[Analysis on HIV-1 subtypes and transmission clusters in newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, 2016]

Objective: To understand the characteristics of distribution on HIV-1 subtypes and the transmission clusters in Yiwu in Zhejiang province. Methods: A cross-sectional study of molecular epidemiology was carried out on newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Yiwu. RNA was extracted from 168 plasma samples, followed by RT-PCR and nest-PCR for pol gene amplification, sequencing, phylogenetic tree construction used for analyzing the subtypes and transmission clusters. Mutations on drug resistance was analyzed by CPR 6.0 online tool. Results: Subjects were mainly males (86.3%, 145/168), with average age as (39.1±13.4) years old and most of them were migrants (66.7%, 112/168). The major routes of transmission included homosexual (51.2%, 86/168) and heterosexual (48.8%, 82/168) contacts. The rate of success for sequence acquisition was 89.9% (151/168). The dominant subtypes showed as CRF01_AE (74, 49.0%) and CRF07_BC (64, 42.4%), followed by CRF08_BC (5, 3.3%), CRF55_01B (3, 2.0%), each case of subtype B, CRF45_cpx, CRF59_01B, CRF85_BC and URF (B/C). CRF45_cpx and CRF85_BC were discovered the first time in Zhejiang province. Twenty-six transmission clusters involving 65 cases were found, with the total clustered rate as 43.0% (65/151), in which the CRF01_AE clustered rate appeared as 54.1% (40/74), higher than that of CRF07_BC (21/64, 32.8%). The average size of cluster was 2.5 cases/cluster, with average size of cluster in CRF01_AE patients infected through heterosexual transmission as the largest (3.5 cases/cluster). The prevalence of transmitted drug resistance was 4.6% (7/151). Seven cases with surveillance drug resistant mutations (SDRM) were found, including 5 cases of M46L (3.3%), and one case of F77L or Y181C. Conclusion: HIV genetic diversity and a variety of transmission clusters had been noticed in this study area (Yiwu). Programs on monitoring the subtypes and transmission clusters should be continued and strengthened.

Comprehensive analyses of the clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

168

Background: Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is becoming the standard of care for patients and it was approved for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) growing at a rapid pace. However, selecting patients who are appropriate for therapy and which therapeutic strategies to use can be challenging. Methods: We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating immune checkpoint inhibitors versus observation in patients with advanced NSCLC until September 2017. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were pooled by meta-analysis. The GRADE system was used to describe the quality of evidence. Results: The analysis included 11 trials with 5,538 unique patients. High- to moderate-quality evidence indicated that immune checkpoint inhibitors extended NSCLC survival and PFS, expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) (OS: 0.79, P = 0.000; PFS: 0.78, P = 0.000). High- to moderate-quality evidence revealed prolonged OS and PFS were similar across preplanned subgroups in patients with squamous (0.77, P = 0.000 and 0.74, P = 0.001) or nonsquamous disease (0.76, P = 0.003 and 0.73, P = 0.041), EGFR wild-type positive status (0.67, P = 0.000 and 0.59, P = 0.010), current or former smokers (OS: 0.83, P = 0.009), and male (0.79, P = 0.000 and 0.67, P = 0.023). Increasing improvement in OS was associated with increasing PD-L1 expression (TC3 or IC3 HR 0.54, P = 0.000; TC2/3 or IC2/3 HR 0.62, P = 0.007; TC1/2/3 or IC1/2/3 HR 0.64, P = 0.000; TC0 and IC0 HR 0.72, P = 0.017; high- to moderate-quality evidence). In exploratory subgroup analysis suggest that there was advantageous of immune checkpoint inhibitors in previous definitive chemotherapy compared with chemoradiotherapy, with concurrent administration of chemotherapy (OS as HR: P = 0.001, P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusions: This large and comprehensive analysis produced firm evidence that immune checkpoint inhibitors extended advanced NSCLC survival and PFS, while in some patients with EGFR wild-type positive status, current or former smokers, male and higher PD-L1 expression had substantial benefit. The benefits from therapy appear to be influenced by preceding definitive therapy and concurrent chemotherapy.

Efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccines, and cellular immunotherapies in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

165

Background: Checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccines or cellular immunotherapies demonstrated prolonged survival versus placebo or observation in several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to clarify the benefits of imunotherapy by a meta-analysis of RCTs data. Methods: We searched for RCTs investigating immunotherapy versus placebo or observation in patients with advanced NSCLC. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated as combined hazard ratios (HRs). The quality of the evidence was evaluated with the GRADE framework. Results: Overall, 23 RCTs including a total of 8,956 patients were identified (5,142 patients in the immunotherapy group and 3,814 in the placebo or observation group). High- to moderate-quality evidence indicated that immunotherapy prolonged OS (HR = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75 to 0.84, P < 0.0001) and PFS (HR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.88, P < 0.0001). In subgroup analysis, high- to moderate-quality evidence revealed immunotherapy extended NSCLC survival and PFS in tumor vaccines (HR, 0.84, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.92 and 0.86, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.94 for OS and PFS, respectively), checkpoint inhibitors (0.77, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.83 and 0.78, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.90, respectively), maintenance therapy (0.77, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.83 and 0.78, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.91, respectively), first-line therapy (0.89, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.98 and 0.76, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.91, respectively), previous definitive chemotherapy (0.72, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.78 and 0.87, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.95, respectively), and concurrent chemotherapy (0.87, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.95 and 0.84, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.91, respectively). There was a benefit of immunotherapy in previous definitive chemotherapy compared with chemoradiotherapy and with concurrent administration of chemotherapy (OS as HR: P = 0.002 and P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusions: This analysis provides strong evidence for OS and PFS benefit of immunotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC, particularly in those receiving tumor vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, maintenance and first-line therapy, previous definitive chemotherapy, and with concurrent chemotherapy.

Evaluation of the clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced melanoma

194

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors selection in advanced melanoma is complicated further, with choices among anti-CTLA4 or anti-PD-1 therapeutic antibodies options. We aimed to evaluate the clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors for discussing evidence-based treatment strategies by a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) data. Methods: We searched for RCTs investigating immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced melanoma until September 2017. Hazard ratios (HRs) was estimated for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The quality of the evidence was evaluated with the GRADE framework. Results: Overall, 18 RCTs including a total of 8,917 patients were identified. Immune checkpoint inhibitors versus placebo or observation prolonged PFS (HR = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44 to 0.78, P < 0.0001) and OS (HR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.84, P < 0.0001). The combination immunotherapy had significantly higher benefit than monotherapy for PFS (HR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.92, P = 0.005) and OS (HR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.79, P < 0.0001). Treatment with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody was associated with improved PFS (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.69, P < 0.0001) and OS (HR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.77, P < 0.0001) compared with anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody. According to BRAF status analysis, there was a PFS benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors versus placebo or observation (mutant, HR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.96, P = 0.035; wild–type, HR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.69, P = 0.001), anti-PD-1 outperformed anti-CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibitor (mutant, PFS HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.79, P < 0.0001; wild–type, PFS HR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.71, P < 0.0001); and combination compared with single-agent immunotherapy (mutant, HR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.98, P = 0.046; wild–type, HR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.69, P = 0.001). Conclusions: This analysis provides an evidence that immune checkpoint inhibitors enhanced OS and PFS in patients with advanced melanoma, as well as combination immunotherapy and anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody appear to be clinically beneficial option preference.

Sol-Gel Derived Antibacterial Ag-Containing ZnO Films on Biomedical Titanium

ZnO and Ag-containing ZnO (ZnO/Ag) films with the Ag/Zn molar ratio of 3.3 and 9.1%, respectively were sol-gel coated on biomedical titanium for antibacterial and bioactive surface modification. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that ZnO peaks increase with the calcination temperature of the samples. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive of X-ray analyses reveal Ag-rich white particles (300~750 nm) on ZnO/Ag samples that were calcined at 400 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of ZnO/Ag samples shows that Zn and O exist as ZnO and Ag presents in metallic state. The coating samples exhibit similar UV light-induced hydrophilic conversion behavior. Potentiodynamic polarization test in a Ca-free Hank's balanced solution demonstrates better corrosion resistance of the coating samples compared with the polished sample. In the in vitro bioactivity test using the simulated body fluid, a layer of apatite is gradually deposited on the surface of sample ZnO/9Ag after 12 days of soaking. The MTT assay test shows that ZnO and ZnO/Ag films have weak compatibility with the L929 cells. The antibacterial test against E. Coli by the disk diffusion assay reveals that antibacterial activity of the coating samples increases with silver content of the films.

