A fibered laser system for the MIGA large scale atom interferometer

We describe the realization and characterization of a compact, autonomous fiber laser system that produces the optical frequencies required for laser cooling, trapping, manipulation, and detection of 87Rb atoms - a typical atomic species for emerging quantum technologies. This device, a customized laser system from the Muquans company, is designed for use in the challenging operating environment of the Laboratoire Souterrain à Bas Bruit (LSBB) in France, where a new large scale atom interferometer is being constructed underground - the MIGA antenna. The mobile bench comprises four frequency-agile C-band Telecom diode lasers that are frequency doubled to 780 nm after passing through high-power fiber amplifiers. The first laser is frequency stabilized on a saturated absorption signal via lock-in amplification, which serves as an optical frequency reference for the other three lasers via optical phase-locked loops. Power and polarization stability are maintained through a series of custom, flexible micro-optic splitter/combiners that contain polarization optics, acousto-optic modulators, and shutters. Here, we show how the laser system is designed, showcasing qualities such as reliability, stability, remote control, and flexibility, while maintaining the qualities of laboratory equipment. We characterize the laser system by measuring the power, polarization, and frequency stability. We conclude with a demonstration using a cold atom source from the MIGA project and show that this laser system fulfills all requirements for the realization of the antenna.

The temporal-spatial patterns, polymorphisms and association analysis with meat quality traits of FABP1 gene in domestic pigeons (Columba livia)

1. Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABP) are members of lipid-binding proteins, which participate in the metabolism and intracellular transportation of lipids. This study was designed to investigate the expression patterns, polymorphisms and associations with meat quality traits of the FABP1 gene in pigeons. 2. The temporal-spatial expression patterns showed FABP1 was widely expressed in all eleven tissues from 0-4 weeks of age, the expression level in the liver was the highest, followed by the small intestine and subcutaneous fat. 3. Five novel SNPs were found; all of them were synonymous and in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Association analysis revealed that for the SNP of G161C, the AB and BB genotypes had higher (P ≤ 0.01) inosinic acid concentrations in breast muscle than the AA genotype. The BB genotype showed the highest (P < 0.01) intramuscular fat among the three genotypes, and significantly greater FABP1 mRNA levels were observed in the breast muscle of the BB genotype than in the AA and AB genotypes (P < 0.01). In the SNP C1376T, the AB and BB genotypes showed higher (P < 0.01) intramuscular fat than the AA genotype, and the relative mRNA expression level of the BB (P < 0.01) and AB (P < 0.05) genotypes was higher than that of the AA genotype in breast muscle. Correlation analysis implied that the FABP1 mRNA expression level was closely related to the inosinic acid (P < 0.05) and intramuscular fat content (P < 0.01). Oil red O staining of frozen sections of breast muscle on d 28 for SNPs G161C and C1376T also indicated that the BB genotype had the highest intramuscular fat content in both SNPs. In addition, correlation analysis implied the FABP1 mRNA expression level was closely related to inosinic acid (P < 0.05) and intramuscular fat content (P < 0.01). 4. The results suggested that FABP1 could be a potential candidate gene in marker-assisted selection for breeding pigeons with high-quality meat.

Effects of sodium butyrate on intestinal health and gut microbiota composition during intestinal inflammation progression in broilers

Butyric acid is a beneficial feed additive used in animal production, including poultry production. However, there are few reports on butyric acid as a prophylactic treatment against intestinal inflammation in broilers. The current study explored the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) as a prophylactic treatment on the intestinal health and gut microbiota of broilers with intestinal inflammation induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) by monitoring changes in intestinal histopathology, gut leakiness indicators, inflammatory cytokines, and gut microbiota composition. Sodium butyrate supplementation prior to DSS administration significantly reduced the lesion scores of intestinal bleeding (P < 0.05) and increased villus height and the total mucosa of the ileum (P < 0.05). Regardless of intestinal inflammation, supplementation with SB at 300 mg/kg significantly decreased the levels of D (-)-lactate (P < 0.05), interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β (P < 0.05) but increased the level of interleukin-10 (P < 0.05). The SB treatment did not affect the alpha diversity of intestinal microbiota during intestinal inflammation progression but altered their composition, and the microbial community structure of treated broilers was similar to that of control broilers. Taken together, our results reveal the importance of SB in improving intestinal development, inducing an anti-inflammatory effect during intestinal inflammation progression, and modulating the microbial community in broilers. Sodium butyrate seems to be optimized for anti-inflammatory effects at higher doses (300 mg/kg SB).

