Three-dimensional isotropic T2-weighted fast spin-echo (VISTA) ankle MRI versus two-dimensional fast spin-echo T2-weighted sequences for the evaluation of anterior talofibular ligament injury

AIM

To compare the performance of axial images of the ankle joint on three-dimensional (3D) volume isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (VISTA) with that of two-dimensional (2D) fast spin echo (FSE) T2-weighted images for the diagnosis of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 101 patients who underwent both 2D FSE T2-weighted and 3D VISTA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the ankle. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of both sequences were measured. The anatomical identification score and diagnostic performances of both sequences were evaluated by two radiologists. The diagnostic performances of 3D VISTA and 2D FSE images were analysed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosing ATFL injury. Surgically or clinically confirmed diagnoses were used as reference standards.

RESULTS

The margin sharpness scores on 3D VISTA were significantly inferior to those of 2D FSE (p<0.001). Other scores (entire length, entire width) were not significantly different between the two imaging methods. The SNRs and CNRs of 3D VISTA were significantly higher than those of 2D FSE (p<0.001). When diagnoses were classified as normal and abnormal, the specificity of the 3D VISTA images for the diagnosis of ATFL injury was 95.7%, significantly superior to 2D FSE (84.3-85.7%). There were no significant differences between 3D VISTA and 2D FSE images in sensitivity or accuracy for diagnosis (p=0.227-1.000), with the exception of accuracy by reader 1 (p=0.039).

CONCLUSION

3D VISTA imaging has a diagnostic performance comparable to that of 2D FSE for the diagnosis of ATFL injury, although 3D VISTA is inferior to 2D FSE for the evaluation of margin sharpness. Replacing axial and coronal images with 3D VISTA can save imaging time without negatively impacting the diagnostic ability for ATFL injury.

Role of Angiomotin-like 2 mono-ubiquitination on YAP inhibition

LATS1/2 (large tumor suppressor) kinases and the Angiomotin family proteins are potent inhibitors of the YAP (yes-associated protein) oncoprotein, but the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we report for the first time that USP9X is a deubiquitinase of Angiomotin-like 2 (AMOTL2) and that AMOTL2 mono-ubiquitination is required for YAP inhibition. USP9X knockdown increased the LATS-mediated phosphorylation of YAP and decreased the transcriptional output of YAP. Conversely, over-expression of USP9X reactivated YAP in densely cultured cells. Both genetic and biochemical approaches identified AMOTL2 as a target of USP9X. AMOTL2 was found to be ubiquitinated at K347 and K408, which both reside in the protein's coiled-coil domain. The AMOTL2 K347/408R mutant, which cannot be ubiquitinated, was impaired in its ability to inhibit YAP. Furthermore, ubiquitinated AMOTL2 can bind to the UBA domain of LATS kinase, and this domain is required for the function of LATS. Our results provide novel insights into the activation mechanisms of core Hippo pathway components.

Evaluation of Multi-tRNA Synthetase Complex by Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Size Exclusion Chromatography

Eight aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (M, K, Q, D, R, I, EP and LARS) and three auxiliary proteins (AIMP1, 2 and 3) are known to form a multi-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC) in mammalian cells. We combined size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with reversed-phase liquid chromatography multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (RPLC-MRM-MS) to characterize MSC components and free ARS proteins in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293T) cells. Crude cell extract and affinity-purified proteins were fractionated by SEC in non-denaturing state and ARSs were monitored in each fraction by MRM-MS. The eleven MSC components appeared mostly in earlier SEC fractions demonstrating their participation in complex formation. TARSL2 and AIMP2-DX2, despite their low abundance, were co-purified with KARS and detected in the SEC fractions, where MSC appeared. Moreover, other large complex-forming ARS proteins, such as VARS and FARS, were detected in earlier fractions. The MRM-MS results were further confirmed by western blot analysis. Our study demonstrates usefulness of combined SEC-MRM analysis for the characterization of protein complexes and in understanding the behavior of minor isoforms or variant proteins.

