Does Tea Drinking Promote Health of Older Adults: Evidence from the China Health and Nutrition Survey

OBJECTIVE

This study selects the health indicators of older adults to analyze the impact of tea drinking on health.

DESIGN

This is a panel data.

SETTING

This study uses data from China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), which covers nine provinces and ten waves, between 1997 and 2015.

PARTICIPANTS

a total of 706 old adults are consistently surveyed in six surveys on issues such as health and nutrition.

MEASUREMENTS

Health of old adults is assessed by self-reported health (SRH), tea drinking is 0-1 dummy variable, and also analyze with the frequency of tea drinking. This study uses ordered probit model to analyze the influence of tea drinking on SRH.

RESULTS

Findings reveal a significant negative correlation between tea drinking and SRH of older adults. It is shows that the significant positive correlation exists between the tea drinking frequency and SRH, but the quadratic term of tea frequency shows the significant negative correlation. It means drinking tea benefits older adults in terms of improved health, but excessive consumption of tea is not healthy for them. The heterogeneity analyses reveal that there are no significant geographic, tea-drinking pattern or gender differences in the conclusion that tea drinking is good for older adults' health.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we find correlation between tea drinking and SRH of older adults, and tea drinking is beneficial toward the improvement of SRH, but drinking tea in excess is not good for older adults' health.

Effects of environmental cleaning bundles on reducing healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Environmental contamination with Clostridioides difficile plays an important role in the transmission of C. difficile infection (CDI) in healthcare and long-term care facilities, which results in prolonged length of stay, higher risk of mortality and increased healthcare costs. Environmental cleaning bundles are introduced to improve environmental cleanliness. This study aimed to evaluate whether environmental cleaning bundles applied in hospital, community and long-term care settings reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated CDI compared with conventional cleaning practices. Relevant databases, websites and trial registration platforms were searched. Two reviewers conducted study screening and selection, data collection, risk of bias assessment and evidence quality assessment independently. Meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.3. Ten eligible studies [one randomized controlled trial (RCT) and nine non-RCTs] were included. No significant effect of environmental cleaning bundles on the CDI incidence rate was found [risk ratio (RR)=0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71-1.29; studies=2; I²=49%; very low quality]. However, the removal of surface markers was improved significantly (RR=1.55, 95% CI 1.30-1.84; studies=3; I²=98%; very low quality), and the percentage of CDI rooms with positive cultures of C. difficile (RR=0.16, 95% CI 0.08-0.31; studies=4; I²=7%; moderate quality) was reduced significantly after the implementation of environmental cleaning bundles. Environmental cleaning bundles may consequently be helpful in improving the thoroughness of cleaning of environmental surfaces in hospital and long-term care settings. More well-conducted RCTs are expected to provide stronger evidence.

Preparation and Characterization of an Optimized Meniscal Extracellular Matrix Scaffold for Meniscus Transplantation

Many studies have sought to construct a substitute to partially replace irreparably damaged meniscus. Only the meniscus allograft has been used in clinical practice as a useful substitute, and there are concerns about its longevity and inherent limitations, including availability of donor tissue and possibility of disease transmission. To overcome these limitations, we developed an acellular xenograft from whole porcine meniscus. Samples were treated with 2% Triton X-100 for 10 days and 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate for 6 days. The DNA content of extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds was significantly decreased compared with that of normal porcine menisci (p < 0.001). Histological analysis confirmed the maintenance of ECM integrity and anisotropic architecture in the absence of nuclei. Biochemical and biomechanical assays of the scaffolds indicated the preservation of collagen (p = 0.806), glycosaminoglycan (p = 0.188), and biomechanical properties (elastic modulus and transition stress). The scaffolds possessed good biocompatibility and supported bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) proliferation for 2 weeks in vitro, with excellent region-specific recellularization in vivo. The novel scaffold has potential value for application in recellularization and transplantation strategies.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Interacting Protein Maintains Germinal Center B Cells through Suppression of BCL6 Degradation

B cell lymphoma-6 (BCL6) is highly expressed in germinal center B cells, but how its expression is maintained is still not completely clear. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) is a co-chaperone of heat shock protein 90. Deletion of Aip in B cells decreased BCL6 expression, reducing germinal center B cells and diminishing adaptive immune responses. AIP was required for optimal AKT signaling in response to B cell receptor stimulation, and AIP protected BCL6 from ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation by the E3-ubiquitin ligase FBXO11 by binding to the deubiquitinase UCHL1, thus helping to maintain the expression of BCL6. AIP was highly expressed in primary diffuse large B cell lymphomas compared to healthy tissue and other tumors. Our findings describe AIP as a positive regulator of BCL6 expression with implications for the pathobiology of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Farmers' perceptions of climate change and adaptation behavior in Wushen Banner, China

