Multilocus sequence typing for Candida albicans strains from the intestinal tract of patients with cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was applied to investigate the genetic diversity of Candida albicans in the intestinal tract of cirrhosis patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used CHROM agar Candida medium to obtain 105 Candida sp. isolates from fecal samples (276 subjects), including 63 isolates from the cirrhosis group (141 subjects) and 42 isolates from the healthy control group (135 subjects).

RESULTS

Among the 105 Candida strains isolated, 60 strains were identified as Candida albicans. Patients with cirrhosis had significantly higher rates of colonization by Candida sp. (44.68% vs. 31.11%, p < 0.05) and C. albicans (27.66% vs. 15.56%, p < 0.05) relative to healthy controls. In the cirrhosis group, the rate of colonization further increased with disease progression and antibiotic treatment (p < 0.01). Sixty C. albicans isolates were analyzed by MLST. Fifty diploid sequence types (DST) were observed, and 26 new DSTs and 3 novel alleles were found. The majority of isolates were distributed among three clades, clade 8 (31.67%), clade 14 (15.00%) and clade 18 (21.67%). Among 39 strains from the cirrhosis group, 16 strains (41.02%) belonged to clade 8, while only 3 strains (14.29%) from healthy group belonged to clade 8 (p < 0.05). In addition, concatenated sequences of the 7 housekeeping gene fragments were analyzed for all the different DSTs in clade 8 to evaluate the loss of heterozygosity (LOH), which indicates C. albicans microvariation in the gut of cirrhosis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that cirrhosis disease progression and antibiotic treatment is associated with increased colonization by Candida sp. and C. albicans. We are the first to provide MLST-based genotype profiles for C. albicans Guizhou China, and to identify clade 8 as the potential main clade of C. albicans colonization in the gut of cirrhosis patients.

Ocnus is essential for male germ cell development in Drosophila melanogaster

The ocnus (ocn) gene encodes a protein abundant in the testes, implying its role in testis development. When Drosophila melanogaster is infected with the endosymbiont wMel Wolbachia, which affects the spermatogenesis of its hosts, ocn is downregulated in the third-instar larval testes, suggesting a role of ocn in spermatogenesis. In this study, we knocked down ocn in the testes and found that the hatch rates of embryos derived from ocn-knockdown males were significantly decreased, and 84.38% of the testes were much smaller in comparison to controls. Analysis of the smaller testes showed no germ cells but they had an extended hub. Using RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq), we identified 69 genes with at least a twofold change (q-value < 5%) in their expression after ocn knockdown; of these, eight testes-specific and three reproduction-related genes were verified to be significantly downregulated using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Three genes (orientation disruptor, p24-2 and CG13541) were also significantly downregulated in the presence of Wolbachia. Furthermore, 98 genes were not expressed when ocn was knocked down in testes. These results suggest that ocn plays a crucial role in male germ cell development in Drosophila, possibly by regulating the expression of multiple spermatogenesis-related genes. Our data provide important information to help understand the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis.

Optogenetic approaches to vision restoration

Inherited retinal disease (IRD) affects about 1 in 3000 to 1 in 5000 individuals and is now believed to be the most common cause of blindness registration in developed countries. Until recently, the management of such conditions had been exclusively supportive. However, advances in molecular biology and medical engineering have now seen the rise of a variety of approaches to restore vision in patients with IRDs. Optogenetic approaches are primarily aimed at rendering secondary and tertiary neurons of the retina light-sensitive in order to replace degenerate or dysfunctional photoreceptors. Such approaches are attractive because they provide a "causative gene-independent" strategy, which may prove suitable for a variety of patients with IRD. We discuss theoretical and practical considerations in the selection of optogenetic molecules, vectors, surgical approaches and review previous trials of optogenetics for vision restoration. Optogenetic approaches to vision restoration have yielded promising results in pre-clinical trials and a phase I/II clinical trial is currently underway (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02556736). Despite the significant inroads made in recent years, the ideal optogenetic molecule, vector and surgical approach have yet to be established.

[Comparison of effects of oleic acid and palmitic acid on lipid deposition and mTOR / S6K1 / SREBP-1c pathway in HepG2 cells]

