Association of Germline Variants in Human DNA Damage Repair Genes and Response to Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Resected Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The frequency and significance of the germline variants in DNA damage repair genes still need to be elucidated in patients with sporadic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our purpose was to determine whether germline variants in DNA damage repair genes were associated with survival of patients with sporadic PDAC.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively identified 854 patients with sporadic PDAC with germline DNA sequenced in targeted 22 DNA damage repair genes by next-generation sequencing. Outcomes were compared in terms of clinicopathologic features, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Nineteen patients had deleterious mutations; 103 had variant(s) of unknown significance (VUS). Germline DNA damage repair deleterious variant carriers had superior DFS (median, 19.1 months vs 11.9 months, p = 0.012) and OS (median, 29.7 months vs 20.2 months, p = 0.034), as compared with wild-type patients. Germline DNA damage repair VUS variant carriers also had superior DFS when compared with wild-type patients. In subgroup analysis, this improved survival was limited to patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, deleterious variant carriers vs wild-type patients DFS (median 36.3 months vs 13.1 months, p = 0.006) and OS (median 43.7 months vs 24.3 months, p = 0.045), VUS variant carriers vs wild-type patients DFS (16.5 months vs 13.1 months, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Having a deleterious variant in a DNA damage repair gene is associated with improved survival after resection and adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

STEM electron beam-induced current measurements of organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells

We describe a new approach for preparing organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells for electron beam-induced current (EBIC) measurements in plan-view geometry. This method substantially reduces sample preparation artefacts, provides good electrical contact and keeps the preparation steps as close as possible to those for real devices. Our EBIC images were acquired simultaneously with annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy images using a home-made highly sensitive EBIC amplifier. High-angle annular dark-field images and energy dispersive X-ray maps were recorded from the same area immediately afterwards. This allowed the EBIC contrast to be correlated with regions containing N and a deficiency of O. The EBIC contrast was also found to be similar to secondary electron contrast recorded with a scanning electron microscope. By identifying the generation and absorption electron processes, we determine that EBIC cannot be separated from the secondary electron and absorbed currents. This means that careful analysis needs to be performed before conclusions can be made on the origin of the current measured across p-n or p-i-n junctions.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor as a biomarker for prognosis of minor ischemic stroke

Objectives Although vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known molecule involved with neuronal survival and angiogenesis. there are no prospective studies directed at evaluating a potential association between serum VEGF and minor ischemic stroke. The goal of this study was to investigate the utility of serum VEGF as an index for assessing the 90-day prognosis of minor ischemic stroke patients. Methods Records of acute minor stroke patients (N = 225) and those of age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects (N = 225) were prospectively reviewed. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were evaluated. Serum samples collected from these stroke patients immediately after admission were assessed for VEGF levels and compared with those of control subjects. Results Serum VEGF levels were significantly increased in stroke patients (40.01 ± 16.48 pg/mL) as compared with those of controls (32.98 ± 10.35 pg/mL). No statistically significant differences in serum VEGF levels were obtained among the three stroke subtypes analyzed in this study (large-artery atherosclerosis, small-artery occlusion and other types of brain infarction). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that serum VEGF levels and cerebral artery stenosis ≥ 50 % were independently associated with an unfavorable outcome. Unfavorable outcome rates were significantly greater in stroke patients showing VEGF levels in the upper quartiles of the distribution, and these VEGF levels were found to serve as a significant predictor of unfavorable outcomes in these minor ischemic stroke patients. Conclusion Increased serum VEGF may serve as an independent predictor of an unfavorable outcome in minor ischemic stroke.

Pure transanal endoscopic colectomy for ascending colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that pure transanal endoscopic surgery is safe and feasible in the treatment of rectal cancer. However, the role of pure transanal endoscopic colectomy in ascending colon cancer (ACC) treatment has not been evaluated. We report a case of transanal endoscopic surgery for ACC.

METHODS

A 35-year-old woman was treated for ACC, using a transanal endoscopic surgery device as the operation platform, and pure transanal endoscopic right hemicolectomy without transabdominal assistance was safely performed. An instrument suture, side-to-side, ileocolic anastomosis was performed. Operative time was 245 min and intraoperative blood loss was 60 ml.

RESULTS

The patient recovered well from the surgery. Compared with the traditional approach, this approach was less invasive and resulted in satisfactory outcomes and cosmesis (no scar).

