[The correlation of ganglion cell layer thickness with visual field defect in non-functional pituitary adenoma with chiasm compression]

Objective: To investigate the consequences of the thickness of ganglion cell layer (GCL) and visual field defect of non-functional pituitary adenoma with chiasm compression. Methods: A case control study. The study included 40 (80 eyes) non-functional pituitary adenoma patients in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 2015 to February 2017. Twenty patients (no visual field defect group, 40 eyes) of them were detected to be chiasm compressed or touched by the adenoma with no visual field defect detected, and the other 20 patients (visual field defect group, 40 eyes) were the sex-and-age matched pituitary adenoma patients with bitemporal heminopsia. This study also included 20 (control group, 40 eyes) sex-and-age matched healthy controls. The para-papillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in 6 quadrants including nasal, temporal, nasal superior, temporal superior, nasal inferior and temporal inferior as well as the macular GCL thickness and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness in 4 quadrants including nasal superior, nasal inferior, temporal superior and temporal inferior were measured. The non-parametric test was used to compare the RNFL, GCL and GCIPL thickness among the three groups. Results: The mean age among the three groups was (46±10) years and the difference among the three groups was not significant (P=0.88). The sex ratio of the three groups was 9∶11 (male∶female) and the difference among the three groups was not significant. The mean axial length among the three groups was (23.22±0.90) mm and the difference among the three groups was not significant (P=0.51). The thickness of para-papillary RNFL of temporal superior, temporal, nasal superior, nasal, nasal inferior quadrants and whole circumference was significantly thinner in the visual field defect group than the control group [(129.88±28.64) μm, (63.63±26.84) μm, (88.08±32.16) μm, (50.68±19.99) μm, (92.48±25.06) μm, and (85.00±20.65) μm vs. (141.10±18.95) μm, (79.12±16.78) μm, (113.68±21.28) μm, (69.67±14.23) μm, (117.80±31.32) μm, and (102.80±9.68) μm, t=2.26, 3.06, 4.14, 4.84, 4.25, 4.88, all P<0.05]. In the nasal quadrant, the para-papillary RNFL of the no visual field defect group was significantly thinner compared with the control group [(61.45±9.83) μm vs. (69.67±14.23) μm, t=2.97, P<0.05]. The total GCL thickness was (30.48±5.42) μm in the visual field defect group, (31.35±2.77) μm in the no visual field defect group, thinner than that in the control group [(33.32±2.92) μm, t=2.92, 3.62; both P<0.05]. The total GCIPL thickness showed no significant difference among the three groups (P=0.07). In the superior and inferior temporal quadrants, the GCL and GCIPL thickness showed no significant difference among the three groups (all P>0.05). In the superior and inferior nasal quadrants, the GCL thickness was (29.41±5.97) μm, and (28.47±5.13) μm in the visual field defect group, (31.15±3.27) μm and (30.61±2.96) μm in the no visual field defect group, and (34.23±3.16) μm and (32.97±2.78) μm in the control group. The GCL thickness in the nasal quadrant was thinner in the visual field defect group (t=4.45, 4.82)and the no visual field defect group(t=4.23, 3.63) than in the control group (all P<0.01). However, no significant difference in GCL thickness was detected between the visual field defect group and the no visual field defect group (both P>0.05). In the superior and inferior nasal quadrants, the GCIPL thickness was (54.06±10.50) μm and (51.77±9.18) μm in the visual field defect group, (58.03±4.00) μm and (56.23±5.37) μm in the no visual field defect group, and (62.26±7.11) μm and (59.39±6.64) μm in the control group. The GCIPL thickness was thinner in the nasal quadrant in the visual field defect group than in the control group (t=3.95, 4.20, both P<0.01). Only in the Superior nasal quadrant, the GCIPL was significantly thinner in the no visual field defect group than the control group (t=3.25, P<0.01). Conclusion: The optic GCL may get thinner in pituitary nonfunctional adenoma with chiasm compression patients without the RNFL layer thinning and visual field defect. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 186-194).

