Endoplasmic reticulum ribosome-binding protein 1, RRBP1, promotes progression of colorectal cancer and predicts an unfavourable prognosis

BACKGROUND

Ribosome-binding protein 1 (RRBP1) has been implicated in the regulation of unfolded protein response, which is involved in almost every aspect of cancer development. We aimed to explore the significance of RRBP1 in the progression and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

The study population consisted of 856 patients with stage I-III CRC from two hospitals. RRBP1 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in colorectal tissues. The correlation of RRBP1 expression and CRC occurrence was assessed in paired cancer-adjacent tissues. Factors contributing to prognosis were evaluated in a training-validation design with univariate and multivariate Cox analysis. Colorectal cancer aggressiveness caused by RRBP1 knockdown or overexpression was evaluated in CRC cells.

RESULTS

RRBP1 was aberrantly overexpressed in CRC. Compared with low-RRBP1 patients, high-RRBP1 patients had shorter disease-specific survival in the training (hazard ratio (HR), 2.423; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.531-3.835) and validation cohorts (HR, 3.749; 95% CI, 2.166-6.448) in multivariate Cox analysis. High-RRBP1 independently predicted a shorter disease-free survival (HR, 4.821; 95% CI, 3.220-7.218) in the validation cohort. RRBP1 knockdown reduced the aggressiveness of CRC cells in vitro and inhibited the growth of CRC xenografts in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

High RRBP1 expression facilitates CRC progression and predicts an unfavourable post-operative prognosis.

Nursing students' post-traumatic growth, emotional intelligence and psychological resilience

Nursing students in the present sample who have experienced childhood adversity have a certain level of post-traumatic growth. If introduced into nursing curricula, emotional intelligence interventions may increase emotional coping resources and enhance social skills for nurses, which may benefit their long-term occupational health. As researchers consider personal resilience a strategy for responding to workplace adversity in nurses, resilience building should be incorporated into nursing education. This is a preliminary study that may guide future investigations of the curvilinear relationship rather than linear relationship between post-traumatic growth and positive factors in the special sample of nursing students. Resilience, emotional intelligence and post-traumatic growth may benefit nursing students' careers and personal well-being in clinical work. Developing both their emotional intelligence and resilience may assist their individual post-traumatic growth and enhance their ability to cope with clinical stress. To investigate the relationships among post-traumatic growth, emotional intelligence and psychological resilience in vocational school nursing students who have experienced childhood adversities, a cross-sectional research design with anonymous questionnaires was conducted and self-report data were analysed. The Childhood Adversities Checklist (Chinese version), Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Emotional Intelligence Scale and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were used. Survey data were collected from 202 Chinese vocational school nursing students during 2011. Post-traumatic growth was associated with emotional intelligence and psychological resilience. Results indicated a curvilinear relationship between emotional intelligence and post-traumatic growth, and between psychological resilience and post-traumatic growth. Moderate-level emotional intelligence and psychological resilience were most associated with the greatest levels of growth. The results imply that moderate resilience and emotional intelligence can help nursing students cope with adversity in their future clinical work. This study first provided preliminary data suggesting the curvilinear relationship rather than linear relationship between post-traumatic growth and positive factors in the sample of nursing students.

Obesity is a risk factor for acute mountain sickness: a prospective study in Tibet railway construction workers on Tibetan plateau

OBJECTIVE

Although few retrospective studies of high altitude have reported that obesity might be associated with the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS), this association has not been fully studied prospectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of obesity on subjects with acute high-altitude exposure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Totally 262 male subjects aged 25-43 (mean 33.2 ± 9.3) years with acute high-altitude exposure were involved in this study. Among them, there are 120 obese and 142 non-obese young-middle aged male subjects. Each subject completed an AMS (acute mountain sickness) self-report questionnaire at sea level and after ascending high-altitude (3658 meters) 12 hours and 24 hours. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Vital capacity of lungs was measured. Venous blood was sampled for measuring hemoglobin at baseline. Arterial blood was taken for evaluating arterial oxygen saturation (SO2), arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) and arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2) at baseline and 24 hours after ascending high-altitude.

RESULTS

No statistical differences were found between groups at age (p = 0.1488), hemoglobin (p = 0.5807) and vital capacity (p = 0.1806). BMI in the two groups was significantly different (p < 0.001) because it is the cut-off point of grouping. At sea level, no statistical differences were found between groups at SO2 (p = 0.1806), PaO2 (p = 0.0949), PaCO2 (p = 0.1960). But 24 hours after ascending high-altitude, SO2 (p = 0.0002), PaO2 (p < 0.001) were much lower and PaCO2 (p < 0.001) was significantly higher in obese group than in non-obese group. Comparison of AMS score: No symptom was reported at sea level in all participants (scored 0). But 12-hour and 24-hour after ascending high-altitude, the AMS scores in obese group were significantly higher than those in non-obese group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is an important risk factor in the development of acute mountain sickness.

