Bacterial communities in PM2.5 and PM10 in broiler houses at different broiler growth stages in spring

The welfare and healthy growth of poultry under intensive feeding conditions are closely related to their living environment. In spring, the air quality considerably decreases due to reduced ventilation and aeration in cage systems, which influences the meat quality and health of broilers during normal growth stages. In this study, we analyzed the airborne bacterial communities in PM2.5 and PM10 in cage broiler houses at different broiler growth stages under intensive rearing conditions based on the high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing technique. Our results revealed that PM2.5, PM10 and airborne microbes gradually increased during the broiler growth cycle in poultry houses. Some potential or opportunistic pathogens, including Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Microbacterium, etc., were found in the broiler houses at different growth stages. Our study evaluated variations in the microbial communities in PM2.5 and PM10 and potential opportunistic pathogens during the growth cycle of broilers in poultry houses in the spring. Our findings may provide a basis for developing technologies for air quality control in caged poultry houses.

Phenotypic shift of small intestinal intra-epithelial type 1 innate lymphoid cells in celiac disease is associated with enhanced cytotoxic potential

The small intestinal (SI) epithelium harbors a heterogeneous population of lymphocytes that mediate mucosal damage and repair in celiac disease (CD). The composition and roles of human proximal SI intra-epithelial innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), and their alterations in CD, are not well understood. We report that duodenal intra-epithelial ILCs predominantly consist of natural killer (NK)p44⁺ CD127^- cytotoxic ILC1s and NKp44^- CD127⁺ helper ILC1s, while ILC3s only represent a minor population. In patients with newly diagnosed or active CD (ACD) and refractory CD type 1 (RCD I), the frequency of SI NKp44⁺ ILCs is decreased, with restoration of NKp44⁺ ILC frequency observed in patients adhering to a gluten-free diet who show evidence of mucosal healing. Moreover, the frequency of SI NKp44^- ILCs is increased in ACD and RCD I patients and correlates with the severity of villous atrophy and epithelial damage, as assessed by serum levels of fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2). We show that the ILC alterations in CD represent a phenotypic shift of cytotoxic ILC1s rather than an increase in helper ILC1s or transdifferentiation of ILC1s to ILC3s, and activation-induced loss of NKp44 by cytotoxic ILC1s is associated with increased interferon (IFN)-γ expression and release of lytic granules. These findings suggest that intra-epithelial NKp44^- CD127^- cytotoxic ILC1s may contribute to mucosal damage in CD.

Combined Effect of Osteoporosis and Poor Dynamic Balance on the Incidence of Sarcopenia in Elderly Chinese Community Suburban-Dwelling Individuals

OBJECTIVES

Given the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis and the important role dynamic balanced plays in the assessment of muscle function, we aimed to examine the joint and separate effects of osteoporosis and poor dynamic balance on the incidence of sarcopenia in Chinese elderly individuals.

DESIGN

This study was conducted on 658 (44.4% male) Chinese suburban-dwelling participants with a mean age of 68.42 ± 5.43 years who initially had no sarcopenia and were aged ≥60 years. A quantitative ultrasound scan of each participant's calcaneus with a T score less than -2.5 was used to identify the prevalence of osteoporosis. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. We assessed dynamic balance using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Participants who scored in the top 20% on the TUGT were defined as having poor dynamic balance.

RESULTS

After a follow-up of three years, the incidence of sarcopenia in the general population was 8.1% (9.6% in males, 6.8% in females). The incidence of sarcopenia was progressively greater in people suffering from both osteoporosis and poor dynamic balance (OR=2.416, 95%CI=1.124-5.195) compared to those who only had osteoporosis (OR=0.797, 95%CI=0.378-1.682) or poor dynamic balance (OR=1.226, 95%CI=0.447-3.363) in models without adjustments. Even after adjusting for potential confounders, the result still held true (OR=2.431, 95%CI=1.053-5.614).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we found individuals who suffered from both osteoporosis and poor dynamic balance simultaneously had a significantly higher incidence of sarcopenia than those who suffered from either one or the other.

The Predictive Value of Sarcopenia and Its Individual Criteria for Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Suburb-dwelling Older Chinese

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study is to investigate the associations between the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) sarcopenic definition, and its individual criteria, and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in the Chinese elderly.

METHODS

Longitudinal analysis of 1,264 participants aged 60 years or older at baseline (2013-2014) living in suburban areas, China. Sarcopenia was defined according to the recommended algorithm of AWGS. Muscle mass was measured by a direct segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength was assessed by handgrip strength, and physical performance measured via usual walking speed.

