Chronic inflammation initiates multiple forms of K-Ras-independent mouse pancreatic cancer in the absence of TP53

Chronic inflammation (CI) is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer (PC) including the most common type, ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but its role and the mechanisms involved are unclear. To investigate the role of CI in PC, we generated genetic mouse models with pancreatic specific CI in the presence or absence of TP53. Mice were engineered to express either cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) or IκB kinase-2 (IKK2), and TP53^+/+ or TP53^f/f specifically in adult pancreatic acinar cells by using a full-length pancreatic elastase promoter-driven Cre. Animals were followed for >80 weeks and pancreatic lesions were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically. The presence of K-ras mutations was assessed by direct sequencing, locked nuclei acid (LNA)-based PCR, and immunohistochemistry. We observed that sustained COX-2/IKK2 expression caused histological abnormalities of pancreas, including increased immune cell infiltration, proliferation rate and DNA damage. A minority of animals with CI developed pre-neoplastic lesions, but cancer was not observed in any TP53^+/+ animals within 84 weeks. In contrast, all animals with CI-lacking TP53 developed various subtypes of PC, including acinar cell carcinoma, ductal adenocarcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors, and all died within 65 weeks. No evidence of K-ras mutations was observed. Variations in the activity of the Hippo, pERK and c-Myc pathways were found in the diverse cancer subtypes. In summary, chronic inflammation is extremely inefficient at inducing PC in the presence of TP53. However, in the absence of TP53, CI leads to the development of several rare K-ras-independent forms of PC, with infrequent PDAC. This may help explain the rarity of PDAC in persons with chronic inflammatory conditions.

DREADD in parvalbumin interneurons of the dentate gyrus modulates anxiety, social interaction and memory extinction

Parvalbumin (PV)-positive interneurons in the hippocampus play a critical role in animal memory, such as spatial working memory. However, how PV-positive interneurons in the subregions of the hippocampus affect animal behaviors remains poorly defined. Here, we achieved specific and reversible activation of PV-positive interneurons using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) technology. Inducible DREADD expression was demonstrated in vitro in cultured neurons, in which co-transfection of the hM3D-Gq-mCherry vector with a Cre plasmid resulted in a cellular response to hM3Dq ligand clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) stimulation. In addition, the dentate gyrus (DG) of PV-Cre mice received bilateral injection of control lentivirus or lentivirus expressing double floxed hM3D-Gq-mCherry. Selective activation of PV-positive interneurons in the DG did not affect locomotor activity or depression-related behavior in mice. Interestingly, stimulation of PV-positive interneurons induced an anxiolytic effect. Activation of PVpositive interneurons appears to impair social interaction to novelty, but has no effect on social motivation. However, this defect is likely due to the anxiolytic effect as the exploratory behavior of mice expressing hM3DGq is significantly increased. Mice expressing hM3D-Gq did not affect novel object recognition. Activation of PV-positive interneurons in the DG maintains intact cued and contextual fear memory but facilitates fear extinction. Collectively, our results demonstrated that proper control of PV interneurons activity in the DG is critical for regulation of the anxiety, social interaction and fear extinction. These results improve our fundamental understanding of the physiological role of PV-positive interneurons in the hippocampus.

Evaluation of two molecular techniques for rapid detection of the main dermatophytic agents of tinea capitis

BACKGROUND

Tinea capitis is very common in Western China, with the most widespread aetiological agent being Trichophyton violaceum, while Microsporum canis is prevalent in the remainder of China. Conventional diagnostics and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing analyses have proven relatively limited due to the close phylogenetic relationship of anthropophilic dermatophytes. Therefore, alternative molecular tools with sufficient specificity, reproducibility and sensitivity are necessary.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate two molecular techniques [multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and rolling circle amplification (RCA)] for rapid detection of the aetiological agents of tinea capitis, T. violaceum and M. canis.

METHODS

Probes of RCA and MLPA were designed with target sequences in the rDNA ITS gene region. Strains tested consist of 31 T. violaceum, 22 M. canis and 24 reference strains of species that are taxonomically close to the target species.

RESULTS

The specificity and reproducibility of RCA and MLPA in detection of T. violaceum and M. canis were both 100% in both species. Sensitivity testing showed that RCA was positive at concentrations down to 1·68 × 10(6) copies of DNA in the TvioRCA probe, and 2·7 × 10(8) copies of DNA in McRCA. MLPA yielded positive results at concentrations of DNA down to 1·68 × 10(1) copies in the TvioMLPA probe and 2·7 × 10(2) in McMLPA.

CONCLUSIONS

The two techniques were sufficiently specific and sensitive for discriminating the target DNA of T. violaceum and M. canis from that of closely related dermatophytes. RCA and MLPA are advantageous in their reliability and ease of operation compared with standard polymerase chain reaction and conventional methods.

