Copy number variations of HLA-I and activation of NKp30 pathway determine the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells

Nude mice are important in vivo model for characterization of cell malignancy behavior; however, many cancer cells fail to form tumors in it. Understanding this defective mechanism may provide novel insights into tumorigenesis and how tumor cells escape innate immunity. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on two gastric cancer (GC) cells, BGC823 and AGS, which do and do not form tumors in nude mice, to identify their genomic differences relevant to natural killer (NK) cells. We found that the tumorigenic capacity of human GC cell lines was dependent on the recruitment and activation of NK cells in xenograft tumors. We used whole-genome sequence (WGS) on GC cell lines to identify potential genes controlling susceptibility to NK-mediated killing. The tumorigenic cell line BGC823 expressed high levels of HLA-I because of copy gain and was resistant to NK cell killing. In contrast, another cell line AGS expressing low levels of HLA-I with activated NKp30/MAPK/IL-12 (interleukin-12) or IL-2 (interleukin-2) pathway was susceptible to NK lysis. Treatment of tumor bearing mice with systemic administration of IL-12 in combination with intratumor injection of anti-HLA-I antibody significantly increased NK cell recruitment into xenograft tumors, which became sensitive to NK killing, resulting in reduced tumor progression. In human GC specimens, decreased HLA-I expression and increased NK cells surrounding tumor cells were correlated with decreased metastasis potential and better prognosis of patients. Our results provide a mechanistic basis for GC cells to escape NK lysis and a promising prospect of NK immunotherapy for GC cells.

Comparative proteomic analysis reveals mite (Varroa destructor) resistance-related proteins in Eastern honeybees (Apis cerana)

The mite (Varroa destructor) has become the greatest threat to apiculture worldwide. As the original host of the mite, Apis cerana can effectively resist the mite. An increased understanding of the resistance mechanisms of Eastern honeybees against V. destructor may help researchers to protect other species against these parasites. In this study, the proteomes of 4 Apis cerana colonies were analyzed using an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation technology. We determined the differences in gene and protein expression between susceptible and resistant colonies that were either unchallenged or challenged by V. destructor. The results showed that a total of 1532 proteins were identified. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis suggested that the transcription factors and basic metabolic and respiratory processes were efficient and feasible factors controlling this resistance, and 12 differentially expressed proteins were identified in Venn analysis. The results were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. This study may provide insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying the resistance of honeybee to mites.

Chemical composition of yak colostrum and transient milk

The objective of this study was to assess the changes in the chemical composition of yak colostrum and transient milk. Samples were collected from 12 yaks on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 post-partum (PP). The gross composition, nitrogen fraction distribution, amino acid (AA) profile and fatty acid (FA) profile were analysed. All the components decreased rapidly during the first 3 days except lactose which increased. The ratio of whey protein to casein protein decreased from 46:54 to 17:83 during the first 7 days PP. The content of all the AAs decreased, while the percentages of eight essential AAs in protein of samples increased during the study period. Monounsaturated FAs and polyunsaturated FAs decreased in the first 7 days PP, whereas saturated FAs increased. In conclusion, the changes in chemical composition were remarkable during the first 3 days. The slight variations, happened during the transient period, are not negligible, which also should be taken into account in the development of yak colostrum supplements.

[Acanthamoeba keratitis]

Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy are key elements for a good prognosis in Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). AK should be considered in any case of corneal trauma complicated by exposure to soil or contaminated water, and in all contact lens (CL) wearers. A presumptive diagnosis of AK can be made clinically and with in vivo confocal microscopy, although a definitive diagnosis requires identification of Acanthamoeba on direct scraping, histology, or identification of Acanthamoeba DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We use cysticidal drugs for treating AK because encysted forms are more resistant than trophozoites to treatment. The treatment protocol used a biguanide (PHMB 0.02% or chlorhexidine 0.02%) and a diamidine (propamidine 0.1% or hexamidine 0.1%). New diagnostic modalities and more specific topical anti-amoebic treatments would substantially benefit patients with AK.