A better understanding of farmers' perceptions of and responses to climate change is important for decision-makers to design more effective adaptation policies. This study investigates farmers' perceptions of climate change, actual adaption responses at the farm level, and factors influencing farmers' decisions on climate change adaptation in Wushen Banner, China. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 220 farmers with a random sampling technique. We found that farmers were generally concerned about climate change. Most farmers have adopted adaption measures to address the adverse effects of climate change. Adjusting farming behavior and using financial means were the main adaptation measures used by local farmers. The results revealed that the implementation of adaptation measures was constrained by the lack of technology, shortage of money, and poor infrastructure. The binary logistic regression results showed that farmers' socioeconomic characteristics, such as education, farming experience, and gender, had significant impacts on farmers' decisions to choose adaptation strategies. The regression results also indicated that farmers who believed climate change would affect their health were more willing to choose financial instruments, and farmers who believed climate change would affect their agricultural productions were likely to diversify their livelihoods. The findings provide some critical insights based on local perceptions of climate change and enhance our understanding of cognitive beliefs attached to adaptive responses.

[Efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in the salvage treatment of chronic graft versus-host disease]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose Ruxolitinib in the treatment of patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and refractory to the first-line and/or second-line drugs after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: The clinical data was retrospectively analyzed of patients diagnosed with cGVHD in Anhui Provincial Hospital from July 9, 2018 to May 23, 2019. They were refractory to first-line and second-line drugs and were given a low-dose of Ruxolitinib (a dose of 5 mg twice daily if body weight ≥ 25 kg and 2.5 mg twice daily if body weight<25 kg). There was 2.5 mg reduction per week or every two weeks if the condition improved until withdrawal. The efficacy and safety of Ruxolitinib were retrospectively analyzed weekly or biweekly. If the condition improved, the dosage would be reduced by 2.5 mg weekly or biweekly until discontinuance. Results: A total of 47 patients were included in the study,and the median time of taking Ruxolitinib was 55 (21-154) days. The median time of taking effect was 14(7-28) days. The overall response rate was 87.2% (41/47). The complete response rate was 63.8% (30/47) and the partial response rate was 23.4%(11/47). Among them, 13 cases were mild and the overall response rate was 100%(13/13). Twenty one cases were moderate and the overall response rate was 90.5%(19/21). Thirteen cases were severe and the overall response rate was 69.2%(9/13). The highest overall response rate of all organs the was 100% in the gastrointestinal tract (7/7), and it was 95.8%(23/24) for the skin, 83.3%(5/6) for the liver and 76.9%(10/13) for the lung. The highest rate of complete organ response was 95.8% for skin. Eight patients (17%) developed cytopenia, of which 2(4.2%) were with a decrease of 3-4 degree hemoglobin. Recrudescence of cytomegalovirus occurred in 3 patients (6.4%). After withdrawal of Ruxolitinib, 6 patients (12.7%) had recurrence of cGVHD. The median time to relapse was 35.5(7-90) days. All of their conditions were improved after addition of Ruxolitinib. The median time of response was 7(5-14) days. The median follow-up was 208(33-412) days. Three patients(6.4%) died, and all of them died of severe pulmonary infection. Three patients (6.4%) had relapse of primary disease. The 6-month overall survival rate was 95.7%. Conclusion: Low-dose Ruxolitinib has good efficacy and safety in the treatment of cGVHD.

Farmers' livelihood risks, livelihood assets and adaptation strategies in Rugao City, China

Based on accurately identifying farmers' livelihood risks, this paper investigates the effects of farmers' livelihood assets on their livelihood risks and adaptation strategies. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with farmers in Rugao City. The results show that natural risks and market risks are the main livelihood risks for farmers in agricultural production. Farmers' social, financial and human assets can mitigate their livelihood risks in agricultural production, while natural and physical assets have the opposite effects. Most farmers chose crop variety adjustment, water and fertilizer management, agricultural finance and agrotechnical support to deal with livelihood risks. Social, natural and physical assets have significant and positive effects on farmers' adoption of adaptation strategies, while human and financial assets have relatively weak influences.

