA), and investigated the clinical significance of diagnosing OA in early stages. OA patients were divided into 2 groups: early OA group (44 cases), intermediate and advanced OA group (26 cases). The healthy control group included 30 samples. ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels in the serum were tested using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed by seeding the significantly expressed marker, followed by Gene Ontology enrichment analyses using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. ADAMTS-4 levels were significantly higher in patients at early stages of OA compared to intermediate or advanced OA and healthy controls. ADAMTS-5, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels in intermediate and advanced-stage OA patients were significantly higher than those in early-stage OA patients and healthy controls. The protein-protein interaction network showed that ADAMTS-4 participates in 67 interactions. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis validated that genes associated with ADAMTS-4 participate in collagen metabolism and OA. ADAMTS-4 is a potential biomarker as an early diagnostic indicator of OA.

Stimulant-induced dopamine increases are markedly blunted in active cocaine abusers

Dopamine signaling in nucleus accumbens is essential for cocaine reward. Interestingly, imaging studies have reported blunted dopamine increases in striatum (assessed as reduced binding of [(11)C]raclopride to D2/D3 receptors) in detoxified cocaine abusers. Here, we evaluate whether the blunted dopamine response reflected the effects of detoxification and the lack of cocaine-cues during stimulant exposure. For this purpose we studied 62 participants (43 non-detoxified cocaine abusers and 19 controls) using positron emission tomography and [(11)C]raclopride (radioligand sensitive to endogenous dopamine) to measure dopamine increases induced by intravenous methylphenidate and in 24 of the cocaine abusers, we also compared dopamine increases when methylphenidate was administered concomitantly with a cocaine cue-video versus a neutral-video. In controls, methylphenidate increased dopamine in dorsal (effect size 1.4; P<0.001) and ventral striatum (location of accumbens) (effect size 0.89; P<0.001), but in cocaine abusers methylphenidate's effects did not differ from placebo and were similar whether cocaine-cues were present or not. In cocaine abusers despite the markedly attenuated dopaminergic effects, the methylphenidate-induced changes in ventral striatum were associated with intense drug craving. Our findings are consistent with markedly reduced signaling through D2 receptors during intoxication in active cocaine abusers regardless of cues exposure, which might contribute to compulsive drug use.

Biomechanical effects of vertebroplasty on thoracolumbar burst fracture with transpedicular fixation: a finite element model analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the biomechanical effects of augmentation of the fractured vertebrae after posterior instrumentation.

METHODS

By simulating internal fixation plus augmentation with cement, eight tridimensional, anatomically detailed finite element models of the T11-L1 functional spinal junction were developed. Two kinds of models for mimicking different severity of the fracture were established according to the Denis' classification. Augmentation with cement was conducted after reduction with posterior fixation using a universal spine system. These models assumed a three-column loading configuration as follows: compression, anteflexion, extension, lateroflexion and axial rotation. Stress of the implants and spine was evaluated.

RESULTS

Data showed that for severely fractured models, augmentation apparently decreased the von Mises stresses by 50% for the rods and 40% for the screws, about 40% for the inferior endplate of T11, and 50% for the superior endplate of L1 in vertical compression and other load situations.

CONCLUSION

We should only apply vertebroplasty to prevent correction loss and implants failure based on the fact that it could significantly decrease stress of the instrumentations and spine when the vertebrae are severely fractured.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, biomechanical study.

Transcriptomic characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma with CTNNB1 mutation

Purpose

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common solid tumor worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. HCC is a particularly serious threat to the Chinese population. Although many molecular alterations are known to be involved in the tumorigenesis of hepatocytes, no systemic survey has examined the somatic mutations in HCC samples from Chinese patients. Our goal was to elucidate somatic mutations in Chinese HCC patients and investigate the possible molecular mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis.

Experimental Design

A total of 110 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive HCC samples and 46 HBV-negative HCC samples were genotyped for hot-spot mutations in the CSF1R, CTNNB1, KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, ERBB2, MET, PIK3CA, JAK1, and SMO genes. The transcriptomes of the CTNNB1 mutation-positive HCC samples from the HBV-positive patients (CB+ HCC) were compared to adjacent non-cancerous livers, and significantly altered genes were functionally validated in vitro.

Results

CTNNB1 mutations accounted for the majority of the mutations detected in our study. A slightly higher mutation rate was found in the HBV-positive patients than in their negative counterparts. A distinct pattern of CTNNB1 mutation was detected in these two populations, and drastic changes at the transcriptomic level were detected in the CB+ tumors compared to adjacent non-cancerous livers. Potential tumor suppressors (FoxA3 and Onecut1) and oncogenes (MAFG and SSX1) were functionally validated.

Conclusions

Our work is the first systemic characterization of oncogenic mutations in HCC samples from Chinese patients. Targeting the Wnt-β-catenin pathway may represent a valid treatment option for Chinese HCC patients. Our work also suggests that targeting ONECUT1, FOXA3, SSX1, and MAFG may be a valid treatment option for CTNNB1 mutation positive HCC patients.