Reuse of a previously transplanted kidney from a deceased donor using Luminex virtual crossmatching: a case report

Kidney transplantation is the most desired modality of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We have attempted to expand the organ donor pool through several methods, including the use of expanded donor criteria. Although previously transplanted kidneys are rarely reused, they can be suitable for transplantation into patients in need. We report a case of successful reuse of a previously transplanted kidney from a deceased donor by means of Luminex virtual crossmatching with the first donor and actual crossmatching with the second donor.

Peptide fragment of thymosin β4 increases hippocampal neurogenesis and facilitates spatial memory

Although several studies have suggested the neuroprotective effect of thymosin β4 (TB4), a major actin-sequestering protein, on the central nervous system, little is understood regarding the action of N-acetyl-serylaspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), a peptide fragment of TB4 on brain function. Here, we examined neurogenesis-stimulative effect of Ac-SDKP. Intrahippocampal infusion of Ac-SDKP facilitated the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus. Ac-SDKP-treated mouse hippocampus showed an increase in β-catenin stability with reduction of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity. Moreover, inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling blocked Ac-SDKP-facilitated neural proliferation. Subchronic intrahippocampal infusion of Ac-SDKP also increased spatial memory. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Ac-SDKP functions as a regulator of neural proliferation and indicate that Ac-SDKP may be a therapeutic candidate for diseases characterized by neuronal loss.

HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of ultraviolet-induced ocular surface inflammation

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) functions as a transcription-enhancing nuclear protein as well as a crucial cytokine that regulates inflammation. This study demonstrated that secretion of HMGB1 due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation inducing ocular surface inflammation-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. After treating conjunctival epithelial cells with UV radiation, HMGB1 was translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and then eventually to the extracellular space. HMGB1 played a crucial role in UV-induced conjunctival neutrophil infiltration, which subsided when mice were pretreated with the HMGB1 inhibitors soluble receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (sRAGEs) and HMGB1 A box protein. In case of using ROS quencher, there was decrease in UV-induced HMGB1 secretion in conjunctival epithelial cells and mice. Considering that UV-induced chronic inflammation causes ocular surface change as pterygium, we have confirmed high HMGB1 translocation and ROS expression in human pterygium. Our findings therefore revealed a previously unknown mechanism of UV-induced ocular inflammation related to ROS and HMGB1 suggesting a new medical therapeutic target.

Comparison of Cancer Yields and Diagnostic Performance of Screening Mammography vs. Supplemental Screening Ultrasound in 4394 Women with Average Risk for Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

The effectiveness of supplemental screening ultrasound (US) was investigated in women ≥ 40 years at average risk for breast cancer regardless of breast parenchymal density. A total of 4394 women at average risk and having previously undergone screening mammography were classified as the mammography group. 

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 4394 women, 2005 underwent screening US after a final assessment of category 1 or 2 on screening mammography, and were categorized as the US group. Category 0, 4, and 5 on mammography and 3, 4, and 5 on US were defined as positive. The cancer yields per 1000 women and diagnostic performance of two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The total cancer and invasive cancer yields for the mammography group were 3.0 (95 % confidence interval 1.6, 5.1) and 2.0 (95 % CI, 0.9, 3.9) per 1000 women, higher than the US values of 2.0 (0.5, 5.1) and 1.0 (0.1, 3.6), not statistically significant. The specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value (PPV) for mammography were 88.90 % (87.93, 89.81), 88.85 % (87.88, 89.76), and 2.61 % (1.39, 4.41), significantly higher than the US values of 69.07 % (66.99, 71.09), 69.13 % (67.05, 71.15), and 0.64 % (0.18, 1.64). The short-term follow-up rate of mammography was 5.51 % (4.85, 6.22), significantly lower than the rate of 26.58 (24.66, 28.58) for US. 