Objective: To explore the effects of oleic acid and palmitic acid on lipid deposition and mTOR/S6K1/SREBP-1c pathways in HepG2 cells. Methods: The model of steatosis was established with induction of oleic acid and palmitic acid and was intervened by rapamycin. The changes in lipid droplets were observed after staining the cells with oil Red O. Intracellular triglyceride (TG) contents in cells were measured by TG kit. mTOR, S6K1, and SREBP-1c mRNA expression levels were detected using QRT-PCR. Western blot was used to determine protein expression levels of mTOR, S6K1 and SREBP-1c. Results: Both fatty acids increased lipid droplets in HepG2 cells. Fatty degeneration with elevated TG occurred with significant changes in oleic acid group lipids. Rapamycin alleviated lipid deposition caused by oleic acid and palmitic acid and inhibited their induction of increased expression of mTOR, S6K1, and SREBP-1c. QRT-PCR and Western blot results showed that mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR, S6K1, and SREBP-1c in oleic acid and palmitic acid group were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). The increase was more pronounced in the palmitic acid group (P < 0.05); however, after rapamycin intervention, the expression of mRNA and protein in the three groups were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the change in palmitic acid group was more pronounced (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Oleic acid and palmitic acid can induce lipid deposition in HepG2 cells and increase expression of every component of mTOR/S6K1/SREBP-1c pathway; however, Oleic acid-induced lipid deposition is more pronounced, and the mTOR, S6K1, and SREBP-1c pathway change is more obvious in palmitic acid. Rapamycin has high potent inhibitory effect on palmitic acid-induced lipid deposition. These results specify that lipid synthesis involved in the mTOR/S6K1/SREBP-1c pathways are mainly associated to palmitic acid in HepG2 cells, whereas other signaling pathway may mediate oleic acid-induced lipid synthesis.

Visual preconditioning reduces emergence delirium in children undergoing ophthalmic surgery: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Emergence delirium is a common complication in children, especially in preschool children undergoing ophthalmic surgery. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of visual preconditioning (application of an eyepatch over the eye to be operated for ≥3 h the day before surgery) on emergence delirium after ophthalmic surgery under sevoflurane anaesthesia.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy-nine children undergoing unilateral cataract surgery, aged 3-7 yr, were involved in this prospective, blinded, randomised study. Subjects were randomised to receive visual preconditioning (Group P, n=89) or to receive programmed explanation the day before surgery (Group C, n=90). The primary outcome was incidence of emergence delirium evaluated by the paediatric anaesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scale. The secondary outcomes included emergence time and post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) stay time.

RESULTS

Children in Group P had a significantly lower incidence of emergence delirium than those in Group C [16.9% vs 44.4%, odds ratio (OR) 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0 to 8.0]. The maximal PAED score was lower in Group P than in Group C [4 (0-20) vs 9 (0-20), median difference -3.0, 95% CI -5.0 to -1.0]. Visual preconditioning prolonged emergence time (P<0.001) and PACU stay time (P=0.002).

CONCLUSION

Visual disturbance contributes to emergence delirium in preschool children undergoing ophthalmic surgery with sevoflurane, and prophylactic eyepatch treatment can reduce emergence delirium.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT02590744.

A novel HLA class I allele: HLA-A*11:01:49

The HLA-A*11:01:49 allele differs from A*11:01:01:01 by one synonymous nucleotide substitution at position 837.

The optimal anatomic site for a single slice to estimate the total volume of visceral adipose tissue by using the quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in Chinese population

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between the cross-sectional visceral adipose tissue (VAT) areas at different anatomic sites and the total VAT volume in a healthy Chinese population using quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and to identify the optimal anatomic site for a single slice to estimate the total VAT volume.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A total of 389 healthy Chinese subjects aged 19-63 years underwent lumbar spine QCT scans. The cross-sectional area of total adipose tissue and VAT were measured using the tissue composition module of the software (QCT Pro, Mindways) at each intervertebral disc level from T₁₂/L₁ to L₅/S₁, as well as at the umbilical level. The total VAT volume was defined as the fat areas multiplied by the height of vertebral body for all six slices. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between single-slice VAT areas and the total VAT volume. Moreover, the optimal anatomic site for a single slice to estimate the total VAT volume was identified by multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

The cross-sectional area of VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) measured at each anatomic site was all highly correlated with the total VAT volume and the total SAT volume (r = 0.89-0.98). Additionally, the VAT area measured at the L₂/L₃ level showed the strongest correlation with the total VAT volume (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). Covariates including age, gender, BMI, waist, and hypertension make a slight effect on the prediction of the total VAT volume.

CONCLUSION

It is feasible to perform measurements of VAT area on a single slice at L₂/L₃ level for estimating the total VAT volume.

Reflectance difference microscopy for nanometre thickness microstructure measurements

The discontinuity of medium at the boundary produces optically anisotropic response which makes reflectance difference microscopy (RDM) a potential method for nanometre-thickness microstructure measurements. Here, we present the methodology of RDM for the edge measurement of ultrathin microstructure. The RD signal of microstructure's boundary is mathematically deduced according to boundary condition and polarization optics theory. A normal-incidence RDM setup was built simply with one linear polarizer, one liquid crystal variable retarder and one 5 × objective. Then, the performance of the developed setup was identified using homogenous reflection mirror and high quality linear polarizer. For demonstration, microstructures array with 100 nm step height was measured. The results show that the RD signal is sensitive to the edge and its sign reflects the change direction of the edge. Furthermore, a height sensitivity of better than 10 nm and a spatial resolution of ∼3 μm offer this technique a good candidate for characterizing ultrathin microstructures.

