Influence of storage time on DNA of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae for accurate detection by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction

The shipment and storage conditions of clinical samples pose a major challenge to the detection accuracy of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) when using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The aim of the present study was to explore the influence of storage time at 4°C on the DNA of these pathogens and its effect on their detection by qRT-PCR. CT, NG, and UU positive genital swabs from 70 patients were collected, and DNA of all samples were extracted and divided into eight aliquots. One aliquot was immediately analyzed with qRT-PCR to assess the initial pathogen load, whereas the remaining samples were stored at 4°C and analyzed after 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. No significant differences in CT, NG, and UU DNA loads were observed between baseline (day 0) and the subsequent time points (days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28) in any of the 70 samples. Although a slight increase in DNA levels was observed at day 28 compared to day 0, paired sample t-test results revealed no significant differences between the mean DNA levels at different time points following storage at 4°C (all P>0.05). Overall, the CT, UU, and NG DNA loads from all genital swab samples were stable at 4°C over a 28-day period.

Buccally impacted maxillary canines increase the likelihood of root separation in adjacent first premolars

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of maxillary impacted canines on the root morphology of adjacent premolars in a Chinese population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A sample of 370 Chinese subjects with maxillary canine impaction and 370 control subjects were collected in this study. CBCT data of all subjects were collected and analyzed. The prevalence of separate-rooted maxillary premolars was compared between subjects with and without impacted canines. Then, the prevalence of separate-rooted maxillary premolars was compared between subjects with buccal canine impaction (BIC) and those with palatal impaction (PIC).

RESULTS

The prevalence of separate-rooted first premolars was significantly higher in the canine impaction group (P = 0.046), but the prevalence of separate-rooted second premolars was not different (P = 0.780). Furthermore, a significant higher prevalence of first premolar root separation was found on the impacted site in the BIC subgroup (P < 0.001), but not in the PIC subgroup (P = 0.508). Also, the prevalence of separate-rooted first premolars in the BIC subgroup was significantly higher than that of the control group (P = 0.008), but not so for the PIC subgroup (P = 0.097).

CONCLUSIONS

Buccally impacted maxillary canines are associated with an increased prevalence of root separation in the adjacent maxillary first premolars. This is likely because that buccally impacted canines encroach on the space needed for root development of the first premolars.

Publisher's Note: Isomer Shift and Magnetic Moment of the Long-Lived 1/2^{+} Isomer in _{30}^{79}Zn_{49}: Signature of Shape Coexistence near ^{78}Ni [Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 182502 (2016)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.182502.

HCV NS3Ag: a reliable and clinically useful predictor of antiviral outcomes in genotype 1b hepatitis C virus-infected patients

Since hepatitis C virus (HCV) non-structural 3 (NS3) protease inhibitor (PI) combined with pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PR) has been approved for chronic HCV genotype (GT) 1b infection, a reliable and clinically useful predictor combining with serum HCV RNA to predict early virologic response, breakthrough, and relapse is important during HCV antiviral treatment. We evaluated the role of HCV NS3 antigen (HCV NS3Ag) on the prediction of virologic response in patients with HCV GT1b during PR or PR/simeprevir (triple) therapy. Three hundred patients were recruited, and HCV RNA and HCV NS3Ag were tested at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72. NS3Ag and HCV RNA were significantly related (r(2) = 0.67) in the whole patient selection. The kinetic pattern of HCV RNA and HCV NS3Ag during triple treatment was similar. HCV NS3Ag levels in the triple group closely followed those of HCV RNA; the r(2) values were 0.756 (baseline), 0.837 (2 weeks), 0.989 (4 weeks), and 0.993 (12 weeks), respectively. For patients treated with PR, the positive and negative predictive values (PPVs and NPVs) for viral response were 96.31 % and 67.19 %, respectively, at week 4 by using the decrease of NS3Ag (dHCV NS3Ag) combined with HCV RNA. At week 12, the PPV was similar at 94.16 %, while the NPV reached 87.26 %. The PPV and NPV for the prediction of relapse and breakthrough were 90.6 % and 76.7 %, respectively. HCV NS3Ag is a valuable marker and could be a supplementary predictor of HCV RNA for the prediction of antiviral response, breakthrough, or relapse during HCV antiviral treatment.

