Oral flavonoid fisetin treatment protects against prolonged high-fat-diet-induced cardiac dysfunction by regulation of multicombined signaling

Excess high-fat diet (HFD) intake predisposes the occurrence of obesity-associated heart injury, but the mechanism is elusive. Fisetin (FIS), as a natural flavonoid, has potential activities to alleviate obesity-induced metabolic syndrome. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of FIS against HFD-induced cardiac injury remain unclear. The present study was to explore the protective effects of FIS on cardiac dysfunction in HFD-fed mice. We found that FIS alleviated HFD-triggered metabolic disorder by reducing body weight, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, and insulin resistance. Moreover, FIS supplements significantly alleviated dyslipidemia in both mouse hearts and cardiomyocytes stimulated by metabolic stress. FIS treatment abolished HFD-induced inflammatory response in heart tissues through suppressing TNF receptor-1/TNF receptor-associated factor-2 (Tnfr-1/Traf-2) signaling. Furthermore, FIS induced a strong reduction in the expression of fibrosis-related genes, contributing to the inhibition of fibrosis by inactivating transforming growth factor (Tgf)-β1/Smads/Erk1/2 signaling. Collectively, these results demonstrated that FIS could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of obesity-associated cardiac injury.

miR-30a-5p modulates traits of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) via forkhead box protein G1 (FOXG1)

miRNA has shown its potential in the regulation of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the mechanism of such an effect was not quite clear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether miR-30a-5p participated in the regulation of cutaneous SCC (cSCC) and the possible mechanism involved. 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) and cell cycle were measured using flow cytometry. The formation of cell colony was tested by colony formation assay. The capacities of migration and invasion were tested by wound healing assay and Transwell invasion assay, respectively. The target of miR-30a-5p was predicted by bioinformatics and identified by luciferase assay. Western blot was used for the determination of proteins and qPCR was for mRNA levels. miR-30a-5p expression was lowered in SCL-1 and A431 cells, and its upregulation suppressed EdU positive cells, colony numbers, migration, invasion and Bcl-2 expression, and elevated Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and cleaved Caspase-3 expressions, arresting cell cycle in G1 phase. Moreover, forkhead box protein G1 (FOXG1) was proved to be the target of miR-30a-5p, and FOXG1 overexpression partially offsets the decreased colony numbers, migration and invasion rates due to miR-30a-5p overexpression in SCL-1 and A431 cells. miR-30a-5p showed a regulatory role on the expression of FOXG1 and further modulated the progressing of cSCC cells, which could be a novel pathway intervening the development of cSCC.

A randomised controlled trial of stepwise sputum collection to increase yields of confirmed tuberculosis

<sec> <title>SETTING</title> The proportion of bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis (TB) in China has decreased far below the worldwide average. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> To investigate whether stepwise measures to ensure sputum quality can improve the rate of bacteriologically confirmed TB. </sec> <sec> <title>DESIGN</title> We enrolled 980 adults with suspected TB from three counties in China during 2017 for this multicentre randomised controlled trial. Half the participants (n = 490) were randomly assigned to intervention groups that received instructions by a study nurse, and sputum induction, if necessary. In the remaining 490 patients, sputum samples were collected without observation. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients detected as bacteriologically positive on smear, culture or molecular assays (EasyNAT or Xpert). </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> Bacteriological confirmation rates were significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group: overall (159/490 [32%] vs. 122/490 [25%]; P = 0.009); confirmation using smear (17% vs. 11%; P = 0.010); confirmation using culture (28% vs. 21%; P = 0.021); and confirmation using molecular assays (27% vs. 18%; P = 0.001). Most of the improvement was in patients who received instruction alone, while improvement was greatest in younger patients (adjusted odds ratio 1.27, 95%CI 1.05-1.53 per 10 years). </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> If implemented effectively in resource-limited primary care clinics, our simple stepwise procedure combining instruction and sputum induction could increase the proportion of bacteriologically confirmed TB significantly. </sec>.

Accuracy and precision of the RABBIT technique

One of the most ubiquitous techniques within attosecond science is the so-called reconstruction of attosecond beating by interference of two-photon transitions (RABBIT). Originally proposed for the characterization of attosecond pulses, it has been successfully applied to the accurate determination of time delays in photoemission. Here, we examine in detail, using numerical simulations, the effect of the spatial and temporal properties of the light fields and of the experimental procedure on the accuracy of the method. This allows us to identify the necessary conditions to achieve the best temporal precision in RABBIT measurements. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measurement of ultrafast electronic and structural dynamics with X-rays'.