RESULTS

Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality. After 40 months of follow-up, forty-eight deaths (4.2%) died in this cohort. The mortality rate with sarcopenia was 4.7% in men and 3.8% in women. After adjusting for potential confounders, the risk of all-cause death was 4.15 times higher in subjects with sarcopenia. Furthermore, low muscle mass (HR: 2.62, 95% CI 1.34-5.13) and low grip strength (HR: 5.79; 95% CI 2.28-14.71), but not walking speed, were found to be significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Risk of CVD mortality was significantly greater in sarcopenia. Low grip strength and low walking speed were associated with 11 times (HR: 11.03, 95% CI 1.58-77.02) and 13 times (HR: 13.02; 95% CI 1.18-143.78) higher risk of CVD mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia and components of sarcopenia were associated with greater CVD and all-cause mortality. Pertinent prevention or rehabilitation programs projects should look to promote healthy aging in different types of sarcopenia group.

Synthesis, structure, magnetic and half-metallic properties of Co2-x Ru x MnSi (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) compounds

A series of Co_2-x Ru _x MnSi (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) Heusler compounds were successfully synthesized. The heat-treatment conditions were crucial to make the materials form a single phase with a Heusler structure. With increasing Ru content, the half-metallic gap, lattice parameters and magnetization are continuously adjustable in a wide range. The Co_2-x Ru _x MnSi (x = 0, 0.25) compounds are rigorous half-metals and show a T ³ dependence of resistance at low temperature. The Co_2-x Ru _x MnSi (x = 0.5, 0.75, 1) Heusler compounds are the nearly half-metallic materials and show a semiconductive dependence of resistance at low temperature. The experimental magnetization is consistent with that in theory and follows the Slater-Pauling rule. The Curie temperature is higher than 750 K for all Co_2-x Ru _x MnSi Heusler compounds.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in aristolochic acid I-induced apoptosis in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells

Aristolochic acid (AA) is a compound extracted from the Aristolochia species of herbs. AA exposure is associated with kidney injury known as aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). Proximal tubular epithelial cell (PTEC) is the primary target of AA and rich in mitochondria. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of kidney disease. However, the status of mitochondrial function in PTEC after exposure to AA remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of aristolochic acid I (AAI) on cell apoptosis and mitochondrial function in PTEC. Normal rat kidney-52E (NRK-52E) cells were exposed to different concentrations of AAI for different time periods. Cell viability was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 by Western blotting. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It was found that AAI reduced cell viability and increased cell apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In parallel to increased apoptosis, NRK-52E cell manifested signs of mitochondrial dysfunction in response to AAI treatment. The data indicated that AAI could increase ROS level, lower MMP, decrease mtDNA copy number, and reduce ATP production. In addition, Szeto-Schiller 31, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptide, attenuated AAI-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Our study depicted significant aberrant of mitochondrial function in AAI-treated NRK-52E cell, which suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction may be involved in AAI-induced apoptosis in PTEC.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of neural activity in tibial nerves with carbon nanotube yarn electrodes

BACKGROUND

Reliable interfacing with peripheral nervous system is essential to extract neural signals. Current implantable peripheral nerve electrodes cannot provide long-term reliable interfaces due to their mechanical mismatch with host nerves. Carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns possess excellent mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity. It is of great necessity to investigate the selectivity of implantable CNT yarn electrodes.

NEW METHOD

Neural interfaces were fabricated with CNT yarn electrodes insulated with Parylene-C. Acute recordings were carried out on tibial nerves of rats, and compound nerve action potentials (CNAPs) were electrically evoked by biphasic current stimulation of four toes. Spatiotemporal characteristics of neural activity and spatial selectivity of the electrodes, denoted by selectivity index (SI), were analyzed in detail.

RESULTS

Conduction velocities of sensory afferent fibers recorded by CNT yarn electrodes varied between 4.25 m/s and 37.56 m/s. The SI maxima for specific toes were between 0.55 and 0.99 across seven electrodes. SIs for different CNT yarn electrodes are significantly different among varied toes.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS

Most single CNT yarn electrode with a ∼ 500 μm exposed length can be sensitive to one or two specific toes in rodent animals. While, it is only possible to discriminate two non-adjacent toes by multisite TIME electrodes.

CONCLUSION

Single CNT yarn electrode exposed ∼ 500 μm showed SI values for different toes comparable to a multisite TIME electrode, and had high spatial selectivity for one or two specific toes. The electrodes with cross section exposed could intend to be more sensitive to one specific toe.

P3623Integrating depression and acute coronary syndrome care in low-resource hospitals in china: primary results from the I-Care randomised clinical trial

Background

Depression and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are significant public health challenges. Patients with ACS often experience depression, which adversely affects prognosis. Low-cost, sustainable, and effective service models that integrate depression care into the management of ACS patients to reduce depression and improve ACS outcomes are critically needed.

Purpose

I-CARE study is a multi-center, randomised clinical trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of an 11-month integrated care (IC) intervention compared to usual care (UC) in the management of ACS patients.