Ultrasonic imaging of gunshot wounds in pig limb

We investigated wound tract extension of traumatic gunshot wounds in limb soft tissues as well as wound tract sonographic features and change-patterns when the limb position was changed. The experimental animals included 8 healthy crossbred pigs in the Chengdu plain region. Chinese Type 53 Carbine was used to establish the gunshot wound model of porcine soft tissues. Gunshot-injured zones in the soft tissues were dynamically observed at different time points using ultrasonic technology. Pathological examinations were performed for the corresponding regions for comparison and analysis. The internal echo of the wound tract was a pipe-like echo that changed over time. The wound tract extension changed with postural changes. The gas echo extended along the inside of the wound track, surrounding the fascia to further tissues. Ultrasonic imaging of gunshot wounds in pig soft tissues shows specific characteristics. The application of ultrasound technology may provide important imaging protection for gunshot wound debridement and postoperative unobstructed drainage, helping to improve the judgment and treatment of limb gunshot injuries.

Conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasound assessment of craniocerebral gunshot wounds

This study aimed to investigate the characteristic features of craniocerebral gunshot wounds by conventional ultrasound (CUS) and evaluate the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiation of tissue condition in wounds. Twenty crossbreed dogs (treatment: N = 15; control: N = 5) were used in the study. Pipe-shaped hyperechoes of varying size were found by CUS in most of the treated animals. The echoic areas were distinct from the neighboring brain tissue and did not change with time. CEUS revealed that the pipe-shaped echo was unenhanced in majority of the injured brains and the surrounding tissue was either heterogeneously enhanced or unenhanced. Pathological analysis confirmed that the contrast-filling-defect area indicated necrotic tissue and the heterogeneous minimally enhanced areas indicated degenerative tissue. CUS imaging enabled detection of hematomas and CEUS indicated that the filling defect was in the center of the hematoma, with enhancement gradually increasing towards the periphery. CUS could effectively detect a wound tract, hematoma, and the craniocerebral area injured by a gunshot, while CEUS could accurately reveal necrotic tissue in the injured area and differentiate the degenerative from normal tissue.

Test-retest reliability of the Capute scales for neurodevelopmental screening of a high risk sample: Impact of test-retest interval and degree of neonatal risk

AIM

Reliable and valid screening and assessment tools are necessary to identify children at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities who may require additional services. This study evaluated the test-retest reliability of the Capute Scales in a high-risk sample, hypothesizing adequate reliability across 6- and 12-month intervals.

METHODS

Capute Scales scores (N = 66) were collected via retrospective chart review from a NICU follow-up clinic within a large urban medical center spanning three age-ranges: 12-18, 19-24, and 25-36 months. On average, participants were classified as very low birth weight and premature. Reliability of the Capute Scales was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients across length of test-retest interval, age at testing, and degree of neonatal complications.

RESULTS

The Capute Scales demonstrated high reliability, regardless of length of test-retest interval (ranging from 6 to 14 months) or age of participant, for all index scores, including overall Developmental Quotient (DQ), language-based skill index (CLAMS) and nonverbal reasoning index (CAT). Linear regressions revealed that greater neonatal risk was related to poorer test-retest reliability; however, reliability coefficients remained strong.

CONCLUSIONS

The Capute Scales afford clinicians a reliable and valid means of screening and assessing for neurodevelopmental delay within high-risk infant populations.

Multioctave midinfrared supercontinuum generation in suspended-core chalcogenide fibers

An As2S3 fiber-based supercontinuum source that covers 3500 nm, extending from near visible to the midinfrared, is successfully reported by using a 200-fs-pulsed pump with nJ-level energy at 2.5 μm. The main features of our fiber-based source are two-fold. On the one hand, a low-loss As2S3 microstructured optical fiber has been fabricated, with typical attenuation below 2 dB/m in the 1-4 μm wavelength range. On the other hand, a 20-mm-long microstructured fiber sample is sufficient to enable a spectral broadening, spreading from 0.6 to 4.1 μm in a 40 dB dynamic range.

Detection of submicroscopic chromosomal aberrations by array-based comparative genomic hybridization in fetuses with congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the usefulness of array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) for prenatal genetic diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD), with and without associated anomalies, and to explore the relationship between submicroscopic chromosomal aberrations and CHD.

METHODS

In this prospective study we investigated 76 consecutive singleton fetuses with abnormal cardiac ultrasound findings, normal karyotype and negative or no fluorescence in-situ hybridization results for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. All pregnancies underwent aCGH in a comprehensive search for chromosomal aberrations. The relationship between copy number variations (CNVs) and CHD was determined by comparing clinical findings to chromosomal databases.

RESULTS

CNVs that were benign or had no clinical significance were detected in 18/76 (23.7%) cases. CNVs of unknown clinical significance (i.e. VOUS) were detected in 4/76 (5.3%) cases. Pathogenic CNVs were detected in 5/76 (6.6%) cases. Fetuses with CHD and additional structural abnormalities demonstrated no difference in number of pathogenic CNVs when compared with fetuses with isolated CHD (7.4% (n = 2/27) vs 6.1% (n = 3/49), P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this study cohort, aCGH analysis significantly improved the detection of submicroscopic chromosomal aberrations in pregnancies with CHD, as compared with conventional cytogenetics. Our results suggest that aCGH can provide additional genetic information in fetuses with abnormal heart findings.