[Effect of KIR/HLA receptor-ligand mode on prognosis of single unrelated cord blood transplantation in patients with hematological malignancies]

目的

探讨自然杀伤细胞免疫球蛋白样受体（KIR）与人类白细胞抗原（HLA）受配体模式对血液病患者单份非血缘脐血移植（sUCBT）预后的影响。

方法

回顾性分析2012年7月至2018年6月270例接受sUCBT的血液病患者。移植前脐血及患者均进行HLA12个位点高分辨配型，选择移植物（脐血）的KIR均同时表达2DL1和2DL2/2DL3抑制性基因，根据患者KIR配体情况分为缺失组（C1/C1或C2/C2）和无缺失组（C1/C2）。

结果

270例血液病患者中男146例（54.1％），女124例（45.9％），中位年龄13（1～62）岁；缺失组174例（64.4％），无缺失组96例（35.6％）。全部患者均采用不含抗胸腺细胞球蛋白（ATG）清髓性预处理方案。缺失组、无缺失组粒细胞植入率均为98.9％（172/174、95/96），中位植入时间分别为16（10～41）d、17（11～33）d（P＝0.705）；血小板植入率分别为88.5％（154/174）、87.5％（84/96），中位植入时间分别为35（11～113）d、38.5（13～96）d（P＝0.317）；缺失组、无缺失组Ⅱ～Ⅳ级急性GVHD发生率分别为38.7％（95％CI 31.4％～45.9％）、50.0％（95％CI 39.6％～59.6％）（P＝0.075），多因素分析显示KIR配体缺失是影响Ⅱ～Ⅳ度急性GVHD发生的独立保护性因素（P＝0.036）。移植后3年累积复发率分别为17.7％（95％CI 11.7％～24.9％）、22.7％（95％CI14.4％～32.2％）（P＝0.288）。中位随访时间742（335～2 512）d，缺失组、无缺失组3年总生存率分别为72.1％（95％CI 64.1％～78.6％）、60.5％（95％CI 47.9％～69.2％）（χ²＝3.629，P＝0.079），3年无病生存率分别为64.9％（95％CI 56.2％～72.3％）、55.4％（95％CI 44.4％～65.0％）（χ²＝3.027，P＝0.082），移植后180 d 非复发死亡率分别为12.1％（95％CI 7.7％～17.4％）、16.7％（95％CI 10.0％～24.8％）（P＝0.328）。

结论

在不含ATG清髓性预处理sUCBT血液病治疗体系中，缺失抑制性KIR配体患者移植后急性GVHD发生率更低。

Diversity and abundance of comammox bacteria in the sediments of an urban lake

AIMS

Although comammox have been discovered in a variety of ecosystems, there are few studies in urban lakes. This paper attempted to confirm whether this ammonia-oxidizing microbe exists in urban lakes and to determine the factors influencing its existence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study investigated the diversity and abundance of comammox bacteria in sediments of a typical urban lake in China, and their ecological relationship with other ammonia-oxidizing micro-organisms. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that comammox clade A existed in the sediment of Lake Donghu, and the comammox bacteria co-existed with ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria in the sediment of this lake. The abundances of the ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) genes for comammox, AOA, AOB and anammox 16S rRNA were 2·43 × 10⁸ , 1·07 × 10⁸ , 3·24 × 10⁷ and 3·21 × 10¹¹ copies per gram dry sediment respectively. Moreover, the amoA gene abundance of comammox was positively correlated with that of AOA and AOB. The redundancy analysis showed that the abundance of the comammox amoA gene was negatively correlated with the concentration of main indicators for nitrogen status in both the sediment and the water column, indicating that eutrophication may inhibit the growth of comammox bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Comammox bacteria play an important ecological role in the nitrogen cycle of urban lake sediments.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our results indicated comammox bacteria were widespread in urban lakes and eutrophication may inhibit their growth.

The PPAR-γ antagonist T007 inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and counteracts OVX-induced bone loss in mice

Background

Osteoclasts are key determinant cellular components implicated in the development and progression of disorders driven by bone damage. Herein, we studied the upshot of T007, an antagonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), on osteoclastogenesis using cell and animal models.

Results

The in vitro assays revealed that T007 hindered the osteoclastogenesis caused by the treatment with the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) through inhibiting the levels of PPARγ in cells. The PPARγ siRNA partially reproduced the inhibitory action of T007. The opposite findings were produced after PPARγ overexpression. Furthermore, T007 prevented from bone loss in a mouse model of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy (OVX). These findings implied that T007 is a potential efficient drug for the prophylaxis and cure of osteoclast-related disorders.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings demonstrated that T007 impedes osteoclastogenesis and will be useful for the therapy of bone related diseases, essentially osteoporosis.

