Sema3E is required for migration of cranial neural crest cells in zebrafish: Implications for the pathogenesis of CHARGE syndrome

CHARGE syndrome is a congenital disorder with multiple malformations in the craniofacial structures, and cardiovascular and genital systems, which are mainly affected by neural crest defects caused by loss-of-function mutations within chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7). However, many patients with CHARGE syndrome test negative for CHD7. Semaphorin 3E (sema3E) is a gene reported to be mutated in patients with CHARGE syndrome. However, its role in the pathogenesis of CHARGE syndrome has not been verified experimentally. Here, we report that the knockdown of sema3E results in severe craniofacial malformations, including small eyes, defective cartilage and an abnormal number of otoliths in zebrafish embryos, which resemble the major features of CHARGE syndrome. Further analysis reveals that the migratory cranial neural crest cells are scattered in the region of the hindbrain, and the postmigratory neural crest cells are reduced in the pharyngeal arches upon sema3E knockdown. Notably, immunostaining and time-lapse imaging analyses of a neural crest cell-labelled transgenic fish line, sox10:EGFP, show that the migration of cranial neural crest cells is severely impaired, and many of these cells are misrouted upon sema3E knockdown. Furthermore, the sox10-expressing cranial neural crest cells are scattered in chd7 homozygous mutants, which phenocopied the phenotype in sema3E morphants. Overexpression of sema3E rescues the phenotype of scattered cranial neural crest cells in chd7 homozygotes, indicating that chd7 may control the expression of sema3E to regulate cranial neural crest cell migration. Collectively, our data demonstrate that sema3E is involved in the pathogenesis of CHARGE syndrome by modulating cranial neural crest cell migration.

A conserved PLPLRT/SD motif of STING mediates the recruitment and activation of TBK1

Nucleic acids from bacteria or viruses induce potent immune responses in infected cells1-4. The detection of pathogen-derived nucleic acids is a central strategy by which the host senses infection and initiates protective immune responses5,6. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a double-stranded DNA sensor7,8. It catalyses the synthesis of cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP)9-12, which stimulates the induction of type I interferons through the STING-TBK1-IRF-3 signalling axis13-15. STING oligomerizes after binding of cGAMP, leading to the recruitment and activation of the TBK1 kinase8,16. The IRF-3 transcription factor is then recruited to the signalling complex and activated by TBK18,17-20. Phosphorylated IRF-3 translocates to the nucleus and initiates the expression of type I interferons21. However, the precise mechanisms that govern activation of STING by cGAMP and subsequent activation of TBK1 by STING remain unclear. Here we show that a conserved PLPLRT/SD motif within the C-terminal tail of STING mediates the recruitment and activation of TBK1. Crystal structures of TBK1 bound to STING reveal that the PLPLRT/SD motif binds to the dimer interface of TBK1. Cell-based studies confirm that the direct interaction between TBK1 and STING is essential for induction of IFNβ after cGAMP stimulation. Moreover, we show that full-length STING oligomerizes after it binds cGAMP, and highlight this as an essential step in the activation of STING-mediated signalling. These findings provide a structural basis for the development of STING agonists and antagonists for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Application of dexmedetomidine-remifentanil in high-intensity ultrasound ablation of uterine fibroids: a randomised study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of dexmedetomidine-remifentanil with the traditional analgesia and sedation regimen midazolam-remifentanil during HIFU treatment of uterine fibroids.

DESIGN

A randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Department of Anesthesia in a single hospital.

POPULATION

Patients with uterine fibroids.

METHODS

A total of 80 patients diagnosed with uterine fibroids and scheduled for selective HIFU treatment were randomly divided into the dexmedetomidine group (the D group) and midazolam group (the M group). At 20 minutes before the HIFU procedure, patients in the D group received a loading dose of 0.8 μg/kg dexmedetomidine, followed by a continuous intravenous infusion of 0.2 μg/kg/hour until the end of the operation. Patients in the M group were given a corresponding amount of 0.9% saline. Patients in the M group received a slow intravenous infusion of 0.03 mg/kg midazolam before the procedure, an intravenous injection of 0.02 mg/kg 30 minutes later, another 0.02 mg/kg 60 minutes later, followed by 0.02 mg/kg at 40-minutes intervals. Patients in the D group were given a corresponding amount of 0.9% saline. During the HIFU procedure, patients in both groups were administered remifentanil at an effect site concentration of 1.0 ng/ml. Sedation and analgesia were rated using the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before drug administration (T1), after drug administration but before HIFU (T2), at the beginning of HIFU (T3), 15 minutes later (T4), 45 minutes later (T5), 75 minutes later (T6), and at the end of HIFU (T7). Patient satisfaction score and Steward recovery score survey were conducted 30 minutes after surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Different effects of the traditional midazolam-remifentanil regimen and dexmedetomidine-remifentanil.

