Mutation of the rice TCM12 gene encoding 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate-independent phosphoglycerate mutase affects chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis and chloroplast development at seedling stage at low temperatures

Glycolysis is a central metabolic pathway that provides energy and products of primary metabolites. 2,3-Biphosphoglycerate-independent phosphoglycerate mutase (iPGAM) is a key enzyme that catalyses the reversible interconversion of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) to 2-phosphoglycerate (2-PGA) in glycolysis. Low temperature is a common abiotic stress in rice production. However, the mechanism for rice iPGAM genes is not fully understood at low temperature. In this study, the rice mutant tcm12, with chlorosis, malformed chloroplasts and impaired photosynthesis, was grown at a low temperature (<20 °C) to the three-leaf stage, while the normal phenotype at 32 °C was used. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine features of the tcm12 mutant. The inheritance behaviour and function of TCM12 were then analysed thorough map-based cloning, transgenic complementation and subcellular localisation. The thermo-sensitive chlorosis phenotype was caused by a single nucleotide mutation (T→C) on the fifth exon of TCM12 (LOC_Os12g35040) encoding iPGAM, localised to both nucleus and membranes. In addition, TCM12 was constitutively expressed, and its disruption resulted in down-regulation of some genes associated with chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthesis at low temperatures (20 °C). This is the first report of the involvement of rice iPGAM gene in chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis and chloroplast development, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying early growth of rice at low temperatures.

[SIVA1 Regulates the Stability of Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein 3 Isoforms]

The assembly of LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcriptional complex plays important roles in early neuronal development. The stability of LIM-HD is controlled by single-strand binding protein 3 (SSBP3) via a cascade mechanism protecting it from proteasomal degradation. The expression level of SSBP3 has to be precisely regulated. Although a decrease of SSBP3 level is associated with several diseases, the mechanism of SSBP3 downregulation and whether SSBP3 itself is subject to proteasomal degradation remain largely unknown. Two strongly conserved transcripts of the SSBP3 gene, SSBP3a and SSBP3c, were cloned from a human brain cDNA library. By RT-PCR, we show that Ssbp3c is continuously expressed in both embryonic and adult mouse brain, whereas Ssbp3a is restricted to embryonic brain tissue. By co-IP and GST pulldown assays, we identified SIVA1 as a novel SSBP3-binding factor. In a ubiquitination assay, we show that SIVA1 enhances the ubiquitination of SSBP3 and regulates its abundance. Our findings reveal the proteasomal degradation of SSBP3 for the first time and provide a rationale for an SIVAl-SSBP3-dependent mechanism for the disassembly of LIM-HD multiprotein complexes.

Urban link travel speed dataset from a megacity road network

Link travel speeds in road networks are fundamental data in many research areas of traffic, transportation, and logistics. To support the research in these areas, we develop a dataset, containing the travel speeds on each road link and in different time periods together with the real road network map. The dataset is collected from a representative megacity in Western China, Chengdu. The road network of this city involves different urban road network structures. The dataset shows the realistic variations and randomness of urban link travel speeds. This enables the research of real data-driven decision-making problems in traffic, transportation and logistics areas.

Correlation between MMP-2 gene polymorphism and cataract susceptibility

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene polymorphism and cataract.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

104 cataract patients and 100 healthy subjects were enrolled and assigned to the observation group and control group, respectively. General clinical data of the enrolled subjects were collected. The inflammatory factors were detected, and the rs243865 polymorphism of MMP-2 gene was detected using the TaqMan-MGB probe.

RESULTS

The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-1α (TNF-1α) in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). There were significant differences in the genotype and allele distribution frequency between the two groups (p<0.05). In the genetic model analysis, the additive model was remarkably different between the two groups (p<0.05). However, the recessive model and dominant model were not different between the two groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cataract is correlated with inflammatory factors, and the rs243865 polymorphism of MMP-2 gene has a correlation with the incidence of cataract.

Urban blue: A global analysis of the factors shaping people's perceptions of the marine environment and ecological engineering in harbours

Marine harbours are the focus of a diverse range of activities and subject to multiple anthropogenically induced pressures. Support for environmental management options aimed at improving degraded harbours depends on understanding the factors which influence people's perceptions of harbour environments. We used an online survey, across 12 harbours, to assess sources of variation people's perceptions of harbour health and ecological engineering. We tested the hypotheses: 1) people living near impacted harbours would consider their environment to be more unhealthy and degraded, be more concerned about the environment and supportive of and willing to pay for ecological engineering relative to those living by less impacted harbours, and 2) people with greater connectedness to the harbour would be more concerned about and have greater perceived knowledge of the environment, and be more supportive of, knowledgeable about and willing to pay for ecological engineering, than those with less connectedness. Across twelve locations, the levels of degradation and modification by artificial structures were lower and the concern and knowledge about the environment and ecological engineering were greater in the six Australasian and American than the six European and Asian harbours surveyed. We found that people's perception of harbours as healthy or degraded, but not their concern for the environment, reflected the degree to which harbours were impacted. There was a positive relationship between the percentage of shoreline modified and the extent of support for and people's willingness to pay indirect costs for ecological engineering. At the individual level, measures of connectedness to the harbour environment were good predictors of concern for and perceived knowledge about the environment but not support for and perceived knowledge about ecological engineering. To make informed decisions, it is important that people are empowered with sufficient knowledge of the environmental issues facing their harbour and ecological engineering options.