[A prospective cohort study about the screening tests of mismatch repair protein and clinical criteria for Lynch syndrome associated endometrial carcinoma]

Objectives: Currently, the commonly used screening methods for Lynch syndrome in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) are clinical diagnostic criteria and immunohistochemical testing. Our study compared the accuracy of the two methods in this prospective cohort study. Methods: Mismatch repair (MMR) protein was detected by immunohistochemical in the pathological tissues of newly diagnosed EC patients in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, during December 2015 and June 2018. Lynch syndrome related mutation gene was detected in patients with MMR protein deficiency. At the same time, all the patients were evaluated by the clinical diagnostic criteria (Amsterdam Criteria Ⅱ and the revised Bethesda criteria). Results: A total of 121 newly diagnosed EC patients were enrolled in this study, and 41 cases (33.9%) were MMR protein deficient. All of them received Lynch syndrome related mutation gene detection, and 7 cases were finally diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. Only 6 cases of Lynch syndrome, however, were diagnosed by the clinical diagnostic criteria, with 1 case misdiagnosed and 2 cases missed diagnosed. Conclusion: The incidence of Lynch syndrome in endometrial cancer patients is 5.8%. And the clinical diagnostic criteria for Lynch syndrome in patients with EC will result in miss diagnosis and misdiagnosis.

Modeled changes to the Great Plains low-level jet under a realistic irrigation application

Low-level jets (LLJs) are relatively fast-moving streams of air that form in the lower troposphere and are a common phenomenon across the Great Plains (GP) of the United States. LLJs play an important role in moisture transport and the development of nocturnal convection in the spring and summer. Alterations to surface moisture and energy fluxes can influence the planetary boundary layer (PBL) development and thus LLJs. One important anthropogenic process that has been shown to affect the surface energy budget is irrigation. In this study, we investigate the effects of irrigation on LLJ development across the GP by incorporating a dynamic and realistic irrigation scheme into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. WRF simulations were conducted with and without the irrigation scheme for the exceptionally dry summer of 2012 over the GP. The results show irrigation-introduced changes to LLJ features both over and downstream of the most heavily irrigated regions in the GP. There were statistically significant increases to LLJ speeds in the simulation with the irrigation parameterization. Decreases to the mean jet core height on the order of 50 m during the overnight hours were also simulated when irrigation was on. The overall frequency of jet occurrences increased over the irrigated regions by 5-10%; however, these differences were not statistically significant. These changes were weaker than those reported in earlier studies based on simple representations of irrigation that unrealistically saturate the soil columns over large areas over a long period of time, which highlights the importance and necessity to represent human activity more accurately in modeling studies.

[Giant cell reparative granuloma originating from the paranasal sinus: a case report]

A 40-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of nasal obstruction of his left nose, a 1-year history of headache and orbital pain. Radiologically, an extensive paranasal sinus mass was seen. Superiorly ,the cribriform plate was demineralized, and the lesion had intracranial extension with mild mass effect over the basal frontal lobes. Histologic examination revealed a central giant cell reparative granuloma. After endoscopic removal, the patient was symptom free at the 2-month follow-up.

Metformin use and survival of lung cancer patients: Meta-analysis findings

Previous studies on the association between metformin use and lung cancer survival have yielded mixed results. We aimed to perform a metaanalysis to assess the association with all available studies. Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed and EMBASE to July 2016. We calculated the summary hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using randomeffects models. Twelve cohort studies involving 124,533 participants were included in this study. The results showed that metformin use was not associated with the overall survival of lung cancer patients (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.62-1.02). In the subgroup analyses by country or subtype of lung cancer, although a beneficial effect of metformin use on overall survival was found in patients with smallcell lung cancer or in lung patients from China, it may be inappropriate draw a final conclusion considering small sample size, low study quality, and the limited number of studies in the subgroups. Further analyses found that metformin use after diagnosis showed a beneficial effect on both over survival (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.72-0.87) and progressionfree survival (PFS; HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39-0.96) of lung cancer patients. In conclusion, metformin use after diagnosis is associated with improved overall survival and PFS of lung cancer patients. Nevertheless, this effect of metformin use is needed for further assessment.