Infected hematopoietic stem cells and with integrated HBV DNA generate defective T cells in chronic HBV infection patients

A weak T-cell response plays a key role in the persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We aimed to confirm that T-cell defects in patients with chronic HBV infection are associated with HBV DNA infection of bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we observed the transcription of HBsAg coding genes and confirmed the integration of HBV DNA in CD34(+) BM HSCs from chronic HBV infection patients. T cells were generated by coculturing the HSCs with delta-like ligand 1-expressing OP9 (OP9-DL1) cells. The phenotypes of the T cells were then evaluated by flow cytometric (FACS) analysis on days 14 and 25. The results demonstrated that fewer CD3(+) TCRaβ(+) CD3(+) CD4(+) and CD4(+) CD8(+) T cells were generated from the HSCs of the patients than from the healthy controls, (P < 0.01) but the frequency of CD3(+) D8(+) T cells was not significantly different between the two group (P > 0.05). In contrast, CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells were more in the patient group than in healthy controls (P < 0.01) on both days 14 and 25. There were fewer CD3(+) CD4(+) /CD3(+) CD8(+) cells in the patient group than in the healthy control group on day 25 (P < 0.05). Less proliferation and lower levels of IL-2 and IFN- γ were also observed in the patient group compared with the control group (P < 0.05).These data suggest that HBV DNA infected and integrated into the BM HSCs from patients with chronic HBV infection and that these BM HSCs generated defective T cells.

Detection of malignant B lymphocytes by PCR clonality assay using direct lysis of cerebrospinal fluid and low volume specimens

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis of lymphoid malignancies is often challenging in paucicellular specimens. PCR may also be limited by insufficient cells for DNA isolation and incomplete coverage of gene rearrangements. This study aims to evaluate a PCR method for IgH clonality using direct cell lysates.

METHODS

PCR amplification used cell lysate from detergent-based lysis and BIOMED-2 primers. CSF specimens were tested for 20 patients with primary CNS lymphoma or systemic lymphoma suspected for CNS involvement. Cytology and flow cytometry analysis was performed in parallel with PCR.

RESULTS

Direct lysis produced a better yield than the column-based method for DNA isolation. PCR using lysate showed an efficiency of clonality detection from a minimum of 20 tumor cells. PCR clonality was found in nine of the 20 CSFs, and positive PCR was concordant with both cytology and flow cytometry in seven cases. There were two cases positive for PCR, but indeterminate for flow cytometry because of insufficient cell events. Of the eleven PCR-negative cases, two were considered as false negative, as flow cytometry showed positive for malignant cells. The PCR was also performed successfully with a specimen from the anterior chamber of the eye.

CONCLUSION

PCR clonality with direct cell lysis of CSF is feasible, and it may overcome the limitation of DNA isolation. This PCR method may be particularly useful for small volume and low cell CSF when flow cytometry is inconclusive.

Roles of miRNA in cardiovascular development and dysfunction

Non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), have been recently found to play a major role in the post-transcriptional regulation of both development and dysfunction of the cardiovascular system. Mechanistically, the induction or repression of miRNAs occurring in cardiovascular dysfunction triggers downstream cardiac events in a celltype- specific manner. More importantly, the endogenous microRNAs' disturbance can be modified to rescue cardiac function through exogenous overexpressing or neutralizing strategy. In this paper, we summarizes the current knowledge about miRNAs functions as well as their role in cardiac development and disease, and reports novel miRNAs-based therapeutic approaches to counteract maladaptive remodeling upon cardiac dysfunction.

Overexpression and characterization of laccase from Trametes versicolor in Pichia pastoris

A laccase-encoding gene of Trametes versicolor, lccA, was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris X33. The lccA gene consists ofa 1560 bp open reading frame encoding 519 amino acids, which was classified into family copper blue oxidase. To improve the expression level of recombinant laccase in P. pastoris, conditions of the fermentation were optimized by the single factor experiments. The optimal fermentation conditions for the laccase production in shake flask cultivation using BMGY medium were obtained: the optimal initial pH 7.0, the presence of 0.5 mM Cu2+, 0.6% methanol added into the culture every 24 h. The laccase activity was up to 11.972 U/L under optimal conditions after 16 days of induction in a medium with 4% peptone. After 100 h of large scale production in 5 L fermenter the enzyme activity reached 18.123 U/L. The recombinant laccase was purified by ultrafiltration and (NH4)2SO4 precipitation showing a single band on SDS-PAGE, which had a molecular mass of 58 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature for the laccase were pH 2.0 and 50 degrees C with 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) as a substrate. The recombinant laccase was stable over a pH range of 2.0-7.0. The K(m) and the V(max) value of LccA were 0.43 mM and 82.3 U/mg for ABTS, respectively.

