Use of facial vein graft with vascularized composite auricular helical rim flap for alar rim defects

Nasal alar defects lead to facial disfigurement, and nasal ala reconstruction is an important treatment option. The vascularized composite auricular flap based on the superficial temporal artery is an ideal option for a full-thickness nasal alar defect. However, the pedicle length and the discrepancy in artery diameter between the recipient vessel and flap pedicle continue to be major problems for free auricular composite tissue transfer. Considering that the angular artery is occasionally absent and the course of the infraorbital segment of the facial vein is constant, there are often no suitable vessels around the recipient site for anastomoses to the short pedicle of the flap. In the absence of a suitable recipient artery, an infraorbital segment of the facial vein measuring 2.5cm in length was taken as a graft for the anastomosis of the superficial temporal artery and superior labial artery. End-to-end anastomosis was performed easily. The flap was inset to reconstruct the contralateral ala. The facial vein graft for anastomosis of the superficial temporal artery and branch of the facial artery is a reliable and easy method to resolve the problem of a short pedicle and large artery discrepancy for nasal ala reconstruction with a vascularized composite helical rim flap.

A highly sensitive strain sensor based on a silica@polyaniline core-shell particle reinforced hydrogel with excellent flexibility, stretchability, toughness and conductivity

Hydrogel-based flexible strain sensors for personal health monitoring and human-machine interaction have attracted wide interest among researchers. In this paper, hydrophobic association and nanocomposite conductive hydrogels were successfully prepared by introducing polyaniline coated silica (SiO2@PANI) core-shell particles into an acrylamide-lauryl methacrylate (P(AM/LMA)) copolymer matrix. The hydrophobic interaction between the SiO2@PANI core-shell particles and the hydrophobic LMA in the P(AM/LMA) chains induced the hydrogels with outstanding mechanical properties. Furthermore, the polyaniline on the SiO2 surface and the inorganic salt formed a conductive network, which synergistically enhanced the conductivity of the hydrogels. The obtained hydrogels integrate high tensile strength (1398 kPa), ultra-stretchability (>1000%), wonderful strain sensitivity (gauge factor = 10.407 at 100-1100% strain), quick response (300 ms), and excellent durability (>300 cycles) due to the hydrophobic association and nanocomposite effect. The prepared SiO2@PANI-P(AM/LMA) hydrogel shows high stress sensitivity to detect human movements and displays a broad application prospect in flexible strain-sensor field.

Genomic scan revealed KIT gene underlying white/gray plumage color in Chinese domestic geese

Goose is an important type of domesticated poultry. The wild geese that are regarded as the ancestors of modern domestic geese present gray plumage. Domesticated, geese have both white and gray feathers. To elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of white and gray plumage in geese, we resequenced the whole genome of 18 geese from six populations including white and gray goose breeds. The average sequencing depth per individual was 9.81× and the average genome coverage was 96.8%. A total of 346 genes were detected in the top 1% of F_ST scores of gray- and white-feathered geese, and a significant F_ST site was located in the intron region within the KIT gene, the 18 bp deletion in KIT having the strongest potential association with white feathers. It has been reported that a number of genes are associated with plumage colors in birds. However, no studies have identified the relationship between KIT and plumage color in birds at present, although the white coat can be attributed to mutations in KIT in some mammals. Our study showed that that KIT is a plausible candidate gene for white/gray plumage color in Chinese domestic geese.

Molecular Genetics Supports a Potential Fifth Asian Pangolin Species (Mammalia, Pholidota, Manis)

Recently, two mitochondrial haplotypes, H4 and H8, of Manis sp. were found in two seizures in Hong Kong that do not correspond to Manis javanica, Manis pentadactyla or Manis crassicaudata of Asian pangolin species or any African pangolin species. It was proposed that both haplotypes derived from Manis culionensis, an unknown lineage of M. javanica, or a thus far unidentified Asian pangolin species (Manis sp.). To further investigate these three hypotheses, we used two mitochondrial genes of all eight known extant pangolin species and conducted phylogenetic tree reconstructions, divergence time estimation, and species delimitation analyses. All analyses consistently confirmed that these two haplotypes of Manis sp. constitute a distinct lineage, potentially representing a fifth Asian pangolin species, which originated around the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene (6.95 [4.64-9.85] million years ago). Our study provides genetic support for a potential fifth Asian pangolin species and helps to better understand species diversity of Asian pangolins, which is urgently needed for effective conservation work.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Cognitive Frailty

As life expectancy increases, frailty and cognitive impairment have become major factors influencing healthy aging in elderly individuals. Frailty is a complicated clinical condition characterized by decreased physiological reserve and multisystem abnormalities. Cognitive frailty is a subtype of frailty that has aroused widespread concern among the scientific community and public health organizations. We herein review the pathogenesis of cognitive frailty, such as chronic inflammatory response, immunological hypofunction, imbalanced oxidative stress, reduced regenerative function, endocrine dysfunction, and energy metabolism disorder. Although existing interventions show some therapeutic effects, they do not meet the current clinical needs. To date, studies using stem cell technology for treating age-related diseases have achieved remarkable success. This suggests the possibility of applying stem cell treatment to cognitive frailty. We analyzed stem cell-based strategies for targeting anti-inflammation, antioxidation, regeneration, and immunoregulation using mesenchymal stem cells, as well as potential therapeutic targets for cognitive frailty. Based on this investigation, we propose a highly effective and low-cost stem cell-based replacement strategy. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the prospect of stem cell transplantation for improving cognitive frailty. In this review, we aim to provide the scientific background and a theoretical basis for testing cell therapy in future research.