RESULTS

All patients in both groups underwent a successful HIFU procedure without developing serious complications during the postoperative period. However, the D group reported significantly fewer cases of respiratory depression than the M group during HIFU treatment (P < 0.05). The pause during HIFU ablation in the D group was significantly shorter than that in the M group. HIFU ablation intensity, the number of patients with an RSS of 3 or 4 measured at different time points, and the number of patients with an RSS of 3 or 4 measured at arousal were significantly greater in the D than the M group (P < 0.05). Likewise, the D group scored significantly higher in the evaluation of patient satisfaction, recovery score, and surgeon satisfaction (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both dexmedetomidine-remifentanil and midazolam-remifentanil met the requirements and ensured the safety of HIFU treatment of uterine fibroids. However, compared with the traditional midazolam-remifentanil regimen, dexmedetomidine-remifentanil was associated with more stable sedation in patients, more efficient HIFU treatment and higher degree of patient comfort.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Dexmedetomidine-remifentanil is associated with more stable sedation in patients, more efficient HIFU treatment and higher degree of patient comfort than is midazolam-remifentanil.

[Effects of allogeneic mouse adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell-microporous sheep acellular dermal matrix on healing of wound with full-thickness skin defect in mouse and the related mechanism]

Objective: To explore the allogeneic mouse adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC)-microporous sheep acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on healing of wound with full-thickness skin defect in mouse and the related mechanism. Methods: One Kunming mouse was sacrificed by cervical dislocation to collect adipose tissue from inguinal region. Mouse ADSCs were isolated from the adipose tissue and cultured in vitro. Cells of the third passage were identified by cell adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation. The expressions of CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD34 were analyzed by flow cytometry. After one sheep was sacrificed, microporous sheep ADM was prepared from sheep back using decellularization method and freezing-thawing method. A 12 mm diameter, round, full-thickness skin defect wound was made on the back of each one of 36 Kunming mice. The wounds were covered by microporous sheep ADM. The mice were divided into group ADSC and control (C) group with 18 mice in each group according to the random number table after surgery. A volume of 0.2 mL DMEM/F12 culture medium containing 1×10(6) ADSCs was injected between microporous sheep ADM and wound of mice in group ADSC. While 0.2 mL DMEM/F12 culture medium was injected between microporous sheep ADM and wound of mice in group C. On post surgery day (PSD) 12 and 17, wound healing rates of mice in the 2 groups were calculated. On PSD 7, 12, and 17, wound vascularization of mice in the 2 groups was observed under reverse irradiation of backlight. On PSD 7, 12, and 17, the wound granulation tissue of mice in group ADSC was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. On PSD 7, the thicknesses of granulation tissue of mice in the 2 groups was measured. On PSD 12 and 17, expressions of VEGF in wounds of mice in the 2 groups were detected by immunohistochemical method. The sample number was 6 in each group at each time point in the above experiments. Data were processed with t test and analysis of variance of factorial design. Results: (1) After 7 days of adipogenic induction, lipid droplet was observed in cytoplasm using oil red O staining. After 21 days of osteogenic induction, black deposits of calcium salts were detected using silver nitrate staining. Expression rates of CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD34 in cells were 97.82%, 99.32%, 97.35%, and 5.88% respectively. The cells were identified as ADSCs. (2) The wound healing rates of mice in group ADSC on PSD 12 and 17 [(78±6)%, (98±3)%] were significantly higher than those in group C [(60±9)%, (90±4)%, t=4.26, 4.46, P<0.01]. (3) On PSD 7, no vessel obviously grew into the center of wounds of mice in the 2 groups, while the granulation tissue has covered the wounds of mice in group ADSC. On PSD 12, the vessels were more abundant in wounds of mice in group ADSC than those in group C. On PSD 17, big vessels crossing the whole wounds was observed in wounds of mice in group ADSC, while big vessels were observed without crossing the whole wounds in wounds of mice in group C. (4) The wounds were covered with thin granulation tissue on PSD 7, and the granulation tissue began to thicken on PSD 12 and were covered by epidermis on PSD 17 in wounds of mice in group ADSC. On PSD 7, the granulation tissue in wounds of mice in group ADSC [(0.62±0.05) mm] was significantly thicker than that in group C [ (0.31±0.04) mm, t=12.27, P<0.01]. (5) On PSD 12 and 17, expressions of VEGF in wounds of mice in group ADSC [(80.7±2.2), (0.98±0.03)/mm(2)] were significantly than those in group C [(59.5±2.4), (81.5±2.6)/mm(2,) t=15.95, 14.14, P<0.01]. Conclusions: Allogeneic mouse ADSC-microporous sheep ADM can accelerate angiogenesis and growth of granulation tissue, thus promoting wound healing, which may be due to the increase of expression of VEGF.

Aprepitant for gefitinib-induced refractory pruritus in Chinese malignancy population

Targeted therapy is an important anti-cancer therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pruritus are the common side-effect with gefitinib, an anti-EGFR antibody and tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. We reported case reports to confirm the effects of aprepitant, a neurokinin receptor to management of refractory rash and pruritus in Chinese malignancy population. patients showed a rapid recovery from refractory pruritus, no adverse events occurred. Weekly follow-up visits showed the pruritus were stable and no further episodes was recorded.