3-N-butylphthalide inhibits neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral infarction via targeting P38/MAPK

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) on neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral infarction (CI) through the p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 30 rats were divided into control group (healthy rats, n=10), model group (CI rat model, n=10), and NBP group (CI rat model + intraperitoneal injection of NBP, n=10). Then, the neurological function, degree of cerebral ischemia, apoptosis of brain tissues, the protein and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions of p-p38 and MAPK in brain tissues were detected using the neurological score, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

In NBP group, the neurological score was significantly lower than in model group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The results of TTC staining revealed that the area of the white region in brain slices was significantly larger in model group than in control group, indicating the successful establishment of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Compared with model group, NBP group had a smaller area and lighter color of the white region in brain slices, suggesting that NBP markedly reduces the MCAO-induced CI. The apoptosis rate in NBP group was higher than in control group (p<0.05), but lower than in model group (p<0.05), while it was higher in model group than in control group (p<0.05). The protein expressions of p38 and MAPK in NBP group were higher than in control group (p<0.05), but lower than in model group (p<0.05), while they were higher in model group than in control group (p<0.05). Moreover, the mRNA expressions of p38 and MAPK were lower in control group than in model group (p<0.05), while they were higher in model group than in NBP group (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression of p38 between NBP group and control group (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

NBP alleviates neuronal apoptosis in CI by down-regulating the p38 signal and inhibiting the expression of MAPK, thereby treating CI.

Cobalt disulfide-modified cellular hierarchical porous carbon derived from bovine bone for application in high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Improving the insulating nature of sulfur and retaining the soluble polysulfides in sulfur cathodes are crucial for realizing the practical application of lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs). Biomass-based carbon is becoming increasingly popular for fabricating economical and efficient cathodes for LSBs owing to its unique structure. Herein, we report a facile strategy to transform bovine bone with an organic-inorganic structure into cellular hierarchical porous carbon via carbonization and KOH activation, followed by CoS₂ modification through hydrothermal treatment. The synthesized composite can load abundant sulfur and produce a dual effect of "physical confinement and chemical entrapment" on polysulfides. The conductive carbon frame with the developed porous structure provides adequate space to accommodate sulfur and physically suppress the shuttle effect of polysulfides. The embedded half-metallic CoS₂ sites can chemically anchor the polysulfides and enhance the electrochemical reaction activity as well. Owing to the multifunctional structure and dual restraint effect, the designed electrode exhibits enhanced electrochemical properties including high initial capacity (1230.9 mAh g^-1 at 0.2 C), improved cycling stability and enhanced rate capability.

Family history of prostate cancer and age-related trend of testosterone levels among US males: NHANES 2003-2004

BACKGROUND

Studies have suggested that rapid age-related declines of testosterone (T) level may play a critical role in the development of prostate cancer (PCa), and family history of PCa is another well-established risk factor of PCa, which have been reported to be associated with androgen metabolism-related genes. However, few studies have ever investigated whether a family history of PCa influences the risk of PCa via regulating the age-related trend of T level among males over the life course.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between family history of PCa and age-related trend of T levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2003 to 2004 (n = 322) to compare the age-specific T levels in males with a family history of PCa and those without.

RESULTS

We found that between two younger age groups (ages 20-39 and 40-59), there was a more pronounced drop-off in T levels among men with a family history of PCa compared to men without a family history.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This preliminary analysis suggested that men with a family history of PCa may experience a sharper decline in T level over the life course as compared to males without a family history. However, no conclusions can be made due to small sample sizes. Further longitudinal studies with large sample sizes are needed.

[Clinical analysis of seven cases of rare hemolytic disease of the newborn]

Objective: To summarize the clinical features of 7 rare cases of hemolytic disease of newborn (HDN), and to improve the understanding of rare HDN. Methods: Data of clinical information, laboratory findings, treatments and outcomes were collected and analyzed for four cases with HDN due to anti-M, two cases due to anti-Kidd, and one case due to anti-Duffy. All of them were admitted to the Department of Neonatology, Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medial University from July 2007 to June 2017. Results: Among the four MN hemolytic babies, two were males and two were females. Jaundice was found in three cases. Two cases had hyperbilirubinemia, one of them had severe hyperbilirubinemia. All the four cases developed anemia, including severe anemia in three cases. Two cases of Kidd hemolytic disease and 1 case of Duffy hemolytic disease had jaundice and anemia, but did not reach the level of severe hyperbilirubinemia and severe anemia. MN hemolytic disease babies got negative results in direct antiglobulin test, whereas the Kidd and Duffy hemolytic disease babies had positive findings in direct antiglobulin test. None of the babies had blood transfusion, and they were discharged from the hospital. Conclusions: Without maternal and fetal blood group incompatibility (ABO or Rh blood-group system), for early onset of jaundice, severe jaundice or anemia, antiglobulin test to mother and child earlier should be administered, and MN, Kidd, Duffy and other rare hemolytic disease of the newborn should be pay attention to.