CONCLUSION

Supplemental screening US in mammographically negative breasts can find additional carcinomas in women at average risk but is not as effective as screening mammography because of the lower cancer yield, invasive cancer yield, specificity, accuracy, PPV and a high short-term follow-up rate.

Intraocular pharmacokinetics of intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor-Trap in a rabbit model

PURPOSE

To determine intraocular pharmacokinetic properties of intravitreally injected vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-Trap in a rabbit model.

METHODS

VEGF-Trap was intravitreally injected in 18 rabbit eyes. Eyes were enucleated 1 h and 1, 2, 5, 14, and 30 days after injections and immediately frozen at -80 °C. Concentration of VEGF-Trap in vitreous, aqueous humor, and retina/choroid was determined using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed to obtain pharmacokinetic properties.

RESULTS

Maximum concentration of VEGF-Trap was achieved at 1 h in all three tissues. A one-compartment model of distribution was selected as the final model for all tissues studied. Estimated half-life of VEGF-Trap in vitreous, aqueous humor, and retinal/choroid was 87.1, 36.8, and 35.0 h, respectively, and estimated mean residence time was 125.7, 53.1, and 50.5 h, respectively. Area under the curve from time 0 to the end point was 10009.8, 3945.1, and 1189.3, respectively. Total exposure of the aqueous humor and retina/choroid to VEGF-Trap was 39.4% and 11.9% of vitreous exposure, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The vitreous half-life of VEGF-Trap is 3.63 days. This is shorter than that of bevacizumab (6.99 days) and longer than that of ranibizumab (2.51 days), as shown in studies using the same experimental settings. The concentration of VEGF-Trap peaked at 1 h after injections in all eye tissues studied.

Successful living donor liver transplantation between septuagenarians

We report a case of a 76-year-old female who underwent living donor right hepatectomy for her 75-year-old husband with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. With her voluntary decision, full medical and psychiatric assessment was performed. The operative time was 130 min in the donor and 399 min in the recipient. Both the donor and recipient had an uneventful recovery and were discharged on days 7 and 10, respectively with normal liver function. The couple has had no complication so far and is currently doing well in good health 26 months after living donor liver transplantation.

Sensitive detection of yeast using terahertz slot antennas

We demonstrated sensitive detection of individual yeast cells and yeast films by using slot antenna arrays operating in the terahertz frequency range. Microorganisms located at the slot area cause a shift in the resonant frequency of the THz transmission. The shift was investigated as a function of the surface number density for a set of devices fabricated on different substrates. In particular, sensors fabricated on a substrate with relatively low permittivity demonstrate higher sensitivity. The frequency shift decreases with increasing slot antenna width for a fixed coverage of yeast film, indicating a field enhancement effect. Furthermore, the vertical range of the effective sensing volume has been studied by varying the thickness of the yeast film. The resonant frequency shift saturates at 3.5 μm for a slot width of 2 μm. In addition, the results of finite-difference time-domain simulations are in good agreement with our experimental data.

The effect of water bolus temperature on esophageal motor function as measured by high-resolution manometry

BACKGROUND

Ingestion of cold fluids may induce pain in patients with esophageal motility disorders. Hot fluids, on the other hand, may help to relieve pain. We studied changes in esophageal motility as a variable of water bolus temperature using high-resolution manometry (HRM) in healthy human.

METHODS

Thirty-two healthy subjects were recruited at Kosin University Hospital. HRM was performed in a sitting position, with room temperature (RT, 25 °C), hot (45 °C), and cold (2 °C) water swallowed in that order. This exam included single swallowing (10 swallows of 5 mL water, 30 s intervals) and multiple water swallows (MWS; 100 mL water within 30 s).