Abstract P6-20-10: Role of GPR110 in breast cancer

Our long-term goal is to discover adhesion GPCR targets in breast cancer. Our previous studies have found GPR110 to be overexpressed in tumorigenic cell population as well as in anti-HER2 drug-resistant derivatives of HER2+ breast cancer cells. In subsequent studies, we found that GPR110 knockdown inhibited anchorage-independent cell growth, mammosphere formation, and invasion/migration of HER2+ breast cancer cells. Conversely, overexpression of GPR110 by lentiviral delivery of cDNA enhanced anchorage-independent cell growth, mammosphere formation, and invasion/migration in HER2+ breast cancer cells. In addition, GPR110 overexpression led to increase in the % of Aldefluor-positive tumorigenic cell population, further emphasizing the role of GPR110 as a mediator of tumorigenesis in addition to the metastatic processes in HER2+ breast cancer. Among various subtypes of breast cancer, GPR110 expression was higher in HER2+ and basal subtypes, most of which are triple-negative (negative for ER, PR, and HER2), compared to luminal A and B subtypes. GPR110 was either gene amplified or upregulated in 4% of all breast cancers based on the publicly available TCGA dataset. GPR110 overexpression predicted poorer recurrence-free survival in triple-negative breast cancer. Furthermore, GPR110 was overexpressed in brain metastatic lesions compared to mammary tumors in patient-derived xenograft models of triple-negative breast cancer (WHIM2 and WHIM30). Knocking down GPR110 reduced anchorage-dependent and -independent cell growth, mammosphere formation, and invasion/migration of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Overall, our results suggest that GPR110 may be a potential drug target in HER2+ and triple-negative breast cancer. Drug discovery efforts to identify GPR110 antagonists will provide useful pharmacological tools for validating GPR110 as a drug target in breast cancer. Since GPR110 is also overexpressed in various other types of cancer, understanding the mechanism of GPR110 upregulation and signaling in cancer is an important future direction.

This work was supported by the Department of Defense Grants W81XWH-14-1-0340 and W81XWH-14-1-0341 to Drs. Trivedi and Schiff, respectively.

Citation Format: Bhat R, Qin L, De Angelis C, Sahay D, Bhargava D, Creighton C, Yadav P, Yazdanfard S, Alrawi A, Yadav V, Vasaikar S, Nanda S, Sethunath V, Fu X, Zhang B, Narkar V, Schiff R, Trivedi M. Role of GPR110 in breast cancer [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 P6-20-10.

The efficacy of trans-esophageal echocardiography in treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with left atrial appendage occlusion

The article "The efficacy of trans-esophageal echocardiography in treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with left atrial appendage occlusion" by Y. Song, S.-C. Qin, X. Fu, Z.-M. Jiang, K. Chen, X.-L. Wang, R.-F. Zhang, Y. Liuang, R.-F. Zhang, Y. Liu, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22 (16): 5335-5338 has been withdrawn.

Cross-sectional Study: Relationship Between Serum Selenium and Hypertension in the Shandong Province of China

Although selenium, which is a necessary trace element for the human body, has been considered to be beneficial to the cardiovascular system and helpful to lower blood pressure, more and more evidence shows that high amounts of selenium are a risk factor for hypertension. A random multistage sampling which included the cluster method was performed; a total of 9076 urban and rural residents between 18 and 80 years old in the Shandong province of China were investigated by questionnaire, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The prevalence of hypertension was 42.1% in males and 35.3% in females. The mean (standard deviation) selenium concentration was 124.68 (36.32) μg/l in males and 119.54 (31.88) μg/l in females. After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis showed that the highest selenium levels were associated with a risk of hypertension (OR = 1.192; 95% CI 1.009-1.407) in females, while there was no significant difference in males (OR = 1.043; 95% CI 0.864-1.259). Our findings suggest that high selenium levels in females are more likely to increase the risk of hypertension compared to similar levels in males. More attention should be paid to the metabolic mechanisms and physiological effects of selenium in females.

Investigation of the predisposing factor of pemphigus and its clinical subtype through a genome-wide association and next generation sequence analysis

BACKGROUND

Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and foliaceus (PF) as the two major histological subtypes. Associations with HLA molecules have been suggested, but specific HLA risk variants as well as non-HLA risk variants remain to be discovered.

METHODS

We performed a two-stage genome-wide association study in the Chinese Han population through a genome-wide discovery analysis and follow-up validation analysis in a total number of 210 PV, 159 PF and 2493 healthy controls. HLA imputation as well as high coverage next generation sequencing based HLA genotyping was employed to investigate the association of classical HLA alleles and amino acid change.

RESULTS

We have discovered independent novel associations with PF at rs2178077 on 12q24.33, located next to RAN (P_PF = 1.57 × 10^-9 ) and rs3888722 within the MHC region (P = 6.73 × 10^-9 ). For the HLA variants, we confirmed independent genome-wide level risk associations in HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1, with DQB1*05:03 to be the strongest association with PV (P = 8.59 × 10^-68 , OR = 31.16) and PF (P = 4.84 × 10^-17 , OR = 5.64). In addition, DRB1*14 was demonstrated to be a second independent variants (P = 4.2 × 10^-63 , OR = 35.47) for PV, while DRB1*04:06 was demonstrated to be the second independent signal (P = 7.44 × 10^-13 , OR = 5.58) for PF.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings advance our understanding of the genetic basis of pemphigus susceptibility and may offer opportunities for risk prediction and preventive treatment for pemphigus, in particular for PV.