[Clinical research progress of cell immunity in gastric cancer]

Gastric cancer is the most common gastrointestinal cancer in China. The morbidity and mortality are extremely high and there are significant challenges in the treatment of gastric cancer. Recent studies have shown that the expressions of T lymphocyte subsets vary in the immune microenvironment of gastric cancer patients. T lymphocytes are not only the main effector cells of human cellular immunity, but also the important immunoregulatory cells. T lymphocytes not only reflect the state of the tumor microenvironment, but also closely relate with the prognosis of patients. T lymphocytes play a crucial guiding role in the clinical treatment. Currently, clinical trials related to immunological checkpoint inhibitors are still underway, among which PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibody has been approved for the treatment of gastric cancer. The applications of tumor vaccines and adoptive cell therapies in gastric cancer are also being explored. How to screen patients suitable to immunotherapy, develop the best combination therapy and evaluate the effectiveness of immunotherapy need to be studied and solved.

Phenotypic analysis of atopic dermatitis in children aged 1-12 months: elaboration of novel diagnostic criteria for infants in China and estimation of prevalence

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disorder in infancy. However, the diagnosis and definite significance of infantile AD remains a debated issue.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the phenotypes of AD in infancy, to establish diagnostic criteria and to estimate the prevalence of this condition in China.

METHODS

This is a multicentric study, in which 12 locations were chosen from different metropolitan areas of China. Following careful and complete history-taking and skin examination, the definite diagnosis of AD was made and the severity based on the SCORAD index was determined by local experienced dermatologists. Based on the detailed phenotyping, the major and representative clinical features of infantile AD were selected to establish the diagnostic criteria and evaluate their diagnostic efficacy.

RESULTS

A total of 5967 infants were included in this study. The overall point prevalence of AD was 30.48%. The infantile AD developed as early as at the second month of life, and its incidence peaked in the third month of life at 40.81%. The proportion of mild, moderate and severe AD was 67.40%, 30.57% and 2.03%, respectively. The most commonly seen manifestations in the infantile AD were facial dermatitis (72.07%), xerosis (42.72%) and scalp dermatitis (27.93%). We established the novel diagnostic criteria of infants, which included: (i) onset after 2 weeks of birth; (ii) pruritus and/or irritability and sleeplessness comparable with lesions; and (iii) all two items above with one of the following items can reach a diagnosis of AD: (i) eczematous lesions distributed on cheeks and/or scalp and/or extensor limbs, and (ii) eczematous lesions on any other parts of body accompanied by xerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In China, the prevalence of AD in infancy is 30.48% according to clinical diagnosis of dermatologists. The novel Chinese diagnostic criteria for AD in infants show a higher sensitivity and comparable specificity.

Long non-coding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 correlates with unfavorable prognosis in patients with refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia treated by purine analogue based chemotherapy regimens

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the correlation of long non-coding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 (lncRNA TUG1) expression with clinicopathological features and its predictive value for treatment response and survival profiles in refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) patients.

METHODS

Seventy three R/R AML patients who received cladribine combined with cytarabine and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (CLAG) or fludarabine combined with cytarabine and G-CSF (FLAG) based chemotherapy and 37 non-malignant controls were recruited. LncRNA TUG1 expression was detected in bone marrow sample obtained before treatment. Complete response (CR), partial response (PR), overall response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

