P6290Enhanced IL-6/pSTAT3/fibroblast signaling pathway contributes to spontaneous postoperative atrial fibrillation in a novel simulated cardiac surgery mouse model

Background

Cumulative evidences have shown that IL-6 in atrium might play an important role in the pathogenesis of postoperative AF (POAF) via activation of atrial fibrosis in patients undergoing CABG. However, whether atria produces IL-6 after the stimulation of CABG and its causal relationship with spontaneous POAF (sPOAF) and its specific pathways is still unclear.

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that atrium will produce IL-6 after CABG and causes sustained sPOAF (ssPOAF) through activating pSTAT3-mediated fibroblast proliferation.

Methods

To determine the causal relationship between IL-6 and sPOAF, IL-6−/− and wild type (WT) mice were both divided into three groups (10 mice/group): CABG group (NAI, mimic CABG), anti-inflammatory group (AI, mimic CABG with pericardial administration of methylprednisolone for 3 days via chest tube), and control group (anesthesia only). Mice were monitored for ssPOAF for 7 days using implanted telemetry device. Another two sets of mice, using the same models mentioned above, were euthanatized at 48th hours postoperatively. The atria of one set animals were excised and separated into pericardium (PC), pulmonary vein (PV), left atrium (LA), and right atrium (RA) and cultured for 4 hours. IL-6 levels in the supernatant were measured at 10 min and 4 hours of culture using ELISA test. The region producing the largest amount of IL-6 in the other set of animals was harvested for analyzing expressions of IL-6, pSTAT3/STAT3, connexin 43 and 40, fibroblast deposition, and collagen I and III. Path analysis was performed to determine the causal relationship of CABG induced IL-6 release, pSTAT3/fibroblast signaling, and the onset of ssPOAF.

Results

40% NAI-WT mice developed ssPOAF (Figure 1A) which was completely protected in IL-6−/− and AI groups. IL-6 was produced by all 4 atrial regions at 4hrs after CABG stimulation with the LA producing the highest amount. Western blotting (Figure 1B), RT-CPR, Masson staining, and immunofluorescence all showed a significantly upregulation of IL-6, pSTAT3/STAT3, fibroblasts, collagen I and III, and downregulation of Cx40 an 43 in NAI-WT mice, but not in IL-6−/− and AI mice. IL-6 was colocalized with vimentin to a large extent in cytoplasm (Figure 1C). IL-6 had strong positive correlation with pSTAT3/STAT3, collagen I and III (all r>0.700, P<0.001), moderate and weak negative correlation with Cx40 and 43 (r=−0.505, P<0.001; r=−0.307, P=0.048, respectively). Path analysis (Figure 1D) revealed that every 1 unit increase in IL-6 upregulated a 0.589 unit increase in ssPOAF, which was mediated by pSTAT3/collagen indirectly and collagen I/ collagen III directly.

Conclusion

Our study, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, established a novel pathophysiological role of IL-6/pSTAT3/fibroblast signaling in the pathogenesis of ssPOAF and demonstrated that inhibition of atrial IL-6 might be a potential novel sPOAF prevention strategy.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The National Natural Science Foundation (No.81170170)

Paramagnon drag in high thermoelectric figure of merit Li-doped MnTe

Local thermal magnetization fluctuations in Li-doped MnTe are found to increase its thermopower α strongly at temperatures up to 900 K. Below the Néel temperature (T _N ~ 307 K), MnTe is antiferromagnetic, and magnon drag contributes α_md to the thermopower, which scales as ~T ³. Magnon drag persists into the paramagnetic state up to >3 × T _N because of long-lived, short-range antiferromagnet-like fluctuations (paramagnons) shown by neutron spectroscopy to exist in the paramagnetic state. The paramagnon lifetime is longer than the charge carrier-magnon interaction time; its spin-spin spatial correlation length is larger than the free-carrier effective Bohr radius and de Broglie wavelength. Thus, to itinerant carriers, paramagnons look like magnons and give a paramagnon-drag thermopower. This contribution results in an optimally doped material having a thermoelectric figure of merit ZT > 1 at T > ~900 K, the first material with a technologically meaningful thermoelectric energy conversion efficiency from a spin-caloritronic effect.

Ginkgetin in vitro and in vivo reduces Streptococcus suis virulence by inhibiting suilysin activity

AIMS

Suilysin (SLY), a crucial virulence-related factor, has multiple cytotoxicities that are regarded as playing a key role in several diseases induced by Streptococcus suis. The aim of this study was to identify an effective inhibitor of SLY and to evaluate the potential inhibitory effect of the inhibitor against S. suis virulence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Antibacterial activity experiments and haemolysis tests were used to identify the SLY inhibitor ginkgetin, and Western blot analysis and oligomerization inhibition tests were employed to determine the potential mechanism for its inhibition effect. The potential inhibitory effect of ginkgetin against S. suis virulence was then assessed through a cytotoxicity test and a mouse infection model. In this study, we demonstrated that the natural ingredient ginkgetin can significantly reduce the haemolytic activity of SLY to protect against S. suis-mediated cell injury in vitro by directly binding to SLY to block the oligomerization of the protein and reducing the bacterial burden in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that ginkgetin can start being used as a potential lead drug for the treatment of S. suis infections.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The prevention and treatment of S. suis infection might be possible through the targeting of SLY by ginkgetin.

