Illegitimate RAG-mediated recombination events are involved in IKZF1 Δ3-6 deletion in BCR-ABL1 lymphoblastic leukaemia

Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson murine leukaemia viral oncogene homologue 1 (BCR-ABL1), encoded by the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome, is the characteristic of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and a subset of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We demonstrated that expression of the Ik6 transcript, which lacked exons 3-6, was observed exclusively in BCR-ABL1(+) B ALL and lymphoid blast crisis CML (BC-CML) patients harbouring the IKZF1 Δ3-6 deletion. To confirm the hypothesis that illegitimate recombination activating gene protein (RAG)-mediated recombination events are involved in IKZF1 Δ3-6 deletion in BCR-ABL1 lymphoblastic leukaemia, we first demonstrated that the expression rates of RAG1 and RAG2, collectively called RAG, were higher in ALL and BC-CML (lymphoid). Notably, analysis of relationships among RAG, BCR-ABL1 and Ikaros 6 (Ik6) showed that Ik6 can be generated only if RAG and BCR-ABL1 are co-existing. The sequencing data showed that the deleted segments of introns 2 and 6 contained cryptic recombination signal sequences (cRSSs) and frequently had non-template nucleotides inserted between breakpoints. Furthermore, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) technology and demonstrated that the sequences directly flanking IKZF1 Δ3-6 deletion breakpoints have significantly higher levels of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) modifications. Overall, RAG expression, good-quality cRSS and a specific chromatin modification, H3K4me3, satisfy the conditions of RAG's off-target effects on IKZF1. Our work provides evidence for RAG-mediated IKZF1 Δ3-6 deletion. Our results raise the prospect that RAG is a valuable biomarker in disease surveillance. Dissecting the contribution of RAG should not only provide valuable mechanistic insights, but will also lead to a new therapeutic direction.

Ultrasound assessment of schistosomiasis

In 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an ultrasound field protocol for assessing the morbidity due to Schistosoma (S.) haematobium and S. mansoni. The experience with this classification has recently been reviewed systematically. The WHO protocol was well accepted worldwide. Here we review the use of ultrasound to assess the morbidity due to schistosomiasis with emphasis on easy, quick, and reproducible ways that can be used in the field. Findings obtained with high-end ultrasound scanners in the hospital setting that might eventually have applications in the field are also described.

Early intervention of patients at risk for acute respiratory failure and prolonged mechanical ventilation with a checklist aimed at the prevention of organ failure: protocol for a pragmatic stepped-wedged cluster trial of PROOFCheck

INTRODUCTION

Acute respiratory failure (ARF) often presents and progresses outside of the intensive care unit. However, recognition and treatment of acute critical illness is often delayed with inconsistent adherence to evidence-based care known to decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and complications of critical illness. The goal of this trial is to determine whether the implementation of an electronic medical record-based early alert for progressive respiratory failure coupled with a checklist to promote early compliance to best practice in respiratory failure can improve the outcomes of patients at risk for prolonged respiratory failure and death.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A pragmatic stepped-wedged cluster clinical trial involving 6 hospitals is planned. The study will include adult hospitalised patients identified as high risk for MV >48 hours or death because they were mechanically ventilated outside of the operating room or they were identified as high risk for ARF on the Accurate Prediction of PROlonged VEntilation (APPROVE) score. Patients with advanced directives limiting intubation will be excluded. The intervention will consist of (1) automated identification and notification of clinician of high-risk patients by APPROVE or by invasive MV and (2) checklist of evidence-based practices in ARF (Prevention of Organ Failure Checklist-PROOFCheck). APPROVE and PROOFCheck will be developed in the pretrial period. Primary outcome is hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes include length of stay, ventilator and organ failure-free days and 6-month and 12-month mortality. Predefined subgroup analysis of patients with limitation of aggressive care after study entry is planned. Generalised estimating equations will be used to compare patients in the intervention phase with the control phase, adjusting for clustering within hospitals and time.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the institutional review boards. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international meetings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02488174.

Toll-like receptor 4 modulates the cochlear immune response to acoustic injury

Acoustic overstimulation traumatizes the cochlea, resulting in auditory dysfunction. As a consequence of acoustic injury, the immune system in the cochlea is activated, leading to the production of inflammatory mediators and the infiltration of immune cells. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for initiating these immune responses remain unclear. Here, we investigate the functional role of Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4), a cellular receptor that activates the innate immune system, in the regulation of cochlear responses to acoustic overstimulation. Using a Tlr4 knockout mouse model, we examined how Tlr4 deficiency affects sensory cell pathogenesis, auditory dysfunction and cochlear immune activity. We demonstrate that Tlr4 knockout does not affect sensory cell viability under physiological conditions, but reduces the level of sensory cell damage and cochlear dysfunction after acoustic injury. Together, these findings suggest that Tlr4 promotes sensory cell degeneration and cochlear dysfunction after acoustic injury. Acoustic injury provokes a site-dependent inflammatory response in both the organ of Corti and the tissues of the lateral wall and basilar membrane. Tlr4 deficiency affects these inflammatory responses in a site-dependent manner. In the organ of Corti, loss of Tlr4 function suppresses the production of interleukin 6 (Il6), a pro-inflammatory molecule, after acoustic injury. By contrast, the production of inflammatory mediators, including Il6, persists in the lateral wall and basilar membrane. In addition to immune molecules, Tlr4 knockout inhibits the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II, an antigen-presenting molecule, in macrophages, suggesting that Tlr4 participates in the antigen-presenting function of macrophages after acoustic trauma. Together, these results suggest that Tlr4 regulates multiple aspects of the immune response in the cochlea and contributes to cochlear pathogenesis after acoustic injury.

Focused screening of mitochondrial metabolism reveals a crucial role for a tumor suppressor Hbp1 in ovarian reserve

Granulosa cells (GCs) are tightly associated with fertility and the fate of ovarian follicles. Mitochondria are the central executers of apoptosis. However, the genetic basis underlying mitochondrial modulation in GCs during the ovarian development is poorly understood. Here, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic screening was used to identify genes conferring mitochondrial metabolism in human GCs. The results uncovered roles for several tumor suppressors, including HBP1, in the augmentation of mitochondrial function. Focused analysis revealed that high-mobility group (HMG)-box transcription factor 1 (Hbp1) levels regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, which is associated with global changes in transcription including Tfam. The systemic or granulosa-specific but not oocyte-specific ablation of Hbp1 promoted follicle growth and oocyte production, and is associated with the reduced apoptotic signals in mouse GCs. Consistent with increased mitochondrial function and attenuated GC apoptosis, the regulation of Hbp1 conferred substantial protection of ovarian reserve. Thus, the results of the present study provide a critical target to understand the control of the reproductive lifespan.