CONCLUSIONS

Application of pure transanal endoscopic colectomy without abdominal assistance to ACC appears to be feasible and safe.

[Technological innovation and patent transformation in rectal cancer surgery]

Surgery for rectal cancer has obtained quick improvement in techniques and concepts in recent years but still has challenging areas. Colorectal surgeons always seek to make operations clearer and easier, so that surgery can be safer and less time-consuming while guaranteeing surgical goals. With this purpose, our team have explored to make innovations in operations for rectal cancer and translate relevant patents from 2009. We summarize our achievements in this article as follows: (1) Reverse Miles operation (perineal operation first then laparoscopic abdominal operation) with two relevant patents-specialized instruments bag for laparoscopic operations (patent number ZL201520442331.0) and accessory spotlight for ultrasound scalpel (patent number ZL20102 0137689.X). (2) Laparoscopic sphincter-saving surgery for low rectal cancer through marker meeting approach with two patents-vacuum rectal drainage tube with functions of irrigation and ventilation (patent number ZL201520374385.8) and sterile sleeve cover of ultrasound scalpel handle (patent number ZL201920648102.2). (3) Laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer and natural orifice specimen extraction. Different methods were designed according to the location of the tumor that classified as 20-40 cm, 10-20 cm and 5-10 cm to anus. Two relevant patents were specialized instruments for natural orifice specimen extraction (patent application number ZL2017101480141) and plastic film sleeve for natural orifice specimen extraction (patent application number ZL 201921169857.0). Reformation of surgical technique and innovation of surgical instruments should be conducted by surgeons with innovative thinking who always seek the way to translate ideas to patents and then real products to promote surgical treatment.

The microbiome of diabetic foot ulcers: a comparison of swab and tissue biopsy wound sampling techniques using 16S rRNA gene sequencing

Background

Health-care professionals need to collect wound samples to identify potential pathogens that contribute to wound infection. Obtaining appropriate samples from diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) where there is a suspicion of infection is of high importance. Paired swabs and tissue biopsies were collected from DFUs and both sampling techniques were compared using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Mean bacterial abundance determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was significantly lower in tissue biopsies (p = 0.03). The mean number of reads across all samples was significantly higher in wound swabs \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ \Big(\overline{X} $$\end{document}(X¯ = 32,014) compared to tissue (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ \overline{X} $$\end{document}X¯ = 15,256, p = 0.001). Tissue biopsies exhibited greater overall diversity of bacteria relative to swabs (Shannon’s H diversity p = 0.009). However, based on a presence/absence analysis of all paired samples, the frequency of occurrence of bacteria from genera of known and potential pathogens was generally higher in wound swabs than tissue biopsies. Multivariate analysis identified significantly different bacterial communities in swabs compared to tissue (p = 0.001). There was minimal correlation between paired wound swabs and tissue biopsies in the number and types of microorganisms. RELATE analysis revealed low concordance between paired DFU swab and tissue biopsy samples (Rho = 0.043, p = 0.34).

Conclusions

Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing this study identifies the potential for using less invasive swabs to recover high relative abundances of known and potential pathogen genera from DFUs when compared to the gold standard collection method of tissue biopsy.

FRI0128 FILGOTINIB PROVIDED RAPID AND SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENTS IN FUNCTIONAL STATUS, PAIN, HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE, AND FATIGUE IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO METHOTREXATE: RESULTS FROM THE FINCH 1 STUDY

Background:

In the FINCH 1 study, filgotinib (FIL)—an oral, potent, selective Janus kinase 1 inhibitor—in combination with methotrexate (MTX) provided significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients (pts) with inadequate response to MTX.1While EULAR guidelines recommend a treat-to-target approach focusing on reducing inflammation to prevent joint damage, physical disability, and mortality, pts consider control of pain and fatigue, along with maintenance of physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), to be important aspects for their care.2,3

Objectives:

To evaluate the rate and magnitude of change in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from FINCH 1.

