Graphene oxide/waterborne polyurethane nanocoatings: effects of graphene oxide content on performance properties

Graphene oxide (GO) is a good nanofiller candidate for waterborne coatings because of its outstanding physical and mechanical properties, good dispersibility in water, and low cost relative to graphene. Here, we report on the performance of a one-part, waterborne polyurethane (WPU) nanocoating formulated with four different GO loadings ([0.4% to 2.0%] by mass). The degree of GO dispersion/adhesion was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and Raman microscopy. Nanocoating performance was evaluated using a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer for mechanical properties, a customized coulometric permeation apparatus for oxygen barrier properties, a combustion microcalorimeter for flammability, a hot disk analyzer for thermal conductivity, thermogravimetric analysis for thermal stability, and a moisture sorption analyzer for water uptake. The results show that GO sheets were well dispersed in, and have good adhesion to, WPU. At the higher mass loadings ([1.2% or 2%] by mass), GO increased the modulus and yield strength of WPU by 300% and 200%, respectively, increased the thermal conductivity by 38%, reduced the burning heat release rate (flammability) by 43%, and reduced the oxygen permeability by up to sevenfold. The presence of GO, however, increased water vapor uptake at high humidity; the moisture content of 2% mass loading GO/WPU nanocoatings at 90% RH was almost twice that of the moisture content for unfilled WPU. Overall, with the exception of water uptake at very high humidity (> 70% RH), the observed improvements in physical and mechanical properties combined with the ease of processing suggest that GO is a viable nanofiller for WPU coatings.

Association between Depressive Symptoms and Supplemental intake of Calcium and Vitamin D in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

We explored the associations between depressive symptoms and supplemental calcium and vitamin D intake in older adults.

DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

8,527 older adults aged ≥60 years from Zhejiang Major Public Health Surveillance Program (ZPHS) without depressive symptoms at baseline survey.

MEASUREMENTS

Participants were divided into non-supplementation, calcium (Ca), vitamin D, and calcium plus vitamin D (CaD) groups based on their supplemental intake during the past year. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between depressive symptoms and supplemental intake.

RESULTS

When compared to the non-supplementation group, the Ca group exhibited a significant odds ratio (OR) of 0.731 (95% CI: 0.552-0.967, P=0.028). After adjusting for age, sex, and Ca food sources, the OR was even smaller for the CaD group (OR: 0.326; 95% CI: 0.119-0.889, P=0.029). Additionally, our results indicated that taking Ca supplements ≥4 days/week yielded a significant OR of 0.690 (95% CI: 0.492-0.968) after full adjustment. Taking CaD supplements ≥4 days/week yielded a significant OR of 0.282 (95% CI: 0.089-0.898) after adjusting for age, sex, and Ca food sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplemental intake of Ca or CaD ≥4 days/week can decrease the risk of depressive symptoms in older adults, although CaD supplements may be more effective.

Plant protein diet suppressed immune function by inhibiting spiral valve intestinal mucosal barrier integrity, anti-oxidation, apoptosis, autophagy and proliferation responses in amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii)

An 8-week growth trial was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing dietary fishmeal with a plant protein blend on the growth performance, mucosal barrier integrity and the related regulation mechanism in Amur Sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii) with initial weight of 87.48 g. Three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were prepared. A basal diet containing 540 g/kg fishmeal (P0), whereas the other two diets were formulated by replacing 50% and 100% of FM with plant protein blend (soybean protein concentrate and cottonseed protein concentrate), and named as P50 and P100, respectively. Although essential amino acids, fatty acids, and available phosphorus had been balanced according to the nutrient requirement of sturgeon, compared with the fish of P0 and P50, the full plant protein diet (P100) significantly reduced growth performance and survival, and accompanied with serious spiral valve intestinal (SVI) damage. The increased tissue necrosis and failed responses in anti-oxidation, programming apoptosis, autophagy and cell proliferation system were regulated by inhibiting ERK1 phosphorylation, which indicated that SVI hypoimmunity and functional degradation were the main reasons for the high mortality and low utilization ability of plant protein in Amur sturgeon.