CCR2- and CCR2+ corneal macrophages exhibit distinct characteristics and balance inflammatory responses after epithelial abrasion

Macrophages are distributed throughout the body and are crucial for the restoration of damaged tissues. However, their characteristics in the cornea and roles in the repair of corneal injures are unclear. Here we show that corneal macrophages can be classified as CCR2^- macrophages, which already exist in the cornea at embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) and are similar to yolk sac-derived macrophages, microglia, in phenotype and gene expression, and CCR2⁺ macrophages, which do not appear in the cornea until E17.5. At a steady state, CCR2^- corneal macrophages have local proliferation capacity and are rarely affected by monocytes; however, following corneal epithelial abrasion, most CCR2^- corneal macrophages are replaced by monocytes. In contrast, CCR2⁺ macrophages are repopulated by monocytes under both a steady-state condition and following corneal wounding. Depletion of CCR2⁺ macrophages decreases corneal inflammation after epithelial abrasion, whereas depletion of CCR2^- macrophages increases inflammation of the injured cornea. Loss of either cell type results in a delay in corneal healing. These data indicate that there are two unique macrophage populations present in the cornea, both of which participate in corneal wound healing by balancing the inflammatory response.

Locoregional surgery of the primary tumor in stage IV breast cancer patients

566

Background: Existing guidelines lack clear recommendations for the role of locoregional treatment for the primary tumor in women with stage IV breast cancer. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of locoregional surgery with no surgery of the primary tumour in stage IV breast cancer patients. Methods: Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the effect of locoregional surgery versus no surgery of the primary tumour in stage IV breast cancer patients. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), measured as hazard ratios (HRs). Secondly outcomes included 2-year and 3-year OS, expressed as odds ratios (ORs). Meta-analyses and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were conducted. Quality was evaluated using the GRADE. Results: Data were included from four RCTs involving 767 participants, including 377 who underwent locoregional surgery and 390 who with no surgery. The median follow-up was 28.6 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.1 to 33.9). In a meta-analysis of these trials, the low-quality evidence indicated that locoregional surgery versus no surgery did not significantly affect OS (HR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.29, P = 0.490), 2-year OS (OR = 1.23, 0.66 to 2.30, P = 0.510), or 3-year OS (OR = 1.08, 0.94 to 1.25, P = 0.263). TSA showed that more trials were needed before reliable conclusions could be drawn regarding in both 2-year and 3-year OS. Across the subgroup analysis of OS, we found the moderate-quality evidence that locoregional surgery followed by chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone resulted into a significantly improved survival (HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.87, P = 0.004); but no statistically significant difference was identified in term of response to chemotherapy with or without locoregional surgery (HR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.83–1.36, P = 0.632). Conclusions: The current evidence suggests that locoregional surgery followed by chemotherapy, compared with chemotherapy alone, was beneficial for prolonging OS in patients with stage IV breast cancer, but surgery did not impact OS among patients who have responded to chemotherapy.

Trastuzumab combined with doublet or single-agent chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer

e12511

Background: To investigate the efficacy and safety of doublet vs. single-agent chemotherapy (CT) plus trastuzumab as first-line treatments for human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods: We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the treatment effects of single-agent or doublet CT+H as first-line therapies for HER2-positive MBC. The main outcome measures for this analysis included the overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses (TSA) were conducted. The study quality was evaluated using the GRADE framework. The PROSPERO registry number is CRD42016043766. Results: The results from four RCTs that included 1,044 participants were pooled. Moderate-quality evidence indicated that doublet CT+H better correlated with prolonged PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63 to 0.75, P < 0.0001) and OS (HR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.92, P < 0.0001) than did single-agent CT+H; however, moderate-quality evidence indicated there was no significant difference between the two drug regimens regarding the ORR (relative risk [RR] = 1.07, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.17, P = 0.157), as confirmed by TSA, which indicated that the cumulative Z-curve entered the futility area. There was moderate-quality evidence that the treatment-related grade 3 to 4 toxicities of thrombocytopenia (RR = 4.08, P = 0.000; number needed to treat to harm (NNTH) = 20), nausea/vomiting (RR = 4.26, P = 0.002; NNTH = 25), diarrhea (RR = 2.81, P = 0.002; NNTH = 25), and stomatitis (RR = 5.02, P= 0.003; NNTH = 25) were more frequent with doublet CT+H than single-agent CT+H. Conclusions: Doublet CT+H is associated with longer PFS and OS than single-agent CT+H when used as a first-line therapy for HER2-positive MBC.