Isomer Shift and Magnetic Moment of the Long-Lived 1/2^{+} Isomer in _{30}^{79}Zn_{49}: Signature of Shape Coexistence near ^{78}Ni

Collinear laser spectroscopy is performed on the _{30}^{79}Zn_{49} isotope at ISOLDE-CERN. The existence of a long-lived isomer with a few hundred milliseconds half-life is confirmed, and the nuclear spins and moments of the ground and isomeric states in ^{79}Zn as well as the isomer shift are measured. From the observed hyperfine structures, spins I=9/2 and I=1/2 are firmly assigned to the ground and isomeric states. The magnetic moment μ (^{79}Zn)=-1.1866(10)μ_{N}, confirms the spin-parity 9/2^{+} with a νg_{9/2}^{-1} shell-model configuration, in excellent agreement with the prediction from large scale shell-model theories. The magnetic moment μ (^{79m}Zn)=-1.0180(12)μ_{N} supports a positive parity for the isomer, with a wave function dominated by a 2h-1p neutron excitation across the N=50 shell gap. The large isomer shift reveals an increase of the intruder isomer mean square charge radius with respect to that of the ground state, δ⟨r_{c}^{2}⟩^{79,79m}=+0.204(6)  fm^{2}, providing first evidence of shape coexistence.

Copy number variation identification and analysis of the chicken genome using a 60K SNP BeadChip

Copy number variation (CNV) is an important source of genetic variation in organisms and a main factor that affects phenotypic variation. A comprehensive study of chicken CNV can provide valuable information on genetic diversity and facilitate future analyses of associations between CNV and economically important traits in chickens. In the present study, an F2 full-sib chicken population (554 individuals), established from a cross between Xinghua and White Recessive Rock chickens, was used to explore CNV in the chicken genome. Genotyping was performed using a chicken 60K SNP BeadChip. A total of 1,875 CNV were detected with the PennCNV algorithm, and the average number of CNV was 3.42 per individual. The CNV were distributed across 383 independent CNV regions (CNVR) and covered 41 megabases (3.97%) of the chicken genome. Seven CNVR in 108 individuals were validated by quantitative real-time PCR, and 81 of these individuals (75%) also were detected with the PennCNV algorithm. In total, 274 CNVR (71.54%) identified in the current study were previously reported. Of these, 147 (38.38%) were reported in at least 2 studies. Additionally, 109 of the CNVR (28.46%) discovered here are novel. A total of 709 genes within or overlapping with the CNVR was retrieved. Out of the 2,742 quantitative trait loci (QTL) collected in the chicken QTL database, 43 QTL had confidence intervals overlapping with the CNVR, and 32 CNVR encompassed one or more functional genes. The functional genes located in the CNVR are likely to be the QTG that are associated with underlying economic traits. This study considerably expands our insight into the structural variation in the genome of chickens and provides an important resource for genomic variation, especially for genomic structural variation related to economic traits in chickens.

Sizing charged particles by phase Doppler anemometry

Phase Doppler anemometry (PDA) is one of the most popular optical techniques used to measure particle sizes. The configuration of PDA layout is important for accurate measurement. In this paper, considering the fact that particles are very likely charged due to many reasons, the selection of PDA layout parameters for measuring charged particles is studied. Effective regions in the receiver's configuration parameter plane are found for charged particles. When parameters are selected from the effective regions, the phase-diameter curves of the PDA are linear, which satisfies the requirement of the working principle of PDA for measuring particle diameter. It is found that the scattered power of charged particles is attenuated, and the attenuation only has small oscillation with the variation of particle diameter and is mainly dominated by the surface conductivity, a phenomenological parameter for describing net surface charges carried by particles. A method is proposed to identify charged particles as well as their surface conductivities.

[Biomarker screening of rat pulmonary hypertension model by transcriptome sequencing]

OBJECTIVE

To screen relative gene and pathway of rat severe pulmonary hypertension by transcriptome sequencing.

METHOD

Pulmonary hypertension animal model of SD rats was established by left lung resection and hypodermic injection of monocrotaline.Monocrotaline was injected subcutaneously one week after left lung resection.Eight rats at 1, 3, 5 weeks after the injection of monocrotaline respectively were named group M1, group M2 and group M3.Eight normal rats were assigned into control group (group C). The right lung tissue was used for transcriptome sequencing to screen the differentially expressed genes.KEGG pathway analysis was performed to screen the pathways with enriched differentially expressed genes.

RESULT

The animal model was established successfully.The pulmonary artery pressure was as follows: group C (28.6±3.0) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), group M1 (38.9±3.3) mmHg, group M2 (50.8±3.9) mmHg, group M3 (51.5±3.5) mmHg.The pressure elevated in group M1 compared with group C (P=0.007). The pressure in M2 and M3 elevated compared with M1(P=0.002 and P<0.001 respectively). The pressure showed no significant difference between group M3 and group M2(P=1.000). The genes possibly associated with the formation of severe pulmonary hypertension were epithelial specific receptor tyrosine kinase(Tie2) and thrombospondin-1(TSP-1). Tie2 was down-regulated (q<0.005) in the early stage of pulmonary hypertension and up-regulated (q<0.005) in the late stage of pulmonary hypertension.TSP-1 was up-regulated (q<0.005) in the early stage of pulmonary hypertension and down-regulated (q<0.005) in the late stage of pulmonary hypertension.In the stage of severe pulmonary hypertension, the differentially expressed genes were enriched mainly in the pathways of phosphatidylinostitol 3-kinase, focal adhesion kinase and extracellular matrix receptor interaction.

