[Study on the relationship between smoking behavior and health literacy among grade 4-6 primary students in Shandong province]

Objective: To investigate the associations between smoking and literacy on health among 4-6 grade primary school students. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted to research on health literacy and smoking among 4-6 grade pupils in Shandong province, through a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method. Sociodemographic characteristics, health literacy level and smoking rate were collected from respondents. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of smoking and health literacy. Results: A total of 9 240 questionnaires were distributed, with the rate of valid response as 99.7%. The current smoking rate of the students was 2.6%, on higher in boys (3.1%) than in girls (2.0%). 60.8% of 4-6 grade students were found to have adequate health literacy level. Levels of literacy health in both boy and girl school students appeared 56.7% and 64.9%, respectively. Results indicated that health literacy in smokers (14.4%) was lower than that in non-smokers (62.0%). Results from the binary logistic regression analysis showed that the independent influencing factors would include grade, father's education level, economic situation of the family, self-assessment on the school record and literacy on health (P<0.01). After controlling the other independent variables, the smoking rate was 8.62 (1/0.116) times in students with low literacy level on health, than those with high literacy level. Conclusions: Literacy on health was significantly associated with smoking in the 4-6 grade pupils of Shandong province.

A Protocol for Transverse Cardiac Slicing and Optical Mapping in Murine Heart

Thin living tissue slices have recently emerged as a new tissue model for cardiac electrophysiological research. Slices can be produced from human cardiac tissue, in addition to small and large mammalian hearts, representing a powerful in vitro model system for preclinical and translational heart research. In the present protocol, we describe a detailed mouse heart transverse slicing and optical imaging methodology. The use of this technology for high-throughput optical imaging allows study of electrophysiology of murine hearts in an organotypic pseudo two-dimensional model. The slices are cut at right angles to the long axis of the heart, permitting robust interrogation of transmembrane potential (Vm) and calcium transients (CaT) throughout the entire heart with exceptional regional precision. This approach enables the use of a series of slices prepared from the ventricles to measure Vm and CaT with high temporal and spatial resolution, allowing (i) comparison of successive slices which form a stack representing the original geometry of the heart; (ii) profiling of transmural and regional gradients in Vm and CaT in the ventricle; (iii) characterization of transmural and regional profiles of action potential and CaT alternans under stress (e.g., high frequency pacing or β-adrenergic stimulation) or pathological conditions (e.g., hypertrophy). Thus, the protocol described here provides a powerful platform for innovative research on electrical and calcium handling heterogeneity within the heart. It can be also combined with optogenetic technology to carry out optical stimulation; aiding studies of cellular Vm and CaT in a cell type specific manner.

MicroRNA-24 attenuates vascular remodeling in diabetic rats through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The vascular remodeling plays a crucial role in pathogenesis of diabetic cardiovascular complications. In this study, we intended to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of microRNA-24 (miR-24) on vascular remodeling under diabetic conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

MiR-24 recombinant adenovirus (Ad-miR-24-GFP) was used to induce miR-24 overexpression either in carotid arteries or high glucose (HG)-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Cell proliferation was analyzed using CCK-8 method. Cell migration was examined using wound-healing and transwell assay. mRNA and protein expressions of critical factors were, respectively, measured by real-time PCR and western blot as follows: qRT-PCR for the levels of miR-24, PIK3R1; western blot for the protein levels of PI3K (p85α), Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, p-mTOR, 4E-BP1, p-4E-BP1, p70s6k, p-p70s6k, MMP 2, MMP 9, collagen Ⅰ, as well as collagen Ⅲ. Carotid arteries in diabetic rats suffered balloon injury were harvested and examined by HE, immunohistochemical and Masson trichrome staining. The expression of miR-24 was decreased in HG-stimulated VSMCs and balloon-injured carotid arteries of diabetic rats, accompanied by increased mRNA expression of PIK3R1. The up-regulation of miR-24 suppressed VSMCs proliferation, migration, collagen deposition not only induced by HG in vitro, but also in balloon-injured diabetic rats, which were related to inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

The up-regulation of miR-24 significantly attenuated vascular remodeling both in balloon-injured diabetic rats and HG-stimulated VSMCs via suppression of proliferation, migration and collagen deposition by acting on PIK3R1 gene that modulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axes.

ALK5 is essential for tooth germ differentiation during tooth development

The TGFβ superfamily of proteins participates in tooth development. TGFβ1 and TGFβ3 regulate odontoblast differentiation and dentin extracellular matrix synthesis. Although the expression of TGFβ family member ligands is well-characterized during mammalian tooth development, less is known about the TGFβ receptor, which is a heteromeric complex consisting of a type I and type II receptors. The molecular mechanism of ALK5 (TGFβR1) in the dental mesenchyme is not clear. We investigated the role of ALK5 in tooth germ mesenchymal cells (TGMCs) from the lower first molar tooth germs of day 15.5 embryonic mice. Human recombinant TGFβ3 protein or an ALK5 inhibitor (SD208) was added to the cells. Cell proliferation was inhibited by SD208 and promoted by TGFβ3. We found that SD208 inhibited TGMCs osteogenesis and dentinogenesis. Both canonical and noncanonical TGFβ signaling pathways participated in the process. TAK1, P-TAK1, p38 and P-p38 showed greater expression and SMAD4 showed less expression when ALK5 was inhibited. Our findings contribute to understanding the role of TGFβ signaling for the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from dental germ and suggest possible targets for optimizing the use of stem cells of dental origin for tissue regeneration.

