A glimpse of gluons through deeply virtual compton scattering on the proton

The internal structure of nucleons (protons and neutrons) remains one of the greatest outstanding problems in modern nuclear physics. By scattering high-energy electrons off a proton we are able to resolve its fundamental constituents and probe their momenta and positions. Here we investigate the dynamics of quarks and gluons inside nucleons using deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS)-a highly virtual photon scatters off the proton, which subsequently radiates a photon. DVCS interferes with the Bethe-Heitler (BH) process, where the photon is emitted by the electron rather than the proton. We report herein the full determination of the BH-DVCS interference by exploiting the distinct energy dependences of the DVCS and BH amplitudes. In the regime where the scattering is expected to occur off a single quark, measurements show an intriguing sensitivity to gluons, the carriers of the strong interaction.

[Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into neural stem cells induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor via Wnt/β-catenin and extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinases signal pathway]

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promoting induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to differentiate into neural stem cells (NSCs) via Wnt/β-catenin and extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK/MAPK) signal pathways. Methods: iPSCs were cultured and identified. The iPSCs were induced to differentiate into NSCs by BDNF and retinoic acid (RA). Nestin was detected by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry after iPSCs differentiated. The technique of small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to silence the gene expression of β-catenin and ERK, and iPSCs were divided into control group, BDNF group (adding 10 μg/L BDNF), siRNA-ERK/BDNF group (transfected with siRNA-ERK and adding 10 μg/L BDNF) and siRNA-β-catenin/BDNF group (transfected with siRNA-β-catenin and adding 10 μg/L BDNF). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of key elements of Wnt/β-catenin and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways, included β-catenin, ERK1/2, c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc. The least significant difference test was used when data were compared between groups. Results: The immunofluorescence showed that iPSCs expressed octamer-binding transcription factor-4 (Oct4), SRY-related HMG box protein-2 (Sox2) and Nanog genes. The flow cytometry showed that Nestin-positive cells were 78.7% for BDNF and 43.5% for RA, and it was only 7.8% for routine medium. Compared with those in the control group, the mRNA expression of β-catenin, ERK1/2, c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc in the BDNF group were upregulated significantly (t=2.80, 2.318, 2.255, 1.799, 1.582, 1.663, all P<0.05), and the same results were acquired with the protein expression (t=2.805, 2.318, 2.255, 1.799, 1.582, 1.663, all P<0.050). Compared with those in BDNF group, the mRNA and protein expression of ERK1/2 in siRNA-ERK/BDNF group down-regulated obviously (t=1.917, 2.042, 1.673, 1.540, all P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression of c-fos and c-jun were down-regulated (t=1.022, 0.907, 0.848, 0.801, all P<0.05). However, the mRNA and protein expression of β-catenin and c-myc were not suppressed by siRNA-ERK (t=0.216, 0.185, 0.097, 0.112, all P>0.05). In siRNA-β-catenin/BDNF group, the mRNA and protein expression of β-catenin and c-myc was obviously down-regulated when compared with those in BDNF group (t=3.104, 2.774, 2.235, 1.911, all P<0.05), and expression of ERK1/2, c-fos and c-jun were down-regulated too (t=0.776-1.192, all P<0.05). Conclusion: BDNF promotes the differentiation of iPSCs by activating Wnt/β-catenin and ERK/MAPK signal pathway, there should be cross-talk between the two signal pathways, and c-fos and c-jun may be common nuclear transcription factors.

A systematic review on the relations between pasta consumption and cardio-metabolic risk factors

AIMS

The traditional Italian dish pasta is a major food source of starch with low glycemic index (GI) and an important low-GI component of the Mediterranean diet. This systematic review aimed at assessing comprehensively and in-depth the potential benefit of pasta on cardio-metabolic disease risk factors.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Following a standard protocol, we conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled dietary intervention trials that examined pasta and pasta-related fiber and grain intake in relation to cardio-metabolic risk factors of interest. Studies comparing postprandial glucose response to pasta with that to bread or potato were quantitatively summarized using meta-analysis of standardized mean difference. Evidence from studies with pasta as part of low-GI dietary intervention and studies investigating different types of pasta were qualitatively summarized.

CONCLUSIONS

Pasta meals have significantly lower postprandial glucose response than bread or potato meals, but evidence was lacking in terms of how the intake of pasta can influence cardio-metabolic disease risk. More long-term randomized controlled trials are needed where investigators directly contrast the cardio-metabolic effects of pasta and bread or potato. Long-term prospective cohort studies with required data available should also be analyzed regarding the effect of pasta intake on disease endpoints.