CONCLUSION

The study provides transcriptome information of rat pulmonary hypertension model and normal rat.Possible mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension are found.These genes and pathways might be new precursor for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

The spatial-temporal expression and functional divergence of bach homologs in zebrafish Danio rerio

The spatial-temporal expressions of bach1a, bach1b, bach2a and bach2b in early development of zebrafish Danio rerio embryos were examined in the present study by whole mount in situ hybridization. Transcripts of all genes were found at the one cell stage, suggesting that these four genes are maternally inherited. From the phylogenetic analyses, Bach1a and Bach1b from fishes form a well-supported group with two sub-groups. Bach2a and Bach2b, however, did not fall into one clade, suggesting that Bach2 proteins diverged faster or earlier than Bach1 proteins in fishes. The differentially regulated expression of the exocrine zymogen (such as the trypsin-like gene, tryl) of both paralogs of bach1 and bach2, respectively, showed that their functions are still active and already divergent, coinciding with subfunction partitioning.

ID: 22: DIFFERENTIAL ACTIONS OF ESTROGEN RECEPTOR α AND β VIA NON-GENOMIC SIGNALING IN HUMAN PROSTATE STEM-PROGENITOR CELLS

Genomic signaling via estrogen receptors (ER) has been widely studied and implicated as the main ER signaling pathway in prostate development and carcinogenesis. Non-genomic ER signaling has also been reported in prostate epithelium although down-stream cascades have not been clarified. Our lab has recently identified ERs in human prostate epithelial stem/progenitor cells and shown that that 17β-estradiol (E2) can stimulate stem cell symmetric self-renewal and progenitor cell proliferation. In this study we interrogate non-genomic membrane initiated ER signaling in this prostate stem/progenitor cell population. Human prostate stem-progenitor cells were enriched from primary prostate epithelial cell cultures (PrEC) of young, disease-free donors using a 3D prostasphere (PS) model as previously described. Cells were labeled using ERα or ERβ antibodies along with prostate stem cell markers CD49f and TROP2 followed by triple channel FACS to quantify ERα+/ERβ+ cell numbers. To explore ERα, the benign human prostate stem cell line WPE with extremely low levels of ERα and ERβ, was stably transfected with a lentiviral-ERα expression vector. The human prostate cancer stem-like cell line HuSLC (ERβ++, ERα−) was utilized to interrogate ERb actions. Cells were exposed to 10 nM estradiol (E2) over a 15 to 60 minute time course +/− ICI 182,870 (ICI), an ERα/β antagonist. FACS analysis of day 7 PS cells labeled for ERα or ERβ revealed 66% of day 7 PS cells as ERα+ and 40% as ERβ+. Among ERα or ERβ positive PS cells, 4% were Trop2+/CD49fhigh (stem-like cells) and 10–12% were Trop2+/CD49fmedium (early stage progenitor cells). PS exposed to 10 nM E2 showed sequential phosphorylation of Src, Erk1/2, p38, Akt and NFκB (p65) over 60 minutes. Phosphorylation of up-and downstream targets (EGFR, Jnk, GSK 3α/β, p70 S6 kinase, PRAS40, MSK1/2) was also seen using a phospho-kinase array. Furthermore, phosphorylation of ERα at S167 was noted over 60 min of E2 exposure enabling enhancement of genomic ERα transactivational activity in a feed-forward manner. ICI attenuated Akt and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, confirming membrane bound ERs are involved in downstream signaling. E2 treatment of HuSLCs showed phosphorylation of Erk1/2 but not Akt, indicating that ERβ signals exclusively through the MAPK pathway in these cells. Conversely, E2 treatment of WPE-stem cells overexpressing ERα resulted in robust phosphorylation of Akt but lower levels of Erk1/2 phosphorylation suggesting that Akt activation may be more reliant on ERα signaling. To identify pathway specific roles, specific inhibitors were added to PS cultures. PS treated with LY294002 (Akt inhibitor) for 7 days attenuated the E2-mediated increase in PS number and size. Inhibition of the NFκB downstream of the Akt pathway by IKK VII (IKK inhibitor) blocked p65 phosphorylation, abrogated the E2-induced increase in stem cell symmetric self-renewal and blunted E2 stimulation of progenitor cell proliferation. Analysis of PS cyclin mRNA levels revealed a G1 arrest of progenitor cells upon IKK inhibition suggesting an essential role of NFκB in progenitor cell amplification. MAPK pathway inhibition with U0126(Erk1/2 inhibitor) resulted in an attenuation of the E2-mediated increase in PS number and size and an increase stem cell symmetric self-renewal suggesting that MAPK pathway activation promotes commitment to stem and progenitor cell expansion. Taken together, the present findings reveal that human prostate stem-progenitor cells express both ERα and ERβ which differentially activate different signaling cascades originating at the membrane. These signaling events may lead to unique downstream actions that influence prostate stem-progenitor cell proliferation as well as lineage commitment decisions.