[Status of health examination on public health employees in Beijing]

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand the status of health examination on public health employees in Beijing, in order to further standardize the health management of the employees. Methods: Questionnaire surveys and personal interviews were produced to obtain the basic information, physical examination, occupational training, knowledge of health laws and regulations, and satisfaction of employees. Pairwise comparison was conducted by chi-square test. Multivariate linear regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results: The percentage of the public health employees who took the blood tests, X-ray examinations, fecal examinations, and skin examinations were 97.0%, 77.6%, 86.4%, and 51.0%, respectively. After excluding the skin examination, the completion rate of other examination items was 72.1%, and the difference of this rate between public hospitals and private hospitals were statistically significant (χ(2)=36.22, P<0.001; χ(2)=9.09, P=0.003; χ(2)=31.06, P<0.001). The percentage of correct answers to all the five questions was 3.2%, and age, working age and education level were positively correlated with knowledge scores of employees. Conclusions: The problems in Beijing's health examination of employees included poor examination quality, lack of supervision, inability to trace the source and low awareness rate of health knowledge, which suggested that counter measures should be taken immediately.

MicroRNA-466a-3p attenuates allergic nasal inflammation in mice by targeting GATA3

Allergic rhinitis is thought to be an allergic disease associated with immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated immune response, characterized by increased T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine production, elevated eosinophil levels in the nasal mucosa and induced nasal secretions. MicroRNA (miRNA) microarray data revealed that the expression level of miR-466a-3p was significantly decreased. Notably, GATA binding protein (GATA-3) was identified as one of its target genes through miRNA target prediction web tools. The expression levels of miR-466a-3p were altered by mimics and lentivirus both in vivo and in vitro, similar to those of GATA-3. Furthermore, the symptoms and histology of allergic rhinitis as well as the levels of serum IgE and interleukin (IL)-4 were examined in different groups of mice. Interestingly, the results for lentiviral miR-466a-3p-treated allergic rhinitis mice were relatively similar to normal mice, compared to allergic rhinitis mice without treatment. Also, miR-466a-3p negatively regulated GATA-3 expression in allergic rhinitis mice, indicating the participant of Th2-cell responses in allergic rhinitis. Taken together, our findings highlight a new perspective on the role of miR-466a-3p in allergic rhinitis. In addition, this study provides a theoretical framework and experimental reference for future research targeting microRNAs as therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers of allergic rhinitis.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

DESIGN

A randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Department of Anesthesia in a single hospital.

POPULATION

Patients with uterine fibroids.

METHODS

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

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

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

[C5-6 nerve root block technique for postoperative analgesia of shoulder arthroscope: a randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block and C5-6 nerve root block for analgesia after shoulder arthroscopy.

METHODS

In the study, 40 patients of ASA I-II were selected for elective general anesthesia to repair the shoulder ligament rupture in Peking University Third Hospital, who were randomly divided into two groups, respectively for the intermuscular brachial plexus block group (group I) and C5-6 nerve root block group (group C), n=20. The forty patients underwent ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block or C5-6 nerve root block before general anesthesia. Group I: 0.2% ropivacaine 10 mL was injected into brachial plexus intermuscular approach; Group C: 0.2% ropivacaine 10 mL was injected around the nerve roots of C5 and C6, and the ultrasound images showed that the liquid wrapped nerve roots. The time of sensory and motor block after puncture, operation time, the time of postoperative analgesia, numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at 1, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively and the finger movements were recorded. The adverse drug reactions and the patient satisfaction were recorded. The primary end point was the study of shoulder rest and movement pain in the patients with postoperative nerve blockage; the secondary end point was the patient's limb movements and thepatient satisfaction.

RESULTS

The duration of analgesia was (571.50±70.11) min in group I and (615.60±112.15) min in group C, and there was no difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The static and dynamic NRS scores at 1, 6, and 12 h in group C were lower than those in group I (P<0.05). There was no difference in static and dynamic NRS scores between the two groups during 24 hours (P>0.05). There was a significant difference in grade of muscle strength between group C [5(4,5)] and group I [4(2,4)] in the patients with nerve block hind limb (P<0.01), and there were significant differences between the two groups' sensation in the radial nerve group C [1(0,2)] and group I [2(1,2)], the median nerve group C [0(0,2)] and group I [2(1,2)], and the ulnar nerves group C [0(0,1)] and group I [1(1,2)] (P<0.01). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the sencation of the shoulder, group C 2(1,2) and group I 2(1,2) , P>0.05. Compared with group I 8(6,9), group C 9(8,10) was a significant difference in satisfaction (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Interscalene brachial plexus block and C5-6 nerve root block could satisfy the needs of analgesia after shoulder arthroscopy, but C5-6 nerve root blockage does not limit the limb activity, the numbness is less, and the patient's satisfaction is higher.