Extracellular matrix protein 1 promotes cell metastasis and glucose metabolism by inducing integrin β4/FAK/SOX2/HIF-1α signaling pathway in gastric cancer

Extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) is related to strong invasiveness and poor prognosis in major malignancies, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here we aimed to elucidate the function of ECM1 on cell metastasis and glucose metabolism in gastric cancer (GC). The level of ECM1 in sera and tissues of patient with GC were positively correlated with tumor invasion and recurrence. Genetic manipulation of ECM1 expression affected cell metastasis and glucose metabolism in GC cell lines. Enhanced ECM1 expression facilitated gene expression levels associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and glucose metabolism. Interestingly, our results indicated that ECM1 directly interacted with integrin β4 (ITGB4) and activated ITGB4/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β signaling pathway, which further induced the expression of transcription factor SOX2. Aberrant expression of SOX2 altered gene expression of EMT factors and glucose metabolism enzymes. Furthermore, SOX2 enhanced hypoxia-inducible factor α (HIF-1α) promoter activity to regulate glucose metabolism. The micro-positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging of xenograft model showed that ECM1 substantially increased ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in xenograft tumors. Using in vivo mouse tail vein injection experiments, ECM1 was also found to increase in lung surface metastasis. These findings provide evidence that ECM1 regulates GC cell metastasis and glucose metabolism by inducing ITGB4/FAK/SOX2/HIF-1α signal pathway and have important implications for the development of therapeutic target to prevent tumor metastasis and recurrence.

The effects of electrical stunning voltage on meat quality, plasma parameters, and protein solubility of broiler breast meat

This study was designed to compare the effects of different stunning voltages of pulsed direct current on meat quality of broilers. For this purpose, plasma parameters, blood loss, carcass damage, and meat water holding capacity, color, shear force, pH, and protein solubility were analyzed. A total of 400 broilers were divided into 5 treatment groups and stunned with 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 V at 750 Hz and 10 s, respectively. Blood samples were collected immediately after cutting the neck. Pectoralis major muscles were removed from the carcass after chilling and placed on ice. Breast muscle pH and meat color were determined at both 2 and 24 h postmortem. Dripping loss, cooking loss, pressing loss, and cooked breast meat shear values were determined after 24 h postmortem. The 5 V treatment significantly increased (P < 0.05) blood plasma corticosterone and lactate concentration compared with the other groups. The carcass damage of wings, Pectoralis major, and Pectoralis minor was significant in the 5, 35, and 45 V groups. The pH of 2 h postmortem in the 5 and 45 V groups was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in the 15 and 25 V groups. In the 5 and 45 V groups, the protein solubility and shear force value were significantly lower (P < 0.05) and dripping loss was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the other groups.

[The relationship between smoking status and epidermiology of asthma in people aged over 14 years in China]

Objective: To study the relationship between bronchial asthma and smoking status in Chinese people. Methods: Asthma epidemiological survey and stratified-cluster-random method survey were performed in residents over 14 years in 8 provinces (cities) of China from February 2010 to August 2012. Asthma was diagnosed based upon case history, clinical signs and lung function test. Smoking status was investigated by questionnaire. Results: Sampling population was 180 099 and 164 215 were valid. A total of 2 034 subjects were diagnosed as asthma including 79 692 men and 84 523 women. The overall prevalence rate of asthma was 1.24% (2 034/164 215). Smokers were 23.8% (39 137/164 215) in the whole population. Smokers were 34.5% (702/2 034) in asthmatic patients, compared with 23.7% (38 435/162 181) in no-asthmatic population. The incidence of asthma was 1.79% and 1.06% in smokers and non-smokers respectively (P<0.001), suggesting that OR of smoking was 1.70 (95% CI 1.55-1.86, P<0.001). According to asthma control test (ACT) score, the level of asthma control in non smoking group was higher than that in smoking group(43.2% vs 35.3%). The times of hospitalization due to acute exacerbations(0.51 vs 0.41 events/person/year), total hospitalization rate(27.35% vs 20.12%), annual emergency room visits (0.80 vs 0.60 events/person/year) and emergency room visit rate (31.77% vs 24.47%) were all much higher in smoking asthmatic patients than those in non smoking asthmatic patients, indicating that the level of asthma control in smoking patients was significantly worse than in non smoking patients. Conclusions: The smoking rate in Chinese people over 14 years is still high. The prevalence rate of asthma in smokers is significantly higher than that of non-smokers. The level of asthma control in smokers is significantly worse than that in non smokers.

