Chemical investigations of volatile kairomones produced by Hyphantria cunea (Drury), a host of the parasitoid Chouioia cunea Yang

In tritrophic 'plants-herbivores-natural enemies' systems, there are relatively few reports concerning the role(s) of kairomones in pupal parasitism. Chouioia cunea Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an endoparasitic chalcid wasp, parasitizes pupae of the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea Drury). The role of host-related kairomones was investigated using electroantennogram (EAG) and behavioral techniques. Chemicals from some host stages (pupae) and host by-products (frass), induced arrestment behavior of female parasitoids, while chemicals from prepupae, were inactive. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of volatiles collected from pupae, frass and prepupae using solid-phase microextration revealed seven compounds with carbon chain lengths ranging from C4 to C20. All of the chemicals elicited significant EAG responses in C. cunea. Y-tube olfactometer bioassays demonstrated a significant positive response of mated female C. cunea to 1-dodecene. These data provide a better understanding of the host location mechanisms of pupal parasitoid.

In vitro production of Sudanese camel (Camelus dromedarius) embryos from epididymal spermatozoa and follicular oocytes of slaughtered animals

Application of assisted reproductive technology in camelidea, such as artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer, has been slow in comparison to that for other livestock species. In Egypt, there are few attempts to establish in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) techniques in dromedary camel. The present study was carried out to produce Sudanese camel embryos using in vitro matured oocytes and epididymal spermatozoa. Dromedary camel ovaries were collected from abattoirs and then, the oocytes were aspirated from all the visible follicles on the ovarian surface (~2-8 mm in a diameter). Meanwhile, Fetal Dromedary Camel Serum (FDCS) was obtained from camel fetuses after slaughtering. Thereafter, only Cumulus Oocyte Complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro in the Tissue Culture Medium (TCM-199) complemented with 10% FDCS. Spermatozoa required for in vitro fertilization were collected from testes (epididymal cauda) of the slaughtered camel bulls. The results clearly showed that the maturation rate of oocytes at metaphase II was about 59.5% while the fertilization rate was around 70.4%. Intriguingly, the embryo rates determined were 13.1%, in 2-cell; 0.0%, in 4-cell; 34.7%, in 8-16% cell; 39.1%, in morula and 13.1% in a blastocyst stage. This study represented a successful in vitro production of Sudanese dromedary camel embryos from epididymal sperm cells and in vitro matured oocytes recovered from slaughtered camels.

Increased expression of nerve growth factor correlates with visceral hypersensitivity and impaired gut barrier function in diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a preliminary explorative study

BACKGROUND

Neural-immune-endocrine network mechanism has attracted increased attention in diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Pre-clinical evidence indicates that nerve growth factor (NGF) mediates visceral hypersensitivity and gut barrier dysfunction, via interactions with mast cells and sensory nerve fibres.

AIM

To explore the role of nerve growth factor, as well as mast cell-nerve growth factor-nerve interaction in IBS-D pathophysiology.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, IBS-D patients and healthy controls first underwent clinical and psychological assessments. Visceral sensitivity to rectal distension was tested. As gut barrier function markers, serum diamine oxidase and d-lactate were detected. Rectosigmoid biopsies were taken for the analyses of nerve growth factor expression, mast cell count and activation, and sensory nerve fibres expressing transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Correlations between these parameters were examined in patients.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight IBS-D patients (28 males, 10 females; average age 30.2 years) and 20 healthy controls (12 males, 8 females; average age 26.8 years) participated in the study. The patients presented increased psychological symptoms, visceral hypersensitivity and impaired gut barrier function. NGF gene expression, mast cell count and sensory nerve fibres were significantly increased in the patients (P < 0.05). In correlation analysis, NGF expression was positively correlated with the disease severity, anxiety and serum diamine oxidase; visceral sensitivity thresholds were negatively associated with NGF expression (Bonferroni corrected P < 0.0029).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated mucosal NGF may interact with mast cells and sensory nerve fibres, contributing to visceral hypersensitivity and impaired gut barrier function in IBS-D.

Increased expression of LncRNA BANCR and its prognostic significance in human epithelial ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to play important roles in the tumorigenesis and development of human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and clinical value of BRAF-activated non-coding RINA (BANCR) in EOC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BANCR expression was detected in 84 EOC and 36 normal ovarian epithelial tissue samples. Association between BANCR levels and clinicopathological factors and patient prognosis was also analyzed.