Genetic transformation and expression of transgenic lines of Populus x euramericana with insect-resistance and salt-tolerance genes

We characterized new transgenic varieties of poplar with multiple insect-resistant and salt stress tolerant genes. Two insect-resistant Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes, Cry1Ac and Cry3A, and a salt-tolerant gene, Betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) were inserted into a vector, p209-Cry1Ac-Cry3A-BADH. The clone of Populus x euramericana was transformed by the vector using the Agrobacterium-mediated method. Three transgenic lines were assessed using genetic detection and resistance expression analysis. PCR revealed that exogenous genes Cry1Ac, Cry3A, BADH and selective marker gene NPTII were present in three transgenic lines. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) showed significant differences in the transcriptional abundance of three exogenous genes in different lines. Results of assays for Bt toxic proteins showed that the Cry1Ac and Cry3A toxic protein content of each line was 12.83-26.32 and 2108.91-2724.79 ng/g, respectively. The Cry1Ac toxic protein content of different lines was significantly different; the Cry3A toxic protein content was about 100 times higher than that of the Cry1Ac toxic protein. The insect-resistance test revealed the mortality rate of transgenic lines to Hyphantria cunea L1 larvae varied by 42.2-66.7%, which was significantly higher than non-transgenic lines. The mortality rate of L1 and L2 Plagiodera versicolora larvae was 100%. The insecticidal effect of transgenic lines to P. versicolora larvae was higher than that to H. cunea larvae. NaCl stress tolerance of three transgenic lines under 3-6% NaCl concentration was significantly higher than that of non-transgenic lines.

Increased glycogen synthase kinase-3β and hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase expression in adipose tissue may contribute to glucocorticoid-induced mouse visceral adiposity

BACKGROUND

Increased adiposity in visceral depots is a crucial feature associated with glucocorticoid (GC) excess. The action of GCs in target tissue is regulated by GC receptor (GR) and 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ß-HSD1) coupled with hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6pdh). Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) is known to be a crucial mediator of ligand-dependent gene transcription. We hypothesized that the major effects of corticosteroids on adipose fat accumulation are in part medicated by changes in GSK3β and H6pdh.

METHODS

We characterized the alterations of GSK3β and GC metabolic enzymes, and determined the impact of GR antagonist mifepristone on obesity-related genes and the expression of H6pdh and 11ß-HSD1 in adipose tissue of mice exposed to excess GC as well as in in vitro studies using 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with GCs.

RESULTS

Corticosterone (CORT) exposure increased abdominal fat mass and induced expression of lipid synthase ACC and ACL with activation of GSK3β phosphorylation in abdominal adipose tissue of C57BL/6J mice. Increased pSer⁹ GSK3β was correlated with induction of H6pdh and 11ß-HSD1. Additionally, mifepristone treatment reversed the production of H6pdh and attenuated CORT-mediated production of 11ß-HSD1 and lipogenic gene expression with reduction of pSer⁹ GSK3β, thereby leading to improvement of phenotype of adiposity within adipose tissue in mice treated with excess GCs. Suppression of pSer⁹ GSK3β by mifepristone was accompanied by activation of pThr³⁰⁸ Akt and blockade of CORT-induced adipogenic transcriptor C/EBPα and PPARγ. In addition, mifepristone also attenuated CORT-mediated activation of IRE1α/XBP1. Additionally, reduction of H6pdh by shRNA showed comparable effects to mifepristone on attenuating CORT-induced expression of GC metabolic enzymes and improved lipid accumulation in vitro in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that elevated adipose GSK3β and H6pdh expression contribute to 11ß-HSD1 mediating hypercortisolism associated with visceral adiposity.

Leptin changes differentiation fate and induces senescence in chondrogenic progenitor cells

Body weight is a component of the mechanical theory of OA (osteoarthritis) pathogenesis. Obesity was also found to be a risk factor for digital OA involving non-weight-bearing joints, which suggested that metabolism influences the occurrence and progression of OA. The metabolic origin of OA has been partially attributed to the involvement of adipokines, such as leptin, the levels of which are significantly and positively correlated with cartilage degeneration in OA patients. However, the mechanisms by which leptin-induced cartilage degeneration occurs are poorly understood. The discovery of chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) opened up new opportunities for investigation. Investigating the effects of leptin on differentiation and proliferation in CPCs would increase our understanding of the roles played by leptin in the aetiology and development of OA. Here, CPCs were harvested using single-cell sorting from rat cartilage tissues to obtain mesenchymal stem-like cells, which possess clonogenicity, proliferation and stemness. High doses of leptin decreased the ability of the CPCs to migrate, inhibited their chondrogenic potential and increased their osteogenic potential, suggesting that leptin changes differentiation fates in CPCs. High doses of leptin induced cell cycle arrest and senescence in CPCs by activating the p53/p21 pathway and inhibiting the Sirt1 pathway. Inhibiting the Sirt1 pathway accelerated cartilage senescence in knockout (KO) mice. Activating the leptin pathway induced higher Ob-Rb expression and was significantly correlated with cartilage degeneration (lower levels of Coll-2) and tissue senescence (higher levels of p53/p21 and lower levels of Sirt1) in OA patients, suggesting that leptin-induced CPCs senescence contributes to the development of OA. Taken together, our results reveal new links between obesity and cartilage damage that are induced by leptin-mediated effects on cell behaviour and senescence.

ID: 9: AN IL7 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY RESCUES HYPOXIA-MEDIATED PULMONARY HYPERTENSION IN MICE

Rationale

Previously we showed that human plasma IL7, protein levels of IL7 receptor (IL7R) in total lung homogenate and pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs)/PASMCs were significantly elevated in PAH patients. IL7 promotes PASMC proliferation. IL7R-deficient (IL7R−/−) mice are protected from hypoxia-mediated pulmonary hypertension (HPH). We sought to study whether blocking IL7 via anti-IL7 antibodies can reverse experimental PH in mice.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice (7 week old) were exposed to normoxia or hypoxia (10% O2) for 4 weeks (n=6 per group). At Day 12 after hypoxia exposure, a monoclonal antibody against IL7 (AB-407-na, R&D Systems) or control IgG was started to treat the mice (100 µg/mouse, every other day, IP, for two weeks). Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was determined with a Millar pressure transducer catheter. The right ventricle: left ventricle +septum (RV/LV+S) ratio was calculated. Pulmonary artery remodeling was assessed using Aperio image software.