Cancer therapy in the necroptosis era

Necroptosis is a caspase-independent form of regulated cell death executed by the receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1), RIP3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL). Recently, necroptosis-based cancer therapy has been proposed to be a novel strategy for antitumor treatment. However, a big controversy exists on whether this type of therapy is feasible or just a conceptual model. Proponents believe that because necroptosis and apoptosis use distinct molecular pathways, triggering necroptosis could be an alternative way to eradicate apoptosis-resistant cancer cells. This hypothesis has been preliminarily validated by recent studies. However, some skeptics doubt this strategy because of the intrinsic or acquired defects of necroptotic machinery observed in many cancer cells. Moreover, two other concerns are whether or not necroptosis inducers are selective in killing cancer cells without disturbing the normal cells and whether it will lead to inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize current studies surrounding this controversy on necroptosis-based antitumor research and discuss the advantages, potential issues, and countermeasures of this novel therapy.

c-Met and CREB1 are involved in miR-433-mediated inhibition of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bladder cancer by regulating Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling

Emerging evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) have an important role in tumor development and progression by regulating diverse cellular pathways. Here we describe the function and regulation network of miR-433 in bladder cancer (BCa). miR-433 is frequently downregulated in BCa tissues compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in the regulation of miR-433 expression. Enforced expression of miR-433 significantly inhibits proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in BCa cells. In addition, miR-433 inhibits the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in BCa cells by regulating c-Met/Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling pathway. Both c-Met and CREB1 are downstream target genes of miR-433. CREB1 can also indirectly regulate c-Met/Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling via MITF. Furthermore, CREB1 expression is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with BCa. Finally, there appears to exist a reciprocal regulation between c-Met and miR-433/miR-409-3p. Taken together, this study reveals that miR-433-c-MET/CREB1-Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling is critical to EMT in BCa. Targeting the pathway described here may open up new prospects to restrict metastatic progression of BCa.

Photoinduced doping and photoluminescence signature in an exfoliated WS2 monolayer semiconductor

Photoinduced doping effect in a mechanically-exfoliated high-quality tungsten disulfide (WS₂) monolayer.

THE EFFECTS OF A SIMPLE METHOD FOR CRYOPRESERVATION AND THAWING PROCEDURES ON CORD BLOOD DERIVED DC-BASED ESOPHAGEAL CARCINOMA VACCINE

BACKGROUND

Producing sufficient numbers of DCs at one time point and subsequently cryopreserving the generated DCs in ready-for-use aliquots for clinical application is useful in cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of a simplified cryopreservation method and thawing procedures acting on the biological characteristics and specific cytotoxic activity of cord blood derived DC-based esophageal carcinoma vaccine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells were isolated from cord blood using CD34+ Progenitor Cell Isolation Kit by magnetic cell sorting system (MACS). The CD34+ cells were expanded with cytokines as DCs, and fused with EC109 cells by PEG-3600. The fused cells were transferred to a freezing tube without rate-controlled freezing and stored at -80 degree C for three weeks. During cryopreservation, 2.5% DMSO, 2.5% glucose and 10% FCS at final concentration was used as stock solution. After thawing, cells were assayed for Typan blue viability, morphology, immunophenotypes and T-cell stimulatory capacity, and specific CTL activity.

RESULTS

Cryopreservation does not cause significant changes in the phenotypes expression or morphology of the fused cells, and the viability were well preserved (Typan blue viability was 77.2±1.8%). After being stimulated by DC-based esophageal carcinoma vaccine either before or after cryopreservation, the numbers of CD3+T/CD4+T and CD3+T/CD8+T lymphocytes increased obviously, especially for CD3+T/CD4+T, and the ratio of CD4/CD8 changed from 0.85 to 1.29 and 1.25 respectively. Specific CTL activity were well preserved (compare to the fresh fused vaccine, P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

A simple -80 degree C freezing and storage method is practical for cord blood derived DC-based esophageal carcinoma vaccine. It will greatly facilitate the clinical use of DC-based vaccine for immunotherapy.