RESULTS

BANCR expression was increased in EOC compared with normal ovarian epithelial tissues. Moreover, high expression of BANCR was closely correlated with advanced FIGO stage, higher serum, CAI125 expression level, and lymph node metastasis. Multivariate regression analysis identified BANCR overexpression as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor in EOC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that BANCR may act as a tumor promoter in EOC and would be a novel diagnostic and prognostic marker for this disease.

A new phytase continuously hydrolyzes phytate and improves amino acid digestibility and mineral balance in growing pigs fed phosphorous-deficient diet

Ten ileal T-cannulated pigs (19.26 ± 1.06 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of a novel phytase on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and hindgut disappearance of DM, GE, CP, crude fiber, NDF, and ADF as well as minerals balance. Pigs were fed in a duplicated 5 × 4 incomplete Latin square design (5 diets with 4 periods). Each period consisted of a 5-d adjustment period followed by a 3-d total collection of feces and urine and then a 2-d collection of ileal digesta. The 5 diets included a P-deficient basal diet (0.43% Ca and 0.38% total P) that was supplemented with 0 (negative control [NC]), 500, 1,000, or 20,000 phytase units (FTU)/kg phytase and a positive control (PC) diet that was P adequate (0.64% Ca and 0.52% total P). The addition of phytase to the NC diet improved ( < 0.05) AID of phytate from 11.1 to 62.8, 70.6, and 90.5% at the inclusion rates of 500, 1,000, and 20,000 FTU/kg, respectively. In general, phytase supplementation at a dose of 20,000 FTU/kg further increased ( < 0.05) AID of Ca, total P, and phytate and reduced ( < 0.05) the ileal phytate concentration compared with diets with 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg phytase. Pigs fed the diet with 20,000 FTU/kg phytase but not diets with 500 and 1,000 FTU/kg phytase showed improved ( < 0.05) ATTD of CP and AID of DM, GE, CP, Leu, Lys, Thr, Val, Asp, and Ser compared with pigs fed the PC or NC diet. However, hindgut disappearance of crude fiber and NDF ( < 0.05) were reduced in pigs fed the diet with 20,000 FTU/kg phytase compared with pigs fed the PC or NC diet. Pigs fed diets with 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg phytase had greater ATTD and retention of Ca and P than pigs fed the NC diet but less compared with pigs fed the diet with 20,000 FTU/kg phytase. Supplementation of 20,000 FTU/kg phytase to the NC diet improved ( < 0.05) digestibility of Na, Mn, and Zn as well as retention (%) of Zn. Increasing phytase supplementation doses from 0 to 1,000 FTU/kg linearly improved ( < 0.05) retention of Mg; meanwhile, digestibility of Mg and Mn and AID of Thr showed a linear increase trend ( = 0.084). In conclusion, supplementation of the novel phytase at doses up to 20,000 FTU/kg hydrolyzed most of the phytate (90%) and consequently further improved mineral and protein utilization.

The antisense expression of

Although phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylases (PEPCs) are reported to be involved in fatty acid accumulation, nitrogen assimilation, and salt and drought stresses, knowledge regarding PEPC gene functions is still limited, particularly in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). In this study, the antisense expression of the peanut PEPC isoform 1 (AhPEPC1) gene increased the lipid content by 5.7%–10.3%. This indicated that AhPEPC1 might be related to plant lipid accumulation. The transgenic plants underwent more root elongation than the wild-type under salinity stress. Additionally, the specific down regulation of the AhPEPC1 gene improved the salt tolerance in peanuts. This is the first report on the role of PEPC in lipid accumulation and salt tolerance in peanuts.

Trends in state/territorial obesity prevalence by race/ethnicity among U.S. low-income, preschool-aged children

BACKGROUND

Understanding state/territorial trends in obesity by race/ethnicity helps focus resources on populations at risk.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine trends in obesity prevalence among low-income, preschool-aged children from 2008 through 2011 in U.S. states and territories by race/ethnicity.

METHODS

We used measured weight and height records of 11.1 million children aged 2-4 years who participated in federally funded health and nutrition programmes in 40 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories. We used logistic regression to examine obesity prevalence trends, controlling for age and sex.

