Accuracy of genomic prediction using different models and response variables in the Nordic Red cattle population

Breeding animals can be accurately evaluated using appropriate genomic prediction models, based on marker data and phenotype information. In this study, direct genomic values (DGV) were estimated for 16 traits of Nordic Total Merit (NTM) Index in Nordic Red cattle population using three models and two different response variables. The three models were as follows: a linear mixed model (GBLUP), a Bayesian variable selection model similar to BayesA (BayesA*) and a Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model (Bayesian Lasso). The response variables were deregressed proofs (DRP) and conventional estimated breeding values (EBV). The reliability of genomic predictions was measured on bulls in the validation data set as the squared correlation between DGV and DRP divided by the reliability of DRP. Using DRP as response variable, the reliabilities of DGV among the 16 traits ranged from 0.151 to 0.569 (average 0.317) for GBLUP, from 0.152 to 0.576 (average 0.318) for BayesA* and from 0.150 to 0.570 (average 0.320) for Bayesian Lasso. Using EBV as response variable, the reliabilities ranged from 0.159 to 0.580 (average 0.322) for GBLUP, from 0.157 to 0.578 (average 0.319) for BayesA* and from 0.159 to 0.582 (average 0.325) for Bayesian Lasso. In summary, Bayesian Lasso performed slightly better than the other two models, and EBV performed slightly better than DRP as response variable, with regard to prediction reliability of DGV. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, using EBV as response variable would result in problems with the scale of the resulting DGV and potential problem due to double counting.

Assessment of genotoxic effects of flumorph by the comet assay in mice organs

The present study investigated the genotoxic effects of flumorph in various organs (brain, liver, spleen, kidney and sperm) of mice. The DNA damage, measured as comet tail length (µm), was determined using the alkaline comet assay. The comet assay is a sensitive assay for the detection of genotoxicity caused by flumorph using mice as a model. Statistically significant increases in comet assay for both dose-dependent and duration-dependent DNA damage were observed in all the organs assessed. The organs exhibited the maximum DNA damage in 96 h at 54 mg/kg body weight. Brain showed maximum DNA damage followed by spleen > kidney > liver > sperm. Our data demonstrated that flumorph had induced systemic genotoxicity in mammals as it caused DNA damage in all tested vital organs, especially in brain and spleen.

Lack of association between Cyclin D1 gene G870A polymorphism and esophageal cancer: evidence from a meta-analysis

The association between the Cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) G870A polymorphism and esophageal cancer has been widely evaluated, with conflicting results. As meta-analysis is a reliable approach to resolving discrepancies, we aimed to evaluate this association. Data were available from 9 study populations incorporating 1898 cases and 3046 controls. Overall, the allelic/genotypic association between the G870A polymorphism and esophageal cancer was nonsignificant [for allele: odds ratio (OR) = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.94-1.38, P = 0.184; for genotype homozygous comparison: OR = 1.36, 95%CI = 0.90-2.06, P = 0.140; for dominant model: OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 0.88-1.75, P = 0.222; for recessive model: OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 0.90-1.43, P = 0.292]. Moreover, subgroup analyses according to study designs, geographic areas, types of esophageal cancer, genotyping methods, and ethnicities failed to demonstrate a significant association between this polymorphism and esophageal cancer. In addition, there was significant publication bias as reflected by funnel plots and the Egger test (P = 0.042). Taken together, our results suggest that the CCND1 G870A polymorphism might not be a potential candidate for predicting esophageal cancer risk.