Galanin receptor 1 plays an antinociceptive effect via inhibiting PKA activation in the nucleus accumbens of rats with neuropathic pain

Galanin and galanin receptors (GalRs) have been reported to be involved in the transmission and modulation of nociceptive information in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the underlying mechanism of the antinociception of GalRs in neuropathic pain remains unclear. This study investigated the antinociception induced by galanin receptor 1 (GalR1) via protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rats with neuropathic pain. A mononeuropathy model was replicated by ligation of the left sciatic nerve, following which the expression of phospho-PKA (p-PKA) in the NAc were markedly up-regulated at 14(th) and 28(th) day after ligation of sciatic nerve, and p-PKA expression was down-regulated by intra-NAc injection of GalR1 agonist M617, but the GalR1 antagonist M35 did not have an effect. We also found that M35 in the NAc blocked the M617-induced increase in the hind paw withdrawal latencies (HWLs) of rats with mononeuropathy, but M35 alone had no effect on HWLs, and PKA inhibitor H-89 attenuated the M617-induced an increase in the HWLs. These results suggested that GalR1 induced an antinociception via inhibiting PKA activation, implying that GalR agonists may be potential and potent therapeutic options to treat chronic neuropathic pain.

Spectroscopic Investigation of the Effect of Microstructure and Energetic Offset on the Nature of Interfacial Charge Transfer States in Polymer: Fullerene Blends

Despite performance improvements of organic photovoltaics, the mechanism of photoinduced electron–hole separation at organic donor–acceptor interfaces remains poorly understood. Inconclusive experimental and theoretical results have produced contradictory models for electron–hole separation in which the role of interfacial charge-transfer (CT) states is unclear, with one model identifying them as limiting separation and another as readily dissociating. Here, polymer–fullerene blends with contrasting photocurrent properties and enthalpic offsets driving separation were studied. By modifying composition, film structures were varied from consisting of molecularly mixed polymer–fullerene domains to consisting of both molecularly mixed and fullerene domains. Transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that CT state dissociation generating separated electron–hole pairs is only efficient in the high energy offset blend with fullerene domains. In all other blends (with low offset or predominantly molecularly mixed domains), nanosecond geminate electron–hole recombination is observed revealing the importance of spatially localized electron–hole pairs (bound CT states) in the electron–hole dynamics. A two-dimensional lattice exciton model was used to simulate the excited state spectrum of a model system as a function of microstructure and energy offset. The results could reproduce the main features of experimental electroluminescence spectra indicating that electron–hole pairs become less bound and more spatially separated upon increasing energy offset and fullerene domain density. Differences between electroluminescence and photoluminescence spectra could be explained by CT photoluminescence being dominated by more-bound states, reflecting geminate recombination processes, while CT electroluminescence preferentially probes less-bound CT states that escape geminate recombination. These results suggest that apparently contradictory studies on electron–hole separation can be explained by the presence of both bound and unbound CT states in the same film, as a result of a range of interface structures.

Abstract P2-08-37: The prognostic impact of synaptojanin 2 expression in estrogen receptor α-positive breast cancer patients

Background: Synaptojanin 2 (SYNJ2) was reported to be a druggable mediator of metastasis. It is overexpressed and amplified in breast cancer, particularly estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer. SYNJ2 was also shown to promote cell migration and invasion in breast cancer xenograft cultures and lung metastasis in mice. Here, we investigated SYNJ2 mRNA expression in breast cancer patients during long-term follow-up.

Materials and methods: A total of 434 invasive breast cancer tissues were analyzed for SYNJ2mRNA expression using TaqMan PCR, and the correlation of this expression with patient clinicopathological factors was determined. We also examined the expression of markers associated with tumor-initiating capacity, such as SNAI1, SNAI2, and VIM. Survival curves were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used for univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic values.

Results: The median follow-up period was 10.7 years. We found positive correlations between high expression of SYNJ2 mRNA and shorter disease-free survival in breast cancer patients (P=0.049), which was limited to ERα-positive patients (P=0.020) and not seen in ERα-negative patients (P=0.863). High SYNJ2 mRNA levels were positively correlated with high tumor grade, ERα negativity, and node positivity. Multivariate analysis indicated that high SYNJ2 mRNA expression was an independent factor for poor disease-free survival in breast cancer patients.

