Measurement of the Electron Antineutrino Oscillation with 1958 Days of Operation at Daya Bay

We report a measurement of electron antineutrino oscillation from the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment with nearly 4 million reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} inverse β decay candidates observed over 1958 days of data collection. The installation of a flash analog-to-digital converter readout system and a special calibration campaign using different source enclosures reduce uncertainties in the absolute energy calibration to less than 0.5% for visible energies larger than 2 MeV. The uncertainty in the cosmogenic ^{9}Li and ^{8}He background is reduced from 45% to 30% in the near detectors. A detailed investigation of the spent nuclear fuel history improves its uncertainty from 100% to 30%. Analysis of the relative ν[over ¯]_{e} rates and energy spectra among detectors yields sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.0856±0.0029 and Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.471_{-0.070}^{+0.068})×10^{-3}  eV^{2} assuming the normal hierarchy, and Δm_{32}^{2}=-(2.575_{-0.070}^{+0.068})×10^{-3}  eV^{2} assuming the inverted hierarchy.

Diagnostic ability of ganglion cell complex thickness to detect glaucoma in high myopia eyes by Fourier domain optical coherence tomography

AIM

To evaluate the ability of macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness using Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) to detect glaucoma in highly myopic eyes.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. A total of 114 participants, consecutively were enrolled. Macular GCC thickness and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were obtained with RTVue FD-OCT. Receiver operating characteristics curves were constructed for each measurement parameter, and areas under the curves (AUCs) were compared.

RESULTS

Both the average GCC and average RNFL thickness showed negative correlations with axial length (r_GCC=-0.404, P=0.001; r_RNFL=-0.561, P<0.001). The largest AUCs from GCC, and RNFL parameters were 0.968 [global loss volume (GLV)], and 0.855 (average RNFL), respectively. GLV was significantly better for detecting high myopic glaucoma than average RNFL (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Macular GCC thickness has higher diagnostic power than peripapillary RNFL thickness to discriminate glaucoma patients from non-glaucoma subjects in high myopia.

MoSe2 nanosheet/MoO2 nanobelt/carbon nanotube membrane as flexible and multifunctional electrodes for full water splitting in acidic electrolyte

Acid-stable and efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts have been widely reported. However, achieving full water splitting catalysis in acidic electrolytes is still an urgent task due to the lack of efficient, abundant and acid-stable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. This rationally designed MoSe2 nanosheet/MoO2 nanobelt/carbon nanotube membrane (MoSe2 NS/MoO2 NB/CNT-M) is composed of highly conductive CNTs and hierarchical MoSe2 nanosheets on MoO2 nanobelts, and due to its flexible three-dimensional (3D) electrodes, possesses an open architecture for rapid ion/electron diffusion, maximising the exposure of its active sites. The MoSe2 NS/MoO2 NB/CNT-M achieved remarkable electrocatalytic performance for the HER, providing a geometrical current density of 1 mA cm-2 at an onset potential of -23 mV vs. RHE, a small Tafel slope (69.4 mV dec-1) and excellent long-cycle stability in 0.5 M H2SO4. More importantly, the obtained multifunctional electrodes delivered excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the OER under acidic conditions, with a very small onset potential (≈+1.43 V vs. RHE) and enhanced long-cycle durability. The two-electrode electrolyzer, composed of a MoSe2 NS/MoO2 NB/CNT-M both as an anode and a cathode, required a small voltage of 1.63 V to achieve 10 mA cm-2 and improved electrocatalytic durability, which was better than that of an electrolyzer composed of RuO2//20 wt% Pt/C. This work highlights the potential for active and abundant non-precious catalysts for full water splitting in acidic electrolytes.

[Effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms of RS1826690 located in UGT2B4 gene on the pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients]

Objective: To evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of RS1826690 located in UGT2B4 gene and pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Methods: A total of 146 breast cancer patients were enrolled to detect the SNPs of RS1826690 by sequenom. The relationship between SNPs of RS1826690 and pCR, predictors of pCR were analyzed by univariate or multivariate analysis. Results: The frequency of CC, CT and TT genetype of RS1826690 was 20.6%, 39.7% and 39.7%, respectively. Of the 171 patients, pCR was achieved in 39 cases (26.7%), with CC allele in 14 cases, CT allele in 7 cases and TT allele in 18 cases, and statistically significant difference was observed (χ(2)=16.684, P=0.003). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that SNPs of RS1826690 was an independent predictor of pCR (95% CI: 2.311-28.810, P=0.001) . SNPs of RS1826690 was statistically associated with estrogen receptor (ER) status (χ(2)=7.872, P=0.020). Conclusion: SNPs of RS1826690 was associated with pCR, and breast cancer patients with CC allele were more likely to achieve pCR.

[Status on sexual partners among men who have sex with men among college students in Qingdao, 2016]

Objective: To investigate the situation of sexual partners and related factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in college students. Methods: Snowball sampling and Convenience sampling were both used to recruit MSM from colleges in Tsingtao in 2016. Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted to collect data of socio-demographic and situation of sexual partners. Sample Size was estimated based on cross-sectional study, and theoretical 267. SPSS 17.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 300 MSM, average aged 20.7, were analyzed. Both first sex partner and the last same-sex sexual partner were met instantly, with proportions as 58.7% (176/300) and 62.3% (187/300) respectively. Among all the MSM, 88.3% (265/300) preferred selecting men as sex partners and 42.7% (128/300) enjoyed finding sex partners in college, while 86.0% (258/300) preferred finding their sex partners through internet. Conclusions: Internet had been the major way of looking for sex partner among MSM in college students, the male sexual partner were met instantly. We should focus on men who have sex with men and their sexual health among college students to prevent and control HIV/AIDS.

A meta-analysis: Evaluation of safety and efficacy of the epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy versus platinum-based doublets chemotherapy in East Asia

OBJECTIVE

Several clinical trials have shown that advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients can benefit from treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) monotherapy than receiving platinum-based doublets chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC; the objective of this study was to evaluate whether patients could be treated with EGFR-TKI for advanced NSCLC in the first-line setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted on the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register Databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science databases, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database without exclusion of material published in any language. We performed a meta-analysis of five randomized studies that compared EGFR-TKI with platinum-based doublets chemotherapy for the patients of advanced NSCLC in the first-line setting. The primary end-point was the progression-free survival (PFS) of each treatment arm. The secondary end-points were overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), adverse effects, and quality of life (qol).

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials totaling 2080 patients were included in the review. Meta-analysis results are as follows: There were statistically significant differences in overall PFS (hazard ratio [HR] =0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.27, 0.83], P = 0.009) and the PFS of the EGFR-M + subgroup (HR = 0.29; 95% CI: [0.17-0.51], P < 0.0001). Compared with patients receiving the platinum-based doublets chemotherapy group, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to overall OS (HR = 0.92; 95% CI: [0.80-1.06], P = 0.25).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the platinum-based doublets chemotherapy, EGFR-TKI significantly prolonged PFS, increased ORR, improved qol, not significantly increased the nonhematologic toxicity and at the same time decreased the nonhematologic toxicity but not significantly increased the transaminase toxicity for advanced NSCLC patients in East Asia. Although there is convincing evidence to confirm the results mentioned herein, they still need to be confirmed by large-sample trials.