The role of structure and function changes of sensory nervous system in intervertebral disc-related low back pain

Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal symptom, which can be developed in multiple clinical diseases. It is widely recognized that intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) is one of the leading causes of LBP. However, the pathogenesis of IVD-related LBP is still controversial, and the treatment means are also insufficient to date. In recent decades, the role of structure and function changes of sensory nervous system in the induction and the maintenance of LBP is drawing more and more attention. With the progress of IVDD, IVD cell exhaustion and extracellular matrix degradation result in IVD structural damage, while neovascularization, innervation and inflammatory activation further deteriorate the microenvironment of IVD. New nerve ingrowth into degenerated IVD amplifies the impacts of IVD-derived nociceptive molecules on sensory endings. Moreover, IVDD is usually accompanied with disc herniation, which could injure and inflame affected nerves. Under mechanical and pro-inflammatory stimulation, the pain-transmitting pathway exhibits a sensitized function state and ultimately leads to LBP. Hence, relevant pathogenic factors, such as neurotrophins, ion channels, inflammatory factors, etc., are supposed to serve as promising therapeutic targets for LBP. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively summarize the current evidence on 1) the pathological changes of sensory nervous system during IVDD and their association with LBP, and 2) potential therapeutic strategies for LBP targeting relevant pathogenic factors.

Diverse phylogenomic datasets uncover a concordant scenario of laurasiatherian interordinal relationships

Resolving the interordinal relationships in the mammalian superorder Laurasiatheria has been among the most intractable problems in higher-level mammalian systematics, with many conflicting hypotheses having been proposed. The present study collected three different sources of genome-scale data with comprehensive taxon sampling of laurasiatherian species, including two protein-coding datasets (4,186 protein-coding genes for an amino acid dataset comprising 2,761,247 amino acid residues and a nucleotide dataset comprising 5,516,340 nucleotides from 1st and 2nd codon positions), an intronic dataset (1,210 introns comprising 1,162,723 nucleotides) and an ultraconserved elements (UCEs) dataset (1,246 UCEs comprising 1,946,472 nucleotides) from 40 species representing all six laurasiatherian orders and 7 non-laurasiatherian outgroups. Remarkably, phylogenetic trees reconstructed with the four datasets using different tree-building methods (RAxML, FastTree, ASTRAL and MP-EST) all supported the relationship (Eulipotyphla, (Chiroptera, ((Carnivora, Pholidota), (Cetartiodactyla, Perissodactyla)))). We find a resolution of interordinal relationships of Laurasiatheria among all types of markers used in the present study, and the likelihood ratio tests for tree comparisons confirmed that the present tree topology is the optimal hypothesis compared to other examined hypotheses. Jackknifing subsampling analyses demonstrate that the results of laurasiatherian tree reconstruction varied with the number of loci and ordinal representatives used, which are likely the two main contributors to phylogenetic disagreements of Laurasiatheria seen in previous studies. Our study provides significant insight into laurasiatherian evolution, and moreover, an important methodological strategy and reference for resolving phylogenies of adaptive radiation, which have been a long-standing challenge in the field of phylogenetics.

Global trends and prospects in microplastics research: A bibliometric analysis

Microplastic pollution is a global enviromental issues. This is the first time in recent decades that quantitative and qualitative evidence from bibliometrics and Altmetric has been used to conduct an in-depth statistical analysis of global microplastics research knowledge and demonstrate research progress, trends and hotspots. We comprehensively searched the Web of Science Core Collection scientific database from its inception (1986) to September 21, 2019. The study shown that the number of papers on microplastics has increased significantly since 2011. Worldwide, researchers in the field come mostly from Western Europe, mainly spread in the UK, Netherlands and Belgium. With the exception of China, the contribution of developing countries was very limited. Moreover, this study systematically elaborated the hotspots in this field (especially in ecological toxicity and human health risks). The results shown that research on marine systems and marine plankton is still dominant. Since human beings are the ultimate consumers of the food chain, microplastics may have potential effects on the human respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract. Towards that end, some topics and perspectives are noted that could indicate the current scientific hotspots and guide future research directions.

A joint analysis strategy reveals genetic changes associated with artificial selection between egg-type and meat-type ducks

Egg-type ducks and meat-type ducks are predominantly commercial or indigenous and have been subjected to artificial directional selection. These two duck types differ substantially in body shape, production performance and reproductivity. However, the genetic changes associated with phenotypic differences remain unclear. Here, we compared the two duck types at the genomic and transcriptomic levels. We identified a large number of SNPs and genes in genomic divergent regions in terms of F_ST and θπ values. The corresponding genes were mainly enriched in embryonic development function and metabolic pathway. RNA-seq analysis also revealed differential gene expression in the liver and gonads. The differentially expressed genes were functionally associated with signal transmission and substance metabolism respectively. Furthermore, we found that seven genes were related to differentiation between the two types by both g genome and transcriptome analysis and were plausible candidate genes. These genes were annotated to GO categories of cell development and disease immunity. These findings will enable a better understanding of the artificial selection history of meat and egg ducks and provide a valuable resource for future research on the breeding of these two lineages.

