Correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and immunological changes in a rheumatoid arthritis rat model

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by the synovitis of joints and the modulation of chronic inflammation determined by increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the immunological profile of the cells of the synovial membrane and the expression of IL-10 and IL-17 in a rheumatoid arthritis rat model in order to provide a targetdirected treatment for immunological control. Eighty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a rheumatic arthritis model group (model group) and a control group, 40 animals per group. After the successful rheumatoid arthritis rat model was obtained, 10 animals were sacrificed from each group every week starting from the third week till the sixth week and the expression levels of CD3, CD21, and CD68 in the synovial region along with the blood level of IL-10 and IL-17 were assessed. At the four stages after modeling, the expression of CD3 in the model group increased compared with the control group (P less than 0.05). The expression of CD21 was different between the model group and the control group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). The expression of CD68 determined at weeks 4 and 5 after modeling was increased compared to the control group (P less than 0.05). At 6 week after modeling, IL-10 levels in the model group were higher than those in the control group (P less than 0.05). At weeks 4 and 5 after modeling, the level of IL-17 in the model group increased compared to the control group (P less than 0.05). The level of IL-17 increased with the increase of synovial inflammation in the rheumatoid arthritis-induced rats, and the level of IL-10 increased as the inflammation subsided, which shows that both cytokines are related to the occurrence and development of rheumatoid arthritis and its inflammation.

A Panel Containing PD-1, IL-2Rα, IL-10, and CA15-3 as a Biomarker to Discriminate Breast Cancer from Benign Breast Disease

Background: Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), an immune checkpoint molecule, has recently been recognized as a predictive and prognostic biomarker in several malignant tumors, but its diagnostic value remains largely unknown. Aim: We aimed to investigate the differential diagnostic efficiency of PD-1 and other immune molecules, and propose a panel of immune molecules combined with cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) to distinguish breast cancer (BC) from benign breast disease (BBD). Methods: Ninety-one eligible BC patients and 31 BBD patients were enrolled. Pretreatment peripheral blood was collected and tested for mRNA expression of PD-1, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2Rα), and cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28) by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The diagnostic areas under curve (AUCs) of PD-1, IL-2Rα, and IL-10 for BC-BBD discrimination were 0.764, 0.758, and 0.743, respectively. The diagnostic efficiencies of these 2 parameters in distinguishing early-stage or advanced BC from BBD were consistent with a role in BC-BBD discrimination. A panel of PD-1 + IL-10 + IL-2Rα + CA15-3 showed the highest AUC (0.862), with sensitivity of 0.933 and specificity of 0.724, for BC-BBD discrimination. In addition, for early-stage BC discrimination, this panel also had the highest AUC (0.811), with a sensitivity of 0.933 and specificity of 0.614, while for advanced BC discrimination, a panel of PD-1 + IL-10 + CA15-3 exhibited the highest AUC (0.896), with a sensitivity of 0.933 and specificity of 0.783. Conclusion: These data indicate that the panel containing PD-1, IL-2Rα, IL-10, and CA15-3 can effectively discriminate BC from BBD with a high efficiency. After further confirmation, it could be used to complement conventional imaging modalities, especially in discriminating early-stage BC from BBD.

Association between androgen receptor polymorphic CAG and GGC repeat lengths and cryptorchidism: A meta-analysis of case-control studies

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have revealed the relationship between androgen receptor (AR) CAG and/or GGC polymorphisms and risk of cryptorchidism, yet the results have been elusive and controversial.

AIM

To determine whether AR polymorphic CAG and/or GGC repeats are related to cryptorchidism.

STUDY DESIGN

The relevant studies were obtained from PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang. The pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of associations. Subgroup analyses were performed based on ethnicity and source of controls. Moreover, Begg's funnel plots and Egger's linear regression test were conducted to determine publication bias.

RESULTS

Eight case-control studies containing 321 patients and 784 normal controls were included. There was a significant association between longer CAG repeats and cryptorchidism risk (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.62; 95% CIs 0.06, 1.18; P = 0.031). Moreover, there was a significant association between the longer GGC repeats and cryptorchidism risk (WMD = 0.87; 95% CIs 0.04, 1.74; P = 0.040). There was significant association between the longer CAG repeats and bilateral cryptorchidism (WMD = 0.88; 95% CIs -0.18, 1.94; P = 0.011), while there was no significant association between the longer CAG repeats and unilateral cryptorchidism (WMD = -0.09; 95% CIs -0.50, 0.31; P = 0.554). There were significant associations between the longer GGC repeats and unilateral cryptorchidism (WMD = 0.88; 95% CIs -0.30, 2.05; P = 0.005) and bilateral cryptorchidism (WMD = 1.35; 95% CIs -0.52, 3.21; P = 0.000). Stratifying analysis revealed an association between longer CAG/GGC repeats and cryptorchidism in Caucasian populations from Europe (WMD = 0.73; 95% CIs 0.00, 1.46; P = 0.017), while there was no association with Asian populations.