[A preliminary study on macular retinal and choroidal thickness and blood flow change after posterior scleral reinforcement by optical coherence tomography angiography]

Objective: To investigate macular retinal and choroidal thickness and blood flow change using optical coherence tomography angiography after posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) surgery. Methods: Prospective study. Twenty eyes of 10 patients with high myopia were enrolled in this open-label, single-treatment group and prospective study. Radial lines and Angio retina (3 mm×3 mm) module were performed for 20 eyes using Angio-vue optical coherence tomography (Avanti, Optovue) without pupil dilation, and best corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent and axial length were compared before and 60 days after surgery. Retinal and choroidal thickness was measured in the fovea, 1 mm superior, 1 mm inferior, 1 mm nasal and 1 mm temporal to the fovea. Flow area, flow density and flow index were recorded using self-provided software in the superficial retina layer, deep retina layer, outer retina layer and choroid capillary layer, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0. Data that followed normal distribution were compared with paired two-sample t-test, while others were compared with Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Of the patients participating in this preliminary study, the mean age was (35.5±4.2) years, and 50% were female. No significant difference was found between before and 60 days after PSR surgery in best corrected visual acuity (t=0.99, P=0.33), spherical equivalent (t=-1.89, P=0.07) and axial length (t=0.2, P=0.08). The retinal thickness in the fovea was thinner (Z=-2.58, P=0.01), while there was no significant difference in the 1 mm superior (t=0.44, P=0.67) , 1 mm inferior (t=0.05, P=0.96) , 1 mm nasal (Z=0.87, P=0.64) and 1 mm temporal (Z=-0.78, P=0.99) to the fovea. No significant difference was found in choroidal thickness (t=-0.12, P=0.87; t=-0.25, P=0.81. t=0.53, P=0.61; t=-0.91, P=0.38. t=1.2, P=0.25) before and after surgery. The postoperative flow density in the superficial and deep retinal layers (48.18±4.56% and 31.47±5.11%) was significantly increased (t=2.66, P=0.02; t=3.16, P=0.01) compared with pre-operation (33.82±4.33% and 14.29±3.89%). The postoperative flow index in the superficial and deep retina layers (0.044±0.005 and 0.025±0.005) was significantly increased (t=2.59, P=0.02. t=2.95, P=0.01) compared with pre-operation (0.028±0.004 and 0.010±0.003). The other flow measurements showed no significant difference. Conclusion: Retinal thickness decreased, and flow density and index increased in the superficial and deep retinal layers after PSR surgery. This suggested blood flow improvement in the macular region after PSR surgery in high myopic eyes. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53:39-45).

[Study on the relationship between frequencies of prenatal care and neonatal low birth weight in women of childbearing age from rural areas of Shaanxi province]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between frequencies of prenatal care and neonatal low birth weight (LBW) among women of childbearing age from the rural areas of Shaanxi province. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among the childbearing-aged women from the rural areas. Samples were selected through multi stage stratified random sampling method. The childbearing aged women were in pregnancy or having had definite outcomes of pregnancy. Measurement of data was described by median±standard deviation, and chi square test was used to compare the rates. Neonatal low birth weight and frequencies of prenatal care were dependent variables and independent variables grouped into the generalized Poisson regression model. Confounding factors were under control. Results: The overall incidence rate of LBW was 3.75% among 18 911 rural women of childbearing age during 2010-2013. Frequencies on pregnancy care were up to 15 times (0.70%), with a minimum of 0 (0.70%), an average of 5.65±2.74 times (including ≥10 times accounted for 12.37%; ≥7 times accounted for 28.52%; ≥5 times accounted for 62.80% and <4 times accounted for 21.49%). After controlling confounding factors, results from the generalized Poisson regression analysis revealed that the difference was statistically significant when compared to the reference group. The incidence of neonatal LBW in the <4 group was 1.61 times of the one in the >7 group (OR=1.61, 95%CI:1.31-2.00) while in the <4 group it was 1.23 times of the 4-7 group (OR=1.23, 95% CI:1.04-1.45). Conclusion: In the rural areas of Shaanxi province, the incidence of neonatal LBW was gradually reduced through the increasing number of frequencies on prenatal care, among women of childbearing age.