Impact of increased inflammation biomarkers on periprocedural myocardial infarction in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention: a cohort study

Background

The fact that each inflammatory indicator has a forecasting capacity on the occurrence of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) has a controversial existence. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of inflammation biological indicators on PMI in a group of patients undergoing selective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

The study was carried out both in a retrospective and prospective manner in 7,413 and 1,189 subjects, respectively. In the retrospective cohort study, the association between inflammation biomarkers and PMI was assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. WBC, CRP, and NLR were distributed using k-means clustering into a virtual variable “Inflammatory Trend”, and multivariate logistic regression and subgroup analysis were performed. In the prospective cohort study, the endpoints were PMI, cardiovascular death or cardiac arrest. The chi-square test was performed to calculate the relative risk (RR).

Results

In the retrospective cohort study, except WBC, CRP, NLR and virtual variable “Inflammatory trend” were independent risk factors for PMI. The subgroup analysis revealed that CRP can serve as the most stable predictor. In the prospective cohort study, WBC (RR =1.134, P=0.416) has no effect on the incidence of PMI. However, an elevation in the incidence of PMI was observed with an increase of NLR (RR =1.354, P=0.041) and CRP (RR =1.412, P=0.025).

Conclusions

In patients with elective PCI for single-vessel lesions, high CRP increases the risk for PMI. The increase of NLR was an independent risk factor for PMI, especially for patients with hypertension and under the age of 70. WBC has no influence on the occurrence of PMI.

Molecular characterization of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) IRF7 suggests involvement in innate immune response

Interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) serves as a critical mediator in the regulation of type Ι interferon (IFN) response to invading pathogens. Here, an ortholog of IRF7 was characterized in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). The full-length cDNA of PfIRF7 consisted of 1516 bp encoding a polypeptide of 425 amino acids. PfIRF7 protein comprised a typical IRF structural architecture, including a DNA binding domain (DBD), an IRF association domain (IAD) and a serine-rich domain (SRD). PfIRF7 was expressed predominantly in the immune-related tissues and transcriptionally upregulated by PolyI:C, LPS, and Edwardsiella ictaluri. Ectopic expression of PfIRF7 led to activation of fish type I IFN promoters and induction of IFN and Vig1, thereby conferring a strong antiviral effect against spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV). Overall, the present data suggest that PfIRF7 may play an essential role in type I IFN response of yellow catfish.

Identification of genetic effects and potential causal polymorphisms of CPM gene impacting milk fatty acid traits in Chinese Holstein

Our previous GWAS revealed 83 significant SNPs and 20 promising candidate genes associated with milk fatty acid traits in dairy cattle. Out of them, the carboxypeptidase M (CPM) gene contains a genome-wide significant SNP, Hapmap49848-BTA-106779, which is strongly associated with myristic acid (C14:0; P = 0.0064). Herein, we aimed to confirm the genetic effects of CPM on milk fatty acids in Chinese Holstein. Seven SNPs were detected by re-sequencing the sequences of entire exons and 3000 bp of up-/downstream flanking regions of the CPM gene, of which three were in 5' flanking region, one in the 3' UTR and three were in the 3' flanking region. Using the Haploview 4.1, we estimated the LD among the identified SNPs and found two haplotype blocks. With the animal model, we performed the SNP- and haplotype-based association analyses, and observed that these SNPs and haplotype blocks mainly had strong genetic associations with medium-chain saturated fatty acids (caproic acid, C6:0; caprylic acid, C8:0; capric acid, C10:0; and lauric acid, C12:0) (P < 0.0001-0.0257). In addition, using the Genomatix software, we predicted that three SNPs in the 5' flanking region of CPM (g.45079507A>G, g.45080228C>A and g.45080335C>G) changed the transcription factor binding sites for PREF (progesterone receptor biding site), ZBRK1 (transcription factor with eight central zinc fingers and an N-terminal KRAB domain), SOX9 (sex-determining region Y-box 9, dimeric binding sites), SOX6 (sex-determining region Y-box 6) and FOXP1-ES (alternative splicing variant of FOXP1, activated in ESCs). Further, the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed these three SNPs altered the transcriptional activity of CPM gene (P ≤ 0.0006). In summary, using the post-GWAS strategy, we first confirmed the significant genetic effects of CPM with milk fatty acids in dairy cattle, and identified three potential causal mutations.