KEY RESULTS

In the single swallowing, hot water caused a decrease in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) residual pressure (5.87 ± 4.20 mmHg vs 7.45 ± 4.17 mmHg (RT), p = 0.001) and duration of esophageal body (EB) contraction (3.01 ± 0.80 s vs 3.15 ± 1.16 s (RT), p = 0.009). Cold water caused an increase in the duration of EB contraction (3.52 ± 0.87 s vs 3.15 ± 1.16 s (RT), p = 0.001) and a decrease in contractile front velocity (CFV) (4.43 ± 1.50 cm/s vs 4.90 ± 2.53 cm/s (RT), p = 0.007). Similarly, in the MWS, hot water caused a decrease in the duration of EB contraction (12.95 ± 5.02 s vs 16.33 ± 5.94 s (RT), p = 0.024) and an increase in the amplitude of EB contraction (114.27 ± 83.36 mmHg vs 82.70 ± 46.77 mmHg (RT), p = 0.007). Cold water caused an increase in the duration of EB contraction (27.38 ± 2.89 s vs 16.33 ± 5.94 s (RT), p = 0.03) and a decrease in the amplitude of EB contraction (51.68 ± 33.94 mmHg vs 82.70 ± 46.77 mmHg (RT), p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

This study showed changes in esophageal motility to be dependent on water temperature. Especially, MWS showed clear changes in esophageal motility at different temperatures of water.

Caspase-dependent cell death-associated release of nucleosome and damage-associated molecular patterns

Apoptosis, which is anti-inflammatory, and necrosis, which is pro-inflammatory, represent the extremes of the cell death spectrum. Cell death is complex and both apoptosis and necrosis can be observed in the same cells or tissues. Here, we introduce a novel combined mode of cellular demise--caspase-dependent regulated necrosis. Most importantly, it is mainly characterized with release of marked amount of oligo- or poly-nucleosomes and their attached damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and initiated by caspase activation. Caspase-activated DNase has dual roles in nucleosomal release as it can degrade extracellularly released chromatin into poly- or oligo-nucleosomes although it prohibits release of nucleosomes. In addition, osmotically triggered water movement following Cl(-) influx and subsequent Na(+) influx appears to be the major driving force for nucleosomal and DAMPs release. Finally, Ca(2+)-activated cysteine protease, calpain, is an another essential factor in nucleosomal and DAMPs release because of complete reversion to apoptotic morphology from necrotic one and blockade of nucleosomal and DAMPs release by its inhibition.

Canine susceptibility to human influenza viruses (A/pdm 09H1N1, A/H3N2 and B)

We investigated the infectivity and transmissibility of the human seasonal H3N2, pandemic (pdm) H1N1 (2009) and B influenza viruses in dogs. Dogs inoculated with human seasonal H3N2 and pdm H1N1 influenza viruses exhibited nasal shedding and were seroconverted against the viruses; this did not occur in the influenza B virus-inoculated dogs. Transmission of human H3N2 virus between dogs was demonstrated by observing nasal shedding and seroconversion in naïve dogs after contact with inoculated dogs. The seroprevalence study offered evidence of human H3N2 infection occurring in dogs since 2008. Furthermore, serological evidence of pdm H1N1 influenza virus infection alone and in combination with canine H3N2 virus was found in the serum samples collected from field dogs during 2010 and 2011. Our results suggest that dogs may be hosts for human seasonal H3N2 and pdm H1N1 influenza viruses.

Effect of renal impairment and haemodialysis on the pharmacokinetics of gemigliptin (LC15-0444)

This study evaluated the effects of renal impairment (RI) and haemodialysis (HD) on the pharmacokinetics of gemigliptin, a novel dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. After a 100 mg administration to subjects with normal renal function (n = 23) or RI (n = 24), plasma, urine or dialysate samples were analysed. Control subjects were matched to patients based on age, gender and body mass index. Patients with mild, moderate, severe RI and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) showed 1.20, 2.04, 1.50 and 1.66-fold (1.10, 1.49, 1.22 and 1.21-fold) increase of mean area under the time-plasma concentration curve from 0 to infinity (AUCinf) [maximum plasma concentration (Cmax)] of gemigliptin, respectively. Pharmacokinetics of gemigliptin was comparable between HD and non-HD periods in ESRD patients. Less than 4% of the dose was removed by 4 h HD. RI appeared to have modest effect on the gemigliptin disposition. No dose adjustment in patients with RI is proposed on the basis of exposure-response relationship. Impact of HD on the removal of gemigliptin was negligible.