Minimal alveolar concentration of sevoflurane for induction of isoelectric electroencephalogram in middle-aged adults

BACKGROUND

We determined the minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane inducing an isoelectric EEG in 50% of adult subjects (MACie).

METHODS

We included 31 middle-aged subjects; 30 subjects finished the study protocol and received sevoflurane at preselected concentrations according to a modified Dixon 'up-and-down' design starting at 1.7 vol% with 0.2 vol% steps size. General anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane; tracheal intubation was facilitated with cisatracurium. After a period of 30 min before skin incision, the state of isoelectric EEG was considered as significant when a burst suppression ratio of 100% lasted for >1 min. The haemodynamic responses to skin incision and the vasopressor requirement to maintain stable haemodynamic status were also analysed according to the EEG state.

RESULTS

MACie was 3.5% (95% confidence interval, 3.4-3.7%) in middle-aged subjects. When compared with subjects not in isoelectric EEG state, subjects in isoelectric EEG state received more phenylephrine to maintain stable haemodynamics (10 of 10 compared with 7 of 20 subjects, P=0.001) and experienced less sympathetic responses to skin incision (1 of 10 compared with 11 of 20 subjects, P=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

MACie for sevoflurane was ∼2.1 times MAC for immobilization in phenobarbital premedicated middle-aged adults. Sevoflurane-induced isoelectric EEG state is associated with significant cardiovascular depression but reduced haemodynamic responses to skin incision.

Age-associated changes in gene expression and developmental competence of bovine oocytes, and a possible countermeasure against age-associated events

In general, maternal age affects the quality of oocytes and embryos. The present study aimed to examine the features and age-associated gene expression profiles of bovine oocytes and embryos as well as to discover possible countermeasures against age-associated events. Comprehensive gene expression assays of germinal vesicle and metaphase II (MII)-stage oocytes and 8- to 16-cell-stage embryos were conducted using next-generation sequencing technology. The gene expression profiles of aged cows showed high expression of genes related to oxidative phosphorylation, eIF4 and p70S6K signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction in MII-stage oocytes. Oocytes derived from aged cows, compared with those derived from their younger counterparts, exhibited high levels of abnormal fertilization and blastocysts with low total cell numbers. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and SIRT1 were higher in in vitro-matured oocytes derived from aged cows than in those derived from their younger counterparts. Supplementation of maturation medium with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), but not resveratrol, reduced the levels of ROS in the oocytes derived from cows of both age groups; however, resveratrol, but not NAC, improved the fertilization ratio. Conversely, EX 527, an inhibitor of SIRT1, increased the ratio of abnormal fertilization. In conclusion, gene expression profiles of oocytes and embryos derived from aged cows differ from those of oocytes and embryos derived from young cows; in particular, oocytes derived from aged cows show protein and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, activation of SIRT1 in oocytes may be a potential countermeasure against age-associated events in oocytes derived from aged cows.

In vivo bioluminescence imaging monitoring of stem cells' participation in choroidal neovascularization

BACKGROUND

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is common in various retinal diseases and is one of the most common causes of severe and irreversible visual loss. Our previous works suggested that bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs) participate in CNV, but little is known about stem cells' dynamic change when injected into mouse CNV. In vivo optical bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a newly developing technology for dynamically observing biological behavior. Using this technology, we can observe the stem cells' dynamic behavior in CNV, in vivo.

METHODS

Two types of BMCs were used: bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) and bone mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Cells were characterized using flow cytometry and BLI. C57BL/6J mice (n = 6/group) underwent CNV followed by caudal vein injection of 4 × 10⁶ BMMNCs, MSCs or phosphate buffer. Cell survival was measured: (1) in vivo using BLI during 2 weeks, and (2) in vitro using firefly luciferase (Fluc) assays and histology.

RESULTS

BMMNCs and MSCs expressed a similar Fluc reporter enzyme, as confirmed by luminometry. After injection into CNV mouse models, the two cell types showed dynamic behavior in CNV using BLI. The in vitro Fluc assay and histology results provided further proof for the above results.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study comparing the behavior of stem cells in CNV using BLI, in vivo. BMMNCs and MSCs could contribute to CNV and could serve as delivery vehicles for CNV treatments. Meanwhile, BLI could lay a foundation for CNV mechanism research in a prospective manner.