The LEPR K109R and Q223R Might Contribute to the Risk of NAFLD: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Leptin and insulin resistance have been pointed out to play a role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Increasing genes were shown to be associated with the risk of NAFLD.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the genetic association between two leptin receptor (LEPR) polymorphisms (Q223R and K109R) and the NAFLD risk.

METHODS

Studies were retrieved and included by using PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and EMBASE database. Genetic associations were assessed with pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Five case-control studies with 1711 NAFLD patients and 1732 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis. The K109R was significantly associated with NAFLD in allelic model in Southeast Asian subgroup (p=0.01, OR=0.59, 95% CI [0.39- 0.90]), but not in Chinese subgroup (p=0.24, OR=1.10, 95% CI [0.94-1.29]). The Q223R was significantly associated with NAFLD in both allelic and recessive models (allelic model: p<0.001, OR=0.57, 95% CI [0.50-0.65]; recessive model: p=0.001, OR=0.67, 95% CI [0.52-0.85]). However, subgroup analysis showed that the significant association between Q223R and NAFLD in allelic model cannot be found in Southeast Asians subgroup (p=0.07, OR=0.67, 95% CI [0.52-0.85]).

CONCLUSION

LEPR K109R might be a susceptible factor for NAFLD in Southeast Asian population. And LEPR Q223R might be a susceptible factor for NAFLD in Chinese population.

Fetal cardiac tumor: echocardiography, clinical outcome and genetic analysis in 53 cases

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the imaging and clinical features of fetal cardiac tumors, and to explore the relationship between tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and cardiac rhabdomyoma in the fetus.

METHODS

Fifty-three women pregnant with a fetus affected by cardiac tumor(s) were examined by standardized fetal echocardiography (FE), and fetuses, mothers and fathers, including other relevant family members if necessary, underwent familial TSC genetic testing. Relevant pathological features, including pathological findings at clinical examination of liveborn infants and autopsy findings in terminated cases, were noted.

RESULTS

Of the 53 fetuses, 37 had multiple cardiac tumors and 16 had a single cardiac tumor detected by FE. In all 53 fetuses and their families, TSC genetic testing was successful, showing that 37 of the fetuses had a TSC1 (n = 6) or TSC2 (n = 31) pathogenic or suspected pathogenic mutation, of which 25 were spontaneous and 12 were familial mutations. The proportion of single and multiple cardiac tumors at FE was significantly different between the group of fetuses with positive genetic test results and that with negative results for TSC (31% and 86%, respectively), although the presence of multiple or single tumors was not associated with the type of TSC mutation. The decision to terminate the pregnancy was made by 45 women and their families, and eight fetuses were liveborn. Autopsy was performed in 38 fetuses, which revealed 36 cases with pathologically confirmed cardiac rhabdomyoma, one case of hemangioma and one case of fibroma. 93% of fetuses with multiple rhabdomyomas at autopsy and 71% of those with a single cardiac rhabdomyoma harbored a TSC1 or TSC2 mutation.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac rhabdomyoma is the most common cardiac tumor in the fetus. The correlation between cardiac rhabdomyoma and TSC is strong regardless of the presence of single or multiple tumors. For fetuses with suspected cardiac rhabdomyoma identified by FE, prenatal genetic testing for TSC of both fetus and family members is recommended. A positive genetic diagnosis can help in counseling and planning for neonatal treatment. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Dietary N-Carbamylglutamate (NCG) alleviates liver metabolic disease and hepatocyte apoptosis by suppressing ERK1/2-mTOR-S6K1 signal pathway via promoting endogenous arginine synthesis in Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus)