Optimizing electrical activation of porcine oocytes by adjusting pre- and post-activation mannitol exposure times

Modifying electrical activation conditions have been used to improve in vitro embryo production and development in pigs. However, there is insufficient information about correlations of porcine embryo development with oocyte pre- and post-activation conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare the developmental rates of porcine oocytes subjected to different mannitol exposure times, either pre- or post-electrical activation, and to elucidate the reason for the optimal mannitol exposure time. Mannitol exposure times around activation were adjusted as 0, 1, 2 or 3 min. Blastocyst development were checked on day 7. Exposure of oocytes to mannitol for 1 or 2 min before electrical activation produced significantly higher blastocyst rates than exposure for 0 or 3 min. There was no significant difference in blastocyst rates when activated oocytes were exposed to mannitol for 0, 1, 2 or 3 min after electrical activation. While exposure of oocytes to mannitol for 1 min pre- and 3 min post-activation showed significantly higher blastocyst development than 0 min pre- and 0 min post-activation. It also showed higher maintenance of normal oocyte morphology than exposure for 0 min pre- and 0 min post-activation. In conclusion, exposure of oocytes to mannitol for 1 min pre- and 3 min post-activation seems to be optimal for producing higher in vitro blastocyst development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos. The higher blastocyst development is correlated with higher maintenance of normal morphology in oocytes exposed to mannitol for 1 min pre- and 3 min post-activation.

Differential expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and 2 in mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa and regulation of their expression by Th2 cytokines: asthma and rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoids are used to treat allergic rhinitis, but the mechanisms by which they induce disease remission are unclear. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) is a tissue-specific regulator of glucocorticoid responses, inducing the interconversion of inactive and active glucocorticoids.

OBJECTIVE

We analysed the expression and distribution patterns of 11β-HSD1, 11β-HSD2, and steroidogenic enzymes in normal and allergic nasal mucosa, and cytokine-driven regulation of their expression. The production levels of cortisol in normal, allergic nasal mucosa and in cultured epithelial cells stimulated with cytokines were also determined.

METHODS

The expression levels of 11β-HSD1, 11β-HSD2, steroidogenic enzymes (CYP11B1, CYP11A1), and cortisol in normal, mild, and moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa were assessed by real-time PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. The expression levels of 11β-HSD1, 11β-HSD2, CYP11B1, CYP11A1, and cortisol were also determined in cultured nasal epithelial cell treated with IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A, and IFN-γ. Conversion ratio of cortisone to cortisol was evaluated using siRNA technique, 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, and the measurement of 11β-HSD1 activity.

RESULTS

The expression levels of 11β-HSD1, CYP11B1, and cortisol were up-regulated in mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa. By contrast, 11β-HSD2 expression was decreased in allergic nasal mucosa. In cultured epithelial cells treated with IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17A, 11β-HSD1 expression and activity increased in parallel with the expression levels of CYP11B1 and cortisol, but the production of 11β-HSD2 decreased. CYP11A1 expression level was not changed in allergic nasal mucosa or in response to stimulation with cytokines. SiRNA technique or the measurement of 11β-HSD1 activity showed that nasal epithelium activates cortisone to cortisol in a 11β-HSD-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results indicate that the localized anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids are regulated by inflammatory cytokines, which can modulate the expression of 11β-HSD1, 11β-HSD2, and CYP11B1, and by the intracellular concentrations of bioactive glucocorticoids.