Abstract P3-03-20: Which biopsy is preferred to stage the axilla under ultrasound guidance in early breast cancer patients: Fine-needle aspiration cytology or core needle biopsy?

Background:

Preoperative axillary ultrasound (AUS) offers the potential to identify clinically axillary negative patients with axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis directly to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) with avoid of unnecessary sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) except Z0011 candidates. Which biopsy should be preferred is pendent with lack of enough prospective studies. The purpose of our study was to compare the accuracy of ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core needle biopsy (CNB) for the designated ALN prospectively.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer from April, 2010 to December, 2014 were preliminary screened for our study. All the candidate patients were prospectively assessed by ipsilateral AUS before initial treatment regardless of clinical ALN status.Abnormal lymph nodes were characterized by round shape with uniform or eccentric thickening, focal bulging or irregularity of the cortex displacement, obliteration of the hilum; or total loss of recognizable lymph node architecture. If suspicious ALN was identified, both ultrasound-guided FNAC and CNB were performed for the same designated ALN.The diameter in longitudinal section, transverse section and maximum cortical thickness of the target node was recorded. When more than one abnormal lymph node was present, the most abnormal-appearing node was sampled. The target tissue for biopsy was hypoechoic thickened cortex. Patients with a positive FNAC/CNB underwent ALND, and those with a negative FNAC and CNB biopsy or without suspicious ALN by AUS underwent SLNB. The paired parameters of FNAC and CNB were compared using McNemar's exact test.

Results:

705 consecutive patients were screened and 558 patients (561 axillae) underwent AUS evaluation with confirmed ALN pathological results.145 patients (146 axillae) with both FNAC and CNB were finally enrolled. Final histopathological results showed that 83.6% (122/146) were node positive (5 micro-metastases were considered negative). Sensitivity of FNAC and CNB was 67.2% (82/122) and 91.8% (112/122). Overall accuracy of FNAC and CNB was 72.6% (106/146) and 93.2% (136/146). Negative predictive value (NPV) of FNAC and CNB was 37.5% (24/64) and 70.6% (24/34). There was significant difference in sensitivity, overall accuracy and NPV between FNAC and CNB (p&lt;0.001). 80.6% (29/36) FNAC negative and CNB positive patients have ALN cortical thickness of 3.3-7.2 mm.

Conclusion:

CNB is more sensitive and accurate than FNAC to stage the axilla under ultrasound guidance in operable breast cancer patients, especially in patients with ALN cortical thickness of 3.3-7.2 mm.

Citation Format: Zhou M, Qiu J, Chen J, Hu Y, Deng Y, Zheng S. Which biopsy is preferred to stage the axilla under ultrasound guidance in early breast cancer patients: Fine-needle aspiration cytology or core needle biopsy? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-03-20.

Time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of solids in the extreme ultraviolet at 500 kHz repetition rate

Time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (trARPES) employing a 500 kHz extreme-ultraviolet light source operating at 21.7 eV probe photon energy is reported. Based on a high-power ytterbium laser, optical parametric chirped pulse amplification, and ultraviolet-driven high-harmonic generation, the light source produces an isolated high-harmonic with 110 meV bandwidth and a flux of more than 10¹¹ photons/s on the sample. Combined with a state-of-the-art ARPES chamber, this table-top experiment allows high-repetition rate pump-probe experiments of electron dynamics in occupied and normally unoccupied (excited) states in the entire Brillouin zone and with a temporal system response function below 40 fs.

First case of Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome with desquamation associated with a novel mutation in the bromodomain of the CREBBP gene

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a rare congenital disorder, mainly characterized by postnatal growth retardation, intellectual disability, and facial and limb abnormalities. Although not considered as characteristic manifestations, numerous cutaneous anomalies have also been reported in patients with RSTS while there has been no report of desquamation so far in any patients with RSTS. We report an unusual case of RSTS in an 8-year-old boy who presented with the typical facial and limb abnormalities of RSTS accompanied with apparent hirsutism and desquamation, but without apparent intellectual disability. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel mutation in the bromodomain of CREBBP (c.3503A>G, p.N1168S), which was further confirmed by targeted Sanger sequencing in comparison with healthy controls. Our findings expand the spectra of genetic mutations and clinical presentations associated with RSTS, and underline the importance of maintaining high awareness of rare presentations and diagnostic difficulties in management of rare genetic diseases such as RSTS.