Treating cat allergy with monoclonal IgG antibodies that bind allergen and prevent IgE engagement

Acute allergic symptoms are caused by allergen-induced crosslinking of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) bound to Fc-epsilon receptors on effector cells. Desensitization with allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) has been used for over a century, but the dominant protective mechanism remains unclear. One consistent observation is increased allergen-specific IgG, thought to competitively block allergen binding to IgE. Here we show that the blocking potency of the IgG response to Cat-SIT is heterogeneous. Next, using two potent, pre-selected allergen-blocking monoclonal IgG antibodies against the immunodominant cat allergen Fel d 1, we demonstrate that increasing the IgG/IgE ratio reduces the allergic response in mice and in cat-allergic patients: a single dose of blocking IgG reduces clinical symptoms in response to nasal provocation (ANCOVA, p = 0.0003), with a magnitude observed at day 8 similar to that reported with years of conventional SIT. This study suggests that simply augmenting the blocking IgG/IgE ratio may reverse allergy.

A comparison of the biomechanical stability of pedicle-lengthening screws and traditional pedicle screws: an in vitro instant and fatigue-resistant pull-out test

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the peak pull-out force (PPF) of pedicle-lengthening screws (PLS) and traditional pedicle screws (TPS) using instant and cyclic fatigue testing.

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 lumbar vertebrae were divided into six groups: PLS submitted to instant pull-out and fatigue-resistance testing (groups A1 and A2, respectively), TPS submitted to instant pull-out and fatigue-resistance testing (groups B1 and B2, respectively) and PLS augmented with 2 ml polymethylmethacrylate, submitted to instant pull-out and fatigue-resistance testing (groups C1 and C2, respectively). The PPF and normalized PPF (PPFn) for bone mineral density (BMD) were compared within and between all groups.

Results

In all groups, BMD was significantly correlated with PPF (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). The PPFn in A1 was significantly less than in B1 (p = 0.006) and C1 (p = 0.002). The PPFn of A2 was significantly less than in B2 (p < 0.001) and C2 (p < 0.001). The PPFn in A1, B1, and C1 was significantly greater than in A2 (p = 0.002), B2 (p = 0.027), and C2 (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in PPFn between B1 and C1, or between B2 and C2.

Conclusion

Pedicle lengthening screws with cement augmentation can provide the same fixation stability as traditional pedicle screws and may be a viable clinical option. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:516-21.

Photoionization in the time and frequency domain

Ultrafast processes in matter, such as the electron emission after light absorption, can now be studied using ultrashort light pulses of attosecond duration (10−18 seconds) in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. The lack of spectral resolution due to the use of short light pulses has raised issues in the interpretation of the experimental results and the comparison with theoretical calculations. We determine photoionization time delays in neon atoms over a 40–electron volt energy range with an interferometric technique combining high temporal and spectral resolution. We spectrally disentangle direct ionization from ionization with shake-up, in which a second electron is left in an excited state, and obtain excellent agreement with theoretical calculations, thereby solving a puzzle raised by 7-year-old measurements.

Body mass index and mortality in lung cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Studies examining the relation of body mass index (BMI) and mortality in patients with lung cancer have shown diverse results. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association using all available studies from January 1982 to October 2016. PubMed and EMBASE were searched to identify relevant studies. We calculated the summary hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using random effects model. The dose-response relationship was assessed by random effects meta-regression model. Fifty-five articles from 51 studies involving 3 152 552 subjects (males, 54.8%) were included. The pooled results suggested that on average a high BMI decreased risk of death from lung cancer or all-cause. Each 5 kg/m² increase in BMI had a 12% lower risk of lung cancer-specific mortality (HR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.75-1.02, P=0.09) and a 14% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.96, P<0.01). When stratifying by ethnicity, each 5 kg/m² increase in BMI was associated with 22% and 28% reduction, respectively, in the risk of lung cancer-specific mortality (P<0.01) and all-cause mortality (P<0.01) in Asians, but no association was found in Westerners (P=0.51 and P=0.53, respectively). In conclusion, lung cancer patients with a higher BMI have a longer survival than those with a lower BMI. Considering the significant heterogeneity between included studies, future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Abstract P6-07-31: Molecular mechanism of alcohol-associated breast cancer