Relationship between multiple water swallows and gastroesophageal reflux in patients with normal esophageal motility

Multiple water swallows (MWS) stimulates neural inhibition, resulting in abolition of contractions in the esophageal body and complete lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, which is followed by peristalsis and the lower esophageal sphincter contraction. We assessed the relationship between MWS and gastroesophageal reflux in patients with esophageal symptoms and with normal findings by high-resolution manometry (HRM). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients who underwent HRM and a 24-hour ambulatory impedance-pH study. Correlation between the findings of the impedance-pH study and abnormal MWS responses without motility disorders was evaluated. Independent t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Of 28 patients, 20 (71%) had abnormal MWS responses: four (20%) had abnormal responses during MWS, six (30%) had abnormal responses after MWS, and 10 (50%) had abnormal responses both during and after MWS. Total acid exposure times were significantly longer in patients with abnormal MWS responses than in patients with normal MWS responses. In particular, upright acid exposure time and all reflux percent times were significantly longer in patients with abnormal MWS responses. However, bolus clearance time and longest reflux episode were not different between the two groups. Abnormal MWS responses predicted increased acid exposure times in patients with normal findings of HRM by the Chicago classification.

Detection of microorganisms using terahertz metamaterials

Microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria cause many human diseases and therefore rapid and accurate identification of these substances is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further infections. In particular, contemporary microbial detection technique is limited by the low detection speed which usually extends over a couple of days. Here we demonstrate that metamaterials operating in the terahertz frequency range shows promising potential for use in fabricating the highly sensitive and selective microbial sensors that are capable of high-speed on-site detection of microorganisms in both ambient and aqueous environments. We were able to detect extremely small amounts of the microorganisms, because their sizes are on the same scale as the micro-gaps of the terahertz metamaterials. The resonant frequency shift of the metamaterials was investigated in terms of the number density and the dielectric constants of the microorganisms, which was successfully interpreted by the change in the effective dielectric constant of a gap area.

Fabrication of GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As multiple quantum well nanostructures on (100) si substrate using a 1-nm InAs relief layer

Nanometer scale thin InAs layer has been incorporated between Si (100) substrate and GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As multiple quantum well (MQW) nanostructure in order to reduce the defects generation during the growth of GaAs buffer layer on Si substrate. Observations based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) suggest that initiation and propagation of defect at the Si/GaAs interface could be suppressed by incorporating thin (1 nm in thickness) InAs layer. Consequently, the microstructure and resulting optical properties improved as compared to the MQW structure formed directly on Si substrate without the InAs layer. It was also observed that there exists some limit to the desirable thickness of the InAs layer since the MQW structure having thicker InAs layer (4 nm-thick) showed deteriorated properties.

Effect of growth temperature and quantum structure on InAs/GaAs quantum dot solar cell

InGaAs-capped InAs quantum dots (QDs) and InAs QDs were adopted for the study of the effects through growth temperature and the band structure of InAs QDs on the performance of GaAs-based QD solar cell. It has been shown that the defects due to low temperature growth resulted in the decrease of Voc, Jsc and external quantum efficiency for GaAs bulk solar cell and QD embedded solar cells. It has been also found that InAs QDs act as defects by trapping photo-generated carries which affect the carrier transport in QD solar cell. The QD solar cell with InGaAs-capped InAs QDs showed higher performance than the QD solar cell with only InAs QDs. Such result has been explained by photo-generated carrier trapping and tunneling through InGaAs QW state in InGaAs-capped InAs QDs.

Combinations of eight key mutations in the X/preC region and genomic activity of hepatitis B virus are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma

Accumulation of eight key mutations located in the X/preC regions of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome (G1613A, C1653T, T1753V, A1762T, G1764A, A1846T, G1896A and G1899A) is a risk marker for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we analysed the 8 key mutations in 442 serum samples collected from 310 non-HCC and 132 HCC patients to identify the combinations linked to HCC. After the patients were stratified according to the age groups and mutation combinations, clinical parameters were compared between the HCC and the non-HCC groups. Analyses were focused on patient ≥40 years of age infected by HBV genotype C with A1762T and G1764A mutations in the basal core promoter region (BCP double mutation). In patients with ≥6 mutations, the combination of [G1613A + C1653T + A1846T + G1896A] mutations was closely linked to HCC, whereas no specific single or double mutation combination was associated with HCC. In patients with ≤5 mutations, HBeAg and HBV DNA serum titres were lower in the HCC group than those in the non-HCC group. Unlike the number of mutations, no specific combination correlated with advanced clinical stage in HCC. Of the BCP double mutation-based HBV mutant types, combinations of ≥6 mutations that include G1613A + C1653T + A1846T + G1896A, and combinations of ≤5 mutations with reduced HBeAg production, may be more specific indicators of HCC risk than only the number of mutations or any specific combination(s).

Experimental demonstration of energy-chirp control in relativistic electron bunches using a corrugated pipe

The first experimental study is presented of a corrugated wall device that uses wakefields to remove a linear energy correlation in a relativistic electron beam (a "dechirper"). Time-resolved measurements of both longitudinal and transverse wakefields of the device are presented and compared with simulations. This study demonstrates the feasibility to employ a dechirper for precise control of the beam phase space in the next generation of free-electron-lasers.

Reinvestigation of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase core complex by affinity purification-mass spectrometry reveals TARSL2 as a potential member of the complex

Twenty different aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) link each amino acid to their cognate tRNAs. Individual ARSs are also associated with various non-canonical activities involved in neuronal diseases, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Among them, eight ARSs (D, EP, I, K, L, M, Q and RARS), together with three ARS-interacting multifunctional proteins (AIMPs), are currently known to assemble the multi-synthetase complex (MSC). However, the cellular function and global topology of MSC remain unclear. In order to understand the complex interaction within MSC, we conducted affinity purification-mass spectrometry (AP-MS) using each of AIMP1, AIMP2 and KARS as a bait protein. Mass spectrometric data were funneled into SAINT software to distinguish true interactions from background contaminants. A total of 40, 134, 101 proteins in each bait scored over 0.9 of SAINT probability in HEK 293T cells. Complex-forming ARSs, such as DARS, EPRS, IARS, Kars, LARS, MARS, QARS and RARS, were constantly found to interact with each bait. Variants such as, AIMP2-DX2 and AIMP1 isoform 2 were found with specific peptides in KARS precipitates. Relative enrichment analysis of the mass spectrometric data demonstrated that TARSL2 (threonyl-tRNA synthetase like-2) was highly enriched with the ARS-core complex. The interaction was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation of TARSL2 with other ARS core-complex components. We suggest TARSL2 as a new component of ARS core-complex.

Inhibition of porcine endogenous retrovirus in PK15 cell line by efficient multitargeting RNA interference

To effectively suppress porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERV)s, RNAi technique was utilized. RNAi is the up-to-date skill for gene knockdown which simultaneously multitargets both gag and pol genes critical for replication of PERVs. Previously, two of the most effective siRNAs (gag2, pol2) were found to reduce the expression of PERVs. Concurrent treatment of these two siRNAs (gag2+pol2) showed knockdown efficiency of up to 88% compared to negative control. However, despite the high initial knockdown efficiency 48 h after transfection caused by siRNA, it may only be a transient effect of suppressing PERVs. The multitargeting vector was designed, containing both gag and pol genes and making use of POL II miR Expression Vector, which allowed for persistent and multiple targeting. This is the latest shRNA system technique expressing and targeting like miRNA. Through antibiotics resistance characteristics utilizing this vector, miRNA-transfected PK15 cells (gag2-pol2) were selected during 10 days. An 88.1% reduction in the level of mRNA expression was found. In addition, we performed RT-activity analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization assay, and it demonstrated the highest knockdown efficiency in multitargeting (gag2+pol2) miRNA group. Therefore, according to the results above, gene knockdown system (siRNA and shRNA) through multitargeting strategy could effectively inhibit PERVs.