[Efficacy and safety of position selection combined with intra-pleural thrombin injection in the treatment of postoperative persistent air leakage in bullous pulmonary-pleural diseases]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of position selection in combination with intra-pleural thrombin injection in the treatment of persistent air leakage (PAL) after medical thoracoscopic treatment of bullous pulmonary-pleural diseases (e.g. spontaneous pneumothorax or giant emphysematous bulla). Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in Rizhao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2018 to November 2020. Twenty patients(19 males,1 female) with a mean age of (62.3±8.1) years met the diagnostic criteria for PAL which was defined as the air leak persisted more than 3 days despite of the closed thoracic drainage after medical thoracoscopic treatment of bullous pulmonary-pleural diseases.They received the following treatment procedures (referred to as "position plus"):①Pleural cavity injection (50% glucose 20 ml+thrombin 5 000 U).②Changing the patient's position under continuous negative pressure suction to find the position causing the complete stop or significant reduction of air leakage, and keeping in the position for 24-48 hours.③If the PAL wasn't stopped 48 hours later, the procedures above would be repeated.The duration of air leakage after "position plus", times of pleural cavity injection, condition of lung re-expansion, recurrence of air leakage and complications during hospitalization were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results:¯x±s or M(P₂₅, P₇₅) for continuous variables; frequency and percentages for categoric variables. Results: A total of 20 patients were included. The average duration of air leakage after"position plus" was (1.32±0.97) days. The times of pleural cavity injection required were 1.0(1.0, 1.0).All the patients showed good lung re-expansion in review of imaging after PAL was stopped. One patient had recurrent air leakage during hospitalization. No serious complications occurred. Conclusion: The comprehensive "position plus" intervention method is effective, safe and easily operating for the treatment of PAL after medical thoracoscopic treatment of bullous pulmonary-pleural diseases.

[Genotype and genetic characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus circulating in Quanzhou, 2018-2019]

Objective: To study the prevalence and genetic characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in Quanzhou city, from 2018 to 2019. Methods: A total of 141 throat swabs were collected from children patients of lower respiratory tract infection in Quanzhou children Hospital, Fujian Province from November 2018 to May 2019. RT-PCR was used to amplify the 3 'end of G gene HRSV. Sequencer 5.0 and MEGA5.05 softwares were used for sequence editing, phylogenetic tree construction and genotyping analysis. Results: Twenty-five samples were positive for HRSV. Seventeen samples succeeded to obtain the target gene, including 13 of HRSVA and 4 of HRSVB. Two genotypes were identified: ON1 genotype (13 samples, HRSVA) and BA9 genotype (4 samples, HRSVB). Five strains of ON1 genotype sequences were clustered with the ON1 sequences prevalent in Beijing, Changchun and Zhejiang from 2012 to 2015 (cluster1); one strain (FJ19-02) was clustered with the sequences of ON1 genotype circulating in many regions of China from 2012 to 2015 (cluster2); Seven strains were clustered independently (cluster FJ). FJ18-02, FJ19-14 and FJ19-15 of HRSVB were clustered with the BA9 genotype sequences prevalent in Changchun, Jilin Province in 2015, while FJ19-13 was closely related to the BA9 genotype sequences prevalent in Guangzhou and Zhejiang Province in 2013. Both the ON1 and BA9 genotypes showed variations of nucleotide and amino acid in 72 and 60 insertion segments. Amino acid mutation (H266L) only occurred among the sequence of cluster-FJ, and the mutations of H261Q and Q265L only appeared in strain FJ19-13. Conclusion: BA9 and ON1 genotypes were prevalent in Quanzhou city, from 2018 to 2019. Cluster-FJ was a newly discovered independent transmission chain, which may continue to circulate in local Quanzhou area.