Calycosin enhances the bactericidal efficacy of polymyxin B by inhibiting MCR-1 in vitro

AIM

To examine the synergistic effect of calycosin combined with polymyxin B against various mcr-1-positive bacterial strains.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we found a potential inhibitor of MCR-1, calycosin, that could significantly restore the antibacterial activity of polymyxin B. The synergistic effect of calycosin combined with polymyxin B against various mcr-1-positive bacterial strains was confirmed by checkerboard minimum inhibitory concentration assays, time-kill curve assays and disk diffusion assays. The fractional inhibitory concentration indexes ranged from 0·15 ± 0·03 to 0·28 ± 0·05, and the zones of inhibition increased from 13·33 ± 0·47 to 17·67 ± 0·47 mm with the combined therapy of calycosin and polymyxin B. In addition, the combined therapy significantly reduced the number of bacteria in the medium. However, at the concentrations required for the synergistic effect with polymyxin B, calycosin alone showed no effect on bacterial growth or MCR-1 production. Calycosin treatment exhibited no cytotoxicity to HeLa cells or A549 cells at calycosin concentrations below 32 µg ml^-1 .

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, our results suggested that calycosin could be used as a potential MCR-1 inhibitor to restore the bactericidal effect of polymyxin B without affecting bacterial viability or existing cytotoxicity.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The synergistic effect of calycosin combined with polymyxin B against various mcr-1-positive bacterial strains paves the way for future pharmaceutical applications of calycosin in fighting mcr-1-positive bacterial infections.

Recombinant expression and characterization of two glycoside hydrolases from extreme alklinphilic bacterium Cellulomonas bogoriensis 69B4T

Two novel glycoside hydrolases were cloned from the genomic DNA of alklinphilic bacterium Cellulomonas bogoriensis 69B4^T and functionally expressed in Escherichia coli. The two enzymes shared less than 73% of identities with other known glycosidases and belonged to glycoside hydrolase families 5 and 9. Recombinant Cel5A exhibited optimum activity at pH 5.0 and at a temperature of 70 °C, and Cel9A showed optimum activity at pH 7.0 and at a temperature of 60 °C. The two enzymes exhibited activity at alkaline pH 11 and were stable over a wide range of pH. The maximum activities of Cel5A and Cel9A were observed in 0.5 M NaCl and 1 M KCl, respectively. In addition, these two enzymes exhibited excellent halostability with residual activities of more than 70% after pre-incubation for 6 days in 5 M NaCl or 4 M KCl. Substrate specificity analysis revealed that Cel5A and Cel9A specifically cleaved the β-1,4-glycosidic linkage in cellulose with the highest activity on carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (78.3 and 145.3 U/mg, respectively). Cel5A is an endoglucanase, whereas Cel9A exhibits endo and exo activities. As alkali-activated, thermo-tolerant, and salt-tolerant cellulases, Cel5A and Cel9A are promising candidates for further research and industrial applications.

Hesperetin as an adjuvant augments protective anti-tumour immunity responses in B16F10 melanoma by stimulating cytotoxic CD8+ T cells

Hesperetin (HES) is a dihydroflavone with the molecular formula of C16H14O6. It has been reported that Hesperetin has antioxidant and anticancer effects. Recent studies showed that it can also regulate immune responses. To assess its potential function as a vaccine adjuvant, we formulated HES with inactivated B16F10 melanoma cells and determined whether it would enhance the activation of antigen-presenting cells by experiments in vivo and in vitro. We found that HES activated the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway in antigen-presenting cells (APCs), enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses and deactivated tolerogenic T cells. We also observed that inactivated B16F10 cells in combination with HES vaccine inhibited the growth of mice tumours, resulting in improved overall survival compared to the effects of inactivated B16F10 cell vaccine. To verify that CD8⁺ T cells play a key role in inhibiting the development of melanoma, we transferred the sorted CD8⁺ T cells from immunized mice to B16F10 challenged models and found that the survival rate of tumour-bearing mice was significantly prolonged. Taken together, these results suggest that hesperetin can be used as a potential adjuvant to improve tumour immune responses and antigen immunogenicity.

Membrane disruptive antimicrobial potential of NK-lysin from yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

NK-lysins, a type of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide (AMP), act as an essential effector of innate defense against microbial attack in higher vertebrates and so in fish. The present study delineates the structural and functional characterization of NK-lysin from yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidrac) (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). PfNK-lysin encodes a 153-residue peptide, which displays the hallmark features of other known NK-lysins with the ordered array of six well-conserved cysteine residues and five-exon/four-intron structure. It was found to be ubiquitous in tissues, being detected most abundantly in gill and head kidney. In vivo exposure to stimuli (LPS, PolyI:C, and Edwardsiella ictaluri) induced PfNK-lysin expression in head kidney and spleen. Synthetic PfNK-lysin-derived peptide exhibited in vitro bactericidal potency against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with the highest inhibitory effect on pathogen Edwardsiella ictaluri. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy further confirmed its capacity to cause damage to the bacterial plasma membrane. Taken together, these data suggest that PfNK-lysin might participate in antimicrobial defense of yellow catfish by membrane-disruptive action.

Identification of Reactive Hypoglycemia with Different Basic BMI and Its Causes by Prolonged Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

PURPOSE

To identify the population susceptible to reactive hypoglycemia and explain the possible reasons for their susceptibility.

METHODS

Ninety-four patients were divided into normal weight, overweight and obese groups before a 75-gram prolonged oral glucose tolerance test (POGTT). The incidence of reactive hypoglycemia (blood glucose ≤3.1 mmol/L or 55 mg/dL at points of 0-4 hours) was compared among three groups, and blood glucose and insulin levels were monitored simultaneously from 0 - 4 hours to assess the level of insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, the degree of insulin resistance among three groups and within each subgroup (whether hypoglycemia events occurred) was compared.

