Why pendulum symmetry is absent from the cymose partial inflorescences of Cannaceae? Insights into the essential characteristic of cincinni

In a typical cincinnus, the neighboring two flowers are generally enantiomorphic, which leads to the pendulum symmetry of the entire cyme. While in a two-flowered Cannaceae cincinnus, the flowers develop the same chirality. In this study, we observed several abnormal cincinni of Canna indica that extended longer than their normal form, which presented a second enantiomorphic flower, thus reflecting a typical pendulum symmetry. The chirality change of the second flower was strongly associated with the position of the lateral cincinnus meristem, which determines the angle size of the cincinnus zigzag shift and may serve as a key factor controlling the formation of pendulum symmetry. We propose that alternating floral chirality and the concomitant pendulum symmetry are the essential characteristics of a typical cincinnus. Accordingly, Canna flowers with the same chirality are arranged in modified cincinni.

[CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TEAD1 knockout induces phenotypic modulation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells in diabetic rats with erectile dysfunction]

OBJECTIVE

To construct a corpus cavemosum smooth muscle cell (CCSMCs) line with TEAD1 knockout from diabetic rats with erectile dysfunction (ED) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and explore the role of TEAD1 in phenotypic modulation of CCSMCs in diabetic rats with ED.

OBJECTIVE

Models of diabetic ED were established in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. CCSMCs from the rat models were primarily cultured and identified with immunofluorescence assay. Three sgRNAs (sgRNA-1, sgRNA-2 and sgRNA-3) were transfected via lentiviral vectors into 293T cells to prepare the sgRNA-Cas9 lentivirus. CCSMCs from diabetic rats with ED were infected by the lentivirus, and the cellular expression of TEAD1 protein was detected using Western blotting. In CCSMCs infected with the sgRNA-Cas9 lentivirus (CCSMCs-sgRNA-2), or the empty lentiviral vector (CCSMCs-sgRNA-NC) and the blank control cells (CCSMCs-CK), the expressions of cellular phenotypic markers SMMHC, calponin and PCNA at the mRNA and protein levels were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

The primarily cultured CCSMCs from diabetic rats with ED showed a high α-SMA-positive rate of over 95%. The recombinant lentivirus of TEAD1-sgRNA was successfully packaged, and stable TEAD1-deficient CCSMC lines derived from diabetic rat with ED were obtained. Western blotting confirmed that the protein expression of TEAD1 in TEAD1-sgRNA-2 group was the lowest (P < 0.05), and this cell line was used in subsequent experiment. The results of qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed significantly up-regulated expressions of SMMHC and calponin (all P < 0.05) and down-regulated expression of PCNA (all P < 0.05) at both the mRNA and protein levels in TEAD1-deficient CCSMCs from diabetic rats with ED.

OBJECTIVE

We successfully constructed a stable CCSMCs line with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TEAD1 knockout from diabetic rats with ED. TEAD1 gene knockout can induce phenotype transformation of the CCSMCs from diabetic rats with ED from the synthetic to the contractile type.

Expression and Function Studies of CYC/TB1-Like Genes in the Asymmetric Flower Canna (Cannaceae, Zingiberales)

The asymmetric flower, lacking any plane of symmetry, is rare among angiosperms. Canna indica L. has conspicuously asymmetric flowers resulting from the presence of a half-fertile stamen, while the other androecial members develop as petaloid staminodes or abort early during development. The molecular basis of the asymmetric distribution of fertility and petaloidy in the androecial whorls remains unknown. Ontogenetic studies have shown that Canna flowers are borne on monochasial (cincinnus) partial florescences within a racemose inflorescence, with floral asymmetry likely corresponding to the inflorescence architecture. Given the hypothesized role of CYC/TB1 genes in establishing floral symmetry in response to the influence of the underlying inflorescence architecture, the spatiotemporal expression patterns of three Canna CYC/TB1 homologs (CiTBL1a, CiTBL1b-1, and CiTBL1b-2) were analyzed during inflorescence and floral development using RNA in situ hybridization and qRT-PCR. In the young inflorescence, both CiTBL1a and CiTBL1b-1 were found to be expressed in the bracts and at the base of the lateral florescence branches, whereas transcripts of CiTBL1b-2 were mainly detected in flower primordia and inflorescence primordia. During early flower development, expression of CiTBL1a and CiTBL1b-1 were both restricted to the developing sepals and petals. In later flower development, expression of CiTBL1a was reduced to a very low level while CiTBL1b-1 was detected with extremely high expression levels in the petaloid androecial structures including the petaloid staminodes, the labellum, and the petaloid appendage of the fertile stamen. In contrast, expression of CiTBL1b-2 was strongest in the fertile stamen throughout flower development, from early initiation of the stamen primordium to maturity of the ½ anther. Heterologous overexpression of CiTBL genes in Arabidopsis led to dwarf plants with smaller petals and fewer stamens, and altered the symmetry of mature flowers. These data provide evidence for the involvement of CYC/TB1 homologs in the development of the asymmetric Cannaceae flower.