N-Carbamylglutamate (NCG), an analogue of N-acetylglutamate (NAG), can promote the synthesis of endogenous Arginine (Arg) in mammals, but not well studied in fish. This study was conducted to investigate the capacity of Arg endogenous synthesis by NCG, and the effects of various dietary NCG doses on growth performance, hepatic health and underlying nutrient regulation metabolism on ERK1/2-mTOR-S6K1 signaling pathway in Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus). Four experimental diets were prepared with NCG supplement levels of 0 (N0), 360 (N360), 720 (N720) and 3600 (N3600) mg/kg, in which N360 was at the maximum recommended level authorized by MOA, China in fish feed, and the N720 and N3600 levels were 2 and 10-fold of N360, respectively. Each diet was fed to 6 replicates with 30 Japanese seabass (initial body weight, IBW = 11.67 ± 0.02 g) in each tank. The results showed that the dietary NCG supplementation had no significant effects on the SGR and morphometric parameters of Japanese seabass, but 360-720 mg/kg NCG inclusion promoted PPV, while the 10-fold (3600 mg/kg) overdose of NCG had remarkably negative effects with significantly reduced feed efficiency, PPV and LPV. We found that Japanese seabass can utilize 360-720 mg/kg NCG to synthesis Arg to improve the amino acid metabolism by increasing plasma Arg and up-regulating intestinal ASL gene expression. Increased plasma GST and decreased MDA indicated the improved antioxidant response. Dietary NCG inclusion decreased plasma IgM and down-regulated the mRNA levels of inflammation (TNF-α and IL8), apoptosis (caspase family) and fibrosis (TGF-β1) related genes in the liver. The immunofluorescence examination revealed significantly decreased hepatic apoptosis and necrosis signals in the NCG groups. The ameliorated liver function and histological structure were closely related to the improved lipid metabolism parameters with decreased plasma VLDL and hepatic TG and NEFA accumulation, down-regulated fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis and simultaneously increased lipolysis gene mRNA levels, which regulated by inhibiting phosphorylation of ERK1/2-mTOR-S6K1 signaling pathway. Consuming 3600 mg/kg of dietary NCG is not safe for Japanese seabass culturing with the significantly increased FCR and decreased protein and lipid retention, and reduced plasma ALB. Accordingly, the observed efficacy and safety level of dietary NCG in the diet of Japanese seabass is 720 mg/kg.

Evaluation of a molecular point-of-care testing for viral and atypical pathogens on intravenous antibiotic duration in hospitalized adults with lower respiratory tract infection: a randomized clinical trial

Objectives

The primary objective was to evaluate whether a molecular point-of-care test (POCT) for viral and atypical pathogens added to routine real-time PCR could reduce duration of intravenous antibiotics in hospitalized patients with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) compared with routine real-time PCR.

Methods

In this single-centre, open-label, randomized controlled study, we enrolled hospitalized adults diagnosed with LRTI. Patients were randomized to an intervention group (POCT FilmArray Panel for 20 viruses, atypical pathogens and bacteria plus routine real-time PCR) or a control group (routine real-time PCR for ten pathogens). The primary outcome was duration of intravenous antibiotics during hospitalization. The secondary outcomes included length of stay, cost of hospitalization and de-escalation within 72 hours and between 72 hours and 7 days. Intention-to-treat analysis was used.

Results

Between October 2017 and July 2018, we enrolled 800 eligible patients (398 in the intervention group and 402 in the control group). Duration of intravenous antibiotics in the intervention group was shorter than in the control (7.0 days (interquartile range (IQR) 5.0–9.0) versus 8.0 days (IQR 6.0–11.0); p <0.001). Length of hospital stay in the intervention group was significantly shorter (8.0 days (IQR 7.0–11.0) versus 9.0 days (IQR 7.0–12.0; p <0.001) and the cost of hospitalization in the intervention group was significantly lower ($1804.7 (IQR 1298.4–2633.8) versus $2042.5 (IQR 1427.4–2926.2); p 0.002) than control group. More patients in the intervention group achieved de-escalation within 72 hours (7.9%, 29/367 versus 3.2%, 12/377; p 0.005) and between 72 hours and 7 days (29.7%, 109/367 versus 22.0%, 83/377; p 0.024).