Differential expression of hENT1 and hENT2 in colon cancer cell lines

Human equilibrative nucleoside transporters (hENT) 1 and 2, encoded by SLC29A1 and SLC29A2, permit the bidirectional passage of nucleoside analogues into cells and may correlate with clinical responses to chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression profiles of SLC29A1 and SLC29A2 in human cancer cell lines. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we comprehensively profiled the transcription levels of SLC29A1 and SLC29A2 in 16 colon cancer cell lines. We validated the ubiquitous and heterogeneous distribution of SLC29A1 and SLC29A2 in human colon cancer cell lines and demonstrated that SLC29A1 was highly expressed in 25% of metastatic cell lines (Colo201 and Colo205) and 62.5% of primary cell lines (Caco2, Colo320, HCT116, RKO, and SW48). For the first time, we showed that both SLC29A1 and SLC29A2 were expressed at lower levels in colon cancer cell lines originating from metastatic sites than from primary sites. These findings indicate that most patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) may have low hENT1 expression, and treatment with nucleoside analogues may be inefficient. However, some patients still show high hENT1 expression and have a high probability of benefiting from these drugs. Therefore, evaluating transporter expression profiles and different drug responses between primary and metastatic tumors in patients with mCRC is important. Further assessment of the association between hENTs and drug-based treatment of mCRC is required to elucidate the mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance.

Effectiveness of telephone-based interventions on health-related quality of life and prognostic outcomes in breast cancer patients and survivors-A meta-analysis

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of telephone-based interventions on prognostic outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer patients and survivors. A systematic search of the Cochrane Library, Web of science, Medline, EMBASE, CNKI and CBM database was carried out. Randomised, controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of telephone-based intervention versus a control group receiving no telephone intervention, on prognostic outcomes and HRQoL with breast cancer were included. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the effects of telephone-based interventions on anxiety, depression, fatigue, self-efficiency, physiological function, social-domestic function and quality of life. In total, 14 studies involving 2002 participants were included. Due to the effect of telephone-based interventions, statistically significant results were found on anxiety (standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.16, 95% confidence intervals [CI] [0.01, 0.30], p = .04), self-efficiency (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI [-0.34, -0.10], p = .0004), social-domestic function (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI [-0.35, -0.03], p = .02) and quality of life (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI [-1.00, -0.08], p = .02). Although the effects on depression, fatigue and physiological function were in the expected direction, these effects were not statistically significant (p > .05) based on the insufficient evidence.

[Infection of chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter：6 cases report]

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods and prognosis of patients with chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter infection. Method:Retrospective analysis of clinical data of 6 cases of chronic otitis media complicated with Acinetobacter infection. Including history, clinical manifestations, laboratory examination, audiology, inner ear, CT, MRI imaging characteristics, treatment and prognosis of etc. to summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter infection. Result:The age was between 17 years old and 61 years old (Median age 30 years) .Two of them was male and 4 were female. Four cases were had underlying diseases. Five cases with main symptom of cholesteatoma, 1 case with earache symptoms, and 1 case with facial paralysis symptoms. Four cases had vary degrees of physical decline and destruction of bone. After surgery treatment, five patients improved ear pus, among 3 cases was cured, 2 cases of recurrence. Conclusion:Chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter infection occurs in the patient with elderly, poor physical constitution. However, the recurrence rate of conventional treatment is higher. The disease has high misdiagnosis rate. Operation combined with sensitive antibiotic therapy is a radical cure method.

[Predictor measures on CT for hematoma expansion following acute intracerebral hemorrhage]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the worth of solid predictors in acute intracerebral hematoma(ICH) expansions in computer tomography images.

METHODS

A total of 105 patients with acute ICH in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University during January 2012 to February 2015 were enrolled. CT plain scan, CTA within 6 hours since the symptoms and CT plain scan recheck within 24 hours were executed. Hematoma location, initial volume of hematoma, shape of hematoma, "spot sign" , UHG speed were analyzed with single factor and binary Logistic regression between the patients with and without hematoma expansion.

RESULTS

There were 30 cases with hematoma expansion and 75 cases with no hematoma expansion in 105 patients. In single factor comparisons, hematoma location(χ(2) =13.125, P<0.05), hematoma shape(χ(2) =23.987, P<0.05), spot sign(χ(2) =25.846, P<0.05), UHG speed(χ(2) =20.328, P<0.05) and the initial hematoma volume(t=-3.183, P<0.05) between the hematoma expansions and the non-hematoma expansions made significant differences. In binary Logistic regression, hematoma shape(irregular (P=0.033) and cleavage(P=0.009)), spot sign(P=0.000) and UHG speed(P=0.040) had significant differences between the two groups. ROC curve areas of hematoma shape, spot sign and UHG speed were 0.776(95%CI 0.682-0.870), 0.740(95%CI 0.625-0.855) and 0.720(95% CI 0.604-0.836). The high specificities of hematoma shape(84%), spot sign (88%)and UHG speed(84%)revealed their great reliabilities with equal sensitivity (60%).