[Clinicopathologic characteristics of head and neck carcinoma showing thymus-like element]

Objective: To investigate clinicopathological features of carcinoma showing thymus-like elements (CASTLE) in the head and neck regions. Methods: Clinicopathological data of 7 patients with CASTLE in the head and neck regions were retrospectively reviewed.Immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization for EBER were performed. BRAF(V600E) mutation was examined by ARMS method in 6 cases. Results: There were 5 females and 2 males with age between 49 and 78 years (average of 65.6 years). All tumors were solitary nodular lesions with an infiltrative border, including 6 intrathyroid tumors and 1 extrathyroid tumor in the laryngeal pharynx.The tumors were 1.7-4.1 cm in diameter (average of 3.0 cm). Four cases demonstrated lymph node metastasis.All patients were alive without metastasis during follow-up, except one consultation case (with FNA sample) developed recurrence at the primary site. The cases showed different immunoreaction to CD5, diffuse immunoreaction with p63, CK5/6 and CD117, but negative staining for TTF1, TG and calcitonin. One case showed positive immunoreaction with Synin less than 30% tumor cells. The Ki-67 labeling index was between 3% and 90%. No BRAF(V600E) mutation and EB virus infection were detected. Conclusions: Extrathyroid CASTLE involving laryngeal pharynx shows the similar morphological and immunohistochemical features with intrathyroid CASTLE.Immunohistochemical markers of CD5 and CD117 are helpful in the diagnosis. Ki-67 labeling index can be high in CASTLE, especially in lymphoepithelioma type. CD5-negative CASTLE may have neuroendocrine differentiation. BRAF(V600E) mutation and EB virus may not be involved in the carcinogenesis of CASTLE.

Therapeutic Restoration of Endothelial Glycocalyx in Sepsis

Endothelial glycocalyx (EG) is disintegrated during sepsis. We have previously shown that this occurs very early in the course of sepsis and its prevention improves the survival of mice with sepsis. Here, we sought to investigate the possibility of pharmacologically accelerating the restoration of disintegrated EG in sepsis. We used a soilage injection model to induce polymicrobial sepsis in C57/BL6 mice and measured total body EG. En face aortic preparations were used for staining of markers of EG and atomic force microscopy was used to measure EG in vitro. In vitro studies were conducted in cultured endothelial cells either exposed to a lipopolysaccharide or enzymatically denuded of EG. Sulodexide (SDX), a heparin sulfate-like compound resistant to degradation by heparanase, accelerated EG regeneration in vitro and in vivo. The total volume of EG was drastically reduced in septic mice. Administration of SDX produced a dramatic acceleration of EG restoration. This effect, unrelated to any SDX-induced differences in microbial burden, was associated with better control of vascular permeability. Notably, SDX demonstrated not only a remarkable capacity for EG regeneration in vitro and in vivo but was also associated with improved animal survival, even when instituted 2 hours after induction of severe sepsis. In conclusion, 1) EG is disintegrated in sepsis, the event which contributes to high animal mortality; 2) pharmacologic acceleration of EG restoration can be achieved using SDX; and 3) SDX reduces vascular permeability, which is elevated in septic mice, and improves animal survival.

Comparison of cellular responses to Xanthomonas perforans infection between resistant and susceptible tomato accessions

Bacterial spot of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) caused by several Xanthomonas species is one of the most destructive diseases. Genes regulating the hypersensitive resistance and field resistance to X. perforans race T3 have been intensively investigated over the last decade. However, a comparative analysis of cellular responses to the pathogen in susceptible and resistant hosts has not been completed, which prevents the detailed understanding of the interactions between the pathogen and tomato plants. In this study, the characteristics of lesions, stomata, and pathogen colonization in hypersensitive response (HR) PI 128216, field-resistant PI 114490, and susceptible OH 88119 tomato plants after inoculation with green fluorescent protein-labeled X. perforans race T3 bacteria were investigated. Significant differences in developmental processes and the micromorphology of spot lesions among three tomato lines were observed. Our results suggested that the faster lesion development in OH 88119 plants compared with that of the other two lines was associated with a greater increase in the stomatal apertures over a longer period following bacterial inoculation. The depth of bacterial colonization and pathogen density inside infected leaves in OH 88119 were also significantly different from that of resistant tomato plants. Determination of the ultrastructural responses to X. perforans among three tomato lines revealed that cell wall defense response was the main difference between resistant and susceptible tomato lines. These results may provide fundamental information for understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating tomato responses to X. perforans race T3.