A functional mutation in the AMPD1 promoter region affects promoter activity and breast meat freshness in chicken

Freshness is an important index to determine the quality deterioration (protein degradation and changes in appearance) of chilled chicken meat and is a primary consideration of consumers. Adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 (AMPD1) catalyzes the deamination of adenosine monophosphate to inosine monophosphate in skeletal muscle and is the rate-limiting step in the purine nucleotide cycle. Inosine monophosphate is regarded as an important indicator of meat freshness in chicken. This study investigated the association of polymorphisms in the chicken AMPD1 promoter region with meat freshness during freezing storage. An SNP (c. -905G>A) was found to be associated with the freshness (K-value) of chicken breast meat. Chickens with the AA genotype had significantly lower K-values than those with GG and AG genotypes (P < 0.01). Individuals with the AA genotype also had higher breast meat AMPD1 mRNA levels than did those with the GG and AG genotypes (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). A luciferase assay revealed that genotype AA had greater transcriptional activity than genotype GG. Transcription factor binding site analysis identified distinct putative transcription factor binding sites in the two alleles of mutation site c. -905. In summary, we identified an SNP (c. -905G>A) in the promoter region of the AMPD1 gene that may modulate the binding affinity of different transcription factors to control AMPD1 expression and affect the freshness K-value of chicken meat.

Irregular adaxial-abaxial polarity rearrangement contributes to the monosymmetric-to-asymmetric transformation of Canna indica stamen

In flowering plants, lateral organs including stamens develop according to the precise regulation of adaxial-abaxial polarity. However, the polarity establishment process is poorly understood in asymmetric stamens. Canna indica (Zingiberales: Cannaceae) is a common ornamental plant with an asymmetric stamen comprising a one-theca anther and a petaloid appendage. In this study, we depicted the monosymmetric-to-asymmetric morphogenesis of C. indica stamen, and the morphogenesis of the monosymmetric stamen of a sister species was used as a contrast. We chose a HD-ZIP III gene family member and a YABBY family member as the adaxial and abaxial polarity marker genes, respectively, and tested their expression using mRNA in situ hybridization. The expression patterns of the two genes changed dynamically and asymmetrically during the stamen development process. Compared with their homologues in Arabidopsis thaliana, these two genes exhibited some specific expression patterns. We hypothesize that the distinctive adaxial-abaxial polarity participates in the irregular morphogenesis of C. indica stamen, which mediates the putative stamen-to-petaloid staminode conversion in this species.

Linc00261 suppresses growth and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer via repressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified to participate in the development and progression of various types of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the expression and function of linc00261 in NSCLC has not been studied yet. We aim to explore the role and potential of linc00261 in NSCLC tumorigenesis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of linc00261 in 71 paired of NSCLC tissues and matched normal tissues, was detected using quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Linc00261 expression in NSCLC cells was also measured. NSCLC cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1 or siRNA linc00261 to upregulate or downregulate linc00261 expression, respectively. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and colony formation assay were utilized for examining the proliferative ability of NSCLC cells. Wound-healing and transwell assays were performed for detecting the metastatic ability of NSCLC cells. Protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers were detected by Western blot. Furthermore, in vivo function of linc00261 was evaluated using the nude mice.