[Chinese expert consensus for non-antiinfective effects and clinical use of macrolides]

Important/potential value of macrolides has been proved in the management of chronic respiratory diseases by increasing basic and clinical trials.Through three face-to-face discussions, 10 experts examined important data and drafted this consensus related to macrolides: (1) mechanism of non-antiinfective effects; (2) clinical use in chronic respiratory diseases; (3) cautions of long-term use.The mechanism out of non-antiinfective effects includes anti-inflammatory effect, modifying airway secretion, immune-regulation related to antibacterial effect, corticoid saving effect and anti-viral effect.The efficacy of long-term use of low-dose macrolides is definitely confirmed in diffuse panbronchiolitis, chronic rhinosinusitis. It is considerably used in bronchiectasia, cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Further studies should be conducted in cryptogenic organizing pneumonia and respiratory viral infection. It should be paid attention to its possible adverse effects (including drug interactions, cardiac toxicity, ototoxicity and disturbance of intestinal flora) and drug resistance in long-term use.A Chinese consensus for non-antiinfective effects and clinical use of macrolides is developed for the first time, which aims to expand their rational use and the further research.

Imatinib-induced ophthalmological side-effects in GIST patients are associated with the variations of EGFR, SLC22A1, SLC22A5 and ABCB1

Imatinib-induced ophthalmological side-effects, including conjunctiva hemorrhage and periorbital oedema, although very common and still remain relatively little understood. The present study investigated the effects of genetic polymorphisms of drug targets and membrane transporters on these side effects. We found that the minor allele of EGFR rs10258429 and SLC22A1 rs683369 were significant risk determinants of conjunctival hemorrhage with OR of 7.061 (95%CI=1.791-27.837, P=0.005 for EGFR rs10258429 CT+TT vs CC), and 4.809 (95%CI=1.267-18.431, P=0.021 for SLC22A1 rs683369 GG+CG vs CC). The minor allele of SLC22A5 rs274558 and ABCB1 rs2235040 were protective factors to periorbital oedema with OR of 0.313 (95%CI=0.149-0.656, P=0.002 for SLC22A5 rs274558 AA+AG vs GG), and 0.253 (95%CI=0.079-0.805, P=0.020 for ABCB1 rs2235040 CT vs CC). These results indicated that variants in EGFR, SLC22A1, SLC22A5 and ABCB1 influenced the incidence of Imatinib-induced ophthalmological toxicities, and polymorphism analyses in associated genes might be beneficial to optimize Imatinib treatment.

[The role of transforming growth factor-β1/connective tissue growth factor signaling pathway in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis]

Objective: To investigate the effects of Paraquat on human embryonic lung fibroblasts (MRC5) and explore the role of transforming growth factor-β₁/connective tissue growth factor signaling pathway in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: MRC5 cells were cultured with different concentration of PQ (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 μmol/L) for 24 h. The viability of cells was measured by MTT. The protein level of TGF-β₁ were analyzed by ELISA after PQ treatment (0, 25, 50, 100 μmol/L) . To examine whether TGF-β₁/CTGF signaling pathway was involved in paraquat-induced cytotoxicity, cells was divided into 6 groups: (1) control; (2) 25 μmol/L PQ group; (3) 50 μmol/L PQ group; (4) 100 μmol/L PQ group; (5) TGF-β₁ positive control group (50 μmol/L rhTGF-β₁) ; (6) stimulate group (100 μmol/L PQ+50 μmol/L TGF-β₁) . The protein levels of p-Smad2, p-Smad3 and CTGF were assayed by western blot. The mRNA level of CTGF was assayed by real time RT-PCR. Results: MTT showed that cell viability decreased with increasing PQ concentration (P<0.05) . The protein expression of TGF-β₁ treated with PQ (25, 50, 100 μmol/L) significantly increased compared with control in a dose-independent manner (P<0.05) . Exposure to PQ (25, 50, 100 μmol/L) induced increase of protein levels of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3. Noteworthy, the expression of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 were dramatically increased following PQ plus TGF-β₁ stimulation (P<0.05) . Exposure to PQ (50, 100μmol/L) induced increase of CTGF protein expression and similar greatly increase following PQ plus TGF-β₁ stimulation (P<0.05) . Real time RT-PCR showed CTGF mRNA in all groups also significantly up-regulated compared with control (P<0.05) . Conclusion: TGF-β₁ regulates the expression of target gene CTGF to exhibit its pro-fibrogenic effects by activating TGF-β₁/Smad signaling pathway in PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Fate and Transport of Shale-derived, Biogenic Methane