RESULTS

Among the three groups, the incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly different at 3 (P=0.033) and 4 hours (P=0.020). At 4 hours, the incidence of reactive hypoglycemia in the obese group was approximately 3 times that in the normal weight group. The insulin level in obese group at 4 hours was nearly 4 times higher than that in normal group, and the same result also exists in the same subgroup of different groups. In addition, the hypoglycemia subgroup of obese group had higher insulin level than non-hypoglycemia (P=0.000). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index increased with increasing BMI among the three groups (P=0.000), while the Matsuda index decreased (P=0.000). The comparison of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index between subgroups in each group showed that the P values were 0.021, 0.038 and 0.085, successively, and the P values for the Matsuda index were 0.019, 0.013 and 0.119, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Obese people has higher rate of reactive hypoglycemia than other groups in POGTT, in which insulin resistance may play an important role. But patients who are evaluated for reactive hypoglycemia need to be observed for at least 3 or 4 hours.

MiR-1203 is involved in hepatocellular carcinoma metastases and indicates a poor prognosis

Non-coding RNAs, especially miRNAs, have been shown to be important regulators in multiple human diseases, including malignant tumors, congenital disease, and autoimmune disease. In this study, we screened the metastasis-associated miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Based on the miRNA microarray screening, miR-1203 was confirmed to be the most significant miRNA and was also highly associated with HCC metastases. Bioinformatics prediction indicated direct binding of miR-1203 in SOCS3, which was also confirmed by a dual luciferase reporter assay, resulting in suppression of SOCS3. Increased miR-1203 also promoted invasion of HCC cells through suppressing SOCS3, while no effect on cell proliferation or apoptosis was detected. Circulating expression of miR-1203 and SOCS3 might serve as a predictor of metastases and poor prognosis in HCC patients. In conclusion, miR-1203 might promote HCC metastasis by decreasing SOCS3. MiR-1203 predicts a poor outcome in HCC patients and thus might serve as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of HCC.

MicroRNA-520a-3p suppresses non-small-cell lung carcinoma by inhibition of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1)

OBJECTIVE

Currently, pathogenesis of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is still unknown and the treatment is far from ideal. Therefore, we investigated the effect of inhibiting microRNA-520a-3p in NSCLC cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NCI-H157 cells were treated with microRNA-520a-3p analogs for 48 h, or microRNA-520a-3p analogs and its inhibitor, for a total of 48 h. Many tests were performed, including MTT, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and transwell assay. The tumor model was established, and HMGB1 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. Protein levels of HMGB1, MMP-2, MMP-9, Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3 were assessed by Western Blot.

RESULTS

microRNA-520a-3p could significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of NCI-H157 cells, inducing their apoptosis. microRNA-520a-3p inhibited tumor growth and decreased the mRNA and protein levels of HMGB1. Additionally, it decreased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, and increased caspase-3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

microRNA-520a-3p exhibited an effective inhibition on NCI-H157 tumor growth likely by inhibiting HMGB1 expression.

Hyperpolarized relaxometry based nuclear T1 noise spectroscopy in diamond

The origins of spin lifetimes in quantum systems is a matter of importance in several areas of quantum information. Spectrally mapping spin relaxation processes provides insight into their origin and motivates methods to mitigate them. In this paper, we map nuclear relaxation in a prototypical system of [Formula: see text] nuclei in diamond coupled to Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) centers over a wide field range (1 mT-7 T). Nuclear hyperpolarization through optically pumped NV electrons allows signal measurement savings exceeding million-fold over conventional methods. Through a systematic study with varying substitutional electron (P1 center) and [Formula: see text] concentrations, we identify the operational relaxation channels for the nuclei at different fields as well as the dominant role played by [Formula: see text] coupling to the interacting P1 electronic spin bath. These results motivate quantum control techniques for dissipation engineering to boost spin lifetimes in diamond, with applications including engineered quantum memories and hyperpolarized [Formula: see text] imaging.

MicroRNA-520a-3p inhibits cell growth and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that be involved in the pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of miR-520a-3p in cell growth and metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mimics and inhibitor of miR-520a-3p were used to identify the effects of miR-520a-3p on cell proliferation and apoptosis using methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay and flow-cytometric method, respectively. Transwell assay was used to evaluate the cell migration and invasion. The protein expression levels related PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

The results showed that miR-520a-3p overexpression could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, suppress cell migration and invasion. MiR-520a-3p overexpression could markedly reduce the ratio of p-AKT/AKT, p-PI3K/PI3K and Bcl-2/Bax, the levels of mTOR, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) compared with control. However, miR-520a-3p overexpression could increase caspase-3 expression compared with control group. After inhibited the expression of miR-520a-3p, the capacity of cell proliferation, migration and invasion were increased, cell apoptosis was inhibited compared with control group. The ratio of p-AKT/AKT, p-PI3K/PI3K and Bcl-2/Bax, the levels of mTOR, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased compared with control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that miR-520a-3p could suppress the NSCLC proliferation, migration and invasion through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Identification of genetic associations of ECHS1 gene with milk fatty acid traits in dairy cattle