CONCLUSION

Hematoma shape, spot sign and UHG speed are solid predictors of hematoma expansion among which spot sign has promising specificity, hematoma shape and UHG speed are more convenient to be observed.

Identification and functional characterization of four transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 variants in Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür)

As signal integrators that respond to various physical and chemical stimuli, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels fulfil critical functional roles in the sensory systems of both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. Here, four variants of TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) were identified and cloned from the green plant bug, Apolygus lucorum. Spatiotemporal expression profiling across development and in different adult tissues revealed that the highest relative-transcript levels occurred in first-instar nymphs and antennae, respectively. In Xenopus laevis-based functional assays, Apo. lucorum TRPA1-A (AlucTRPA1-A), AlucTRPA1-B and AlucTRPA1-C were activated by increasing the temperature from 20 to 40 °C with no significant desensitization observed after repeated temperature stimuli. The activation temperature of AlucTRPA1-A and AlucTRPA1-B was < 25 °C, whereas the activation temperature of AlucTRPA1-C was between 25 and 30 °C. Amongst the variants, only AlucTRPA1-A and AlucTRPA1-C were directly activated by high concentrations of allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamaldehyde and citronellal. Taken together, these results suggest that AlucTRPA1 variants may function in vivo as both thermal and chemical sensors, with the four variants potentially mediating different physiological functions. This study not only enriches our understanding of TRPA1 function in Hemiptera (Miridae), but also offers a foundation for developing new pest control strategies.

MicroRNA-34a and Impaired FGF19/21 Signaling in Obesity

The obesity epidemic and the urgent need for effective and safe drugs to treat obesity-related diseases have greatly increased research interest in the metabolic hormones, fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF19, FGF15 in mice), and FGF21. FGF19 and FGF21 function as endocrine hormones that play key roles in energy metabolism and counteract obesity. Importantly, in obese humans and lab animals, circulating FGF19 and FGF21 levels are elevated, and metabolic actions of these hormones are impaired but the underlying mechanisms remained unknown. Recent microRNA (miR) studies have revealed that aberrantly elevated miR-34a in obesity directly targets β-Klotho, the obligate coreceptor for both FGF19 and FGF21, and attenuates metabolic signaling of these hormones. In this review, we will discuss recent findings in the miR and FGF19/21 fields, emphasizing the novel function of obesity-associated miR-34a in attenuation of FGF19/21 metabolic actions, and further discuss miRs, including miR-34a, as potential drug targets for obesity-related diseases.

Resistance and integron characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii in a teaching hospital in Chongqing, China

A total of 189 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were collected in 2011 from a teaching hospital in Chongqing, China. Susceptibility data showed strains carrying integrons were significantly more resistant to all tested antibiotics that strains lacking integrons. Five types of gene cassettes belonging to class I integrons were identified in this study, and for the first time two types of gene cassettes belonging to class II integrons are reported. Most of the cassettes belong to a class I integron (136/144) encoding arr3, aacA4, dfrA17, aadA5, aadB, cat, blaOXA10 , aadA1, aadA2, dfrA and aacC1. Isolates contained a class I gene cassette; AadA2-HP-dfrA was the prevalent strain in this hospital. A class II integron was detected in eight strains, which contained the type IV fimbriae expression regulatory gene pilR and sulfate adenylyltransferase, suggesting a possible role in multidrug resistance. The major epidemic strains from intensive care unit patients belong to international clone 2. In conclusion, the presence of integrons was significantly associated with multiple drug resistance of A. baumannii in this hospital, and class I integron isolates bearing AadA2-HP-dfrA were the prevalent strain in this hospital.

A TRPA1 channel that senses thermal stimulus and irritating chemicals in Helicoverpa armigera

Sensing and responding to changes in the external environment is important for insect survival. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are crucial for various sensory modalities including olfaction, vision, hearing, thermosensation and mechanosensation. Here, we identified and characterized a transient receptor potential gene named as HarmTRPA1 in Helicoverpa armigera antennae. HarmTRPA1 was abundantly expressed in the antennae and labial palps. Transcripts of HarmTRPA1 could also be detected in the head and proboscis. Furthermore, functional analyses of HarmTRPA1 were conducted in the Xenopus Oocyte system. The results showed that the HarmTRPA1 channel could be activated by increasing the temperature from 20 to 45 °C. No significant adaptation was observed when the stimulus was repeated. In addition to thermal stimuli, pungent natural compounds including allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamaldehyde and citronellal also activated HarmTRPA1. Taken together, we infer that HarmTRPA1 may function as both a thermal sensor involved in peripheral temperature detection and as a chemical sensor detecting irritating chemicals in vivo. Our data provide valuable insight into the TRPA1 channel in this moth and lay the foundation for developing novel strategies for pest control.