RESULTS

Linc00261 expressed significantly lower in NSCLC tissues and cell lines than that in the adjacent normal tissues or control cell line. Over-expression of linc00261 significantly inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of NSCLC cells. On the contrast, knockdown of linc00261 promoted cell growth and metastasis of NSCLC cells. Furthermore, linc00261 inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of NSCLC via downregulating Snail. Linc00261 could slow down the growth of xenograft of NSCLC in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that linc00261 was lowly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells. It inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis by downregulating Snail expression via EMT. This might provide a novel sight for the biological treatment for NSCLC.

Identification of differentially expressed genes associated with egg production in black-boned chicken

1. Muchuan black-bone chicken is well known in China for its meat quality and medicinal properties; however, its egg-laying performance is not ideal. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of black-boned chicken egg-laying, high-throughput RNA sequencing was performed to compare differences in the pituitary transcriptome between three high-rate (group H) and three low-rate (group L) egg production chickens. 2. In total, 171 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the two groups, of which 113 were upregulated and 58 were downregulated in group L. Some of these genes are known to be related to hormone secretion or the regulation of reproductive processes; these include prolactin-releasing hormone (PRLH), distal-less homeobox 6 (DLX6), interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), and cilia and flagella associated protein 69 (CFAP69). Notably, expression pattern analysis indicated that both PRLH and DLX6 may influence egg-laying performance. 3. The dataset provided a foundation for discovering important genes and pathways involved in the chicken egg-laying process, and may help to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms of chicken reproduction.

The association between patient-reported readiness for hospital discharge and outcomes in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders: A prospective and observational study

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) has been an important topic for nurses. RHD can be measured by the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS), including 4 subscales: personal status, knowledge, coping ability and expected support. There are few studies that focus on RHD in patients diagnosed with mental disorders. WHAT DOES THE PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Improving patient-reported RHD can decrease the risks of unscheduled post-discharge clinic visits, readmission and poor quality of life (QOL) in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving patient-reported personal status can decrease the risk of poor QOL in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving patient-reported knowledge can decrease the risks of unscheduled post-discharge clinic visits and readmission in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving patient-reported expected support can decrease the risk of unscheduled post-discharge clinic visits in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving the methods of discharge teaching and anxiety severity can enhance RHD in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Nurses could enhance patient-reported RHD to reduce unscheduled post-discharge medical resource utilization or improve QOL by facilitating knowledge acquisition and skill development and improving social support systems. Nurse managers could add RHD assessment to patients' discharge process and train nurses in the methods of discharge education. Nurses could advance their methods of discharge education, such as listening to and answering patients' questions, choosing a convenient time and engaging in online education. ABSTRACT: Introduction The association between readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) and post-discharge outcomes remains unclear in individuals with anxiety disorders. Aim To explore the factors of RHD and the effect of patient-reported RHD on post-discharge outcomes. Method In the observational study, 373 patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders completed the self-administered Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) on discharge. After 30 days, phone interviews were conducted to collect data on post-discharge outcomes, including self-reported unscheduled medical service utilization, symptom severity and quality of life (QOL). Multiple logistic regression models were built to explore the relationships among sociodemographic characteristics, the RHDS and its subscales, and post-discharge outcomes. Results The unscheduled clinic visits were significantly associated with low RHD, knowledge and expected support. Readmission was significantly associated with low RHD and knowledge. Poor QOL was significantly associated with low RHD and personal status. Delivery, received content and anxiety severity were the predictors of RHD. Discussion Improved RHD is associated with fewer unscheduled clinic visits and readmissions and better QOL. Enhancing discharge education can improve RHD. Implications for practice Nurses should enhance patient-reported RHD to improve post-discharge outcomes by advancing the quality of discharge education in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

Identification of key microRNAs affecting melanogenesis of breast muscle in Muchuan black-boned chickens by RNA sequencing

1. Melanin content is considered an important indicator of meat quality in black-boned chickens, which have a high market value. To understand the complex physiological processes underlying muscle melanogenesis in this chicken, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were detected between black muscle (BM) and white muscle (WM) of chickens using high-throughput sequencing technology. Six small RNA libraries were constructed, and more than 16.75 million clean reads were obtained for each library. 2. A total of 582 known miRNAs and 65 novel miRNAs were identified from the six chicken sequence libraries. A total of 19 DEMs were identified between the two groups, of which nine were upregulated and 10 were downregulated. Furthermore, the DEMs were predicted to target 572 genes. 3. Certain DEMs (such as miR-204, miR-133b, and miR-12 229-3p) and their target genes may play an important role in muscle melanogenesis of chickens. These findings provide a foundation for clarifying the miRNA regulatory mechanisms involved in muscle pigmentation in avian species.