Conclusions

Use of molecular POCT testing for respiratory viruses and atypical pathogens might help to reduce intravenous antibiotic use in hospitalized LRTI patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03391076.

Clinical and epidemiological features of West Nile virus equine encephalitis in New South Wales, Australia, 2011

BACKGROUND

Between February and June 2011, more than 300 horses with unexplained neurological disease were observed in New South Wales, Australia. A virulent strain of West Nile virus (WNV_NSW2011 ), of Australian origin, was shown to be the cause of many of these cases.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical descriptions provided by veterinary practitioners and the associated laboratory results. Although there was a range of clinical signs described, ataxia was the only sign that was consistently described in laboratory-confirmed cases.

RESULTS

WNV was detected in brain samples by real-time reverse transcription PCR assay and virus isolation. For serological confirmation of clinical cases, an equine IgM ELISA specific for WNV was shown to be the most effective tool.

CONCLUSION

A state-wide serological survey undertaken after the outbreak indicated that, contrary to expectation, although infection had been widespread, the seroprevalence of antibodies to WNV was very low, suggesting that there could be a significant risk of future disease outbreaks.

Targeting gut inflammation inhibits alcohol-induced liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the leading causes of liver diseases and liver-related death worldwide, but little is known about its influence on the intestinal immune system. Here we show that the gut immune system is altered during alcohol intake and is a functional regulator of alcohol-related liver injury that can be exploited therapeutically. Alcohol intake induces a chronic phenotypic pro-inflammatory shift in immune cell populations in gut lamina propria and results in the disruption of intestinal barrier. Treatment of wild-type C57BL/6 mice with the local gut anti-inflammatory, mesalamine, decreases alcohol-induced liver injury, reverses gut inflammation and improves metabolic parameters. Mesalamine reduced gut permeability and endotoxemia, increased IgA secretion and is associated with reduced Akt activation and P-b-catenin levels in the ileum and large intestine. These beneficial effects are dependent on adaptive and gut immunity. Thus, targeting gut inflammation with mesalamine represents a novel treatment approach for alcoholic liver disease.

A high-spin ground-state donor-acceptor conjugated polymer

Interest in high-spin organic materials is driven by opportunities to enable far-reaching fundamental science and develop technologies that integrate light element spin, magnetic, and quantum functionalities. Although extensively studied, the intrinsic instability of these materials complicates synthesis and precludes an understanding of how fundamental properties associated with the nature of the chemical bond and electron pairing in organic materials systems manifest in practical applications. Here, we demonstrate a conjugated polymer semiconductor, based on alternating cyclopentadithiophene and thiadiazoloquinoxaline units, that is a ground-state triplet in its neutral form. Electron paramagnetic resonance and magnetic susceptibility measurements are consistent with a high-to-low spin energy gap of 9.30 × 10^-3 kcal mol^-1. The strongly correlated electronic structure, very narrow bandgap, intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling, high electrical conductivity, solution processability, and robust stability open access to a broad variety of technologically relevant applications once thought of as beyond the current scope of organic semiconductors.