DISCUSSION

This meta-analysis found that CAG/GGC repeats in the AR gene were longer in cryptorchidism patients compared to controls. Both the longer CAG repeats and GGC repeats in the AR gene were associated with cryptorchidism risk. The longer CAG repeats were associated with bilateral cryptorchidism, whereas the longer GGC repeats were associated with unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism. Stratifying analysis revealed an association between longer CAG/GGC repeats and cryptorchidism in Caucasian populations from Europe, while there was no association between longer CAG/GGC repeats and cryptorchidism in Asian populations.

CONCLUSION

The CAG/GGC repeats in the AR gene were longer in cryptorchidism than in controls. Longer CAG repeats may play a role in determining bilateral cryptorchidism, and longer GGC repeats may play a role in determining unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism. These observations were more applicable to Caucasian populations.

Radiotherapy With Continued EGFR-TKIs for Oligoprogressive Disease in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Real-World Study

Introduction: Almost all epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will develop tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) resistance. The treatment of oligoprogression is debatable after TKIs resistance. We conducted a real-world retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy and continuation of TKIs in advanced NSCLC patients with oligoprogressive disease after EGFR-TKIs. Methods: From January 2011 to January 2018, we retrospectively analyzed EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients with oligoprogression in our institution. 33 patients were treated by radiotherapy and continuation of TKIs. We used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression model to analyze the prognostic factors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from the time of oligoprogression. Variables we selected for analyses included gender, age, smoking status, performance status (PS) score, stage at initial diagnosis, initial resectable, radiotherapy dose, EGFR mutation type, number of metastasis, sites of radiation, T790M status, time of oligometastasis to radiotherapy. Results: 33 patients develop resistance to EGFR TKIs at a median time of 11.0 months. The mPFS and mOS were 6.5 and 21.0 months, respectively. T790M mutation was tested in 8 patients. The mPFS was 11.3 months in T790M mutation positive patients and 6.0 months in negative patients. The mPFS of patients with brain, lung, and bone metastases were 5.7, 6.0, and 13.0 months, respectively. The mPFS in patients who started radiotherapy within or beyond 1 month after oligometastasis was 11.0 months and 5.3 months. The mPFS of patients with postoperative recurrence and initial unresectable were 13.0 and 6.0 months, respectively. Patients with 1 or more than 1 metastatic site showed a mPFS of 11.0 and 4.4 months, respectively. Those who had EGRF exon 21 mutation achieved a mPFS of 11.3 months, whereas those with EGRF exon 19 mutation did worse with a mPFS of 6.5 months. Cox regression model showed no variables significantly correlated with PFS difference. Univariate analysis identified age and smoking status were significantly associated with OS. The results of multivariate analysis indicated that there was no OS-related prognostic factors. Conclusion: Radiotherapy with continued TKIs is an efficacious treatment option in our patients. Age and smoking status were prognostic factors for OS. Our research showed that there was a better survival in patients with T790M mutation, EGRF exon 21 mutation, radiotherapy within 1 month after oligometastasis and bone metastases. However, this was not statistically significant. Prospective studies are needed to validate these clinical results.

Increased PD-1 MRNA Expression in Peripheral Blood Cells of ER+ and PR+ Breast Cancer Patients and Its Unfavorable Prognostic Value