Result

After four weeks of hypoxic exposure, treatment of IL7 antibody significantly attenuated RVSP (28.89±0.87 vs. 34.43±2.23 mm Hg, p=0.03), developed less right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) (RV/LV+S 0.29±0.0087 vs. 0.39±0.014, p=0.0002), and lower pulmonary arterial thickness when compared to control-IgG treated group.

Conclusion

IL7 antibodies reverse HPH in mice. IL7 antibodies could be a novel therapeutic candidate for pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract P3-05-08: High prevalence of splicing variant AR-V7 in triple negative breast carcinoma

The androgen receptor (AR) and its pathway have been implicated in tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer. Anti-androgen therapy has shown efficacy in the metastatic breast cancer and numerous clinical trials are underway to study efficacy in various clinical settings. 15 splicing variants of AR (AR-Vs) have been described in prostate cancer. Structurally, AR-Vs have insertions of cryptic exons downstream of the exons that encode the DNA-binding domain or deletions of the exons encoding the ligand-binding domain, resulting in a disrupted AR open reading frame and expression of ligand-binding-domain-truncated AR proteins. In prostate cancer, some of the AR-Vs especially AR-V7 are associated with aggressive disease and resistance to anti-AR therapy. The AR-V prevalence in human breast cancer specimens has hitherto not been studied. We aimed at studying the expression of AR-Vs in breast cancer specimens and present the data on AR-V1, AR-V7, AR8, and ARV567, in AR-positive triple negative (TNBC) and ER+/Her2- breast cancer.

Design: 98 cases of TNBC, 40 cases of ER+/Her2 breast cancer and 17 cases with reduction mammoplasty were abstracted from NYULMC pathology database and screened for AR expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC for AR was performed using antibody clone N-20 (Santa Cruz) at 1:100 dilution. Normal breast tissue was used as internal control and 10% nuclear staining was used for categorizing a tumor as AR positive. A subset of cases which over-expressed AR were macrodissected from formalin fixed paraffin embedded sections with total RNA extracted by using the PureLink® FFPE RNA Isolation Kit (Invitrogen). Reverse-transcription was performed by using the SuperScript® III Reverse Transcriptase Kit (Invitrogen). AR-V expression was presented as cycle number difference to housekeeping gene (delta CT) for real-time PCR or as absolute copy number for digital PCR.

Results: AR+ TNBC and AR+/ER+ cases ranged from stage 1A to IIIA. IHC for AR showed > 10% staining in 27 of 98 TNBC cases and in 39 of 40 ER+/Her2- cases.

AR Positive Prevalence in TNBC and ER+ Breast Carcinoma AR+AR-TNBC2771ER+/Her2-391

AR-V7 was expressed in 11 of 13 AR+/TNBC cases (p < 0.05); AR-V1 and AR-V4 were expressed in 4; ARV8 and ARv567es were expressed in 3 and 2 cases respectively. In 25 AR+/ER+/Her2- cases AR-V7 was expressed in 14; AR-V4 in 9; ARV567 in 5, AR-V1 in 3 cases.

AR Spliced Variant Incidence in TNBC, ER+ and Benign breast tissue Benign (N=17)ER+/AR+ (N=25)TNBC+/AR+(N=13)P ValueAR-V113(12%)4(25%)0.145AR-V419(36%)4(25%)0.35AR-V78(47%)14(56%)11(85%)0.021AR-V801(4%)3(19%)0.474AR-V56715(20%)2(12.5%)0.092

Conclusion: We report expression of various spliced variants in TNBC, ER+/Her2- breast cancer. A statistically significant expression of AR-V7 is seen in TNBC. Since AR-V7 predicts for poor prognosis and lack of response to anti-AR therapy in prostate cancer, AR-V7 expression maybe a useful biomarker to analyze response data in on going breast cancer clinical trials.

Citation Format: Singh B, Deng F-M, Kane Y, Zhan Y, Qi Y, Liu X, Zhang H, Dong Y, Brody R, Wieczorek R, Lee P. High prevalence of splicing variant AR-V7 in triple negative breast carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-05-08.

Clinical efficacy of fiberoptic ductoscopy in combination with ultrasound-guided minimally invasive surgery in treatment of plasma cell mastitis

OBJECTIVES

To analyze clinical efficacy between fiberoptic ductoscopy plus ultrasound-guided minimally invasive irrigation and lesion resection in treating plasma cell mastitis (PCM), aiming to provide clinical evidence for treating PCM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

119 patients undergoing fiberoptic ductoscopy plus ultrasound-guided minimally invasive surgery in Ningxia People's Hospital were allocated into the breast duct irrigation group, and 95 counterparts receiving lesion resection in the Affiliated Hospital of Ningxia Medical University into the control group. Clinico-pathological characteristics and therapeutic effect were compared between two groups.

RESULTS

The cure rate in the breast duct irrigation group was 98.31% (117/119), significantly higher than 90.53% in the control group (p < 0.05). In the breast duct irrigation group, overall treatment time was 20.13 days, significantly longer than 15.15 days in the control group (p < 0.05). During postoperative follow-up, no recurrence was observed, significantly lower compared with 48.8% (42/86) in the control group. The degree of satisfaction in the breast duct irrigation group was 95.79% (114/119), significantly higher compared with 74.74% (71/95) in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Fiberoptic ductoscopy plus with ultrasound-guided minimally invasive drainage is a novel and effective treatment of PCM with high cure rate, low recurrence rate, slight pain, and effectively maintains breast integrity.

Clinical effect of intravitreous injection of triamcinolone acetonide in treating cystoid macular edema

Cystoid macular edema (CME), a commonly seen sign for multiple fundus diseases, is able to induce visual deterioration. The incidence rate of CME is constantly increasing; however, the existing clinical treatments cannot achieve satisfactory curative effects. To explore the curative effect of intravitreous injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in treating CME, this study carried out a clinical test on 39 patients (42 eyes) from The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University who developed CME induced by central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). All 42 eyes received intravitreous injection of 40 mg/ml TA (0.1 ml) and then were followed up for 11-23.5 months. Eyes were examined by slit-lamp microscope, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraocular pressure (IOP) of those eyes were detected before and after treatment. Average vision of eyes was 0.1 before treatment, and the vision improved in one month (vision ≥ 0.2: 100%; vision ≥ 0.5: 42.9%) and three months (vision ≥ 0.2: 64.3%; vision ≥ 0.5: 21.4%) after treatment; but as time went on, the vision of some patients declined; at the last follow-up, patients with vision ≥ 0.2 accounted for 28.6% and those with vision ≥0.5 accounted for 7.1%; compared to before treatment, 71.4% patients had improved vision and the remaining 28.6% had declined vision. Some patients were observed with high IOP during treatment, and 7 eyes were found with secondary cataract in posterior capsule of lens at the last follow-up. Intravitreous injection of triamcinolone acetonide proved to have significant short-term curative effect on CEM which is non-sensitive to conventional therapies, but it is likely to induce high IPO and posterior capsular opacification.