An instrument for charge measurement due to a single collision between two spherical particles

It universally exists in moving particular systems that particles can be electrified, in which the particles are chemically identical, just as toner particles, coal dust, and pharmaceutical powders. However, owing to the limit of experimental instruments, so far, there are yet no experiments to illustrate whether a particle can be electrified due to a single collision between two spherical particles, and there are also no experiments to measure the charge carried by a single particle due to a single collision between two particles. So we have developed an instrument for charge measurement due to a single collision between two spheres. The instrument consists of two-sphere collision device, collision charge measurement apparatus, and particles' trajectory tracking system. By using this instrument, we can investigate the collision contact electrification due to a single collision between two spheres and simultaneously record the moving trajectories of spheres after the collision to calculate the rebound angles to identify the contribution of the triboelectrification due to the rubbing between the contact surfaces and the collision contact electrification due to the normal pressure between the contact surfaces.

Influence of the Interval Between Renal Computed Tomographic Angiography and Kidney Transplantation on Allograft Function: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) requires contrast agents that may cause nephropathy. We wanted to assess whether donors using contrast agents long or immediately before nephrectomy affects recipient allograft function.

METHODS

Pairs of kidney donors and recipients in our center were recruited between May 2012 and October 2014. They were randomly allocated into the preemptive CTA (pCTA) group, in which the donors underwent CTA at least 60 days before nephrectomy, or the delayed CTA (dCTA) group, in which donors underwent CTA within 3 days before nephrectomy.

RESULTS

Both groups included 43 recipients. Recovery time to normal serum creatinine levels and the numbers of recipients who had slow graft function or normal cystatin C at 1 month were significantly different between groups. At 6-month follow-up, both groups showed similar serum creatinine levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and rates of acute rejection. No participant had graft failure. The pCTA group had a significantly lower number of recipients with proteinuria (5 versus 13, P = .034) and slighter proteinuria (spot urine protein/Cr, 0.09 ± 0.05 versus 0.14 ± 0.07, P = .047).

CONCLUSIONS

Performing renal CTA on donors immediately before nephrectomy may increase the risk of proteinuria in recipients, but it does not appear to affect allograft function recovery or survival rate (Chinese Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR-TRC-11002108).

Phase II trial of second-line everolimus in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RECORD-4)

BACKGROUND

RECORD-1 demonstrated clinical benefit of everolimus in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) previously treated with sunitinib, sorafenib, or both; prior treatment with cytokines, bevacizumab, and chemotherapy was also permitted. RECORD-4 prospectively assessed everolimus in a purely second-line setting.

METHODS

Patients with clear-cell mRCC were enrolled into one of three cohorts based on first-line therapy with sunitinib, other anti-VEGF agents, or cytokines. Patients were treated with everolimus 10 mg/day until progression (RECIST, v1.0) or intolerance. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) per investigator review. Data cutoff was 1 September 2014, for the primary analysis and 26 June 2015, for the final overall survival (OS) analysis.

RESULTS

Enrolled patients (N = 134) previously received sunitinib (n = 58), other anti-VEGF therapy (n = 62; sorafenib, 23; bevacizumab, 16; pazopanib, 13; tivozanib, 5; and axitinib, 3), or cytokines (n = 14). Overall median age was 59 years, and most patients were men (68%) and of favorable/intermediate MSKCC risk (52/37%). Overall median PFS was 7.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.7-11.0]; in the cohorts, it was 5.7 months (95% CI 3.7-11.3) with previous sunitinib, 7.8 months (95% CI 5.7-11.0) with other previous anti-VEGF therapy, and 12.9 months [95% CI 2.6-not estimable (NE)] with previous cytokines. Overall, 67% of patients achieved stable disease as their best objective response. At final OS analysis, total median OS was 23.8 months (95% CI 17.0-NE) and, in the cohorts, it was 23.8 months (95% CI 13.7-NE) with previous sunitinib, 17.2 months (95% CI 11.9-NE) with other previous anti-VEGF therapy, and NE (95% CI 15.9-NE) with previous cytokine-based therapy. Overall, 56% of patients experienced grade 3 or 4 adverse events (regardless of relationship to study drug).

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm the PFS benefit of second-line everolimus after first-line sunitinib or other anti-VEGF therapies. The safety profile of everolimus was consistent with previous experience.

CLINICAL TRIAL NAME AND IDENTIFIER

Everolimus as Second-line Therapy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (RECORD-4), ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01491672.

A short-term transition from a high-fat diet to a normal-fat diet before pregnancy exacerbates female mouse offspring obesity

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Recent findings have highlighted the detrimental influence of maternal overnutrition and obesity on fetal development and early life development. However, there are no evidence-based guidelines regarding the optimal strategy for dietary intervention before pregnancy.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

We used a murine model to study whether switching from a high-fat (HF) diet to a normal-fat (NF) diet (H1N group) 1 week before pregnancy could lead to in utero reprogramming of female offspring obesity; comparator groups were offspring given a consistent maternal HF group or NF group until weaning. After weaning, all female offspring were given the HF diet for either 9 or 12 weeks before being killed humanely.