Multivariate analysis of poor disease-free survival   DFS    Mutivariate   All patientsp valueHR (95%CI)Tumor size2cm and fewer1540.43151 (Reference) more than 2cm280 1.19 (0.78-1.85)Lymph node metastasisNegative2190.0001 and fewer1 (Reference) Positive184 5.61 (3.59-9.05) Unknown31 2.40 (0.89-5.48)Grade1,22330.38471 (Reference) 3195 1.20 (0.79-1.81) Unknown6 0.17 (1.78-3.49)ER statusPositive3370.02621 (Reference) Negative97 2.06 (1.87-4.07)PgR statusPositive2930.39511 (Reference) Negative141 1.30 (0.70-2.28)SYNJ2 mRNA expressionlow2170.02251 (Reference) high217 1.57 (1.07-2.34)

Conclusion:High SYNJ2 expression was shown to be an independent predictive factor of poor prognosis in ERα-positive breast cancer patients. SYNJ2 could therefore be used as a candidate biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Citation Format: Nishikawa S, Kondo N, Wanifuchi-Endo Y, Hisada T, Uemoto Y, Katagiri Y, Dong Y, Kato H, Takahashi S, Toyama T. The prognostic impact of synaptojanin 2 expression in estrogen receptor α-positive breast cancer patients [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 P2-08-37.

[Establishment of rat model of cardiorenal syndrome by transabdominal subtotal nephrectomy]

Objective: To evaluate the changes of rat renal function and cardiac function after transabdominal subtotal nephrectomy (STNx) and provide an ideal animal model for the study of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). Methods: The SD rats (male, 5-6 weeks) were randomly divided into Sham group (n=10) and STNx group (n=10). The rats from Sham group underwent sham surgery, and the right nephrectomy plus the 2/3 left kidney artery ligation through abdominal incision were performed in the rats from STNx group. Twelve weeks after operation, the rat serum creatinine and renal pathology were examined, the size and fibrosis of cardiac cells were also observed, after the changes of cardiac function being detected by echocardiography. Results: Twelve weeks after the operation, STNx group rats were generally in poor condition, with a emaciated body, absorption of the renal infarct tissue, uneven surface, and residual renal tissue compensatory hypertrophy. The serum creatinine in Sham group and STNx group was (22.10±1.64) μmol/L and (52.80±3.34) μmol/L, respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.001). Compared with Sham group, the echocardiography results demonstrated that the thickness of left ventricular wall of rats from STNx group increased, the left ventricular volume decreased, and the diastolic and systolic function of left ventricular descended. The HE staining showed that the glomerulus, tubules and interstitial renal morphology were normal in Sham group, and glomerular sclerosis was observed in STNx group. And the Masson staining declared that the renal fibrous tissue distribution was normal in Sham group, and severe renal interstitial fibrosis was observed in STNx group. The wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining of myocardial tissue showed that myocardial cells in STNx group were larger than those in Sham group (1.293±0.060 vs 1.000±0.059, P<0.001). Moreover, the HE staining showed that there was partial myocardial tissue necrosis and fibrosis in STNx group, and severe myocardial fibrosis was observed in STNx group by Masson staining. Conclusion: Similar pathophysiological changes in human CKD were observed in the rats CKD model by transabdominal STNx, and the cardiac effects of this model make it an ideal choice to study CRS.

Computing with Words: Revisiting the Qualitative Scale

Computing with Words (CW) is a methodology which takes an essential role in decision making problems, thus the first aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of CW in decision making. There are many proposals of CW models that can be classified in two main fields: approaches based on membership functions and approaches based on qualitative scales. This paper focuses on the qualitative scales since it provides a closer environment to human knowledge and more accurate results avoiding a loss of information. An analysis and discussion of the qualitative scales of linguistic values in CW for decision making is provided. Finally, we highlight the open challenges for the qualitative scales in linguistic decision making.

[Clinical and pathological characteristics and outcome of 46 children with autoimmune hepatitis]