Background: The clinical significance of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) expression on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in breast cancer patients has been confirmed, while that of peripheral blood cells derived immune molecules remain unclear. Aim: We aimed to investigate the clinical importance of immune molecules, including PD-1 and CTLA-4, expression in peripheral blood cells of breast cancer patients, especially in terms of the relationship between immune molecules and estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) status, as well as their prognostic values. Methods: We enrolled 109 breast cancer patients, including 52 cases before surgery and neoadjuvant treatment (PreS group), 18 cases postsurgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (PostS group), 39 metastatic cases presalvage treatment (Met group), and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers). The mRNA abundance of PD-1, CTLA-4, IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2Rα), and cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28), forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in pretreatment peripheral blood were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: ER+ breast cancer patients showed significant higher mRNA levels of PD-1, CTLA-4, IL-2Rα, and CD28 with fold changes of 10.8, 2.4, 5.0, and 3.8, respectively ( P < 0.05) than that of ER− cases. Similarly, PR+ patients showed increased levels of PD-1, CTLA-4, and CD28 with fold changes of 6.7, 2.0, and 2.5, respectively ( P < 0.05) comparing to that of PR− cases. Patients in PreS group and Met group showed higher mRNA levels of PD-1, CTLA-4, IL-2Rα, CD28, FOXP3, TGF-β, and IL-10 than PostS group and healthy volunteers. Univariable analysis revealed that high PD-1 expression was associated with poorer progression-free survival (PFS) in metastatic breast cancer patients (5.9 vs 14.6 months, HR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.22-5.02, P = 0.046). Meanwhile, the prognostic value of PD-1 was remained in multivariate analyses (HR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.04-4.73, P = 0.039). Conclusion: Increased PD-1, CTLA-4, and CD28 mRNA abundance were showed in breast cancer patients and ER+/PR+ cases, which may provide the rationale for combining checkpoint inhibitors with endocrine therapy for breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, PD-1 is a promising prognostic biomarker for metastatic breast cancer.

A longitudinal study of altered taste and smell perception and change in blood pressure

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Previous studies suggest that olfactory receptors, which mediate smell chemosensation, are located in the kidney and involved in blood pressure regulation. Mammalian epithelial sodium channels located in taste receptor cells are also found to participate in blood pressure regulation. However, there is currently no human study that has examined the association between taste and smell function and blood pressure. We thus conducted a longitudinal study to examine whether participants with altered taste and smell perception had larger increases in blood pressure compared with those without altered perception in a community-based cohort.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study included 5190 Chinese adults (4058 men and 1132 women) who were normotensive at baseline. Taste and smell perception were assessed via questionnaire in 2012 (baseline). Blood pressure was measured in 2012 and 2014 to determine relative change in blood pressure. Mean differences of 2-year blood pressure change and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across four categories of taste and smell perception were calculated after adjusting for known risk factors for hypertension. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals with altered taste and smell perception had larger increases in systolic blood pressure (adjusted mean difference = 5.1 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.1-10.0, p-value: 0.04) and mean arterial pressure (adjusted mean difference = 3.8 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.4-7.1, p-value: 0.03) after two years of follow-up compared with those having neither altered taste nor altered smell perception. No significant association was observed in individuals with altered taste or smell perception only.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest an association between chemosensory function and blood pressure.

A scoping review to explore how universal design for learning is described and implemented by rehabilitation health professionals in school settings

BACKGROUND

Universal design for learning (UDL) is a framework that provides guidelines to support children with diverse needs in the classroom and promotes inclusion of all children. Although UDL is recognized as a promising approach for school-based rehabilitation health professionals (RHPs), there are no studies that synthesize evidence on the use of UDL by RHPs in the school setting. Therefore, the research question for this study is: How is UDL described and implemented in school settings by RHPs? This study specifically examined literature from occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech-language pathology.

METHODS

A scoping review was completed to (a) summarize how UDL is described in the rehabilitation literature, (b) summarize the recommended and reported role of RHPs in the delivery of UDL, and (c) identify gaps in the evidence base. CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science, and ERIC electronic databases were searched. Numerical summaries and theoretical thematic analysis were used to describe the data both quantitatively and qualitatively.

RESULTS

Inclusion criteria were achieved for 45 of the 3,998 screened documents. Most of the included documents lacked a definition of UDL. Analysis suggested that speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists implement UDL in a variety of ways within the school setting. No physiotherapy literature was found, and limited high-level empirical research has been conducted within rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review provides a broad understanding of how RHPs describe and implement UDL-aligned services in school settings. UDL is a promising framework that provides RHPs with guidance on how to support children with diverse needs in the classroom, with the overall aim to promote inclusion of all children. There is a need for further research to determine the effectiveness of UDL as implemented by RHPs and to examine the role of physiotherapists in using UDL-type services.