RESULTS

H1N treatment did not result in maternal weight loss before pregnancy. NF offsprings were neither obese nor glucose intolerant during the entire experimental period. H1N offsprings were most obese after the 12-week postweaning HF diet and displayed glucose intolerance earlier than HF offsprings. Our mechanistic study showed reduced adipocyte insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and hepatic IRS2 expression and increased adipocyte p-Ser(636/639) and p-Ser(612) of H1N or HF offspring compared with that in the NF offspring. Among all groups, the H1N offspring had lowest level of IRS1 and the highest levels of p-Ser(636/639) and p-Ser(612) in gonadal adipocyte. In addition, the H1N offspring further reduced the expression of Glut4 and Glut2, vs those of the HF offspring, which was lower compared with the NF offspring. There were also enhanced expression of genes inhibiting glycogenesis and decreased hepatic glycogen in H1N vs HF or NF offspring. Furthermore, we showed extremely higher expression of lipogenesis and adipogenesis genes in gonadal adipocytes of H1N offspring compared with all other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that a transition from an HF diet to an NF diet shortly before pregnancy, without resulting in maternal weight loss, is not necessarily beneficial and may have deleterious effects on offspring.

Biomechanical validation of computer assisted planning of periacetabular osteotomy: A preliminary study based on finite element analysis

Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) is a joint preserving surgical intervention intended to increase femoral head coverage and thereby to improve stability in young patients with hip dysplasia. Previously, we developed a CT-based, computer-assisted program for PAO diagnosis and planning, which allows for quantifying the 3D acetabular morphology with parameters such as acetabular version, inclination, lateral center edge (LCE) angle and femoral head coverage ratio (CO). In order to verify the hypothesis that our morphology-based planning strategy can improve biomechanical characteristics of dysplastic hips, we developed a 3D finite element model based on patient-specific geometry to predict cartilage contact stress change before and after morphology-based planning. Our experimental results demonstrated that the morphology-based planning strategy could reduce cartilage contact pressures and at the same time increase contact areas. In conclusion, our computer-assisted system is an efficient tool for PAO planning.

Scattering phase function of a charged spherical particle

We deduced the scattering phase function (SPF) of a charged spherical particle, which is significantly different from the SPF of an uncharged spherical sphere. The difference between the SPF of a charged spherical particle and the SPF of an uncharged spherical sphere is related to the surface conductivity, particle size parameter, frequency of the electromagnetic (EM) waves, and refractive index of the particle. The surface charges carried by the particle make the backward scattering of EM waves increase. Given the EM wave frequency and the refractive index, there is a threshold of surface conductivity for each particle size number, beyond which the SPF mainly depends on the surface conductivity.

Relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in maternal diets and human milk in the first month post-partum

BACKGROUND

The present study evaluated the relationship between dietary fatty acid (FA) intakes and human milk FA levels.

METHODS

Healthy lactating women (n = 514) from Northern China participated in the study. Dietary intake was assessed with a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire and evaluated using golden key maternal nutrition software (Wincome, Shanghai, China) and China Food Composition 2009. Human milk FA composition was determined by gas chromatography.

RESULTS

The maternal daily median intakes of linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA) and arachidonic acid (AA) were 19.93 g, 3.08 g and 16.33 mg, respectively. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intakes were below the recommended levels. FA levels in 100 g of human milk were 0.363 g LA, 0.038 g γ-linolenic acid (GLA), 0.052 g dihomo γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), 0.144 g ALA, 0.079 g AA, 0.007 g EPA, 0.018 g docosatetraenoic acid (DTA) and 0.048 g DHA. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that human milk DGLA levels were negatively correlated with dietary LA intake (β = -0.223, P = 0.030), and human milk GLA and DTA levels were negatively correlated with dietary ALA intake (β = -2.189, P = 0.031; β = -2.252, P = 0.027) after adjusting for possible confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest the presence of competitive interactions between n-3 fatty acids (ALA) and n-6 fatty acids (GLA and DTA).

Plasma soluble Tim-3 emerges as an inhibitor in sepsis: sepsis contrary to membrane Tim-3 on monocytes

Immune dysfunction is the main characteristic of sepsis. T cell Ig and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim-3) on the monocytes has been reported to promote immune homeostasis during sepsis, but the influences of plasm soluble Tim-3 (sTim-3) on the immune system during sepsis remain unknown. Here, 100 patients with different severities of sepsis (40 sepsis, 42 severe sepsis, and 18 septic shock) were enrolled in this study. The Tim-3 and human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) on the circulating monocytes were detected using flow cytometry. Plasma sTim-3 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inflammatory factors and two kinds of A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) - ADAM10 and ADAM17 were assessed. The Tim-3 and HLA-DR on the monocytes decreased with increasing sepsis severity. The sTim-3 was reduced in the sepsis and severe sepsis patients but was elevated in the septic shock patients who exhibited significant immunosuppression as predicted by HLA-DR. sTim-3 levels were negatively correlated with IL-12 and TNF-α. ADAM10 and ADAM17, sheddases of Tim-3, exhibited trends toward elevations in the septic shock group. In conclusion, sTim-3 was involved in the development of sepsis. The homeostasis-promoting role of the Tim-3 on the monocytes was disrupted, while the inhibitory role of sTim-3 emerged during sepsis-induced immunosuppression.