Long noncoding RNA DSCAM-AS1 functions as an oncogene in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting BCL11A

OBJECTIVE

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted more attention for their role in tumor progression recently. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of DSCAM-AS1 in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to elucidate its possible underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

DSCAM-AS1 expression in both NSCLC cells and tissue samples was detected by Real Time quantitative-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Moreover, the association between the DSCAM-AS1 expression level and patients' overall survival rate was explored. Furthermore, wound healing assay and transwell assay were conducted. In addition, RT-qPCR and Western blot assay were used to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

DSCAM-AS1 expression level in NSCLC samples was significantly higher than that of the corresponding normal tissues. The expression level of DSCAM-AS1 was associated with an overall survival time of NSCLC patients. Besides, the migration and invasion abilities of NSCLC cells were remarkably promoted after DSCAM-AS1 overexpression in vitro. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression of BCL11A was significantly upregulated after the overexpression of DSCAM-AS1. Furthermore, the expression of BCL11A was positively correlated with DSCAM-AS1 expression in NSCLC tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that DSCAM-AS1 could enhance NSCLC cell migration and invasion via upregulating BCL11A. Furthermore, DSCAM-AS1 might be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Can the anatomy of abnormal flowers elucidate relationships of the androecial members in the ginger (Zingiberaceae)?

Background

Interpretation of the floral structure of Zingiberaceae has long concentrated on the relationships of the androecial members. It suggested that labellum is composed of two structures rather than three or five, and glands are interpreted either as gynoecial part or as androecial members.

Methods

Serial sections were used to observe the vasculature of normal and two-staminate flowers in Alpinia intermedia ‘shengzhen’. Floral diagrams were drawn to interpret the morphological category of the floral organs and the relationships of the androecial members. Androecial vascular bundles were associated with carpellary dorsal bundles (CDBs) and parietal bundles (PBs) in a Zingiberales phylogeny setting using ancestral state reconstruction.

Results

Anatomical observations demonstrate that the fertile stamen(s) incorporate parietal bundles both in normal and two-staminate flowers. The three appendages represent the three members of the outer whorl of the androecium, while the labellum represents the inner whorl of the androecium in the two-staminate flower. Reconstruction of the origin of the vascular system in the androecium suggests that the outer whorl of androecium receives its vascular supply from the CDBs, and the inner whorl of androecium receives from the PBs in both the basal banana group and the more derived ginger clade.

Conclusions

The present study adds to a growing body of literature suggesting that the anatomy of abnormal flowers may not provide enough evidence for elucidating the relationships of the androecial members, and help us to better understand how the vascular system is constructed during the androecial petaloidy evolution.

0936 Cardiometabolic Disorders are Independently Associated with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Young Adults

Introduction

Cardiometabolic risk factors (CMR), including obesity, hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, have been associated with sleep apnea and insufficient sleep, both of which can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). We hypothesized that CMR are associated with EDS in young adults independent of sleep apnea, sleep duration and mental health disorders (MHD).

Methods

The Penn State Child Cohort is a population-based longitudinal sample of 700 children (8.7±1.7y), of whom 421 were followed-up 8.3 years later during adolescence (17.0±2.3y) and 425 another 7.0 years later during young adulthood (24.4±2.6y). Subjects underwent a 9-h in-lab polysomnography in childhood and adolescence and parent- or self-reported standardized surveys at all time points. Self-reports in young adulthood and in-lab measurements in childhood were used to ascertain CMR and sleep apnea. Parent-reports in childhood and self-reports in young adulthood were used to ascertain the presence of MHD and EDS. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, race, sex, snoring/observed apneas, insomnia symptoms, and sleep duration in young adulthood as well as mean arterial blood pressure, body mass index percentile and apnea/hypopnea index in childhood.

Results

CMR (OR=2.71, 95%CI=1.69-4.36) and MHD (OR=4.61, 95%CI=2.79-7.62) were associated with EDS in univariate models. After adjusting for covariates in childhood and young adulthood, CMR and MHD remained independently associated with EDS (OR=2.32, 95%CI=1.29-4.16 and OR=2.78, 95%CI=1.59-4.87, respectively).