[Surveillance on the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease during the outbreaks in three cities of Jiangsu province, 2012-2015]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological and etiological characteristics through monitoring the outbreaks of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD), in three cities of Jiangsu province from 2012 to 2015 and to provide evidence for prevention and control of the disease. Methods: Data related to cases of HFMD during the outbreaks was collected through active surveillance programs in three cities of Jiangsu province, under the guidelines of clusters and outbreaks of HFMD (2012 edition HFMD). Features related to clusters and outbreaks of the disease were identified according to the real-time RT-PCR detection. Descriptive analysis was conducted to understand the type/subtype of HFMD virus and time, area, place and extent of the outbreaks. Logistic regression was used to explore the influencing factors. Results: From 2012 to 2015, a total of 1 425 HFMD epidemics, including 1 314 clusters and 111 outbreaks were reported. Two incidence peaks were observed each year, between March and June, as well as between September and December, accounting for 58.18% (829/1 425), 33.68% (480/1 425), respectively. Most HFMD clusters and outbreaks were reported in Wuxi city, accounting for 59.30% (845/1 425) of the total. Most HFMD clusters and outbreaks happened in kindergartens, accounting for 68.63% (978/1 425) of the total. A total of 931 HFMD clusters and outbreaks were confirmed under laboratory findings. The main pathogens were Entervirus type 71 (EV71) in 2013 and Coxsackie A16 (Cox A16) in 2015, respectively, while both EV71 and Cox A16 were predominant in 2012 and 2014. With multivariate backward conditional regression, surrounding environment was identified as important risk factor associated with the attack rate. Health condition of the environment was quite good, with low attack rates (middle vs. bad: OR=0.150, 95% CI: 0.034-0.667; good vs. bad: OR=0.072, 95%CI: 0.016-0.317). Time between the onset of index patient and the reporting of HFMD clusters or outbreaks was important in the control program of HFMD epidemics (4-7 d vs. 1-3 d: OR=3.452, 95%CI: 2.293-5.198; 8 d vs. 1-3 d: OR=12.108, 95%CI: 7.767-18.763). Conclusions: The clusters and outbreaks of HFMD happened in Jiangsu province showed an obvious feature of seasonality. The predominant types or subtypes of the virus varied in different years. Kindergartens were the hard-hit places of HFMD clusters and outbreaks. Timely report of the disease appeared the key point regarding the control of HFMD clusters and outbreaks.

[Association between genetic polymorphisms of HIF-2α gene and high altitude pulmonary hypertension in Han population]

Objective: To test the hypothesis that the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HIF-2α gene were associated with the susceptibility of high altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) in Han population in China. Methods: Those Han population who emigrated to plateau (average altitude 3 300 m) and have been lived here for more than 20 years were included as the research subjects, the method of cluster random sampling was used to enroll 49 HAPH patients as the case group (HAPH group) and 39 free of HAPH people as the control group. The Sanger chain termination method was used to detect the SNPs of rs1562453, rs1867785, rs4953361, rs7598371 and rs11125068 in HIF-2α gene. Results: The genotype and frequencies of rs1562453 were CC (49.0%), CT (46.9%) and TT (4.1%) in the HAPH group, and the locus's genotype and frequencies were CC (76.9%), CT (17.9%) and TT (5.1%) in the control group. The alleles and frequencies of rs1562453 were C (72.4%) and T (27.6%) in the HAPH group, and the locus's alleles and frequencies were C (85.9%) and T (14.1%) in the control group. Their genotypes and alleles frequencies were of significant difference between the two groups (genotypes P=0.017; allele P=0.031). Meanwhile, The genotype and frequencies of rs1867785 were AA (46.9%), AG (46.9%) and GG (6.1%) in the HAPH group, and the locus's genotype and frequencies were AA (74.4%), AG (25.6%) and GG (0.0%) in the control group. The alleles and frequencies of rs1867785 were A (70.4%) and G (29.6%) in the HAPH group, and the locus's alleles and frequencies were A (87.2%) and G (12.8%) in the control group. Their genotypes and alleles frequencies were of significant difference between the two groups (genotypes P=0.020; allele P=0.008). Genotypes frequencies of the rs1562453 and rs1867785 were analyzed by Logistic Regression which showed that the genotypes frequencies of rs1562453 were also of significant difference between two groups (Wald=9.561, P=0.008), CT vs CC (β=1.720, OR=5.580, P=0.011). Conclusion: The SNPs of rs1562453 in HIF-2α gene may be associated with the development of HAPH among Chinese Han population, and individuals with the genotype CT may be more vulnerable to HAPH than those who carry genotype CC, and allele T may be a risk factor for HAPH.