Our previous genome-wide association study identified 83 genome-wide significant SNPs and 20 novel promising candidate genes for milk fatty acids in Chinese Holstein. Among them, the enoyl-CoA hydratase, short chain 1 (ECHS1) and enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (EHHADH) genes were located near two SNPs and one SNP respectively, and they play important roles in fatty acid metabolism pathways. We herein validated whether the two genes have genetic effects on milk fatty acid traits in dairy cattle. By re-sequencing the full-length coding region, partially adjacent introns and 3000 bp up/downstream flanking sequences, we identified 12 SNPs in ECHS1: two in exons, four in the 3' flanking region and six in introns. The g.25858322C>T SNP results in an amino acid replacement from leucine to phenylalanine and changes the secondary structure of the ECHS1 protein, and single-locus association analysis showed that it was significantly associated with three milk fatty acids (P = 0.0002-0.0013). The remaining 11 SNPs were found to be significantly associated with at least one milk fatty acid (P = <0.0001-0.0040). Also, we found that two haplotype blocks, consisting of nine and two SNPs respectively, were significantly associated with eight milk fatty acids (P = <0.0001-0.0125). However, none of polymorphisms was observed in the EHHADH gene. In conclusion, our findings are the first to indicate that the ECHS1 gene has a significant genetic impact on long-chain unsaturated and medium-chain saturated fatty acid traits in dairy cattle, although the biological mechanism is still undetermined and requires further in-depth validation.

Regulation of YAP by Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 in Endothelial Cells Controls Blood Pressure Through COX-2/mPGES-1/PGE2 Cascade

Endothelial cells regulate vascular tone by producing both relaxing and contracting factors to control the local blood flow. Hypertension is a common side effect of mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) inhibitors. However, the role of endothelial mTORC1 in hypertension remains elusive. The present study aimed to determine the role of endothelial mTORC1 in Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced hypertension and the underlying mechanism. Endothelial mTORC1 activity was increased by Ang II both in vitro and in vivo. Blood pressure was higher in Tie-2-Cre-mediated regulatory associated protein of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin; Raptor) heterozygous-deficient (Tie2Cre-Raptor^KD) mice than control mice both before and after Ang II infusion. Acetylcholine-evoked endothelium-dependent relaxation of mesenteric arteries was impaired in Tie2Cre-Raptor^KD mice. Treatment with indomethacin or a specific COX (cyclooxygenase)-2 inhibitor, NS-398, but not L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation in Raptor^flox/- mice to a similar extent as in Tie2Cre-Raptor^KD mice. Metabolomic profiling revealed that the plasma content of prostaglandin E₂ was reduced in Tie2Cre-Raptor^KD mice with or without Ang II infusion. In endothelial cells, reduction of the protein level of YAP (yes-associated protein) with siRNA-mediated RPTOR deficiency was autophagy dependent and transcriptionally regulated the expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 (microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1). Hence, overexpression of YAP in endothelial cells enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of COX-2 and mPGES-1 and reversed the endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in Tie2Cre-Raptor^KD mice. The present results demonstrate that suppression of mTORC1 activity in endothelial cells reduces prostaglandin E₂ production and causes hypertension by reducing YAP-mediated COX-2/mPGES-1 expression.

Comparison of microRNAs in adipose and muscle tissue from seven indigenous Chinese breeds and Yorkshire pigs

Elucidation of the pig microRNAome is essential for interpreting functional elements of the genome and understanding the genetic architecture of complex traits. Here, we extracted small RNAs from skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, and we compared their expression levels between one Western breed (Yorkshire) and seven indigenous Chinese breeds. We detected the expression of 172 known porcine microRNAs (miRNAs) and 181 novel miRNAs. Differential expression analysis found 92 and 12 differentially expressed miRNAs in adipose and muscle tissue respectively. We found that different Chinese breeds shared common directional miRNA expression changes compared to Yorkshire pigs. Some miRNAs differentially expressed across multiple Chinese breeds, including ssc-miR-129-5p, ssc-miR-30 and ssc-miR-150, are involved in adipose tissue function. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs are associated mainly with signaling pathways rather than metabolic and biosynthetic processes. The miRNA-target gene and miRNA-phenotypic traits networks identified many hub miRNAs that regulate a large number of target genes or phenotypic traits. Specifically, we found that intramuscular fat content is regulated by the greatest number of miRNAs in muscle tissue. This study provides valuable new candidate miRNAs that will aid in the improvement of meat quality and production.

Silibinin Retards Colitis-associated Carcinogenesis by Repression of Cdc25C in Mouse Model

PURPOSE

Silibinin possesses the efficacy of anticancer and anti-inflammation. We aimed to test whether silibinin could prevent colitis-associated carcinogenesis in mouse model.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were used to induce colitis-associated tumorigenesis in C57BL mice. Six-to-eight-week-old male mice were gavaged with 350 or 750 mg/kg of silibinin for 10 weeks right after DSS administration. The mice were then sacrificed, and colon tissues were measured for tumor multiplicity and size. Molecular changes about proliferation, apoptosis and inflammation were tested.

