Dynamic Covalent Polymers for Biomedical Applications

The rapid development of supramolecular polymer chemistry and constitutional dynamic chemistry over the last decades has made tremendous impact on the emergence of dynamic covalent polymers. These materials are formed through reversible covalent bonds, endowing them with adaptive and responsive features that have resulted in high interest throughout the community. Owing to their intriguing properties, such as self-healing, shape-memory effects, recyclability, degradability, stimuli-responsiveness, etc., the materials have found multiple uses in a wide range of areas. Of special interest is their increasing use for biomedical applications, and many examples have been demonstrated in recent years. These materials have thus been used for the recognition and sensing of biologically active compounds, for the modulation of enzyme activity, for gene delivery, and as materials for cell culture, delivery, and wound-dressing. In this review, some of these endeavors are discussed, highlighting the many advantages and unique properties of dynamic covalent polymers for use in biology and biomedicine.

Effect and possible mechanisms of dioscin on ameliorating metabolic glycolipid metabolic disorder in type-2-diabetes

BACKGROUND

Our previous study revealed that microRNA-125a-5p plays a crucial role in regulating hepatic glycolipid metabolism by targeting STAT3 in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Dioscin, a major active ingredient in Dioscoreae nipponicae rhizomes, displays various pharmacological activities, but its role in T2DM has not been reported.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dioscin on T2DM and elucidate its potential mechanism.

METHODS

The effect of dioscin on glycolipid metabolic disorder in insulin-induced HepG2 cells, palmitic acid-induced AML12 cells, high-fat diet- and streptozotocin- induced T2DM rats, and spontaneous T2DM KK-Ay mice were evaluated. Then, the possible mechanisms of dioscin were comprehensively evaluated.

RESULTS

Dioscin markedly alleviated the dysregulation of glycolipid metabolism in T2DM by reducing hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, improving insulin resistance, increasing hepatic glycogen content, and attenuating lipid accumulation. When the mechanism was investigated, dioscin was found to markedly elevate miR-125a-5p level and decrease STAT3 expression. Consequently, dioscin increased phosphorylation levels of STAT3, PI3K, AKT, GSK-3β, and FoxO1 and decreased gene levels of PEPCK, G6Pase, SREBP-1c, FAS, ACC, and SCD1, leading to an increase in glycogen synthesis and a decrease in gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis. The effects of dioscin on regulating miR-125a-5p/STAT3 pathway were verified by miR-125a-5p overexpression and STAT3 overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

Dioscin showed potent anti-T2DM activity by improving the inhibitory effect of miR-125a-5p on STAT3 signaling to alleviate glycolipid metabolic disorder of T2DM.

[Mucormycosis in patients with hematological diseases: seven cases reports and literature review]

目的

探讨血液病合并毛霉菌病患者的临床特征、诊治与转归，提高对该病的认识。

方法

回顾性分析2012年9月至2018年9月7例血液病合并毛霉菌病患者的临床资料，分析其临床特征、治疗过程和转归。

结果

7例血液病合并毛霉菌病患者中，男4例，女3例，中位年龄36（19~79）岁。基础疾病：急性髓系白血病2例，急性B淋巴细胞白血病、外周T细胞淋巴瘤、慢性髓性白血病急髓变、骨髓增殖性肿瘤及重型再生障碍性贫血（移植后）各1例。毛霉菌病临床类型：4例为肺型，1例为鼻眶脑型，1例为皮肤型，1例为播散型。7例患者均通过活检组织病理确诊。治疗药物为两性霉素B、两性霉素B脂质体及泊沙康唑。手术治疗4例，其中3例术中彻底清除病变组织，1例仅行局限性清除。治愈2例，好转1例，死亡4例。

结论

血液病合并毛霉菌病患者临床表现及影像学表现多样，死亡率高，确诊主要依赖于组织病理学。早期诊断、控制基础疾病、改善免疫抑制状态、尽早行有效的抗真菌药物治疗及彻底的手术清创治疗是提高血液病合并毛霉菌病患者生存率的关键。

Whole exome sequencing identified a second pathogenic variant in HOMER2 for autosomal dominant non-syndromic deafness

Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory disorders worldwide, and about half of all occurrences are attributable to genetic factors. Here, we have identified a novel pathogenic variant in HOMER2 in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant, non-syndromic hearing loss. This is the second family reported globally with hearing loss caused by a variant in HOMER2. The pathogenic variant c.840_841insC in HOMER2 (NM_199330), segregating with the hearing-loss phenotype in the family, leads to a premature stop codon producing a truncated protein. The coiled-coil domain in the C-terminal of HOMER2 protein is essential for protein multimerization and HOMER2-CDC42 interaction. We compared the phenotypes in the two families and found that hearing impairment in this Chinese family was more severe. Furthermore, we found that the ability of this insertion mutant type HOMER2 (HOMER2_MU ) to multimerize decreased more significantly than wild-type HOMER2 (HOMER2_WT ) and the reported c.554G>C (NM_004839) mutant HOMER2. HOMER2_MU protein tended to be distributed in a diffuse manner, whereas HOMER2_WT and the reported mutant HOMER2 tended to cluster together. Our research provides a validating second family for variants in HOMER2 causing non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss. HOMER2 homo-/hetero-multimerization might be the first step in exerting its normal function.

Effect of oviposition by Bactrocera dorsalis on the antioxidant activity of orange juice

Among fruits and fruit products, oranges and orange juice are the most widely consumed worldwide. However, the effects of pest infestation of oranges on the quality of orange juice are not yet known. To evaluate the effect of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis on the antioxidant activity of orange juice, we measured changes in the vitamin C (Vc) concentration, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity of orange juice after the introduction of fruit fly eggs. Ten days after the eggs were introduced (larvae removed), the concentration of Vc in orange juice was 18.65 µg/mL, which was 9.16 µg/mL lower than that measured in healthy orange juice. In addition, the total phenol content decreased by 46.519 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE)/g to 9.748 mg GAE/g. Furthermore, the free-radical scavenging activity decreased from 22.297% to 5.393%. Correlation analysis indicated significant correlations between Vc concentration, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity of orange juice after B. dorsalis infestation. The decrease in Vc concentration, total phenol content and free-radical scavenging activity indicated that B. dorsalis changed the quality of orange juice by affecting the antioxidant activity of the juice after the oranges were infested.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa PcrV and Psl, the Molecular Targets of Bispecific Antibody MEDI3902, Are Conserved Among Diverse Global Clinical Isolates

Background

Bispecific antibody MEDI3902, targeting the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type 3 secretion system (PcrV) and Psl exopolysaccharide, is currently in phase 2b development for prevention of nosocomial pneumonia in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. We surveyed a diverse collection of isolates to study MEDI3902 epitope conservation and protective activity.

Methods

P. aeruginosa clinical isolates (n = 913) were collected from diverse patients and geographic locations during 2003-2014. We conducted whole-genome sequencing; performed PcrV and Psl expression analyses via immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively; performed crystallography to determine the MEDI3902 PcrV epitope, using anti-PcrV Fab and PcrV components (resolved at 2.8 Å); and evaluated MEDI3902 protective activity against select isolates in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Intact psl operon and pcrV genes were present in 94% and 99% of isolates, respectively, and 99.9% of isolates contained at least one of the genetic elements. Anti-Psl binding was confirmed in tested isolates harboring a complete Psl operon or lacking nonessential psl genes. We identified 46 PcrV variant sequences, and MEDI3902-PcrV contact residues were preserved. MEDI3902 maintained potent in vivo activity against various strains, including strains expressing only a single target.