A novel HLA-B allele: HLA-B*40:241

The HLA-B*40:241 allele differs from B*40:01:01 by 1 nucleotide substitution at position 691.

MicroRNA-21 functions as an oncogene and promotes cell proliferation and invasion via TIMP3 in renal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) displays an increasing incidence and mortality rate worldwide in recent years. More and more evidence identified microRNAs function as positive or negative regulatory factors in many cancers, but the role of miR-21 in RCC remains unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Relative expression levels of miR-21 in human RCC tissue samples and RCC-derived cell lines were measured using quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Clinical features were collected to further study the relationship between the miR-21 level and clinicopathologic variables. Loss- and gain- of miR-21 experiments were employed to measure the influence of miR-21 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration. Downstream target gene was confirmed by using luciferase and Western blotting assays.

RESULTS

MiR-21 significantly over-expressed in RCC tissues and cell lines than normal groups. Higher miR-21 expression level indicated larger tumor sizes, more lymph metastasis and advanced tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage. Knocking down miR-21 inhibited the cell growth, invasion and migration abilities but promoted the cell apoptosis, while over-expressing miR-21 promoted cell growth and metastasis. Furthermore, TIMP3 was confirmed as a direct target of moR-21 and inhibition of TIMP3 reserved the effect of down-regulating miR-21 in RCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated miR-21 was significantly over-expressed and functioned as a tumor oncogene via TIMP3 in RCC, which could provide a potential target for RCC diagnosis and therapy.

MicroRNA-645 promotes cell metastasis and proliferation of renal clear cell carcinoma by targeting GK5

OBJECTIVE

To dissect the functioning mode of miR-645 on renal clear cell carcinoma cell metastasis and growth, and provide therapeutic targets for renal clear cell carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was employed to detect miR-645 expression level. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were performed to investigate metastasis capacity of renal clear cell carcinoma cells. Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assay was incorporated to assess cell proliferation capacity. Flow cytometry was used to identify cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. Protein levels were assessed by Western blotting assay. The target gene was predicted and verified by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay.

RESULTS

MiR-645 was upregulated in renal clear cell carcinoma tissues when compared with para-carcinoma tissues (n=32). Downregulated miR-645 could attenuate cell migration and invasion capacities, as well as inhibited cell proliferation capacity, promoted cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. GK5 was chosen as the target gene of miR-645 by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, silence of GK5 could rescue tumor suppression role of downregulated miR-645 on renal clear cell carcinoma metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Knockdown of miR-645 exerted tumor-suppressive effects on renal clear cell carcinoma metastasis and growth via targeting GK5 in vitro, which provided an innovative and candidate target for diagnose and treatment of renal clear cell carcinoma.

Expression levels of PTEN, HIF-1α, and VEGF as prognostic factors in ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Epithelial ovarian cancer is associated with high mortality, mostly because of delayed diagnosis, necessitating the search for novel diagnostic and prognostic markers. Here we evaluated the association between expression levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and ovarian cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expressions of these proteins were assessed by immunohistochemistry in 21 specimens of normal ovary tissues and 76 specimens of ovarian cancer tissues. Associations with pathological characteristics and prognosis were determined using chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox regression model.

RESULTS

Expression of PTEN in ovarian cancer tissue was negatively associated with clinical stage and differentiation degree. A reverse trend was observed in association between expression of HIF-1α and VEGF, and the clinical stage of the disease. PTEN expression negatively correlated with HIF-1α and VEGF expression levels, whereas both latter positively correlated with each other. The overall survival of patients with positive PTEN expression was significantly longer than that of those with negative expression; the opposite trend was observed with HIF-1α and VEGF. The differentiation degree and expressions of HIF-1α and PTEN were dependent predictors, whereas VEGF expression, clinical stage and lymph node metastasization were independent prognostic factors in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

PTEN, HIF-lα, and VEGF were found to be prognostic markers in ovarian cancer, with VEGF also being as an independent prognostic factor. Combined detection of their expression levels may be useful for determination of the degree of malignancy, metastasis, and prognosis of ovarian cancer.

MiR-30 suppresses lung cancer cell 95D epithelial mesenchymal transition and invasion through targeted regulating Snail

OBJECTIVE

As an important factor regulating the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) Snail is associated with lung cancer. Bioinformatics analysis showed that microRNA-30a (miR-30a) may target the 3'-UTR of Snail mRNA. It was exhibited that miR-30a down-regulation was related to tumor size, TNM stage, and poor prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, which suggests that miR-30a might participate in NSCLC attack. This study aims to explore the role of miR-30a and Snail in NSCLC invasion and metastasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

NSCLC tumor and para-carcinoma tissues were collected from 46 patients to evaluate the miR-30a and Snail expressions. The targeted relationship between miR-30a and Snail was verified by using dual-luciferase reporter assay. 95D cells were cultured in vitro and transfected with miR-30a mimic or small interfere RNA targeting Snail (si-Snail). The expression of miR-30a, Snail, EMT-related factors, malignant growth, invasion, and apoptosis, were compared.