[Epidemiological features of hepatitis C and its related influencing factors in Shandong province, 2007-2016]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, dynamic trend of development and related influencing factors of hepatitis C in Shandong, China, 2007-2016, also to provide epidemiological evidence for prevention and control of HCV. Methods: National surveillance data of hepatitis C from 2007 to 2016 in Shandong was used, with distribution and clustering map of hepatitis C drawn at the county level. Panel Poisson regression was used to explore the influencing factors of hepatitis C at the city level. Results: The incidence of hepatitis C in Shandong increased from 1.49/100 000 in 2007 to 4.72/100 000 in 2016, with the high incidence mainly clustered in the urban regions in Jinan, Zibo, Weihai et al. and surrounding vicinities. Majority of the cases were young adults, with 53.16% (14 711/27 671) of them being farmers. Results from the Multiple panel Poisson regression analysis indicated that factors as: population density (aIRR=1.07, 95%CI: 1.05-1.10), number of hospital per hundred thousand people shared (aIRR=1.16, 95%CI: 1.08-1.24), expenditure of medical fee in rural (aIRR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.08-1.37) and the proportion of the tertiary industry (aIRR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.07-1.09) were all correlated to the incidence of hepatitis C. Conclusions: The incidence of hepatitis C had been increasing rapidly in recent years, in Shandong. Prevention and control of HCV should focus on high risk population. In addition, rural, especially in areas with lower economics provision should be under more attentions, so as to find more concealed cases for early treatment.

Molecular interplay between microRNA-130a and PTEN in palmitic acid-mediated impaired function of endothelial progenitor cells: Effects of metformin

Metformin serves an important role in improving the functions of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non‑coding RNAs, have been investigated as significant regulators of EPC vascular functions. The present study investigated the molecular crosstalk between metformin and miRNA‑130a (miR‑130a) in the functions of EPCs exposed to palmitic acid (PA). Isolated EPCs were treated with metformin, PA, and metformin + PA, respectively. Cell Counting Kit‑8, Transwell and Matrigel assays were performed to detect the proliferation, migration and tube formation ability of EPCs following different treatments. The expression of miR‑130a, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and phosphorylated‑AKT was analyzed by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The specific mechanism underlying the function of metformin in EPCs was further elucidated by transfecting miR‑130a mimics and inhibitor to overexpress and inhibit the expression of miR‑130a in EPCs, respectively. EPCs exhibited impaired functions of proliferation (P<0.01 compared with the control), migration (P<0.01 compared with the control) and tube formation (P<0.01 compared with the control) following treatment with PA, and the expression levels of miR‑130a and PTEN were decreased and increased, respectively. However, the presence of metformin, or the overexpression of miR‑130a using miR‑130a mimic alleviated the impairment of angiogenesis and proliferation, decreased the expression of PTEN and activated the phosphoinositide‑3 kinase/AKT pathway in EPCs exposed to PA. By contrast, downregulating the expression of miR‑130a with a miR‑130a inhibitor reversed the metformin‑mediated protection. These results demonstrate the beneficial effect of miR‑130a/PTEN on EPC functions, which can be regulated by metformin. The effects of metformin on improving PA‑induced EPC dysfunction are mediated by miR‑130a and PTEN, which may assist in the prevention and/or treatment of diabetic vascular disease.

Elastocapillary self-assembled neurotassels for stable neural activity recordings

Implantable neural probes that are mechanically compliant with brain tissue offer important opportunities for stable neural interfaces in both basic neuroscience and clinical applications. Here, we developed a Neurotassel consisting of an array of flexible and high-aspect ratio microelectrode filaments. A Neurotassel can spontaneously assemble into a thin and implantable fiber through elastocapillary interactions when withdrawn from a molten, tissue-dissolvable polymer. Chronically implanted Neurotassels elicited minimal neuronal cell loss in the brain and enabled stable activity recordings of the same population of neurons in mice learning to perform a task. Moreover, Neurotassels can be readily scaled up to 1024 microelectrode filaments, each with a neurite-scale cross-sectional footprint of 3 × 1.5 μm², to form implantable fibers with a total diameter of ~100 μm. With their ultrasmall sizes, high flexibility, and scalability, Neurotassels offer a new approach for stable neural activity recording and neuroprosthetics.