[The role of poloxamer 188 for cord blood mononuclear cells into megakaryocytes cultivation and induction in three-dimensional WAVE Bioreactor]

目的

观察泊洛沙姆188（P188）对体外三维（3D）培养诱导脐血单个核细胞向巨核细胞分化的影响。

方法

将分离的脐血单个核细胞分别接种于细胞瓶和细胞培养袋中，后者采用WIGGENS摇床模拟生物反应器进行3D培养。在巨核细胞诱导培养基中加入P188体外培养14 d，观察细胞形态、计数细胞数并计算细胞存活率，采用流式细胞术观察巨核细胞表面标志表达情况。

结果

与采用传统的细胞培养瓶二维（2D）培养诱导巨核细胞相比，2D+P188培养组巨核系CD41⁺、CD41⁺/CD61⁺、CD61⁺细胞数明显增加（P值均<0.01）；在3D培养中加入P188，细胞体积变大，核形状不规则，胞质含紫红色颗粒，细胞分化更接近成熟。2D培养、3D培养及3D+P188培养组组间巨核细胞表面标志CD41、CD41/CD61、CD61表达水平差异有统计学意义（P值均<0.01）。LSD-t检验两两比较显示，与2D培养相比，3D培养诱导巨核细胞存活率及细胞数均降低（P值分别为0.018、0.027），3D+P188培养组细胞数、细胞存活率与2D和3D培养组比较差异均无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）。而3D培养组巨核细胞CD41/CD61表达水平为（36.30±1.27）%，高于2D培养组的（23.95±1.34）%（P=0.002），3D+P188培养组CD41/CD61表达水平更高[（59.45±1.20）%]。

结论

3D培养有利于巨核系祖细胞诱导分化，但细胞存活率低，加入P188，细胞生存状态好，且诱导效率更高。

Pulsed electromagnetic fields: promising treatment for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) is considered to be a well-defined disease which results in high morbidity and mortality. In patients diagnosed with OP, low bone mass and fragile bone strength have been demonstrated to significantly increase risk of fragility fractures. To date, various anabolic and antiresorptive therapies have been applied to maintain healthy bone mass and strength. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are employed to treat patients suffering from delayed fracture healing and nonunions. Although PEMFs stimulate osteoblastogenesis, suppress osteoclastogenesis, and influence the activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and osteocytes, ultimately leading to retention of bone mass and strength. However, whether PEMFs could be taken into clinical use to treat OP is still unknown. Furthermore, the deeper signaling pathways underlying the way in which PEMFs influence OP remain unclear.

205 Towards the correction of meconium ileus with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) intestinal expression in CFTR knockout sheep

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a human autosomal genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which is responsible for Cl − anion transport in epithelial cells. We previously generated CFTR +/− and CFTR −/− lambs using CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) techniques. The CFTR −/− lambs display many features similar to humans with CF, including meconium ileus (MI), pancreatic fibrosis, portal fibrosis and biliary hyperplasia, small gallbladder, and absence of the vas deferens. Although MI affects only 15 to 20% of human babies with CF, it was observed in 100% of newborn CFTR −/− lambs and was the primary cause of death. We here hypothesized that the transgenic expression of ovine CFTR cDNA under regulation of the rat intestinal fatty acid binding protein (iFABP) promoter would promote the correction of MI in CFTR −/− sheep. In this study, we constructed the pcDNA3.1&gt;iFABP&gt;CFTR expression vector in order to generate iFABP&gt;CFTR transgenic CFTR −/− sheep. PCR and sequence analysis of all junction regions confirmed the presence of the inserts in the vector. We transfected male and female CFTR −/− sheep fetal fibroblasts with the construct. Three days after transfection, limiting dilution and G418 selection were used for the isolation of resistant single cell derived colonies. A total of 15 male colonies containing the pcDNA3.1&gt;iFABP&gt;CFTR vector was confirmed by PCR and sequence analysis. Three male cell colonies were used as nuclear donors for SCNT. In total, 129 one-cell-stage cloned embryos were generated and transferred into 11 estrus-synchronized recipients. Four recipients (4/11; 36.3%) were confirmed pregnant at Day 40 to 45 of gestation. One pregnancy went to term and resulted in the birth of a single lamb. The necropsy indicated the same abnormalities, including MI, seen in CFTR −/− lambs. A PCR assay confirmed the presence of the iFABP&gt;CFTR transgene in the genome of the cloned offspring. The lack of MI correction is likely due to the low expression of CFTR in this particular colony. Western blot analysis is in progress. Additional embryo transfers will be performed using different single-cell-derived colonies.