Significant Efficacy of Apatinib in a Patient With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Lung Metastases After Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

Antiangiogenesis therapy plays an important role in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, treatment options for HCC recurrence after liver transplantation are currently limited. Apatinib is a small tyrosine kinase inhibitor molecule targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2. Here, we report for the first time one case of a patient with advanced HCC who received apatinib after occurring lung metastasis 7 months after liver transplantation. He took 500 mg of apatinib daily for one month, which was decreased to 250 mg daily because of side effects. The patient was confirmed to have a partial response, according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, for 10 months, and the progression-free survival time was greater than 21 months. Our data and experience have indicated that apatinib may be a good choice for HCC recurrence after liver transplantation.

Effects of different menopausal hormone replacement regimens on body composition in Chinese women

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different menopausal hormone therapy regimens on body composition in healthy postmenopausal Chinese women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty-three healthy postmenopausal Chinese women were randomly assigned to either group A (0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens [CEE] plus 100 mg micronized progesterone [MP]), group B (0.3 mg CEE plus 100 mg MP), or group C (0.625 mg CEE plus 10 mg dydrogesterone). Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

One hundred and two women completed the trial at 1 year. A small but significant gain in lean body mass (619 ± 1019 g, p = 0.002) and a decrease of fat mass in all separate regions was observed in group A. A significant shift from gynoid to android fat distribution was observed in group B and group C (android/gynoid fat percentage ratios increased by 0.06 ± 0.08, p = 0.000 and 0.03 ± 0.08, p = 0.018, respectively), whereas no significant change was observed in group A (0.02 ± 0.06, p = 0.103).

CONCLUSIONS

In healthy postmenopausal Chinese women, 0.625 mg of CEE combined with 100 mg of MP was associated with a more favorable fat distribution compared with 0.3 mg CEE plus 100 mg MP or 0.625 mg CEE plus 10 mg dydrogesterone.

[Postoperative survival analysis of patients with stage Ⅲ-pN2 non-small cell lung cancer]

Objective: To investigate the effect of mediastinal lymph node resection, metastasis status and treatment on the prognosis of patients with stage Ⅲ-pN2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Clinical data of 206 patients who were pathologically diagnosed as stage Ⅲ-pN2 NSCLC in Tongji Hospital from July 2006 to Dec 2009 were retrospectively analyzed and followed up. Log rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to analyze the prognostic significance of mediastinal lymph node excision, metastasis state and treatment. Results: The median overall survival (OS) time of the whole group was 29.6 months, and the median disease-free survival (DFS) time was 27.2 months. Univariate analysis showed that the less number of mediastinal lymph node stations with metastasis (single station), the less number of mediastinal lymph nodes involved (less than 2), and postoperative chemotherapy were associated with longer postoperative OS and DFS time (P<0.05 for all). The patients with skip metastasis, negative metastasis of subcarinal lymph node, the lower mediastinal lymph node metastasis rate (MLNR<33%) and postoperative radiotherapy had longer OS and DFS time than those without these factors (P<0.05 for all). Multivariate analysis showed that metastasis of subcarinal lymph node, MLNR and postoperative chemotherapy were the independent prognostic factors for patients with stage Ⅲ-pN2 NSCLC (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion: Metastasis of subcarinal lymph nodes and the higher MLNR might shorten the postoperative survival time of NSCLC patients with stage Ⅲ-pN2, whereas postoperative chemotherapy prolongs the survival time.

[Effect of dexmedetomidine on supraclavicular brachial plexus block: a randomized double blind prospective study]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine on brachial plexus block in patients scheduled for elective shoulder arthroscopy.

METHODS

Ninety patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I or II, scheduled for elective shoulder arthroscopy, were randomly divided into three groups. In group R (n=30), the patients were given 10 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine in branchial plexus block (interscalene approach guided by ultrasound), in group D1 (n=30), the patients were given 10 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine (interscalene approach guided by ultrasound) + dexmedetomidine 0.2 μg/(kg×h) (intravenous pump infusion), and in group D2 (n=30), the patients were given 10 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine (interscalene approach guided by ultrasound) + dexedetomidine 0.7 μg/(kg×h) (intravenous pump infusion). To evaluate the effect of brachial plexus block before general anesthesia. Group D1 and group D2 were given dexmedetomidine intravenously for 1.0 μg/kg during 10 min, then the drug was pumped by 0.2 μg/(kg×h) and 0.7 μg/(kg×h) respectively until 30 min before the operation finished. Changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and before anesthesia (T0), 10 min (T1), 30 min (T2) after giving dexmedetomidine, discontinue medication (T3), after operation (T4), and extubation (T5) were investigated. Motor and sensory block onset times, block durations, and duration of analgesia were recorded. The scores of pain after operation and the adverse effects of shiver, hypopiesia, drowsiness, and blood loss were recorded during operation.

RESULTS

Compared with group R, the duration of analgesia and duration of sensory block in group D1 and group D2 were significant longer (P<0.01), there was no significant difference between groups D1 and D2 (P>0.05). Compared with group R, at each time point of T1-T5, the heart rate and systolic blood pressure in group D1 and group D2 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with D1 group, the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia in group D2 were significantly different (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Intravenous dexmedetomidine could prolong the duration of analgesia time and sensory block within the brachial plexus block, inhibiting the stress response during arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Compared with high-dose, low-dose can provide safer and better clinical effect and reduce the adverse effects of dexmedetomidine.