Hair follicle transcriptome profiles during the transition from anagen to catagen in Cashmere goat (Capra hircus)

Previous molecular genetic studies of the goat hair life cycle have focused primarily on a limited number of genes and proteins. To identify additional genes that may play important roles in hair follicle cycle regulation, Illumina sequencing technology was used to catalog differential gene expression profiles in the hair growth cycle (anagen to catagen) of goat, comparing the primary hair follicle with the secondary hair follicle. There were 13,769 and 12,240 unigenes assembled from the reads obtained from primary hair follicle and secondary hair follicle, respectively. Genes encoding keratin proteins and keratin-associated proteins were the most highly expressed. A total of 5899 genes were differentially expressed in anagen vs catagen primary hair follicles, with 532 genes up-regulated and 5367 genes down-regulated. A total of 5208 genes were differentially expressed in anagen vs catagen secondary hair follicle, including 545 genes that were up-regulated and 4663 genes that were down-regulated. Numerous hair growth genes are expressed in the goat hair follicle, of which 73 genes showed co-up-regulation in both hair follicles during the anagen stage. Many of these up-regulated genes, such as STC2, VEGFR, and ROR2, are known to be transfactors in the process of cell differentiation and in the cell cycle. The differential gene expression profiles between primary hair follicles and secondary hair follicles obtained provide a foundation for future studies examining the network of gene expression controlling hair growth cycle in Cashmere goat.

Copy number variations in spermatogenic failure patients with chromosomal abnormalities and unexplained azoospermia

Male infertility is mostly caused by spermatogenic failure. Currently, routine genetic analyses of unexplained azoospermia or oligozoospermia are limited to the investigation of Y chromosomal microdeletions and chromosome karyotype analyses. The aim of this study was to find spermatogenic failure genes in patients with chromosomal abnormalities and unexplained azoospermia caused by copy number variations in order to provide a theoretical basis for further research. Spermatogenic failure patients consisting of 13 males with chromosomal abnormalities and 20 with unexplained azoospermia were enrolled. The subjects underwent high-throughput genome-wide sequencing to find copy number variants (CNVs), and the results were analyzed using the Database of Genomic Variants, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database, and PubMed. The results showed that 16 CNVs were detected in 11 patients with chromosome abnormalities, and 26 CNVs were found in 16 males with azoospermia. Our data showed CNV-involved loci including: three times on 11p11.12 and 14q11.2 and twice on 6p21.32, 13q11, 15q11.11, 16p12.2, and 21q22.3. Some CNVs may involve changes in genetic structure and function or gene mutations, which may affect gene expression in testicular tissues and lead to spermatogenic failure. The involved genes include EDDM3A, EDDM3B, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQA1, POTE B, GOLGA8C, DNMT3L, ALF, NPHP1, NRG1, RID2, ADAMTS20, TWF1, COX10, MAK, and DNEL1. By applying high throughput genome-wide sequencing to determine CNVs, we provide a number of candidate genes possibly contributing to spermatogenic failure.

MAVEN observations of the response of Mars to an interplanetary coronal mass ejection

Coupling between the lower and upper atmosphere, combined with loss of gas from the upper atmosphere to space, likely contributed to the thin, cold, dry atmosphere of modern Mars. To help understand ongoing ion loss to space, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft made comprehensive measurements of the Mars upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and interactions with the Sun and solar wind during an interplanetary coronal mass ejection impact in March 2015. Responses include changes in the bow shock and magnetosheath, formation of widespread diffuse aurora, and enhancement of pick-up ions. Observations and models both show an enhancement in escape rate of ions to space during the event. Ion loss during solar events early in Mars history may have been a major contributor to the long-term evolution of the Mars atmosphere.

Early MAVEN Deep Dip campaign reveals thermosphere and ionosphere variability

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission, during the second of its Deep Dip campaigns, made comprehensive measurements of martian thermosphere and ionosphere composition, structure, and variability at altitudes down to ~130 kilometers in the subsolar region. This altitude range contains the diffusively separated upper atmosphere just above the well-mixed atmosphere, the layer of peak extreme ultraviolet heating and primary reservoir for atmospheric escape. In situ measurements of the upper atmosphere reveal previously unmeasured populations of neutral and charged particles, the homopause altitude at approximately 130 kilometers, and an unexpected level of variability both on an orbit-to-orbit basis and within individual orbits. These observations help constrain volatile escape processes controlled by thermosphere and ionosphere structure and variability.

Risk factors for mortality in severe multiply injury patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk factors related to mortality in severe polytrauma patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From December 2011 to December 2014, we identified and intubated 524 traumatic AHRF patients in a level 1 trauma centers. Amongst those, we enrolled seventy-six severe traumatic AHRF patients with an injury severity score (ISS) over 16 and need for over 24 hour intra-tracheal mechanical ventilation for our study. Patients were followed daily to collect data about demographics, injury characteristic, diagnostic, treatment, respiratory parameters, major complications, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay, prevalence of major complications and 28-days mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 76 patients in our study, 61 patients were male. Patients' ages were from 15 to 78 years old (43±17) and the predominant source of trauma was road traffic accidents. Before ventilation, patients had a mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 108±63, pH of 7.1±0.3, PaCO2 of 54±24 mmHg, respectively. The PaO2/FiO22 ratios were significantly improved by ventilation and the average duration of ventilation was 9.63±8.74 days. There were two peak dying times and the 28-days ICU mortality rate was 28.9%. Logistic regression analysis revealed the mortality rate to be significantly higher in patients with higher APACHE II scores (odds ratio: 1.60, p=0.002), shorter intervals between injury and admission (odds ratio: -0.91, p=0.03) and between admission and ventilation (odds ratio: -1.85, p=0.012), and lower pH (odds ratio: -0.692, p=0.044). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that best cut off points for mortality predictors were APACHE II scores greater than 25, time interval between injury and admission less than 2h, time interval between admission and ventilation less than 0.5h, and pH <7.16.

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic AHRF patients requiring ventilation support show a high rate of early mortality. Greater vigilance for high APACHE II score, short time interval between injury and ventilation, low pH in traumatic AHRF patients is required.

Risk factors for BK virus infection and BK virus-associated nephropathy under the impact of intensive monitoring and pre-emptive immunosuppression reduction

BACKGROUND

BK virus (BKV) nephropathy (BKVN) is an increasingly recognized cause of kidney allograft loss and is thought to be related to the newer, more potent immunosuppressive agents. However, the risk factors for different types of BKV infection under the impact of intensive monitoring and reduction of maintenance immunosuppression are not well understood.