Spatial and temporal analysis of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China, 2013

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches

Erdheim-Chester disease in a child

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare systemic non-Langerhans histiocytosis that affects multiple organ systems. It occurs more often in adults, and paediatric ECD is extremely rare. The diagnosis of ECD can be established based on clinical presentations and imaging but the final diagnosis should be based on biopsy. Treatment of ECD has involved the use of corticosteroids, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, yet the efficacy of these treatments is difficult to determine. At present, it is thought that the treatment of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is safe and effective for ECD. Herein, we report on an 11-year old girl who was admitted to hospital because of systemic bone pain and limping, and the final diagnosis of ECD was based on evidence provided by her clinical presentation, imaging and biopsy of a lesion of the right ilium. The patient was treated with subcutaneous IFN-alpha at a dosage of 3 x 10(6) units three times weekly for 19 months. We thought that the treatment of IFN-alpha was safe and effective for the girl's clinical manifestations, and IFN-alpha might be a valuable first-line therapy for paediatric ECD.

Low-temperature THz time domain waveguide spectrometer with butt-coupled emitter and detector crystal

A compact high-resolution THz time-domain waveguide spectrometer that is operated inside a cryostat is demonstrated. A THz photo-Dember emitter and a ZnTe electro-optic detection crystal are directly attached to a parallel copper-plate waveguide. This allows the THz beam to be excited and detected entirely inside the cryostat, obviating the need for THz-transparent windows or external THz mirrors. Since no external bias for the emitter is required, no electric feed-through into the cryostat is necessary. Using asynchronous optical sampling, high resolution THz spectra are obtained in the frequency range from 0.2 to 2.0 THz. The THz emission from the photo-Dember emitter and the absorption spectrum of 1,2-dicyanobenzene film are measured as a function of temperature. An absorption peak around 750 GHz of 1,2-dicyanobenzene displays a blue shift with increasing temperature.

Alleviation of Ferric Chloride-Induced Seizures and Retarded Behaviour in Epileptic Rats by Cortical Electrical Stimulation Treatment

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of low-frequency cortical electrical stimulation (CES) on seizures and behaviour in a rat model of epilepsy induced by ferric chloride (FeCl3). METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned into four groups ( n = 8 per group): normal healthy rats; saline-treated control rats; FeCl3-induced epileptic rats; CES-treated FeCl3-induced epileptic rats. Behavioural tests, analysis of the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein in brain tissue, and ultrastructural studies using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were undertaken. RESULTS: CES significantly decreased the number and grade of seizures, and improved rat behaviour, compared with untreated epileptic rats. CES reduced levels of BDNF protein in the forebrain and increased levels of BDNF protein in the hippocampus compared with untreated epileptic rats. TEM showed less damage and ultrastructural changes in the neurons of CES-treated epileptic rats. CONCLUSIONS: CES inhibited seizures in FeCl3-induced epileptic rats and improved their behaviour. These effects might be mediated by altering BDNF protein levels in the brain.

In vitro rumen fermentation and methane production are influenced by active components of essential oils combined with fumarate

Two trials were conducted to identify the optimal levels of essential oil active components (EOAC) and their combination with fumarate on in vitro rumen fermentation. In trial 1, eugenol, carvacrol, citral and cinnamaldehyde were mixed at ratios of 1:2:3:4, 2:1:4:3, 3:4:1:2, 4:3:2:1 and 1:1:1:1 to make up five combinations (EOAC1, EOAC2, EOAC3, EOAC4 and EOAC5 respectively). The mixtures were supplied at levels of 0, 50, 200 or 500 mg/l to identify the optimal combination for methane reduction. Methane production and ammonia nitrogen were decreased by adding EOAC, irrespective of component compounds, but the production of gas and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were also decreased. Hydrogen balance analysis indicated that the ratio of hydrogen consumed via methane to hydrogen consumed via VFA was lowest at 200 mg/l of EOAC5 treatment, from which the proportional change in methane was more than the change in VFA, with 31.5% of methane reduction and 12.9% of VFA reduction. In trial 2, 200 mg/l of EOAC5 was added with 0, 5, 10 and 15 mm monosodium fumarate to see whether fumarate had a further effect on rumen fermentation. The addition of fumarate had no influence on gas production, but it further decreased methane and increased the total VFA in comparison with EOAC added solely, with the greatest decrease occurring in methane (78.1%) from 10 mm of fumarate. Quantification of the microbial populations in rumen fluids by RT-PCR showed that methanogen, protozoa, fungi, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens populations were significantly decreased by EOAC5, but were not influenced by fumarate. In summary, the addition of EOAC had consistent effects on rumen fermentation parameters, but high levels of EOAC would induce the inhibition of rumen fermentation. Adding fumarate can enhance the methane-inhibiting effect of EOAC, and the decrease was higher than that calculated stoichiometrically.