Evolution and characterisation of the AhRAF4 NB-ARC gene family induced by Aspergillus flavus inoculation and abiotic stresses in peanut

Aflatoxin contamination in peanut is a serious food safety issue to human health around the world. Finding disease resistance genes is a key strategy for genetic improvement in breeding to deal with this issue. We identified an Aspergillus flavus-induced NBS-LRR gene, AhRAF4, using a microarray-based approach. By comparison of 23 sequences from three species using phytogenetics, protein secondary structure and three-dimensional structural analyses, AhRAF4 was revealed to be derived from Arachis duranensis by recombination, and has newly evolved into a family of several members, characterised by duplications and point mutations. However, the members of the family descended from A. ipaensis were lost following tetraploidisation. AhRAF4 was slightly up-regulated by low temperature, drought, salicylic acid and ethylene, but down-regulated by methyl jasmonate. The distinct responses upon As. flavus inoculation and the differential reactions between resistant and susceptible varieties indicate that AhRAF4 might play a role in defence responses. Temporal and spatial expression and the phenotype of transformed protoplasts suggest that AhRAF4 may also be associated with pericarp development. Because tetraploid cultivated peanuts are vulnerable to many pathogens, an exploration of R-genes may provide an effective method for genetic improvement of peanut cultivars.

Influence of hormone therapy or C. foetida extract on breast tenderness in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of breast tenderness in a population treated with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) or Cimicifuga foetida extract.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted. Ninety-six postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to three groups: group A, 1 mg estradiol valerate daily plus 4 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), days 19-30; group B, 1 mg estradiol valerate daily plus 100 mg micronized progesterone (MP), days 19-30; group C, 100 mg C. foetida extract daily. Breast tenderness was evaluated daily for 12 months.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients completed the study. Group A had the highest prevalence of breast tenderness, while group C had the lowest. More than 50% of all participants reported no symptoms throughout the period. The participants in group A experienced a sharp increase in breast tenderness after treatment, but decreased after 1 month. No significant decline was found in the duration of pain in group B. The patients in group C reported no remarkable changes after 1 month. Compared to estrogen only, estrogen plus MPA/MP led to a higher incidence of prolonged breast symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to MHT groups, C. foetida extract had the lowest prevalence of breast tenderness. Most participants experienced mild or no symptoms.

[Effect of low-dose or standard-dose conjugated equine estrogen combined with different progesterone on bone density in menopause syndrome women]

Objective: To explore the effect of low-dose or standard-dose conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) combined with natural progesterone or dydrogesterone on bone density in menopause syndrome women. Methods: Totally 123 patients with menopause syndrome were recruited and randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups: group A (low-dose CEE+progesterone) , group B (standard-dose CEE+progesterone) , group C (standard-dose CEE+dydrogesterone) . Using continuous sequential regimen, the duration of intervention was 12 cycles. The bone mineral density of lumbar 2-4 and neck of femur, the bone metabolic markers, the level of FSH and estradiol were examined just before the drug administration and 12 months after the beginning of experiment. Results: There were 107 cases completed the one year trial. (1) Bone density: after 12 cycles of treatment, there was no significant change in bone density in group A (P>0.05) ; lumbar vertebrae of group B and C increased significantly, at 3.0% and 2.1%respectively (all P<0.05) . The bone density of left femoral neck of group C significantly increased by 2.9% (P=0.029) . There was no significant difference among the treatment groups at the beginning of experiment (P>0.05) . (2) Bone metabolic markers: after 12 cycles of treatment, the levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, Ca/Cr decreased significantly, the difference were statistically significant (all P<0.05) . There was no significant difference among the treatment groups at the beginning of experiment (P>0.05) . (3) Levels of FSH and estradiol: after 12 cycles of treatment, the levels of FSH in three groups were decreased significantly (all P<0.01) . The levels of estradiol in three groups were increased significantly (all P<0.01) . There was no significant difference among the treatment groups at the beginning of experiment (P>0.05) . Conclusions: Both low-dose and standard-dose menopause hormone therapy (MHT) could elevate the level of estradiol, reduce bone turnover, prevent bone loss of postmenopausal women effectively. The standard dose of MHT could also increase the density of vertebrae and femoral neck, and generate more clinical benefits.