Long-term manure application increased greenhouse gas emissions but had no effect on ammonia volatilization in a Northern China upland field

The impacts of manure application on soil ammonia (NH₃) volatilization and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are of interest for both agronomic and environmental reasons. However, how the swine manure addition affects greenhouse gas and N emissions in North China Plain wheat fields is still unknown. A long-term fertilization experiment was carried out on a maize-wheat rotation system in Northern China (Zea mays L-Triticum aestivum L.) from 1990 to 2017. The experiment included four treatments: (1) No fertilizer (CK), (2) single application of chemical fertilizers (NPK), (3) NPK plus 22.5t/ha swine manure (NPKM), (4) NPK plus 33.7t/ha swine manure (NPKM+). A short-term fertilization experiment was conducted from 2016 to 2017 using the same treatments in a field that had been abandoned for decades. The emissions of NH₃ and GHGs were measured during the wheat season from 2016 to 2017. Results showed that after long-term fertilization the wheat yields for NPKM treatment were 7105kg/ha, which were higher than NPK (3880kg/ha) and NPKM+ treatments (5518kg/ha). The wheat yields were similar after short-term fertilization (6098-6887kg/ha). The NH₃-N emission factors (EF_amm) for NPKM and NPKM+ treatments (1.1 and 1.1-1.4%, respectively) were lower than NPK treatment (2.2%) in both the long and short-term fertilization treatments. In the long- and short-term experiments the nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission factors (EF_nit) for NPKM+ treatment were 4.2% and 3.7%, respectively, which were higher than for the NPK treatment (3.5% and 2.5%, respectively) and the NPKM treatment (3.6% and 2.2%, respectively). In addition, under long and short-term fertilization, the greenhouse gas intensities for the NPKM+ treatment were 33.7 and 27.0kg CO₂-eq/kg yield, respectively, which were higher than for the NPKM treatment (22.8 and 21.1kg CO₂-eq/kg yield, respectively). These results imply that excessive swine manure application does not increase yield but increases GHG emissions.

Cardiovascular benefits of reducing personal exposure to traffic-related noise and particulate air pollution: A randomized crossover study in the Beijing subway system

To assess the cardiovascular benefits of protecting against particulate air pollution and noise, we conducted a randomized crossover study with 40 young healthy college students from March to May 2017 in the underground subway, Beijing. Participants each received 4 treatments (no intervention phase [NIP], respirator intervention phase [RIP], headphone intervention phase [HIP], respirator plus headphone intervention phase [RHIP]) in a randomized order during 4 different study periods with 2-week washout intervals. We measured personal exposure to particulate matter (PM), noise and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters (heart rate variability (HRV), heart rate (HR) and ST segment changes), ambulatory blood pressure (BP) continuously for 4 hours to investigate the cardiovascular effects. Compared with NIP, most of the HRV parameters increased, especially high frequency (HF) [21.1% (95% CI: 15.7%, 26.9%), 18.2% (95% CI: 12.8%, 23.9%), and 35.5% (95% CI: 29.3%, 42.0%) in RIP, HIP, and RHIP, respectively], whereas ST segment elevation and HR decreased for all 3 modes of interventions. However, no significant differences were observed in BP among the 4 treatments. In summary, short-term wearing of a respirator and/or headphone may be an effective way to minimize cardiovascular risk induced by air pollution in the subway by improving autonomic nervous function.

Identification and characterisation of microRNAs and Piwi-interacting RNAs in cockerels' spermatozoa by Solexa sequencing

1. There has been substantial research focused on the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) derived from mammalian spermatozoa; however, comparatively little is known about the role of spermatozoa-derived miRNAs and piRNAs within breeding cockerels' spermatozoa. 2. A small RNA library of cockerels' spermatozoa was constructed using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. Unique sequences with lengths of 18-26 nucleotides were mapped to miRBase 21.0 and unique sequences with lengths of 25-37 nucleotides were mapped to a piRNA database. A total of 1311 miRNAs and 2448 potential piRNAs were identified. Based on stem-loop qRT-PCR, 8 miRNAs were validated. 3. Potential target genes of the abundant miRNAs were predicted, and further Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses were performed, which revealed that some candidate miRNAs were involved in the spermatogenesis process, spermatozoa epigenetic programming and further embryonic development. 5. GO and KEGG analyses based on mapping genes of expressed piRNAs were performed, which revealed that spermatozoal piRNAs could play important regulatory roles in embryonic development of offspring. 6. The search for endogenous spermatozoa miRNAs and piRNAs will contribute to a preliminary database for functional and molecular mechanistic studies in embryonic development and spermatozoa epigenetic programming.