Cell cytoskeletal changes effected by static compressive stress lead to changes in the contractile properties of tissue regenerative collagen membranes

Static compressive stress can influence the matrix, which subsequently affects cell behaviour and the cell's ability to further transform the matrix. This study aimed to assess response to static compressive stress at different stages of osteoblast differentiation and assess the cell cytoskeleton's role as a conduit of matrix-derived stimuli. Mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (D1 ORL UVA), osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) and post-osteoblast/pre-osteocyte-like cells (MLO-A5) were seeded in hydrated and compressed collagen gels. Contraction was quantified macroscopically, and cell morphology, survival, differentiation and mineralisation assessed using confocal microscopy, alamarBlue® assay, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and histological stains, respectively. Confocal microscopy demonstrated cell shape changes and favourable microfilament organisation with static compressive stress of the collagen matrix; furthermore, cell survival was greater compared to the hydrated gels. The stage of osteoblast differentiation determined the degree of matrix contraction, with MSCs demonstrating the greatest amount. Introduction of microfilament disrupting inhibitors confirmed that pre-stress and tensegrity forces were under the influence of gel density, and there was increased survival and differentiation of the cells within the compressed collagen compared to the hydrated collagen. There was also relative stiffening and differentiation with time of the compressed cell-seeded collagen, allowing for greater manipulation. In conclusion, the combined collagen chemistry and increased density of the microenvironment can promote upregulation of osteogenic genes and mineralisation; MSCs can facilitate matrix contraction to form an engineered membrane with the potential to serve as a 'pseudo-periosteum' in the regeneration of bone defects.

QTL involved in the modification of cyanidin compounds in black and red raspberry fruit

Fruit from Rubus species are highly valued for their flavor and nutritive qualities. Anthocyanin content contributes to these qualities, and although many studies have been conducted to identify and quantify the major anthocyanin compounds from various Rubus species, the genetic control of the accumulation of these complex traits in Rubus is not yet well understood. The identification of the regions of the genome involved in the production of anthocyanins is an important first step in identifying the genes underlying their expression. In this study, ultra and high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC and HPLC) and two newly developed Rubus linkage maps were used to conduct QTL analyses to explore the presence of associations between concentrations of five anthocyanins in fruit and genotype. In total, 27 QTL were identified on the Rubus linkage maps, four of which are associated with molecular markers designed from transcription factors and three of which are associated with molecular markers designed from anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway candidate genes. The results of this study suggest that, while QTL for anthocyanin accumulation have been identified on six of seven Rubus linkage groups (RLG), the QTL on RLG2 and RLG7 may be very important for genetic control of cyanidin modification in Rubus.

Promoter methylation of BRCA1 in triple-negative breast cancer predicts sensitivity to adjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

BRCA1 function is inactivated through BRCA1 promoter methylation in a substantial number of triple-negative breast cancers. We investigated the impact of BRCA1-methylation status on the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer or with non-triple-negative breast cancer.

METHODS

BRCA1 promoter methylation was assessed in 1163 unselected breast cancer patients. Methylation was evaluated using a methylation-specific PCR (MSP) assay.

RESULTS

In the subgroup of 167 triple-negative breast cancer patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, patients with BRCA1-methylated tumors had a superior 10-year disease-free survival (DFS)(78% versus 55%, P = 0.009) and 10-year disease-specific survival (DSS) (85% versus 69%, P = 0.024) than those with BRCA1-unmethylated tumors, and BRCA1 methylation was an independent favorable predictor of DFS and DSS in a multivariate analysis in this subgroup [DFS: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24-0.84; P = 0.019; DSS: HR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.19-0.95; P = 0.044]. In contrast, in 675 non-triple-negative breast cancer patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, BRCA1 methylation was an unfavorable predictor of DFS and DSS in univariate analysis (DFS: HR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.16-2.12; P = 0.003; DSS: HR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.05-2.21; P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Triple-negative breast cancer patients with BRCA1-methylated tumors are sensitive to adjuvant chemotherapy and have a favorable survival compared with patients with BRCA1-unmethylated triple-negative tumors.

Botulinum toxin injections combined with or without sodium hyaluronate in the absence of electromyography for the treatment of infantile esotropia: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a revised technique of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) injections for the treatment of infantile esotropia.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients with infantile esotropia were randomly divided into two groups. In group A, 23 cases were treated with a bilateral injection of 2.5-3.75 U BTA combined with sodium hyaluronate (SH) to the medial rectus muscle. In group B, 24 cases were treated with a bilateral injection of 2.5-3.75 U BTA solution alone to the medial rectus muscle. Electromyography was not used in the study. All patients received one injection and were evaluated 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months following injection.

RESULTS

The measured changes between groups A and B included the frequencies of good alignment 6 months after injections (30.4% vs 37.5%), complicated ptosis (2.2% vs 20.8%), and vertical deviation (2.2% vs 2.1%).

CONCLUSION

BTA injections combined with or without SH in the absence of electromyography demonstrated effectiveness and feasibility in the treatment of infantile esotropia. A relative decrease in the frequency of complicated ptosis resulted from injections of BTA+SH.