206 Towards the generation of transchromosomic goats for the production of fully human immunoglobulin

We have previously reported that inactivation of endogenous immunoglobulin (Ig) genes can enhance the production of human polyclonal antibodies (hpAb) in transchromosomic (Tc) cattle containing a human artificial chromosome (HAC) comprising the entire human Ig gene repertoire. Goats offer the advantages of having a shorter gestation period and growing to adult size much faster than larger ungulates. Therefore, based upon our previously established Tc cattle platform, in this study, we aimed to generate immunoglobulin lambda light chain knockout (IGLλ −/− )/HAC Tc goats expressing hpAb using CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) techniques. First, we designed multiple specific single-guide RNAs (sgRNA) targeting the coding sequences of constant regions of goat IGLλ1, IGLλ2 (both in NC_030824.1), and IGLλ3 (NW_017189530.1) and constructed corresponding gene targeting vectors. Gene targeting efficiency analysis in goat fibroblasts showed that the sgRNA were efficient in directing Cas9 to generate targeted indels in corresponding IGLλ genes with efficiencies ranging between 20 and 30%. We then targeted the IGLλ genes and generated a cloned IGLλ −/− fetus by SCNT (first round of cloning; G1) using single cell-derived IGLλ −/− fibroblast colonies as nuclear donors and established IGLλ −/− fetal fibroblast cell lines. Second, we established IGLλ −/− /HAC fibroblast colonies by transferring the isKcHACΔ, a HAC containing the entire unrearranged human immunoglobulin heavy-chain and kappa-chain sequences, into the IGLλ −/− fetal fibroblast cells via microcell-mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT; Matsushita et al. 2014 PLoS One 9, e90383). The resulting IGLλ −/− /HAC fibroblasts were used as nuclear donors for the production of IGLλ −/− /HAC goats by SCNT (second round of cloning; G2). A total of 311 one-cell stage G2 embryos were generated using 4 IGLλ −/− /HAC fetal fibroblast colonies and surgically transferred into 19 oestrus-synchronized recipients. Seven pregnancies were confirmed (7/19; 36.8%) with ultrasonography at Day 60±3 of gestation, and 1 pregnancy (1/7; 14.3%) developed to term, leading to the birth of a live and healthy kid. Genetic and serological characterisation of this Tc goat produced by the second round of SCNT is in progress.

[Risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of peri-implant diseases]

With the wide spread of dental implantation, more and more soft and hard tissue illness related to dental implants occurred. According to a statistical analysis, about 1/4 to 1/2 patients are under the risk of suffering from peri-implant diseases. Peri-implant diseases include peri-implant mucotitis and peri-implantitis. The former is connected with soft tissue while the latter is related to hard tissue around dental implant. This article reviews the diagnosis, classification and treatment of peri-implant diseases.

Prevalence of BRCA1/2 large genomic rearrangements in Chinese women with sporadic triple-negative or familial breast cancer

The prevalence of BRCA1/2 large genomic rearrangements (LGRs) and their underlying mechanisms have not been fully evaluated in Chinese women with breast cancer. In this study, we determined the prevalence of BRCA1/2 LGRs in 834 patients with familial breast cancer (FBC) and 660 patients with sporadic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who were negative for BRCA1/2 small-range mutations using the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification method. We found that 20 index patients (2.4%) in the FBC group carried a BRCA1 or BRCA2 LGR, and the frequencies of BRCA1 and BRCA2 LGRs were 1.6% and 0.8%, respectively. Seven index patients (1.1%) carried a BRCA1 LGR in 660 sporadic TNBC patients, whereas no BRCA2 LGRs were found in these patients. Among the BRCA1/2 LGRs, 48.1% (13/27) were novel, and the breakpoints of the majority of the LGRs were identified. ΨBRCA1-mediated homologous recombination (HR) and Alu-mediated HR/non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) accounted for 40% and 30% of the BRCA1 LGRs, respectively. Alu-mediated HR accounted for 71.4% of the BRCA2 LGRs, and the remaining one-third was generated through Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE)-mediated NHEJ. Our findings suggest that both FBC patients and sporadic TNBC patients should be tested for BRCA1/2 LGRs.

Abstract P3-03-04: Not presented

This abstract was not presented at the symposium.

Abstract PD2-01: Ultrasound together with clinical indexes cannot predict sentinel lymph node metastasis for ultrasound-axillary lymph node-negative breast cancer patients

Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) pathology result is crucial to predict axillary lymph nodes (ALN) metastasis as well as to determine systemic treatment strategy. Ultrasound has been paid great attention to the evaluation of ALN metastasis. Whether the combination of known clinic-pathological indexes to ultrasound could predict SLN metastasis for ultrasound-ALN-negative breast cancer, and ultimately achieve the goal of avoiding the invasive method of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), is the current focus.