[The establishment of the immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericytes model and its preliminary application in screening of cerebrovascular toxicants]

Objective: To establish the immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericytes model and to apply to the cerebrovascular toxicants screening study. Methods: Brain pericytes were isolated from 3 weeks of mice by tissue digestion. Immortalized pericyte cell line was constructed by infecting with LT retrovirus. Monoclone was selected to purify the immortalized pericyte cell line. The pericyte characteristics and purity were explored by immunocytochemistry. Cell proliferation was measured by using the Pomega MTS cell Proliferation Colorimetric Assay Kit. Pericytes were treated with 0, 160, 320, 640, 1 280, 2 560 μmol/L lead acetate, 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 μmol/L cadmium chloride and 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 μmol/L sodium arsenite in 24 hours. Cell toxicity of each group was determined by MTS assay, median lethal dose (LD(50)) was calculated in linear regression. Results: Mouse brain pericytes were successfully isolated by tissue separation and enzyme digestion method. After immortalized by LT retroviruses, monoclone was selected and expanded to establish pericyte cell line. The brain pericytes exhibited typical long spindle morphology and positive staining for α-SMA and Vimentin. The proliferation of brain pericytes cell lines was very slowly, and the doubling time was about 48 hours. The proliferation of immortalized brain pericytes cell lines was very quickly, and the doubling time was about 24 hours. After lead acetate, cadmium chloride and sodium arsenite treatment for 24 hours respectively, gradual declines in cell viability were observed. The LD(50) of lead acetate was 2 025.0 μmol/L, the LD(50) of cadmium chloride was 36.6 μmol/L, and the LD(50) of sodium arsenite was 33.2 μmol/L. Conclusion: The immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericyte model is established successfully by infecting with LT retrovirus, and can be applied to screen cerebrovascular toxicants. The toxicity of these toxicants to immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericyte is in sequence: sodium arsenite,cadmium chloride, lead acetate.

Association of size-fractionated indoor particulate matter and black carbon with heart rate variability in healthy elderly women in Beijing

Associations between size-fractionated indoor particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC) and heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) in elderly women remain unclear. Twenty-nine healthy elderly women were measured for 24-hour HRV/HR indices. Real-time size-fractionated indoor PM and BC were monitored on the same day and on the preceding day. Mixed-effects models were applied to investigate the associations between pollutants and HRV/HR indices. Increases in size-fractionated indoor PM were significantly associated with declines in power in the high-frequency band (HF), power in the low-frequency band (LF), and standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN). The largest decline in HF was 19% at 5-minute moving average for an interquartile range (IQR) increase (24 μg/m³ ) in PM_0.5 . The results showed that smaller particles could lead to greater reductions in HRV indices. The reported associations were modified by body mass index (BMI): Declines in HF at 5-minute average for an IQR increase in PM_0.5 were 34.5% and 1.0% for overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m² ) and normal-weight (BMI <25 kg/m² ) participants, respectively. Moreover, negative associations between BC and HRV indices were found to be significant in overweight participants. Increases in size-fractionated indoor PM and BC were associated with compromised cardiac autonomic function in healthy elderly women, especially overweight ones.

Identification of a 62-kDa major allergen from Artemisia pollen as a putative galactose oxidase

BACKGROUND

Around 20 years ago, a 60- to 70-kDa protein was reported as a major allergen of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) pollen. This study was to identify and characterize its molecular properties.

METHODS

Sera from 113 Chinese and 20 Dutch Artemisia-allergic/sensitized subjects (and pools thereof) were used to identify the 60- to 70-kDa allergen. Pollen extracts of seven Artemisia species were compared by immunoblotting. Transcriptomics and proteomics (mass spectrometry) of A. annua pollen were used to identify the putative 60- to 70-kDa Artemisia allergen. Both the natural purified and recombinant allergens were evaluated for IgE reactivity by ImmunoCAP. Fourteen Chinese Artemisia-allergic patients were tested intradermally with purified natural allergen.

RESULTS

Immunoblots revealed two major bands at 12 and 25 kDa, and a weak band at 70 kDa for all seven Artemisia species. Using a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach, the high molecular mass allergen in A. annua pollen was shown to be a 62-kDa putative galactose oxidase, with a putative N-glycosylation site. More than 94% of Artemisia pollen-allergic patients had IgE response to this allergen. Although recognition of a nonglycosylated recombinant version was only confirmed in a minority (16%) and at much lower IgE levels, this discrepancy cannot be explained simply by reactivity to the carbohydrate moiety on the natural allergen. Intradermal testing with the natural allergen was positive in five of nine sensitized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The previously reported 60- to 70-kDa allergen of Artemisia pollen is most likely a 62-kDa putative galactose oxidase here designated Art an 7.