Bone mesenchymal stem cells attenuate resiniferatoxin-induced neuralgia via inhibiting TRPA1-PKCδ-P38/MAPK-p-P65 pathway in mice

Treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) resulting from nerve injury is one of the most complicated and challenging in modern practice. Pharmacological treatments for NP are not fully effectively and novel approaches are requisite. Recently, transplantation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has represented a promising approach for pain relief and neural repair, but how it produces beneficial effects on resiniferatoxin (RTX) induced nerve injury is still unclear. Here, we identified the BMSCs' analgesic effects and their potential mechanisms of microglial cells activation on RTX induced neuralgia. Immunostaining, biochemical studies demonstrated that microglia rather than astrocyte cells activation involved in RTX induced mechanical hyperalgesia, whereas the GFP-labeled BMSCs alleviated this mechanical hyperalgesia. Moreover, pain-related TRPA1, PKCδ, CaMKIIɑ (Calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II), P38/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), p-P65 activation and expression in the spinal cord were significantly inhibited after BMSC administration. In addition, BMSCs treated RTX mice displayed a lower density of mushroom dendritic spines. Our research suggested that activation of PKCδ-CaMKIIɑ-P38/MAPK-p-P65 pathway and mushroom dendritic spines abnormal increase in the spinal cord is the main mechanism of RTX induced neuropathic pain, and transplant of BMSCs to the damaged nerve may offer promising approach for neuropathic pain.

Thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) for ultrasound features of nodules: multicentric retrospective study in China

PURPOSE

To establish a practical and simplified Chinese thyroid imaging reporting and data system (C-TIRADS) based on the Chinese patient database.

METHODS

A total of 2141 thyroid nodules that were neither cystic nor spongy were used in the current study. These specimens were derived from 2141 patients in 131 alliance hospitals of the Chinese Artificial Intelligence Alliance for Thyroid and Breast Ultrasound. The ultrasound features, including location, orientation, margin, halo, composition, echogenicity, echotexture, echogenic foci and posterior features were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between ultrasound features and malignancy. The regression equation, the weighting, and the counting methods were used to determine the malignant risk of the thyroid nodules. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az values) were calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 2141 thyroid nodules, 1572 were benign, 565 were malignant, and 4 were borderline. Vertical orientation, ill-defined, or irregular margin (including extrathyroidal extension), microcalcifications, solid, and markedly hypoechoic were positively associated with malignancy, while comet-tail artifacts were negatively associated with malignancy. The logistic regression equation yielded the highest Az value of 0.913, which was significantly higher than that obtained using the weighting method (0.893) and the counting method (0.890); however, no significant difference was found between the latter two. The C-TIRADS, based on the counting method, was designed following the principle of balancing the diagnostic performance and sensitivity of the risk stratification with the ease of use.

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively simple C-TIRADS was established using the counting value of positive and negative ultrasound features.

[Contribution of measles virus IgG antibody avidity assay to the identification of measles cases]

Objective: To evaluate the value of measles IgG antibody avidity assay in identifying the measles cases. Methods: Data from the Measles Surveillance Information System was used to collect laboratory confirmed or discarded cases in 2013-2015, and then tracing back the blood specimens from all measles network laboratories in Tianjin. Measles antibody avidity assay was used to detect and to redefine cases from the discarded ones. Results: A total of 326 measles cases including 267 laboratory-confirmed and 59 discarded cases were enrolled into this study, with 92.33% (301/326) of them aged ≥20 years. Result from the measles IgG antibody avidity assay showed that the ratio of high-avidity was 91.23%(52/57) of the discarded cases, which was significantly higher than 66.95% (158/236) of the laboratory confirmed cases (χ²=13.33, P<0.001). According to the case criterion, 15.25% (9/59) of the discarded cases were redefined as measles cases. Eight out of the nine cases were high-avidity with measles containing vaccine (MCV) vaccination history that named as SVF cases. One in nine cases with low-avidity was with typical clinical symptomatic measles but with no vaccination history of MCV. Conclusion: Measles IgG antibody avidity assay could provide reference serological evidence to reduce the error from those discarded cases caused by false negative results on IgM antibody, when diagnosing the measles cases.