Infrared thermography measured body surface temperature and its relationship with rectal temperature in dairy cows under different temperature-humidity indexes

The aim of this study was to better understand the inflection point of RT and BSTs and measure different body surface temperatures (BSTs) under different temperature-humidity index (THI) conditions. A total of 488 Holstein dairy cows were chosen to manually measure rectal temperature (RT) and BSTs including left side of eye, ear, cheek, forehead, flank, rump, fore udder, and rear udder by infrared thermography for 14 times. Those measurements included six times under high THI (THI > 78), three times under moderate THI (72 ≤ THI ≤ 78), and five times under low THI (THI < 72). Results showed that BSTs were affected by THI conditions (P < 0.01). The THI conditions where mean and maximum forehead temperatures started to increase rapidly (71.4 and 66.8) were lower than that where RT started to increase rapidly (74.1). The correlation coefficients of mean and maximum forehead temperatures to THI were 0.808 and 0.740, and were 0.557 and 0.504 to RT, all showing the highest as compared to other region temperatures with THI and RT, respectively. Thus, we conclude that BSTs are more sensitive to thermal environment than RT, suggesting the variability of BST to reflect body core temperature. In addition, the forehead is a relatively reliable region to assess the heat stress reflecting RT compared to the eye, ear, cheek, flank, rump, fore udder, and rear udder regions.

[Effects of sIL-13Rα2 on the nasal mucosa goblet cell apoptosis of allergic rhinitis of rats]

Objective: To investigate the effects of sIL-13Rα2 on the apoptosis of goblet cell in nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis rats. Methods: Forty healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (10 rats per group): control group (group A), AR group (group B), sIL-13Rα2 group (group C) and triamcinolone acetonide group (group D). Ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide were used to establish the AR rat model. After the establishment of AR rat models, 50 μl PBS, 100 μg/50 μl IL-13Rα2 and 3.5 μg/50 μl triamcinolone acetonide were respectively dropped into each nasal cavity of every rat two times a week from 4 to 10 week in group B, group C and group D. Group A was operated with saline instead of OVA. The nasal mucosa tissues were collected at 24 h after the final administration. AB-PAS staining method was used to detect the quantity and secretion of goblet cells in the nasal mucosa tissue of all groups. Immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the expression of Bax proteins.Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL method.ANOVA analysis was used to compare multiple groups, and LSD-t test was used to compare the two groups.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the Bax positive cell rate of goblet cells and the rate of apoptotic cells. The difference was statistically significant with P<0.05. Results: Compared with group A, there were more goblet cells and hypersecretion of mucus in the nasal mucosa tissue of rats in group B while fewer in group C. The goblet cells in group C and group D were significantly fewer than that in group B (0.639 00±0.831 vs 0.956 7±0.980, 0.661 90±0.657 vs 0.956 7±0.980, t value was 2.748, 2.767, respectively, all P<0.05). The immunohistochemistry results showed that the positive expression rates of Bax protein in goblet cells of group C and group D were significantly higher than that in group B (0.880 2±0.125 vs 0.568 7±0.953, 0.938 4±0.200 vs 0.568 7±0.953, t value was -2.292, -2.685, respectively, all P<0.05). The apoptosis rates of goblet cell in nasal mucosa of group C and group D were also significantly higher than that in group B (0.516 0±0.079 vs 0.274 0±0.056, 0.535 4±0.829 vs 0.274 0±0.056, t value was -17.671, -2.225, respectively, all P<0.05). The expression of Bax protein and apoptosis of goblet cells were positively correlated (r=0.859, P<0.01). Conclusion: sIL-13Rα2 can induce apoptosis of the goblet cells in nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis rats, by inhibiting IL-13 and up regulating Bax.

Abstract P5-04-13: Splicing factor ESRP1 controls ER-positive breast cancer progression by altering metabolic pathway genes

Background Epithelial Splicing Regulatory Protein (ESRP1)is a key splicing factor that regulates Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) splicing program. Our previous study demonstrated that high levels of ESRP1 are associated with poor prognosis in human ER-positive (ER+) breast tumors in an independent manner of EMT process. We next explored the potential mechanisms that contribute to the role ESRP1 in endocrine therapy-resistant breast cancer.