Manipulation of intestinal dysbiosis by a bacterial mixture ameliorates loperamide-induced constipation in rats

Constipation has a significant influence on quality of life. Patients with constipation have slow waves in their gastrointestinal smooth muscles and less faecal water contents, which are closely associated with down-regulation of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the gastrointestinal muscles and the aquaporin protein AQP3 expressed in colon epithelial cells. Recent studies supported that patients with constipation have altered intestinal microbial structures compared with healthy controls. Intestinal dysbiosis might be one possible pathophysiological mechanism causing constipation. Bacterial strains, such as Lactobacillus spp., have shown many beneficial effects on the amelioration of constipation. However, few studies reported the structural changes of intestinal microbiota post-intervention of probiotics. In this study, a bacterial mixture was administrated to rats with loperamide-induced constipation. Effects of the bacterial mixture on small intestine transit (SIT), faecal water content, and the intestinal microbiome in rats were evaluated. Meanwhile, we investigated several factors involved in signalling pathways that regulate function of ICC and expression of AQP3 to discuss the possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Intervention of the bacterial mixture improved SIT and faecal water content in constipated rats. The up-regulation of C-kit/SP signalling pathways in ICC and AQP3 significantly contributed to improvements. These changes were closely associated with the manipulation of intestinal dysbiosis in constipated rats. Furthermore, our results revealed the important role of intestinal microbiota in affecting gut motility through regulation of serotonin biosynthesis. This monoamine neurotransmitter, secreted from enterochromaffin cells, up-regulated both substance P/neurokinin 1 receptors pathway of ICC and the expression of AQP3 in intestinal epithelial cells. Our study suggested that the disrupted microbiome in patients could be a potential therapeutic target for the improvement of constipation.

[Stratified sampling survey of major human parasitic diseases in Henan province]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of major human parasitic diseases and related factors in Henan province. Methods: This stratified sampling survey was carried out according to the requirement of national survey protocol of major human parasitic diseases, 2014-2015. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection, taeniasis and intestinal protozoiasis were surveyed in 104 sites selected from 35 counties (districts) and the prevalence of clonorchiasis was surveyed in 62 sites selected from 37 townships. In each survey spot, 250 persons were surveyed. A total of 26 866 persons and 15 893 persons were surveyed. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear was used to detect the eggs of intestinal helminthes. Tube fecal culture was used to identify the species of hookworm. The Enterobius eggs were detected in children aged 3 to 6 years by using adhesive tape. The cyst and trophozoite of intestinal protozoa were examined with physiological saline direct smear method and iodine stain method. Results: The overall infestation rate of intestinal parasites was2.02% in Henan, and the worm infection rate was higher than protozoa infection rate. Fourteen kinds of intestinal parasites were found, including nematode (5 species), trematode (2 species), and protozoan (7 species). The infection rate of Enterobius vermicularis was highest, and Qinba Mountain ecological area had the highest infestation rate of intestinal parasites in 4 ecological areas of Henan. There was no significant difference in intestinal parasite infection rate between males and females (χ(2)=3.630, P=0.057), and the differences in intestinal parasite infection rate among different age groups had significance (χ(2)=124.783, P=0.000 1). The infection rate reached the peak in age group ≤9 years and the major parasite was Enterobius vermicularis. Furthermore the overall human infection rate of parasite showed a downward trend with the increase of educational level of the people (χ(2)=70.969, P=0.000 1), the differences had significance (χ(2)=120.118, P=0.000 1). For different populations, the infection rate of intestinal parasites was highest among preschool children. The infection of intestinal helminth was mainly mild, only 2 severe cases were detected. The infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis in urban residents was only 0.006%. Logistic regression analysis showed that being preschool children (χ(2)=15.765, P=0.000 1) and drinking well water (χ(2)=45.589, P=0.000 1) were the risk factors for intestinal parasite infection, and annual income per capita of farmers was the protective factor against intestinal parasite infection. The infection rates of protozoa and intestinal parasites decreased sharply compared with the results of previous two surveys, and the rate of intestinal helminth infection also dropped sharply compared with the second survey. The numbers of protozoa, helminth and intestinal parasites detected in this survey were all less than the numbers found in the previous two surveys. Conclusions: Compared the results of three surveys in Henan, the infection rate of protozoa and intestinal parasites showed a downward trend. The prevention and treatment of Enterobius vermicularis infection in children should be the key point of parasitic disease control in the future.

Integrated analysis of long noncoding RNA-associated competing endogenous RNA network in periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical and complex roles in regulating various biological processes of periodontitis. This bioinformatic study aims to construct a putative competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by integrating lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression, based on high-throughput RNA sequencing and microarray data about periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from 1 miRNA and 3 mRNA expression profiles were obtained to construct the lncRNA-associated ceRNA network. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and pathway analysis were performed using the Gene Ontology website and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed based on the Search Tool for the retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins. Transcription factors (TFs) of differentially expressed genes were identified based on TRANSFAC database and then a regulatory network was constructed.