Pilot-scale comparison of four duckweed strains from different genera for potential application in nutrient recovery from wastewater and valuable biomass production

The application potential of four duckweed strains from four genera, Wolffia globosa 0222, Lemna japonica 0223, Landoltia punctata 0224 and Spirodela polyrhiza 0225, were compared in four parallel pilot-scale wastewater treatment systems for more than 1 year. The results indicated that each duckweed strain had unique potential advantages. Unlike L. japonica 0223 and La. punctata 0224, which grow throughout the year, S. polyrhiza 0225 and W. globosa 0222 do not survive cold weather. For year round performance, L. japonica 0223 was best not only in dry biomass production (6.10 g·m(-2) ·day(-1) ), but also in crude protein (35.50%), total amino acid (26.83%) and phosphorus (1.38%) content, plus recovery rates of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and CO2 (0.31, 0.085 and 7.76 g·m(-2) ·day(-1) , respectively) and removal rates of TN and TP (0.66 and 0.089 g·m(-2) ·day(-1) , respectively). This strongly demonstrates that L. japonica 0223 performed best in wastewater treatment and protein biomass production. Under nutrient starvation conditions, La. punctata 0224 had the highest starch content (45.84%), dry biomass production (4.81 g·m(-2) ·day(-1) ) and starch accumulation (2.9 g·m(-2) ·day(-1) ), making it best for starch biomass production. W. globosa 0222 and S. polyrhiza 0225 showed increased flavonoid biomass production, with higher total flavonoid content (5.85% and 4.22%, respectively) and high dominant flavonoids (>60%). This study provides useful information for selecting the appropriate local duckweed strains for further application in wastewater treatment and valuable biomass production.

A fast and accurate decoder for underwater acoustic telemetry

The Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System, developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, has been used to monitor the survival of juvenile salmonids passing through hydroelectric facilities in the Federal Columbia River Power System. Cabled hydrophone arrays deployed at dams receive coded transmissions sent from acoustic transmitters implanted in fish. The signals' time of arrival on different hydrophones is used to track fish in 3D. In this article, a new algorithm that decodes the received transmissions is described and the results are compared to results for the previous decoding algorithm. In a laboratory environment, the new decoder was able to decode signals with lower signal strength than the previous decoder, effectively increasing decoding efficiency and range. In field testing, the new algorithm decoded significantly more signals than the previous decoder and three-dimensional tracking experiments showed that the new decoder's time-of-arrival estimates were accurate. At multiple distances from hydrophones, the new algorithm tracked more points more accurately than the previous decoder. The new algorithm was also more than 10 times faster, which is critical for real-time applications on an embedded system.

Extended survival and reduced risk of AML progression in erythroid-responsive lenalidomide-treated patients with lower-risk del(5q) MDS

Lenalidomide is the approved treatment for patients with red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-dependent lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chromosome 5q deletion (del(5q)). We report the long-term outcomes (median follow-up 3.2 years) in patients treated with lenalidomide in the MDS-003 trial. RBC transfusion independence (TI) ≥ 8 weeks was achieved in 97 of 148 treated patients (65.5%), with a median response duration of 2.2 years. Partial or complete cytogenetic response was achieved by 63 of 88 evaluable patients (71.6%). Median overall survival (OS) was longer in patients achieving RBC-TI ≥ 8 weeks (4.3 vs 2.0 years in non-responders; P<0.0001) or cytogenetic response (4.9 vs 3.1 years in non-responders; P=0.010). Time to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression was longer in patients achieving RBC-TI ≥ 8 weeks or any cytogenetic response versus non-responders (P=0.001 and P=0.0002, respectively). In a landmark multivariate analysis, RBC-TI ≥ 8 weeks was associated with prolonged OS (P<0.001) and a trend toward reduced relative risk of AML progression (P=0.080). Among these lower-risk MDS patients with del(5q), lenalidomide was associated with prolonged RBC-TI and cytogenetic responses, which were linked to improved OS and reduced risk of AML progression.