Objective: To review and analyze the clinical and pathological data of children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Methods: Medical records of 46 patients hospitalized in Pediatric Liver Diseases Treatment and Research Center, Fifth Medical Center, General Hospital of People's Liberation Army(PLA) from April 2012 to April 2018 were extracted. Medical data included type of AIH, clinical manifestations, biochemical parameters, liver biopsy results, and outcomes of treatment were analyzed retrospectively. Among 46 children, 19 were males and 27 were females. The age of onset was 10.1(1.4-18.0) years old. Chi-Square test, Rank sum test or t test were used for inter-group comparison. Results: There were 32 (70%)AIH-I cases and 14 (30%)AIH-Ⅱ cases (χ(2)=12.565, P=0.000). Among the 46 patients, there were 5 modes of onest: 17 cases (37%) had acute viral hepatitis-like presentation, 2 cases (4%) had fulminant hepatic failure, 9 cases (20%) had insidious onset, 5 cases (11%) showed cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and 13 cases (28%) were incidentally found to be due to elevated hepatic aminotransferases. Comorbidities including primary sclerotic cholangitis (n=3), primary biliary cholangitis (n=1), systemic lupus erythematosus (n=1) and inflammatory bowel disease (n=2), were all seen in AIH-Ⅰ cases. The elevated biochemical parameters of these patients were as follows: alanine aminotransferase (n=46), aspartate transminase (n=46), total bilirubin (n=35) γ-glutamyl transpeptadase (n=39), γ-globulin (n=32) and IgG (n=33). The γ-globulin and IgG levels were significantly higher in AIH-Ⅰ patients than those with AIH-Ⅱ((32±9)% vs. (23±8)%, t=3.217, P=0.002,(27±10) vs. (18±8)g/L, t=3.193, P=0.003, respectively). Thirty-nine patients received liver biopsy, among whom 22 (56%) with inflammation grade (G)≥3, 26(67%) with fibrosis stage (S) ≥3, and 7 with hepatic cirrhosis (S4) according to pathological analysis. Typical histopathological changes of AIH included: 36 cases of interfacial hepatitis (92%), 23 cases of lymphocyte/plasma cell infiltration (59%), 3 cases of rosette (8%). Forty patients received prednisolone monotherapy or combined with azathioprine after diagnosis. Complete remission was seen in 29 (72%) patients, partial remission in 10 (25%) patients and no response in 1 (3%) patient. Among complete remission patients, 15 (52%) had relapse in the process of prednisolone reduction. Repeated liver biopsy performed in 8 patients after treatment showed that hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were both improved in 6 patients, only inflammation was alleviated without fibrosis improvement in 1 patient, and neither inflammation nor fibrosis was improved in 1 case. The length of follow-up was 3.3 (0.3-10.5) years, and none of the 39 prednisolone-responded cases discontinued treatment successfully. Adverse effect of long-term prednisolone therapy included bilateral cataract (n=6), spinal fracture accompanied with delayed bone age development (n=1). Conclusions: AIH-Ⅰ is more common than AIH-Ⅱ in children, with diverse clinical characteristics. Most cases have progressive liver inflammation and fibrosis when diagnosed. Prednisolone monotherapy or combined with azathioprine could achieve both biochemical and pathological improvement, but relapse is inevitable during drug tapering, hence long-term treatment is essential.

The Arabidopsis THADA homologue modulates TOR activity and cold acclimation

Low temperature is one of the most important environmental factors that affect global survival of humans and animals and equally importantly the distribution of plants and crop productivity. Survival of metazoan cells under cold stress requires regulation of the sensor-kinase Target Of Rapamycin (TOR). TOR controls growth of eukaryotic cells by adjusting anabolic and catabolic metabolism. Previous studies identified the Thyroid Adenoma Associated (THADA) gene as the major effect locus by positive selection in the evolution of modern human adapted to cold. Here we investigate the role of THADA in TOR signaling and cold acclimation of plants. We applied BLAST searches and homology modeling to identify the AtTHADA (AT3G55160) in Arabidopsis thaliana as the highly probable orthologue protein. Reverse genetics approaches were combined with immunological detection of TOR activity and metabolite profiling to address the role of the TOR and THADA for growth regulation and cold acclimation. Depletion of the AtTHADA gene caused complete or partial loss of full-length mRNA, respectively, and significant retardation of growth under non-stressed conditions. Furthermore, depletion of AtTHADA caused hypersensitivity towards low-temperatures. Atthada displayed a lowered energy charge. This went along with decreased TOR activity, which offers a molecular explanation for the slow growth phenotype of Atthada. Finally, we used TOR RNAi lines to identify the de-regulation of TOR activity as one determinant for sensitivity towards low-temperatures. Taken together our results provide evidence for a conserved function of THADA in cold acclimation of eukaryotes and suggest that cold acclimation in plants requires regulation of TOR.

[Analysis of imaging features and treatment strategies of unilateral maxillary sinus and nasal diseases]

Objective: To analyze the imaging features of unilateral maxillary sinus nasal lesions and the selection of treatment strategies based on imaging findings for these lesions. Method: The CT and enhanced MRI data of 64 cases of unilateral maxillary sinus and nasal lesions were selected. The imaging findings and surgery approach were observed and recorded. To summarize the imaging characteristics and analyze the choice of treatment strategy. Result: All 64 Unilateral maxillary sinus nasal lesions presented a roughly uniform soft tissue density shadow on CT. In all benign lesions, there were 9 cases manifested maxillary sinus wall bone destruction and bone discontinuity(18.4%,9/49); There were 17 cases of bone hyperplasia (34.7%,17/49).Bone destruction was observed in 14 cases of all malignant lesions (93.3%, 14/15). The appearance is approximately uniform signal shadow on MRI T1WI images. The lesions with different properties of the enhanced T1 images showed the imaging manifestations with their own characteristics. According to the CT and enhanced MRI images, the designed treatment plan was divided into 5 types. The coincidence rate of operation and plan was 90.5%,there were 4 cases of temporary modification in operation. Conclusion: For unilateral lesions, preoperative enhanced MRI and CT scan should be included as routine examination. CT is clear for bone observation, and can be the nature of tumor and germinal center. Enhanced MRI can provide more accurate information on the lesion scope, blood supply and the relationship between mass and surrounding tissues. Combined with the preoperative imaging data, it can provide the basis for the operation plan and treatment strategy of unilateral lesions.