RESULTS

Through constructing the dysregulated ceRNA network, 6 genes (HSPA4L, PANK3, YOD1, CTNNBIP1, EVI2B, ITGAL) and 3 miRNAs (miR-125a-3p, miR-200a, miR-142-3p) were detected. Three lncRNAs (MALAT1, TUG1, FGD5-AS1) were found to target both miR-125a-3p and miR-142-3p in this ceRNA network. Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified several hub genes, including VCAM1, ITGA4, UBC, LYN and SSX2IP. Three pathways (cytokine-cytokine receptor, cell adhesion molecules, chemokine signaling pathway) were identified to be overlapping results with the previous bioinformatics studies in periodontitis. Moreover, 2 TFs including FOS and EGR were identified to be involved in the regulatory network of the differentially expressed genes-TFs in periodontitis.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that 6 mRNAs (HSPA4L, PANK3, YOD1, CTNNBIP1, EVI2B, ITGAL), 3 miRNAs (hsa-miR-125a-3p, hsa-miR-200a, hsa-miR-142-3p) and 3 lncRNAs (MALAT1, TUG1, FGD5-AS1) might be involved in the lncRNA-associated ceRNA network of periodontitis. This study sought to illuminate further the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of periodontitis through constructing an lncRNA-associated ceRNA network.

Simultaneous induction of HSP70 expression, and degranulation, in IgE/Ag-stimulated or extracellular HSP70-stimulated mast cells

BACKGROUND

In mast cells, induction of HSP70 expression during antigen stimulation has not been reported.

METHODS

Mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) were stimulated with IgE/Ag or HSP70. Induction of HSP70 expression and signaling protein phosphorylation were evaluated by immunoblotting.

RESULTS

HSP70 expression is induced in BMMC at an early stage of IgE/Ag-dependent stimulation, some of which is released from the cells in a granule-associated form. Induction of HSP70 expression was also observed with an IgE/Ag-stimulated human basophilic cell line, indicating that the phenomenon is not restricted to mouse BMMC. The induction of HSP70 expression, and its release, followed a similar time course to that of degranulation. Released HSP70 seems to be responsible for degranulation and production of eicosanoids, at least in part, because a neutralizing anti-HSP70 antibody mitigated these activities and because exogenous HSP70 not only induced immediate degranulation followed by autocrine HSP70 expression but also enhanced degranulation in IgE/Ag-stimulated BMMC. Extracellular HSP70 was found to induce phosphorylation of linker for activation of T cells (LAT) and a series of downstream signaling molecules in BMMC. We further found that Fyn, Lyn, and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), which are known to concern LAT phosphorylation in IgE/Ag-stimulated BMMC, were not phosphorylated in HSP70-stimulated BMMC, whereas lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) was phosphorylated.

CONCLUSION

FcεRI stimulation in BMMC and basophils induces HSP70 expression and its release. Extracellular HSP70 induces degranulation and mediator release via phosphorylation of LAT.

Absence of hybridization with the wild-type and mutant rpoB probes in the Genotype MTBDRplus assay detects 'disputed' rifampicin mutations

OBJECTIVE

Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates that fail to hybridize to at least one rpoB wild-type or any mutation probe on the Genotype MTBDRplus strip are assumed to be rifampicin-resistant. However, the precise mutation(s) are unknown. We sought to identify the mutations in isolates with such hybridization patterns and determine if the mutations are associated with resistance to rifampicin.

METHODS

In this study, 275 M. tuberculosis isolates were screened with the Genotype MTBDRplus assay to identify isolates with the hybridization pattern. These isolates were sequenced and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) determined using the Bactec MGIT 960 system.

RESULTS

Among the 275 isolates tested, 15 (6%) isolates with the hybridization pattern were identified. Sequencing showed that failure to hybridize to rpoB wild-type probes resulted from the presence of 'disputed' rifampicin mutations, which are mutations not always associated with a rifampicin-resistant phenotype. All, except 3/15, isolates had a rifampicin-resistant phenotype (MIC > 1 μg/mL). One of the three isolates with a rifampicin-susceptible phenotype had the same mutation at position 526 (His526Leu) as another isolate that had a rifampicin-resistant phenotype.

CONCLUSION

The recommendation of the Genotype MTBDRplus assay to assume rifampicin resistance based solely on failure to hybridize to rpoB wild-type probe allows the identification of important RIF-resistant isolates. About 20% (3/15) of such isolates could be missed by relying only on the standard MGIT 960 DST assay for drug susceptibility testing.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of Cimicifuga foetida extract in menopausal women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with Cimicifuga foetida extract in menopausal women.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 96 early postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to three groups: group A received 1 mg estradiol valerate daily plus 4 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate on days 19-30; group B received 1 mg estradiol valerate daily plus 100 mg micronized progesterone on days 19-30; group C received 100 mg C. foetida extract daily. The efficacy was evaluated. Safety parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients completed the treatment and follow-up visit. The modified Kupperman Menopausal Index scores decreased after 3 months in all groups. No significant changes were observed in the liver, renal function and components of metabolic syndrome in group C (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidences of metabolic syndrome among the three groups (p > 0.05). After 24 months, the endometrial thickness increased significantly in group B (p = 0.014), but not in the C. foetida extract group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

