Genomic and exoproteomic diversity in plant biomass degradation approaches among Aspergilli

We classified the genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) in 17 sequenced genomes representing 16 evolutionarily diverse Aspergillus species. We performed a phylogenetic analysis of the encoding enzymes, along with experimentally characterized CAZymes, to assign molecular function to the Aspergilli CAZyme families and subfamilies. Genome content analysis revealed that the numbers of CAZy genes per CAZy family related to plant biomass degradation follow closely the taxonomic distance between the species. On the other hand, growth analysis showed almost no correlation between the number of CAZyme genes and the efficiency in polysaccharide utilization. The exception is A. clavatus where a reduced number of pectinolytic enzymes can be correlated with poor growth on pectin. To gain detailed information on the enzymes used by Aspergilli to breakdown complex biomass, we conducted exoproteome analysis by mass spectrometry. These results showed that Aspergilli produce many different enzymes mixtures in the presence of sugar beet pulp and wheat bran. Despite the diverse enzyme mixtures produced, species of section Nigri, A. aculeatus, A. nidulans and A. terreus, produce mixtures of enzymes with activities that are capable of digesting all the major polysaccharides in the available substrates, suggesting that they are capable of degrading all the polysaccharides present simultaneously. For the other Aspergilli, typically the enzymes produced are targeted to a subset of polysaccharides present, suggesting that they can digest only a subset of polysaccharides at a given time.

Effect of Fructus schisandrae syrup on bronchial asthma mice model

Purpose

To investigate the effect of Fructus schisandrae syrup on bronchial asthma mice model.

Methods

Sixty Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control group, bronchial asthma model group, low-, middle-, and high-dose Fructus schisandrae syrup groups. Bronchial asthma was induced by injection of ovalbumin combined smoking. Two hours after the last administration, the change of lung function were observed, the contents of NO, IL-6 in serum were detected, the morphological changes of lung and bronchial were also observed, so as to explore the effect of Fructus schisandrae syrup on bronchial asthma mice.

Results

Compared with model group, the Schisandrae Fructus syrup groups can significantly increase the tidal volume of mice and decrease the respiratory frequency and the degree of bronchial stenosis (P < 0.01); The Schisandrae Fructus syrup groups can decrease the levels of NO and IL-6 in serum and improve the pathological changes of lung and bronchus in different degrees.

Conclusion

Fructus schisandrae syrup can significantly improve the biochemical indexes and pathological status of mice with bronchial asthma.

Multicentric Evaluation of a New PT Reagent Based on Recombinant Human Tissue Factor and Synthetic Phospholipids

A new PT reagent based on recombinant human tissue factor and synthetic phospholipids (phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl serine) with defined fatty acid side chains was calibrated against BCT/253 and CRM 149R. A small but consistent bias in the International Sensitivity Index (ISI) value was obtained using either the human or rabbit brain reference material. ISI values were around 1.0 or slightly lower depending on the respective instrument. Mixing studies with factor deficient plasmas showed a high factor sensitivity especially for factor VII as compared to commercial rabbit brain or human placenta thromboplastin. In an international field trial the reagent was tested using fully or semi automated Electra™ coagulometers in 4 different laboratories. Results with normal samples were in excellent agreement among the different laboratories. Mean values were 10.9, 10.9, 11.0, 11,7 s with a range of 9.5 to 12.5 s. Results of males and females were not different. In patients with liver disease very similar PT activities were found as compared to sensitive rabbit brain or human placental thromboplastins. In normals and patients with oral anticoagulation INR values correlated very well against BCT (r = 0.98, regression line y =-0.07 + 0.9 x). The distribution of samples was linear over the whole range. In the comparison against sensitive rabbit brain thromboplastin or human placental thromboplastin similar correlations were found. In a few cases higher INR values were observed for the recombinant reagent especially in patients with intensive treatment. Factor assays in those patients showed at least the strong reduction of one vitamin Independent coagulation factor. Over all the linearity was better against the rabbit brain reagent than against the human placental reagent which is slightly less factor VII sensitive as shown in mixing studies with normal and factor VII deficient plasma. Precision studies in the 4 laboratories showed excellent reproducibility of lyophilised controls or local patient plasma pools for all reagents with a better performance of the recombinant reagent. C. V. values from day to day ranged from 1.3% to 5% for normal and abnormal controls.

These results show that the recombinant PT reagent, especially in conjunction with a precise automated instrument, may improve the results of PT testing and thus may lead to better patient care.