Methods:

In the FINCH 1 study (NCT02889796), pts with active RA received oral FIL 200 mg + MTX, FIL 100 mg + MTX, PBO + MTX, or subcutaneous adalimumab (ADA) 40 mg + MTX for up to 52 weeks (W); pts receiving PBO at W24 were rerandomised 1:1 to FIL 100 or 200 mg. PROs included the HAQ-DI and VAS pain scale, SF-36, and FACIT-Fatigue questionnaire. The change from baseline (CFB) at each time point was assessed up to W52 for each treatment group. The mixed-effects model for repeated measures was used to compare each FIL group with PBO for the CFB at each time point through W24. The logistic regression model was used to compare each FIL group with PBO for the proportion of pts achieving the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of ≥0.22 reduction in CFB in HAQ-DI at each time point through W24.

Results:

Of 1755 pts randomised and treated (475 FIL 200 mg + MTX; 480 FIL 100 mg + MTX; 325 ADA + MTX; and 475 PBO + MTX), 1417 (80.7%) received study drug through W52. As early as W2 through W24, pts receiving either dose of FIL experienced nominally significantly greater (p <0.001) CFB in HAQ-DI and VAS pain scale than those receiving PBO; CFB improvements were maintained through W52 (Fig 1A, B). At W2, compared with PBO (40.2%), a nominally significantly greater proportion of pts achieved the HAQ-DI MCID in both the FIL 200 (52.5%; p <0.001) and 100 mg (46.7%; p = 0.043) groups. This benefit vs PBO was maintained up to W24 and the proportion of pts who achieved a HAQ-DI reduction of ≥0.22 remained ≥75.8% in the FIL 200 mg group and ≥71.5% in the FIL 100 mg group from W12 through W52. FIL provided nominally significantly greater improvement in HRQoL vs PBO at W4 and W12 for both the CFB of the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) (p <0.001) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) (p ≤0.006); nominal significance was also seen at W24 for CFB of SF-36 PCS (Fig 2A, B). By W4, pts receiving either dose of FIL reported a nominally significantly greater mean CFB in FACIT-Fatigue scores vs PBO (p <0.001); significance was maintained through W24 and improvement in reported fatigue continued through W52 in the FIL groups (Fig 2C). In general, CFB for HAQ-DI, VAS pain scale, and FACIT-Fatigue observed for the FIL groups was higher or comparable to ADA at various time points (Fig 1, 2).

Conclusion:

Both doses of FIL provided rapid and sustained improvements in functional status, pain, HRQoL, and fatigue compared with PBO for pts with RA and inadequate response to MTX throughout the 52-week period.

References:

[1]Combe BG, et al.Ann Rheum Dis.2019;78 (Suppl 2):A77.

[2]Fautrel B, et al.Rheumatol Int.2018;38:935–47.

[3]Smolen JS, et al.Ann Rheum Dis.2017;76:960–77.

Disclosure of Interests:

Alan Kivitz Shareholder of: AbbVie, Amgen, Gilead, GSK, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim,,Flexion, Genzyme, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, Sanofi, SUN Pharma Advanced Research, UCB, Paid instructor for: Celgene, Genzyme, Horizon, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Flexion, Genzyme, Horizon, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, Sanofi, Yoshiya Tanaka Grant/research support from: Asahi-kasei, Astellas, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Chugai, Takeda, Sanofi, Bristol-Myers, UCB, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Pfizer, and Ono, Consultant of: Abbvie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Daiichi-Sankyo, Astellas, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, AbbVie, YL Biologics, Bristol-Myers, Takeda, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Novartis, Eisai, Janssen, Sanofi, UCB, and Teijin, Susan Lee Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Lei Ye Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Hao Hu Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Robin Besuyen Shareholder of: Galapagos, Employee of: Galapagos, Bernard Combe Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen; Eli Lilly and Company; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; UCB

Rational design and latest advances of codelivery systems for cancer therapy

Current treatments have limited effectiveness in treating tumors. The combination of multiple drugs or treatment strategies is widely studied to improve therapeutic effect and reduce adverse effects of cancer therapy. The codelivery system is the key to realize combined therapies. It is necessary to design and construct different codelivery systems in accordance with the variable structures and properties of cargoes and vectors. This review presented the typical design considerations about codelivery vectors for cancer therapy and described the current state of codelivery systems from two aspects: different types of vectors and collaborative treatment strategies. The commonly used loading methods of cargoes into the vectors, including physical and chemical processes, are discussed in detail. Finally, we outline the challenges and perspectives about the improvement of codelivery systems.

Overweight and obesity status from the prenatal period to adolescence and its association with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in young adults: cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of maternal and child overweight status across multiple time-points with liver fat content in the offspring during young adulthood.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

ELEMENT Cohort in Mexico City.