Reversal of dopamine neurons and locomotor ability degeneration in aged rats with smilagenin

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of smilagenin (SMI) (PYM50028), a sapogenin compound originally identified from Chinese medicinal herb, on dopamine neurons and locomotor ability in aged rats. Experiments were carried out on young and aged Sprague-Dawley rats, which were daily administered with either SMI (18mg/kg/day) or vehicle (0.5% sodium carboxymethycellulose [CMCNa]). Open-field and rotarod performance tests revealed that behavioral ability was impaired in aged rats and was improved by oral administration of smilagenin. Immunohistochemical data showed that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neuron numbers in the substantia nigra pars compacta (unbiased stereological counting) were altered with aging and were increased by smilagenin treatment. Likewise, the dopamine receptor density and the striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) density ((125)I-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)-N-(3-fluoropropyl) nortropane [(125)I-FP-CIT] autoradiography) were significantly lowered in aged rats as compared to young rats, and treatment with smilagenin significantly elevated the dopamine receptor and DAT density in aged rats. Furthermore, smilagenin enhances glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) release both in the striatum and midbrain. These results indicate a possible role of smilagenin in the treatment of age-related extrapyramidal disorders.

Isoflurane and sevoflurane increase interleukin-6 levels through the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway in neuroglioma cells

BACKGROUND

Isoflurane can increase pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 levels. However, the up-stream mechanism remains unknown. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) promotes the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We examined the effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane on the NF-κB signalling pathway and its association with IL-6 levels in cultured cells.

METHODS

H4 human neuroglioma cells (H4 cells), and mouse primary neurones and microglia were treated with 2% isoflurane or 4.1% sevoflurane for 6 h, for analysis of IL-6 and NF-κB. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (an NF-κB inhibitor) or 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) (an inhibitor of glucose glycolysis) was applied 1 h before anaesthetic treatment.

RESULTS

Isoflurane or sevoflurane treatment increased the levels of IL-6 [isoflurane: 410% (54); sevoflurane: 290% (24)], the nuclear levels of NF-κB [isoflurane: 170% (36); sevoflurane: 320% (30)], and the transcription activity of NF-κB in H4 cells. Moreover, isoflurane enhanced the transcription activity of NF-κB in mouse microglia, but not primary neurones. Finally, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and 2-DG attenuated isoflurane-induced increases in IL-6 and NF-κB, and the transcription activity of NF-κB.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies in H4 cells suggest that the NF-κB signalling pathway could contribute to isoflurane or sevoflurane-induced neuroinflammation. This could lead to the targeted intervention of anaesthetic-induced neuroinflammation.

Low expression of Mfn2 is associated with mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in the placental villi of early unexplained miscarriage

INTRODUCTION

Early miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy and in many cases the etiology is not clearly understood. We aim to profile the expression of Mfn2 and mitochondrial damage in villous tissues, in order to determine the underlying mechanism of unexplained miscarriage.

METHODS

We investigated placental villous samples of 30 women with early unexplained miscarriage (miscarriage group) and 30 women with normal pregnancy (control group). Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect the Mfn2 expression. We observed trophoblastic cell apoptosis with TUNEL and analyzed Bcl-2 and Bax levels by western blotting. Transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze mitochondrial morphology and phosphomolybdic acid colorimetric method was used to measure the ATP content of all villous samples.

RESULTS

Mfn2 staining showed extra-nuclear localization in the trophoblastic cells. Compared with the control group, the levels of Mfn2 and Bcl-2 were markedly decreased (P < 0.01), while both the levels of Bax protein and apoptosis index (AI) were increased in the miscarriage group (P < 0.01). Mfn2 levels positively correlated with Bcl-2, but negatively correlated with Bax. Moreover, compared to the control group (33.8 ± 6.5 μmol/g), ATP levels in the miscarriage group were significantly decreased (15.8 ± 4.8 μmol/g). In addition, obvious impairment of mitochondrial function was observed in trophoblastic cells from the unexplained miscarriage group.

CONCLUSION

Mitochondrial morphologic and functional changes were observed in trophoblastic cells, and in relation with apoptosis, may be correlated with low levels of Mfn2. Deficient expression of Mfn2 in trophoblastic cells could be an important cause of early miscarriage.