RESULTS

Silibinin feeding showed a dose-dependent inhibition on the size of tumor induced by AOM/DSS in mice. In addition, silibinin inhibited cell proliferation evidenced by a decrease (P < 0.05) in Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). However, silibinin did not show any significant effect on inflammation, apoptosis, and the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The experiments in vitro showed that silibinin induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in CT-26 cells, a mouse colonic cancer cell line. Furthermore, silibinin reduced the expression of Cdc25C and blocked the dephosphorylation of CDK1 at multiple sites both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Silibinin targets Cdc25C/CDK1 pathway and mitigates colitis-associated tumorigenesis in mice. Thus, our findings indicate the chemopreventive potential of silibinin for inflammation-associated colon cancer.

Genetic analysis of a hemophilia B family with a novel F9 gene mutation: A STROBE-compliant article

At present, there are no effective methods for the treatment of hemophilia B, and it has high mortality and disability. Therefore, it is very important for the carriers to carry out genetic counseling and make prenatal diagnosis. In this study, we made gene and prenatal diagnoses in a family with a novel F9 gene mutation, and report a novel F9 gene mutation.All exon sequences and flanking sequences of F9 gene were analyzed by Sanger sequencing in the proband; and then according to the F9 gene mutation in the proband, the F9 gene sequencing was performed on the family members. Based on the above results, the pathogenic mutation in F9 gene was finally identified, which was used for prenatal diagnosis.Sanger sequencing revealed c.1232G>C [p.Ser411Thr] mutation in F9 gene in the proband. c.1232G>C heterozygous mutation was also found in the proband's mother and grandmother, but male family members without hemophilia B had no this mutation. The analyses of amniotic fluid samples indicated positive sex-determining region on Y chromosome (SRY), and no c.1232G>C [p.Ser411Thr] mutation in F9 gene.We identified a pathogenic mutation in F9 gene in the family, made a prenatal diagnosis for the female carrier and reported a novel F9 gene mutation.

Clinical significance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related molecules in lung adenocarcinoma

Background

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (emt) refers to the biologic process in which epithelial cells are transformed into interstitial phenotypes by specific pathways. This transition plays an important biologic role in the process by which epithelium-derived malignant tumour cells acquire the ability to migrate and invade. We explored the relationship between emt-associated molecules and patient-related clinical factors to determine whether any clinical characteristics could be used as biomarkers for emt-related protein alterations in lung cancer-especially lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Tumour specimens were collected from 80 patients with lung adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery or lung biopsy, with 4 patients being evaluated a 2nd time after re-biopsy. Expression of emt-related proteins, including E-cadherin and vimentin, was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We analyzed the relationship between clinicopathologic characteristics and expression level of the emt markers.

Results

Positive expression of E-cadherin was observed in 63 patients (79%), and vimentin, in 46 patients (57.5%). No significant relationships between E-cadherin or vimentin expression and smoking history, sex, age, driving gene mutations, or cell differentiation were identified. A significant correlation was observed between vimentin expression and pathologic stage. Of the 4 patients who were evaluated a 2nd time after re-biopsy, 3 showed the same emt-related protein expression status as in the first analysis. In the remaining patient, E-cadherin had changed completely.

Conclusions

Clinicopathologic factors in cancer patients did not help to diagnose emt status in lung adenocarcinoma; however, TNM stage might be associated with vimentin expression.

Tuning Physical Crosslinks in Hybrid Hydrogels for Network Structure Analysis and Mechanical Reinforcement

Hydrogels with high mechanical strength are needed for a variety of industrial applications. Here, a series of hydrogels was prepared by introducing hybrid particles as hydrophobic association points to toughen the hydrogels. These toughened hydrogels were able to transfer an external mechanical force via the reorganization of the crosslinking networks. They exhibited an extraordinary mechanical performance, which was the result of the coordination between hydrophobic segments and hybrid particles. Herein, the connection between the dissipated energy of the inner distribution structure (on a small scale) and the mechanical properties (on a large scale) was conducted. Specifically, we inspected hydrogels of latex particles (LPs) with different chain lengths (C4, C12, C18) and studied their inner structural parameters, namely, the relationship between the density and molecular weight of crosslinking points to the mechanical strength and energy dissipation. Favorable traits of the hydrogels included compact internal structures that were basically free from defects and external structures with puncture resistance, high toughness, etc. Based on the experimental results that agreed with the theoretical results, this study provides a profound understanding of the internal structure of hydrogels, and it offers a new idea for the design of high-strength hybrid hydrogels.

c-Abl regulates YAPY357 phosphorylation to activate endothelial atherogenic responses to disturbed flow

Local flow patterns determine the uneven distribution of atherosclerotic lesions. This research aims to elucidate the mechanism of regulation of nuclear translocation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) under oscillatory shear stress (OSS) in the atheroprone phenotype of endothelial cells (ECs). We report here that OSS led to tyrosine phosphorylation and strong, continuous nuclear translocation of YAP in ECs that is dependent on integrin α5β1 activation. YAP overexpression in ECs blunted the anti-atheroprone effect of an integrin α5β1-blocking peptide (ATN161) in Apoe-/- mice. Activation of integrin α5β1 induced tyrosine, but not serine, phosphorylation of YAP in ECs. Blockage of integrin α5β1 with ATN161 abolished the phosphorylation of YAP at Y357 induced by OSS. Mechanistic studies showed that c-Abl inhibitor attenuated the integrin α5β1-induced YAP tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of c-Abl and YAPY357 was significantly increased in ECs in atherosclerotic vessels of mice and in human plaques versus normal vessels. Finally, bosutinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, markedly reduced the level of YAPY357 and the development of atherosclerosis in Apoe-/- mice. The c-Abl/YAPY357 pathway serves as a mechanism for the activation of integrin α5β1 and the atherogenic phenotype of ECs in response to OSS, and provides a potential therapeutic strategy for atherogenesis.