[Progress in research of specific antibody dynamic characteristics in patients with COVID-19]

COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. After the infection of the virus, the host immune system is stimulated to produce multifarious specific antibodies to decrease or eliminate effects of the pathogen. Study of the specific antibodies dynamic characteristics in patients with COVID-19 is very important for the understanding and diagnosis of the disease, research and development of vaccine, and planning of prevention and control strategy. This paper reviews and summarizes the domestic and oversea research on dynamic characteristics of specific antibodies of COVID-19 patients, including the antibody producing, duration and level, and its possible influencing factors in order to improve the understanding of the immunological characteristics of COVID-19.

Rituximab or cyclosporin in refractory immune thrombocytopenia secondary to connective tissue diseases: a real-world observational retrospective study

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common complication of connective tissue diseases (CTD). However, refractory and recurrent cases are frequent, who often need intensive immunotherapy. In the real world to compare the efficacy and safety of two common options, rituximab (RTX) and cyclosporine (CsA), in patients with refractory CTD-ITP, we conducted this retrospective study. Inpatients diagnosed with CTD-ITP who experienced treatment failure with initial prednisone or other immunosuppressants and who subsequently received either RTX or CsA between 2013 and 2018 were identified. All the patients were followed up for at least 6 months. Remission was defined as sustained platelet count ≥ 50 × 10^9/L, where ≥ 100 × 10^9/L was considered complete remission and 50-100 × 10^9/L was considered partial remission. Propensity score weighting analysis was performed to balance the confounders as indication. A total of 83 patients with CTD-ITP were identified, of whom 43 had systemic lupus erythematosus, 24 had undifferentiated CTD, and 16 had primary Sjogren syndrome. The RTX group (n = 53) had a much higher remission rate than the CsA group (n = 30) after 3 months and throughout the following 3 months (3 m, 86.8% vs 63.6%, p = 0.025; 6 m, 81.8% vs 53.5%, p = 0.011). Binary logistic regression analysis confirmed that treatment with RTX predicted better outcome (OR 4.09, 1.42 ~ 11.79), while age > 50 (OR 0.31, 0.11 ~ 0.93) was a risk factor. Furthermore, we reinforced the conclusions by propensity score weighting analysis (RTX OR 4.89, 1.64 ~ 14.58; age > 50 OR 0.31, 0.12 ~ 0.83). In our real-world retrospective study, for patients with refractory CTD-ITP, RTX was superior to CsA in terms of the durable remission rate. Key Points: • Refractory cases are common in patients with immune thrombocytopenia secondary to connective tissue diseases (CTD-ITP), requiring intensive immunotherapy. • Randomized controlled trials comparing rituximab and a traditional immunosuppressive agents (IS), such as cyclosporin, are lacking in these patients. • Our real-word retrospective study indicated that rituximab was superior to cyclosporin in patients with refractory CTD-ITP.

Highly flexible electrochromic devices enabled by electroplated nickel grid electrodes and multifunctional hydrogels

Flexible electronics, as a futuristic technology, is presenting tremendous impact in areas of wearable displaying, energy saving, and adaptive camouflage. In this work, we constructed a simple triple-layered electrochemical device with high flexibility using the electroplated nickel (Ni) grid electrode and the multifunctional hydrogel. The Ni grid electrode with low resistance (0.5 Ω/sq), high optical transparency (84.8%) and good mechanical flexibility, is beneficial for efficient electron injection, while the transparent lithium chloride hydrogel functions simultaneously for ion storage, ion transportation and counter-conducting. The thin polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) film is utilized as the electrochromic (EC) material and it also distributes the electrons evenly for uniform coloration. The triple-layered EC architecture not only simplifies the manufacturing procedures but also improves the device performance in terms of optical contrast and mechanical robustness. The device shows fast response for coloration and bleaching with an absolute transmittance contrast of 40% and a contrast retention over 72% after 2500 bending cycles. The ability of the flexible electrochromic device for conformable attaching was also investigated without obvious performance degradation. The electroplated Ni grid electrode and the multifunctional hydrogel are advantageous in constructing flexible electrochromic devices in terms of the response time, the working stability and the bending capability, paving a way for next-generation flexible electronics.