METHODS

Quantitative BKV DNA surveillance in plasma/urine and cytological testing in urine were performed regularly within the first year post-transplantation in 229 kidney recipients. Patients with BK viremia and BKVAN treated with immunosuppression reduction were monitored for BKV every 3-6 months. All the patients were followed up for a minimum of 5 years to exclude later development of BKVAN. Potential variables were compared and analyzed using logistic regression model multivariate analysis to assess and rank the BKV infection-related factors.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight (34.1%) patients had decoy cells, 99 (43.2%) BK viruria, 38 (16.6%) BK viremia, and 7 (3.1%) BKVAN. Risk for decoy cells, BK viruria, and viremia, and BKVAN in univariate analyses were higher with tacrolimus (Tac) and deceased kidney donation. Multivariate analysis showed that Tac ([HR, 2.7; P = .008], [HR, 2.3; P = .016], [HR, 2.9; P = .032]) and deceased kidney donation ([HR, 2.5; P = .004], [HR, 2.6; P = .002], [HR, 2.1; P = .071]) were risk factors for BK decoy cells, BK viruria, and viremia, respectively. BKVAN was inclined to the patients with the combination of Tac and mycophenolate mofetil and longer BKV clearance time.

CONCLUSIONS

Tac and deceased kidney donation are independent risk factors for BKV infection under the impact of therapeutic drug monitoring.

Azadircta indica as a modulator of membrane stability parameters and surface changes during 1,2 dimethylhydrazine-induced colorectal carcinogenesis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to study the modulatory potential of Azadirta indica on colonic surface abnormalities and membrane fluidity changes following 1,2 dimethylhydrazine-induced [DMH] colon carcinogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Brush border membranes [BBM] were isolated from the colon of rats and the viscosity as well as fluidity parameters were assessed by using the membrane extrinsic fluorophore pyrene.

RESULTS

DMH treatment resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation [LPO]. Reduced glutathione levels [GSH] and the activities of glutathione reductase [GR], glutathione transferase [GST], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx] were found to be significantly decreased following DMH treatment. On the other hand, supplementation with AI, DMH-treated rats resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of lipid peroxidation but caused a significant increase in the levels of GSH as well in the activities of GR, GST, SOD, CAT and GPx. The results further demonstrated a marked decrease in membrane microviscosity following DMH treatment. On the other hand, a significant increase was observed in the excimer/monomer ratio and fluidity parameter of DMH-treated rats when compared to normal control rats. However, the alterations in membrane microviscosity and the fluidity parameters were significantly restored following A. indica treatment. Further, histological as well as colon surface alterations were also observed following DMH treatment, which however were greatly prevented upon AI co-administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The study, therefore, concludes that A. indica proves to be useful in modulating the colonic surface abnormalities and membrane stability following DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis.

Open-label pilot study of interferon gamma-1b in Friedreich ataxia

OBJECTIVES/AIMS

This is an open-label trial of the safety of interferon gamma-1b (IFN-γ) and its effect on frataxin levels and neurologic measures in 12 children with Friedreich ataxia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Interferon gamma-1b was administered via subcutaneous injection three times weekly. The dose increased from 10 to 50 mcg/m(2) during the first four weeks and then remained at 50 mcg/m(2) for final eight weeks. Safety assessments included laboratory testing, electrocardiogram, and monitoring of adverse events. The primary efficacy outcome measure was frataxin level in whole blood. Secondary measures included frataxin levels in multiple tissues, frataxin mRNA levels, Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) scores and other neurologic evaluations. Statistical analyses were performed via SAS and STATA.

RESULTS

Interferon gamma-1b was well tolerated with no serious adverse events, and only two subjects reporting severe adverse events and subsequent dose reductions. Small but significant changes in frataxin levels were observed in red blood cells, PBMC, and platelets after 12 weeks of treatment. However, the magnitude of change was small and varied between tissues. Mean improvement in FARS score was equivalent to roughly 18 months of disease progression after 12 weeks of treatment (P = 0.008). No other statistically significant changes were observed. No statistically significant relationships were observed between frataxin protein levels, FARS scores, and in vivo IFN-γ levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Interferon gamma-1b improved FARS scores without a clear relationship to changes in frataxin levels. Larger, longer placebo-controlled trials including biochemical assessments in affected tissues are necessary to evaluate fully the efficacy and utility of IFN-γ in FRDA.

DAMGO depresses inhibitory synaptic transmission via different downstream pathways of μ opioid receptors in ventral tegmental area and periaqueductal gray

Opioid-induced rewarding and motorstimulant effects are mediated by an increased activity of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons. The excitatory mechanism of opioids on VTA-DA neurons has been proposed to be due to the depression of GABAergic synaptic transmission in VTA-DA neurons. However, how opioids depress GABAergic synaptic transmission in VTA-DA neurons remain to be studied. In the present study, we explored the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of [D-Ala(2), N-Me-Phe(4), Gly(5)-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) on GABAergic synaptic transmission in VTA-DA neurons using multiple approaches and techniques. Our results showed that (1) DAMGO inhibits GABAergic inputs in VTA-DA neurons at presynaptic sites; (2) effect of DAMGO on GABAergic inputs in VTA-DA neurons is inhibited by potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and Gi protein inhibitor N-ethylmaleimide (NEM); (3) phospholipase A2 (PLA2) does not mediate the effect of DAMGO on GABAergic inputs in VTA-DA neurons, but mediates it in the periaqueductal gray (PAG); (4) multiple downstream signaling molecules of μ receptors do not mediate the effect of DAMGO on GABAergic inputs in VTA-DA neurons. These results suggest that DAMGO depresses inhibitory synaptic transmission via μ receptor-Gi protein-Kv channel pathway in VTA-DA neurons, but via μ receptor-PLA2 pathway in PAG neurons.

Pulsed dye laser therapy for infantile hemangiomas: a systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are common pediatric tumors. This meta-analysis was performed to review the therapeutic efficacy and safety of pulsed dye laser (PDL) in the treatment of IH.

METHODS

Seven databases were searched, including PubMed, OvidSP, Karger, Elsevier, EMBASE, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library. The review collected the characteristics of year of publication, hemangiomas cases, prior treatment, laser parameters, adverse side, pretreatment symptom, and number of response from all articles.

RESULTS

A total of 1580 studies were identified, the first round search retrieved 39 articles met inclusion criteria. Of those, only 13 articles with 1529 hemangiomas were included in the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis demonstrated an overall resolution rate of 89.1% with 6.28% incidence of adverse effect.