The efficacy of trans-esophageal echocardiography in treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with left atrial appendage occlusion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-nine patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were selected from January 2015 to December 2015 to serve as control group, and 49 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were selected from January 2016 to December 2016 to serve as observation group. Patients in both groups were treated with LAA occlusion. After surgery, patients in control group received 2D-transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE), while patients in observation group received 3D-TEE. LAA diameter, maximum depth, postoperative parameters, and postoperative complications were compared between two groups.

RESULTS

The maximum LAA diameter can be measured from different angles in control group, and maximum depth cannot be measured in control group. No significant differences in maximum LAA diameter and maximum depth were found between two groups from different angles (p<0.05). No significant difference in left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left atrial diameter (LA-d), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), mitral regurgitation volume (MV Reg V), E peak and pulmonary vein diastolic flow velocity (PVd) were found between those two groups (p<0.05). The overall occurrence of postoperative complications in observation group and control group were 0.00% and 12.24%, respectively, significant difference was found between those two groups (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with 2D-TEE, the application of 3D-TEE in treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with left atrial appendage occlusion is more conducive to the selection of the size of the reservoir, and can reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Flavin monooxygenase 3, the host hepatic enzyme in the metaorganismal trimethylamine N-oxide-generating pathway, modulates platelet responsiveness and thrombosis risk

Essentials Microbe-dependent production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) contributes to thrombosis risk. The impact of host flavin monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) modulation on platelet function is unknown. Genetic manipulation of FMO3 in mice alters systemic TMAO levels and thrombosis potential. Genetic manipulation of FMO3 is associated with alteration of gut microbial community structure.

SUMMARY

Background Gut microbes play a critical role in the production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), an atherogenic metabolite that impacts platelet responsiveness and thrombosis potential. Involving both microbe and host enzymatic machinery, TMAO generation utilizes a metaorganismal pathway, beginning with ingestion of trimethylamine (TMA)-containing dietary nutrients such as choline, phosphatidylcholine and carnitine, which are abundant in a Western diet. Gut microbial TMA lyases use these nutrients as substrates to produce TMA, which upon delivery to the liver via the portal circulation, is converted into TMAO by host hepatic flavin monooxygenases (FMOs). Gut microbial production of TMA is rate limiting in the metaorganismal TMAO pathway because hepatic FMO activity is typically in excess. Objectives FMO3 is the major FMO responsible for host generation of TMAO; however, a role for FMO3 in altering platelet responsiveness and thrombosis potential in vivo has not yet been explored. Methods The impact of FMO3 suppression (antisense oligonucleotide-targeting) and overexpression (as transgene) on plasma TMAO levels, platelet responsiveness and thrombosis potential was examined using a murine FeCl3 -induced carotid artery injury model. Cecal microbial composition was examined using 16S analyses. Results Modulation of FMO3 directly impacts systemic TMAO levels, platelet responsiveness and rate of thrombus formation in vivo. Microbial composition analyses reveal taxa whose proportions are associated with both plasma TMAO levels and in vivo thrombosis potential. Conclusions The present studies demonstrate that host hepatic FMO3, the terminal step in the metaorganismal TMAO pathway, participates in diet-dependent and gut microbiota-dependent changes in both platelet responsiveness and thrombosis potential in vivo.

Analysis on Fourier characteristics of wavelength-scanned optical spectrum of low-finesse Fabry-Pérot acoustic sensor

In this work, we investigate the Fourier characteristics of wavelength-scanned optical spectrum of low-finesse Fabry-Pérot (FP) acoustic sensor both theoretically and experimentally. The wavelength scanning will transform the time-domain acoustic signal into phase modulation loaded on the FP sensor spectrum distributed along wavelength. Therefore the interference spectrum can be regarded as carrier signal in the wavelength domain. From this perspective, it is intelligible that the phase modulation loaded on the spectrum (carrier signal) will introduce sidebands in Fourier domain. The spatial frequency and phase of sideband components contain unique information of both acoustic signal and the corresponding sensor. These conclusions are experimentally proved by single sensor head as well as two parallel sensors. The Fourier characteristics of sideband components can be utilized to recognize and distinguish acoustic signals received by different sensors, indicating that it has potential applications in multiplexed FP sensor array and source localization, and so forth.

Discovery of 4 exonic and 1 intergenic novel susceptibility loci for leprosy

Seven new risk coding variants have been identified through an exome-wide association study (EWAS), which studied the contributions of protein-coding variants to leprosy susceptibility. But some potential susceptibility loci were not studied in the previous EWAS study because of the project consideration. Seventeen unstudied potential susceptibility loci of the previous EWAS were validated in 3169 cases and 9814 controls in this study. Four disease-associated exonic loci were identified: rs671 in ALDH2 (P = 2.0 × 10^-20 , odds ratio [OR] = 1.35), rs13259978 in SLC7A2 (P = 1.74 × 10^-8 , OR = 1.28), rs925368 in GIT2 (P = 9.18 × 10^-17 , OR = 1.44), and rs75680863 in TCN2 (P = 8.37 × 10^-21 , OR = 0.74). Potentially implicating ZFP36L1 as a new susceptibility gene, 1 intergenic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs1465788 (P = 7.81 × 10^-6 , OR = 0.88), was also suggested to be associated with leprosy. A luciferase reporter assay showed that the rs1465788 risk allele notably decreased the transcription activity of the flanking sequence. These findings suggest the possible involvement of lipid metabolism, NF-κB homeostasis and macrophage antimicrobial pathways in leprosy pathogenesis.