[Vessel Emission Inventories and Emission Characteristics for Inland Rivers in Jiangsu Province]

Based on ship visas, lockage data, and automatic identification system (AIS) data, vessel emission inventories for inland rivers of Jiangsu Province were established by using a vessel power-based approach, and the characteristics of vessel emissions were also discussed. The results showed that NO_x, SO₂, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, hydrocarbons (HC), CO, and CO₂ emissions of inland ships in 2014 were 1.87×10⁵, 5.13×10⁴, 8.2×10³, 1.1×10⁴, 6.4×10³, 1.67×10⁴, and 1.05×10⁷ t, respectively, for inland vessels (excluding the Yangtze River), and dry cargo ships had the largest pollutant emissions. The highest pollutant emissions were found in the tonnage range of 200-600 t, and the highest pollutant emissions were found during the normal navigation conditions of ships. For the arrival of ships in the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River, the non-container cargo ships had the highest pollutant emissions, and the emissions of pollutants were the highest under loading and unloading conditions. Under a cruise state, the main engine and auxiliary engine were the main emission units for different power units; for transit ships in the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River, non-container cargo ships had the highest pollutant emissions, followed by oil tankers. The highest emissions of all pollutants occurred under slow driving conditions, and for different power units, the emissions of SO₂, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀ from the main engine were higher than those from the auxiliary engine. The emissions of atmospheric pollutants along the channel length of the channel of the North Jiangsu section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal were relatively large, followed by those of the South Jiangsu Channel. The inland ship emissions in Jiangsu Province were less affected by time, except for the slightly smaller proportion of emissions in February, and the proportion of emissions in other months was basically uniform, where values ranged from 8% to 10%.

Metal trabecular bone reconstruction system better improves clinical efficacy and biomechanical repair of osteonecrosis of the femoral head than free vascularized fibular graft: A case-control study

In this study, we aim to compare and analyze the biomechanical repair and clinical efficacy of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) with the use of metal trabecular bone reconstruction system and free vascularized fibular graft. The study enrolled 66 adult patients from medical records of nontraumatic ARCO 2A-3B stage ONFH. A simple ONFH model without surgical treatment was established in 13 cases, 29 cases were treated with metal trabecular bone reconstruction system, and 24 cases were treated with free vascularized fibular graft. Computer-recognized and extracted femur outlines were imported, and three-dimensional reconstructions were performed. The stress concentration and stress peak value were analyzed, and the Harris score, visual analog scale pain score, and operation status of the above patients were compared. Finally, quality of life assessment was performed using SF-36 scale. Metal trabecular bone reconstruction system provided less operation time, blood loss, and the total length of postoperative hospital stay than free vascularized fibular graft. Metal trabecular bone reconstruction system promoted bone reconstruction, increased bone mineral density and Harris score. The total clinical effective rate of young patients (20-40 years) was higher than that of older patients (41-60 years). Metal trabecular bone reconstruction system provided higher physical component summary, mental component summary, and role/social component summary than free vascularized fibular graft. This study demonstrates that both metal trabecular bone reconstruction system and free vascularized fibular graft can prevent or delay the progression of ONFH, while metal trabecular bone reconstruction system is a better choice because of better short-term clinical efficacy.