Conclusions

Psl and PcrV are highly prevalent in global clinical isolates, suggesting MEDI3902 can mediate broad coverage against P. aeruginosa.

[The application of Chinese version of anterior skull base questionnaire (ASBQ) in patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors]

Objective: To develop the Chinese version of anterior skull base questionnaire(ASBQ) and to verify its application in patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors. Methods: The following steps were finished including getting the permission from the author of the original English scale, translating and back-translating, tentative test, discussing the consequence and cultural debugging. From October 2016 to December 2018, 51 patients with skull base tumors from Xuanwu Hospital and China-Japan Friendship Hospital were enrolled as an experimental group, aged from 24 to 70 years old, with 19 males and 32 females, which included 27 patients with anterior skull base tumor and 24 patients with middle skull base tumor. From December 2016 to January 2018, 46 healthy volunteers were selected as a control group, aged from 18 to 36 years old, including 26 females and 20 males. The subjects in the test group and the control group were rigorously tested with official manuscripts and judged whether the manuscript was applicable. The SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data of the test group, the anterior skull base group, the middle skull base group and the control group to evaluate the performance of the scale. Results: Both the rate of the recovery and efficiency in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group were 100%, with the average time of completion of (8.7±3.2), (11.2±4.0) and (7.3±2.1) min, respectively in each group. The r value of test-retest reliability was 0.96, 0.99 and 0.97 in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group, with the split-half reliability coefficient of 0.91, 0.90 and 0.96, with the entire scale Cronbach's coefficient of 0.91, 0.95 and 0.93, respectively. The content validity and the construct validity of the scale were good enough, and the criteria validity was-0.483,-0.509 and -0.489 in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group. The scale could well distinguish the difference of the quality of life between the preoperative and postoperative patients in experimental group and the middle skull base group. The difference of the quality of life in anterior skull base group was not found between preoperative and postoperative patients. Conclusion: The Chinese version of ASBQ has good reliability and validity, which is suitable for a wide range of Chinese patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors to assess their quality of life.

Ab initio determination of atomic structure of Zn-Zr precipitates in a Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy

The atomic structure of nanometre-sized Zn-Zr precipitates in a Mg alloy is determined by combining tilt series of micro-beam electron diffraction with atomic resolution Z-contrast imaging. The stoichiometry of the Zn-Zr precipitates is Zn₂Zr₃ with a primitive tetragonal structure (space group P4₂/mnm, a = b = 0.761 nm, c = 0.682 nm). There are 20 atoms in the unit cell of tetragonal Zn₂Zr₃, comprising 12 Zr atoms at the 4d, 4f, 4g positions and eight Zn atoms at the 8j positions.

Towards label-free distributed fiber hydrogen sensor with stimulated Raman spectroscopy

Hydrogen detection is of great importance in chemical and energy industries. Optical fiber hydrogen sensors show flexibility and compactness, and have the potential for distributed analysis. However, traditional fiber sensors encounter a challenge with light interacting with hydrogen directly because hydrogen only displays weak quadrupole absorption, and metallic palladium and platinum thin-film coatings are typically used as an optically detectable label. Here, based on stimulated Raman spectroscopy in hollow-core photonic crystal fibers, we investigate the label-free optical fiber distributed hydrogen sensors operating in the optical telecommunication band. The approach of distributed Raman measurement represents a new paradigm in fiber sensors, potentially allowing distributed chemical analysis in gas or liquid phase with high sensitivity and selectivity.

Bridging the translational gap: Implementation of multimodal small animal imaging strategies for tumor burden assessment in a co-clinical trial

In designing co-clinical cancer studies, preclinical imaging brings unique challenges that emphasize the gap between man and mouse. Our group is developing quantitative imaging methods for the preclinical arm of a co-clinical trial studying immunotherapy and radiotherapy in a soft tissue sarcoma model. In line with treatment for patients enrolled in the clinical trial SU2C-SARC032, primary mouse sarcomas are imaged with multi-contrast micro-MRI (T1 weighted, T2 weighted, and T1 with contrast) before and after immune checkpoint inhibition and pre-operative radiation therapy. Similar to the patients, after surgery the mice will be screened for lung metastases with micro-CT using respiratory gating. A systems evaluation was undertaken to establish a quantitative baseline for both the MR and micro-CT systems against which others systems might be compared. We have constructed imaging protocols which provide clinically-relevant resolution and contrast in a genetically engineered mouse model of sarcoma. We have employed tools in 3D Slicer for semi-automated segmentation of both MR and micro-CT images to measure tumor volumes efficiently and reliably in a large number of animals. Assessment of tumor burden in the resulting images was precise, repeatable, and reproducible. Furthermore, we have implemented a publicly accessible platform for sharing imaging data collected during the study, as well as protocols, supporting information, and data analyses. In doing so, we aim to improve the clinical relevance of small animal imaging and begin establishing standards for preclinical imaging of tumors from the perspective of a co-clinical trial.

[The association between plasma levels of 20 amino acids and risk of diabetes]

Objective: To investigate the association between the plasma levels of 20 amino acids and the risk of diabetes in middle-aged and elderly population. Methods: This study was a part of the Chinese multi-provincial cohort study conducted in communities of Shougang. In 2007 and 2012, the population was investigated for diabetes and other risk factors. Blood samples collected from 475 people were tested for various amino acid levels by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between plasma amino acid levels and diabetes risk. Results: The age of the selected population at baseline was (58.7±6.3) years, and the blood glucose level at baseline was (5.68±1.34) mmol/L. Among them, 56 (11.79%) subjects were diabetes. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, systolic blood pressure and dyslipidemia, individuals with plasma branched-chain amino acid (valine, leucine and isoleucine) and cysteine in the highest tertile levels were at high risk of diabetes with the ORs of 3.61 (95% CI 1.48-8.80), 3.27 (95% CI 1.34-7.99), 2.46 (95% CI 1.04-5.84) and 2.09 (95% CI 1.02-4.27), respectively. After 5 years' followed up, 5.73% (24/419) subjects developed diabetes. Compared with those in the lowest tertile, individuals with plasma branched-chain amino acid (total concentration), phenylalanine, and tyrosine levels at baseline in the highest tertile had 3.69 times, 3.61 times and 4.14 times higher risk to develop new diabetes, respectively. In contrast, individuals with plasma glycine level in the highest tertile had only 76% (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06-0.91) risk for the development of diabetes compared with those with plasma glycine level in the lowest tertile. Conclusions: The increase in plasma branched-chain amino acid and cysteine levels is significantly associated with an increase in incident diabetes. Subjects with higher levels of branched-chain amino acids and aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine) had a significantly higher risk of developing new-onset diabetes, while those with higher glycine levels had a significantly lower risk of developing diabetes in 5 years.

NGF increases FGF2 expression and promotes endothelial cell migration and tube formation through PI3K/Akt and ERK/MAPK pathways in human chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE

Vascular invasion is observed at the osteochondral junction in osteoarthritis (OA). Nerve growth factor (NGF) as an angiogenic factor is expressed in OA. This study is to investigate the effects of NGF on angiogenesis in vitro in human chondrocytes.

DESIGN

Articular cartilages of knee joints were harvested from healthy and OA patients. Expressions of NGF and tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) were detected by western blot, Safranin-O and fast green staining and immunohistochemistry in cartilage. Expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) was detected by western blot in cultured chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were transfected by lentiviral vectors to knock down TrkA. Migration and tube formation of human microvascular endothelial cell (HMVEC) were assessed by using transwell co-culture with chondrocyte after treatment of NGF.