Wide dynamic range magnetic field cycler: Harnessing quantum control at low and high fields

We describe the construction of a fast field cycling device capable of sweeping a 4-order-of-magnitude range of magnetic fields, from ∼1 mT to 7 T, in under 700 ms, and which is further extendable to a 1 nT-7 T range. Central to this system is a high-speed sample shuttling mechanism between a superconducting magnet and a magnetic shield, with the capability to access arbitrary fields in between with high resolution. Our instrument serves as a versatile platform to harness the inherent dichotomy of spin dynamics on offer at low and high fields-in particular, the low anisotropy, fast spin manipulation, and rapid entanglement growth at low field as well as the long spin lifetimes, spin specific control, and efficient inductive measurement possible at high fields. Exploiting these complementary capabilities in a single device opens up applications in a host of problems in quantum control, sensing, and information storage, besides in nuclear hyperpolarization, relaxometry, and imaging. In particular, in this paper, we focus on the ability of the device to enable low-field hyperpolarization of ¹³C nuclei in diamond via optically pumped electronic spins associated with nitrogen vacancy defect centers.

Intrahepatic T-Cell Receptor β Immune Repertoire Is Essential for Liver Regeneration

T lymphocytes synergize with the cellular immune system to promote hepatocyte regeneration. The T-cell receptor (TCR) immune repertoire is closely associated with the host immune response and regenerative proliferation. High-throughput sequencing of TCR provides deep insight into monitoring the immune microenvironment. Here, we aimed to determine the role of the TCRβ immune repertoire in liver regeneration (LR). We investigated hepatic regeneration in TCRβ chain-deficient (tcrb^-/- ) mice by two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx) method. Our results demonstrated that tcrb^-/- mice revealed a reduced capacity for LR, which was characterized by impaired hepatocyte proliferation and enhanced hepatocyte apoptosis. Dysregulation of inflammatory signaling activation and inflammatory factors was observed in regenerated tcrb^-/- livers. Simultaneously, significantly altered immunocyte levels and aberrant cytokine levels were observed during hepatic regeneration. In addition, we first determined the profile of the TCRβ immune repertoire during LR, indicating that PHx resulted in remarkably lower TCRβ diversity in intrahepatic T lymphocytes. Conclusion: Taken together, our data suggest that TCRβ deficiency gives a rise to aberrant intrahepatic immune microenvironment that impairs LR, and the TCRβ reconstitution is required for hepatic immunocyte recruitment and activation during LR.

[Current status of reproductive health and its occupational influencing factors among female medical staff in a provincial maternal and child health hospital]

Objective: To investigate the current status of reproductive health among the female medical staff in a provincial maternal and child health hospital and analyze the occupational influencing factors for reproductive health, particularly the effects of high-intensity work, work shift, chemical poisons, and physical and biological factors on reproductive health, and to provide a scientific basis for developing related intervention measures and promoting the reproductive health of professional females. Methods: A reproductive health questionnaire was designed in terms of age, type of work, professional title, education level, working hours, working strength, and the reproductive health of female staff to analyze the current status of reproductive health, working strength, and occupational hazardous factors. The female medical staff in the provincial maternal and child health hospital completed the questionnaire on the internal network of the hospital voluntarily. Results: Of all respondents, 19.46% had a history of miscarriage, 5.90% visited the hospital due to infertility, 21.31% had irregular menstruation within the last 3 months, and 30.57% had reproductive system disease; 72.28% of the investigated medical staff often worked at night, 47.25% often worked overtime (more than 3 days a week) , and 22.27% worked over 8 hours daily. The respondents who often worked overtime had a significantly higher prevalence of reproductive system disease than those who did not often work overtime (χ(2)= 58.65, P<0.01) . The respondents who often worked at night had a significantly higher rate of miscarriage than those who did not work at night (χ(2)=41.57, P<0.01) . In all respondents, 87.08% were often exposed to chemical injuries such as disinfectants, and 78.15% had contact with noise, radiation, and other physical injuries; the medical staff exposed to chemical and physical injuries had a significantly higher proportion of individuals with a history of miscarriage than the unexposed staff (χ(2)=10.04, P<0.01; χ(2)=13.30, P<0.01) . Conclusion: Much attention should be paid to the reproductive health of female medical staff in the provincial maternal and child health hospital, who have high working strength. The occupational hazard factors can be avoided by reasonably arranging the work schedule and creating a supportive environment to improve the reproductive health of female medical staff.