[Magnetic resonance imaging findings and differential diagnosis of renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma comparing with renal no-epithelioid angiomyolipoma]

Objective: To investigate whether MRI findings can differentiate renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) from renal no-epithelioid (typical) angiomyolipoma. Methods: A total of 44 patients were collected from General Hospital of PLA.These cases were obtained from January 2009 to June 2015.To retrospectively analyze these mainly MRI findings among 12 cases of EAML (age from 27 to 61 years, male 2 cases, female 10 cases, mean age was 46.7 years); 32 cases of renal no-epithelioid AML (age from 34 to 70 years old, male 9 cases, female 23 cases, mean age was 53.4 years old) as case control study. MRI findings included gender, T(2)WI, the signal on gross fat, pseudocapsle, necrosis or cystic degeneration, DWI, hemorrhage and the peak in three phases of dynamic enhancement.All data were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 19.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). χ(2) test and a single order chart were used to analyze the enumeration data. Results: Comparing with renal no-epithelioid angiomyolipoma, minimal fat, necrosis or cystic degeneration and hemorrhage were statistical significance. P values were 0.002, 0.007, 0.025, respectively.Gender, solid components of tumors on T(2)WI, the signal of DWI, pesudocapsule and the peak of enhancement had no statistical significance. P values were 0.863, 0.053, 0.479, 0.460, respectively. Conclusion: Comparing with renal no-epithelioid AML, necrosis or cystic degeneration and hemorrhage with minimal fat are characteristic MRI findings of EAML.

[Vessel density and structure in the macular region of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy patients]

Objective: To explore the correlation between the vessel density and the structure and visual function in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in different stages. Methods: This case-control study included 25 NAION patients (28 eyes)of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2017 to May 2018 and 25 healthy controls(HC) (25 eyes) of matched age and gender. General eye examination, visual field examination, and optical coherence tomography angiography were performed to obtain data of blood flow in the macular area and structure such as ganglion cell complex (GCC) and gross loss of volume (GLV), and focal loss of volume (FLV). All affected eyes were divided into the acute group (≤3 weeks), sub-acute group (4 to 12 weeks), and chronic group (>12 weeks) in line with the course of the disease. The group and regional analyses were made to carry out overall differences of blood flows and structures and the correlations with visual function. Results: There were 25 NAION patients with 28 eyes, 16 males and 9 females, aged (55±9) years. The acute group included 8 patients (8 eyes), and the sub-acute group included 10 patients (10 eyes), while the chronic group comprised 7 patients (10 eyes). The overall macular superficial vessel density of patients with NAION was significantly reduced compared with the HC(42.03%±5.70% vs.49.01%±3.34%, t=-5.546, P<0.01), but the deep vessel density was not significantly reduced (P>0.05). The superficial vessel density of the acute group, sub-acute group, and chronic group was significantly decreased(47.41%±3.51% vs. 41.68%±3.09% vs.38.06%±5.93%, all P<0.05). The GCC thickness in patients with NAION were significantly lower than the HC [(88.5±18.2) μm vs. (102.9±5.4)μm, P<0.05]. The GLV and FLV in patients with NAION were significantly higher than the HC (12.733%±11.216% vs. 0.941%±0.852%, 6.295%±4.291% vs. 0.596%±0.460%, both P<0.05). There was a correlation between the macular superficial vessel density and GCC thickness (r=0.606, P=0.001), FLV(r=-0.552, P=0.002), GLV (r=-0.685, P=0.000) and mean sensitivity (r=0.493, P=0.023). Conclusion: Compared with healthy controls, the macular superficial vessel density in NAION patients decreas along with the course of the disease, and its correlation with structural and visual function is revealed. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:195-202).

Abstract P3-01-20: Proof-of-concept of a 4-marker system for improved CTC analysis of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer

Introduction: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent a potent opportunity to glean important information about in vivo breast cancer biology in a non-invasive fashion. A current limitation to CTC analysis is the inability of positive-selection systems to capture EpCAM-low/negative CTCs, a phenotype that is enriched in the CTCs of metastatic triple negative breast cancers (mTNBCs). This proof-of-concept study aims to increase CTC capture for downstream molecular analysis though the inclusion of additional markers specifically relevant to TNBC.