Phonon localization in heat conduction

Nondiffusive phonon thermal transport, extensively observed in nanostructures, has largely been attributed to classical size effects, ignoring the wave nature of phonons. We report localization behavior in phonon heat conduction due to multiple scattering and interference events of broadband phonons, by measuring the thermal conductivities of GaAs/AlAs superlattices with ErAs nanodots randomly distributed at the interfaces. With an increasing number of superlattice periods, the measured thermal conductivities near room temperature increased and eventually saturated, indicating a transition from ballistic to diffusive transport. In contrast, at cryogenic temperatures the thermal conductivities first increased but then decreased, signaling phonon wave localization, as supported by atomistic Greenșs function simulations. The discovery of phonon localization suggests a new path forward for engineering phonon thermal transport.

[Prevalence of Candida albicans and its relationship with early childhood caries among children of three ethnic groups (Han, Uygur, Mongolian) in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]

Objective: To investigate the distributions of Candida albicans (Ca), which are closely associated to early childhood caries (ECC) of young children, in 3-5-year-old children of Mongolian, Uygur and Han ethnic groups in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang Urgur Autonomous Region, so as to provide scientific basis for the early prediction and prevention of caries locally. Methods: Totally 1 089 healthy children aged 3 to 5 years old (Mongolian 136, Uygur 403 and Han 550; 568 males and 521 females) were randomly selected by stratified and cluster sampling method. The children in early childhood caries group were 786 and in caries free group were 303. Dental plaque samples were collected from the carious tooth tissues and supragingival sites, respectively. Samples were isolated and cultured by different media. Ca were identified by Gram stain, germ tube test, PCR method and internal transcribed spacer region sequencing methods. Ca isolated were further typed by using PCR-25SrDNA genotype method. Pearson χ(2) test and Spearman rank correlation were used to analyze the differences in genotypes of Ca amongst three ethnic groups and the relationship between decayed missing filled tooth (dmft) classification and detection of Ca. Results: The Ca was significantly higher in the ECC group [14.4% (113/786)] than in the caries free group [7.6% (23/303)] (P=0.002). The identified rate of Ca in Mongolian group was [11.8% (16/136)], which was significantly lower than that of Uygur group [17.9% (72/403)] and higher than that of Han group [8.7% (48/550)] (χ(2)=10.192, P=0.006). Among the male children, the identified rate of Ca in Mongolian group was [10.0% (8/80)], which was significantly lower than that of Uygur group [21.7% (44/203)] and higher than that of Han group [8.4% (24/285)] (χ(2)=18.887, P=0.000). Among the female children, the detection rates of Ca were [14.3% (8/56)] in Mongolian group, [14.0% (28/200)] in Uygur group and [9.1% (24/265)] in Han group. There were no significant differences among the three ethnic groups (χ(2)=3.206, P=0.201). The identification rates of oral Ca in Uygur and Han ECC groups were correlated with the decayed, missing and filled teeth (Uygur r=0.195, P=0.001; Han r=0.145, P=0.004). Totally 136 Ca samples were divided into 3 types by PCR-25SrDNA method, and the predominant type was type A [55.1% (75/136)]. Conclusions: The distribution of oral Ca among children were ethnically different. Uygur male children carrying Ca were more susceptible to dental caries. Ca might be a risk factor for ECC. There was no specific cariogenic genotype in Ca isolated. There were no associations between ethnic factors and the genotypes of Ca isolated.

Hierarchical self-assembled Bi2S3 hollow nanotubes coated with sulfur-doped amorphous carbon as advanced anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) is considered as a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high theoretical specific capacity and intriguing reaction mechanism. However, capacity fading and cycling instability due to volume variation during the lithiation/delithiation process still remain a great challenge. Herein, we proposed a simple glucose assisted hydrothermal strategy and followed a post-treatment process to prepare hierarchical sulfur-doped carbon Bi2S3 (Bi2S3@SC) hollow nanotubes that self-assembled into sulfur-doped amorphous carbon coated Bi2S3 nanocrystals as building blocks. Glucose plays a decisive role in the formation process of Bi2S3 nanocrystals and subsequent self-assembly, forming Bi2S3@SC hollow nanotubes. The polysaccharide shell formed on the surface of Bi2S3 nanocrystals during the hydrothermal process was transformed into the sulphur-doped amorphous carbon layer after the post-treatment process. Electrochemical tests reveal that the resulting composites exhibit excellent electrochemical performance with a highly reversible cycling capacity of ∼950 mA h g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1, as well as a good rate capability and significantly enhanced cycling stability derived from their unique structural features, thus demonstrating the potential of Bi2S3@SC hollow nanotubes as high performance anode materials for LIBs. The analysis of electrochemical kinetics confirmed that the pseudocapacitive behavior dominates the overall storage process of Bi2S3@SC hollow nanotubes.