Objective: To discuss the possibility of predicting SLN metastasis using axillary ultrasonography in combination with patients' clinic-pathologic factors by retrospectively analyzing our institution's large cohort of ultrasound-ALN-negative breast cancer patients' data.

Method: This study collected consecutive data from the prospective database of Breast Center of Beijing Cancer Hospital from Oct. 2010 to Apr. 2016. Inclusion criteria: Pathologically diagnosed as primary breast cancer by core needle biopsy (CNB); negative ALN by ultrasound (no ALN detected, or the cortex thickness was even and &lt;3mm); no treatment prior to SLNB. The SLN pathological outcomes were correlated with known clinic-pathologic parameters. Univariate analysis was performed by Chi-Square test, with p&lt;0.05 considered as statistically significant difference. Logistic regression analysis was used for the multivariate analysis, the area under curve &gt;0.75 stands for acceptable predicting accuracy.

Results: Non-selective consecutive data with a total of 4,936 primary breast cancer cases treated from Oct. 2010 to Apr. 2016 was extracted from the prospective database. Exclusion criteria: Pathologically diagnosed by surgical resection (n=492); carcinoma in situ (n=145); abnormal ALN by ultrasound underwent fine needle aspiration (FNA) or CNB (n= 750); systemic treatment prior to SLNB (n=349); no SLN detected after injection (n=81); male (n=4). A total of 3,115 cases met the inclusion criteria. Among which 2,317 (74.3%) cases were negative SLN pathology and 798 (25.7%) cases were positive SLN pathology. The main findings of this study were that the univariate analysis such as, patients' age, menstruation, tumor size, ER/PR, HER-2 were influencial factors, p&lt;0.05. Multivariate analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.658(95% CI 0.637-0.679), indicating that the combination of all the clinic-pathologic factors with ultrasound could not stand for acceptable predicting accuracy.

Conclusion: Ultrasound together with clinical indexes cannot predict SLN metastasis for ultrasound-ALN-negative breast cancer patients.

The result of univariates related to SLNItemsSLN-Negative%(n)SLN-Positive%(n)p valueAge≤4070.5(324)29.5(136)0.036&gt;4075.1(1,993)24.9(662)Premenopausal71.8(1,215)28.2(477)&lt;0.001Postmenopausal77.4(1,102)22.6(321)T size(cm)≤278.4(1,242)21.6(342)&lt;0.001T size(cm)&gt;270.2(1,075)29.8(456)IDC I83.0(455)17.0(93)&lt;0.001IDC II+III71.1(1,603)28.8(649)Other pathology types82.2(259)17.8(56)ER≤10%85.8(652)14.2(108)&lt;0.001ER&gt;10%70.7(1,665)29.3(690)PR≤10%80.3(851)19.7(208)&lt;0.001PR&gt;10%71.3(1,466)28.7(590) HER-2 0,1+,2+&FISH-73.1(1,729)26.9(635)0.008HER-2 3+,2++78.3(588)21.7(163) 

Citation Format: Chen X, He Y, Huo L, Li J, Xie Y, Wang T, Fan Z, Ouyang T. Ultrasound together with clinical indexes cannot predict sentinel lymph node metastasis for ultrasound-axillary lymph node-negative breast cancer patients [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 PD2-01.

Carotid Artery Wall Imaging: Perspective and Guidelines from the ASNR Vessel Wall Imaging Study Group and Expert Consensus Recommendations of the American Society of Neuroradiology

Identification of carotid artery atherosclerosis is conventionally based on measurements of luminal stenosis and surface irregularities using in vivo imaging techniques including sonography, CT and MR angiography, and digital subtraction angiography. However, histopathologic studies demonstrate considerable differences between plaques with identical degrees of stenosis and indicate that certain plaque features are associated with increased risk for ischemic events. The ability to look beyond the lumen using highly developed vessel wall imaging methods to identify plaque vulnerable to disruption has prompted an active debate as to whether a paradigm shift is needed to move away from relying on measurements of luminal stenosis for gauging the risk of ischemic injury. Further evaluation in randomized clinical trials will help to better define the exact role of plaque imaging in clinical decision-making. However, current carotid vessel wall imaging techniques can be informative. The goal of this article is to present the perspective of the ASNR Vessel Wall Imaging Study Group as it relates to the current status of arterial wall imaging in carotid artery disease.