Different sources of rural household energy consumption and influencing factors in Dazu, China

Rural household energy consumption is an important component of national energy consumption. This paper explores the rural household energy consumption status and influencing factors on different sources of rural household energy consumption in western China. Using data from a survey of 240 households conducted in 2017, this study finds that rural households' energy consumption structure in the study area is a combination of traditional biomass energy and commercial energy sources. Fuelwood is the most commonly used fuel in the study area, while modern energy sources only occupy a low proportion. Rural household energy consumption is influenced by various factors. Individual perceptions of climate change, social trust and networks, and households' socio-economic and demographic factors (gender, age, education, income per capita, household size, household location, and number of household appliances) are identified as having significant effects on rural households' consumption of biomass and commercial energies. The research results provide implications for policy makers to formulate related rural energy policies to improve the rural energy consumption structure and future energy policy design in China and other developing countries.

[Comparison of umbilical cord blood transplantation and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from HLA-matched sibling donors in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome-EB or acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes]

目的

比较非血缘脐血干细胞移植（UCBT）与同胞HLA全相合供者造血干细胞移植（MSD-HSCT）治疗骨髓增生异常综合征伴原始细胞增多（MDS-EB）和急性髓系白血病伴骨髓增生异常相关改变（AML-MRC）的临床疗效。

方法

回顾性分析2011年2月至2017年12月接受UCBT/MSD-HSCT的MDS-EB/AML-MRC患者64例，其中MDS-EB 38例，AML-MRC 26例。

结果

①与MSD-HSCT组比较，UCBT组AML-MRC患者比例较高[52.8%（19/36）对25.0%（7/28），P=0.025]，中位年龄较低[13（1.5~52）岁对32（10~57）岁，P=0.001]。②UCBT组与MSD-HSCT组+42 d粒细胞植入率均为100%，中位植入时间分别为17.5（11~31）d、11.5（10~20）d；UCBT组+100 d血小板植入率为91.4%，中位植入时间为40（15~96）d，MSD-HSCT组+100 d血小板植入率为100.0%，中位植入时间为15（11~43）d。③UCBT组和MSD-HSCT组比较，+100 dⅡ~Ⅳ度、Ⅲ/Ⅳ度急性GVHD累积发生率、180 d移植相关死亡率、3年累积复发率、3年总生存率和3年无病生存率差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。④UCBT组3年慢性GVHD、重度慢性GVHD的累积发生率均低于MSD-HSCT组[28.3%（95% CI 13.4%~45.3%）对67.9%（95%CI 46.1%~82.4%），P=0.002；10.3%（95%CI 2.5%~24.8%）对50.0%（95%CI 30.0%~67.1%），P<0.001]；UCBT组3年无严重急慢性GVHD及无复发生存（GRFS）率明显高于MSD-HSCT组[55.0%（95%CI 36.0%~70.6%）对28.6%（95%CI 13.5%~45.6%），P=0.038]。

结论

UCBT治疗MDS-EB/AML-MRC患者可获得比MSD-HSCT更好的移植后生存质量。

The Novel p38 Inhibitor, Pamapimod, Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis and Counteracts Estrogen-Dependent Bone Loss in Mice

Pamapimod (PAM) is a novel selective p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor proved to be effective in rheumatoid arthritis in phase 2 clinical trial. However, its effect on osteoclast-associated osteoporosis and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we showed that PAM suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation via inhibition of p38 phosphorylation and subsequent c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) expression. In addition, the downregulated NFATc1 leads to reduced expression of its targeting gene disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 12 (ADAM12), which was further proven to be critical for osteoclastic bone resorption. Therefore, we treated ovariectomized (OVX) mice with PAM and revealed a protective effect of PAM on osteoporosis in vivo. In conclusion, our results demonstrated PAM can prevent OVX-induced bone loss through suppression of p38/NFATc1-induced osteoclast formation and NFATc1/ADAM12-associated bone resorption. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