Optimizing the nitrogen application rate for maize and wheat based on yield and environment on the Northern China Plain

Optimizing the nitrogen (N) application rate can increase crop yield while reducing the environmental risks. However, the optimal N rates vary substantially when different targets such as maximum yield or maximum economic benefit are considered. Taking the wheat-maize rotation cropping system on the North China Plain as a case study, we quantified the variation of N application rates when targeting constraints on yield, economic performance, N uptake and N utilization, by conducting field experiments between 2011 and 2013. Results showed that the optimal N application rate was highest when targeting N uptake (240kgha^-1 for maize, and 326kgha^-1 for wheat), followed by crop yield (208kgha^-1 for maize, and 277kgha^-1 for wheat) and economic income (191kgha^-1 for maize, and 253kgha^-1 for wheat). If environmental costs were considered, the optimal N application rates were further reduced by 20-30% compared to those when targeting maximum economic income. However, the optimal N rate, with environmental cost included, may result in soil nutrient mining under maize, and an extra input of 43kgNha^-1 was needed to make the soil N balanced and maintain soil fertility in the long term. To obtain a win-win situation for both yield and environment, the optimal N rate should be controlled at 179kgha^-1 for maize, which could achieve above 99.5% of maximum yield and have a favorable N balance, and at 202kgha^-1 for wheat to achieve 97.4% of maximum yield, which was about 20kgNha^-1 higher than that when N surplus was nil. Although these optimal N rates vary on spatial and temporal scales, they are still effective for the North China Plain where 32% of China's total maize and 45% of China's total wheat are produced. More experiments are still needed to determine the optimal N application rates in other regions. Use of these different optimal N rates would contribute to improving the sustainability of agricultural development in China.

Effect of Baicalein on Matrix Metalloproteinases and Durability of Resin-Dentin Bonding

OBJECTIVE

In an attempt to increase resin-dentin bonding quality, this study used baicalein as a preconditioner in an etch-and-rinse adhesive to evaluate its effect on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and adhesive durability.

METHODS

As a MMP inhibitor and potential collagen cross-linking agent, baicalein was used as a preconditioner in an etch-and-rinse adhesive system. The degree of conversion was evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. EnzChek gelatinase/collagenase assay kits were then used to detect the MMP inhibitory effect of different concentrations of baicalein (0.1, 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 μg/mL) on dentin powders. During in vitro bonding procedures, flat dentin surfaces on sound third molars were preconditioned with 2.5 μg/mL baicalein after being acid-etched; this step was followed by continuation of adhesive processes and build-up of resin composite. After resin-dentin stick preparation, bonding strength, failure mode, and interface nanoleakage were respectively evaluated via microtensile testing, stereomicroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy either immediately or after storage in artificial saliva for three or six months. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

Baicalein at a concentration of 0-5.0 μg/mL did not influence the conversion of adhesives. However, it inhibited the activities of dentin-bond gelatinase and collagenase, especially at a concentration of 2.5 μg/mL, while effectively increasing microtensile bonding strength and decreasing nanoleakage in vitro, both immediately and after aging.

CONCLUSIONS

Baicalein used as preconditioner in an etch-and-rinse adhesive system has an anti-MMP function and effectively improves resin-dentin bonding durability in vitro, which has potential value in clinical bonding procedures.

Responses of deposition and bioaccumulation in the Great Lakes region to policy and other large-scale drivers of mercury emissions

Mercury (Hg) emissions pose a global problem that requires global cooperation for a solution. However, neither emissions nor regulations are uniform world-wide, and hence the impacts of regulations are also likely to vary regionally. We report here an approach to model the effectiveness of regulations at different scales (local, regional, global) in reducing Hg deposition and fish Hg concentrations in the Laurentian Great Lakes (GL) region. The potential effects of global change on deposition are also modeled. We focus on one of the most vulnerable communities within the region, an Indigenous tribe in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP) with a high fish consumption rate. For the GL region, elements of global change (climate, biomass burning, land use) are projected to have modest impacts (<5% change from the year 2000) on Hg deposition. For this region, our estimate of the effects of elimination of anthropogenic emissions is a 70% decrease in deposition, while our minimal regulation scenario increases emissions by 35%. Existing policies have the potential to reduce deposition by 20% with most of the reduction attributable to U.S. policies. Local policies within the Great Lakes region show little effect, and global policy as embedded in the Minamata Convention is projected to decrease deposition by approximately 2.8%. Even within the GL region, effects of policy are not uniform; areas close to emission sources (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania) experience larger decreases in deposition than other areas including Michigan's UP. The UP landscape is highly sensitive to Hg deposition, with nearly 80% of lakes estimated to be impaired. Sensitivity to mercury is caused primarily by the region's abundant wetlands. None of the modeled policy scenarios are projected to reduce fish Hg concentrations to the target that would be safe for the local tribe. Regions like Michigan's UP that are highly sensitive to mercury deposition and that will see little reduction in deposition due to regulations require more aggressive policies to reduce emissions to achieve recovery. We highlight scientific uncertainties that continue to limit our ability to accurately predict fish Hg changes over time.