RESULTS

We confirmed expressions of NGF and TrkA were significantly up-regulated in OA. NGF induced expression of FGF2 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Angiogenic activities of endothelial cells were greatly enhanced after co-cultured with NGF pre-treated chondrocytes, while knock-down of TrkA significantly abolished the above effects. We further found that NGF-induced expression of FGF2 promoted angiogenic activities of endothelial cells through PI3K/Akt and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

NGF promotes expression of FGF2 in vitro via PI3K/Akt and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways in human chondrocytes and it increases angiogenesis, which is mediated by TrkA. NGF could be responsible for vascular up-growth from subchondral bone in OA.

Abstract P5-03-06: Overcoming MEK inhibitor resistance in triple-negative breast cancer by targeting myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1), an anti-apoptotic protein

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which affects over 170 000 women worldwide every year, is considered the most arduous to treat subtype of breast cancer. With no targeted therapy, high rates of drug resistance and rapid metastasis, TNBC carries a poor prognosis. The MEK-ERK-MAPK signaling cascade is known to play a role in numerous cancers. Despite the lack of activating Ras/MAPK mutations in breast cancer, transcriptional signatures of this pathway are prevalent in TNBC. Our previous work showed that TNBC patients with tumors overexpressing ERK2 had a lower overall survival rate than did patients with low-ERK2-expressing tumors. MEK inhibitors selumetinib (AZD6244) and pimasertib (AS703026) are active in preclinical models, but not as single agents in the clinic. Using a synthetic lethal siRNA screen, we identified myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1) as a potential contributor to selumetinib resistance. Mcl-1 is an anti-apoptotic protein that is highly amplified in numerous human cancers. It is associated with cell immortalization, transformation, and chemoresistance. Patients with TNBC tumors expressing high levels of Mcl-1 have lower overall survival and distant-metastasis-free survival rates. We hypothesized that Mcl-1 promotes MEK inhibitor resistance in TNBC.

Methods/Results: To model MEK inhibitor resistance, we established selumetinib- and pimasertib-resistant clones of SUM-149 and MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells by continuous exposure to increasing concentrations of inhibitors over a six month period. We confirmed the onset of MEK resistance by demonstrating that resistant cells, in comparison to the parental cells, exhibited no change in cell proliferation upon treatment with the MEK inhibitors. Resistant cells also displayed more effective cell migration and mammosphere formation than parental cells, suggesting a higher fraction of tumor-initiating cells.

We found Mcl-1 to be highly expressed in 83% (15 of 18) of TNBC cell lines but only 30% (3 of 10) of other breast cancer cell lines. Resistant cells had higher levels of Mcl-1 than did parental cells. To determine whether Mcl-1 is required for MEK sensitivity, we treated parental and resistant cells with either selumetinib or pimasertib together with S63845, a highly specific Mcl-1 inhibitor. The Mcl-1 inhibitor restored MEK sensitivity in both resistant cell lines. After treatment with the Mcl-1 inhibitor, the resistant SUM-149 and MDA-MB-231 cells had similar cell proliferation rates to those of their parental counterparts. Similar studies were done using an siRNA against Mcl-1.

Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that Mcl-1 may promote TNBC resistance to MEK inhibitors and that Mcl-1 is a promising target for combination therapy. We will continue to explore the mechanisms of MEK inhibitor resistance by screening for additional genes/pathways involved. Our long-term goal is to design rational combination approaches to counteract the emergence of resistance by using novel molecularly targeted therapeutics.

Citation Format: Gagliardi M, Chauhan G, Pitner MK, Iles L, Qi Y, Pusztai L, Tripathy D, Bartholomeusz G, Bartholomeusz C. Overcoming MEK inhibitor resistance in triple-negative breast cancer by targeting myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1), an anti-apoptotic protein [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-03-06.

[Association between long-term blood pressure change and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases: a population-based cohort study]

Objective: To explore the association between long-term changes in blood pressure (BP) levels and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: A total of 5 752 participants, who participated baseline examination in 1992-1993 and re-examination in 2007, were followed up till December 31, 2013 according to the study protocol of the Chinese Multi-provincial Cohort Study. Participants were stratified by baseline BP and re-examination BP and cross-combined into 9 subgroups. The 20-year incidence of acute cardiovascular events, acute coronary heart disease (CHD) and acute stroke events were analyzed and association between disease incidence and 15-year changes in BP were determined using the competing risk regression model. Results: (1) There were 523 CVD events (170 CHD, 373 stroke) during the 20 years follow up. The number of participants with baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of <130/80 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), 130-139/80-89 mmHg, and hypertension were 2 892 (50.3%), 1 328 (23.1%) and 1 532 (26.6%), respectively. (2) Among participants with baseline SBP of 130-139 mmHg or DBP of 80-89 mmHg, 870 (65.5%) progressed to hypertension and 279 (21.0%) maintained at the same stratum over a 15-year follow up period. (3) After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, diabetes, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol at baseline, participants maintained SBP/DBP at 130-139/80-89 mmHg had a higher risk of developing acute cardiovascular events, CHD and stroke with the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 2.04 (1.16, 3.57), 3.29 (1.30, 8.35) and 1.63 (0.80, 3.33), compared with those who maintained their SBP < 130 mmHg and DBP <80 mmHg. Participants whose BP increased from 130-139/80-89 mmHg to hypertension over the follow up period had 2.81-fold (1.84, 4.29), 3.17-fold (1.43, 7.03) and 2.71-fold (1.65, 4.44) higher risk for the incidence of acute cardiovascular events, CHD, and stroke, respectively, compared with participants who maintained their SBP <130 mmHg and DBP <80 mmHg. Conclusions: Participants with SBP/DBP of 130-139/80-89 mmHg have a high long-term risk for progression to hypertension. Sustained exposure to SBP/DBP of 130-139/80-89 mmHg or higher increases the risk of CVD incidence, and our results highlight the importance of early prevention for participants with this BP stratum.

[Discussion on the transcription and circulation of "Shouzhuo Sanctum" version of Qing nang mi jue (Secret Instructions of Sore and Abscess) based on the stone tablet inscriptions and contracts]

He Gaomin, the discoverer of the book Qing nang mi jue (Secret Instructions of Sore and Abscess) considered that this book was written by Fu Shan of the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties, which was first stored secretly by Zhang Shixue, and then transcribed by "Pan zi" , and further copied by Wang Dade in the First Year of Yongzheng Reign. According to the folk literature including inscriptions on stone tablet and contracts, combining with the dictations of Zhang's descendants, suggesting that Zhang's Family was a medical family for generations and Zhang Shixue was a doctor in Miaodao Town, Jiyuan County, Huaiqing Prefecture of Henan during the reigns of the Qianlong and Jiaqing Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. He might not be earlier than the secret collection of the book by Wang Dade, and nobody knows where Zhang got the book. Zhang's family fortunes declined in the late Qing Dynasty, and the version of Qing nang mi jue preserved secretly by Zhang Shixue spread to the market and obtained by Li Yinyuan, whose son Li Qu brought it into Shanxi, and was thus found by He Gaomin.

Identification of eight new MHC-DPB1 alleles in the Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana)

We report here the identification of eight new Math-DPB1 alleles in the Tibetan macaques.