RESULTS

LncRNA TUG1 expression was upregulated in R/R AML patients compared to controls. It was also elevated in R/R AML patients with age ⩾ 60 years (vs. age < 60 years, P= 0.030) and in patients with secondary AML (vs. primary AML, P= 0.035). R/R AML patients with lncRNA TUG1 high expression achieved numerically lower CR (P= 0.053), decreased ORR (P= 0.028) and shorter OS (P< 0.001) than patients with lncRNA TUG1 low expression. Univariate logistic regression and COX's regression disclosed that lncRNA TUG1 high expression correlated with declined ORR, numerically decreased CR, and reduced OS. Furthermore, multivariate analyses verified that lncRNA TUG1 high expression was an independent predictive factor for decreased ORR and worse OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, lncRNA TUG1 expression was elevated in R/R AML patients, and it might serve as a potential biomarker for poor prognosis in R/R AML patients treated with CLAG or FLAG based chemotherapy.

Analysis of Causes of Death and Related Factors of 102 Perinatal Infants in Chongqing

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the causes of perinatal death and related factors from the perspective of forensic medicine, and to provide references for reducing perinatal mortality and guidance for forensic identification.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 102 cases of perinatal autopsy with clinical data from the Department of Forensic Medicine of Chongqing Medical University in 2004-2016.

RESULTS

Of the 102 cases of perinatal deaths, 66 （64.71%） were neonatal deaths, 24 （23.53%） were stillborn foetuses, and 12 （11.76%） were stillbirths. Among the 66 neonatal death cases, 39 （59.09%） died within 1 d, 19 （28.79%） died within 1-3 d, and 8 （12.12%） died within >3-7 d of birth. The top 3 causes of neonatal death were pulmonary diseases, congenital malformation, umbilical cord and placental abnormalities. The causes of stillborn foetus and stillbirth were mainly umbilical cord and placental abnormalities, and intrauterine asphyxia.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary diseases, umbilical cord and placental abnormalities, and congenital malformations are the main causes of perinatal death. In order to reduce the perinatal mortality, pre-pregnancy examination and prenatal care should be strengthened, and the knowledge of pregnancy care should be popularized.

miRNA-185 regulates retained fetal membranes of cattle by targeting STIM1

Retained fetal membranes (RFM) of cows is an important reproductive disturbance, and is related to miRNA-185. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), a potential target gene of miRNA-185, could influence placenta release via regulating Ca²⁺ concentration intracellular. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of RFM by investigating the regulatory relationship between miRNA-185 and STIM1 in primary uterine caruncel epithelial (UCE) cells. Serum samples of healthy Holstein dairy cows (n = 20) and RFM cows (n = 12), with a similar age, parity, weight, and milk yield, were collected to detect Ca²⁺ concentration at prepartum 1-5 d and postpartum 6, 12 and 24 h. Caruncle tissues were collected from healthy (n = 6) and RFM cows (n = 6) at 12 h after calving. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and western blotting (WB) were performed to detect the mRNA and protein levels of STIM1, respectively. UCE cells were cultured by the explant culture method, further purified, and subsequently treated with PmirGLO-STIM1-Mut + miRNA-185 mimics and mirGLO-STIM1-Mut + miRNA-185 NC. Q-PCR and WB were performed to detect mRNA and protein levels of STIM1 with treated miRNA-185 mimics. Serum levels of Ca²⁺ from RFM cows were abnormally decreased at prepartum 1 d and postpartum 6, 12 and 24 h. Expression level of STIM1 was down-regulated in the caruncle tissue of RFM cows. The luciferase activity was decresed about 30.9% by miRNA-185 mimics (p < 0.01), and the mRNA and protein levels of STIM1 were downregulated miRNA-185-mimics. It was suggesting that miRNA-185 might play an important role in RFM through regulating the expression of STIM1.