Natural gas extraction from unconventional shale gas reservoirs is the subject of considerable public debate, with a key concern being the impact of leaking fugitive natural gases on shallow potable groundwater resources. Baseline data regarding the distribution, fate, and transport of these gases and their isotopes through natural formations prior to development are lacking. Here, we define the migration and fate of CH₄ and δ¹³C-CH₄ from an early-generation bacterial gas play in the Cretaceous of the Williston Basin, Canada to the water table. Our results show the CH₄ is generated at depth and diffuses as a conservative species through the overlying shale. We also show that the diffusive fractionation of δ¹³C-CH₄ (following glaciation) can complicate fugitive gas interpretations. The sensitivity of the δ¹³C-CH₄ profile to glacial timing suggests it may be a valuable tracer for characterizing the timing of geologic changes that control transport of CH₄ (and other solutes) and distinguishing between CH₄ that rapidly migrates upward through a well annulus or other conduit and CH₄ that diffuses upwards naturally. Results of this study were used to provide recommendations for designing baseline investigations.

Uncertainty in the response of terrestrial carbon sink to environmental drivers undermines carbon-climate feedback predictions

Terrestrial ecosystems play a vital role in regulating the accumulation of carbon (C) in the atmosphere. Understanding the factors controlling land C uptake is critical for reducing uncertainties in projections of future climate. The relative importance of changing climate, rising atmospheric CO2, and other factors, however, remains unclear despite decades of research. Here, we use an ensemble of land models to show that models disagree on the primary driver of cumulative C uptake for 85% of vegetated land area. Disagreement is largest in model sensitivity to rising atmospheric CO2 which shows almost twice the variability in cumulative land uptake since 1901 (1 s.d. of 212.8 PgC vs. 138.5 PgC, respectively). We find that variability in CO2 and temperature sensitivity is attributable, in part, to their compensatory effects on C uptake, whereby comparable estimates of C uptake can arise by invoking different sensitivities to key environmental conditions. Conversely, divergent estimates of C uptake can occur despite being based on the same environmental sensitivities. Together, these findings imply an important limitation to the predictability of C cycling and climate under unprecedented environmental conditions. We suggest that the carbon modeling community prioritize a probabilistic multi-model approach to generate more robust C cycle projections.

[Identification of mutations associated with coronary artery lesion susceptibility in Kawasaki disease by targeted enrichment of genomic region sequencing technique]

Objective: To screen and identify the mutations in Kawasaki disease by targeted enrichment of genomic region sequencing technique and investigate susceptibility genes associated with coronary artery lesion. Method: This was a case-control study.A total of 114 patients diagnosed as Kawasaki disease treated in Shanghai Children's Hospital between December 2015 and November 2016 were studied and another 45 healthy children who were physically examined in outpatient department were enrolled as control group. Patients were divided into two groups based on the results of echocardiogram. Peripheral venous blood was obtained from patients and controls. Genomic DNA was extracted. SeqCap EZ Choice libraries were prepared by targeted enrichment of genomic region technology. Then the libraries were sequenced to identify susceptibility genes associated with coronary artery lesion in patients diagnosed as Kawasaki disease.Susceptible genes were identified by Burden test, Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability test. Result: There was statistically significant difference in TNFRSF11B(rs2073618)G>C(p.N3K)mutation and GG/GC/CC genotype between Kawasaki disease group and control group(χ(2)=15.52, P=0.00). There was statistically significant difference in TNFRSF13B(rs34562254)C>T(p.P251L)mutation(χ(2)=10.40, P=0.01)and LEFTY1(rs360057)T>G(p.D322A)mutation(χ(2)=8.505, P=0.01)between patients with coronary artery lesions and those without. Conclusion: Targeted enrichment of genomic region sequencing technology can be used to do primary screening for the susceptible genes associated with coronary artery lesions in Chinese Kawasaki patients and may provide theoretical basis for larger sample investigation of risk prediction score standard in Kawasaki disease.