Late Effect of External Eye Irradiation on Choroidal Circulation

PURPOSE

To report two cases of atypical late onset radiation chorioretinopathy occurring 15 and 25 years post exposure and the indocyanine green (ICG) angiographic findings in these patients.

METHODS

Clinical examination and imaging including fluorescein and ICG angiography were performed.

RESULT

Fundus examination of the first patient revealed microangiopathy with intraretinal hemorrhages, lipid exudation, telangiectatic and aneurysmal capillary changes. Indocyanine green angiography showed an apparent chorioretinal anastomosis and delayed perfusion of the choriocapillaris. Fundus examination of the second patient revealed a pigment epithelial detachment and retinal pigment epithelial changes. Indocyanine green angiography showed atypical, tortuous, dilated, choroidal vessels as well as areas of hypoperfusion. Both patients had multiple dot-like hyperfluorescent spots in the midphase of the ICG angiogram.

CONCLUSIONS

External radiation exposure may lead to both retinal and choroidal alterations which may be independent events and which may manifest after a long period of quiescence. Furthermore, ICG angiography appears to be a useful diagnostic tool to study the alterations of the choroid following external eye irradiation.

Total synthesis of teixobactin and its stereoisomers

The total syntheses of teixobactin and a series of its stereoisomers at positions 2, 5, 6, 10 and 11 were achieved via a combined strategy of solution and solid phase peptide synthesis.

Urban landscape genomics identifies fine-scale gene flow patterns in an avian invasive

Invasive species exert a serious impact on native fauna and flora and have been the target of many eradication and management efforts worldwide. However, a lack of data on population structure and history, exacerbated by the recency of many species introductions, limits the efficiency with which such species can be kept at bay. In this study we generated a novel genome of high assembly quality and genotyped 4735 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers from 78 individuals of an invasive population of the Javan Myna Acridotheres javanicus across the island of Singapore. We inferred limited population subdivision at a micro-geographic level, a genetic patch size (~13-14 km) indicative of a pronounced dispersal ability, and barely an increase in effective population size since introduction despite an increase of four to five orders of magnitude in actual population size, suggesting that low population-genetic diversity following a bottleneck has not impeded establishment success. Landscape genomic analyses identified urban features, such as low-rise neighborhoods, that constitute pronounced barriers to gene flow. Based on our data, we consider an approach targeting the complete eradication of Javan Mynas across Singapore to be unfeasible. Instead, a mixed approach of localized mitigation measures taking into account urban geographic features and planning policy may be the most promising avenue to reducing the adverse impacts of this urban pest. Our study demonstrates how genomic methods can directly inform the management and control of invasive species, even in geographically limited datasets with high gene flow rates.

Quantification of classical HLA class I mRNA by allele-specific, real-time polymerase chain reaction for most Han individuals

Recent studies have shown that expression levels of different alleles at the same HLA class I locus can vary dramatically, which might have a broad influence on human disease. However, precise quantification of the relative expression level of each HLA allele is challenging, because distinguishing different alleles on the same locus is difficult. Here, we developed a series of allele-specific, real-time polymerase chain reaction assays for quantifying HLA class I allele mRNA in most Han individuals. The alleles of almost all heterozygous genotypes with a frequency higher than 0.5% in our population (78 alleles on HLA-A locus, 124 alleles on HLA-B locus, and 74 alleles on HLA-C locus) were specifically amplified. The specificity of the amplification was strictly validated by setting the corresponding negative control for each allele of each genotype. The amplification efficiency of each reaction was determined, and the slopes of the reactions were compared. This study provides a tool for detecting the comprehensive expression profile of HLA class I alleles and will be useful not only for the investigation of the molecular mechanism underlying HLA allele expression regulation but also for exploration of immunological mechanisms involving HLA expression in the fields of tumour immune evasion, viral infection, auto-immune disorders, and graft vs host disease after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Scalp hypothermia as a preventative measure for chemotherapy-induced alopecia: a review of controlled clinical trials