[Association of epicardial adipose tissue with cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery calcification in the community residents]

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to address the relationship between the volume of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery calcification(CAC) in the community residents. Methods: Individuals were recruited from the Jidong Community (Tangshan City, Northern China) which mainly comprised employees of the Jidong Co. Ltd. and their family members. From July 2013 to August 2014, 2 647 participants aged ≥40 years were included in this study. The volume of EAT and coronary artery calcification score (CAC score) were determined by a 64-slice CT. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured by a trained sonographer using a high-resolution B-mode topographic ultrasound system. Venous blood samples were analyzed by automated analyzers in the central laboratory. A validated questionnaire specifically designed for this study was used to collect demographic data from all participants by trained doctors. Characteristics of study cohort were compared according to quartiles of EAT volume (n=660, 663, 662, 662, repectively). Results: (1) The mean age of participants was (55.31±7.76) years and 49.94% (n=1 322) were men. The median EAT volume (interquartile) was 129.42 (95.66, 176.51)cm(3). (2) Age, BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference, systolic blood pressure, LDL-C, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose were significantly higher, while HDL-C level was significantly lower in participants with higher EAT volume than participants with lower EAT volume (all P<0.05). Carotid intima-media thicken (CIMT) and higher CAC score were also significantly higher in participants with higher volume of EAT. Furthermore, percentage of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia increased in proportion with increasing EAT volume (P<0.05). (3) In the linear regression, significant positive relations were found for age (β=0.019 3, 95%CI 0.017-0.021, P<0.001), waist circumference (β=0.012 7, 95%CI 0.009-0.016, P<0.001), BMI (β=0.022 4, 95%CI 0.013-0.032, P<0.001), LDL-C (β=0.048 4, 95%CI 0.021-0.076, P<0.001), and HDL-C (β=-0.098 1, 95%CI-0.164--0.032, P<0.001) was inversely related to the EAT volume. (4) Logistic regression analysis indicated that EAT volume was an independent risk factor for CAC score>0 (OR=1.233, 95%CI 1.205-1.262, P<0.001) . Conclusions: Our findings indicate that EAT volume is strongly correlated to cardiovascular risk factors and coronary calcification and is an independent risk factor of increased coronary calcification in community residents.

Osteoglycin, a novel coordinator of bone and glucose homeostasis

Objective

The skeleton, which is strongly controlled by endocrine factors, has recently been shown to also play an active endocrine role itself, specifically influencing energy metabolism. However, much less is known about this role. Therefore, we sought to identify novel endocrine factors involved in the regulation of both bone mass and whole-body glucose homeostasis.

Methods

We used transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of Y1 receptor deficient osteoblasts combined with the generation of a novel osteoglycin deficient mouse model and performed comprehensive in vivo phenotype profiling, combined with osteoglycin administration in wildtype mice and human studies.

Results

Here we identify a novel role for osteoglycin, a secreted proteoglycan, in coordinating bone accretion with changes in energy balance. Using an osteoglycin knockout mouse model, we show that at a whole body level, osteoglycin acts to suppress bone formation and modulate whole body energy supplies by altering glucose uptake through changes in insulin secretion and sensitivity, as well as by altering food intake through central signaling. Examining humans following gastric surgery as a model of negative energy balance, we show that osteoglycin is associated with BMI and lean mass as well as changes in weight, BMI, and glucose levels.

Conclusions

Thus, we identify osteoglycin as a novel factor involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and identify a role for it in facilitating the matching of bone acquisition to alterations in energy status.

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Osteoglycin regulates insulin action, bone mass and food intake in mice.

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Osteoglycin is associated with changes in weight, BMI and glucose in obese humans.

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Osteoglycin is a downstream mediator of NPY signaling via osteoblastic Y1 receptors.

Effects of soybean isoflavones on Wnt/β-catenin and the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in renal tissue of type 2 diabetic rats

To observe the effect of Soyisoflavones (SI) on the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway elements, transforming growth factor-β (THGF-β) and its related proteins in the renal interstitia of diabetic nephropathic (DN) rats, 48 DN rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: DN model group (group DN), soybean isoflavone treatment group (group DA), DN model group + losartan treatment group (group DL), DN model group + soybean isoflavones combined with losartan treatment group (group SL). Each group comprised 12 rats. Twelve healthy Wistar rats were selected as normal controls (group N). After 12 weeks of continuous administration of soybean isoflavone or losartan or those two combined, the body weight of rats was recorded and serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Scr) were measured. The expression of Wnt4, β-catenin, and TGF-β1 proteins, as well as mRNA, in the renal interstitium were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR (FQ-PCR). In all the groups, Wnt4, β-catenin and TGF-β1 protein were only expressed in renal interstitial and renal tubular epithelial cells. There was no significant difference between group DA and group DL (P>0.05). FQ-PCR results showed that Wnt4, β-catenin and TGF-β1 mRNA were consistent with the expression of these proteins in the renal tissue of each group. Soy isoflavones can reduce 24-h urinary protein quantification, alleviate renal interstitial pathological damage, and regulate the expression of Wnt4, β-catenin and TGF-β1 in the renal interstitium. This suggests that soybean isoflavones could delay the process of renal interstitial fibrosis in DN rats by decreasing the expression of Wnt4, β-catenin and TGF-β1 in the renal interstitium, thus demonstrating that soybean isoflavones plus losartan have the best protective effects against diabetes-induced renal fibrosis.

[Long-term prognostic value of lowering in free triiodothyronine in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

Objective: To determine whether thyroid hormone (TH) level could also be an independent and incremental predictor of adverse events in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods: A total of 982 consecutive patients with HCM at the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (China) from October 2009 to December 2013 were included in the present study, and followed up till the end of December 2016. The patients were divided into three groups according to the levels of free triiodothyronine (FT₃): the group 1 (FT₃≤4.28 pmol/L, n=335), the group 2 (FT₃>4.28-<4.79 pmol/L, n=310), and the group 3 (FT₃ 4.79-6.30 pmol/L, n=337). Results: After a follow-up period of (53.8±14.1) months, 39 patients (4.0%) either suffered death with all causes or received a cardiac transplantation (7.8%, 2.9% and 1.2% of the patients in the group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively). A multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that FT₃≤4.28 pmol/L was associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality or cardiac transplantation (HR 8.83, 95% CI 1.115- 69.905,P=0.039) in HCM patients. Conclusions: Low levels of FT₃ is a risk factor of adverse events for patients with HCM, indicting a role of FT₃ as a marker for assessing the risk of long-term adverse events in these patients.

[Value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide on long-term outcome of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

Objective: To determine the value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) on predicting the long-term outcome of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) . Methods: NT-proBNP was measured in 831 consecutive patients with HCM at Fuwai Hospital from October 2009 to December 2013 and patients were followed up clinically for (53.3±15.4) months. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to NT-proBNP values: NT-proBNP<860 pmol/L (n=276) , 860 pmol/L≤NT-proBNP≤1 905 pmol/L (n=278) , NT-proBNP>1 905 pmol/L (n=277) . The related baseline data, laboratory examination and echocardiographic results were compared among groups. The primary endpoints of this study were all-cause mortality and cardiac transplantation. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) . Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the survival status of patients among the 3 groups. Results: During a median follow-up of (53.3±15.4) months, all-cause mortality or cardiac transplantation occurred in 37 patients (4.5%) , event rate was 1.4% (4/276) , 4.0% (11/278) and 7.9% (22/277) in patients with NT-proBNP<860 pmol/L, 860 pmol/L≤NT-proBNP≤1 905 pmol/L and NT-proBNP>1 905 pmol/L, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified that age (HR 1.066, 95%CI 1.027-1.107) and NT-proBNP (HR 1.026, 95% CI 1.010-1.042) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality or cardiac transplantation. Among the 3 groups, the survival rate of the NT-proBNP<860 pmol/L group was the highest,and that of the NT-proBNP>1 905 pmol/L group was the lowest (P<0.01) . Conclusions: The level of NT-proBNP provides clinically relevant information for long-term adverse events risk stratification in patients with HCM.