Epidemiological studies have indicated that alcohol consumption is an established risk factor for breast cancer. The association of alcohol consumption and breast cancer is more pronounced in ER+ cases than in ER- cases. However, this molecular mechanism remains to be determined. Deregulation of RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcription enhances cellular tRNAs and 5S rRNA production, increasing translational capacity to promote cell transformation and tumor formation. Our results reveal that alcohol increases Pol III gene transcription in both normal and cancer breast cell lines. The induction of Pol III genes by alcohol in ER+ breast cancer cells is significantly higher than in ER- normal breast cells and ER- breast cancer cells. E2 causes slight increase in Pol III gene transcription. The addition of ethanol to this system produces a marked increase. Alcohol increases ERa expression to enhance the cellular levels of Brf1 protein and mRNA. In addition, ethanol markedly stimulates phosphorylation of JNK1. Inhibition of JNK1 decreases ERE-Luc reporter activity and represses expression of ERa, Brf1 and Pol III genes. Reduction of ERa by its siRNA represses Brf1 and Pol III gene transcription. Ethanol with E2 produces larger and more numerous colonies. Repression of ERa or Brf1 inhibits alcohol-induced cell transformation. More interestingly, human biopsies studies show that Brf1 expression is significantly increased in nuclei of breast cancer cells, compared to tissue adjacent to the carcinoma. Together, these results support the idea that alcohol increases ERa expression through JNK1 pathway to elevate Brf1 expression and Pol III gene transcription, leading to greater phenotypic changes. ERa mediates Pol III gene transcription through Brf1, suggesting that ERa play a critical role in alcohol-induced deregulation of Pol III genes in ER+ breast cancer development.

*: The project is supported by NIAAA/NIH grants: AA017288, AA021114 and AA02324 to S Zhong.

Citation Format: Zhong S, Zhang Y, Lei J, Li W, Wu Z, Shi G. Molecular mechanism of alcohol-associated breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-07-31.

[Clinical utility of real-time fluorescent PCR for combined detection of anaplastic lymphoma kinase and c-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase in non-small cell lung cancer]

Objective: To investigate the clinical application value of combined detection of ALK fusion gene and c-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1) fusion gene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using real-time fluorescent PCR. Methods: A kit for combined detection of ALK fusion gene and ROS1 fusion gene based on fluorescent PCR was used to simultaneously detect the two fusion genes in 302 cases of NSCLC specimens. The results were validated through Sanger sequencing. The consistency of the two detection methods was analyzed. Results: All 302 cases of NSCLC specimens were successfully analyzed through fluorescent PCR (302/302). 12 cases (4.0%) were found to contain ALK fusion gene, including 3 cases with ALK-M1, 3 with ALK-M2, 3 with ALK-M3, 1 with ALK-M4, and 2 with ALK-M6 fusion gene.12 cases (4.0%) were found to contain ROS1 fusion gene, including 1 case with ROS1-M7, 8 cases with ROS1-M8, 1 case with ROS1-M12, 1 case with ROS1-M14, and 1 case with double-positive ROS1-M3 and ROS1-M8 fusion genes. The total detection rate of ALK fusion gene and ROS1 fusion gene was 7.9% (24/302) and 278 cases showed to be negative for ALK fusion gene and ROS1 fusion gene. The successful detection rates for Sanger DNA sequencing were also 100%. The positive, negative and total coincidence rates obtained by real-time fluorescent PCR and by Sanger DNA sequencing were all 100%. Conclusions: The results of Sanger DNA sequencing demonstrate that the real-time fluorescent PCR assay is equally effective in detecting ALK and ROS1 fusion genes in NSCLC tissues. Furthermore, real-time fluorescent PCR assay can be used to detect trace ALK and ROS1 fusion gene simultaneously in tiny samples, and can save time and avoid repeated sampling. It is worthy of recommendation as a rapid and reliable detection technique.

Gliocyte and synapse analyses in cerebral ganglia of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis: ultrastructural study

The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis is an economically important aquatic species in China. Many studies on gene structure, breeding, and diseases of the crab have been reported. However, knowledge about the organization of the nerve system of the crab remains largely unknown. To study the ultrastructure of the cerebral ganglia of E. sinensis and to compare the histological findings regarding the nerve systems of crustaceans, the cerebral ganglia were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that four types of gliocytes, including type I, II, III, and IV gliocytes were located in the cerebral ganglia. In addition, three types of synapses were present in the cerebral ganglia, including unidirectional synapses, bidirectional synapses, and combined type synapses.

Note: Design and implementation of a home-built imaging system with low jitter for cold atom experiments

A novel home-built system for imaging cold atom samples is presented using a readily available astronomy camera which has the requisite sensitivity but no timing-control. We integrate the camera with LabVIEW achieving fast, low-jitter imaging with a convenient user-defined interface. We show that our system takes precisely timed millisecond exposures and offers significant improvements in terms of system jitter and readout time over previously reported home-built systems. Our system rivals current commercial "black box" systems in performance and user-friendliness.

Full chirality transfer in the synthesis of hindered tertiary boronic esters under in situ lithiation-borylation conditions

Hindered tertiary neopentyl glycol boronic esters can be prepared by using in situ lithiation-borylation of enantiopure secondary benzylic carbamates at -20 °C with full chirality transfer.