1 Microinjection of CPE-Binding Protein Polyadenylated mRNA Increases Developmental Competence of Bovine Oocytes In Vitro

Developmental competence is acquired during oocyte growth and maturation while oocytes undergo both nuclear and cytoplasmic changes. Completion of oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development relies mostly on maternally synthesised and stored mRNAs at the transcriptionally quiescent phase. The temporal and spatial post-transcriptional and translational regulation of the stored mRNA in mammalian oocyte cytoplasm is essential for developmental competence of oocytes and is often controlled via cytoplasmic polyadenylation. Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE)-binding protein (CPEB) is required for polyadenylation of most mRNAs during oocyte maturation. It has been reported that in vitro-matured oocytes with high developmental competence showed an increased level of CPEB mRNA in oocyte cytoplasm. Thus, we hypothesise that the introduction of exogenous CPEB mRNA into in vitro-matured oocytes could increase their developmental capability. In this study, we first synthesised polyadenylated CPEB mRNAs by in vitro transcription. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were recovered from slaughterhouse ovaries and subjected to in vitro maturation for 21 h. After the removal of cumulus cells, matured oocytes were parthenogenetically activated (5 min in 5 mM ionomycin followed by 4 h in 2 mM DMAP with 5 mg mL−1 cycloheximide). Each activated oocyte was injected with 5 to 10 pL of poly(A)-RNA solution (400 ng μL−1; CPEB mRNA and green fluorescent protein (GFP) mRNA for the injection group or GFP mRNA for the control group) using a micromanipulator. After injection, the oocytes were cultured in SOF medium supplemented with amino acids for 8 days. No difference was observed in cleavage rate between CPEB and control group. However, the blastocyst rate was significantly higher in the CPEB group than in the control (24.9 ± 2.9% v. 15.0 ± 4.5%; P < 0.05). Cleavage and blastocyst rates were analysed by one-way ANOVA. We also compared the gene expression profile of blastocysts derived from both groups. The blastocysts were collected individually and analysed by single-embryo RT-PCR. Twenty-two genes were selected for analysis based on their roles in genomic reprogramming and embryonic development and fell into 6 functional categories: growth regulatory factors, cell cycle regulation, imprinting, apoptosis, pluripotency and DNA methyltransferase. The single-embryo RT-PCR was performed using the Flex-Six integrated fluidic chip (Fluidigm Corp., South San Francsisco, CA, USA) on the BioMark platform (Fluidigm Corp.). Relative expression values were calculated using the ΔΔCT (fold change) method and analysed by ANOVA. We found that 6 genes (H19, GRB10, DNMT1, CCNB1, CDK2, and SOX2) were up-regulated and 3 were down-regulated (DNMT2, BAX, and P53), along with the overexpression of CPEB gene (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that developmental competence can be improved by injecting exogenous CPEB mRNA into in vitro-matured metaphase II cattle oocytes, which reaffirms the essential role of CPEB in early embryonic development.

28 Generation of Immunoglobulin Heavy Constant Mu (IGHM) Knockout Goats Using CRISPR/Cas9 and Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

Towards the goals of inactivating endogenous goat immunoglobulin (Ig) genes and producing fully human polyclonal antibodies in transchromosomal goats carrying a human artificial chromosome comprising the entire human Ig gene repertoire, we report here the successful generation of IgM heavy chain knockout (IGHM−/−) goats using CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) techniques. Two single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed specific for exon 1 of the goat IGHM constant region (GenBank: EU182621.1). The gene-targeting vectors were constructed by using pX330 plasmid (Plasmid No. 42230, Addgene, Cambridge, MA, USA) and transfected into 2 × 105 goat fetal fibroblast cells. Gene-targeting efficiency of each targeting vector was determined by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay 3 days post-transfection. Our results showed that one of the sgRNAs, 5′-GAAAGGCGCTTGAGGAATGC-3′, was efficient in directing Cas9 to generate targeted cleavages in exon 1 of IGHM constant region, with a mutation efficiency of 20%. We established single cell-derived fetal fibroblast colonies by limiting dilution of the cells transfected with the targeting vector. Colony screening with the PCR-RFLP assay confirmed that we achieved targeted gene disruption in exon 1 in 11/49 (22.4%) of the colonies (7 colonies with biallelic and 4 with monoallelic gene disruption). Sanger sequencing analysis of genomic DNA isolated from cell colonies with biallelic mutations showed that typical nucleotide deletions and insertions (indels), caused by repairing double-strand DNA breaks during the error-prone non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) process, were generated at the targeting site of exon 1. One of the colonies harboring a 1-nucleotide (nt) deletion was used as nuclear donors for SCNT. A total of 102 1-cell-stage cloned embryos were generated and surgically transferred into 6 synchronized recipients. Three of the recipients (3/6, 50.0%) were confirmed pregnant by ultrasonography on Day 40 to 45 of gestation. Two pregnancies were sacrificed for IGHM−/− fetal fibroblast isolation and one pregnancy was allowed to go to term, which led to the birth of a live and seemingly healthy kid. This goat was reared conventionally and appeared healthy until 5 weeks of age when it was killed because of commensal virus infection. The PCR-RFLP assay and sequence analysis showed that this cloned goat carried a biallelic 1-nt deletion in exon 1 of IGHM, which was identical to the donor colony it was originated from. No lymphoid follicles were observed in lymph nodes and spleen by histology, and immunohistochemistry for B cells (CD20) and T cells (CD3) demonstrated a lack of B cells in lymph nodes and spleen but the presence of T cells, confirming that IGHM has been successfully knocked out.