RESULTS

From 2008 through 2011, the aggregated obesity prevalence declined among all racial/ethnic groups (decreased by 0.4-0.9%) except American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs); the largest decrease was among Asians/Pacific Islanders (A/PIs). Declines were significant among non-Hispanic whites in 14 states, non-Hispanic blacks in seven states/territories, Hispanics in 13 states, A/PIs in five states and AI/ANs in one state. Increases were significant among non-Hispanic whites in four states, non-Hispanic blacks in three states, Hispanics in two states and A/PIs in one state. The majority of the states/territories had no change in obesity prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate slight reductions in obesity prevalence and variations in obesity trends, but disparities exist for some states and racial/ethnic groups.

[Efficacy of GLIDE chemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage or relapsed/refractory extranodal natural killer cell lymphoma]

目的

研究GLIDE（吉西他滨、门冬酰胺酶、异环磷酰胺、地塞米松、依托泊苷）方案治疗初发进展期及复发难治性结外鼻型NK/T细胞淋巴瘤（ENKL）患者的有效性及安全性。

方法

纳入2010年3月至2016年3月收治的初发进展期及复发难治性ENKL患者42例，给予GLIDE方案化疗，中位疗程数为3(2~6）个，评估化疗结束后缓解率及早期（2个疗程后）缓解率，采用Kaplan-Meier方法统计无进展生存（PFS）及总生存（OS），同时采用Cox回归方法进行多因素分析，寻找影响患者PFS及OS的独立预后因素。

结果

31例（73.8%）患者达到完全缓解（CR），其中22例（52.4%）为早期CR，31例CR患者中14例接受序贯自体造血干细胞移植（ASCT）。1年PFS与OS率分别为65.6％和82.7%，4年PFS与OS率分别为48.2％和63.1%，中位OS时间未达到，中位PFS时间为30.5个月。多因素分析提示美国东部肿瘤协作组体能状态评分（ECOG评分）0~1分以及CR后序贯ASCT为减少复发、延长患者生存的有利因素。

结论

GLIDE方案能够有效治疗初发进展期及复发难治性ENKL, ECOG评分0~1分及CR后序贯ASCT治疗是患者获得较长PFS和OS时间的独立预后因素。

[A multi-center clinical observation on safety and efficacy of a plasma derived coagulator factor Ⅷ for treatment of patients with hemophilia A]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of homemade plasma derived coagulation factor Ⅷ in patients with hemophilia A.

METHODS

Patients with congenital hemophilia A who met the inclusive and exclusive criteria were enrolled in the study after informed consent. The doses of factor Ⅷ were calculated according to the weight, disease severity etc. FⅧ activity and infusion efficacy value at 10 min and 60 min after infusion were recorded, as well as adverse events and validity rating according to the improvement of clinical syndromes. Viral infections including HBV, HCV, HIV and FⅧ inhibitor were determined after 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 65 patients were enrolled in this study, all of whom were evaluable for drug safety. Treatment efficacy was evaluated in 60 patients and 57 cases completed the trial finally. In this 57 cases, most (52/57) subjects were of middle and severe hemophilia A mainly characterized by joint bleeding. Overall response rate of acute bleeding events was classified as "excellent" (70.00%) or "better" (30.00%). The non-responder was 0. FⅧ activity and infusion efficiency value of first administration after 10 min and 60 min improved significantly [10 min: (123.66±47.54)%; 60 min: (108.05±43.24)%]. The incidence of adverse events was 1.54%. Neither allergic reaction nor reactivation of HBV, HCV, HIV was detected after treatment of 3 and 6 months. No FⅧ inhibitor negative patients converted to positive during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This homemade plasma derived coagulation factor Ⅷ is safe and effective for the treatment of acute bleeding in patients with hemophilia A.

Inhibition of miR-141 reverses cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells via upregulation of programmed cell death protein 4

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs are a class of essential regulators in cancer, and previous studies have shown that miR-141 is a tumor suppressor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, it is still unknown whether it regulates chemosensitivity. We aimed to investigate the role of miR-141 in cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MiR-141 expression in A549 and A549/DDP cell lines have been quantified by real-time PCR. Protein level of PDCD4 and caspase-3 have been determined by Western blot analysis. Drug sensitivity and apoptosis have been determined by MTT assay and TUNEL assay, respectively. Luciferase activity assay was employed to validate the relationship between 3'UTR of PDCD4 mRNA and miR-141.