Comparison of the expression of human equilibrative nucleotide transporter 1 (hENT1) and ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 (RRM1) genes in seven non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines

We investigated the variability in the expression of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) and ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 (RRM1) in non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines. hENT1 and RRM1 mRNA expression levels in natural killer (NK) cells and seven non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines (YTS, SNK-6, Jeko-1, ly-1, Raji, Karpas, and Jurket) were studied using reverse-transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the results were compared using the Student t-test. mRNA expression of hENT1 was detectable in YTS, SNK-6, Jeko-1, ly-1, Raji, Karpas, Jurket, and NK cells, which revealed variability in gene expression. There were significant differences in the mRNA expression values of hENT1 (P = 0.021) and RRM1 (P = 0.002) compared to those in NK cells. mRNA expression of both hENT1 and RRM1 was closely associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell proliferation. Differential expression analysis of hENT1 and RRM1 in non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines may provide novel drug leads for precision medicine.

Adult diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures: A clinical and biomechanical comparison of four different fixations

BACKGROUND

Although there have been a small number of studies reporting single bone fixation of either radius or ulna as well as hybrid fixation, the paucity of data for the hybrid fixation method still remains.

HYPOTHESIS

Hybrid fixation with plate and IM nailing would achieve good fixation and functional outcome, minimal damage to soft tissues and lower re-fracture risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty cadavers (20 males, 20 females; mean age 68.06, SD 1.58years) were selected in biomechanical study under axial loading, bending loading, and torsional loading. Eighty-seven patients (47 males, 40 females; mean age 38.03±0.88years) were enrolled in the clinical study and randomly received different fixation: both-bone plate fixation or both-bone intramedullary nailing, plate fixation of ulna and intramedullary nailing of radius and intramedullary nailing of ulna and plate fixation of radius.

RESULTS

In the biomechanical study, intramedullary nailing of ulna and plate fixation of radius had similar results with that using both-bone plate method under axial, bending and torsional loading (All P>0.05), suggesting the more stable fixation compared with the other two groups (All P<0.05). In clinical research, both-bone intramedullary nailing was related to shortest operative time, smallest wound size and periosteal stripping area compared with other three groups (P<0.05). Patients receiving intramedullary nailing of ulna and plate fixation of radius showed the lowest incidence of postoperative complications and the best functional recovery outcome comparing with other three groups of patients (Both P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The hybrid fixation method of intramedullary nailing of ulna and plate fixation of radius showed good stability in biomechanics, fewer complications and better functional clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prospective randomised study.

Association between MTHFR 677C/T and 1298A/C gene polymorphisms and breast cancer risk

We performed a case-control study to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene (677C/T and 1298A/C) and risk of breast cancer. This case-control study included 216 breast cancer cases and 216 controls. The MTHFR 677C/T and 1298A/C gene polymorphisms were assessed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. We observed an increased likelihood of breast cancer patients having a higher age at menarche and first live birth, and a greater family history of breast cancer, especially among first-degree relatives. In addition, individuals with the TT genotype of MTHFR 677C/T were associated with increased risk of breast cancer by logistic regression analysis; the adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) was 3.05 (1.17-8.87). In conclusion, the results of our study indicated that the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism could play a role in the development of breast cancer.