Proposal of a novel CHF correlation for PWR under low pressure conditions based on stepwise regression method

Constrained by limited experimental data, development of CHF correlation for PWR fuel assemblies under transient and accidental conditions at low pressure levels (2–10 MPa) is a typical statistical problem with small sample amounts, but simultaneously has requirements of high prediction accuracy. In this study, stepwise regression method was used to develop a new CHF correlation for application in PWR under low pressure conditions. First, several essential thermal-hydraulic parameters which might influence CHF were selected based on consensus characteristics of DNB phenomenon. With stepwise regression, the form and coefficients of the proposed CHF correlation were optimized in a dynamic manner. Compared to currently available CHF correlations, represented by the Westinghouse W-3 correlation, the CHF correlation obtained by stepwise regression has a much simpler form and matches also well with the experimental data.

Spatial self-organization resolves conflicts between individuality and collective migration

Collective behavior can spontaneously emerge when individuals follow common rules of interaction. However, the behavior of each individual differs due to existing genetic and non-genetic variation within the population. It remains unclear how this individuality is managed to achieve collective behavior. We quantify individuality in bands of clonal Escherichia coli cells that migrate collectively along a channel by following a self-generated gradient of attractant. We discover that despite substantial differences in individual chemotactic abilities, the cells are able to migrate as a coherent group by spontaneously sorting themselves within the moving band. This sorting mechanism ensures that differences between individual chemotactic abilities are compensated by differences in the local steepness of the traveling gradient each individual must navigate, and determines the minimum performance required to travel with the band. By resolving conflicts between individuality and collective migration, this mechanism enables populations to maintain advantageous diversity while on the move.

How bacteria migrate collectively despite individual phenotypic variation is not understood. Here, the authors show that cells spontaneously sort themselves within moving bands such that variations in individual tumble bias, a determinant of gradient climbing speed, are compensated by the local gradient steepness experienced by individuals.

Copy Number Variations with Isolated Fetal Ventriculomegaly

BACKGROUND

Copy Number Variations (CNVs) are an important genetic cause of a number of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs). However, the association between CNVs and the development and prognosis of fetal isolated mild ventriculomegaly (IMV) is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate possible associations between CNVs and the development of fetal IMV.

METHODS

This retrospective study recruited 154 subjects with ultrasound-confirmed fetal IMV and 190 subjects in a control cohort who underwent a high-risk prenatal serum screening program. The exclusion criteria included fetus G-banding chromosomal abnormality or positive fetus TORCH infection. DNA samples from all 344 fetuses were examined by an SNP-array. Developmental outcomes were assessed during postnatal follow-up.

RESULTS

Fourteen pathogenic CNVs (pCNVs) were identified in 13 out of 154 IMV fetuses. Three pCNVs were found in 3 out of 190 subjects in the prenatal screening high-risk cohort, with a significant difference (P value=0.016, X2 test). Notably, the 14 pCNVs detected in the IMV cohort were all associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs), including autism, intellectual disability. Among the 13 IMV fetuses carrying pCNVs, five subjects were found in the postnatal follow-up to manifest NDs, including two with autism and three with mild neurodevelopmental delay. The other 8 subjects consisted of three normal infants younger than 12-months old, two lost in the follow-up, and three with the termination of pregnancy. Out of 141 IMV subjects without detectable pCNVs, 123 subjects showed normal development, 16 were lost in the follow-up, 2 subjects terminated the pregnancy due to fetal hydrocephalus or congenital heart disease in the late fetus development.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests an association between pCNVs and fetal IMV. pCNVs may be involved in the pathological process of fetal IMV and postnatal NDs. Identifying specific genomic alterations may provide an insight into pathogenetic mechanism and aid better diagnosis and prognosis of neurodevelopmental outcomes in fetal IMV.

Association of Elements with Schizophrenia and Intervention of Selenium Supplements

The purpose of this study is to explore more trace elements (zinc, potassium, copper, iron, boron, manganese, selenium, chromium and cadmium elements) in addition to calcium, magnesium, lead and arsenic in the sera of patients with schizophrenia and the general population in China and to determine the effect of selenium on schizophrenia patients. Participants were collected from the Pingyin County Mental Health Hospital and Pingyin County. A t test was used to analyse the differences between schizophrenia patients and healthy subjects, and element content differences in gender. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was applied to analyse the influence of elements to schizophrenia. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyse differences in the elements after 1 and 3 months. Mn, Se, Cd, Pb, Ca, Cu and Fe were lower than those in the normal group, and B, Cr, As, K and Mg were higher than those in the control group. The odd ratios (ORs) of serum As and serum K were 2.624 and 1.035, respectively. The ORs of sera Cr, Mn, Se, Ca and Cu were all below one. After intervention of 'selenium weikang' about 1 and 3 months, the serum As was decreased and the serum selenium and copper were increased. Cr, Mn, Se, Ca and Cu might have beneficial, statistically significant effects on schizophrenia. Elements As and K might be harmful to schizophrenia with statistical significance. After selenium supplementation, the schizophrenia patients improved in some factors, like the appetite and memory, and the As element decreased.