Methods

The I-CARE RCT was conducted between October 2014 and March 2018 in 16 rural Chinese hospitals. A total of 4041 patients with ACS were consecutively enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an IC intervention consisting of nurse-led risk factor management, group-based counseling supplemented by individual problem solving therapy and antidepressant medications as needed, or UC. The primary outcome was change in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores from baseline to 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes included incidence of major adverse events (MAEs) after discharge, quality of life (EQ5D), and adherence to ACS secondary prevention medications. Data analysis used a multilevel mixed-effects model with hospital-level and subject-level random-effect intercepts and hospital-level random slope incorporated to adjust for clustering effect. Primary analyses followed the intent-to-treat principle.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 61±10 years and 63% were men; however, only 3.3% were classified as depressed based upon a cutoff of ≥10 on the PHQ-9, and 26.9% had PHQ-9 scores between 5 to 9 at the baseline. There were no significant differences in patients' clinical characteristics between IC and UC groups. Changes in PHQ-9 scores from baseline to 6- and 12-months did not differ between treatment groups (−1.47 in IC group vs −1.40 in UC group; adjusted mean difference, −0.04; 95% CI, −0.17 to 0.08 at 6-months; −1.62 in IC group vs −1.54 in UC group; adjusted mean difference, −0.06; 95% CI: −0.19 to 0.06 at 12-months).The risk of MAEs after discharge between IC and UC groups also did not differ significantly (42.1% vs 43.1%; p=0.307).

Conclusions

Results from the I-CARE trial showed that a nurse-coordinated ACS and depression IC intervention did not reduce depression or improve clinical outcomes among patients with ACS compared to usual care controls. The low prevalence of depression was unexpected and may have minimized the potential added benefits of the IC intervention on depression and clinical outcomes compared to UC.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This study is supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH100332).

Incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: interim analysis of a cluster randomized controlled screening trial (PRO-NPC-001) in southern China

BACKGROUND

Previous mass screening studies have shown that IgA antibodies against Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) can facilitate early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but the impact of EBV-antibody screening for NPC-specific mortality remains unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective, cluster randomized, controlled trial for NPC screening (PRO-NPC-001) was conducted in 3 selected towns of Zhongshan City and 13 selected towns of Sihui City in southern China beginning in 2008. Serum samples of the screening group were tested for two previously selected anti-EBV antibodies. Subjects with serological medium risk were subsequently retested annually for 3 years, and those with serological high risk were referred to otorhinolaryngologists for diagnostic check-up. An interim analysis was carried out to evaluate the primary end points of the NPC-specific mortality and the early diagnostic rate, and the secondary end point of the NPC incidence, through linkage with the database of Zhongshan City.

RESULTS

Among 70 296 total subjects, 29 413 screened participants (41.8% of the total subjects) in the screening group and 50 636 in the control group, 153 (43.3 per 100 000 person-year), 62 (55.3 per 100 000 person-year) and 99 (33.1 per 100 000 person-year) NPC cases were identified. The early diagnostic rates of NPC were significantly higher in the participants (79.0%, P < 0.0001) and the screening group (45.9%, P < 0.0001) compared with the control group (20.6%). Although no differences were found between NPC-specific mortality of the screening group and the control group [relative risk (RR)= 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-1.79], lower NPC-specific mortality was noticed among participants from the screening group versus the control group (RR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.09-0.49).

CONCLUSION

IgA antibodies against EBV can identify high-risk population and was effective in screening for early asymptomatic NPC. Although the mortality reduction was not significant in the primary end point, we noted encouraging evidence of a mortality reduction in screening participants in this interim analysis.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT00941538.

GABA Receptors and the Pharmacology of Sleep

Current GABAergic sleep-promoting medications were developed pragmatically, without making use of the immense diversity of GABA_A receptors. Pharmacogenetic experiments are leading to an understanding of the circuit mechanisms in the hypothalamus by which zolpidem and similar compounds induce sleep at α2βγ2-type GABA_A receptors. Drugs acting at more selective receptor types, for example, at receptors containing the α2 and/or α3 subunits expressed in hypothalamic and brain stem areas, could in principle be useful as hypnotics/anxiolytics. A highly promising sleep-promoting drug, gaboxadol, which activates αβδ-type receptors failed in clinical trials. Thus, for the time being, drugs such as zolpidem, which work as positive allosteric modulators at GABA_A receptors, continue to be some of the most effective compounds to treat primary insomnia.

Determining GaN Nanowire Polarity and its Influence on Light Emission in the Scanning Electron Microscope

The crystal polarity of noncentrosymmetric wurtzite GaN nanowires is determined nondestructively in the scanning electron microscope using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The impact of the nanowire polarity on light emission is then investigated using cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy. EBSD can determine polarity of noncentrosymmetric crystals by interrogating differences in the intensity distribution of bands of the EBSD pattern associated with semipolar planes. Experimental EBSD patterns from an array of GaN nanowires are compared with theoretical patterns produced using dynamical electron simulations to reveal whether they are Ga- or N-polar or, as in several cases, of mixed polarity. CL spectroscopy demonstrates the effect of the polarity on light emission, with spectra obtained from nanowires of known polarity revealing a small but measurable shift (≈28 meV) in the GaN near band edge emission energy between those with Ga and N polarity. We attributed this energy shift to a difference in impurity incorporation in nanowires of different crystal polarity. This approach can be employed to nondestructively identify polarity in a wide range of noncentrosymmetric nanoscale material systems and provide direct comparison with their luminescence.