CONCLUSION

PDL may be the effective modality to decrease the proliferative phase and accelerate rates of involution and resolution with few adverse events.

Relationship between DNA repair gene XPD751 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and prognosis of colorectal cancer

We examined the relationships between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DNA repair gene XPD751 and the efficacy and time to disease progression (TTP) in colorectal cancer patients after platinum-based chemotherapy. Ninety-eight patients diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer were subjected to oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil combination therapy. DNA was extracted from venous blood before chemotherapy. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used to detect XPD751 SNPs. The relationship between genotypes and prognosis was compared. The frequencies of the XPD751 Lys/Lys, Lys/Gln, and Gln/Gln genotypes were 76 (77.55%), 17 (17.35%), and 5 (5.10%), respectively. The efficiency of XPD751 Lys/Lys, Lys/Gln and Gln/Gln genotypes were 50.00, 29.41, and 20%, respectively. The efficiency rate between XPD751 Lys/Lys and Lys/Gln showed a significant difference (c² = 4.04, P < 0.05). After adjusting for gender, age, and metastasis location, chemotherapy failure in patients carrying XPD751 Lys/Gln was 3.404-fold higher than in patients carrying the Lys/Lys genotype. Median TTP was 304 days (10.1 months) and median TTP in patients with XPD751 Lys/Lys and ≥1 Gln genotype was 340 and 87 days. After comparing TTP in patients carrying Lys/Lys and patients carrying ≥1 Gln, the difference was significant. SNPs in the DNA repair gene XPD751 may be associated with oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy sensitivity in colorectal cancer patients. These polymorphisms may be associated with TTP in patients with advanced colorectal cancer after first-line chemotherapy of oxaliplatin. XPD751 SNPs may be predictive factors of prognosis in colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy.

Sperm aneuploidy and implications for genetic counseling in a pedigree of three t(1;3) balanced translocation carriers

A reciprocal translocation between the short arm of chromosome 1 and the long arm of chromosome 3 was observed in a pedigree of three carriers (proband, and his brother and mother). In this study, the three carriers had different clinical manifestations: the proband with infertility, his brother with spousal miscarriages, and his mother with no adverse reproductive history. Cytogenetic analysis of metaphase chromosomes was performed, and triple-color fluorescence in situ hybridization was applied to the detection of aneuploidy sperm related to the interchromosomal effect (ICE). An increase of aneuploidy of chromosome 21 in the proband and aneuploidy of chromosomes 13, 21, and Y in the brother were observed. Since patients with reciprocal translocations and spermatogenetic impairment are candidates, with their partners, for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the study of the level of sperm aneuploidy rates would provide useful information for couples at risk, as well as contributing to a better understanding of the ICE.

Mutation of the rice ASL2 gene encoding plastid ribosomal protein L21 causes chloroplast developmental defects and seedling death

The plastid ribosome proteins (PRPs) play important roles in plastid protein biosynthesis, chloroplast differentiation and early chloroplast development. However, the specialised functions of individual protein components of the chloroplast ribosome in rice (Oryza sativa) remain unresolved. In this paper, we identified a novel rice PRP mutant named asl2 (Albino seedling lethality 2) exhibiting an albino, seedling death phenotype. In asl2 mutants, the alteration of leaf colour was associated with chlorophyll (Chl) content and abnormal chloroplast development. Through map-based cloning and complementation, the mutated ASL2 gene was isolated and found to encode the chloroplast 50S ribosome protein L21 (RPL21c), a component of the chloroplast ribosome large subunit, which was localised in chloroplasts. ASL2 was expressed at a higher level in the plumule and leaves, implying its tissue-specific expression. Additionally, the expression of ASL2 was regulated by light. The transcript levels of the majority of genes for Chl biosynthesis, photosynthesis and chloroplast development were strongly affected in asl2 mutants. Collectively, the absence of functional ASL2 caused chloroplast developmental defects and seedling death. This report establishes the important role of RPL21c in chloroplast development in rice.

Preliminary study of the effects of β-elemene on MCF-7/ADM breast cancer stem cells

We examined expression differences in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) of the doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADM and doxorubicin-sensitive cell line MCF-7/S. The effects of Chinese medicine β-elemene on BCSCs and resistance protein expression were determined. The serum-free cell culture method was used for cell culture, and morphology was observed to determine the rate of cell sphere formation. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) gene expression. Flow cytometry was used to determine BCRP- and P-gp-positive cell rates and CD44 + CD24-/low cell ratios. Morphological observation and gene amplification showed that compared with MCF-7/S cells, the serum-free cell sphere-forming rate and P-gp and BCRP gene expression levels were higher in MCF-7/ADM cells. Flow cytometry results showed that P-gp and BCRP protein expression in MCF-7/ADM cells was 77.78 ± 9.55% and 32.33 ± 5.12%, respectively, and the CD44 + CD24-/low cell rate was 64.79 ± 11.78%, which were all significantly higher than those in MCF-7/S cells (3.97 ± 1.51, 14.26 ± 2.51, 18.79 ± 3.28%; P < 0.05). β-elemene significantly decreased the serum-free cell sphere-forming rate in MCF-7/ADM cells and BCRP and P-gp gene/protein expression (P < 0.01). The proportion of CD44 + CD24-/low cells was reduced. MCF-7/ADM highly expressed the drug-resistant proteins BCRP and P-gp, which can be used for long-term in vitro culture and as a seed cell for studies of BCSCs. β-elemene can inhibit BCSC and the sphere-forming rate in MCF-7/ADM cells and reduce BCRP expression.

Piperine inhibit inflammation, alveolar bone loss and collagen fibers breakdown in a rat periodontitis model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Piperine exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, and has a long history of medicinal use. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of piperine on inflammation, alveolar bone and collagen fibers in experimental periodontitis. We evaluated the related expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 and MMP-13 to enhance insight into these effects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups of eight animals each: control group, periodontitis group, periodontitis plus 50 mg/kg piperine group and periodontitis plus 100 mg/kg piperine group. Histopathologic changes were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Alveolar bone loss and trabecula microstructures were evaluated by micro-computed tomography. Changes in collagen fibers were assessed by picrosirius red staining. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-8 and MMP-13.

RESULTS

Piperine clearly inhibited alveolar bone loss and reformed trabecula microstructures in a dose-dependent manner. Histological staining showed that piperine significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammation in soft tissues. Both doses of piperine limited the fractions of degraded areas in collagen fibers. Piperine (100 mg/kg) significantly downregulated the expressions of IL-1β, MMP-8 and MMP-13 in periodontitis, but not that of TNF-α.