Appropriate dose of Lactobacillus buchneri supplement improves intestinal microbiota and prevents diarrhoea in weaning Rex rabbits

This study examined the effects on intestinal microbiota and diarrhoea of Lactobacillus buchneri supplementation to the diet of weaning Rex rabbits. To this end, rabbits were treated with L. buchneri at two different doses (LC: 104 cfu/g diet and HC: 105 cfu/g diet) for 4 weeks. PCR-DGGE was used to determine the diversity of the intestinal microbiota, while real-time PCR permitted the detection of individual bacterial species. ELISA and real-time PCR allowed the identification of numerous cytokines in the intestinal tissues. Zonula occludens-1, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor and immunoglobulin A genes were examined to evaluate intestinal barriers. Results showed that the biodiversity of the intestinal microbiota of weaning Rex rabbits improved in the whole tract of the treated groups. The abundance of most detected bacterial species was highly increased in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum after L. buchneri administration. The species abundance in the HC group was more increased than in the LC group when compared to the control. Although the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae exhibited a different pattern, Escherichia coli was inhibited in all treatment groups. Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 genes were down-regulated in all intestinal tissues as the microbiota changed. In the LC group, the secretion of the inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-α was reduced, the gene expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 was up-regulated and the expression of intestinal-barrier-related genes was enhanced. Conversely, IL-4 expression was increased and the expression of other tested genes did not change in the HC group. The beneficial effects of LC were greater than those of HC or the control in terms of improving the daily weight gain and survival rate of weaning Rex rabbits and reducing their diarrhoea rate. Therefore, 104 cfu/g L. buchneri treatment improved the microbiota of weaning Rex rabbits and prevented diarrhoea in these animals.

Abstract P4-04-03: Hyperactive FOXA1 activates super-enhancer-engaged HIF2α/EPAS1 to promote endocrine-resistant metastatic ER-positive breast cancer

Background: We have recently reported that acquired endocrine resistance (Endo-R) in multiple ER+ breast cancer (BC) Endo-R cell models is driven by high levels of FOXA1 (High-FOXA1), via gene amplification and/or overexpression (OE), leading to coordinated reprogramming of the FOXA1 genomic binding (cistrome) and transcriptome. Forced FOXA1 OE in parental (P) cells induced similar transcriptional reprogramming leading to Endo-R and metastasis. Recent clinical data showing enrichment of FOXA1 amplification in ER+ metastases further support the clinical importance of our findings. However, the molecular components and the mechanism of High-FOXA1-induced transcriptional reprogramming in Endo-R and metastasis are unknown.

Methods: High-FOXA1-containing MCF7 tamoxifen-resistant (TamR) and P/FOXA1-OE cells were used in this study. An integrative multi-OMICS approach was employed to analyze transcriptome (RNA-seq), FOXA1 cistrome, and histone H3K27 acetylation (ac) (ChIP-seq). Intersection of High-FOXA1-induced transcriptome and distinct FOXA1 cistrome-predicted genes defined a High-FOXA1 core gene signature (CGS). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Ontology (GO) were used for functional annotation. Cell growth and migration/invasion were measured by a bright-field automated cell counter and Transwell insert system. Altered gene expression was measured by RT-qPCR. High-FOXA1 signaling inhibition included gene knockdown (siRNA) or pharmacologic blockade (the EPAS1 inhibitor PT2385). The predictive role of EPAS1 and the associated gene signature were analyzed using publicly available BC datasets.

Results: FOXA1 OE reprogrammed the FOXA1 cistrome in P cells to resemble that of the TamR cells. The FOXA1 cistrome was significantly correlated with the deposition of H3K27ac in TamR vs. P cells (P&lt;2.2e-16). Similarly, the differentially expressed genes in TamR vs. P cells were enriched for FOXA1 binding at enhancers demarcated by H3K27ac (P=8e-125). The FOXA1-CGS was linked to multiple metastasis-related GO terms including “hypoxia response”, enriched for the cancer secretome gene set (P=4.1e-16), and highly represented in the Endo-R transcriptome across our multiple cell models (MCF7, 600MPE, and CAMA1) (P&lt;0.01). Integrative analysis of H3K27ac-defined super-enhancers (SEs) and altered cistrome/transcriptome upon High-FOXA1 nominated EPAS1, a hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (TF), as a top candidate of SE-activated TFs amplifying High-FOXA1 signaling. EPAS1 blockade markedly repressed the secretome genes (e.g., IL8 and S100P) and cell migration and invasion in TamR cells. Primary ER+ tumors (TCGA) with high EPAS1 are enriched for a cancer secretome gene set (P=3e-4). High EPAS1 predicts poor distant metastasis-free survival in ER+ BC treated with endocrine therapy (P=.034).

Conclusions: High-FOXA1 induces transcriptional reprogramming by coordinating histone enhancer marks to activate EPAS1 via an SE mechanism, which in turn mediates transcriptional reprogramming, partly via inducing a pro-metastatic secretome, to promote Endo-R and metastasis. Targeting the High-FOXA1/EPAS1 axis to block transcriptional reprogramming may offer a new therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat Endo-R metastatic ER+ BC.