Whole brain radiotherapy after stereotactic radiosurgery or surgical resection among patients with one to three brain metastases and favorable prognoses: a secondary analysis of EORTC 22952-26001

Background

The absence of a survival benefit for whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) among randomized trials has been attributed to a competing risk of death from extracranial disease. We re-analyzed EORTC 22952 to assess the impact of WBRT on survival for patients with controlled extracranial disease or favorable prognoses.

Patients and methods

We utilized Cox regression, landmark analysis, and the Kaplan-Meier method to evaluate the impact of WBRT on survival accounting for (i) extracranial progression as a time-dependent covariate in all patients and (ii) diagnosis-specific graded prognostic assessment (GPA) score in patients with primary non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Results

A total of 329 patients treated per-protocol were included for analysis with a median follow up of 26 months. One hundred and fifteen (35%) patients had no extracranial progression; 70 (21%) patients had progression <90 days, 65 (20%) between 90 and 180 days, and 79 (24%) patients >180 days from randomization. There was no difference in the model-based risk of death in the WBRT group before [hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI)=0.70 (0.45-1.11), P = 0.133), or after [HR (95% CI)=1.20 (0.89-1.61), P = 0.214] extracranial progression. Among 177 patients with NSCLC, 175 had data available for GPA calculation. There was no significant survival benefit to WBRT among NSCLC patients with favorable GPA scores [HR (95% CI)=1.10 (0.68-1.79)] or unfavorable GPA scores [HR (95% CI)=1.11 (0.71-1.76)].

Conclusions

Among patients with limited extracranial disease and one to three brain metastases at enrollment, we found no significant survival benefit to WBRT among NSCLC patients with favorable GPA scores or patients with any histology and controlled extracranial disease status. This exploratory analysis of phase III data supports the practice of omitting WBRT for patients with limited brain metastases undergoing SRS and close surveillance.

Clinical Trials Number

NCT00002899.

Identification of a 62-kDa major allergen from Artemisia pollen as a putative galactose oxidase

BACKGROUND

Around 20 years ago, a 60- to 70-kDa protein was reported as a major allergen of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) pollen. This study was to identify and characterize its molecular properties.

METHODS

Sera from 113 Chinese and 20 Dutch Artemisia-allergic/sensitized subjects (and pools thereof) were used to identify the 60- to 70-kDa allergen. Pollen extracts of seven Artemisia species were compared by immunoblotting. Transcriptomics and proteomics (mass spectrometry) of A. annua pollen were used to identify the putative 60- to 70-kDa Artemisia allergen. Both the natural purified and recombinant allergens were evaluated for IgE reactivity by ImmunoCAP. Fourteen Chinese Artemisia-allergic patients were tested intradermally with purified natural allergen.

RESULTS

Immunoblots revealed two major bands at 12 and 25 kDa, and a weak band at 70 kDa for all seven Artemisia species. Using a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach, the high molecular mass allergen in A. annua pollen was shown to be a 62-kDa putative galactose oxidase, with a putative N-glycosylation site. More than 94% of Artemisia pollen-allergic patients had IgE response to this allergen. Although recognition of a nonglycosylated recombinant version was only confirmed in a minority (16%) and at much lower IgE levels, this discrepancy cannot be explained simply by reactivity to the carbohydrate moiety on the natural allergen. Intradermal testing with the natural allergen was positive in five of nine sensitized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The previously reported 60- to 70-kDa allergen of Artemisia pollen is most likely a 62-kDa putative galactose oxidase here designated Art an 7.

Potential virulence factors of bacteria associated with tail fan necrosis in the spiny lobster, Jasus edwardsii

Tail fan necrosis (TFN) is a common condition found in commercially exploited spiny lobsters that greatly diminishes their commercial value. Bacteria possessing proteolytic, chitinolytic and lipolytic capabilities were associated with TFN in spiny lobsters, Jasus edwardsii. In this study, 69 bacterial isolates exhibiting all the three enzymatic capabilities from the haemolymph and tail fans of J. edwardsii with and without TFN were further characterized and compared, including morphology, biofilm formation, antimicrobial activity, antimicrobial resistance, and production of siderophores, melanin and ammonia. The genomic patterns of the most common Vibrio crassostreae isolates were also compared between TFN-affected and unaffected lobsters. Biofilm formation was stronger in bacterial isolates from both haemolymph and tail fans of TFN-affected lobsters compared to those from the unaffected lobsters, while melanin production and siderophore production were stronger in the isolates from tail fans of lobsters with TFN. By contrast, the other characteristics of isolates were similar in lobsters with and without TFN. The Vib. crassostreae isolates from the affected lobsters had similar genomic patterns. Overall, the results indicate that in addition to proteolytic, chitinolytic and lipolytic activities, the bacteria associated with TFN commonly have enhanced activity of important virulence factors, including biofilm formation, melanin production and siderophore production.

[Efficiency Analysis of EX16+10Y Kit on Detection of the Uygur Population in Xinjiang Province]

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the efficiency of EX16+10Y kit on the forensic detection of the Uygur in Xinjiang province.