Conclusion

EDS in young adults with CMR or MHD does not solely arise from sleep apnea, insufficient sleep or other sleep disturbances. EDS may be the result of central pathophysiologic mechanisms or the functional impairment associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and mental health disorders. These data further support that youth with these disorders should be screened for EDS and appropriately managed.

Support

National Institutes of Health (R01HL136587, R01HL97165, R01HL63772, UL1TR000127)

0890 Sleep Disordered Breathing is Associated With Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis in Young Adults: Preliminary Longitudinal Findings in the Penn State Child Cohort

Introduction

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in middle-age is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, population-based studies supporting its cardiovascular contribution at earlier stages of development are lacking, particularly with long-term follow-ups.

Methods

The Penn State Child Cohort is a population-based longitudinal sample of 700 children (8.7±1.7y), of whom 421 were followed-up 8.3 years later during adolescence (17.0±2.3y) with in-lab polysomnography (PSG). To date, 425 have been followed-up another 7.4 years later during young adulthood (24.4±2.6y) via a standardized survey and 136 of them (55.1% female, 21.3% racial/ethnic minority) have undergone a repeat of their PSG to ascertain apnea/hypopnea index. Subjects (n=121) also underwent Doppler ultrasounds to assess flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Linear regression models stratified by body mass index in young adulthood.

Results

SDB was cross-sectionally associated with lower FMD (β=-0.239, p=0.008) and greater CIMT (β=0.330, p&lt;0.001) in young adulthood. Longitudinally, childhood (n=121) and adolescence (n=90) SDB were significantly associated with CIMT (β=0.327, p&lt;0.001 and β=0.286, p=0.006, respectively), but not with FMD (β=-0.158, p=0.08 and β=-0.101, p=0.35, respectively). These associations, particularly longitudinal ones between childhood and adolescence SDB with CIMT in young adulthood, were stronger in overweight than normal weight subjects (e.g., β=0.310, p=0.030 and β =0.089, p=0.582, respectively).

Conclusion

SDB and obesity appear to be synergistically associated with endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in young adults from the general population. These data suggest that a childhood exposure to chronic SDB is associated with long-term atherosclerosis, while endothelial dysfunction may be a short-term outcome. This ongoing 16-year longitudinal study will test whether the natural history of SDB from childhood through adolescence into young adulthood shows differential trajectories for cardiovascular morbidity.

Support

National Institutes of Health (R01HL136587, R01HL97165, R01HL63772, UL1TR000127)

C677T Polymorphism in the MTHFR Gene Is Associated With Risperidone-Induced Weight Gain in Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism with risperidone-induced weight gain.

METHODS

We analyzed the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and risperidone-induced weight gain in 356 schizophrenia patients. The patients were treated with risperidone for 8 weeks. The height and body weight of the patients were measured before and 8 weeks after risperidone treatment. Blood DNA was genotyped for MTHFR C677T polymorphisms.

RESULTS

We found a significant association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and body mass index (BMI) change after 8-week risperidone treatment. The BMI of carriers with different genotypes of MTHFR gene increased over 2-8 weeks. After 8 weeks of risperidone treatment, BMI added value (kg/m²) of CC or CT genotype carriers was significantly higher than that of TT genotype carriers [CC (4.47 ± 1.09), CT (4.54 ± 1.27), TT (2.31 ± 0.75), F = 5.634, P = 0.001]. Based on whether the rate of weight gain from baseline at 8 weeks of treatment exceeded 7%, it was divided into a weight gain group (n = 61) and a non-weight gain group (n = 295). The C allele frequency was significantly different between the two groups (48.4% vs 32.4%, χ² = 11.342, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with risperidone-induced weight gain in Chinese Han population.

MicroRNA-200a promotes proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by targeting PTEN

OBJECTIVE

We investigate whether microRNA-200a could regulate proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, thereby participating in the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer. We also explore the specific mechanism of microRNA-200a in regulating ovarian cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expression level of microRNA-200a in ovarian cancer tissues and paracancerous tissues were detected by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The regulatory effects of microRNA-200a on proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells were examined by Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and cell invasion assay, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the binding relationship between microRNA-200a and PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten). The regulatory role of microRNA-200a in PTEN expression was accessed by Western blot. Rescue experiments were conducted to assess whether microRNA-200a regulated proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting PTEN expression.