Tanshinone IIA attenuates estradiol-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in mice by ameliorating FSHR expression in the ovary

Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) is a major component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, a Chinese herb that exhibits a therapeutic effect on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The present study replicated PCOS via the neonatal treatment of estradiol in mice. Estrous cycles, body and ovarian weight, serum levels of testosterone and estradiol were determined. Histological examination of ovaries was performed. The mRNA and protein levels of aromatase luteinizing hormone receptor and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSHR) in ovaries and granule cells were assayed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. TSIIA was revealed to reverse all disorders induced by estradiol treatment, including prolonged estrous cycles, increased body and ovarian weight, increased atretic cyst-like follicles and decreased corpus luteum, large antral follicles and preovulatory follicles. These improvements in PCOS as a result of TSIIA treatment are likely due to the revised testosterone/estradiol balance, as TSIIA reversed the decrease in aromatase mRNA, the enzyme that converts androgen to estrogen. As the expression of aromatase is regulated by the FSH pathway, TSIIA-mediated elevation in FSHR expression may lead to the upregulation of aromatase. Therefore, TSIIA revises the balance of androgen and estrogen by rescuing the reduced expression of FSHR and aromatase, thus attenuating murine PCOS. The current study aimed to further the application of natural drugs in the treatment of PCOS to confront the side effects of hormone drugs and expand the use of TSIIA.

[Characterization analysis of gM, gL genes of varicella zoster virus in six provinces of China]

Objective: To analyze the genetic characterization of glycoprotein M(gM.),glycoprotein L(gL) of varicella zoster virus. Methods: According to the program of "Ministry of Science and Technology of China" , Based on the 12 suspected VZV patients monitored in Beijing (1 case), Shanghai (5 cases), Jilin (2 cases), Qinghai (1 case), Guangdong (2 case) and Sichuan (case) in 2007-2015. A total of 12 Vesicle fluid and throat swab samples were collected. Positive samples were identified by Agarose gel electrophoresis and two glycoprotein genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nucleotide sequences were determined and analyzed by PCR amplification of VZV positive specimens V-OKA-BK of the domestic varicella attenuated live vaccine and the Varilrix-1 of the imported attenuated live vaccine. Nucleotide sequences of VZV positive specimens, vaccine strains (V-OKA-BK, varilrix-1) and GenBank foreign wild strains (41 strains), parent strains (P-oka), vaccine strains (V-oka, Varilrix, Varivax) were compared using BioEdit and MEGA 5.0. Results: 12 specimens were VZV positive. Compared with the vaccine strains and the parent strains, the GM gene of 1 positive specimen had radical mutation at 86686 sites, which resulted in amino acid mutation, 5 positive specimens had base mutation at 87844 sites, and 30 strains of foreign wild strains had the same variation at 87 844 sites. 1 positive specimens of gL gene in 101245 sites had base mutation, and led to amino acid mutation, 6 positive specimens at 101624, 101625, 101626 sites had base of loss and the foreign wild strains in these 3 sites had the same variation. Compared with the vaccine strains, the nucleotide and amino acid homology of gM of 12 VZV positive specimens were 99.2%-100% and 98.2%-100%, respectively, and gL of those were 99.3%-100% and 98.6%-100%, respectively. Compared with 41 strains of foreign wild strains, homology of gM's nucleotides and amino acid were 99.3%-100% and 98.5%-100%, respectively; 99.1%-100% and 98.6%-100% for gL. The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that 7 VZV positive samples were on the same branch with 4 vaccine strains and p-oka strain. Based on gL, 12 VZV positive samples were on the same branch as the vaccine strains and p-oka strain. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the genes of gM, gL are highly conserved and remain stable immunogen, which may be involved in the attenuation of VZV and need to be further researched.