Expression of mTOR and its inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells

The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of mTOR in breast cancer and observe the effect of CCI-779 on proliferation and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of mTOR protein in breast cancer tissues and MDA-MB-231 cells. MTT assay was used to assess the effect of CCI-779 on proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. Annex-inV-FITC/ PI assay was utilized to evaluate the effect of CCI-779 on apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells. Among the 71 cases of breast cancer tissues, 54.9% were mTOR-positive that exhibited significantly higher expression than the 32 cases of normal tissues (21.9%); mTOR protein was also found to be expressed in MDA-MB-231 cells. The mTOR inhibitor CCI-779 significantly inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells that was dose- and time-dependent. However, CCI-779 was unable to induce apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells as demonstrated with AnnexinV-FITC/PI assay. mTOR plays a key role in the initiation and development of breast cancer, and its inhibitor CCI-779 exerts a strong suppressive activity against MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting its therapeutic potential to treat breast cancer.

Highly specific detection of genetic modification events using an enzyme-linked probe hybridization chip

The enzyme-linked probe hybridization chip utilizes a method based on ligase-hybridizing probe chip technology, with the principle of using thio-primers for protection against enzyme digestion, and using lambda DNA exonuclease to cut multiple PCR products obtained from the sample being tested into single-strand chains for hybridization. The 5'-end amino-labeled probe was fixed onto the aldehyde chip, and hybridized with the single-stranded PCR product, followed by addition of a fluorescent-modified probe that was then enzymatically linked with the adjacent, substrate-bound probe in order to achieve highly specific, parallel, and high-throughput detection. Specificity and sensitivity testing demonstrated that enzyme-linked probe hybridization technology could be applied to the specific detection of eight genetic modification events at the same time, with a sensitivity reaching 0.1% and the achievement of accurate, efficient, and stable results.

Lutein alleviates arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice via Nrf2 signaling

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms involved in the action of lutein (LU) alleviating arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity using mice model. Forty male Kunming mice were received following treatments by gavage: normal saline solution (control), arsenic trioxide (ATO; 5 mg/kg/day), LU (40 mg/kg/day), and ATO + LU (5 mg/kg/day + 40 mg/kg/day). At the end, the mice were killed by cervical dislocation and weighed. Pathological examination was done on the testis. The biomedical parameters including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidative capability, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and reproductive indexes were analyzed. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), glutathione S-transferase (GST), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate dehydrogenase, quinone 1 (NQO1) in testis were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. We found that there was a decrease in sperm count; testis somatic index; the activities of SOD, GSH, total antioxidative capacity ( p < 0.01, respectively) in ATO-treated mice, while there was an increase in the levels of sperm abnormalities, MDA, and 8-OHdG than control ( p < 0.01, respectively). The groups treated with ATO + LU showed recovery of the measured parameters between those of ATO or saline-treated group. The antagonized interaction between ATO and LU was statistically significant ( p < 0.01). Mice treated with ATO + LU also showed greater mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and GST than ATO or saline-treated groups. These findings suggest that LU alleviates reproductive toxicity induced by arsenic in male mice via Nrf2 signaling, which implicates a possible mechanism of LU in preventing the reproductive injury, and elucidates that consuming the rich plant sources of LU will alleviate the reproductive toxicity induced by chemicals.