Stable actively Q-switched single-frequency fiber laser at 1.5 μm based on self-injecting polarization modulation

A new technique for the realization of a stable Q-switched operation in a single-frequency fiber laser based on self-injecting polarization modulation is demonstrated, for the first time to the best of our knowledge. A piezoelectric fiber stretcher was utilized to introduce periodic stress-induced polarization changes. Then the modulation of polarization state transformed into Q switching by virtue of a designed distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) resonant cavity with polarizations loss anisotropy. Finally, a stable actively Q-switched single-frequency fiber laser at 1.5 μm with Gaussian-shape pulse output was achieved. We experimentally found that, the repetition frequency (several hundred kHz) coincided with the working frequency of the polarization modulation, and the pulse width (several hundred ns) reduced with the increasing of the modulating frequency, the modulating amplitude, as well as the pump power. This stable Q-switched single-frequency fiber laser is promising for applications in optical time-domain reflectometry, coherent Doppler wind radar, and optical coherent detection. More importantly, this novel Q-switched technology may be applicable to other DBR single-frequency fiber lasers.

Fragmentation studies of sartans by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Sartans and related analogues with 5-oxo-l, 2, 4-oxadiazole ring and tetrazole ring are investigated in detail using collision-induced dissociation (CID) method in positive ion mode by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MSⁿ ). It is found that the protonated sartans and related analogues tend to form the N-substituted-3-substituted phenanthridin-6-amine ion which has a large conjugative structure. The possible fragmentation pathways were proposed for the first time, and the key structure of product ions was confirmed by high resolution tandem mass spectrometry and theoretical calculation. It is very helpful for understanding the intriguing roles of sartans analogues in fragmentation reactions and enriching the knowledge of the gas-phase chemistry of the oxadiazole and tetrazole ring. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

How does plate size affect estimated satiation and intake for individuals in normal-weight and overweight groups?

OBJECTIVE

Manipulating plate sizes could possibly introduce perceptual biases for judging food satiation and intake, which is thought to be related to the Delbeouf illusion - a visual illusion based on the perceived size of one object related to another. This study was to investigate whether an association exists between an individual's susceptibility to the plate-size-effect and their weight status (i.e. normal-weight versus overweight).

METHODS

The study assessed the effect of plate size amongst normal-weight (N = 124) and overweight (N = 79) New Zealand Europeans. All participants were asked to rate estimated satiation (ES) and intake (EI) on Visual Analogue Scales for 20 food images, which comprised photographs of ten different dishes placed on large versus small plates. These responses were analysed by mixed-model ANCOVA.

RESULTS

The results showed that the plate size had significant effects on ES (F_{(1, 1986)} = 19.14, p < 0.001) and EI (F_(1,1986) = 5.25; p = 0.048), with the small plate associated with higher ES and lower EI than the large plate. Significant differences in ES and EI were also evident across the weight groups (ES: F_(1,1986) = 4.26, p = 0.039; EI: F_(1,1986) = 42.22, p < 0.001), with the normal-weight group reported higher ES and lower EI than the overweight group. Furthermore, the weight group and the plate-size-effect were found to be involved in a significant interaction for EI. Post-hoc tests showed that the plate size only had a significant effect for the normal-weight group (p < 0.05), but not for the overweight group.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the study demonstrated that the normal-weight and overweight group differed in their susceptibilities to the plate-size-effect (reflected by EI). This study revealed some potential moderators for the plate-size-effect, such as the type of dish, and its associated appeal and familiarity, and provided useful indications about the effectiveness of small plates for food reduction.

An epidemiological survey of echinococcosis in intermediate and definitive hosts in Qinghai Province, China

In order to understand the epidemiological status of alveolar and cystic echinococcosis in intermediate and definitive hosts in Qinghai Province, China, during the period 2007-2011, we investigated the infection in humans and animals, including yaks, Tibetan sheep, Tibetan dogs, and wild foxes distributed in different counties around the province. Sera from local residents were examined using a rapid serodiagnostic kit to detect specific antibodies against Echinococcus. Seropositive samples were confirmed with B-scan ultrasonography and X-ray examinations. Yaks and Tibetan sheep were checked at slaughterhouses, and cysts and suspicious lesions were collected for analysis. A rapid diagnostic strip was used to detect Echinococcus adults in Tibetan dogs. Positive dogs were dewormed and the parasites collected. Wild foxes were trapped and necropsies performed with particular attention to the intestine. Forty-eight of 735 (6.4%) humans tested were positive and 475 of 854 (55.6%) Tibetan sheep and 85 of 352 (24.15%) yaks were infected with Echinococcus. Across different counties, 214 of 948 (22.57%) Tibetan dogs were positive, and five of 36 (13.9%) wild foxes were infected with Echinococcus. Molecular studies showed that all the infections detected in humans, domestic yaks, and Tibetan sheep were the G1 genotype (E. granulosus), whereas the parasites from Tibetan foxes and Tibetan dogs were E. shiquicus and E. multilocularis, respectively. In conclusion, Echinococcosis is hyperendemic in Qinghai Province in both its intermediate and definitive hosts and the G1 genotype of cystic Echinococcus is the dominant strain.