RESULTS

MicroRNA-200a expression in ovarian cancer tissues was significantly higher than that of paracancerous tissues. Besides, microRNA-200a was also overexpressed in ovarian cancer cell lines than that of normal ovarian cells. Overexpression of microRNA-200a promoted the proliferative and invasive abilities of SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that microRNA-200a could directly degrade PTEN. Overexpression of PTEN in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells partially reversed the increased cell proliferation and invasion induced by overexpressed microRNA-200a.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpressed microRNA-200a promoted the proliferative and invasive abilities of ovarian cancer cells, which might be related to the targeted regulation of PTEN expression.

Clinical calculator predictive of chemotherapy benefit in stage 1A uterine papillary serous cancers

OBJECTIVE

Determine the utility of a clinical calculator to predict the benefit of chemotherapy in stage IA uterine papillary serous cancer (UPSC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected from NCDB from years 2010-2014. Based on demographic and surgical characteristics, a clinical score was developed using the random survival forest machine learning algorithm.

RESULTS

Of 1,751 patients with stage IA UPSC, 1,012 (58%) received chemotherapy and 739 (42%) did not. Older age (HR 1.06), comorbidities (HR 1.31), larger tumor size (HR 1.27), lymphovascular invasion (HR 1.86), positive peritoneal cytology (HR 2.62), no pelvic lymph node dissection (HR 1.51), and no chemotherapy (HR 2.16) were associated with poorer prognosis. Compared to no chemotherapy, patients who underwent chemotherapy had a 5-year overall survival of 80% vs. 67%. To better delineate those who may derive more benefit from chemotherapy, we designed a clinical calculator capable of dividing patients into low, moderate, and high-risk groups with associated 5-year OS of 86%, 73%, and 53%, respectively. Using the calculator to assess the relative benefit of chemotherapy in each risk group, chemotherapy improved the 5-year OS in the high (42% to 64%; p < 0.001) and moderate risk group (66% to 79%; p < 0.001) but did not benefit the low risk group (84% to 87%; p = 0.29).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a clinical calculator is useful for counseling and personalizing chemotherapy for stage IA UPSC.

Mutation Analysis of Pre-mRNA Splicing Genes PRPF31, PRPF8, and SNRNP200 in Chinese Families with Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa

BACKGROUND

To screen variants in pre-mRNA Splicing genes in 95 Chinese autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) families.

METHODS

Clinical examination and pedigree analysis were performed. Targeted exome sequencing (TES) and / or Sanger sequencing were performed to detect the variants in genes of Splicing factors and conduct intra-familiar segregation analysis with DNA available. In silico analysis was performed to predict pathogenicity of variants in protein level and in vitro splicing assays were performed to compare splicing variants with their corresponding wildtype about their splicing effect.

RESULTS

In this study, total nine different variants were identified in PRPF31, SNRNP200, and PRPF8 respectively, including six PRPF31 variants [five novel variants 322+1G>A, c.527+2T>G, c.590T>C(p.Leu197Pro), c.1035_1036insGC (p.Pro346Argfs X18), and c.1224dupG (p.Gln409AlafsX66) plus one reported variant c.1060C>T (p.Arg354X)], a recurrent PRPF8 variant c.6930G>T (p.Arg2310Ser), two SNRNP200 variants [one heterozygous and homozygous SNRNP200 recurrent variant c.3260G>A (p.Ser1087Leu), and a reported heterozygous c.2042G>A(p.Arg681His)]. In family 20009, incomplete penetrance was observed. A novel PRPF31 missense variant c.590T>C (p.Leu197Pro) was predicted to be pathogenic in protein level via in silico analysis and in vitro splicing assay demonstrated that two novel splicing PRPF31 variants c.322+1G>A and c.527+2T>G affect splicing compared with the wildtype.

CONCLUSIONS

In our studies, RP-causing variants of pre-mRNA Splicing genes (PRPF31, PRPF8 and SNRNP200) were identified in nine of the ninety-five adRP families respectively, which extend the spectra of RP variant and phenotype. And we provide the first example that SNRNP200-related RP can be caused by both heterozygous and homozygous variants of this gene.