[A cross-section study of severe asthma in eight provinces of China]

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of severe asthmain China. Methods: The epidemiological data was collected from 2 034 asthmatics who were diagnosed in the last epidemiological survey from 2009 to 2010 in 8 provinces. Results: According to the questionnaire survey, among the 2 034 patients, the previously diagnosed patients accounted for 72.47% (1 474/2 034) and the percentage of newly-diagnosed patients was 27.53% (560/2 034). In those 1 474 previously diagnosed asthmatics, 122 (8.28%) were classified into severe asthma, while 6.00% (122/2 034) of all asthmatics and 0.07% (122/164 215) of total respondents presented as severe cases. Statistically, there was no difference in the prevalence of severe patients between men and women. The morbidity rate of severe asthma was the lowest in the 21-30 year old group and the highest in 61-70 year old group (0.85% and 8.31% respectively). The difference among ages was statistically significant (χ²=18.791, P=0.005). In addition, the prevalence rates of severe asthma were also significantly diverged among patients with different education background(χ²=24.639, P<0.000 1). A negative relation was found between education level and the proportion of severe cases. Moreover, the morbidity of severe asthma in smoking patients and non-smoking patients were significantly different as well (χ²=7.447, P<0.05). Compared with asthma patients who do not smoke, smokers were more likely to suffer severe asthma (OR=1.663, 95% CI 1.150-2.404). Conclusions: The prevalence rate of severe asthma in China is similar to that in other countries.Elderly patients have higher risk of severe asthma. Smoking is considered as a risk factor for severe asthma.

[Value of DNA content in comet tail in predicting changes in blood cell counts in workers exposed to benzene]

Objective: To investigate the value of DNA content in comet tail (TailDNA) in predicting the changes in peripheral blood cell counts in workers exposed to benzene. Methods: In 2011, cluster sampling was used to select 150 male workers exposed to benzene in a petrochemical factory. Cubital venous blood and urine samples were collected for routine blood rest, comet assay, and measurement of s-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) and urine creatinine. The population was divided into groups according to urinary SPMA or TailDNA, and routine blood test results within 3 years were collected to analyze the changes in blood cell counts. Results: The low-SPMA group had significantly higher white blood cell and neutrophilcounts in all years than the high-SPMA group (P<0.05) . The low-Tail DNA group had a significant increase in platelet count from 2012 to 2014 (P<0.05) , while the high-Tail DNA group had no significant change (P>0.05) . During the 4-year period, the high-TailDNA group had a significantly lower red blood cell count than the low-TailDNA group (P<0.05) . The high-TailDNA group showed a gradual reduction in white blood cell count over time (β=-0.113, P<0.05) , and the low-TailDNA group showed no trend of the reduction in white blood cell count (P>0.05) . Conclusion: TailDNA can be used to predict the changes in blood cell counts in workers exposed to benzene.

Characterizing Neutron-Proton Equilibration in Nuclear Reactions with Subzeptosecond Resolution

We study neutron-proton equilibration in dynamically deformed atomic nuclei created in nuclear collisions. The two ends of the elongated nucleus are initially dissimilar in composition and equilibrate on a subzeptosecond time scale following first-order kinetics. We use angular momentum to relate the breakup orientation to the time scale of the breakup. The extracted rate constant is 3  zs^{-1}, which corresponds to a mean equilibration time of 0.3 zs. This technique enables new insight into the nuclear equation of state that governs many nuclear and astrophysical phenomena leading to the origin of the chemical elements.

Using the TBAg/PHA ratio in the T-SPOT(®).TB assay to distinguish TB disease from LTBI in an endemic area

SETTING

An important limitation of the T-SPOT(®).TB assay is its inability to distinguish active tuberculosis (TB) from latent tuberculous infection (LTBI).

OBJECTIVE

We proposed a new calculation method for the T-SPOT assay and assessed its effect on distinguishing active TB from LTBI.

DESIGN

A total of 162 active TB patients and 97 LTBI individuals were diagnosed according to conventional tests and the T-SPOT assay.

RESULTS

The results of early secreted antigenic target 6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) in T-SPOT cannot be recommended for distinguishing TB from LTBI. The number of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) spot-forming cells (sfc) in the T-SPOT assay was reduced in active TB patients. The ESAT-6/PHA or CFP-10/PHA ratios in active TB patients were significantly higher than in individuals with LTBI. Using 0.295 as the threshold ratio of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigen (TBAg) sfc to PHA sfc (TBAg/PHA ratio, the larger of ESAT-6/PHA and CFP-10/PHA), the sensitivity and specificity were 82.1% and 90.7% in distinguishing active TB from LTBI. The TBAg/PHA ratio might also be used to monitor the effect of anti-tuberculosis treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Calculating the TBAg/PHA ratio might have the potential to diagnose active TB and distinguish TB disease from LTBI.