ICSH recommendations for modified and alternate methods measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate

INTRODUCTION

The gold standard for the determination of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is the Westergren method. Other methods to measure the ESR have become available. They range from modest modifications of the Westergren method to very different methodologies. The ICSH therefore established a Working Group to investigate these new approaches and compile recommendations for their validation and verification.

METHODS

A panel of six experts in laboratory hematology examined the peer-reviewed literature and EQA surveys from over 6000 laboratories on four continents performing ESR testing. This information was used to create lists of ESR instrument manufacturers and their methods.

RESULTS

Only 28% of laboratories surveyed used the unmodified Westergren method, while 72% of sites used modified or alternate methods. Results obtained with the new instruments could differ from results obtained with the Westergren method by up to 142%. Different non-Westergren methods showed differences from each other of up to 42%. The new methods were often significantly faster, safer, and less labor-intensive. They reduced costs and often used standard EDTA tubes, eliminating the need for a dedicated ESR tube.

CONCLUSION

Based on the consensus of the Working Group, recommendations for manufacturers for the validation of new ESR methods were developed. In addition, a list of recommendations for laboratories that are moving to modified or alternate methods was compiled, addressing instrument performance verification and communications of results to clinical users.

[Effect of stenting for the proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of stenting for proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis. Methods: A total of 204 proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis patients underwent stent implantation at Fuwai Hospital were enrolled consecutively between August 2007 and June 2014 prospectively. Medical records were collected and the clinical results were obtained through outpatient and telephone follow up. Results: (1) The patients were (64.1±7.9) years old, and 179 were male (87.7%). (2) Stent implantation was performed on 210 proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis lesions with 210 stents (156 on the left, 54 on the right), and 6 patients received both sides stent implantations. Technical success rate was 100%(210/210). The stenosis of the lesions was decreased from (85.1±6.4) % to (6.5±3.2) % after the stent implantation (P<0.01). (3) Three (1.5%) patients experienced transient ischemic attack during the procedure, and two (1.0%) patients suffered from minor posterior circulation ischemic strokes on the 2nd and 10th day after the procedure, respectively. (4)The median follow-up was 1.5 (0.8-2.5) years. Three(1.5%) patients died (two non-vacular deaths, and the other one due to sudden cardiac death). Three (1.5%) patients developed stroke (one case ipsilateral posterior circulation stroke, and two cases unrelated area stroke). Four (2.0%) patients experienced transient ischemic attack. One patient suffered nonfatal myocardial infraction. In-stent restenosis occurred in thirty nine (19.4%) patients, of which fourteen (35.9%) patients were totally occluded and four (10.3%) patients with symptomatic restenosis. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the primary patency rate of the vertebral artery were 85.6%, 78.6%, 72.2% and 64.4% at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Conclusions: Stenting for proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis is safe and feasible, with a good middle to long-term patency rate. However, further trials are required to validate the effective results found in this patients cohort.

Effects of cryopreservation on ultrastructural morphology of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) sperm

BACKGROUND

The structural integrity of a spermatozoon is very important for the processes of fertilization and embryo development.

OBJECTIVE

To provide valuable data for developing better cryopreservation techniques for shrimp sperm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we examined the morphological alteration of Litopenaeus vannamei sperm after cryopreservation with different concentrations of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO).

RESULTS

We found that the damaged post-thaw sperm presented either vesiculated acrosomal contents, wrinkled membranes, perforated membranes, and loss of the acrosomal spike. The seriously damaged sperm showed missing acrosomal spikes, deformed nuclei, burst nuclear membranes, and vacuolated nuclei. In addition, we found that the post-thaw sperm stored with 5% DMSO had the highest viability rate and lowest DNA damage coefficient by eosin-nigrosin staining and comet assay.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that cryopreservation has deleterious effects on ultrastructural morphology of L. vannamei sperm, especially on acrosomal spikes and membranes.