Making global river ecosystem health assessments objective, quantitative and comparable

Assessing and comparing global river ecosystem health in an objective and quantitative way remains a major challenge. In this study the widely-used semi-quantitative methods Rapid Biological assessment Protocols (RBPs) was used to determine the health of rivers. The findings were then compared to the results derived from our new UAV (Unmanned aerial vehicles) orthophotographic imagery method. This method quantitatively and objectively assesses river ecosystem health. As a comparison, our method was used to quantitatively measure distance and areas of a range of hydrological and biological attributes thus improving the accuracy of distance- and area-related indices, consequently avoiding subjective errors in these estimations that is fraught in methods like the RBPs. To strengthen the objectivity of the assessment the weights of these indices were objectively determined using the entropy weighting method. This new method was then tested using 9551 UAV orthophotographs taken over six field campaigns. It performed satisfactorily, showing that in our study area the health status of mountain rivers was the best with the highest score of 0.94 out of 1.0. Temporally, the health of the river was better in summer (0.65) compared with that in autumn (0.40). Changes in river ecosystem health were driven by variations in biology and water quality. In contrast the outputs of RBPs, especially in relation to distance and area indices, had ~ 20% uncertainty due to visual errors and subjectivity in estimations by observers. The UAV orthophotographic imaging method proposed in this study can improve the ability to compare the health of rivers across different periods and regions throughout the globe.

Combined strategies for tumor immunotherapy with nanoparticles

A brief review of tumor immunotherapies shows significant advancements in academic research and preclinical studies. Analysis of different immune cell pathways, including macrophage activation, natural killer cells, and dendritic cell presentation show promising clinical results when targeted with different nanoparticle polymer and gold materials. Following a brief discussion on immuno-oncology successes, detailed results are discussed in macrophage activation, dendritic cell presentation, and lysis of tumor cells with natural killer cells. Common targets include tumor-associated macrophages and induction of the proinflammatory phenotype, dual targeting of cell and humoral immunity with dendritic cells, and creating chimeric antigen receptors on natural killer cells. An analysis of the results shows a variety of nanoparticle synthesis methods are required depending on drug type and tissue type affected by tumors. Future research is discussed in conjunction with a brief analysis of completed clinical trial data on cancer therapies using nanoparticles to date. Although paclitaxel-loaded albumin nanoparticles are most frequently studied, academic research shows there may be additional mechanisms of action to elicit anti-tumor activity.

The impact of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia during the first and second trimester of gestation on pregnancy outcomes: an intervention and prospective cohort study in China

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effect of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH) during the first and second trimester of gestation on pregnancy outcomes. To explore whether levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment of women who had IMH identified in the first trimester improves pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

Women in the early pregnancy in the iodine-sufficient area (n = 3398) were recruited to this prospective cohort study (ChiCTR-TRC-12002326). Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were detected. Women with IMH before 12 weeks chose to receive L-T4 or remain untreated. The L-T4 dose was adjusted to attain a normal FT4 and TSH level. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated during follow-up.

RESULTS

IMH in the first trimester was not associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome compared with controls. The incidence of macrosomia (p = 0.022) and gestational hypertension (p = 0.018) was significantly higher in IMH identified in the second trimester of gestation compared with controls. IMH identified in the second trimester of gestation was a risk factor for macrosomia [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.942, 95% CI 1.076-3.503, p = 0.027] and gestational hypertension (aOR 4.203, 95% CI 1.611-10.968, p < 0.01), when body mass index in the early pregnancy was < 25 kg/m².

CONCLUSIONS

IMH in the first trimester did not increase the risk of adverse outcomes irrespective of whether women received L-T4 treatment. However, IMH identified in the second trimester was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. The results suggest that thyroid function follow-up during the second trimester is necessary, even if thyroid function is normal during the first trimester.