METHODS

The blood samples were extracted from 4 620 male individuals of Uygur in Xinjiang province, and amplified by EX16+10Y kit. The typing of amplification products was performed by 3130xl genetic analyzer.

RESULTS

The genotyping graphs of 15 autosomal STR loci and 10 Y-chromosomal STR loci from 4 620 male individuals of Uygur in Xinjiang province were acquired completely. The genotype distribution of 15 autosomal STR loci was consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The heterozygosity, polymorphism information content and discrimination power of STR loci were 0.637-0.838, 0.580-0.860 and 0.811-0.978, respectively. There were 766 haplotypes in 10 Y -chromosomal STR loci.

CONCLUSIONS

The test results of EX16+10Y kit is accurate and trustworthy, which can simultaneously be used for the individual identification and the screening of paternal pedigree in practical work.

Genetic characterization of a novel group of avastroviruses in geese

As part of aetiological studies, we tested 28 samples collected from domestic geese showing enteritis and sporadic death. A novel group of avastroviruses was found in six samples. One isolate was completely sequenced, which comprised 7,148 nucleotides. Pairwise comparisons and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the goose astrovirus is highly divergent from all previously described avastroviruses. Our data support the view that domestic geese can be infected by astroviruses with different genetic backgrounds, and have raised a concern about the role of domestic geese as reservoirs for diverse astroviruses.

[Association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and both cardiovascular, total mortality events in middle-aged Chinese adults]

Objective: To estimate the association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and cardiovascular events as well as all-cause mortality events. Methods: During 2009- 2010, out of the 11 623 individuals, 1 000 participants aged 35-64 years, were recruited and divided into 12 age-groups, to have received a study on CVD risk factors. Information on the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases was also collected. Fasting blood sample was gathered for all the participants, with hs-CRP tested. Participants in 7 out of the 12 sites were followed, with 6.21 years (36 075 person-years) as the median follow-up period. Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events were collected. A total of 6 177 participants had been followed after excluding participants who had baseline infections, or did not take hs-CRP test/physical examination at the baseline. Finally, 5 984 participants were included for analysis. Participants were categorized into three groups based on the hs-CRP (mg/L) values: <1, 1-3 and >3, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the relationships between hs-CRP with cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality events, after adjusting for confounding factors. Results: Mean age of the participants was 50.2 years. The incidence rates of cardiovascular disease events were 3.6/1 000 person-years, 7.1/1 000 person-years,and 10.4/1 000 person-years among three groups and 3.0/1 000 person-years, 5.7/1 000 person-years, 9.1/1 000 person-years for all-cause mortality events, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, the hazard risks (HR) for cardiovascular events were 1.33 (95%CI: 0.95-1.84) in the hs-CRP 1-3 mg/L group and 1.76 (95%CI: 1.20-2.60) in the hs-CRP>3 mg/L group when comparing with the hs-CRP<1 mg/L group (trend test P=0.003). The HRs for all-cause mortality events were 1.76 (95%CI: 1.23-2.54) and 2.64 (95%CI: 1.74-4.01) (trend test P<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Hs-CRP appeared an independent predictor for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality events.

Poly(glycoamidoamine) brush nanomaterials for systemic siRNA delivery in vivo

Delivery is the key challenge for siRNA based therapeutics. Here, we report the development of new poly(glycoamidoamine) brush nanomaterials for efficient siRNA delivery. GluN4C10 polymer brush nanoparticles, a lead material, demonstrated significantly improved delivery efficiency for siRNA against factor VII (FVII) in mice compared to poly(glycoamidoamine) brush nanomaterials reported previously.

[Development of a novel absorbable nanofiber chitosan-collagen membrane by electrospinning and the preliminary study on guided bone regeneration]

Objective: To evaluate the application effect of nanofiber chitosan-collagen membrane (NCM) on guided bone regeneration (GBR). Methods: The mixture of collagen, chitosan, polyethylene oxide was used to make up the NCM by electrospinning, then the NCM was crosslinked by glutaraldehyde vapor. The physical property of the NCM was measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were cultured on NCM to characterize the biocompatibility. The effectiveness of four groups [contrast group, Bio-gide membrane (BGM), compressed chitosan-collagen menbrane (CCM), NCM/CCM] on bone regeneration were evaluated in critical-sized defects (diameter=5 mm) in SD rats. Results: When the mixed solution consists of 4.0% collagen, 1.0% chitosan and 3.5% polyethylene oxide, the NCM could be validly fabricated by electrospinning. After cross-linking by glutaraldehyde vapor, the tensile strength and the stability of NCM in damp was enhanced. No cytotoxicity of the NCM was detected on MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. In vivo study showed that the new bone regeneration ratio of NCM/CCM group was [(43.10±1.49)%], and this was similar to that of the group of BGM [(41.36±2.60)%] (P>0.05), but higher than that of the CCM group [(33.10±1.41)%] and the contrast group [(7.22±2.46)%] (P<0.05). Conclusions: The NCM can promote new bone regeneration effectively in GBR procedure.