Development of a New Meat Analog Through Twin-Screw Extrusion of Defatted Soy Flour-lean Pork Blend

A pilot scale co-rotating, self-wiping twin-screw extruder was used to produce high-moisture texturised meat analogue products from defatted soy protein and lean pork blend with different combinations of operational variables and feed compositions. The effects of operational variables and feed compositions that include temperature setting in five heating zones of the extruder, screw speed, throughput, moisture content, oil content, and pork percentage upon sensory textual quality were determined. The optimal sensory texture and energy consumption of extrusion cooking of the feed blend were obtained with a die of rectangular slit configuration, barrel temperature setting at 60-100-120-150-110°C, screw speed at 80rpm, 50% moisture content, lean pork content ranging from 30-50%, and the oil content ranging from 12-16% (depending upon the fat content of the pork) for optimal extrudate texture formation and stable operation.

Ecological Dynamics of Campylobacter in Integrated Mixed Crop-Livestock Farms and Its Prevalence and Survival Ability in Post-Harvest Products

This study investigated the ecological distribution of zoonotic bacterial pathogen, Campylobacter, in mixed crop-livestock (MCL) farms compared to conventional farms and their products at pre- and post-harvest levels. A total of 222 Campylobacter isolates were identified. At pre-harvest level, a total of 1287 samples from seven MCL farms, four conventional poultry farms, four organic produce-only and five conventional produce-only farms from Maryland and the DC metropolitan area were analysed from 2012 to 2014. Campylobacter was detected in 11.16% and 3.6% of MCL and conventional farm samples, respectively, but none from produce-only farm samples. Tetracycline resistance was observed in 51.02% of MCL farm isolates but none among conventional farm isolates. For post-harvest analysis, a total of 1281 food products from seven farmers markets, three organic retail supermarkets and three conventional retail supermarkets were collected from the same area. Campylobacter was isolated in 87.5%, 71.43% and 33.33% of whole chicken carcasses in farmers markets, organic and conventional retail supermarkets, respectively. No Campylobacter was detected in post-harvest produce samples due in part to the inability of Campylobacter to survive in absence of sufficient water activity. Overall, this study reveals public health concerns regarding the MCL farm environment and their products that are sold in retail and farmers markets.

Protein tyrosine kinase 6 promotes ERBB2-induced mammary gland tumorigenesis in the mouse

Protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) expression, activation, and amplification of the PTK6 gene have been reported in ERBB2/HER2-positive mammary gland cancers. To explore contributions of PTK6 to mammary gland tumorigenesis promoted by activated ERBB2, we crossed Ptk6^−/− mice with the mouse mammary tumor virus-ERBB2 transgenic mouse line expressing activated ERBB2 and characterized tumor development and progression. ERBB2-induced tumorigenesis was significantly delayed and diminished in mice lacking PTK6. PTK6 expression was induced in the mammary glands of ERBB2 transgenic mice before tumor development and correlated with activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and increased proliferation. Disruption of PTK6 impaired STAT3 activation and proliferation. Phosphorylation of the PTK6 substrates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 1 (BCAR1; p130CAS) was decreased in Ptk6^−/− mammary gland tumors. Reduced numbers of metastases were detected in the lungs of Ptk6^−/− mice expressing activated ERBB2, compared with wild-type ERBB2 transgenic mice. PTK6 activation was detected at the edges of ERBB2-positive tumors. These data support roles for PTK6 in both ERBB2-induced mammary gland tumor initiation and metastasis, and identify STAT3, FAK, and BCAR1 as physiologically relevant PTK6 substrates in breast cancer. Including PTK6 inhibitors as part of a treatment regimen could have distinct benefits in ERBB2/HER2-positive breast cancers.

Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression of Rab5B, Rab6A, and Rab7 from Litopenaeus vannamei (Penaeidae)

The Rab protein family belongs to a superfamily of ras-like GTP-binding proteins. Rab proteins regulate many steps of membrane trafficking. In this study, three Rab family members, Rab5B, Rab6A, and Rab7, designated LvRab5B, LvRab6A, and LvRab7, were cloned from Litopenaeus vannamei. The full-length cDNA sequences of LvRab5B, LvRab6A, and LvRab7 were 1383, 873, and 767 nucleotides in length and they encoded proteins of 211, 212, and 205 amino acids, respectively. Using qRT-PCR, the mRNA expression levels of the three proteins were determined in the hepatopancreas of L. vannamei at different stages after infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus and white spot syndrome virus challenge. The results indicated that the mRNA expression levels of LvRab5B, LvRab6A, and LvRab7 were all significantly up-regulated after virus injection, suggesting that these genes may play essential roles in the immune response to viral infection in shrimp.