Modulation of bone's sensitivity to low-intensity vibrations by acceleration magnitude, vibration duration, and number of bouts

Variables defining vibration-based biomechanical treatments were tested by their ability to affect the musculoskeleton in the growing mouse. Duration of a vibration bout, but not variations in vibration intensity or number of vibration bouts per day, was identified as modulator of trabecular bone formation rates.

INTRODUCTION

Low-intensity vibrations (LIV) may enhance musculoskeletal properties, but little is known regarding the role that individual LIV variables play. We determined whether acceleration magnitude and/or the number and duration of daily loading bouts may modulate LIV efficacy.

METHODS

LIV was applied to 8-week-old mice at either 0.3 g or 0.6 g for three weeks; the number of daily bouts was one, two, or four, and the duration of a single bout was 15, 30, or 60 min. A frequency of 45 Hz was used throughout.

RESULTS

LIV induced tibial cortical surface strains in 4-month-old mice of approximately 10 με at 0.3 g and 30 με at 0.6 g. In trabecular bone of the proximal tibial metaphysis, all single daily bout signal combinations with the exception of a single 15 min daily bout at 0.3 g (i.e., single bouts of 30 and 60 min at 0.3 g and 15 and 30 min at 0.6 g) produced greater bone formation rates (BFR/BS) than in controls. Across all signal combinations, 30 and 60 min bouts were significantly more effective than 15 min bouts in raising BFR/BS above control levels. Increasing the number of daily bouts or partitioning a single daily bout into several shorter bouts did not potentiate efficacy and in some instances led to BFR/BS that was not significantly different from those in controls. Bone chemical and muscle properties were similar across all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These data may provide a basis towards optimization of LIV efficacy and indicate that in the growing mouse skeleton, increasing bout duration from 15 to 30 or 60 min positively influences BFR/BS.

Molecular epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and the prevalence of ST131 subclone H30 in Shanghai, China

The molecular characteristics and epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli (CPEC) isolates from Shanghai, China, were investigated using 21 imipenem-resistant E. coli isolates obtained from a Shanghai teaching hospital from 2011 to 2014. The presence of bla KPC, bla IMP, bla VIM, bla OXA-48, and bla NDM was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing. CPEC isolates were characterized by the Etest®, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Plasmids carrying resistance genes were analyzed by conjugation experiments, replicon typing, plasmid MLST (pMLST), S1 nuclease PFGE (S1-PFGE), and Southern hybridization. The genetic environment of the resistance genes was determined by PCR and sequencing. Among the 21 E. coli isolates, 16 produced carbapenemases; of these, ten isolates transferred carbapenemase-encoding plasmids to recipient bacteria. Nine of the 16 isolates were clonally related, and their PFGE patterns were designated type A. ST131 was the predominant sequence type (11 isolates, 68.8 %); the H30 subclone comprised 81.8 % of the ST131 strains. In all three isolates, bla IMP-4 was located on 50-kb IncN plasmids. All but two bla KPC-2 genes were carried on IncF plasmids of various sizes. Hence, both clone-spread and horizontal transfer mediated the dissemination of carbapenemase-producing genes in the Shanghai isolates.

Therapeutically interchangeable? A study of real-world outcomes associated with switching basal insulin analogues among US patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using electronic medical records data

AIMS

To evaluate real-world clinical outcomes for switching basal insulin analogues [insulin glargine (GLA) and insulin detemir (DET)] among US patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Using the GE Centricity Electronic Medical Records database, this retrospective study examined two cohorts: cohort 1, comprising patients previously on GLA and then either switching to DET (DET-S) or continuing with GLA (GLA-C); and cohort 2, comprising patients previously on DET and then either switching to GLA (GLA-S) or continuing with DET (DET-C). Within each cohort, treatment groups were propensity-score-matched on baseline characteristics. At 1-year follow-up, insulin treatment patterns, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, hypoglycaemic events, weight and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The analysis included 13 942 patients: cohort 1: n = 10 657 (DET-S, n = 1797 matched to GLA-C, n = 8860) and cohort 2: n = 3285 (GLA-S, n = 858 matched to DET-C, n = 2427). Baseline characteristics were similar between the treatment groups in each cohort. At 1-year follow-up, in cohort 1, patients in the DET-S subgroup were significantly less persistent with treatment, more likely to use a rapid-acting insulin analogue, had higher HbA1c values, lower HbA1c reductions and lower proportions of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0 or <8.0% compared with patients in the GLA-C subgroup, while hypoglycaemia rates and BMI/weight values and change from baseline were similar in the two subgroups. In cohort 2, overall, there were contrasting findings between patients in the GLA-S and those in the DET-C subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed contrasting results when patients with T2DM switched between basal insulin analogues, although these preliminary results may be subject to limitations in the analysis. Nevertheless, this study calls into question the therapeutic interchangeability of GLA and DET, and this merits further investigation.