RESULTS

Snail was significantly up-regulated, while miR-30a was significantly reduced in NSCLC tissue. MiR-30a suppressed Snail expression by targeting the 3'-URT of Snail mRNA. 95D cells exhibited significantly higher Snail, N-cadherin, and vimentin levels, while lower miR-30a, E-cadherin, and occludin expressions were compared with 95C cells. 95D cells presented stronger malignant growth and invasive ability, whereas lower background apoptosis than 95C. MiR-30a mimic and/or si-Snail transfection significantly enhanced E-cadherin and occludin expression, while significantly declined N-cadherin and vimentin levels, thus weakening malignant growth and invasion and increasing cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Snail up-regulated, while miR-30a declined in NSCLC tissue. MiR-30a may suppress Snail expression, restrain EMT, and inhibit lung cancer cell invasion.

Study on the proliferation of human gastric cancer cell AGS by activation of EGFR in H2O2

OBJECTIVE

This study is to investigate the effect of low concentration hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the proliferation of gastric cancer AGS cell line in vitro and the mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AGS cells were treated with different low concentrations of H2O2 (1, 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 μm) for 48 hours. The effect of H2O2 concentration gradient on the activity of AGS cell activities was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. The expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream signaling pathway extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein in H2O2 was detected by Western blot method; moreover, the effect of H2O2 on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AGS cells was observed under the fluorescence microscope and quantitative analysis by flow cytometry. The effect of H2O2 on the level of c-myc mRNA in AGS cells was also detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

MTT detection results showed that 1 μm and 0.1 μm H2O2 at 48h can effectively promote the proliferation of AGS cells (p<0.05). The Western blot results showed that after 48 hours of low concentration of H2O2 treatment of AGS cells, the EGFR protein levels and ERK protein phosphorylation levels increased significantly (p<0.05). Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry showed that the low concentration of H2O2 increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). RT-PCR results showed the levels of c-myc mRNA in AGS cells treated with a low concentration of H2O2 were significantly increased (p<0.05) and EGFR blocking agent AG1478 can resist the above effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Low concentration of H2O2 can significantly promote the proliferation of AGS cells by activating EGFR/ERK signaling pathway.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of coumarin using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy coupled with intelligent multivariate analysis

Coumarin is harmful to health but still used in cosmetics, tobacco, or illegally added into food as a spice in trace amounts so that it is exceedingly difficult to be determined accurately.

Beneficial effects of protein hydrolysates in exercise and sports nutrition

Protein hydrolysates (PH) are rich sources of proteins that supply the need of exercising muscles. PHs are enriched in di- and tripeptides and are better than free amino acids or intact proteins when muscle anabolic effect is considered. Digestion, absorption and muscle uptake of amino acids are faster and more efficient when PH is ingested in comparison to the respective intact protein. PHs not only enhance endurance in high intensity exercise regimen, but also help in faster post-exercise recovery of muscle by promoting glycogen synthesis, although the latter effect requires more convincing evidence. PHs have been shown to exhibit insulinotrophic effect as it enhances the secretion of insulin and the hormone, in turn, exerts muscle anabolic effect.

[Relationship between metastatic lymph node and prognosis of esophageal cancer patients treated with following radical esophagectomy]

Objective: To investigate the number of metastatic lymph nodes (pN) and the metastatic lymph node ratio (LNR) on the post-surgical prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer (EC). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 573 inpatients diagnosed as esophageal carcinomas from March 2008 to June 2012 was carried out.All pathologic specimen were reviewed by pathologists from Henan Tumor Hospital.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates, and survival curves were compared with the Log-rank test.The Cox model was employed for multivariate analyses of factors.The association of pN and LNR with prognosis of esophageal cancer was examined by the area under the ROC curve(AUC). Results: The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 72.5%, 46.1% and 32.3%, respectively.Univariate analysis showed that tumor location(P=0.020), tumor length(P=0.009), pT stage(P=0.011), pN stage(P<0.01), and the LNR(P<0.01) were prognostic factors for OS.Multivariate analysis indicated that pT stage(P=0.047), pN stage(P=0.018) and LNR(P=0.011) were significant and independent risk factors for poor OS.ROC analysis indicated that LNR (AUC=0.680) had better predictive value than pN (AUC=0.579). Conclusion: The integrated use of LNR and pN may be suitable for evaluation of prognosis in patients with EC and positive nodal metastasis after curative resection.