[Clinical investigation of ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy accessed by SVOF-principle and two-step puncture techniques]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) accessed by SVOF-principle and two-step puncture techniques. Methods: A total of 838 cases with upper urinary stones underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy successfully accessed by ultrasound-guided between June 2007 and December 2015 at Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Of all cases were divided in two groups: hydronephrosis calyces puncture group include 425 cases and SVOF-principle puncture group include 413 cases. The access establishment time, operation time, stone free rate (SFR), postoperative complications, and postoperative hospitalization time between the two groups we compared by t test or χ² test. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between hydronephrosis calyces puncture group and SVOF-principle puncturegroup in the first access establishment time ((16.5±8.4) minutes vs. (11.2±5.9) minutes, t=3.931, P=0.013), one-stage SFR (74.3% vs. 85.7%, χ²=16.868, P=0.000), postoperative hospitalization time ((6.4±2.1) days vs. (4.8±1.8)days, t=4.574, P=0.000), transfusion rate (7.1% vs. 2.9%, χ²=8.027, P=0.006), and embolization rate (3.3% vs. 1.0%, χ²=5.390, P=0.020). There were no statistically significant differences in operation time, total SFR, postoperative fever and sever infection between these two groups (all P>0.05). In both two groups, no serious complications such as peripheral organ injury and death occurred. Conclusions: PCNL accessed guided by ultrasound with SVOF-principle and two-step puncture techniques has advantages of quick puncture location, high stone free rate, fewer complications and fast recovery. This technique is an effective and safe treatment option for upper urinary stones and deserved promotion and application in clinic.

[Preliminary experience with transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach: a report of 150 cases in a single center]

Objective: To summarize the preliminary experience with transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach (TOETVA). Methods: A total of 150 consecutive patients with thyroid disease underwent TOETVA from November 2014 to February 2017 at Department of Thyroid Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The patients were comprised of 138 females and 12 males. The mean age of the patients was (31.7±7.6) years (ranging from 15 to 51 years). There were 108 patients of differential thyroid carcinoma (T1 or T2 ≤3 cm, cN0 or cN1a, M0) and 42 patients of benign thyroid disease (solid nodule ≤6 cm). The criteria analyzed were clinicopathologic characteristics, types of operation, operation time, complications and results of follow-up. Results: Two cases were converted into open surgery due to an incredible unexpected tumor size and tracheal invasion, respectively. One hundred and three patients with papillary carcinoma underwent transoral central neck dissection (CND), with the mean operation time of (146±34) minutes for hemithyroidectomy with CND, and (187±36) minutes for total or near total thyroidectomy with CND. The mean number of lymph node yields was 8.2±4.7, and the lymph node metastasis rate was 41.7% (43/103). Regarding postoperative complications, transient hoarseness occurred in 3 patients, and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve occurred in 2 patients. One patient had local infection or transient mental nerve palsy. Transient hypocalcemia occurred in 31.8% of 22 patients who underwent total, near-total, or subtotalthyroidectomy, and no permanent hypocalcemia was registered. Mean hospital stay after operation was (3.5±0.6) days (ranging from 2 to 5 days). Mean follow-up period was (11.5±7.8) months (ranging from 1 to 28 months), no recurrence or metastasis occurred. Conclusions: TOETVA is feasible and safe for strictly selective patients. It brings perfect cosmetic effect. Long-term follow-up and further study is needed to assess its curative effect.

Neural stem cells promote glioblastoma formation in nude mice

PURPOSE

Neural stem cells (NSCs) have been characterized with the ability of self-renewal and neurogenesis, which has inspired lots of studies to clarify the functions of NSCs in neural injury, ischemic stroke, brain inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. We focused on the relationship of NSCs with glioblastoma, since we have discovered that recurrent glioblastomas were inclined to be derived from subventricular zone (SVZ), where NSCs reside. We want to clarify whether NSCs are involved in glioblastoma relapse.

METHODS

Immunocytochemistry was used to confirm the stemness of NSCs. The Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to measure the proliferation of cells. Migration abilities were examined by wound healing and transwell assays, and tumor formation abilities were confirmed in nude mice.

RESULTS

We found in experiments that NSCs promoted proliferation of a glioblastoma cell line-Ln229, the migration ability of Ln229 cells was motivated by co-cultured with NSCs. Tumor formation of Ln229 cells was also accelerated in nude mice when co-transplanted with NSCs. In immunohistochemistry, we found that the Sox2- and Ki67-positive cells were much higher in co-transplanted groups than that of control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results imply the potential role that NSCs play in speeding up tumor formation in the process of glioblastoma relapse, providing the basis for dealing with newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients, which may help postpone the recurrence of glioblastoma as far as possible through preprocessing the tumor-adjacent SVZ tissue.

Positive- and negative-tone structuring of crystalline silicon by laser-assisted chemical etching

We demonstrate a structuring method for crystalline silicon using nanosecond laser internal irradiation followed by chemical etching. We show a dramatic dependence of the etch rate on the laser-writing speed. Enhanced isotropic etch rates of silicon by laser-induced internal damage were recently demonstrated with strong acids, but our results add the possibility to obtain reduced etch rates leading to different topographies. Material analyses indicate the possibility to efficiently produce high-aspect ratio channels, thanks to laser-induced porosities, as well as silicon micro-bumps due to highly stressed regions. This holds promises for fabricating microfluidic, photovoltaic, and micro-electromechanical systems.