Methods: For inclusion in the analysis, marker candidates were: (1) sufficiently characterized in TNBC, (2) exclusively surface markers to avoid permeabilization, (3) not reported on leukocytes if a cluster of differentiation (CD) nomenclature was associated, and (4) targetable with commercially available antibodies. Cell lines were purchased as part of the TNBC Panel 3 (ATCC) and were characterized as positive or negative across the selected markers by flow cytometry. Capture efficiency of cell lines from culture medium was conducted using antibodies conjugated to magnetic beads in concert with an immunomagnetic detection system developed by the Savran Research Group at Purdue University. Comparisons to EpCAM-only based detection in capture efficiency experiments were completed using Student's t-test. EDTA-anticoagulated blood drawn from normal subjects was assessed for CTCs using the 4-marker capture and parallel 4-marker fluorescent cross-stain. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Indiana University.

Results: We assessed surface expression of 4 markers (TROP2, N-Cadherin, EGFR, EpCAM) across 11 TNBC cell lines using flow cytometry. 100% of cell lines were positive for at least 1 of 4 markers in the panel. 7 of 11 cell lines were characterized by EpCAM positivity. The remaining 4 EpCAM-negative cell lines were positive for N-Cadherin, EGFR, or both in the absence of EpCAM. Immunomagnetic capture experiments performed across the 4 EpCAM-negative cell lines revealed a significant increase in capture efficiency yielded by the 4-marker panel as compared to EpCAM-only capture (p=0.0006). Capture efficiency for EpCAM-positive cell lines with the 4-marker panel was equivalent to EpCAM-only. The 4-marker panel was highly specific as CTC assessment of blood samples collected from 5 normal women without cancer yielded 0 positive cells.

Discussion: Compared to EpCAM-only based capture, the 4-marker experimental system presented here has potential to enhance CTC analysis by more completely representing the heterogeneity of TNBC. This results in better overall capture efficiency, while still maintaining sufficient specificity. The primary limitation of our study is that in vivo characterization of the system is incomplete. To address this, a clinical protocol for the performance assessment of this method compared to EpCAM-based detection in patients with mTNBC has been initiated at Indiana University and will begin enrolling patients in July 2018.

Citation Format: Hancock BA, Chang C-L, Zhong Y, Solzak JP, Chen Y-H, Savran C, Radovich M. Proof-of-concept of a 4-marker system for improved CTC analysis of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer [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 P3-01-20.

[Correlation between serum inflammatory cytokine levels and fibrous cap thickness of fibrofatty plaque in coronary culprit lesions]

Objective: To identify the correlation between serum inflammatory cytokine levels including high sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and lipoprotein associated phospholipase (Lp-PLA2) and the fibrous cap thickness of fibrofatty plaque in coronary culprit lesions. Methods: Clinical data of 117 patients with selective coronary artery angiography diagnosed coronary artery disease admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to January 2016 were retrospective analyzed. According to type of coronary disease, patients were divided into 3 subgroups: SAP group (containing 47 stable angina patients), UAP group (containing 52 unstable angina patients), and NSTEMI group(containing 18 acute non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients). Serum hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2 levels were measured before subsequent procedures. The characteristics of the culprit lesions were detected by optical coherence tomogarpgy(OCT) before interventional treatment, and the correlation between hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2 and the fibrous cap thickness of fibrofatty plaque in coronary culprit lesions were analyzed. Results: (1) The serum levels of hs-CRP (2.13(1.04, 4.75)μg/L vs. 1.02(0.60, 1.29)μg/L and 1.30(1.03, 1.96)μg/L, all P<0.05) and Lp-PLA2 ((394.8±61.4)mg/L vs. (140.1±40.4)mg/L and (284.5±93.6)mg/L, all P<0.05) were significantly higher in NSTEMI group than in SAP group and UAP group, and serum levels of hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2 were significantly higher in UAP group than in SAP group (all P<0.05). (2)The fibrous cap thickness of fibrofatty plaque in coronary culprit lesions were smaller in NSTEMI group and UAP group than in SAP group(50(50, 60)μm and 60(50, 90)μm vs. 130(80, 190)μm, all P<0.05), and there was no significantly difference between NSTEMI group and UAP group(P>0.05). Proportion of thin-cap fibroatheroma plaque(82.35%(14/18) vs. 19.15%(9/47) and 63.46%(33/52), all P<0.05), plaque rupture(55.56%(10/18)vs. 6.38%(3/47) and 28.85%(15/52), all P<0.05) and thrombosis(33.33%(6/18) vs. 4.26%(2/47) and 9.26%(5/52), all P<0.05) were significantly higher in NSTEMI group than in SAP group and UAP group. Proportion of calcifiacation in plaque was lower in NSTEMI group than in SAP group (11.11%(2/18)vs. 42.55%(20/47), P<0.05), and there was no significantly difference between NSTEMI group and UAP group(P>0.05). (3) Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum levels of hs-CRP(r=-0.233, P<0.05) and Lp-PLA2(r=-0.465, P<0.01)were negatively correlated with fibrous cap thickness of fibrofatty plaques. Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum levels of hs-CRP were positively correlated with plaque rupture(r=0.409, P<0.01) and thrombosis (r=0.227, P<0.05), and serum levels of Lp-PLA2 were also positively correlated with plaque rupture(r=0.499, P<0.01) and thrombosis(r=0.263, P<0.01). (4)Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that serum levels of Lp-PLA2 at baseline was independently related to thin-cap fibroatheroma plaque(OR=1.017, P<0.01). Conclusions: The serum levels of hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2 in NSTEMI patients are much higher than that in SAP and UAP patients, higher in UAP patients than in SAP patients. Prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma plaque, plaque rupture and thrombosis was significantly higher in the NSTEMI patients, while the prevalence of calcification in plaque is more often in SAP patients. Increased serum levels of Lp-PLA2 are independent risk factor of thin-cap fibroatheroma plaque formation.