[Impact of different intervention models on adherence to secondary prevention therapies in patients with acute coronary syndrome]

Objective: To evaluate the impact of different intervention models on adherence to secondary prevention therapies in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: This multi-center cross-sectional study collected data from 34 hospitals covering 22 provinces in China. Hospitals were randomly divided into four groups: control group(routine treatment and care), promotional calendar group (routine treatment and care plus giving propaganda desk calendar to patients), education group (routine treatment and care add patients education by nurses) and combined intervention group (promotional calendar and education).At least 90 patients with ACS were consecutively enrolled from each involved hospital from April 15, 2012 to June 30, 2013. To reduce the impact of uneven distribution of inter-group variables on the results, 1∶1∶1∶1 propensity score matching method was used. The drug usage for secondary prevention and prognosis wasobtainedat 6 months after hospital discharge. Results: (1) A total of 3 391 patients were selected and 2 244 patients were included for the final analysisafter propensity score analysis. (2) At 6 months after discharge, the adherence rates of antiplatelet, statins, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor(ACEI)/angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blocker(ARB), β-blocker and the combination of 4 medications were similar between control group and promotional calendar group (all P>0.016).The adherence rates of antiplatelet and statins were 97.0% (526/542) and 91.0% (493/542) in the education group, 3.7% and 5.5% higher than in the control group (both P<0.016). The adherence rates of statins,ACEI/ARB and combined medication were 91.0% (496/545), 68.3% (372/545) and 53.2% (290/545) in the combined intervention group,significantly higher than in the control group (5.5%,8.3% and 9.6%, all P<0.016). (3) Poisson regression analysis showed that the adherence of antiplatelet drugs in the education group was 3.4%(OR=1.034, 95%CI 1.007-1.060,P<0.05) and 3.5%(OR=1.035, 95%CI 1.007-1.063, P<0.05) higher than in the control group and the promotional calendar group, and the statins adherence rate was 5.5%(OR=1.055, 95%CI 1.012-1.101,P<0.05) higher than in the control group. The antiplatelet drug adherence rates in the combined intervention group were 3.0% (OR=1.030, 95%CI 1.002-1.058,P<0.05) and 3.1% (OR=1.031, 95%CI 1.003-1.060,P<0.05) higher than in the control group and the promotional calendar group, respectively, and statin adherence was 6.1% (OR=1.061, 95%CI 1.017-1.107,P<0.01) higher than in the control group. The adherence rates of ACEI/ARB in combined intervention group were respectively 15.4%(OR=1.154, 95%CI 1.057-1.259, P<0.01),20.0%(OR=1.200, 95%CI 1.096-1.314, P<0.01) and 25.5%(OR=1.255, 95%CI 1.142-1.380, P<0.01) higher than in the control group, promotional calendar group and education group. The adherence rates of combined medication in combined intervention group were respectively 21.6%(OR=1.216, 95%CI 1.079-1.371, P<0.01),21.5%(OR=1.215, 95%CI 1.077-1.371, P<0.01) and 27.8%(OR=1.278, 95%CI 1.126-1.450, P<0.01) higher than in the control group, promotional calendar group and education group. (4) At 6 months after discharge, the control rates of blood pressure (<140/90 mmHg,1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) in the education group were significantly higher than in the control group and promotional calendar group (78.7% (398/506) vs. 70.2%(373/531) and 71.1% (354/498) , all P<0.016),and the control rates of blood pressure in combined intervention group were higher than in the control group and promotional calendar group (78.2% (376/481) vs. 70.2%(373/531) and 71.1% (354/498) , all P<0.016).The rehospitalization rates were 7.0% (39/561) in the promotional calendar group, and 7.6% (42/561) in the education group, both significantly higher than in the control group (3.8% (21/561), all P<0.016).The rate of the low density lipoprotein cholesterol<2.07 mmol/L and the rate for all-cause mortality were similar among groups (all P>0.016) . Conclusion: Post-discharge medication adherence in ACS patients can be enhanced by either promotional calendaror nurses education strategy, and the efficacy is better by nurse education as compared with promotional calendar, the combination of both methods can further increase the post-discharge medication adherence rates in ACS patients.

Abstract P1-10-09: EPHA2-targeting enhances eicosapentaenoic acid cytotoxicity against triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer via ABCA1 inhibition–mediated membrane rigidity

Background: Effective treatment options for triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer (TN-IBC), the most aggressive form of breast cancer, are currently lacking. We previously reported that mediators of inflammation promote the growth of TN-IBC xenografts. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) with anti-inflammatory properties, is an emerging FDA-approved therapeutic with a favorable toxicology profile. Here we aimed to develop a novel approach to enhance EPA efficacy against TN-IBC by identifying a kinase inhibitor that synergizes with EPA's antitumor activity.

Methods and Results: Using a high-throughput siRNA screen in the TN-IBC cell line SUM149PT, we identified inhibition of ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2), an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase, as a target that sensitizes TN-IBC cells to EPA therapy. To determine the clinical relevance of EPHA2, we investigated a meta-analysis of breast cancer mRNA expression data sets and found that high EPHA2 tumor expression, compared with low expressing, correlated significantly with poor overall survival in TN-IBC patients (P = 0.01), while not with other subtypes. Similar findings were observed in vitro, were EPHA2 protein and mRNA overexpression occurred predominantly in the TN subtypes among 49 and 51 breast cancer cell lines (63% and 47%, respectively), highlighting EPHA2 translational potential. Functional expression studies using proliferation and apoptosis assays in vitro, and xenografts in vivo, were performed in two EPHA2-expressing TN-IBC cell lines, SUM149PT and BCX010, to validate EPHA2 as a synergistic combinational target with EPA. EPHA2 gene silencing in combination with EPA significantly reduced cell growth, and enhanced apoptosis, compared with untreated and monotherapy in vitro (P &lt; 0.05), and in vivo (P &lt; 0.001). To translate our findings to the clinic, we validated dasatinib, an FDA-approved small molecule inhibitor of EPHA2, in combination to EPA to significantly enhance apoptosis of TN-IBC cells in vitro (P &lt; 0.05) and in vivo (P &lt; 0.05), compared with untreated and monotherapies. Using membrane fluidity assessment and cholesterol quantification we determined that apoptosis induction after combination therapy was due to increased membrane rigidity and cholesterol concentrations in the plasma membrane of TN-IBC cells (P &lt; 0.05, compared with monotherapies). Finally, we discovered by western blot and gain/loss-of-expression studies that combination therapy inhibited the cholesterol efflux protein ATP-binding cassette sub-family A member 1 (ABCA1), which plays a significant role mediating increased cellular cholesterol (P &lt; 0.05), cell membrane rigidity (P &lt; 0.05), and induction of apoptosis (P &lt; 0.05) in TN-IBC after EPA and EPHA2-targeting combination therapy.