Multiple functions of miR-8-3p in the development and metamorphosis of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

The microRNA miR-8-3p is conserved among insects and closely involved in development and immunity, but its functions in vivo are unexplored in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Here, we show that miR-8-3p was highly expressed in late larva and early adult stages, as determined by quantitative real-time PCR. It was enriched in the fat body and cuticle in late larval tissues and abundant in the head and cuticle in early adult tissues, indicating this microRNA plays important roles during T. castaneum development. Specific inhibition of miR-8-3p in late larvae led to metamorphosis defects in the development of wings, eyes, legs and embryo. Moreover, a series of genes related to organism development were identified as miR-8-3p targets by computational prediction and microRNA-messenger RNA interaction validation, including Wingless, Eyg, Fpps and Sema-1a. These genes were critical for the regulation of the larva-to-adult transition. Eyg, as a functional target of miR-8-3p, participates in eye development, which was further confirmed by luciferase assay and loss-of-function analyses. In brief, miR-8-3p is broadly involved in the development of wings, eyes and legs through its target genes and has extensive regulatory roles during T. castaneum development.

[The predictive accuracy of fine needle aspiration and BRAF V600E mutation in diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the predictive accuracy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) and BRAF V600E mutation in distinguishing papillary thyroid carcinoma and other thyroid nodules. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 93 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who treated at Department of Thyroid Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, College of Medicine from September 2016 to May 2018. There were 21 males and 72 females with age of (43.2±11.3) years (range: 19 to 67 years). All the patients got the examinations of FNA and BRAF V600E mutation by Amplification Refractory Mutation System, and subsequently underwent thyroid surgeries. The results of cytopathology, frozen section and pathology were collected and analyzed. The predictive accuracy of FNA cytology and BRAF V600E mutation was calculated. Results: In the 93 collected cases, 91 were diagnosed as papillary thyroid carcinoma postoperation, and the accurate predictive rate was 97.8%. Subgroup analysis was performed according to Bethesda System, the predictive rates were: unsatisfactory (Ⅰ) 6/6, benign (Ⅱ) 0/0, atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (Ⅲ) 16/17, follicular neoplasm or suspicious for follicular neoplasm (Ⅳ) 97.2% (35/36), suspicious for malignancy (Ⅴ) 100% (28/28), and malignant (Ⅵ) 6/6, respectively. Conclusion: Thyroid nodules with BRAF V600E mutation can be strongly speculated as papillary thyroid carcinoma.

[Caloric test and hearing characteristics in patients with vestibular migraine and Meniere's disease]

Objective:This study was designed to distinguish vestibular migraine(VM) from Meniere's disease(MD) by comparing age, sex, family history, audiological and vestibular test results in patients with VM or MD. Method:Forty-six patients with suspected VM, 60 patients with confirmed VM, and 60 patients with confirmed MD were studied. All patients were asked for detailed medical history, and then underwent bithermal caloric test and audiological test. The hearing function and vestibular function were analyzed. Result:①General conditions: the sex ratio with suspected VM, confirmed VM and confirmed MD was 1∶4.75, 1∶5.67 and 1∶1. Family history in these three groups was 80.43%（37/46）,66.67%（40/60）,6.67%（4/60）, respectively. ②In the three groups, the abnormal rates of caloric test were 50.00% (23/46), 31.67% (19/60) and 78.33%(47/60), respectively.③The rate of pure tone audiometry abnormality in the three groups was 60.87% (28/46), 63.33% (38/60) and 100.00% (60/60), respectively. Of 46 suspected VM patients, 18 (39.13%) had high frequency hearing loss, 7 (15.22%) had full frequency hearing loss, and 3 (6.52%) had low frequency hearing loss. Among 60 confirmed VM patients, 18 (30.00%) had high frequency hearing loss, 15 (25.00%) had full frequency hearing loss, 4 (6.67%) had low frequency hearing loss, and 1 case (1.67%) with low frequency and high frequency hearing loss. Among 60 confirmed MD patients, 56 (93.33%) had full frequency hearing loss, and 4 (6.67%) had low frequency hearing loss. ④The difference of audiological test between patients with confirmed VM and patients with suspected VM was not statistically significant（P>0.05）. The difference of bithermal caloric test between patients with confirmed VM and patients with suspected VM was not statistically significant（P>0.05）.Compared with MD patients, the incidence of hearing loss and the incidence of abnormal bithermal caloric test in VM patients is lower（P<0.05）. Conclusion:The abnormality rate of caloric test and the incidence of hearing loss in MD patients were higher than VM. The confirmed and suspected VM patients can be accompanied by hearing loss mainly with high hearing frequency decline. There was no difference in clinical characteristics between confirmed and suspected VM patients.

NGF increases FGF2 expression and promotes endothelial cell migration and tube formation through PI3K/Akt and ERK/MAPK pathways in human chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE

Vascular invasion is observed at the osteochondral junction in osteoarthritis (OA). Nerve growth factor (NGF) as an angiogenic factor is expressed in OA. This study is to investigate the effects of NGF on angiogenesis in vitro in human chondrocytes.