CONCLUSION

Piperine displays significantly protective effects on inflammation, alveolar bone loss, bone microstructures and collagen fiber degradation in experimental periodontitis. The effects may be ascribed to its inhibitory activity on the expressions of IL-1β, MMP-8 and MMP-13.

Effect of estrogen deficiency on the fixation of titanium implants in chronic kidney disease mice

We established a chronic kidney disease (CKD) mouse model with estrogen deficiency and inserted titanium implants into the femur of such mice to investigate the fixation of the implants. Both the histomorphometry and implant resistance indicated that estrogen deficiency impaired the fixation of titanium implants inserted into such mice.

INTRODUCTION

CKD has been regarded as a worldwide public health problem. Estrogen is a critical factor for both renal protection and bone remodeling. A previous study demonstrated that CKD impairs the early healing of titanium implants. However, the combined effect of estrogen deficiency and CKD on the fixation of titanium implants is largely unknown.

METHODS

Forty 9-week-old female C57BL mice were randomly divided into sham, ovariectomy (OVX), CKD, and CKD + OVX groups. Uremia and estrogen deficiency were induced by 5/6 nephrectomy and OVX, respectively. Experimental titanium implants were inserted into the distal end of the femur. Bone-implant contact (BIC) ratio and bone volume (BV/TV) around the implants were histomorphometrically analyzed. The fixation strength of the implant was measured by a biomechanical push-in resistance test.

RESULTS

Serum measurement confirmed a significant increase in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the CKD group, which was further increased by OVX. Estrogen deficiency led to significant decreases in the BIC ratio, BV/TV, and the push-in resistance in CKD animals. There was a significant interaction between the effects of OVX and CKD, with OVX exacerbating the effects of CKD on BIC ratio and push-in resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that estrogen deficiency exerts a synergistic effect with CKD and further impairs the fixation of titanium implants in CKD mice.

RANKL inhibits cell proliferation by regulating MALAT1 expression in a human osteoblastic cell line hFOB 1.19

Receptor activator of NF&mdash;&#954;B ligand (RANKL), a TNF&mdash;related protein, is a key factor regulating bone metabolism. It has been well known that RANKL&mdash;mediated signaling regulates the formation, activation and survival of osteoclast in normal bone modeling and remodeling, and also plays an important role in a variety of pathologic conditions. However, there is no direct evidence about the effect of RANKL on osteoblast. Herein, we investigated whether RANKL had effect on cell proliferation in a normal human fetal osteoblastic cell line hFOB 1.19. MTT assay showed that RANKL inhibited hFOB 1.19 cells growth in a dose&mdash;dependent and time&mdash;dependent manner. Importantly, we found that RANKL induced the expression of a lncRNA, MALAT1, for the first time. Knockdown of RANK by siRNA blocked the induction of MALAT1 by RANKL. By infection with MALAT1 siRNA, MALAT1 knockdown reversed RANKL&mdash;induced cells growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest. In addition, MALAT1 also regulated OPG expression in hFOB 1.19 cells. In conclusion, RANKL, binding to its receptor RANK, inhibited cell proliferation via MALAT1 upregulation in osteoblast cells in vitro.

Association between p53 codon 72 polymorphisms and clinical outcome of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

We conducted a cohort study to investigate whether polymorphisms in p53 at codon 72 are associated with tumor response and survival time of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with radiotherapy. The study population included 127 subjects with NPC who were enrolled at Binzhou Medical University between September 2008 and December 2009. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess the association between polymorphisms in the p53 gene and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of NPC patients. During the follow-up period, 42 patients died and 72 patients showed progression at the end of the study. Of the 127 patients, median PFS was 22.5 ± 1.2 months (1-36 months), and the median OS time was 28.2 ± 1.1 months (2-36 months). The p53 codon 72 Pro/Pro genotype was associated with a longer median PFS time of 30.3 months compared with 18.2 months for patients with Arg/Arg variants. Moreover, the p53 codon 72 Pro/ Pro genotype was associated with a longer median OS time of 31.6 months compared with 25.8 months for those with Arg/Arg variants; the P value was marginally significant. We showed that variants in p53 codon 72 may be an independent predictor for PFS and OS of NPC patients.

Identification of promoter polymorphisms in the cytochrome P450 CYP6AY1 linked with insecticide resistance in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

Imidacloprid resistance in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, is primarily the result of the over-expression of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. Here, a field-collected strain of N. lugens was shown to be highly resistant to both imidacloprid and buprofezin. Insecticide exposure and quantitative real-time PCR revealed that its resistance was mainly associated with a cytochrome P450 gene, CYP6AY1. CYP6AY1 is known to metabolize imidacloprid but its effect on buprofezin is unclear. In the 5'-untranslated region of CYP6AY1, a novel alternative splicing was detected. After a 1990-bp promoter region was cloned, its basal luciferase activity was assessed. Furthermore, genotyping studies identified 12 variations in the promoter region that discriminated between the field-collected and control strain. Finally, survival bioassays revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism and an insertion-deletion polymorphism linked to buprofezin and imidacloprid resistance. Mutagenesis of these sites enhanced the promoter activity of CYP6AY1. These results suggest that promoter polymorphisms may affect P450-mediated multiple insecticide resistance of pests.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor accelerates gut motility in slow-transit constipation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may play a critical role in gut motility. We aimed to investigate BDNF's physiologic effects on gut motility in slow-transit constipation (STC) and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

BDNF expression and alterations of colonic nerve fibre density in STC patients were first investigated. BDNF's effects on gastrointestinal motility of both BDNF(+/-) mice and loperamide-induced constipation mice were then examined in vivo and in vitro. Smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA) expression, and nerve fibre, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and smooth muscle cell (SMC) alterations were investigated. Finally, the effects of BDNF-induced TrkB-phospholipase C/inositol trisphosphate (TrkB-PLC/IP3) pathway activation on gut motility were investigated.

RESULTS

In STC patients, BDNF expression and nerve fibre density were decreased, and mucosal nerve fibre ultrastructural degenerations were demonstrated. Gut motility was decreased in vivo and in vitro in BDNF(+/-) and constipation mice, with BDNF dose-dependently increasing gut motility. In BDNF(+/-) mice, α-SMA expression and nerve fibre density were decreased, and nerve fibre, NMJ and SMC ultrastructural degenerations were observed. Finally, TrkB-PLC/IP3 pathway antagonists dramatically attenuated BDNF's excitatory effect on gut motility, and exogenous BDNF induced an obvious increase in IP3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

BDNF plays an important regulatory role in gut motility in STC. It was mediated by altering the intestinal innervation structure, as well as smooth muscle secondary degeneration through a mechanism involving TrkB-PLC/IP3 pathway activation.