RNA-sequencing study of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in sporadic Ménière's disease patients: possible contribution of immunologic dysfunction to the development of this disorder

To date, the pathogenesis of Ménière's disease (MD) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between potential immune system-related genes and sporadic MD. The whole RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was used to analyse the transcriptome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of three MD patients and three control individuals. Of 366 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 154 genes were up-regulated and 212 genes were down-regulated (|log₂ fold change| > 1 and P < 0·05). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis illustrated that immune relevant factors played a key role in the pathogenesis of MD. Of 366 DEGs, we focused upon analysing the possible immune-related genes, among which the significantly up-regulated genes [glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1), transmembrane protein 176 (TMEM176)B, TMEM176A] and down-regulated genes [solute carrier family 4 member (SLC4A)10 and SLC4A1] especially drew our attention. The mRNA expression levels of GSTM1, TMEM176B, TMEM176A, SLC4A1 and SLC4A10 were analysed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The serum concentration of GSTM1, TMEM176B and SLC4A10 proteins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Considering the results of qRT-PCR and ELISA, it was noteworthy that GSTM1 exhibited the highest fold change between two groups, which was consistent with the deep sequencing results by RNA-seq. In conclusion, our study first offers a new perspective in MD development on the basis of RNA expression patterns, suggesting that immune factors might be involved in the MD pathogenesis. Remarkably, GSTM1 might be a possible candidate gene for the diagnostic biomarker of MD and provides the basis for further biological and functional investigations.

Substitutional carbon doping of free-standing and Ru-supported BN sheets: a first-principles study

The development of spatially homogeneous mixed structures with boron (B), nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice is highly desirable, as they open the possibility of creating stable two-dimensional materials with tunable band gaps. However, at least in the free-standing form, the mixed BCN system is energetically driven towards phase segregation to graphene and hexagonal BN. It is possible to overcome the segregation when BCN material is grown on a particular metal substrate, for example Ru(0 0 0 1), but the stabilization mechanism is still unknown. With the use of density-functional theory we study the energetics of BN/Ru slabs, with different types of configurations of C substitutional defects introduced to the h-BN overlayer. The results are compared to the energetics of free-standing BCN materials. We found that the substrate facilitates the C substitution process in the h-BN overlayer. Thus, more homogeneous BCN material can be grown, overcoming the segregation into graphene and h-BN. In addition, we investigate the electronic and transport gaps in free-standing BCN structures, and assess their mechanical properties and stability. The band gap in mixed BCN free-standing material depends on the concentration of the constituent elements and ranges from zero in pristine graphene to nearly 5 eV in free-standing h-BN. This makes BCN attractive for application in modern electronics.

Nrf2-Keap1 pathway promotes cell proliferation and diminishes ferroptosis

Cancer cells are hallmarked by high proliferation and imbalanced redox consumption and signaling. Various oncogenic pathways such as proliferation and evading cell death converge on redox-dependent signaling processes. Nrf2 is a key regulator in these redox-dependent events and operates in cytoprotection, drug metabolism and malignant progression in cancer cells. Here, we show that patients with primary malignant brain tumors (glioblastomas, WHO °IV gliomas, GBM) have a devastating outcome and overall reduced survival when Nrf2 levels are upregulated. Nrf2 overexpression or Keap1 knockdown in glioma cells accelerate proliferation and oncogenic transformation. Further, activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling upregulates xCT (aka SLC7A11 or system X_c⁻) and amplifies glutamate secretion thereby impacting on the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, both fostered Nrf2 expression and conversely Keap1 inhibition promote resistance to ferroptosis. Altogether, the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway operates as a switch for malignancy in gliomas promoting cell proliferation and resistance to cell death processes such as ferroptosis. Our data demonstrate that the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway is critical for cancer cell growth and operates on xCT. Nrf2 presents the Achilles’ heel of cancer cells and thus provides a valid therapeutic target for sensitizing cancer for chemotherapeutics.

CT coronary angiography findings in non-atherosclerotic coronary artery diseases

Non-atherosclerotic coronary artery diseases are being increasingly recognised as causes of acute coronary events. Invasive coronary angiography frequently fails to identify the abnormalities in the proximal course of coronary arteries and coronary wall, while computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) allows for acquisition of more detailed information. CTCA serves as a reliable method for evaluating patients with non-atherosclerotic coronary artery diseases. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of non-atherosclerotic abnormalities that may be demonstrated on CTCA.