Citation Format: Fu X, Pereira R, De Angelis C, Veeraraghavan J, Shea MJ, Nanda S, Feng Q, Jeselsohn R, O'Malley BW, Brown M, Osborne CK, Schiff R. Hyperactive FOXA1 activates super-enhancer-engaged HIF2α/EPAS1 to promote endocrine-resistant metastatic ER-positive breast cancer [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 P4-04-03.

Abstract P4-03-05: AP-1 as a potential mediator of resistance to the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6-inhibitor palbociclib in ER-positive endocrine-resistant breast cancer

Background: The CDK4/6-inhibitor palbociclib (Palbo) in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) substantially improves progression-free survival compared to ET alone. However, almost all initial responders eventually develop resistance and relapse. Delineating the early adaptive signaling and the mechanisms underlying resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition is therefore crucial to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets to enhance the efficacy of Palbo and improve patient outcome.

Materials and Methods: MCF7 parental (P) cells and derivative lines made resistant (R) to tamoxifen (TamR), estrogen deprivation (EDR), or fulvestrant (FulR) were used. The MCF7P line and its endocrine-R (EndoR) derivatives were exposed to increasing concentrations of Palbo to generate acquired Palbo-R (PDR) models. The proteomic/signaling profiles of P and EndoR cells upon short-term Palbo treatment and as PDR develops were determined using reverse-phase protein arrays (RPPA). Transcriptional activity of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor (TF) was measured by luciferase reporter assay. Global AP-1 blockade was achieved using a pINDUCER system to express doxycycline (Dox)-inducible dominant-negative (DN) c-Jun that lacks the transcriptional activation domain. Cell growth and colony formation were assessed using methylene blue staining and clonogenic assays, respectively. Levels of phosphorylated (p)-RB and CDK2 were assessed by Western Blot.

Results: In P and all EndoR cell models, Palbo inhibited cell growth and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner, though the inhibitory effect was greater in the EndoR cells compared to P cells [IC50 value of P cells &gt;3 times that of EndoR lines (p&lt;0.001); clonogenic % inhibition at 100nM = 54 in P and &gt;85 in EndoR lines (p&lt;0.001)]. Across the P and all EndoR models, short-term Palbo treatment resulted in increased levels of several membrane and intracellular signaling molecules, TFs, and enzymes. Among these, the AP-1 TF components c-Jun and p-c-Jun showed the highest increase across all models, with the utmost change observed in the TamR model (Fold-change = 4.4, 4.0 for total and p-c-Jun, respectively). Since we also observed that acquired resistance to Palbo in the TamR model was associated with higher AP-1 transcriptional activity and increased total and p-c-Fos levels, we assessed the efficacy of combining Palbo with AP-1 blockade in the TamR model. In two independent TamR clones ectopically expressing inducible DN-c-Jun, AP-1 blockade (+Dox) in combination with Palbo was highly effective in inhibiting cell growth and reducing p-RB and CDK2 levels compared to single agent treatments. In addition, in both the TamR/DN-c-Jun-expressing clones, the combination of Palbo, AP-1 blockade, and fulvestrant resulted in cell death and a significantly greater cell growth inhibition compared to any dual or mono treatments.

Conclusion: Our results suggest activation of AP-1 as a potential mechanism of resistance to Palbo in ER+ EndoR models. Transcriptomic profiling of the Palbo-sensitive and R cells, currently underway, will provide an in-depth understanding of the role of AP-1 as well as other key targets and associated molecular mechanisms in Palbo resistance.

Citation Format: De Angelis C, Nardone A, Cataldo ML, Veeraraghavan J, Fu X, Giuliano M, Malorni L, Jeselsohn R, Osborne KC, Schiff R. AP-1 as a potential mediator of resistance to the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6-inhibitor palbociclib in ER-positive endocrine-resistant breast cancer [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 P4-03-05.

Enhanced Cardiac S100A1 Expression Improves Recovery from Global Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Gene-targeted therapy with the inotropic Ca2 + -sensor protein S100A1 rescues contractile function in post-ischemic heart failure and is being developed towards clinical trials. Its proven beneficial effect on cardiac metabolism and mitochondrial function suggests a cardioprotective effect of S100A1 in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Fivefold cardiomyocyte-specific S100A1 overexpressing, isolated rat hearts perfused in working mode were subjected to 28 min ischemia (37 °C) followed by 60 min reperfusion. S100A1 overexpressing hearts showed superior hemodynamic recover: Left ventricular pressure recovered to 57 ± 7.3% of baseline compared to 51 ± 4.6% in control (p = 0.025), this effect mirrored in LV work and dP/dt(max). Troponin T and lactate dehydrogenase was decreased in the S100A1 group, as well as FoxO pro-apoptotic transcription factor, indicating less tissue necrosis, whereas phosphocreatine content was higher after reperfusion. This is the first report of a cardioprotective effect of S100A1 overexpression in a global IRI model.

High serum selenium levels are associated with impaired fasting glucose and elevated fasting serum glucose in Linyi, China

BACKGROUND

The relationship between selenium level and impaired fasting glucose or elevated fasting serum glucose remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate these associations in China.

METHODS

This observational population study adopted a cluster sampling approach to enroll participants. Baseline information on selenium categories was tested using one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis equality-of-populations rank tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association between serum selenium level and impaired fasting glucose or elevated fasting serum glucose.