Phytochemical profiles of marine phytoplanktons: an evaluation of their in vitro antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities

Marine microorganisms such as phytoplanktons are a rich resource of bioactive components with antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities that can act as novel functional food ingredients. In this study, the pigment profiles, total mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and total phenolic contents (TPCs) in solvent extracts including 90% acetone and methanol from five marine phytoplanktons including Nitzschia closterium (Bacillariophyta), Isochrysis zhangjiangensis (Haptophyta), Platymonas subcordiformis (Chlorophyta), Porphyridium cruentum (Rhodophyta) and Synechocystis pevalekii (Cyanobacteria) were analyzed. Each phytoplankton from different phyla had its unique compositions of carotenoids and chlorophylls. The 90% acetone extract from I. zhangjiangensis had the highest MAA content (508.30 μg per g DW) while the methanol extract from N. closterium had the highest level of TPCs (6.15 mg GAE per g DW) among all the phytoplanktons investigated. The amounts of total carotenoids in all the 90% acetone extracts from the five phytoplanktons as well as total MAAs in those from within the four microalgae except S. pevalekii were found to be strongly correlated with their antioxidant activities evaluated by the DPPH, TEAC and FRAP assays. Only the level of total carotenoids in the phytoplanktons was correlated with their anti-proliferative activities assessed by the MTT assays using MCF-7 cells. Therefore, individual carotenoid pigments seemed to be mainly responsible for the antioxidant and anti-proliferative (or anticancer) activities found in the solvent extracts of the five phytoplanktons. Hence these phytoplanktons have the potential as novel sources of natural food antioxidants and anticancer agents to be used as active ingredients in functional food products.

A whole genome sequence association study for puberty in a large Duroc × Erhualian F2 population

A large proportion of gilts and sows are culled from reproduction populations because of anestrus and pubertal reproductive failure. Selecting early onset of puberty gilts has a favorable effect on sows' reproductivity. However, age at puberty is hard to be routinely measured in commercial herds. With molecular genetic predictors, identifying individuals that have a propensity for early onset of puberty can be simplified. We previously performed genome scanning and a genome-wide association study for puberty in an F2 resource population using 183 microsatellites and 62 125 SNPs respectively. The detection power and resolution of identified quantitative trait loci were very low. Herein, we re-sequenced 19 founders of the F2 resource population in high coverage, and whole genome sequences of F2 individuals were imputed to perform an association study for reproductive traits. A total of 2339 SNPs associated with pubertal reproductive failure were identified in the region of 30.94-40.74 Mb on SSC7, with the top one, positioned at 33.36 Mb, explaining 16% of the phenotypic variances. We improved the magnitude of the P-value by 10E+5 to 10E+7 using the whole genome sequence rather than using low/middle density markers as in previous studies, and we narrowed down the QTL confidence interval to 5.25 Mb. Combining the annotation of gene function, RAB23 and BAK1 were perceived as the most compelling candidate genes. The identified loci may be useful in culling sows failing to show estrus by marker-assisted selection to increase reproductive efficiency of swine herds.

[Modern research and application of Longgu]

Longgu is the fossil of ancient mammals which was used as a common kind of mineral medicine. Longgu is always used to treat neurological diseases. Currently, the quality standard of Longgu is incomplete. Moreover, because of the non-renewable nature of the resource and the increase of national protection of fossils, the clinical application of Longgu is facing a series of problems. As the discovery of the ingredient and the development of forging technology researchers launched to search the substitutes of Longgu. The article summarizes the usage and the study of Longgu, in order that we can discuss the modern usage and substitutability of Longgu.

KCTD12 promotes tumorigenesis by facilitating CDC25B/CDK1/Aurora A-dependent G2/M transition