DESIGN

Articular cartilages of knee joints were harvested from healthy and OA patients. Expressions of NGF and tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) were detected by western blot, Safranin-O and fast green staining and immunohistochemistry in cartilage. Expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) was detected by western blot in cultured chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were transfected by lentiviral vectors to knock down TrkA. Migration and tube formation of human microvascular endothelial cell (HMVEC) were assessed by using transwell co-culture with chondrocyte after treatment of NGF.

RESULTS

We confirmed expressions of NGF and TrkA were significantly up-regulated in OA. NGF induced expression of FGF2 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Angiogenic activities of endothelial cells were greatly enhanced after co-cultured with NGF pre-treated chondrocytes, while knock-down of TrkA significantly abolished the above effects. We further found that NGF-induced expression of FGF2 promoted angiogenic activities of endothelial cells through PI3K/Akt and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

NGF promotes expression of FGF2 in vitro via PI3K/Akt and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways in human chondrocytes and it increases angiogenesis, which is mediated by TrkA. NGF could be responsible for vascular up-growth from subchondral bone in OA.

The potential of cadmium ion-immobilized Rhizobium pusense KG2 to prevent soybean root from absorbing cadmium in cadmium-contaminated soil

AIMS

Because the effect of Cd2+ -immobilized microbe on Cd uptake of plants in Cd-contaminated soil remains underexplored, this study focuses on the effect of Cd2+ -immobilized rhizobia on Cd uptake of soybean.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Strain KG2 from soybean nodule was identified as Rhizobium pusense KG2 by phylogenetic analysis. Rhizobium pusense KG2 showed the 120 mg l-1 of minimal lethal concentration for Cd2+ . In 50 and 100 mg l-1 of Cd2+ liquid, approximately 2 × 1010 cells removed 56·71 and 22·11% of Cd2+ , respectively. In pot soil containing 50 and 100 mg kg-1 of Cd2+ , strain KG2 caused a 45·9 and 35·3% decrease in soybean root Cd content, respectively. Meanwhile, KG2 improved the root and shoot length, nitrogen content and biomass of soybean plants and superoxide dismutase activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The Cd2+ -immobilized rhizobia could inhibit soybean plants to absorb Cd2+ from soil, promote plant growth and improve plant's tolerance against Cd. This study is the first time to report that R. pusense is an effective nodulating rhizobium of legume.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Some Cd2+ -immobilized microbe lowering Cd uptake of plant and promoting plant growth should be considered as an effective strategy for producing safety crops in the Cd-contaminated agricultural soil.

Abstract P6-20-05: Therapeutic targeting of BRCA1 and TP53 mutant breast cancer through mutant p53 reactivation

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subset for which novel therapeutic approaches are needed. A significant proportion of TNBC patients harbor either germline or somatic mutations in BRCA1, or epigenetic silencing of BRCA1, which renders them deficient in DNA repair. Virtually all BRCA1 deficient breast cancers harbor mutations in TP53 suggesting that inactivation of p53 is a requirement for tumor progression in the setting of BRCA1 deficiency. Due to this dependency, we hypothesized that restoring wild type p53 function in BRCA1 deficient breast cancer would be therapeutic. The majority of TP53 mutations are missense, which generate a defective protein that potentially can be targeted with small molecules. Zinc Metallochaperones (ZMCs) are a new class of anti-cancer drugs that reactivate a class of zinc deficient mutant TP53 alleles by restoring zinc binding. Using ZMC1 in human breast cancer cell lines expressing the zinc deficient p53R175H, we demonstrate that loss of BRCA1 sensitizes cells to mutant p53 reactivation. Using genetically engineered murine mammary tumor models with Brca1 deficiency, we demonstrate that ZMC1 significantly improves survival in mice bearing tumors harboring the zinc deficient Trp53R172H allele but not the Trp53 null allele. We synthesized a novel formulation of ZMC1 (Zn-1), in which the drug is made in complex with zinc to improve zinc delivery, and demonstrate that Zn-1 has increased efficacy over ZMC1. Furthermore, we show that ZMC1 plus olaparib is a highly effective combination for tumors expressing the p53R172H mutant. In conclusion, we have validated preclinically a novel therapeutic approach for BRCA1 deficient breast cancer through reactivation of mutant p53.

Citation Format: Na B, Yu X, Wither T, Gilleran J, Yao M, Foo TK, Chen C, Moore D, Xia B, Lin Y, Kimball D, Ganesan S, Carpizo D. Therapeutic targeting of BRCA1 and TP53 mutant breast cancer through mutant p53 reactivation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-20-05.

CT and MRI studies of hepatic angiosarcoma

AIM

To analyse the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) manifestations of hepatic angiosarcoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nineteen patients with hepatic angiosarcoma underwent preoperative abdominal unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT (11 cases) or (eight cases) MRI.