Methods Probe based-Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 (HTA; Applied Biosystems/Thermo Fisher) was performed using RNAs from control and ESRP1 knockdown cells (LCC2 versus 2C3 ESRP1 and LCC9 versus 9C2 ESRP1) of endocrine resistant breast cancer. Functional enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID functional annotation tool (http://david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov/). To confirm the functional importance of ESRP1 on regulation of cellular metabolism, we have performed experiments that analyze the metabolic substrate flux in response to ESRP1 knockdown in resistant cells (The Seahorse XFp Cell Energy Phenotype Assay). Differentially expressed genes were validated using Western blotting assay.

Results Transcriptome profiling of ESRP1in 2C3 and 9C2 knockdown models revealed differentially expressed genesusing HTA 2.0 platform. In LCC2 versus 2C3 ESRP1 knockdown, expression of 1186 genes (1263 transcripts) have been altered significantly, while 413 genes (432 transcripts) have been significantly regulated in LCC9 versus 9C2 ESRP1 knockdown with FDR&lt;0.1 Of these significant genes, 34 downregulated and 68 upregulated (102 genes total) were shared by both 2C3 and 9C2 ESRP1 knockdowns. Using the DAVID Functional Annotation Clustering Tool, we identified the biological processes altered significantly in response to ESRP1 knockdown. The most significant annotation clusters downregulated in ESRP1 knockdown consists of fatty acid metabolism/lipid metabolism (SCD, ACACA, FASN, ACAT2, PLCH1, and HPGD), and oxireductase processes (SCD, PHGDH, FASN, DHTKD1 and HPGD. We confirmed the altered metabolic function using the Seahorse analyzer. These analyses confirmed that ESRP1 knockdown altered the glycolysis rate (extracellular acidification rate; ECAR) in both tamoxifen-resistant and fulvestrant-resistant models. In addition, ESRP1 knockdown decreased the mitochondrial respiration in tamoxifen-resistant cells, but not fulvestrant resistant cells. Using Western blotting, we validated the altered levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), key enzymes in fatty acid metabolism. Phosphoglycerate Dehydrogenase (PHGDH), a poor prognosis marker in cancers including breast cancer, was also downregulated in response to ESRP1 knockdown. Taken together, we have demonstrated a novel functional impact of ESRP1 on the regulation of tumor growth at the functional and molecular level independent of EMT.

Conclusions For the first time, we show the role of ESRP1 in altering the cellular metabolism thereby contributing to tumor growth. The study provides a molecular evidence for the role of altered metabolism in determining adverse prognosis of ER+ breast cancer via the control of ESRP1, a splicing factor. Further studies to determine the therapeutic value are underway.

Citation Format: Gokmen-Polar Y, Gu Y, Gu X, Badve SS. Splicing factor ESRP1 controls ER-positive breast cancer progression by altering metabolic pathway genes [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 P5-04-13.

Homelessness among immigrants in the United States: rates, correlates, and differences compared with native-born adults

OBJECTIVES

This study examines rates of lifetime adult homelessness among foreign-born adults in the United States and how they differ from native-born adults.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional data from a nationally representative US sample were analyzed.

METHODS

A sample of 29,896 native-born (weighted 84.1%) and 6404 foreign-born (weighted 16.0%) US adults participating in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III were compared on rates of homelessness, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, mental and substance-use disorders, health insurance, and use of welfare.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in rates of lifetime adult homelessness between foreign-born adults and native-born adults (1.0% vs 1.7%). Foreign-born participants were less likely to have various mental and substance-use disorders, less likely to receive welfare, and less likely to have any lifetime incarceration. The number of years foreign-born adults lived in the United States was significantly associated with risk for homelessness.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the 'healthy immigrant effect' applies to the mental health and social functioning of US immigrants but may not necessarily apply to homelessness. Long-standing immigration procedures requiring mental health and psychosocial evaluations may contribute to selection effects.