Estradiol supports in vitro development of bovine early antral follicles

Antrum formation and estradiol (E2) secretion are specific features of oocyte and granulosa cell complexes (OGCs). This study investigates the effect of E2 on the in vitro development of bovine OGCs derived from early antral follicles as well as on the expression of genes in granulosa cells (GCs). The supplementation of culture medium with either E2 or androstenedione (A4) improved the in vitro development of OGCs and the nuclear maturation of enclosed oocytes. When OGCs were cultured in medium containing A4, developmentally competent OGCs secreted more E2 than OGCs that were not competent. In addition, fulvestrant inhibited the effect of both E2 and A4 on OGCs development. Comprehensive gene expression analysis using next-generation sequence technology was conducted for the following three types of GCs: i) GCs of OGCs cultured for 4 days with E2 (1 μg/ml; E2(+)), ii) GCs of OGCs cultured for 4 days without E2 (E2(−)) or iii) OGCs that formed clear antrum after 8 days of in vitro culture in medium containing E2 (1 μg/ml; AF group). GCs of the E2(+) group had a similar gene expression profile to the profile reported previously for the in vivo development of large follicles. This genetic profile included factors implicated in the up-regulation of E2 biosynthesis and down-regulation of cytoskeleton and extracellular matrices. In addition, a novel gene expression profile was found in the AF group. In conclusion, E2 impacts the gene expression profile of GCs to support the in vitro development of OGCs.

Clinical evaluation with self-sequential longitudinal reference intervals: pregnancy outcome and neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone level associated with maternal thyroid diseases

OBJECTIVE

We attempted to evaluate maternal thyroid function in a new self-sequential longitudinal reference interval (SLRI) which we established recently. By this method, we analysed the correlation between pregnancy outcome, neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level and maternal thyroid diseases.

METHODS

A total of 1744 pregnant women participated in the study and 1747 babies were born from those women (three bore twins). The levels of TSH, free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) of mothers were quantified by electrochemistry immunoassay (ECL). The levels of neonatal blood TSH were detected by time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA). All data were collected and statistically analysed by SPSS 13.0 software.

RESULTS

With our new SLRI method, we found that 0.11%-3.84% pregnant women would get thyroid diseases. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common maternal thyroid disorder. Being positive for thyroid peroxidase antibodies was a significant risk factor of subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy. The median, P2.5-P97.5, and interquartile range (IQR) of neonatal TSH (N-TSH) of 1747 babies were 2.72 mIU/L, 0.10-8.01 mIU/L and 2.62 mIU/L, respectively; 28.6% of pregnant women with thyroid diseases developed pregnancy complications. The prevalence was significantly higher than in the normal thyroid function group (p < 0.001). The levels of N-TSH were low correlated with maternal TSH levels (p < 0.05), but there were no significant correlations between N-TSH and maternal FT4 and maternal TPO-Ab (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroid disorders, especially subclinical hypothyroidism, are common in pregnant women. These disorders are associated with pregnancy and fetal outcome. Routine maternal thyroid function screening is important and should be recommended.

Poster - Thur Eve - 57: Craniospinal irradiation with jagged-junction IMRT approach without beam edge matching for field junctions

PURPOSE

Craniospinal irradiation were traditionally treated the central nervous system using two or three adjacent field sets. A intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plan (Jagged-Junction IMRT) which overcomes problems associated with field junctions and beam edge matching, improves planning and treatment setup efficiencies with homogenous target dose distribution was developed.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Jagged-Junction IMRT was retrospectively planned on three patients with prescription of 36 Gy in 20 fractions and compared to conventional treatment plans. Planning target volume (PTV) included the whole brain and spinal canal to the S3 vertebral level. The plan employed three field sets, each with a unique isocentre. One field set with seven fields treated the cranium. Two field sets treated the spine, each set using three fields. Fields from adjacent sets were overlapped and the optimization process smoothly integrated the dose inside the overlapped junction.

RESULTS

For the Jagged-Junction IMRT plans vs conventional technique, average homogeneity index equaled 0.08±0.01 vs 0.12±0.02, and conformity number equaled 0.79±0.01 vs 0.47±0.12. The 95% isodose surface covered (99.5±0.3)% of the PTV vs (98.1±2.0)%. Both Jagged-Junction IMRT plans and the conventional plans had good sparing of the organs at risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Jagged-Junction IMRT planning provided good dose homogeneity and conformity to the target while maintaining a low dose to the organs at risk. Jagged-Junction IMRT optimization smoothly distributed dose in the junction between field sets. Since there was no beam matching, this treatment technique is less likely to produce hot or cold spots at the junction in contrast to conventional techniques.