Interplay of spin-orbit interactions, dimensionality, and octahedral rotations in semimetallic SrIrO(3)

We employ reactive molecular-beam epitaxy to synthesize the metastable perovskite SrIrO(3) and utilize in situ angle-resolved photoemission to reveal its electronic structure as an exotic narrow-band semimetal. We discover remarkably narrow bands which originate from a confluence of strong spin-orbit interactions, dimensionality, and both in- and out-of-plane IrO(6) octahedral rotations. The partial occupation of numerous bands with strongly mixed orbital characters signals the breakdown of the single-band Mott picture that characterizes its insulating two-dimensional counterpart, Sr(2)IrO(4), illustrating the power of structure-property relations for manipulating the subtle balance between spin-orbit interactions and electron-electron interactions.

Abdominal wall desmoid tumor during pregnancy: case report and literature review

Desmoid tumors are fibromatous lesions that are the result of abnormal proliferation of myofibroblasts. Despite its benign microscopic appearance and non-metastasizing behavior, tumor infiltrates surrounding tissues and has a high risk of recurrence. Pregnancy-associated desmoid tumors are very rare and optimal management of this tumor is not well established. The authors report a case of a 31-year-old pregnant woman with a large desmoid tumor, which increased rapidly in size and caused worsening symptom of dyspnea. The tumor was successfully removed during a caesarian section, which resulted in an anterior abdominal wall defect. Reconstruction of the abdominal wall defect was performed with a polypropylene mesh. The postoperative recovery of the patient was uneventful. After a follow-up of 44 months, the patient was found to be well and there was no evidence of local recurrence. The authors also reviewed the literature on the world's experience with this tumor and its management during pregnancy.Twelve desmoid tumors arising during pregnancy were reported in the existing literature; the managements were varied and has yet to be defined.

Cancer incidence in Canada: trends and projections (1983-2032)

Each year, the Canadian Cancer Statistics publication provides an estimate of expected case counts and rates for common cancer sites for the current year in Canada as a whole and in the provinces and territories. This monograph expands on the Canadian Cancer Statistics publication by providing historical and projected cancer incidence frequencies and rates at national and regional levels from 1983 to 2032. The aim is that this monograph will be an important resource for health researchers and planners. Most importantly, it is hoped the monograph will: - provide evidence-based input for the development of public health policy priorities at the regional and national levels; and - guide public health officials in planning strategy including designing and evaluating preventive interventions and planning resources (treatment requirements) and infrastructure for future cancer control and care intended to reduce the burden of cancer in Canada.

Radiosynthesis and evaluation of N-(3,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl)piperazine-4-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazol-2-yl]-1-[11C]carboxamide for in vivo positron emission tomography imaging of fatty acid amide hydrolase in brain

[¹¹C] DPFC is a promising PET radiotracer forin vivoimaging of fatty acid amide hydrolase in brain.

Solid-phase extraction using molecularly imprinted polymer for determination of ochratoxin A in human urine

A rapid, selective and reliable sample preparation technique employing solid-phase extraction (SPE) based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for the determination of ochratoxin A (OTA) in human urine was described. After sample adjustment to pH 2.5 with 0.1 M HCl, the urine sample was loaded onto the MIP-SPE column, and after a wash step, OTA was eluted for measurement by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection. Key parameters which affected the MIP-SPE extraction efficiency were optimized as was the detection method. Under the optimised conditions, the limits of detection and quantification for OTA in urine were 0.2 ng/ml and 0.6 ng/ml, respectively. The recoveries for OTA in urine, spiked at the 0.6, 6.0 and 60 ng/ml levels, ranged from 92.0 to 98.9%. Sixty urine samples were analysed, of which four were found to contain OTA at concentrations ranging from 0.022 to 0.083 ng/ml; the positive results were confirmed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. OTA determination in urine is a good indicator for human exposure to the mycotoxin, and this is the first report on OTA contamination in Chinese people.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of small molecule-based PET radioligands for the 5-hydroxytryptamine 7 receptor

A new prospective approach for PET imaging of 5-HT₇ by a small molecule ligand.