L-Tetrahydropalmatine Induces Apoptosis in EU-4 Leukemia Cells by Down-Regulating X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein and Increases the Sensitivity Towards Doxorubicin

BACKGROUND

L-Tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP) is a tetra-hydro protoberberine isoquinoline alkaloid. The phyto-compounds bearing isoquinoline alkaloids have been reported to show a potential effect against a number of human cancers cell lines including leukemia. We hypothesized that L-THP, being an isoquinoline alkaloid, could be a potential molecule against acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in this study, we evaluate L-THP against p53 deficient leukemia EU-4 cell lines in vitro.

METHODS

For the study, p53 null leukemia EU-4 cells were used and treated with LTHP. The extent of apoptosis and viability of cells were determined. Expression of apoptosis related proteins such as XIAP and MDM2 was done by western blot and PCR studies. The expression of MDM2 and XIAP was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA).

RESULTS

Outcomes of the study suggested that L-THP caused p53-indipendent apoptosis mediated by XIAP in EU-4 cells. The treatment of L-THP caused a decrease in the levels of XIAP protein with increasing dose and time. L-THP caused down-regulation of XIAP protein via inhibiting the expression of MDM2 and involving proteasomedependent pathway. Also, the outcomes of experiments suggested increased sensitivity of leukemia cells towards doxorubicin due to the inhibition of XIAP by L-THP or by siRNA.

CONCLUSION

Findings of the study confirm that L-THP resulted in p53 independent apoptosis via down-regulating XIAP protein by inhibiting MDM2 associated with proteasome-dependent pathway and increased sensitivity of EU-4 cells against doxorubicin. L-THP caused activation of caspase and resulted in apoptosis, L-THP may be a novel molecule for inducing apoptosis specifically in p53 null leukemia EU-4 cells.

ATF4 promotes angiogenesis and neuronal cell death and confers ferroptosis in a xCT-dependent manner

Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is a critical mediator of metabolic and oxidative homeostasis and cell survival. ATF4 is elevated in response to diverse microenvironmental stresses, including starvation, ER stress damages and exposure to toxic factors. Here we show that ATF4 expression fosters the malignancy of primary brain tumors (WHO grade III and IV gliomas) and increases proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. Hence, ATF4 expression promotes cell migration and anchorage-independent cell growth, whereas siRNA-mediated knockdown of ATF4 attenuates these features of malignancy in human gliomas. Further experiments revealed that ATF4-dependent tumor promoting effects are mediated by transcriptional targeting the glutamate antiporter xCT/SCL7A11 (also known as system Xc^-). Thus, xCT is elevated as a consequence of ATF4 activation. We further found evidence that ATF4-induced proliferation can be attenuated by pharmacological or genetic xCT inhibition and ferroptosis inducers such as sorafenib, erastin and GPx4 inhibitor RSL3. Further, fostered xCT expression promotes cell survival and growth in ATF4 knockdown cells. Moreover, increased xCT levels ameliorate sorafenib and erastin-induced ferroptosis. Conversely, ATF4 knockdown renders cells susceptible for erastin, sorafenib and RSL3-induced ferroptosis. We further identified that ATF4 promotes tumor-mediated neuronal cell death which can be alleviated by xCT inhibition. Moreover, elevated ATF4 expression in gliomas promotes tumor angiogenesis. Noteworthy, ATF4-induced angiogenesis could be diminished by ferroptosis inducers erastin and by GPx4 inhibitor RSL3. Our data provide proof-of-principle evidence that ATF4 fosters proliferation and induces a toxic microenvironmental niche. Furthermore, ATF4 increases tumor angiogenesis and shapes the vascular architecture in a xCT-dependent manner. Thus, inhibition of ATF4 is a valid target for diminishing tumor growth and vasculature via sensitizing tumor cells for ferroptosis.

Neutron Generation by Laser-Driven Spherically Convergent Plasma Fusion

We investigate a new laser-driven spherically convergent plasma fusion scheme (SCPF) that can produce thermonuclear neutrons stably and efficiently. In the SCPF scheme, laser beams of nanosecond pulse duration and 10^{14}-10^{15}  W/cm^{2} intensity uniformly irradiate the fuel layer lined inside a spherical hohlraum. The fuel layer is ablated and heated to expand inwards. Eventually, the hot fuel plasmas converge, collide, merge, and stagnate at the central region, converting most of their kinetic energy to internal energy, forming a thermonuclear fusion fireball. With the assumptions of steady ablation and adiabatic expansion, we theoretically predict the neutron yield Y_{n} to be related to the laser energy E_{L}, the hohlraum radius R_{h}, and the pulse duration τ through a scaling law of Y_{n}∝(E_{L}/R_{h}^{1.2}τ^{0.2})^{2.5}. We have done experiments at the ShengGuangIII-prototype facility to demonstrate the principle of the SCPF scheme. Some important implications are discussed.