Neuregulin-1 protects against doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes through an Akt-dependent pathway

In previous studies, it has been shown that recombinant human neuregulin-1(rhNRG-1) is capable of improving the survival rate in animal models of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiomyopathy; however, the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon remains unknown. In this study, the role of rhNRG-1 in attenuating doxorubicin-induce apoptosis is confirmed. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) were subjected to various treatments, in order to both induce apoptosis and determine the effects of rhNRG-1 on the process. Activation of apoptosis was determined by observing increases in the protein levels of classic apoptosis markers (including cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome c, Bcl-2, BAX and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining). The activation of Akt was detected by means of western blot analysis. The study results showed that doxorubicin increased the number of TUNEL positive cells, as well as the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cytochrome c, and reduced the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. However, all of these effects were markedly antagonized by pretreament with rhNRG-1. It was then further demonstrated that the effects of rhNRG-1 could be blocked by the phosphoinositole-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002, indicating the involvement of the Akt process in mediating the process. RhNRG-1 is a potent inhibitor of doxorubicin-induced apoptosis, which acts through the PI3K-Akt pathway. RhNRG-1 is a novel therapeutic drug which may be effective in preventing further damage from occurring in DOX-induced damaged myocardium.

Invasion biology and the success of social collaboration networks, with application to Wikipedia

We adapt methods from the stochastic theory of invasions – for which a key question is whether a propagule will grow to an established population or fail – to show how monitoring early participation in a social collaboration network allows prediction of success. Social collaboration networks have become ubiquitous and can now be found in widely diverse situations. However, there are currently no methods to predict whether a social collaboration network will succeed or not, where success is defined as growing to a specified number of active participants before falling to zero active participants. We illustrate a suitable methodology with Wikipedia. In general, wikis are web-based software that allows collaborative efforts in which all viewers of a page can edit its contents online, thus encouraging cooperative efforts on text and hypertext. The English language Wikipedia is one of the most spectacular successes, but not all wikis succeed and there have been some major failures. Using these new methods, we derive detailed predictions for the English language Wikipedia and in summary for more than 250 other language Wikipedias. We thus show how ideas from population biology can inform aspects of technology in new and insightful ways.

First observation of the decay Bs2*(5840)(0)→B*+ K- and studies of excited Bs(0) mesons

The properties of the orbitally excited (L=1) Bs(0) states are studied by using 1.0  fb(-1) of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=7  TeV collected with the LHCb detector. The first observation of the Bs2*(5840)(0) meson decaying to B*+ K- is reported, and the corresponding branching fraction measured relative to the B+ K- decay mode. The Bs1(5830)(0)→B*+ K- decay is observed as well. The width of the Bs2*(5840)(0) state is measured for the first time, and the masses of the two states are determined with the highest precision to date. The observation of the Bs2*(5840)(0)→B*+ K- decay favors the spin-parity assignment J(P)=2+ for the Bs2*(5840)(0) meson. In addition, the most precise measurement of the mass difference m(B*+)-m(B+)=45.01±0.30(stat)±0.23(syst)  MeV/c(2) is obtained.

Role of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced apoptosis in neuronal pheochromocytoma cells

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are involved in neuronal death caused by many cytotoxins. Conventional MAPKs consist of three family members: extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. It has been originally shown that ERK1/2 is important for cell survival, whereas JNK and p38 are deemed stress responsive and thus involved in apoptosis. However, information describing the role of MAPKs in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced neurotoxicity is insufficient. The aim of this study was to identify the role of MAPK cascades in TCDD-induced neurotoxicity using differentiated pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells as a model for neuronal cells. Cell viability assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay and flow cytometry analysis showed that TCDD attenuated cell viability with a dose- and time-dependent manner and significantly induced apoptosis in primary cortical neurons and PC12 cells. Western blot analysis indicated that TCDD markedly activated the expression of ERK1/2, JNK and p38 in TCDD-treated PC12 cells. Furthermore, PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) and SB202190 (p38 inhibitor) notably blocked the effect of TCDD on cell apoptosis. Based on the findings above, it is concluded that the activation of MAPK signaling pathways may be associated with TCDD-mediated neuronal apoptosis.