Zn2GeO4 nanorods grown on carbon cloth as high performance flexible lithium-ion battery anodes

A novel strategy was proposed for the simultaneous preparation of a high performance flexible Zn₂GeO₄/CC electrode. The as-formed composites exhibited high reversible lithium storage capacity, long cyclability, and excellent rate capability.

CuCo2O4 nanowire arrays supported on carbon cloth as an efficient 3D binder-free electrode for non-enzymatic glucose sensing

CuCo₂O₄ nanowire arrays supported on carbon cloth (CuCo₂O₄ NWAs/CC) were prepared via a simple hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent calcination process and utilized as a 3D binder-free electrode for non-enzymatic glucose sensing with high performance.

Rosenbluth Separation of the π^{0} Electroproduction Cross Section

We present deeply virtual π^{0} electroproduction cross-section measurements at x_{B}=0.36 and three different Q^{2} values ranging from 1.5 to 2  GeV^{2}, obtained from Jefferson Lab Hall A experiment E07-007. The Rosenbluth technique is used to separate the longitudinal and transverse responses. Results demonstrate that the cross section is dominated by its transverse component and, thus, is far from the asymptotic limit predicted by perturbative quantum chromodynamics. Nonetheless, an indication of a nonzero longitudinal contribution is provided by the measured interference term σ_{LT}. Results are compared with several models based on the leading-twist approach of generalized parton distributions (GPDs). In particular, a fair agreement is obtained with models in which the scattering amplitude includes convolution terms of chiral-odd (transversity) GPDs of the nucleon with the twist-3 pion distribution amplitude. This experiment, together with previous extensive unseparated measurements, provides strong support to the exciting idea that transversity GPDs can be accessed via neutral pion electroproduction in the high-Q^{2} regime.

Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 promotes cancer cell migration independent of its metabolic activity

Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) is a glycolytic enzyme that coordinates glycolysis and biosynthesis to promote cancer growth via its metabolic activity. Here, we report the discovery of a non-metabolic function of PGAM1 in promoting cancer metastasis. A proteomic study identified α-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) as a PGAM1-associated protein. PGAM1 modulated actin filaments assembly, cell motility and cancer cell migration via directly interacting with ACTA2, which was independent of its metabolic activity. The enzymatically inactive H186R mutant retained its association with ACTA2, whereas 201-210 amino acids deleted PGAM1 mutant lost the interaction with ACTA2 regardless of intact metabolic activity. Importantly, PGAM1 knockdown decreased metastatic potential of breast cancer cells in vivo and PGAM1 and ACTA2 were jointly associated with the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Together, this study provided the first evidence revealing a non-metabolic function of PGAM1 in promoting cell migration, and gained new insights into the role of PGAM1 in cancer progression.

Comparison of tacrolimus and cyclosporin A in CYP3A5 expressing Chinese de novo kidney transplant recipients: a 2-year prospective study

AIMS

To assess the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus and cyclosporin A (CsA)-based immunosuppressive regimens in Chinese de novo kidney transplant recipients who are CYP3A5 expressers.

METHODS

The CYP3A5 (6986 A>G, rs776746) polymorphism of eligible patients was determined before transplantation. De novo kidney transplant recipients enrolled in this study were assigned to tacrolimus (Tac group) or CsA (CsA group) based therapy. The follow-up period was 2 years. The incidence of acute rejection, patient and graft survival rates, renal allograft function and post-transplant complications were compared. The intra-individual variability (IIV) of Tac and CsA blood concentrations was analysed. Medication costs were also compared. The analysis was conducted on the intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS

A total of 72 CYP3A5 expressers were enrolled, with 36 patients in each group. AR incidence was higher in the Tac group (11.1% vs. 5.6%), but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). The 2-year patient and graft survival was comparable, and renal function was comparable in the two groups. Notably, the Tac group presented a significantly higher incidence of BK viremia (22.2% vs. 5.6%, p < 0.05) and BK viruria (38.9% vs. 16.7%, p < 0.05) than the CsA group. The CsA IIV at 1 and 3 months post-transplant was significantly lower than the Tac IIV (p < 0.05). The medical costs of both immunosuppressive drugs and management of complications was significantly lower in the CsA group.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclosporin A-based maintenance therapy is safe for Chinese de novo kidney transplant recipients who are CYP3A5 expressers. CsA significantly reduced medication costs and decreased BKV infection, suggesting that it is more beneficial for this specific population.