Conclusions: This is the first study demonstrating that EPA can enhance conventional targeted therapy against breast cancer. Our study provides molecular and preclinical evidence to support the development of an EPA/EPHA2-inhibition–based phase I clinical trial for patients with EPHA2-positive TN-IBC; our study further suggests the use of EPHA2 and ABCA1 protein expression as biomarkers for patient selection and therapeutic response.

Citation Format: Torres-Adorno AM, Vitrac H, Qi Y, Tan L, Levental KR, Fan Y-Y, Yang P, Chapkin RS, Eckhardt BL, Ueno NT. EPHA2-targeting enhances eicosapentaenoic acid cytotoxicity against triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer via ABCA1 inhibition–mediated membrane rigidity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-10-09.

Ultrafast Electric Field Pulse Control of Giant Temperature Change in Ferroelectrics

There is a surge of interest in developing environmentally friendly solid-state-based cooling technology. Here, we point out that a fast cooling rate (≈10^{11}  K/s) can be achieved by driving solid crystals to a high-temperature phase with a properly designed electric field pulse. Specifically, we predict that an ultrafast electric field pulse can cause a giant temperature decrease up to 32 K in PbTiO_{3} occurring on few picosecond time scales. We explain the underlying physics of this giant electric field pulse-induced temperature change with the concept of internal energy redistribution: the electric field does work on a ferroelectric crystal and redistributes its internal energy, and the way the kinetic energy is redistributed determines the temperature change and strongly depends on the electric field temporal profile. This concept is supported by our all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of PbTiO_{3} and BaTiO_{3}. Moreover, this internal energy redistribution concept can also be applied to understand electrocaloric effect. We further propose new strategies for inducing giant cooling effect with ultrafast electric field pulse. This Letter offers a general framework to understand electric-field-induced temperature change and highlights the opportunities of electric field engineering for controlled design of fast and efficient cooling technology.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Improve Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function in Aged Rats

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) plays a major role in repairing impaired intestinal mucosa, but its mechanism in the improvement of intestinal barrier function during the aging process remains unclear. In this study, 26-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to control group and GLP-2 group treated with a dose of 250 μg•kg-1•d-1 by intraperitoneal injection. After 14 days of treatment, intestinal mucosal morphometric changes were observed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Small intestinal permeability was evaluated by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran. The mRNA and protein expression of Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, claudin-1 and the GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot. Our results showed that GLP-2 administration significantly improved the age-related atrophy of intestinal mucosa and villi and increased small intestinal permeability. The mRNA and protein expression of ZO-1and occludin in ileum were up regulated in the GLP-2-treated old rats. In addition, the serum GLP-2 levels were negatively correlated with small intestinal permeability measured by FITC-dextran levels (r=-0.610, P<0.01). Taking all these data together, it is concluded that GLP-2 improved small intestinal epithelial barrier function in aged rats mainly by facilitating intestinal mucosa growth, alleviating the increased small intestinal permeability and increasing ZO-1 and occludin expression. Our observations provide evidence for the clinical significance of GLP-2 in preventing the intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction during aging.

Extracellular matrix protein 1 promotes cell metastasis and glucose metabolism by inducing integrin β4/FAK/SOX2/HIF-1α signaling pathway in gastric cancer

Extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) is related to strong invasiveness and poor prognosis in major malignancies, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here we aimed to elucidate the function of ECM1 on cell metastasis and glucose metabolism in gastric cancer (GC). The level of ECM1 in sera and tissues of patient with GC were positively correlated with tumor invasion and recurrence. Genetic manipulation of ECM1 expression affected cell metastasis and glucose metabolism in GC cell lines. Enhanced ECM1 expression facilitated gene expression levels associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and glucose metabolism. Interestingly, our results indicated that ECM1 directly interacted with integrin β4 (ITGB4) and activated ITGB4/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β signaling pathway, which further induced the expression of transcription factor SOX2. Aberrant expression of SOX2 altered gene expression of EMT factors and glucose metabolism enzymes. Furthermore, SOX2 enhanced hypoxia-inducible factor α (HIF-1α) promoter activity to regulate glucose metabolism. The micro-positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging of xenograft model showed that ECM1 substantially increased ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in xenograft tumors. Using in vivo mouse tail vein injection experiments, ECM1 was also found to increase in lung surface metastasis. These findings provide evidence that ECM1 regulates GC cell metastasis and glucose metabolism by inducing ITGB4/FAK/SOX2/HIF-1α signal pathway and have important implications for the development of therapeutic target to prevent tumor metastasis and recurrence.

Hypothalamus Specific Re-Introduction of SNORD116 into Otherwise Snord116 Deficient Mice Increased Energy Expenditure

The Snord116 gene cluster has been recognised as a critical contributor to the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), with mice lacking Snord116 displaying many classical PWS phenotypes, including low postnatal body weight, reduced bone mass and increased food intake. However, these mice do not develop obesity as a result of increased energy expenditure. To understand the physiological function of SNORD116 better and potentially rescue the altered metabolism of Snord116^-/- mice, we used an adeno-associated viral (AAV) approach to reintroduce the product of the Snord116 gene into the hypothalamus in Snord116^-/- mice at different ages. The results obtained show that mid-hypothalamic re-introduction of SNORD116 in 6-week-old Snord116^-/- mice leads to significantly reduced body weight and weight gain, which is associated with elevated energy expenditure. Importantly, when the intervention targets other areas such as the anterior region of the hypothalamus or the reintroduction occurs in older mice, the positive effects on energy expenditure are diminished. These data indicate that the metabolic symptoms of PWS develop gradually and the Snord116 gene plays a critical role during this process. Furthermore, when we investigated the consequences of SNORD116 re-introduction under conditions of thermoneutrality where the mild cold stress influences are avoided, we also observed a significant increase in energy expenditure. In conclusion, the rescue of mid-hypothalamic Snord116 deficiency in young Snord116 germline deletion mice increases energy expenditure, providing fundamental information contributing to potential virus-mediated genetic therapy in PWS.

[Extensive burns complicated with infective endocarditis and septic pulmonary embolism: case report and literature review]

Objective: To improve the clinical recognition of infective endocarditis (IE) and septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) in patients with extensive burns. Methods: A case of large area burn complicated with IE and SPE confirmed by blood cultures and echocardiography was described. A literature review was performed with "burn" and "infective endocarditis" as the Chinese key words in Wanfang database; with "burn" and "infective endocarditis" as Mesh terms in PubMed. Results: The patient was a 37-year-old male with large area burn, who presented with fever and hemoptysis. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Echocardiography disclosed vegetations located in the tricuspid valve. Multiple wedge-shaped lesions were found on chest CT. From January 1978 to December 2015, 26 related articles were retrieved and 134 burned patients complicated with endocarditis were reported, of which, 97 cases were IE and 1 case with SPE. Of the 134 cases, 120 cases were dead, 12 cases cured and 2 cases unknown. The mortality was 89.6%. Conclusions: There was a high mortality of burned patients complicated with IE. SPE should be considered for patients with multiple peripheral nodules in both lungs and a positive blood culture. Combination and prolonged anti-infective therapy may increase the treatment success and reduce the risk of recurrence.