Abstract P3-08-11: The prognostic impact of retinoic acid-induced 2 (RAI2) expression in ERα-positive breast cancer patients

Background: Breast cancer cells disseminate to the bone marrow and form bone metastases in a large majority of late-stage patients. Retinoic Acid-Induced 2 (RAI2) was reported as a putative suppressor of early hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells to the bone marrow in breast cancer, particularly in estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer. Here, we investigated mRNA expression of RAI-2 in breast cancer patients during long-term follow-up.

Materials and methods: A total of 451 invasive breast cancer tissues was available for analysis of RAI2 mRNA using a TaqMan PCR system. We also sought correlations between clinicopathological factors and levels of RAI2 expression in these samples. The expression of markers associated with tumor-initiating capacity, such as SNAI1, SNAI2 and VIM was also analyzed. The median follow-up period was 9.0 years. Survival curves were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used for univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic values.

Results: We found positive correlations between low expression of RAI2 mRNA and shorter disease-free survival and overall survival in breast cancer patients (P=0.003, P&lt;0.0001, respectively), which was limited to ERα-positive patients (P=0.04, P=0.0009, respectively), and not seen in ERα-negative patients (P=0.52, P=0.27, respectively). Low RAI2 mRNA levels were positively correlated with high grade, ERα-negativity and PgR negativity. Multivariate analysis indicated that low level RAI2 mRNA expression was an independent factor for survival both overall in breast cancer and in ERα-positive breast cancer patients

Multivariate analysis (ERα-positive breast cancer patients)  OS  Multivariate patientsp valueHR(95%CI)Tumor size≤2cm1390.83691 (Reference) &gt;2cm207 1.08(0.54-2.28)Node statusNegative176&lt;0.00011 (Reference) Positive144 4.72(2.33-10.34)Grade11240.95921 (Reference) 2•3218 0.98(0.50-2.14)RAI2 mRNA expressionhigh140&lt;0.00011 (Reference) middle•low206 4.79(2.14-12.78)

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Conclusion:We show that low expression of RAI2 is an independent factor predictive of a poor prognosis in ERα-positive breast cancer patients. RAI2 could be a promising candidate biomarker and therapeutic target in ERα-positive breast cancer to prevent dissemination to the bone marrow.

Citation Format: Nishikawa S, Kondo N, Endo Y, Hato Y, Hisada T, Nishimoto M, Dong Y, Okuda K, Kato H, Takahashi S, Nakanishi R, Toyama T. The prognostic impact of retinoic acid-induced 2 (RAI2) expression in ERα-positive breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-08-11.

Enhanced electrochemical performance of lithium ion batteries using Sb2S3 nanorods wrapped in graphene nanosheets as anode materials

Antimony sulfide can be used as a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries due to its high theoretical specific capacity derived from sequential conversion and alloying lithium insertion reactions. However, the volume variation during the lithiation/delithiation process leads to capacity fading and cyclic instability. We report a facile, one-pot hydrothermal strategy to prepare Sb₂S₃ nanorods wrapped in graphene sheets that are promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries. The graphene sheets serve a dual function: as heterogeneous nucleation centers in the formation process of Sb₂S₃ nanorods, and as a structural buffer to accommodate the volume variation during the cycling process. The resulting composites exhibit excellent electrochemical performance with a highly reversible specific capacity of ∼910 mA h g^-1, cycling at 100 mA g^-1, as well as good rate capability and cyclic stability derived from their unique structural features.

Polo-like kinase 1 inhibition results in misaligned chromosomes and aberrant spindles in porcine oocytes during the first meiotic division

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), a type of serine/threonine protein kinase, has been implicated in various functions in the regulation of mitotic processes. However, these kinase's roles in meiotic division are not fully understood, particularly in the meiotic maturation of porcine oocytes. In this study, the expression and spatiotemporal localization of Plk1 were initially assessed in the meiotic process of pig oocytes by utilizing Western blotting with immunofluorescent staining combined with confocal microscopy imaging technique. The results showed that Plk1 was expressed and exhibited a dynamic subcellular localization throughout the meiotic process. After germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), Plk1 was detected prominently around the condensed chromosomes and subsequently exhibited a similar subcellular localization to α-tubulin throughout subsequent meiotic phases, with particular enrichment being observed near spindle poles at MI and MII. Inhibition of Plk1 via a highly selective inhibitor, GSK461364, led to the failure of first polar body extrusion in porcine oocytes, with the majority of the treated oocytes being arrested in GVBD. Further subcellular structure examination results indicated that Plk1 inhibition caused the great majority of oocytes with spindle abnormalities and chromosome misalignment during the first meiotic division. The results of this study illustrate that Plk1 is critical for the first meiotic division in porcine oocytes through its influence on spindle organization and chromosome alignment, which further affects the ensuing meiotic cell cycle progression.