36 SERIAL SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER INCREASES PREGNANCY LOSSES IN GOATS

Serial cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been successful in several mammalian species. This method can be beneficial for transgenic line expansion or resetting the lifespan of transgenic cells. Previous studies in bovine and porcine have shown a decrease in efficiency over multiple iterations of serial cloning. However, the contradictory data has been reported in mice where no decrease in cloning efficiency was observed after 25 generations of recloning. To our knowledge, no data have been reported investigating the efficiency of serial cloning in goats. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is an effect of recloning on goat SCNT efficiency. αMHC-TGF-β1 fetal fibroblast cells (containing transforming growth factor-β under control of a cardiac-specific promoter) were produced by electroporation and used for the first round of SCNT. For serial cloning, we used neonatal fibroblast cells obtained from skin biopsies used as nuclear donors. These cells were collected from the transgenic cloned goats generated by the first round of SCNT. Cumulus-oocyte complexes recovered from abattoir-derived ovaries using slicing technique were matured in vitro for 20 to 24 h. The first polar body and metaphase plate were removed from a cumulus cell-free oocyte, and a donor fibroblast cell was subsequently transferred into the enucleated oocyte. Fused embryos were then activated for 5 min in 5 mM ionomycin followed by 4 h in 2 mM DMAP with 5 mg mL−1 cycloheximide. Activated embryos were cultured in G1 medium with 5 mg mL−1 BSA for 12 h, followed by surgical transfer into the oviducts of recipients synchronized to show oestrus within 12 h of SCNT. In total, 592 and 395 embryos were transferred to 37 and 25 recipient goats, respectively, for the first and second round of SCNT. Pregnancy rate, rate of pregnancy loss, and term rate were analysed by Chi-squared with a 2-tailed P-value. No significant difference was observed in Day 40 pregnancy rates (32.4 v. 36%) and term rates (32.4 v. 20%) between the first round of cloning and the successive recloning. However, the rate of pregnancy losses was significantly greater in recloning group (P < 0.05), with 4 out of 9 pregnancies lost between Day 40 of gestation and term, whereas no pregnancy losses were observed after Day 40 of gestation in the first-round cloning group. The greater pregnancy loss in the recloning procedure might be caused by accumulation of epigenetic errors resulting from incomplete reprogramming. We are assessing the DNA methylation pattern of differentially methylated regions (DMR) of 2 paternally imprinted genes (H19 and IGF2R) in the cloned and recloned goats and expect to see a difference in their imprinted gene DNA methylation pattern, which could explain the greater rate of pregnancy loss in recloned goats.

Wave mode extraction from multimodal wave signals in an orthotropic composite plate

In this paper the post-processing procedure based on the mode orthogonality is applied to extract individual waveforms at a composite plate edge from multimodal signals. To obtain the amplitudes of individual modes, numerically predicted modal through-thickness stress and displacement field values are used in the orthogonality relation. The performance of the mode extraction technique is evaluated by processing signals obtained from Finite Element (FE) modeling and experimental measurements. The propagation of the overlapping wave packets of Lamb modes S0 and A0 is considered along the fiber direction and perpendicular to that direction. The required experimental two-dimensional displacement components at the plate edge are measured by 3D Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer (3D SLDV). It is demonstrated that S0 mode can be extracted very well from the signal but A0 mode with slightly poorer accordance with the original waveforms and numerical predictions.

Non-traumatic hernia of the lateral abdominal wall in a patient infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

Introduction There are several classifications for abdominal hernias, and a non-traumatic lateral wall hernia (LAWH) is a rare type. We report the first case of a patient with LAWH infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Case History A 53-year-old HIV-infected male presented with an abdominal mass. The patient had a history of treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy. A LAWH was diagnosed based on physical examination and findings of computed tomography. Open mesh repair was undertaken successfully. The patient had no evidence of a recurrent hernia during 11 months of follow-up. Conclusions High intra-abdominal pressure and weak connective tissue can lead to LAWHs. Antiretroviral therapy and lipodystrophy can cause LAWHs in HIV-infected patients.

Bone Fracture Enhances Trauma Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in young individuals worldwide. However, the understanding of TBI at secondary phase remained obscure, and more knowledge of the pathophysiology of TBI is necessary. In this study, we examined the influence of bone fracture (BF) on TBI and investigated whether blocking high mobility group 1 (HMGB1) protein, an inflammatory mediator, could be effective to alleviate TBI. We found neurological severity was significantly increased by BF at 4 days post-TBI with longer removal time of adhesive tape and higher percentage of left turn in the corner test compared to TBI treatment alone. Additionally, higher brain lesion volume and severer brain oedema in TBI + BF mice supports the negative effect of BF on TBI. HMGB1 level was significantly stimulated by BF, suggesting the important role of HMGB1 in the development of secondary TBI. Notably, ablation of HMGB1 significantly reduced this negative influence of BF on TBI. These results suggest that HMGB1 can be massively induced by the systemic immune activation triggered by BF, which in turn aggravates inflammation. Blocking HMGB1 reduced the inflammatory effect of BF and therefore helps lessen the severity of secondary TBI. In conclusion, these results provided the evidence that anti-HMGB1 may be an effective and feasible method to alleviate TBI.