Nonlinear modelling and control for heart rate response to exercise

In order to accurately regulate cardiovascular response to exercise for individual exerciser, this study proposes a modelling and control integrated approach based on ε-insensitive Support Vector Regression (SVR) and switching control strategy. Firstly, a control oriented modelling approach is proposed to depict nonlinear behaviours of cardiovascular response at both onset and offset of treadmill exercises by using support vector machine regression. Then, based on the established nonlinear time-variant model, a novel switching Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithm has been proposed for the optimisation of exercise efforts. The designed controller can take into account both coefficient drifting and parameter jump by embedding the identified model coefficient into the optimiser and adopting switching strategy during the transfer between onset and offset of exercises. The effectiveness of the proposed modelling and control approach was shown from the regulation of dynamical heart rate response to exercise through simulation using MATLAB.

Optimization of Dispersion of Nanosilica Particles in a PP Matrix and Their Effect on Foaming

Nanocomposites based on isotactic polypropylene (PP) and nanosilica (SiO2) were prepared using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder (TSE). The effect of operating variables, such as screw speed and screw configuration on the dispersion of nanosilica in the polymer matrix has been studied, using TEM imaging. High shear stress, sufficient residence time, and high fill ratio in the melting section of the screw were the most important factors in achieving good nanosilica dispersion. Furthermore, the effects of filler loading and amount of a maleated polypropylene (PP-g-MA) compatibilizer on the degree of SiO2 dispersion were investigated. The foaming performance of the composites was evaluated using a batch foaming simulation system, and an extrusion foaming setup that employed respectively N2 and CO2 blowing agents. Well-dispersed surface-modified hydrophobic SiO2 particles acted as effective nucleating agents for foaming, when used at loadings below 1 phr.

PLLA Morphology Controlled by Dry-cast Process

The influence of solvent evaporation rate, in the dry-casting process, on crystallinity and morphology of crystallizable polymeric membrane was studied. Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) was taken as an example. The membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). By controlling the solvent evaporation rate, samples with various crystallinities were prepared. From higher to lower crystallinity the membranes exhibit three types of surface morphology in sequence: granule, stripe and smooth.

Observation of an energy-dependent difference in elliptic flow between particles and antiparticles in relativistic heavy ion collisions

Elliptic flow (v(2)) values for identified particles at midrapidity in Au + Au collisions, measured by the STAR experiment in the beam energy scan at RHIC at sqrt[s(NN)] = 7.7-62.4 GeV, are presented. A beam-energy-dependent difference of the values of v(2) between particles and corresponding antiparticles was observed. The difference increases with decreasing beam energy and is larger for baryons compared to mesons. This implies that, at lower energies, particles and antiparticles are not consistent with the universal number-of-constituent-quark scaling of v(2) that was observed at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV.

Inhibition of 12/15-lipoxygenase by baicalein induces microglia PPARβ/δ: a potential therapeutic role for CNS autoimmune disease

12/15-Lipoxygenase (12/15-LO) is an enzyme that converts polyunsaturated fatty acids into bioactive lipid derivatives. In this study, we showed that inhibition of 12/15-LO by baicalein (BA) significantly attenuated clinical severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Inhibited migration of autoimmune T cells into the central nervous system (CNS) by BA treatment could be attributed to reduced activation of microglia, which was indicated by suppressed phagocytosis, and decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the CNS. We further observed that inhibition of 12/15-LO with BA led to increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)β/δ in microglia of EAE mice. This was confirmed in vitro in primary microglia and a microglia cell line, BV2. In addition, we demonstrated that BA did not affect 12/15-LO or 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) expression in microglia, but significantly decreased 12/15-LO products without influencing the levels of 5-LO metabolites. Moreover, among these compounds only 12/15-LO metabolite 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid was able to reverse BA-mediated upregulation of PPARβ/δ in BV2 cells. We also showed that inhibition of microglia activation by PPARβ/δ was associated with repressed NF-κB and MAPK activities. Our findings indicate that inhibition of 12/15-LO induces PPARβ/δ, demonstrating important regulatory properties of 12/15-LO in CNS inflammation. This reveals potential therapeutic applications for MS.