SAT-LB056 Is AIP a Tumor Suppressor or an Oncogene? AIP as a Novel Regulator of the Oncogene BCL6 in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Background: Heterozygous germline loss-of-function mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) gene are usually associated with acromegaly or gigantism due to a young-onset somatotropinoma. AIP functions as a tumor suppressor gene in the pituitary, while its role in other tumours is unknown. AIP is highly expressed in patients with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) compared to any other tumor type. DLBCL arises from germinal centre B cells which characteristically express the transcriptional repressor B cell lymphoma-6 (BCL6), key for germinal centre formation. Increased expression of BCL6 can lead to the development of DLBCL. Despite the obvious importance of BCL6 expression in GC B cells, the mechanisms by which it is regulated are still poorly understood. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of the high AIP expression, BCL6 and the pathobiology of DLBCL. Methods: We generated mice carrying a conditional homozygous deletion of Aip in T and B cells (Aip^fl/fl;Rag1^Cre/+). Co-localization of AIP and members of the BCL6 ubiquitination/proteasome pathway by immunofluorescence analysis. Ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation study was done by immuno-precipitation (IP). Results: Our study found that AIP is highly expressed in DLBCL. Genetic deletion of Aip revealed that AIP supported BCL6 expression in mice. The ubiquitin E3 ligase FBXO11 has been previously shown to add ubiquitin to BCL6. We found that AIP could bind to the deubiquitinase UCHL1 and that UCHL1 could remove ubiquitin from BCL6 thereby supporting BCL6 expression by preventing FBXO11 mediated degradation of BCL6 recapitulating what we observed in Aip deficient B cells. Conclusions: The data presented here reveal AIP to be a novel positive regulator of BCL6 protein expression which is commonly up-regulated in DLBCL and prevents FBXO11 degradation of BCL6 by enabling the UCHL1 to remove ubiquitin from BCL6. Therefore, AIP is a potential novel therapeutic target to treat DLBCL. It appears that AIP function as a tumor suppressor in the pituitary and as an oncogene to the pathobiology of DLBCL. Unless otherwise noted, all abstracts presented at ENDO are embargoed until the date and time of presentation. For oral presentations, the abstracts are embargoed until the session begins. Abstracts presented at a news conference are embargoed until the date and time of the news conference. The Endocrine Society reserves the right to lift the embargo on specific abstracts that are selected for promotion prior to or during ENDO.

Molecular characterization and expression analysis of T cell receptor (TCR) γ and δ genes in dojo loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) in response to bacterial, parasitic and fungal challenge

In mammalian, T-cell receptors (TCRs) play a key role in recognizing the presented antigen from external to protect organisms against environmental pathogens. To understand the potential roles of TCRγ and TCRδ in dojo loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), Ma-TCRγ and Ma-TCRδ cDNAs were cloned and their gene expression profiles were investigated after bacterial, parasitic and fungal challenge. The open reading frame (ORF) of Ma-TCRγ and Ma-TCRδ cDNAs contained 948 and 867 bp, encoding 316 and 288 amino acid residues, respectively. Structurally, Ma-TCRγ and Ma-TCRδ were consisted of a signal peptide, a variable region, a constant region (IgC), a connecting peptide (CPS), a transmembrane region (TM) and a cytoplasmic domain (CYT), which were similar to those of other vertebrates. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed Ma-TCRγ and Ma-TCRδ were closely related to fish of Cyprinidae family. Ma-TCRγ and Ma-TCRδ were widely expressed in all tested organs/tissues, as the highest expressions of Ma-TCRγ and Ma-TCRδ were detected in kidney and gill, respectively. In addition, three infection models of dojo loach with bacteria (F. columnare G₄), parasite (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) and fungus (Saprolegnia sp.) were constructed. The morphological changes of gills and skin after challenged with F. columnare G₄ and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis were investigated. Compared to F. columnare G₄ infection, mRNA expression of both TCRγ and TCRδ showed higher sensitivity in classical immune organs (kidney and spleen) and mucosal tissues (skin and gill) after challenge with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Saprolegnia sp. Our results first indicated that TCRγ and TCRδ of dojo loach might function differently in response to challenge with different pathogens.

[Efficacy analysis of unrelated cord blood transplantation in the treatment of refractory and relapsed adult acute leukemia]

目的

探讨非血缘脐血移植（UCBT）挽救治疗难治复发急性白血病（AL）患者的临床疗效和安全性。

方法

回顾性分析2009年11月至2017年5月22例行UCBT挽救治疗的难治复发成人AL患者的临床资料，全部患者采用清髓性预处理方案，均采用环孢素A/短程霉酚酸酯方案预防GVHD。

结果

①22例患者中男9例，女13例，中位年龄23（15~44）岁；中位体重52.5（43~82）kg。所有患者回输脐血有核细胞中位数为3.07（1.71~5.30）×10⁷/kg（受者体重），CD34⁺细胞中位数为1.60（0.63~3.04）×10⁵/kg（受者体重）。②移植后42 d髓系累积植入率为95.5%（95%CI 45.2%~99.7%），中位植入时间为19（13~27）d；移植后120 d血小板累积植入率为81.8%（95%CI 54.2%~93.6%），中位植入时间为42（20~164）d。③Ⅱ~Ⅳ度、Ⅲ~Ⅳ度急性GVHD发生率以及慢性GVHD 2年累积发生率分别为36.4%、13.6%和40.3%。④移植后180 d移植相关死亡率为22.7%；2年累积复发率为18.7%（95%CI 3.6%~42.5%），2年累积无病生存率及累积总生存率分别为53.7%和58.1%。