Stimulated release of a hyperpolarizing factor (ADHF) from mesenteric artery perivascular adipose tissue: involvement of myocyte BKCa channels and adiponectin

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) releases adipocyte-derived hyperpolarizing factors (ADHFs) that may partly act by opening myocyte K(+) channels. The present study in rat and mouse mesenteric arteries aimed to identify the myocyte K(+) channel activated by PVAT and to determine whether adiponectin contributed to the hyperpolarizing effects of PVAT.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Myocyte membrane potential was recorded from de-endothelialized, non-contracted rat and mouse mesenteric arteries in the presence and absence of PVAT.

KEY RESULTS

The β3 -adrenoceptor agonist, CL-316,243 (10 μM), generated PVAT-dependent, iberiotoxin-sensitive myocyte hyperpolarizations resulting from BKCa channel opening and which were partially blocked by L-NMMA (100 μM). Adiponectin (5 μg·mL(-1) ) also produced iberiotoxin-sensitive hyperpolarizations in PVAT-denuded arterioles. Activation of myocyte AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) using 5 μM A-769662 also induced BKCa -mediated hyperpolarizations. Dorsomorphin abolished hyperpolarizations to CL-316,243, adiponectin and A-769662. In vessels from Adipo(-/-) mice, hyperpolarizations to CL-316,243 were absent whereas those to A-769662 and adiponectin were normal. In rat vessels, adipocyte-dependent hyperpolarizations were blocked by glibenclamide and clotrimazole but those to NS1619 (33 μM) were unaltered.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Under basal, non-contracted conditions, β3 -adrenoceptor stimulation of PVAT releases an ADHF, which is probably adiponectin. This activates AMPK to open myocyte BKCa channels indirectly and additionally liberates NO, which also contributes to the observed PVAT-dependent myocyte hyperpolarizations. Clotrimazole and glibenclamide each reversed hyperpolarizations to adiponectin and A-769662, suggesting the involvement of myocyte TRPM4 channels in the ADHF-induced myocyte electrical changes mediated via the opening of BKCa channels.

Temporal dynamics and population genetic structure of Fusarium graminearum in the upper Midwestern United States

Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto causes Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat and barley, and contaminates grains with several trichothecene mycotoxins, causing destructive yield losses and economic impact in the United States. Recently, a F. graminearum strain collected from Minnesota (MN) was determined to produce a novel trichothecene toxin, called NX-2. In order to determine the spatial and temporal dynamics of NX-2 producing strains in MN, North Dakota (ND) and South Dakota (SD), a total of 463 F. graminearum strains were collected from three sampling periods, 1999-2000, 2006-2007 and 2011-2013. A PCR-RFLP based diagnostic test was developed and validated for NX-2 producing strains based on polymorphisms in the Tri1 gene. Trichothecene biosynthesis gene (Tri gene)-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and ten PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers were used to genotype all strains. NX-2 strains were detected in each sampling period but with a very low overall frequency (2.8%) and were mainly collected near the borders of MN, ND and SD. Strains with the 3ADON chemotype were relatively infrequent in 1999-2000 (4.5%) but increased to 29.4% in 2006-2007 and 17.2% in 2011-2013. The distribution of 3ADON producing strains also expanded from a few border counties between ND and MN in 1999-2000, southward toward the border between SD and MN in 2006-2007 and westward in 2011-2013. Genetic differentiation between 2006-2007 and 2011-2013 populations (3%) was much lower than that between 1999-2000 and 2006-2007 (22%) or 1999-2000 and 2011-2013 (20%) suggesting that most change to population genetic structure of F. graminearum occurred between 1999-2000 and 2006-2007. This change was associated with the emergence of a new population consisting largely of individuals with a 3ADON chemotype. A Bayesian clustering analysis suggested that NX-2 chemotype strains are part of a previously described Upper Midwestern population. However, these analyses also suggest that the NX-2 isolates could represent a distinct population, but that interpretations of population assignment are influenced by the small number of NX-2 strains available for analysis.

microRNA-221 and microRNA-18a identification in stool as potential biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The detection of microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation in stool is a novel approach for the diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The aim of this study is to investigate the use of miR-221 and miR-18a in stool samples as non-invasive biomarkers for CRC diagnosis.

METHODS

A miRNA expression array containing 667 miRNAs was performed to identify miRNA dysregulation in CRC tissues. We focused on miR-221 and miR-18a, two significantly upregulated miRNAs which were subsequently verified in 40 pairs of CRC tissues and 595 stool samples (198 CRCs, 199 polyps and 198 normal controls).

RESULTS

miR-221 and miR-18a were upregulated in the miRNA expression array. miR-221 and miR-18a levels were also significantly higher in 40 CRC tumours compared with their respective adjacent normal tissues. In stool samples, miR-221 and miR-18a showed a significant increasing trend from normal controls to late stages of CRC (P<0.0001). The levels of stool miR-221 and miR-18a were both significantly higher in subjects with stages I+II (miR-221: P<0.0001, miR-18a: P<0.0001) and stages III+IV of CRC (miR-221: P=0.0004, miR-18a: P<0.0001) compared with normal controls. The AUC of stool miR-221 and miR-18a were 0.73 and 0.67 for CRC patients as compared with normal controls, respectively. No significant differences in stool miR-221 and miR-18a levels were found between patients with proximal and distal CRCs. The use of antibiotics did not influence stool miRNA-221 and miRNA-18a levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Stool-based miR-221 can be used as a non-invasive biomarker for the detection of CRC.

Modulation of interhemispheric functional coordination in electroconvulsive therapy for depression

Considerable evidence suggests that depression is related to interhemispheric functional coordination deficits. For depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most rapid and effective therapy, but its underlying mechanism remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of ECT on the interhemispheric functional coordination in depression patients. We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to observe the change of interhemispheric functional coordination with the method of voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) in 11 depressed patients before and after ECT, compared with 15 healthy controls. The results showed that, compared with depression patients before ECT, VMHC was significantly increased in superior frontal gyri (BA 8), middle frontal gyri (two clusters: BA 8/9 and BA 10) and angular gyri (BA 39) in depression patients after ECT. Compared with healthy controls, VMHC in those areas was significantly lower in the middle frontal gyri (BA 8/9) and angular gyri (BA 39) in depression patients before ECT, but no significant difference was observed in the superior frontal gyri (BA 8) and middle frontal gyri (BA 10). There was no significant correlation between the changes of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores and changed VMHC values in those four areas in depression patients. The results suggest that ECT selectively modulated interhemispheric functional coordination in depression patients. Such may play an important mechanistic role in the treatment of depression, and may afford a useful avenue for optimizing treatment.