RESULTS

We observed that miR-141 expression was significantly up-regulated in cisplatin-resistant A549/DDP cells compared with the parental cell line A549; and PDCD4, an important apoptosis regulator, was found to be down-regulated. Luciferase activity assay and Western blot analysis confirmed that PDCD4 is a direct target of miR-141. Inhibition of miR-141 in A549/DDP cells markedly increased cisplatin sensitivity and apoptosis, which was partially abrogated by PDCD4 inhibition, indicating that PDCD4 is a functional target of miR-141 in of the regulation of cisplatin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that miR-141 participates in regulating cisplatin sensitivity in non-small lung cancer cells via PDCD4 inhibition, and suppression of miR-141 might be a therapeutic method to overcome cisplatin resistance in clinical practice.

Stereoselectivity of tradinterol's inhibition on proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells induced by acetylcholine through suppressing Ca(2+) signalling

The objective of this study is to investigate whether the inhibition of tradinterol (SPFF) against acetylcholine (ACh)-induced proliferation is mediated by Ca(2+) signaling in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), and whether stereoselectivity of the drug exists. Guinea pig ASMCs were primarily prepared with the method described and treated with ACh combined to SPFF isomers for 24 or 48 hours, respectively. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the proliferation of the guinea pig ASMCs. Ca(2+) fluorescent intensity in the guinea pig ASMCs, expressed with percentage increase in fluorescence when the intensity was determined with varioskan flash or shown with percentage increase in Geo Mean (GM) measured with flow cytometry, was recorded. Images of the intensity were obtained with fluorescent microscope. 2-APB, an (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor) IP3R blocker, and NiCl2, a store-operated channel (SOC) inhibitor, were used to investigate the mechanism of SPFF isomers regulating intracellular Ca(2+) via IP3R on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and/or SOC on plasma membrane. (-)SPFF and (±)SPFF, treated for 48 hours, showed significant inhibition against ACh-induced proliferation. The Ca(2+) elevation induced by ACh was concentration-dependently suppressed by SPFF isomers. (-)SPFF is the most effective but the potency of (±)SPFF is less than that of the former and stronger than that of (+)SPFF based on the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value. No significant additive effect was observed when (-)SPFF/(±)SPFF was used alone and combined with NiCl2/2-APB. As far as (+)SPFF is concerned, no similar phenomenon was observed. (-)SPFF and (±)SPFF but (+)SPFF showed significant inhibition against the percentage increase in fluorescence induced by CaCl2. It is likely that the influence of IP2RSOC-mediated Ca(2+) signaling in ASMCs helps (-)SPFF and (±)SPFF contribute to the suppression of ASMCs proliferation. Stereoselectivity of SPFF isomers may lead to different levels of suppression of ACh-induced intracellular Ca(2+) and ASMCs proliferation. Moreover, cell cycle analysis with flow cytometry was applied to the evaluation of the action in human ASMCs in order to further confirm the anti-proliferative effect of the drugs. It was found that (-)SPFF, (±)SPFF but (+)SPFF suppressed the elevated rate of cell population in Phase S over all the cells stimulated with ACh, when SPFF and its isomers were individually exposed to the cells for 72 hours. These results that demonstrate the different stereoselective activities of SPFF are in consistent with those obtained from the guinea pig ASMCs.

Scatter to volume registration for model-free respiratory motion estimation from dynamic MRIs

Respiratory motion is one major complicating factor in many image acquisition applications and image-guided interventions. Existing respiratory motion estimation and compensation methods typically rely on breathing motion models learned from certain training data, and therefore may not be able to effectively handle intra-subject and/or inter-subject variations of respiratory motion. In this paper, we propose a respiratory motion compensation framework that directly recovers motion fields from sparsely spaced and efficiently acquired dynamic 2-D MRIs without using a learned respiratory motion model. We present a scatter-to-volume deformable registration algorithm to register dynamic 2-D MRIs with a static 3-D MRI to recover dense deformation fields. Practical considerations and approximations are provided to solve the scatter-to-volume registration problem efficiently. The performance of the proposed method was investigated on both synthetic and real MRI datasets, and the results showed significant improvements over the state-of-art respiratory motion modeling methods. We also demonstrated a potential application of the proposed method on MRI-based motion corrected PET imaging using hybrid PET/MRI.