[Clinical significance of serum resistin in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis]

Objective: To detect the serum resistin levels in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) and evaluate the clinical values of resistin. Methods: We detected the serum resistin levels in 58 patients with GMG and 58 healthy controls (HC) from January 2013 to December 2015 in Tianjin medical university general hospital.Then we analyzed the correlation of the serum resistin levels with the clinical features. Results: The serum resistin levels in patients with GMG, (8.26±4.27) ng/ml, was significantly higher than in HC, (4.12±1.36) ng/ml, (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference of the serum resistin levels between female or male patients with GMG (P=0.589). The serum resistin levels in patients with GMG was positively correlated with the quantitative MG score for disease severity (QMG) (r=0.446, P<0.001), but not correlated with age (r=0.168, P=0.206). The patients with higher resistin levels took higher risk of combining with thymoma (P=0.002), 56.5%, and these patients had higher QMG, 11(5) (P=0.001); and the ratio and QMG in the patients with lower resistin levels were 17.1%, 7(5), respectively.The GMG patients with thymoma (TGMG+ ) had remarkably higher serum resistin levels, (10.7±5.3) ng/ml (P=0.010) and the QMG score, 11(5) (P<0.001) than the GMG patients without thymoma (TGMG-) with (7.0±3.1) ng/ml and 8(5). Conclusion: Resistin is probably associated with the severity of the disease of MG, and maybe a potential biomarker of MG combined with thymoma.

Correction: Corrigendum: Origin and structure of polar domains in doped molecular crystals

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 13351 (2016); Published 8 November 2016; Updated 06 March 2017 In Table 2 of this Article, the graph displaying ‘Pyroelectric coefficient versus temperature’ for 0.03% L-phenylalanine incorrectly replicates the graph above. The correct version of Table 2 appears below as Table 1.

Low copy numbers of FCGR3A and FCGR3B associated with Chinese patients with SLE and AASV

Low-affinity Fcγ receptors (FcγR) act as key mediators of the pathogenic effects of autoantibodies. In this study, we aimed to determine whether copy number variations (CNVs) in FCGR3A and FCGR3B were associated with systemic lupus nephritis (SLE) and ANCA-associated systemic vasculitis (AASV) in Chinese individuals. A total of 1118 individuals were enrolled, including 415 SLE patients, 139 AASV patients, and 564 healthy controls. FCGR3A and FCGR3B copy numbers (CNs) were determined by both a paralogue ratio test and TaqMan quantitative PCR assay. In the susceptibility associations, a low FCGR3B CN was significantly associated with SLE ( p = 5.01 × 10^-3; odds ratio (OR) 1.71; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-2.48) and AASV ( p = 0.04; OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.02-2.88). A low FCGR3A CN was also significantly associated with SLE ( p = 6.02 × 10^-3; OR 2.72; 95% CI 1.30-5.71) and AASV ( p = 0.042; OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.00-6.93). Further subphenotype analysis revealed that low CNs of FCGR3A and FCGR3B were significantly associated with clinical manifestations in SLE and AASV patients. Therefore, in this case-control study, we identified low CNs of FCGR2A and FCGR3B to be common risk factors for SLE and AASV.

Surgical treatment and optical coherence tomographic evaluation for accidental laser-induced full-thickness macular holes

PurposeTo report OCT appearance and surgical outcomes of full-thickness macular holes (MHs) accidentally caused by laser devices.Patients and methodsThis retrospective case series included 11 eyes of 11 patients with laser-induced MHs treated by pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, and gas or silicone oil tamponade. Evaluations included a full ophthalmic examination, macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and fundus photography. Main outcome measures is MH closure and final visual acuity; the secondary outcome was the changes of retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor layer evaluated by sequential post-operative SD-OCT images.ResultsFive patients were accidentally injured by a yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser and six patients by handheld laser. MH diameters ranged from 272 to 815 μm (mean, 505.5±163.0 μm) preoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from a mean of 0.90 logMAR (range, counting finger-8/20) preoperatively to a mean of 0.34 logMAR (range, a counting finger-20/20) postoperatively (P=0.001, t=4.521). Seven of 11 patients (63.6%) achieved a BCVA better than 10/20. Ten patients had a subfoveal hyperreflectivity and four patients had a focal choroidal depression subfoveal preoperatively. At the last follow-up, all 11 eyes demonstrated the following: closure of the macular hole, variable degrees of disruption of external limiting membrane (ELM) and outer photoreceptor ellipsoid and interdigitation bands. In 10 eyes, the disruption was in the form of focal defects in the outer retina. After surgery, the subfoveal hyperreflectivity and focal choroidal depression remained.ConclusionAccidental laser-induced full-thickness macular holes can be successfully closed with surgery. Inadvertent retinal injury from laser devices, especially handheld laser injury has occurred with increasing frequency in recent years. However, there is a paucity of data regarding these types of injuries, mostly in the form of case reports. We hereby reported 11 eyes of 11 patients with laser-induced macular holes treated by vitrectomy. All the macular holes closed after surgery and the corresponding visual acuities significantly improved postoperatively.

c-Jun N-terminal Kinase mediates prostaglandin-induced sympathoexcitation in rats with chronic heart failure by reducing GAD1 and GABRA1 expression

AIM

Prostaglandin E2 mediates sympathoexcitation in chronic heart failure (CHF) through EP3 receptors (PTGER3) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in expressional regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid signalling in PVN in CHF rats.

METHODS

Chronic heart failure was induced by left coronary ligation in Wistar rats. Renal sympathetic nerve discharge (RSND) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses to the PVN infusion were determined in anaesthetized rats. Osmotic minipumps were used for chronic PVN infusion. PTGER3 expression was examined with immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

Chronic heart failure rats had increased JNK activation and decreased glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1) and GABA_A receptor alpha 1 subunit (GABRA1) expression in the PVN. PVN infusion of the PTGER3 agonist SC-46275 caused sympathoexcitation in sham-operated control (Sham) rats and increased it further in CHF. The PTGER3 antagonist L798106 reduced sympathoexcitation and cardiac dysfunction in CHF. PVN infusion of EP1 receptor antagonist SC-19220, EP2 receptor antagonist AH6809 or EP4 receptor antagonist L-161982 had no effect on sympathoexcitation. The JNK inhibitor SP600125 normalized sympathoexcitation and GAD1 and GABRA1 expression in PVN in CHF rats. Both the p44/42 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors PD98059 and SB203580 could not prevent the downregulation of GAD1 and GABRA1 expression in PVN in CHF. PTGER3 agonist activated JNK but downregulated GAD1 and GABRA1 expression in NG108 neuronal cells.

CONCLUSION

Prostaglandin signalling through upregulated PTGER3 activates JNK which reduces GAD1 and GABRA1 expression in the PVN, and contributes to sympathoexcitation in CHF.

Ambient temperature modulates the effects of the Prader-Willi syndrome candidate gene Snord116 on energy homeostasis

Germline deletion of the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) candidate gene Snord116 in mice leads to some classical symptoms of human PWS, notably reductions in body weight, linear growth and bone mass. However, Snord116 deficient mice (Snord116^-/-) do not develop an obese phenotype despite their increased food intake and the underlying mechanism for that is unknown. We tested the phenotypes of germline Snord116^-/- as well as neuropeptide Y (NPY) neuron specific Snord116^lox/lox/NPY^cre/+ mice at 30°C, the thermoneutral temperature of mice, and compared these to previous reports studies conducted at normal room temperature. Snord116^-/- mice at 30°C still weighed less than wild type but had increased body weight gain. Importantly, food intake and energy expenditure were no longer different at 30°C, and the reduced bone mass and nasal-anal length observed in Snord116^-/- mice at room temperature were also normalized. Mechanistically, the thermoneutral condition led to the correction of the mRNA expression of NPY and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), which were both previously observed to be significantly up-regulated at room temperature. Importantly, almost identical phenotypes and NPY/POMC mRNA expression alterations were also observed in Snord116^lox/lox/NPY^cre/+ mice, which lack the Snord116 gene only in NPY neurons. These data illustrate that mild cold stress is a critical factor preventing the development of obesity in Snord116^-/- mice via the NPY system. Our study highlights that the function of Snord116 in the hypothalamus may be to enhance energy expenditure, likely via the NPY system, and also indicates that Snord116 function in mice is strongly dependent on environmental conditions such as cold exposure.