Cherry consumption and decreased risk of recurrent gout attacks

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between cherry intake and the risk of recurrent gout attacks among individuals with gout.

METHODS

We conducted a case-crossover study to examine the associations of a set of putative risk factors with recurrent gout attacks. Individuals with gout were prospectively recruited and followed up online for 1 year. Participants were asked to provide the following information regarding gout attacks: the onset date of the gout attack, symptoms and signs, medications (including antigout medications), and exposure to potential risk factors (including daily intake of cherries and cherry extract) during the 2-day period prior to the gout attack. We assessed the same exposure information over 2-day control periods. We estimated the risk of recurrent gout attacks related to cherry intake using conditional logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Our study included 633 individuals with gout. Cherry intake over a 2-day period was associated with a 35% lower risk of gout attacks compared with no intake (multivariate OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.50-0.85]). Cherry extract intake showed a similar inverse association (multivariate OR 0.55 [95% CI 0.30-0.98]). The effect of cherry intake persisted across subgroups stratified by sex, obesity status, purine intake, alcohol use, diuretic use, and use of antigout medications. When cherry intake was combined with allopurinol use, the risk of gout attacks was 75% lower than during periods without either exposure (OR 0.25 [95% CI 0.15-0.42]).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that cherry intake is associated with a lower risk of gout attacks.

Efficacy of telbivudine treatment for hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with poor response to adefovir dipivoxil

Telbivudine (LdT) has demonstrated potent antiviral activity in nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients (CHB), but data on its efficacy in NA-experienced patients are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of LdT in hepatitis B e antigen-positive CHB patients with poor response to initial adefovir dipivoxil (ADV). Forty-two CHB patients with HBV DNA > 4 log10  copies/mL after 12 months of ADV monotherapy were enroled in the study and thereafter treated with LdT 600 mg daily for 18 months. Telbivudine led to a rapid decrease in viral load, and viral replication was persistently suppressed with a reduction of 2.26 log10  copies/mL 18 months after LdT treatment. The rates corresponding to virological and biochemical response at the end of observation were 97.6% (41/42) and 65.8% (25/38), respectively. HBeAg loss was found in 30.8% (12/39) of patients, while HBeAg/anti-HBe seroconversion was found in 17.9% (7/39). Only one patient was detected to have LdT-associated mutation, and no severe adverse events were reported. Optimization therapy with LdT monotherapy may be a good choice for CHB patients with poor response to ADV, and switching to LdT may be the most cost-effective rescue therapeutic strategy for patients with poor response to initial ADV monotherapy.

P63 regulates tubular formation via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

P63, a p53 family member, is expressed as TA and ΔN isoforms. Interestingly, both TAp63 and ΔNp63 are transcription factors, and regulate both common and distinct sets of target genes. p63 is required for survival of some epithelial cell lineages, and lack of p63 leads to loss of epidermis and other epithelia in humans and mice. Here, we explored the role of p63 isoforms in cell proliferation, migration and tubulogenesis by using Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) tubular epithelial cells in two- or three-dimensional (2-D or 3-D) culture. We found that like downregulation of p53, downregulation of p63 and TAp63 decreases expression of growth-suppressing genes, including p21, PUMA and MIC-1, and consequently promotes cell proliferation and migration in 2-D culture. However, in 3-D culture, downregulation of p63, especially TAp63, but not p53, decapacitates MDCK cells to form a cyst structure through enhanced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In contrast, downregulation of ΔNp63 inhibits MDCK cell proliferation and migration in 2-D culture, and delays but does not block MDCK cell cyst formation and tubulogenesis in 3-D culture. Consistent with this, downregulation of ΔNp63 markedly upregulates growth-suppressing genes, including p21, PUMA and MIC-1. Taken together, these data suggest that TAp63 is the major isoform required for tubulogenesis by maintaining an appropriate level of EMT, whereas ΔNp63 fine-tunes the rate of cyst formation and tubulogenesis by maintaining an appropriate expression level of genes involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.