结论

对于常规化疗无效的难治复发成人AL患者，初步结果显示采用UCBT安全、有效。

IgM and IgD heavy chains of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco): Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis in response to bacterial infection

Three different immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes, namely IgM, IgD, and IgT/IgZ have been described in most teleost, among which IgM and IgT are considered crucial in systematic and mucosal immunity, respectively. However, some teleost have no IgT/IgZ and it is unclear how other Ig isotypes interact to perform immune-protective roles in both systematic and mucosal sites. In this study, the complete cDNA sequences of IgM and IgD heavy chains were cloned and analyzed from yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). The full-length cDNA of Pf-IgM and Pf-IgD heavy chains contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1710 and 2991 bp encoding a predicted protein of 570 and 997 amino acids, respectively. Tissue-specific expression analysis indicated that both IgM and IgD were highly expressed in kidney and spleen, and higher expression levels were found at zygote and 13th day post hatching during early development. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed IgM and IgD of yellow catfish are closely related to other fish of Siluriformes. Moreover, we also constructed the infection model of yellow catfish with bacteria (Flavobacterium columnare G₄) for the first time to study the function of Pf-IgM and Pf-IgD heavy chain genes in immune response. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that significantly up-regulated expression of Pf-IgM was not only detected in liver and spleen, but also in mucosal tissues including skin and intestine, while Pf-IgD was just significantly increased in liver and spleen, which might suggest the main immune-protecting roles of IgM in mucosal tissues of yellow catfish.

Loss at 16q22.1 identified as a risk factor for intrahepatic recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma and screening of differentially expressed genes

Copy number alteration (CNA) of chromosome 16, a frequent genetic event in tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has been associated with HCC etiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and with clinical outcomes in multiple types of cancer. This study identified CNAs in chromosome 16 in relation to intrahepatic recurrence of HCC in a population with high HBV prevalence, and further screened for differentially expressed genes in recurrence-related CNAs. Array comparative genomic hybridization and expression arrays were used to detect CNAs and gene expression differences, respectively. The associations between CNAs and intrahepatic recurrence were analyzed on 66 patients, follow-up period of 3-73 months. One hundred and nine cases were further evaluated regarding the differentially expressed genes. Losses at 16q and 16p were detected in 62.1% and 51.5% of the 66 cases, respectively. The most recurrent CNAs (with frequency >20%) were losses at 16p13.3-13.2, 16p13.11, 16q11.2-22.1, 16q22.1, 16q22.2-24.2 and 16q24.2. Of the CNAs, 16q22.1 loss was significantly associated with unfavorable intrahepatic recurrence-free survival (P = 0.025). Multivariate Cox analysis identified 16q22.1 loss as an independent risk factor for intrahepatic recurrence (HR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.26-4.27). A panel of 21 genes, including TRADD, PSMB10, THAP11, CTCF and ESRP2, were significantly downregulated in HCCs with 16q22.1 loss compared to those without the loss. These results suggest that loss at 16q22.1 was associated with increased risk for intrahepatic recurrence of HCC, at least in the HBV-prevalence population. Multiple downregulated genes correlated with the loss were screened.

A novel splice site mutation of the PRKAR1A gene, C.440+5 G>C, in a Chinese family with Carney complex

BACKGROUND

Carney complex (CNC) is an extremely rare, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome that occurs in an autosomal dominant manner. Mutations in PRKAR1A have been reported to be a common genetic cause of CNC.

METHODS

In this study, we reported a Chinese pedigree of CNC that manifests mainly as spotty skin pigmentation and primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease. Whole blood samples of this pedigree were collected for DNA/RNA analysis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed to amplify the 11 exons and adjacent introns of PRKAR1A. Direct sequencing was used to detect the mutation, and DNA from 70 Han Chinese people was extracted and sequenced as a control to estimate the frequency of the identified mutation.

RESULTS

Within the pedigree, ten patients with CNC were identified, and a novel heterozygous mutation (c.440+5 G>C in intron 4a) was identified in the PRKAR1A gene. PCR amplification of cDNA from the control subjects and patients was performed. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed only one wild-type band in the cDNA corresponding to the former group, whereas an extra band was present in samples from the latter group corresponding to the skipping of exon 4a; this confirms that the variant affects PRKAR1A splicing.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the c.440+5 G>C mutation is a new splice site mutation that has not been reported and has the potential to broaden the mutational spectrum of PRKAR1A that is associated with CNC, which would facilitate genetic diagnosis and counseling for CNC.

Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins: Reduced Size Particulate Systems for Improved Therapeutic Outcomes

A wide range of diseases have been treated using low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), the drug of choice for anticoagulation. Owing to their better pharmacokinetic features compared to those of unfractionated heparin (uFH), several systems incorporating LMWHs have been investigated to deliver and improve their therapeutic outcomes, especially through development of their micro- and nano-particles. This review article describes current perspectives on the fabrication, characterization, and application of LMWHs-loaded micro- and nano-particles to achieve ameliorated bioavailability. The valuable applications of LMWH will continue to encourage researchers to identify efficient delivery systems that have specific release characteristics and ameliorated bioavailability, overcoming the challenges presented by biological obstructions and the physicochemical properties of LMWHs.

[Choice of genetic model on Meta-analysis of genetic association studies: introduction of genetic model-free approach for Bayesian analysis]

Meta-analysis used for genetic association studies became popular among researchers, with the amount of published papers increased rapidly. In this paper, we will focus on the introduction on the selection of genetic models. Traditionally, methods used for Meta-analysis on genetic association studies was to calculate the statistics based on available genetic models which not only increasing the probability of false-positives but also making the interpretation of results more difficult. Hence, a critical step in the Meta-analysis of genetic association studies was to choose the appropriate inheritance model. The aim of this paper was to introduce the theory of Bayesian analysis regarding the genetic model-free approach, in performing the Meta-analysis for studies related to genetic associations.

Osteochondral Interface Stiffening in Mandibular Condylar Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is associated with dental biomechanics. A major change during OA progression is the ossification of the osteochondral interface. This study investigated the formation, radiological detectability, and mechanical property of the osteochondral interface at an early stage, the pathogenesis significance of which in OA progression is of clinical interest and remains elusive for the TMJ. Unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) was performed on 6-wk-old rats as we previously reported. TMJs were harvested at 4, 12, and 20 wk. The progression of TMJ OA was evaluated using a modified Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score system. Osteochondral interface was investigated by quantifying the thickness via von Kossa staining of histological slices and in vivo calcium deposition by calcein injection. Tissue ossification was imaged by micro-computed tomography (CT). Mechanical properties were measured at nanoscale using dynamic indentation. Time-dependent TMJ cartilage lesions were elicited by UAC treatment. Geometric change of the condyle head and increased value of the OARSI score were evident in UAC TMJs. At the osteochondral interface, there was not only enhanced deep-zone cartilage calcification but also calcium deposition at the osseous boundary. The thickness, density, and stiffness of the osteochondral interface were all significantly increased. The enhanced ossification of the osteochondral interface is a joint outcome of the aberrant deeper cartilage calcification at the superior region and promoted formation of subchondral cortical bone at the inferior region. The micro-CT detectable ossification from an early stage thus is of diagnostic significance. Although the environment of the cartilage and subchondral bone could be changed due to the stiffness of the interface, whether or not the stiffened interface would accelerate OA progress remains to be confirmed. With that evidence, the osteochondral interface could be a new diagnostic and therapeutic target of the mechanically initiated OA in the TMJ.

Exosomes promote cetuximab resistance via the PTEN/Akt pathway in colon cancer cells

Cetuximab is widely used in patients with metastatic colon cancer expressing wildtype KRAS. However, acquired drug resistance limits its clinical efficacy. Exosomes are nanosized vesicles secreted by various cell types. Tumor cell-derived exosomes participate in many biological processes, including tumor invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. In this study, exosomes derived from cetuximab-resistant RKO colon cancer cells induced cetuximab resistance in cetuximab-sensitive Caco-2 cells. Meanwhile, exosomes from RKO and Caco-2 cells showed different levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and phosphor-Akt. Furthermore, reduced PTEN and increased phosphorylated Akt levels were found in Caco-2 cells after exposure to RKO cell-derived exosomes. Moreover, an Akt inhibitor prevented RKO cell-derived exosome-induced drug resistance in Caco-2 cells. These findings provide novel evidence that exosomes derived from cetuximab-resistant cells could induce cetuximab resistance in cetuximab-sensitive cells, by downregulating PTEN and increasing phosphorylated Akt levels.

Matrix replenishing by BMSCs is beneficial for osteoarthritic temporomandibular joint cartilage

OBJECTIVES

The present goal was to explore whether matrix replenishment is the primary requirement for osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage.

METHODS

Cells isolated from the superficial and deep zone cartilage of a pig temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were exposed to fluid flow shear stress (FFSS). Differences in matrix production and cellular differentiation were detected. Unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) was applied to C57BL/6J female mice. Green fluorescent protein-labeled exogenous bone marrow stromal cells (GFP-BMSCs) were injected weekly into TMJs, starting from 3 weeks of UAC stimulation and continuing for 4-, 8- and 12-weeks. Another GFP-BMSCs injection UAC group stopped receiving injections for 4-weeks after 8-weeks of injections. Assessments were focused on morphological alterations in UAC mouse TMJ cartilage, the expression levels of DAP3, an anoikis marker, CD163, a scavenger receptor family member, and ki67, a proliferation indicator.