Treatment Response Prediction of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Based on Histogram Analysis of Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The prediction of treatment response is important in planning and modifying the chemoradiation therapy regimen. This study aimed to explore the quantitative histogram indices for treatment-response prediction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on diffusional kurtosis imaging compared with a standard ADC value (ADC_standard).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six patients with an initial diagnosis of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma and diffusional kurtosis imaging acquisitions before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled. Patients were divided into respond-versus-nonrespond groups after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and residual-versus-nonresidual groups after radiation therapy. Histogram parameters of diffusional kurtosis imaging-derived parameters (ADC, ADC coefficient corrected by the non-Gaussain model [D], apparent kurtosis coefficient without a unit [K]) were calculated. The ADC_standard was calculated on the basis of intravoxel incoherent movement data. The intraclass correlation coefficient, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student t test or Mann-Whitney U test, and receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Most of the parameters had good-to-excellent consistency (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.675-0.998). The pre-ADC_standard, pre-ADC (10th, 25th, 50th percentiles), pre-D (10th, 25th, 50th percentiles), and pre-K_50th were significantly different between the respond and nonrespond groups, while the pre-ADC_10th, pre-K_90th, post-ADC_50th, post-K_75th, post-K_90th, and the percentage change of parameters before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (▵ADC_50th%) were significantly different between the residual and nonresidual groups (all P < .05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that setting pre-D_50th = 0.875 × 10^-3mm²/s as the cutoff value could result in optimal diagnostic performance for neoadjuvant chemotherapy response prediction (area under the curve = 0.814, sensitivity = 0.70, specificity = 0.92), while the post-K_90th = 1.035 (area under the curve = 0.829, sensitivity = 0.78, specificity = 0.72), and▵ADC_50th% = 0.253 (area under the curve = 0.833, sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.72) were optimal for radiation therapy response prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

Histogram analysis of diffusional kurtosis imaging may potentially predict the neoadjuvant chemotherapy and short-term radiation therapy response in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, therefore providing evidence for modification of the treatment regimen.

Protein Targeting to Starch 1 is essential for starchy endosperm development in barley

Plant starch is the main energy contributor to the human diet. Its biosynthesis is catalyzed and regulated by co-ordinated actions of several enzymes. Recently, a factor termed Protein Targeting to Starch 1 (PTST1) was identified as being required for correct granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) localization and demonstrated to be crucial for amylose synthesis in Arabidopsis. However, the function of its homologous protein in storage tissues (e.g. endosperm) is unknown. We identified a PTST1 homolog in barley and it was found to contain a crucial coiled-coil domain and carbohydrate-binding module. We demonstrated the interaction between PTST1 and GBSS1 by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in barley endosperm. By tagging PTST1 with the fluorophore mCherry, we observed that it is localized in the stroma of barley endosperm amyloplasts. PTST1 overexpression in endosperm increased endogenous gbss1a gene expression and amylose content. Gbss1a and ptst1 mutants were generated using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-related protein 9 (Cas9)-based targeted mutagenesis. Homozygous gbss1a mutants showed a waxy phenotype. Grains of ptst1 mutants did not accumulate any starch. These grains dried out during the desiccation stage and were unable to germinate, suggesting that PTST1 is essential for development of starchy endosperm and viable grains.