Cohort Profile: The Chongqing Cancer Cohort Study (CCCS) of the Urban Population in Southwest China

Purpose: Urbanization is causing an increasingly negative effect on public health in China. This study was established to examine the associations between socio-economic and environmental exposures and the potential impact of gene-environment interactions and cancer risk of urban population in Chongqing, China. Participants: The cohort was established in Beibei District of Chongqing in southwest China. Between March 2016 and December 2016, we enrolled 57,332 adults who were 40-69 years of age, and collected baseline data on demographic information, socio-economic status, lifestyle, family and personal disease histories through face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Regular follow-up including face-to-face interviews will take place every 5 years. Findings to date: Ninety-nine percent (56658/57332) of the participants completed the baseline assessment. The eligible participants had a mean age of 54.8 years, and 51.42% were females. Nearly three-fifths of participants having a normal BMI (18.5 to 23.9 kg/m2) and one-third being overweight (24.0 to 27.9 kg/m2). Among males, 29.58% were smokers and 21.08% were alcohol users. Among females, 1.49% were smokers and 1.66% were alcohol users. Among all participants, 7.03% of males and 9.08% of females reported their family history of cancer. Future plans: The relationships of modifiable risk factors with the cancer risk will be analyzed. Meanwhile, participants will be closely tracked to minimize loss to follow-up. We plan to construct a risk prediction model on cancer and verify the prediction model by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The successful completion of this cohort study will allow for better targeting of cancer screening to those at highest risk in urban population of China and provide clinicians and policymakers with a practical predication rule.

Tobacco Smoking and Trends in Histological Subtypes of Female Lung Cancer at The Cancer Hospital of The Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Over 13 Years

Background: Smoking among Chinese women accounts for a small proportion, but the incidence and mortality rates of female lung cancer is increasing in recent years. Studies found that there were changes in histologic subtypes of lung cancer patients in China. Aim: This study investigated the tobacco smoking and trends in histologic subtypes of female lung cancer in a cancer hospital in China. Methods: Demographic, smoking history and histologic information about female lung cancer patients diagnosed or treated from 2000 to 2012 was collected from Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CHCAMS). Trends of histologic subtypes calculated with annual percentage change (APC). The distribution differences of adenocarcinoma (ADC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and the other subtypes between smokers and nonsmokers were calculated by 7th AJCC cancer staging. Results: Totally of 5,870 female cases of lung cancer, including 630 with history of smoking and 5,240 without, were analyzed. The number of female lung cancer patients increased from 509 (2000-2002) to 1744 (2012-2013). The main histologic type of lung cancer was adenocarcinoma (ADC) (72.93%), followed by small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (11.06%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (8.38%) and the other (7.63%). Among smokers, the proportion of SCC decreased from 40.5% to 23.7% (APC = -11.68%, P = 0.005), however, the ADC increased from 35.7% to 50.7% (APC = 8.63%, P = 0.009). In nonsmokers, the ADC was 76.1%, and SCC was 5.9%. ADC increased from 63.1% to 80.6% (APC = -21.33%, P = 0.006), SCC decreased from 13.6% to 4.5% (APC = 3.86%, P = 0.016). Among squamous cell carcinoma, the cases with history of smoking were more likely diagnosed at early stages (I/II: 47.1%) than those at late stages (III, 34.3%; IV, 18.6%). Conclusion: The number of female lung cancer patients was increased in CHCAMS by year of diagnosis. In both smoking and nonsmoking cases, the proportion of adenocarcinoma was increasing. Among the squamous cell carcinoma, smokers seem to find in early stages.

Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 activates glutathione S-transferase expression in the midgut of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in response to phytochemicals and insecticides

Detoxication enzymes play an important role in insect resistance to xenobiotics such as insecticides and phytochemicals. We studied the pathway for activating the expression of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in response to selected xenobiotics. An assay of the promoter activity of GST epsilon 1 (Slgste1) of Spodoptera litura led to the discovery of a cis-regulating element. An antioxidant response element was activated in response to indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) and was able to bind with the xenobiotic sensor protein nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (SlNrf2). SlNrf2 and Slgste1 were responsive to reactive oxygen species induced by I3C and CPF in a S. litura cell line, as well as in S. litura midguts. SlNrf2 RNA interference (RNAi) reduced the message RNA levels of Slgste1 and the peroxidase activity of GSTs in response to I3C, xanthotoxin, CPF and deltamethrin. SlNrf2 RNAi and inhibitor treatment of GST activity decreased the viability of I3C-treated cells. These results indicate that SlNrf2 activates the expression of GSTs in response to oxidative stresses caused by exposure to xenobiotics.