Boswellic acid attenuates asthma phenotype by downregulation of GATA3 via nhibition of PSTAT6

To study the role of boswellic acid in reducing asthma phenotype severity and the relationship between the expression of pSTAT6 and GATA3, thirty-six mice were randomly divided into normal control group, asthma group, and boswellic acid group (treatment group). The asthma model was established through an intraperitoneal injection of sensitization liquid (0.15 mL aluminum hydroxide gel at 88.67 mg/mL and 0.05 mg ovalbumin). pSTAT6 and GATA3 expression levels in peripheral blood were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. pSTAT6 and GATA3 gene expressions in the asthmatic group were significantly higher than in the normal control group; they were markedly lower in the treatment group than the asthma group, and there was no significant difference when compared with the normal control group. The pSTAT6 expressions in the asthma, control and treatment groups were 2.256 ± 0.125, 0.524 ± 0.210, and 0.897 ± 0.134 at gray level, respectively. The GATA3 expressions in the asthma, control, and treatment groups were 3.521 ± 0.631, 0.435 ± 0.136, and 0.743 ± 0.149 at gray level, respectively. pSTAT6 and GATA3 expression levels were similar in the treatment and control groups. GATA3 expression had a positive correlation with pSTAT6 expression. Boswellic acid may improve asthma symptoms by inhibiting pSTAT6 expression, which consequently reduces GATA3 expression.

Codon usage bias analysis for the spermidine synthase gene from Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze

The spermidine synthase (SPDS) gene exists widely in all types of plants. In this paper, the codon usage of the SPDS gene from Camellia sinensis (CsSPDS) was analyzed. The results showed that the codon usage of the CsSPDS gene is biased towards the T-ended or A-ended codons, which is similar to that observed in 73 genes selected from the C. sinensis genome. An ENC-plot for 15 SPDS genes from various plant species suggested that mutational bias was the major factor in shaping codon usage in these genes. Codon usage frequency analysis indicated that there was little difference between the CsSPDS gene and dicot genomes, such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum, but significant differences in codon usage were observed between the CsSPDS gene and monocot genomes, such as Triticum aestivum and Zea mays. Therefore, A. thaliana and N. tabacum expression systems may be more suitable for the expression of the CsSPDS gene.

Effects of different model diets on milk composition and expression of genes related to fatty acid synthesis in the mammary gland of lactating dairy goats

This study examined the effects of different roughage diets on milk composition and the expression of key genes associated with fatty acid (FA) synthesis in the mammary gland of lactating dairy goats. Eight multiparous lactating goats (body weight=43.6±2.5kg, 90±12 d in milk) fitted with external pudic artery and subcutaneous abdominal vein catheters were assigned to 2 treatments in a crossover design. The goats were fed different roughage diets with a similar concentrate-to-roughage ratio. The diets were (1) a high-quality roughage treatment (HQR) containing 28.5% Chinese wildrye hay, 19% corn silage, 9.5% alfalfa, and 43% concentrate or (2) a low-quality roughage treatment (LQR) containing 28% Chinese wildrye hay, 28% corn stover, and 44% concentrate, on a dry matter basis. Each feeding period lasted 21 d. The first 18 d served as an adaptation period, and the last 3 d served as a sample collection period. Dry matter intake, milk yield, and milk composition were measured. Milk and blood samples were collected for FA analysis. Mammary gland biopsies were performed after milking on the last day of each period and the tissues were analyzed for the mRNA expression of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase-α (ACACA), FA synthase (FASN), stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Dry matter intake and milk yield were not affected by the treatments. Milk fat (3.16 vs. 2.96%) and protein (2.99 vs. 2.89%) contents were higher in HQR goats than in LQR goats, and milk fat yield tended to be higher in HQR goats (16.7 vs. 15.1g/d). Milk FA composition was not different between treatments, except for C18:3n-3 (0.27 vs. 0.15g/100g). Compared with LQR goats, HQR goats had a higher vein concentration of total FA (0.62 vs. 0.44mg/mL). In HQR goats, the mammary balance of total FA increased (9.17 vs. 5.51g/d), whereas the clearance rate of total FA decreased (103.03 vs. 138.25 L/d). No differences were found in mammary blood flow, artery concentration, and mammary uptake of FA between treatments. Compared with LQR, the expression of FASN and ACACA tended to be increased by 20 and 18%, and the expression of LPL and SCD were increased by 39 and 50% in HQR, respectively. The results demonstrated that diets with HQR can increase milk fat content and yield as well as the expression of LPL and SCD in the mammary gland of dairy goats.