Nitrogen topdressing timing modifies free amino acids profiles and storage protein gene expression in wheat grain

BACKGROUND

Nitrogen is one basic element of amino acids and grain protein in wheat. In field experiments, wheat plants were subjected to different timing of nitrogen topdressing treatments: at the stages of emergence of the top fifth leaf (TL5), top third leaf (TL3) and top first leaf (TL1) to test the regulatory effects of nitrogen topdressing timing on grain protein quality. The underlying mechanisms were elucidated by clarifying the relationship between proteolysis in vegetative organs and accumulation of amino acids in the endosperm cavity, conversion of amino acids, and storage protein synthesis in endosperm of wheat grain.

RESULTS

Delayed nitrogen topdressing up-regulated gene expression related to nitrogen metabolism and protease synthesis in the flag leaf, followed by more free amino acids being transported to both the cavity and the endosperm from 7 days after anthesis (DAA) to 13 DAA in TL1. TL1 enhanced the conversion between free amino acids in endosperm and upregulated the expression of genes encoding high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) subunits and protein disulfide isomerases-like (PDIL) proteins, indicating that the synthesis and folding of glutenin were enhanched by delayed nitrogen topdressing. As a consequense, the content of glutenin macropolymers (GMP) and glutenin increased with delaying nitrogen topdressing.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight the relationship between nitrogen remobilization and final grain protein production and suggest that the nitrogen remobilization processes could be a potential target for improving the quality of wheat grain. Additionally, specific gene expression related to nitrogen topdressing was identified, which conferred more detailed insights into underlying mechanism on the modification protein quality.

Arginine bioavailability and endothelin-1 system in the regulation of vascular function of umbilical vein endothelial cells from intrauterine growth restricted newborns

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major risk factor for perinatal morbidity and mortality, leading to long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms in IUGR-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were derived from IUGR or normal newborns. We found that the proliferation of IUGR-derived HUVECs was accelerated compared to those from normal subjects. Gene profiles related to vascular function including vasomotion, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis were dysregulated in IUGR-HUVECs. Compared with HUVECs from normal newborns, nitric oxide (NO) production was reduced, with imbalance between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and arginase-2 (Arg-2) in IUGR. Meanwhile, intracellular asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level was elevated with diminished dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) expression in IUGR-HUVECs. Furthermore, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression were increased, and endothelin receptor type-B (ET_BR) was reduced in the IUGR group. IUGR-HUVECs exposed to hypoxia increased the ratio of ADMA to l-arginine, HIF-1α and protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) expression compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that the reduction of NO bioavailability and release results from elevated Arg-2, accumulation of intracellular ADMA, and imbalance of ET-1 and ET_BR, further leading to IUGR-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction. Our study provides novel evidence on the mechanism underlying fetal programming associated with IUGR, which will serve as potential therapeutic targets in the prevention of adverse cardiovascular consequences in adulthood.

Differentiation of focal organising pneumonia and peripheral adenocarcinoma in solid lung lesions using thin-section CT-based radiomics

AIM

To evaluate the predictive role of radiomics based on computed tomography (CT) in discriminating focal organising pneumonia (FOP) from peripheral lung adenocarcinoma (LA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional research board approval was obtained for this retrospective study. One hundred and seventeen patients with FOP and 109 patients with LA who underwent thin-section CT from January 2011 to August 2017 were reviewed systematically and analysed. The clinical and radiological features were established as model A and multi-feature-based radiomics as model B. The diagnostic performance of model A, model B, and model A+B were evaluated and compared via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Sex, symptoms, necrosis, and the halo sign were identified as independent predictors of LA. The area under the ROC curve (Az value), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of model A were 0.839, 75.7%, 82.6%, and 69.2% respectively. Model B showed significantly higher accuracy than model A (83.6% versus 75.7%, p=0.032). The top four best-performing features, WavEnLH_s-3, WavEnHH_s-3, Teta3, and Volume, performed as independent factors for discriminating LA. Regression analysis indicated that model B had superior model fit than model A with Akaike information criterion (AIC) values of 73.6% versus 59.1%, respectively. Combining model A with model B is useful in achieving better diagnostic performance in discriminating FOP from LA: the Az value, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.956, 87.6%, 85.3%, and 89.7% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiomics based on CT exhibited better diagnostic accuracy and model fit than clinical and radiological features in discriminating FOP from LA. Combination of both achieved better diagnostic performance.