C. foetida extract is safe and effective for the treatment of menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

[Probability of premature mortality caused by non-communicable diseases in Beijing, 2010-2015]

Objective: To understand the probability of premature mortality caused by non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Beijing from 2010 to 2015. Methods: The data of deaths from Beijing vital registration system were used to analyze age-standardized NCD mortality rates, proportion of NCD deaths in age group <70 years and premature NCD mortality. Results: NCD deaths accounted for 90% of the total deaths in Beijing. Age-standardized NCD death rate decreased from 332.43/100 000 in 2010 to 280.02/100 000 in 2015. Meanwhile, the probability of deaths from four NCDs between in age group 30-70 years (premature NCD mortality) decreased from 12.81% to 11.11% in Beijing. The premature mortality of four NCDs in men was 14.63%, and compared with 2015 baseline, it would decrease by 16.4% to reach 2025 goal (12.23%), and the probability of premature mortality four NCDs in women was 7.54%, and compared with 2015 baseline, it would decrease by 6.8% to reach the 2025 goal (7.03%). People living in suburb areas had a higher probability of premature NCD mortality (13.67%) than those living in urban areas (9.72%) in Beijing in 2015. Conclusions: The premature NCD mortality was much higher in men than in women in Beijing. More attention should be paid to the control of risk factors for NCD premature deaths, especially in men and in suburb residents, to reach the 25×25 goal.

DNA methylation and expression of imprinted genes are associated with the viability of different sexual cloned buffaloes

The DNA methylation of imprinted genes is an important way to regulate epigenetic reprogramming of donor cells in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). However, the effects of sexual distinction on the DNA methylation of imprinted genes in cloned animals have seldom been reported. In this study, we analysed the DNA methylation status of three imprinted genes (Xist, IGF2 and H19) from liveborn cloned buffaloes (L group, three female and three male), stillborn cloned buffaloes (S group, three female and three male) and natural reproduction buffaloes (N group, three female and three male), using bisulphite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (BS-PCR). The expression levels of these imprinted genes were also investigated by quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR). The DNA methylation levels of H19 were not significantly different among the groups. However, the Xist in female and IGF2 in male of the S group were found to be significantly hypomethylated in comparison with the same sexual buffaloes in L group and N group (p < .05). Furthermore, the expression levels of Xist, IGF2 and H19 in the stillborn female cloned buffaloes of S group were significantly higher than that of the female buffaloes in the L group and N group (p < .05). The expression levels of IGF2 and H19 in the stillborn male cloned buffaloes in the S group were significantly higher than that of the male buffaloes in the L group and N group (p < .05). These results indicate that Xist may be associated with the viability of female cloned buffaloes, and IGF2 may also be related to the viability of male cloned buffaloes.

Growth performance, rumen fermentation, bacteria composition, and gene expressions involved in intracellular pH regulation of rumen epithelium in finishing Hu lambs differing in residual feed intake phenotype

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of residual feed intake (RFI) on rumen function in finishing lambs. A total of 60 male Hu lambs (average initial BW = 25.2 ± 2.5kg) were used and were offered a pelleted high-concentrate diet, of which the forage to concentrate ratio was 25:75. Individual feed intake was recorded over a period of 42 d, then 10 lambs with the lowest RFI and the highest RFI were selected, respectively. The rumen fluid used for fermentation variables and relative abundance of bacteria measurement was obtained on d 10 and 20 after RFI measurement. At the end of this experiment, the selected lambs were slaughtered and rumen epithelium and liver tissues were collected for RNA extraction. Low-RFI lambs had lower ( < 0.01) DMI and greater ( < 0.05) G:F than the high-RFI ones, while the RFI groups did not differ in ADG and BW ( > 0.05). Additionally, RFI was positively ( = 0.57; < 0.01) correlated with DMI and negatively ( = -0.53; < 0.05) correlated with G:F. Total VFA and individual VFA decreased ( < 0.05) over time. The concentrations of total VFA, acetate, valerate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, and rumen pH ( > 0.05) were not affected by RFI classification. Nonetheless, low-RFI group lambs had a greater ( < 0.05) concentration of propionate, a lower ( < 0.05) concentration of butyrate, and a lower ( < 0.05) acetate to propionate ratio compared with the high-RFI group. There was a significant ( < 0.05) effect of RFI on the relative abundance of and . The relative abundance of , , and decreased ( < 0.05) over time in high-RFI group. And the relative abundance of in high-RFI group was greater ( < 0.05) than its low-RFI counterpart. Furthermore, RFI had no effect ( > 0.05) on gene expression associated with intracellular pH regulation (, , , , , , , and ) in rumen epithelium and β-hydroxybutyrate metabolism () in both rumen epithelium and liver tissues. In conclusion, even though low-RFI lambs had lower DMI, however, the number of was lower. Additionally, there was no difference in gene expressions level associated with intracellular pH regulation in rumen epithelium between RFI groups.