Cell cycle dysregulation leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cell cycle progression can provide clues leading to the identification of key proteins involved in cancer development. In this study, we performed proteomics analysis to identify novel regulators of the cell cycle. We found that potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 12 (KCTD12) was significantly upregulated in M phase compared with S phase. We also found that KCTD12 overexpression not only facilitated the G2/M transition and induced cancer cell proliferation, but also promoted the growth of subcutaneous tumors and Ki-67 proliferation index in mice. Regarding the mechanism underlying these phenomena, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) was identified as an interacting partner of KCTD12 by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis, which showed that KCTD12 activated CDK1 and Aurora kinase A (Aurora A) and that the effects of KCTD12 on CDK1 phosphorylation and cell proliferation were abrogated by cell division cycle 25B (CDC25B) silencing. In addition, Aurora A phosphorylated KCTD12 at serine 243, thereby initiating a positive feedback loop necessary for KCTD12 to exert its cancer-promoting effects. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression levels of various genes and the correlations between the expression of these genes and survival using tumor tissue microarray and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets. The data showed that KCTD12 expression was significantly upregulated in cervical and lung cancers. More importantly, high KCTD12 expression was associated with larger tumor sizes, higher pathological stages and poor patient survival. Collectively, our study demonstrate that KCTD12 binds to CDC25B and activates CDK1 and Aurora A to facilitate the G2/M transition and promote tumorigenesis and that Aurora A phosphorylates KCTD12 at serine 243 to trigger a positive feedback loop, thereby potentiating the effects of KCTD12. Thus, the KCTD12-CDC25B-CDK1-Aurora A axis has important implications for cancer diagnoses and prognoses.

Mitochondrial DNA Evidence Supports the Hypothesis that Triodontophorus Species Belong to Cyathostominae

Equine strongyles, the significant nematode pathogens of horses, are characterized by high quantities and species abundance, but classification of this group of parasitic nematodes is debated. Mitochondrial (mt) genome DNA data are often used to address classification controversies. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the complete mt genomes of three Cyathostominae nematode species (Cyathostomum catinatum, Cylicostephanus minutus, and Poteriostomum imparidentatum) of horses and reconstruct the phylogenetic relationship of Strongylidae with other nematodes in Strongyloidea to test the hypothesis that Triodontophorus spp. belong to Cyathostominae using the mt genomes. The mt genomes of Cy. catinatum, Cs. minutus, and P. imparidentatum were 13,838, 13,826, and 13,817 bp in length, respectively. Complete mt nucleotide sequence comparison of all Strongylidae nematodes revealed that sequence identity ranged from 77.8 to 91.6%. The mt genome sequences of Triodontophorus species had relatively high identity with Cyathostominae nematodes, rather than Strongylus species of the same subfamily (Strongylinae). Comparative analyses of mt genome organization for Strongyloidea nematodes sequenced to date revealed that members of this superfamily possess identical gene arrangements. Phylogenetic analyses using mtDNA data indicated that the Triodontophorus species clustered with Cyathostominae species instead of Strongylus species. The present study first determined the complete mt genome sequences of Cy. catinatum, Cs. minutus, and P. imparidentatum, which will provide novel genetic markers for further studies of Strongylidae taxonomy, population genetics, and systematics. Importantly, sequence comparison and phylogenetic analyses based on mtDNA sequences supported the hypothesis that Triodontophorus belongs to Cyathostominae.

MicroRNA-377 suppresses initiation and progression of esophageal cancer by inhibiting CD133 and VEGF

Esophageal cancer is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide with poor survival and limited therapeutic options. The discovery of microRNAs created a new milestone in cancer research. miR-377 is located in chromosome region 14q32, which is frequently deleted in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the biological functions, clinical significance and therapeutic implication of miR-377 in ESCC are largely unknown. In this study, we found that miR-377 expression was significantly downregulated in tumor tissue and serum of patients with ESCC. Both tumor tissue and serum miR-377 expression levels were positively correlated with patient survival. Higher serum miR-377 expression was inversely associated with pathologic tumor stage, distant metastasis, residual tumor status and chemoradiotherapy resistance. The roles of miR-377 in suppressing tumor initiation and progression, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. Results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that miR-377 overexpression inhibited the initiation, growth and angiogenesis of ESCC tumors as well as metastatic colonization of ESCC cells, whereas silencing of miR-377 had opposite effects. Mechanistically, miR-377 regulated CD133 and VEGF by directly binding to their 3' untranslated region. Moreover, systemic delivery of formulated miR-377 mimic not only suppressed tumor growth in nude mice but also blocked tumor angiogenesis and metastasis of ESCC cells to the lungs without overt toxicity to mice. Collectively, our study established that miR-377 plays a functional and significant role in suppressing tumor initiation and progression, and may represent a promising non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic strategy for patients with ESCC.