Etiology of renal artery stenosis in 2047 patients: a single-center retrospective analysis during a 15-year period in China

Systematic investigation with large sample size of the distribution of etiologies of renal artery stenosis (RAS) is scant in both Western countries and China. We retrospectively analyzed the etiology of RAS in 2047 consecutive inpatients diagnosed with RAS for hypertension at Fuwai Hospital between 1999 and 2014. The number of patients with atherosclerosis was 1668 (81.5%), 259 (12.7%) with Takayasu's arteritis (TA), 86 (4.2%) with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), 34 (1.6%) with other causes. There was an obvious increase with age in the proportion of atherosclerotic RAS (P<0.001). In patients aged ⩽40 years (n=319) the predominant etiology of RAS was TA (60.5%), followed by FMD (24.8%). In patients aged >40 years (n=1728) the major cause of RAS was atherosclerosis (94.7%), followed by TA (3.8%).The proportion of TA and FMD in female patients was significantly higher than that in male patients (P<0.001). In female patients aged ⩽40 years (n=215), the top three etiologies of RAS were TA (68.4%), FMD (27.9%) and atherosclerosis (1.4%). The present analysis showed that atherosclerosis, TA and FMD were sequentially the top three causes of RAS in the National Center of China. Age and gender had a significant effect on the distribution of etiologies of RAS.

Abstract P4-05-06: Elevated frequency of a deleterious deep intronic BRCA2 splice variant in non-Caucasian Americans

Introduction: In 2012, Anczukow et al (Clin Cancer Res 2012;18:4903-9) described a deep intronic BRCA2 variant between exons 12 and 13 that was discovered because a cell line from a patient with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) produced an aberrant mRNA. The variant (c.6937 +594 T&gt;G; rs191253965), which further improved splice site sequence to consensus, was also identified in 8 additional families. Segregation analysis of 13 affected relatives from 6 families revealed that all affected family members had the c.6937 + 594 T&gt;G variant, providing strong evidence that it is deleterious. All resided in France, but ethnicity was not specified. This variant was also seen in 5 individuals in the 1000 genomes project. Since this is a deep intronic variant, standard BRCA2 sequencing tests that determine only a limited number of bases into each intron would not detect it. For these reasons, we included a bait tile for the intron harboring this variant in the design of our hybrid capture-based next generation sequencing (NGS) test for comprehensive BRCA1 and BRCA2 analysis. Here we investigate the frequency of this variant in samples submitted for comprehensive BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing, and assessed carrier frequency in samples submitted for non-BRCA–related genetic testing.

Methods: We reviewed the de-identified results of the first 2300 clinical samples submitted to our reference laboratory for comprehensive BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing to assess the frequency of the c.6937 + 594 T&gt;G variant.

Results: This deep intronic variant was observed in 12 of the initial 2300 patient samples. All 12 individuals were affected with HBOC and were Hispanic. To estimate the population frequencies of this variant in various ethnic groups, we anonymized samples submitted for Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Detection and subjected them to a single-site assay for this variant. In all, 344 patients self-identified as Caucasian, 355 as Hispanic, 140 as African American, and 73 as Asian. The frequency of c.6937 +594 T&gt;G heterozygotes was 0.30% (1 individual) in Caucasians, 1.1% (4) in Hispanics, 0.8% (1) in African Americans, and 1.4% (1) in Asians.

Conclusions: In an initial series of comprehensive BRCA analyses, we discovered that a deep intronic variant known to cause aberrant splicing and to segregate with HBOC is present at elevated frequencies in non-Caucasian Americans. We have already observed this variant in 12 Hispanic HBOC patients. Physicians could consider testing for this variant in women of non-Caucasian ancestry with HBOC who have had negative results on BRCA assays that do not test for c.6937 +594 T&gt;G.

Citation Format: Charles M Strom, S Rivera, M Peng, Wendy Conlon, B Crossley, W Sun. Elevated frequency of a deleterious deep intronic BRCA2 splice variant in non-Caucasian Americans [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-05-06.