RESULTS

FFSS down-regulated type-II collagen expression but stimulated terminal differentiation in cells isolated from deep zone cartilage. It down-regulated aggrecan expression but up-regulated type I collagen in cells isolated from both superficial and deep zones. UAC caused matrix loss and anoikis and enhanced scavenging activity in deep zone chondrocytes without affecting cell proliferation. Superficial fibrillation was obvious in the late stage. Weekly injections of BMSCs largely restored these changes. The implanted BMSCs expressed a high level of CD163 protein but did not show remarkable cell proliferation. Terminating the supply of exogenous BMSCs reversed the restorative effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Scavenging the degraded matrix and replenishing the fibrosis-developmental matrix are the primary requirements for the repair of OA cartilage.

Cord blood NK cells engineered to express IL-15 and a CD19-targeted CAR show long-term persistence and potent antitumor activity

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have been used to redirect the specificity of autologous T cells against leukemia and lymphoma with promising clinical results. Extending this approach to allogeneic T cells is problematic as they carry a significant risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Natural killer (NK) cells are highly cytotoxic effectors, killing their targets in a non-antigen-specific manner without causing GVHD. Cord blood (CB) offers an attractive, allogeneic, off-the-self source of NK cells for immunotherapy. We transduced CB-derived NK cells with a retroviral vector incorporating the genes for CAR-CD19, IL-15 and inducible caspase-9-based suicide gene (iC9), and demonstrated efficient killing of CD19-expressing cell lines and primary leukemia cells in vitro, with marked prolongation of survival in a xenograft Raji lymphoma murine model. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) production by the transduced CB-NK cells critically improved their function. Moreover, iC9/CAR.19/IL-15 CB-NK cells were readily eliminated upon pharmacologic activation of the iC9 suicide gene. In conclusion, we have developed a novel approach to immunotherapy using engineered CB-derived NK cells, which are easy to produce, exhibit striking efficacy and incorporate safety measures to limit toxicity. This approach should greatly improve the logistics of delivering this therapy to large numbers of patients, a major limitation to current CAR-T-cell therapies.

Aspartate β-hydroxylase disrupts mitochondrial DNA stability and function in hepatocellular carcinoma

The mechanism of aberrant mitochondrial genome and function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. Our previous study demonstrated an increased expression of aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) in HCC tissues, which was associated with tumor invasiveness and a worse prognosis. Currently, we unexpectedly observed the presence of ASPH in purified mitochondrial protein fraction. In addition, immunostaining of both exogenously and endogenously expressed ASPH showed a colocalization with mitochondrial biomarkers. This study aimed to investigate whether the mitochondrial ASPH is involved in mitochondrial malfunction in HCC. Our results showed that ASPH overexpression in HCC tissues was correlated with decreased copy numbers of displacement loop (D-loop) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND-1) and enhanced D-loop mutation, suggesting the disrupted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) stability. The reduced mtDNA copy numbers were associated with aggressive clinicopathological features of HCC. The loss of mtDNA integrity induced by enforced expression of ASPH was accompanied with mitochondrial dysfunction, which was characterized by the aberrant mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased ATP generation and enhanced reactive oxygen species. In contrast, knocking down ASPH by siRNA in HCC cell lines showed the opposite impact on mtDNA integrity and function. Mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation further identified that ASPH interacted with histone H2A member X (H2AX). ASPH overexpression diminished the interaction between H2AX and mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA), an important DNA-binding protein for mtDNA replication, which then reduced the binding of mtTFA to D-loop region. Collectively, our results demonstrate that ASPH overexpression disrupts the mtDNA integrity through H2AX-mtTFA signal, thereby affecting mitochondrial functions in HCC.

[Review on the evaluation research of the effects of smoke-free legislations on cardiovascular diseases]

A substantial amount of data suggested that exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) could cause cardiovascular diseases and acute coronary events in nonsmoking adults. In order to protect the public from SHS, more and more countries and regions across the world have enacted and implemented smoke-free legislations. Developed countries, such as USA, Canada, the Great Britain, Ireland, Italy and Spain, have carried out many studies to analyze the effects of smoke-free legislations on the hospital admission, incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases with the purpose of confirming the health benefits of the smoking ban and promoting the conduct of the ban. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),WANFANG databaseto summarize the study designs, evaluating indicators, statistical methods and results of these studies to provide reference for evaluating smoke-free legislations in inland cities in China.