A GLP‑1 receptor agonist attenuates human islet amyloid polypeptide‑induced autophagy and apoptosis in MIN6 cells

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by the dysfunction and loss of pancreatic islet β‑cells, in part due to islet amyloid deposits derived from islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). The glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonist exendin‑4 enhances the insulin secretory response by increasing β‑cell mass in T2DM. However, it is unknown whether exendin‑4 protects β‑cells from IAPP‑mediated autophagy and apoptosis. In the present study, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, ELISA and western blotting were used to detected the mRNA and protein expression of insulin/hIAPP and other signaling molecules, while the mechanisms underlying these effects were also determined. Exendin‑4 increased the level of insulin secretion, which was greater than that of IAPP, leading to a beneficial IAPP/insulin secretion pattern. In MIN6 cells incubated with 25 mM glucose, exendin‑4 decreased the ratio of light chain 3 (LC3)‑II/I, which was accompanied by an increase in p62 protein. In a hIAPP‑overexpressing MIN6 cell model, exendin‑4 prevented the hIAPP‑induced increase in the LC3II/I ratio and decrease in p62 expression. In addition, exendin‑4 pretreatment reduced hIAPP‑induced activation of cleaved caspase‑3, suggesting that exendin‑4 may protect MIN6 cells against apoptosis. Taken together, the results highlight hIAPP as a critical mediator of β‑cell loss and suggest that the GLP‑1 receptor agonist exendin‑4 may be a potential therapeutic agent for hIAPP‑induced β‑cell damage.

[Analysis on the spatial-temporal characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease in Shaanxi province, 2009-2013]

Objective: To study the spatial-temporal dynamical features of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Shaanxi Province, so as to provide evidence for the development of relative prevention and control programs on HFMD. Methods: Surveillance data of HFMD was collected from the China Information System for Diseases Control and Prevention from 2009 to 2013. Related data on population and gross domestic product (GDP) was obtained from Shaanxi Statistical Yearbook. Statistical tools as R3.4.1, ArcGIS 10.2 and SaTScan 9.2 software were used to describe the spatial-temporal distribution of the disease. Power-law method on spatial-temporal-multicomponent model was used to analyze the spatial-temporal evolution of the HFMD epidemics in Shaanxi Province. Results: A total of 229 904 cases of HFMD were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2009 to 2013, with an average annual incidence as 122.50 per 100 000. Obvious seasonal characteristics were noticed, with 71.71% of the total cases identified between April and July. Counties with high incidence were mainly distributed in the mid-and east parts of Guanzhong area. Through temporal and spatial scan statistics, we identified that ClassⅠ clustering area was fixed to the central and southeast regions of Shaanxi province which were around Xi'an City between 2009 and 2013, with the relative risk (RR) as 2.24, ranging from 2.18 to 3.08. Results from Power-law analysis showed that the continuous follow-up impact from the previous HFMD epidemics appeared strong in Tongguan, Pucheng districts of Weinan City and Weiyang district of Xi'an, with autoregressive components as 1.14, 0.97 and 0.89, respectively. The risk of HFMD seemed high in Huayin city, Changan and Yanta districts and with the endemic components as 5.08, 4.12 and 4.08, respectively. Impact of the epidemics on nearby districts was largely seen in Lianhu district of Xi'an, Wugong district of Xianyang and Gaoling district of Xi'an with epidemic components as 2.12, 2.08 and 1.77, respectively. The etiological constituents of HFMD were mainly Enterovirus 71 between 2009 and 2012, while HFMD was mainly caused by other entero-viruses, in 2013. Conclusion: Significant spatial-temporal heterogeneity of HFMD was seen in Shaanxi province, which called for specific strategies to be developed in the highly endemic areas.