[Genetic characterization of varicella zoster virus in Jilin province in 2014, China]

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the genotype of wild-type strains of varicella zoster virus (VZV) in Jilin province in 2014, and to discriminate between v-Oka vaccine strains and wild-type strains.

METHODS

Vesicle fluid and throat swab samples were collected from 13 individuals with suspected VZV in Jilin province from January to December 2014. Viral DNA was extracted, the fragments of 15 open reading fragments (ORFs) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and viral genotypes were determined by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used to distinguish between wild-type strains and v-Oka vaccine strains. The results were analyzed with MEGA5 software, using the VZV reference strain sequences from GenBank.

RESULTS

The 13 suspected samples included 5 males and 8 females, aged 11-27 years (mean: (16.69±5.48) years). Sampling was performed on days 0 to 3 of suspected infection. VZV strains were detected in 8 samples, all belonging to Clade 2. There was a synonymous mutation (T>C) in SNP18082 compared with the v-Oka vaccine strain. Analysis of PCR-RFLPs showed that all 8 positive samples were wild-type strains (PstⅠ(+)BglⅠ(+)SmaⅠ(-)).

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed that the VZV strains circulating in Jilin province in 2014 were wild-type strains belonging to Clade 2.

Synchrotron quantification of ultrasound cavitation and bubble dynamics in Al-10Cu melts

Knowledge of the kinetics of gas bubble formation and evolution under cavitation conditions in molten alloys is important for the control casting defects such as porosity and dissolved hydrogen. Using in situ synchrotron X-ray radiography, we studied the dynamic behaviour of ultrasonic cavitation gas bubbles in a molten Al-10 wt%Cu alloy. The size distribution, average radius and growth rate of cavitation gas bubbles were quantified under an acoustic intensity of 800 W/cm(2) and a maximum acoustic pressure of 4.5 MPa (45 atm). Bubbles exhibited a log-normal size distribution with an average radius of 15.3 ± 0.5 μm. Under applied sonication conditions the growth rate of bubble radius, R(t), followed a power law with a form of R(t)=αt(β), and α=0.0021 &β=0.89. The observed tendencies were discussed in relation to bubble growth mechanisms of Al alloy melts.

In situ observation and analysis of ultrasonic capillary effect in molten aluminium

An in situ synchrotron radiographic study of a molten Al-10 wt% Cu alloy under the influence of an external ultrasonic field was carried out using the Diamond-Manchester Branchline pink X-ray imaging at the Diamond Light Source in UK. A bespoke test rig was used, consisting of an acoustic transducer with a titanium sonotrode coupled with a PID-controlled resistance furnace. An ultrasonic frequency of 30 kHz, with a peak to peak amplitude at 140 microns, was used, producing a pressure output of 16.9 MPa at the radiation surface of the 1-mm diameter sonotrode. This allowed quantification of not only the cavitation bubble formation and collapse, but there was also evidence of the previously hypothesised ultrasonic capillary effect (UCE), providing the first direct observations of this phenomenon in a molten metallic alloy. This was achieved by quantifying the re-filling of a pre-existing groove in the shape of a tube (which acted as a micro-capillary channel) formed by the oxide envelope of the liquid sample. Analytical solutions of the flow suggest that the filling process, which took place in very small timescales, was related to micro-jetting from the collapsing cavitation bubbles. In addition, a secondary mechanism of liquid penetration through the groove, which is related with the density distribution of the oxides inside the groove, and practically to the filtration of aluminium melt from oxides, was revealed. The observation of the almost instantaneous re-filling of a micro-capillary channel with the metallic melt supports the hypothesised sono-capillary effect in technologically important liquids other than water, like metallic alloys with substantially higher surface tension and density.