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a temporary, yet psychologically devastating form of hair loss that affects 65% of patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. In the 1970s, scalp hypothermia was introduced as a preventative measure against the development of CIA. Numerous studies provide evidence for the effectiveness of scalp cooling to prevent CIA, although results varied because of differences in chemotherapy regimen, cooling technique, mode of administration and patient factors. However, many of the existing studies are uncontrolled or consist of small sample sizes, and data from randomized, randomized studies are limited. To date, no clear guidelines have been established for optimum scalp cooling use as a treatment modality and its efficacy remain unknown. Nonetheless, scalp cooling remains the most widely utilized method for the prevention of CIA, and in December 2015, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the DigniCap^® Scalp Cooling System (Dignitana AB, Sweden) for marketing and the Orbis from Paxman^® Coolers Ltd. received clearance in 2017. This literature review is one of the first to provide up-to-date review and side-by-side comparisons of controlled and randomized clinical trials (CCTs and RCTs) evaluating scalp hypothermia for the prevention of CIA. Our analyses of CCTs and RCTs to date show that scalp hypothermia is effective in reducing the occurrence rate of CIA, by 2.7-fold in the CCTs and 3.9-fold in the RCTs. These results suggest that scalp hypothermia represents an effective preventative measure for CIA, and provide guidance for management of anticipated alopecia following chemotherapy and for future investigations.

[Clinical value of spectral CT imaging in preoperative evaluation of pathological grading of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the value of spectral computed tomography quantitative parameters in the assessment of pathological grade of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma before operation. Methods: The imaging findings of 52 patients with confirmed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by surgery and pathology were prospectively analyzed in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from June 2016 to May 2017.There were 43 males and 9 females, aged 49-76 years, with an average age of (66±8) years.All the patients were divided into three groups based on the pathological finding: well-differentiated group (n=12), moderately-differentiated group (n=20), poorly-differentiated group (n=20). All the patients received chest plain scan and double phase enhanced scan of gemstone spectral computed tomography.The enhancement attenuation (HU), the average of the slope of the spectral Hounsfield Unit curve (λ(HU)), normalized iodine concentration (NIC), normalized effective atomic number (Z(eff-a)) were measured and calculated.The difference in HU, λ(HU), NIC, Z(eff-a) among different grades were statistically analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of single and combined parameters in the differentiation of poorly-differentiated and well-moderately differentiated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Results: There were significant differences in HU, λ(HU), NIC, Z(eff-a) among different pathological grading of the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in arterial phase and venous phase (F=4.496-9.056, H=23.204, 20.724, all P<0.05). The best single parameter to differentiate poorly-differentiated from well-moderately differentiated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was NIC in arterial phase with areas under the ROC curve (AUC), the cutoff value, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of 0.860, 0.197, 65.0%, 96.9%, 84.6%, respectively; the best combination of parameters was HU+ NIC+ λ(HU) in arterial phase with AUC, the threshold of predicted probability, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of 0.913, 0.380, 85.0%, 81.3%, 82.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Gemstone spectral imaging quantitative parameters can be used to evaluate the pathological grading of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the NIC and HU+ NIC+ λ(HU) in arterial phase have the highest differential diagnostic efficiency.

Effect of Preparation Designs on the Prognosis of Porcelain Laminate Veneers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective:

To investigate the association between preparation designs and prognosis of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs).

Methods:

Electronic and manual literature searches were performed in Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and Scopus databases for randomized controlled trials and retrospective and prospective cohort studies comparing any two of three preparation designs. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Pooled hazard ratios and risk ratios were used to evaluate the difference between two preparation designs. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis, and evaluation of publication bias were performed if possible.

Results:

Of 415 screened articles, 10 studies with moderate to high quality were included in the meta-analysis. Comparison of preparations with incisal coverage to preparations without coverage revealed a significant result based on time-to-event data (hazard ratio=1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.18-2.78, I2=12.5%), but the result was insignificant based on dichotomous data (risk ratio=1.04, 95% CI=0.59-1.83, I2=42.3%). The other comparisons between any two of overlap, butt-joint, and window types revealed no statistically significant difference. Subgroup analyses regarding the porcelain materials, location of prosthesis, and tooth vitality could account for only part of the heterogeneity. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

Conclusions:

Within the limitation of the present study, it can be concluded that preparation design with incisal coverage for PLVs exhibits an increased failure risk compared to those without incisal coverage. The failure risk of the overlap type may be higher than the butt-joint type but must be validated in further studies.