RESULTS

The mean serum selenium concentration was 121.5μg/L which in a relatively high baseline Se status. Differences were observed among individuals with normal, impaired fasting glucose and elevated fasting serum glucose levels in their basic information, physical examination results and laboratory findings. After adjusting for their basic information, physical examination results and laboratory findings, compared with the low-selenium group, the high-selenium groups (124.9-143.9 and above 143.9μg/L) had ORs for elevated fasting serum glucose of 2.31 (1.37-3.90) and 2.67 (1.59-4.48), respectively (both P<0.05). A sex-difference was observed, and a significant association between selenium levels and impaired fasting glucose was observed for males but not for females.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this observational study suggest that relatively high selenium levels might be positively associated with elevated fasting serum glucose and relatively high selenium levels might be positively associated with impaired fasting glucose in men.

Enhanced diabetic wound healing by electrospun core–sheath fibers loaded with dimethyloxalylglycine

DMOG-loaded nanofibrous wound dressings enhanced diabetic wound healing by stabilizing HIF-1α.

[Research Progress of Sudden Cardiac Death in Forensic Medicine]

Sudden death （SD） is a special kind of death owing to disease, which severely threatening the lives of community population. As the most common type of SD, sudden cardiac death （SCD） has always been a crucial content of identification and research in forensic pathology. This article reviews the research progress from the aspects of epidemiology, morphology, molecular pathology and virtual anatomy of SCD in forensic medicine, so as to provide a reference for the morphological identification, determination of cause of death, and integrated control of this kind of SD.

Insights into the epidemic characteristics and evolutionary history of the novel porcine circovirus type 3 in southern China

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is a newly identified circovirus from swine in the USA, China and Poland. This novel circovirus has been associated with porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS), reproductive failure and multisystemic inflammation; moreover, PCV3 poses a potential threat to the swine industry. In this retrospective study, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted to address the epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of this novel circovirus. The total positive sample rate of PCV3 was 26.7% (76/285) and has increased gradually over the past 3 years. Of these PCV3-positive samples, 22.3% (17/76) were coinfected with PCV2. PCV3 can be detected in multiple sample types with different positive rates, and the positive rate is highest among stillborn. We also divide PCV3 into three clades (PCV3a, PCV3b and PCV3c) based on two amino acid mutations (A24V and R27K) on the cap protein in this study. In addition, the origin of PCV3 was approximately 1966 and may have originated from a bat-associated circovirus. Our results suggested that PCV3 is widely distributed in southern China and has been circulating in swine herds for nearly half a century. PCV3 has evolved into different clades caused by mutations in cap proteins; thus, further research on PCV3 epidemiology should be conducted.

Hybrid Simulations of Positively and Negatively Charged Pickup Ions and Cyclotron Wave Generation at Europa

In the vicinity of Europa, Galileo observed bursty Alfvén-cyclotron wave power at the gyrofrequencies of a number of species including K⁺, O 2+, Na⁺, and Cl⁺, indicating the localized pickup of these species. Additional evidence for the presence of chlorine was the occurrence of both left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) polarized transverse wave power near the Cl⁺ gyrofrequency, thought to be due to the pickup of both Cl⁺ and the easily formed chlorine anion, Cl^-. To test this hypothesis, we use one-dimensional hybrid (kinetic ion, massless fluid electron) simulations for both positive and negative pickup ions and self-consistently reproduce the growth of both LH and RH Alfvén-cyclotron waves in agreement with linear theory. We show how the simultaneous generation of LH and RH waves can result in nongyrotropic ion distributions and increased wave amplitudes, and how even trace quantities of negative pickup ions are able to generate an observable RH signal. Through comparing simulated and observed wave amplitudes, we are able to place the first constraints on the densities of Chlorine pickup ions in localized regions at Europa.

Relationship between higher serum selenium level and adverse blood lipid profile

BACKGROUND

As the key component of glutathione peroxidase with unique antioxidant properties, selenium has been considered to play an important part on lipid metabolism. However, the associations of serum selenium concentrations with lipid concentrations and dyslipidemia are still controversial.

METHODS

We analyzed cross-sectional data including serum selenium levels, lipid concentrations and other related indexes of 8198 rural Chinese. Serum selenium was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) of serum were measured with kits.

RESULTS

Overall, mean serum selenium was 120 μg/l. Multivariate liner regression revealed that selenium concentrations were positively correlated with TC (P < 0.001), HDL-c (P < 0.001), TG (P < 0.001) and LDL-c (P < 0.001). Compared with the lowest quintile of serum selenium, participants in quintile 3, 4 and 5 had higher risks of High-TC dyslipidemia (P ≤ 0.02) and High-LDLC dyslipidemia (P < 0.02) after adjusting for covariates. In the stratified analyses, we found that the selenium-dyslipidemia associations were significantly stronger in post-menopausal women (OR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.97, 4.17) and diabetics (OR: 9.40; 95% CI: 3.02, 29.26).

CONCLUSION

Elevated serum selenium levels were correlated with the increased concentrations of TC, LDL-c, HDL-c and TG, and increased the risk of High-TC and High-LDLC dyslipidemia among rural Chinese. However, the real associations between serum selenium and lipid profile should be verified in specifically designed randomized trials in future.