[Let-7 miRNA silencing promotes Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus lytic replication via activating mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 and its downstream factors]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of let-7 miRNA silencing on Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) lytic replication and the underling mechanism.

METHODS

The pEGFP-C2-let-7 sponge vector was transfected into BCBL-1 and 293T cells with Lipofectamine 2000 to silence the expression of let-7 miRNAs. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify the expression of let-7 miRNAs, the transcriptional levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), and the DNA copy numbers of KSHV open reading frame 50 (ORF50) and open reading frame 72 (ORF72). Western blot was used to detect the total and phosphorylated protein levels of MAP4K4, COX-2, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK.

RESULTS

The expression of let-7 miRNAs was dramatically decreased in the let-7 sponge transfected BCBL-1 and 293T cells compared with that in the vector-transfected cells (P<0.05 for all). The gene copy number and mRNA transcriptional level of KSHV ORF50 were significantly increased in the let-7 sponge transfected BCBL-1 cells compared with that in the vector-transfected cells (1.00±0.10 vs. 2.33±0.18 and 1.08±0.48 vs 3.22±0.27, respectively,P<0.001 for both). The gene copy number and mRNA transcriptional level of KSHV ORF72 were also significantly increased in let-7 sponge transfected BCBL-1 cells compared with those in the vector-transfected cells(1.07±0.49 vs 1.67±0.45 and 1.01±0.19 vs 1.54±0.11, respectively,P<0.05 for both). Furthermore, the mRNA transcriptional levels of MAP4K4, COX-2 and MMP-13 were significantly increased in the let-7 sponge transfected BCBL-1 cells compared with those in the vector-transfected cells (1.00±0.05 vs 5.73±0.96, 1.00±0.05 vs 2.68±0.19, 1.00±0.02 vs 2.69±0.25, respectively,P<0.001 for all). Let-7 miRNAs silencing also increased the protein expression levels of MAP4K4, COX-2 and phospho-ERK1/2, while the phospho-JNK and phospho-p38 were not changed in the BCBL-1 and 293T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Let-7 silencing may activate the replication of KSHV, possibly through up-regulating MAP4K4 and its downstream molecules COX-2, MMP-13, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, finally results in the progression of Kaposi sarcoma.

Ion irradiation induced structural modifications and increase in elastic modulus of silica based thin films

Ion irradiation is an alternative to heat treatment for transforming organic-inorganic thin films to a ceramic state. One major shortcoming in previous studies of ion-irradiated films is the assumption that constituent phases in ion-irradiated and heat-treated films are identical and that the ion irradiation effect is limited to changes in composition. In this study, we investigate the effects of ion irradiation on both the composition and structure of constituent phases and use the results to explain the measured elastic modulus of the films. The results indicated that the microstructure of the irradiated films consisted of carbon clusters within a silica matrix. It was found that carbon was present in a non-graphitic sp²-bonded configuration. It was also observed that ion irradiation caused a decrease in the Si-O-Si bond angle of silica, similar to the effects of applied pressure. A phase transformation from tetrahedrally bonded to octahedrally bonded silica was also observed. The results indicated the incorporation of carbon within the silica network. A combination of the decrease in Si-O-Si bond angle and an increase in the carbon incorporation within the silica network was found to be responsible for the increase in the elastic modulus of the films.

Characteristics and computed tomography evaluation of primary retroperitoneal tumours: report of 113 cases

INTRODUCTION Benign and malignant primary retroperitoneal tumours (PRT) have different clinical manifestations and pathological characteristics. We explore the characteristics and evaluate the value of computed tomography (CT) for PRT. METHODS Fifty-six benign and fifty-seven malignant PRT with clinical, radiographic and surgical data were retrospectively investigated. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software. RESULTS We found that mean size of benign tumours was 12.4 ± 7.7cm but 20.7 ± 11.6cm in malignant cases (P < 0.05). The accuracy of CT localisation was approximately 70%. The sensitivity and specificity of CT diagnosis for benign tumours were 96% and 85%, respectively; 51 (91%) underwent complete resection among benign cases but 42 (74%) in malignant cases (P < 0.05). Sensitivity of CT evaluation for invaded organs and vessels was 50% and 65%, respectively, and specificity was 88% and 81%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Large size, no capsule, irregular margin, heterogeneous density and specific enhancement pattern on CT are highly suggestive of malignancy. CT is the most useful tool in assessing the size and characteristics of PRT but it does not have the sensitivity to assess the involvement of organs and vessels.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase promotes stem cell phenotype in triple-negative breast cancer through upregulation of Notch1 via activation of c-Jun

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) plays a vital role in malignant transformation of different cancers, and JNK is highly activated in basal-like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the roles of JNK in regulating cancer stem-like cell (CSC) phenotype and tumorigenesis in TNBC are not well defined. JNK is known to mediate many cellular events via activating c-Jun. Here, we found that JNK regulated c-Jun activation in TNBC cells and that JNK activation correlated with c-Jun activation in TNBC tumors. Furthermore, the expression level of c-Jun was significantly higher in TNBC tumors than in non-TNBC tumors, and high c-Jun mRNA level was associated with shorter disease-free survival of patients with TNBC. Thus, we hypothesized that the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway contributes to TNBC tumorigenesis. We found that knockdown of JNK1 or JNK2 or treatment with JNK-IN-8, an adenosine triphosphate-competitive irreversible pan-JNK inhibitor, significantly reduced cell proliferation, the ALDH1⁺ and CD44⁺/CD24^- CSC subpopulations, and mammosphere formation, indicating that JNK promotes CSC self-renewal and maintenance in TNBC. We further demonstrated that both JNK1 and JNK2 regulated Notch1 transcription via activation of c-Jun and that the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway promoted CSC phenotype through Notch1 signaling in TNBC. In a TNBC xenograft mouse model, JNK-IN-8 significantly suppressed tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner by inhibiting acquisition of the CSC phenotype. Taken together, our data demonstrate that JNK regulates TNBC tumorigenesis by promoting CSC phenotype through Notch1 signaling via activation of c-Jun and indicate that JNK/c-Jun/Notch1 signaling is a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.

Origin and structure of polar domains in doped molecular crystals

Doping is a primary tool for the modification of the properties of materials. Occlusion of guest molecules in crystals generally reduces their symmetry by the creation of polar domains, which engender polarization and pyroelectricity in the doped crystals. Here we describe a molecular-level determination of the structure of such polar domains, as created by low dopant concentrations (<0.5%). The approach comprises crystal engineering and pyroelectric measurements, together with dispersion-corrected density functional theory and classical molecular dynamics calculations of the doped crystals, using neutron diffraction data of the host at different temperatures. This approach is illustrated using centrosymmetric α-glycine crystals doped with minute amounts of different L-amino acids. The experimentally determined pyroelectric coefficients are explained by the structure and polarization calculations, thus providing strong support for the local and global understanding of how different dopants influence the properties of molecular crystals.