Dynamic effects of CYP3A5 polymorphism on dose requirement and trough concentration of tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Tacrolimus is a widely used immunosuppressive drug with marked pharmacokinetic variability partly due to CYP3A5 polymorphism. Our study aimed to investigate the dynamic effects of CYP3A5 genotypes on dose requirement and trough concentration (C₀ ) of tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients.

METHODS

A total of 194 Chinese renal transplant recipients received oral tacrolimus twice daily. Whole-blood C₀ of tacrolimus were measured on the 3rd day, 7th day, 14th day, 1st month, 3rd month and 6th month post-transplantation. CYP3A5 genotypes were determined and the recipients were categorized as CYP3A5 expressers (CYP3A5*1 allele carriers) and non-expressers (homozygous CYP3A5*3). The correlated serum creatinine, haematocrit and albumin were also detected.

RESULTS

The allele frequencies for CYP3A5*1/*1, *1/*3 and *3/*3 were 7·7%, 44·8% and 47·4%, respectively. There were no significant variability in serum creatinine, haematocrit and albumin values between CYP3A5 expressers and non-expressers. Larger doses were administered to CYP3A5 expressers than to non-expressers after surgery except the initial dose. C₀ were much lower in CYP3A5 expressers than in non-expressers on the 3rd day, 7th day, 14th day and 1st month post-transplantation (P < 0·01); however, no significant differences were found on the 3rd and 6th months post-transplantation. All of the dose-adjusted C₀ in CYP3A5 expressers were significantly lower than non-expressers (P < 0·01). Less of the recipients achieving target C₀ (4-8 ng/mL) were found in CYP3A5 expressers than in non-expressers after initial dose (35·7% vs. 50%). Meanwhile, CYP3A5 non-expressers were detected having higher C₀ (>8 ng/mL) during 3 months post-transplantation. Besides, the proportions in the two groups both increased gradually over time and up to 91·8% and 94% on the 6th month, respectively.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

There are no significant differences in serum creatinine, haematocrit and albumin values between CYP3A5 expressers and non-expressers. CYP3A5 expressers have decreased dose-adjusted tacrolimus C₀ when compared to non-expressers. Dose-adjusted C₀ of tacrolimus increases in a time-dependent manner in both groups.

NUDT15 polymorphisms are better than thiopurine S-methyltransferase as predictor of risk for thiopurine-induced leukopenia in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Thiopurine-induced leukopenia is the most common dangerous adverse event in Asians. NUDT15 R139C was recently proposed to be a promising biomarker for leukopenia with thiopurine therapy in Asians, but this has not been replicated in the Chinese population.

AIM

To investigate the influence of NUDT15 R139C, thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT), 6-TGN and 6-MMPR on thiopurine-induced leukopenia in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics were reviewed from medical records. NUDT15 R139C and TPMT were genotyped. 6-TGN/6-MMPR concentrations were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

A total of 253 patients were included, 65 (25.7%) of whom experienced leukopenia. The median follow-up with thiopurine treatment was 38.0 weeks (range, 1-192 weeks). NUDT15 R139C was strongly associated with the incidence of leukopenia (70.2% mutation vs. 12.8% wild type; P=8.61×10^-19 ; odds ratio, 10.80; 95% CI, 5.89-19.83). However, TPMT genotype was not found to be correlated with the incidence of leukopenia (P = 0.44). In subgroup of NUDT15 wild type, there was significant difference of 6TGN concentration between patients with and without leukopenia (413.0 (174.2-831.4) vs. 279.7 (77.3-666.9) pmol/8 × 10⁸ RBC, P = 0.0055). In contrast, no association was found in patients with NUDT15 R139C variant alleles (P = 0.26). 6-MMPR was not correlated with leukopenia (P = 0.84).

CONCLUSIONS

In Chinese patients, it is strongly recommended to detect NUDT15 genotype rather than TPMT before initiating thiopurine drugs. 6TGN concentration should be routinely monitored in CD patients with NUDT15 wild type. As for CT genotype, starting at low dose and careful monitoring for leukopenia and 6TGN levels is recommended.