RESULTS

The results of a coagulation examination showed varying degrees of abnormalities in 12 (63.16%) cases (most were prolonged prothrombin time and an increased proportion of prothrombin time), which were the most common abnormalities on the laboratory tests. Unenhanced CT of the lesions showed homogeneous or heterogeneous hypointense with hyperintense haemorrhagic lesions, contrast-enhanced CT was performed for six cases (6/11, 54.5%) with centripetal heterogeneous filling. All lesions showed heterogeneous intensity at MRI, including heterogeneous hypointense T1WI and homogeneous or heterogeneous hyperintense T2WI. Haemorrhage lesions showed higher hyperintensity with spot or patchy signals. Centripetal enhancement was found in six cases using contrast-enhanced imaging. Flaky patches of contrast enhancement were seen in the lesions.

CONCLUSION

The CT and MRI features of most of the hepatic angiosarcomas in the present study were relatively characteristic: the border of the mass was indistinct, the density was heterogeneous, and haemorrhage was frequently seen, with secondary calcification in a few cases, whereas enhanced imaging showed typical centripetal heterogeneous enhancement. In addition, highly malignant angiosarcoma could not be enhanced.

Prediction of Cryoprotectant Permeation into Articular Cartilage: A Model Suitable for Several Cryoprotective Agents

BACKGROUND

Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of cryoprotectant concentration in the cartilage tissue during loading is essential for the rational design of the loading procedure and the successful cryopreservation of articular cartilage (AC).

OBJECTIVE

To construct a diffusion mass transfer model to describe the permeation of cryoprotectant into AC.

MODEL CONSTRUCTION

The model was based on the binary diffusion thermodynamic model to correlate the effective diffusion coefficient with the infinite dilution diffusion coefficient. The activity coefficient was estimated using the UNIFAC model. The concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficient was expressed using the Vignes formula, and the infinite dilution diffusion coefficient was calculated using the Siddiqi-Lucas correlation.

RESULTS

For dimethyl sulfoxide (Me₂SO), glycerol (GLY), ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PG), the coefficient of determination and mean relative error of the average cryoprotectant concentration in the cartilage tissue calculated by the model and experimental values reported in the literature are 0.959-0.998 and 0.98-15.19%, respectively, for Me₂SO; 0.990-0.995 and 13.56-19.19% for GLY; 0.969-0.988 and 8.89-22.09% for EG; and 0.971-0.992 and 5.35-23.76% for PG.

CONCLUSION

The developed model could be used for these four widely used cryoprotectants to directly predict the spatiotemporal distribution of cryoprotectant concentration in the cartilage tissue during loading.

Bacterial communities in PM2.5 and PM10 inside the cage broiler houses before and after disinfection

BACKGROUND

Air in broiler houses is contaminated with considerable amounts of microbial aerosols, which affects the health of humans and birds. Thorough cleaning and disinfecting should be carried out to reduce particulate concentrations and minimize airborne microorganisms.

AIMS

To evaluate the effects of cleaning and disinfecting measures on bacterial communities in particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) and particulate matter between 2.5 and 10 μm (PM₁₀) inside broiler houses.

METHODS

A mixed disinfectant (containing aldehydes, alcohol, and quaternary ammonium salt) was sprayed to decontaminate broiler cage houses. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing was performed in this study to compare the bacterial communities in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ before and after disinfection.

RESULTS

A variety of pathogens and opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Bordetella, Pseudomonas, and Shewanella were detected, the quantities of which were noticeably reduced but not eradicated after disinfection. In addition, the impacts on several pathogens and opportunistic pathogens in PM_2.5 were not significant, which may be due to bacterial resistance to this type of disinfectant or other reasons discussed in the present study.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that disinfection measures were effective in decontaminating air and further improving the feeding environment. This finding will help develop a reasonable disinfecting scheme for broiler houses.

Prediction of the binding affinity of aptamers against the influenza virus

Thousands of investigations on quantitative structure-activity/property relationships (QSARs/QSPRs) have been reported. However, few publications can be found that deal with QSARs for aptamers, because calculating two-dimensional and three-dimensional descriptors directly from aptamers (typically with 15-45 nucleotides) is difficult. This paper describes calculating molecular descriptors from amino acid sequences that are translated from DNA aptamer sequences with DNAMAN software, and developing QSAR models for the aptamers' binding affinity to the influenza virus. General regression neural network (GRNN) based on Parzen windows estimation was used to build the QSAR model by applying six molecular descriptors. The optimal spreading factor σ of Gaussian function of 0.3 was obtained with the circulation method. The correlation coefficients r from the GRNN model were 0.889 for the training set and 0.892 for the test set. Compared with the existing model for aptamers' binding affinity to the influenza virus, our model is accurate and competes favourably. The feasibility of calculating molecular descriptors from an amino acid sequence translated from DNA aptamer sequences to develop a QSAR model for the anti-influenza aptamers was demonstrated.