POPULATION

Pregnant women with singleton births (n = 97).

METHODS

We quantified hepatic triglyceride content (liver fat content) by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) and conventional T2-weighted MRIs (3T scanner) in 97 young adults from the ELEMENT birth cohort in Mexico City. Historical records of the cohort were used as a source of pregnancy, and childhood and adolescence anthropometric information, overweight and obesity (OWOB) were defined. Adjusted structural equation models were run to identify the association between OWOB in different life stages with liver fat content (log-transformed) in young adulthood.

MAIN OUTCOME

Maternal OWOB at the time of delivery was directly and indirectly associated with the liver fat content in the offspring at young adulthood.

RESULTS

Seventeen percent of the participants were classified as having NAFLD. We found a strong association of OWOB between all periods assessed. Maternal OWOB at time of delivery (β = 1.97, 95% CI 1.28-3.05), and OWOB status in the offspring at young adulthood (β = 3.17, 95% CI 2.10-4.77) were directly associated with the liver fat content in the offspring. Also, maternal OWOB was indirectly associated with liver fat content through offspring OWOB status.

CONCLUSION

We found that maternal OWOB status is related to fatty liver content in the offspring as young adults, even after taking into account OWOB status and lifestyle factors in the offspring.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

There was an association between pre-pregnancy overweight and the development of NAFLD in adult offspring.

Contribution of usage to endoscope working channel damage and bacterial contamination

BACKGROUND

Biofilm formation has been shown to be associated with damaged areas of endoscope channels. It was hypothesized that the passage of instruments and brushes through endoscope channels during procedures and cleaning contributes to channel damage, bacterial attachment and biofilm formation.

AIM

To compare surface roughness and bacterial attachment in used and new endoscope channels in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

Surface roughness of 10 clinically used (retired) and seven new colonoscope biopsy channels was analysed by a surface profiler. For the in-vitro study, a flexible endoscope biopsy forceps was passed repeatedly through a curved 3.0-mm-diameter Teflon tube 100, 200 and 500 times. Atomic force microscopy was used to determine the degree of inner surface damage. The number of Escherichia coli or Enterococcus faecium attached to the inner surface of the new Teflon tube and the tube with 500 forceps passes in 1 h at 37^oC was determined by culture.

RESULTS

The average surface roughness of the used biopsy channels was found to be 1.5 times greater than that of the new biopsy channels (P=0.03). Surface roughness of Teflon tubes with 100, 200 and 500 forceps passes was 1.05-, 1.12- and 3.2-fold (P=0.025) greater than the roughness of the new Teflon tubes, respectively. The number of E. coli and E. faecium attached to Teflon tubes with 500 forceps passes was 2.9-fold (P=0.021) and 4.3-fold (P=0.004) higher compared with the number of E. coli and E. faecium attached to the new Teflon tubes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

An association was found between endoscope usage with damage to the biopsy channel and increased bacterial attachment.

Three-field versus two-field lymphadenectomy in transthoracic oesophagectomy for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: short-term outcomes of a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The benefit and harm of three-field lymphadenectomy for oesophageal cancer are still unknown. The aim of this study was to compare overall survival and morbidity and mortality between three- and two-field lymphadenectomy in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

Between March 2013 and November 2016, patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the middle or distal oesophagus were assigned randomly to open oesophagectomy with three-field (cervical-thoracic-abdominal) or two-field (thoracic-abdominal) lymphadenectomy. No chemo(radio) therapy was given before surgery. This paper reports on the secondary outcomes of the study: pathology and surgical complications.

RESULTS

Some 400 patients were randomized, 200 in each group. A median of 37 (i.q.r. 30-49) lymph nodes were dissected in the three-field group, compared with 24 (18-30) in the two-field group (P < 0·001). Some 43 of 200 patients (21·5 per cent) in the three-field group had cervical lymph node metastasis. More patients in the three-field group had pN3 disease: 21 of 200 (10·5 per cent) versus 10 of 200 (5·0 per cent) (P = 0·040). The rate and severity of postoperative complications were comparable between the two groups, except that six patients in the three-field arm needed reintubation compared with none in the two-field group (3·0 versus 0 per cent; P = 0·030). The 90-day mortality rate was 0 per cent in the three-field group and 0·5 per cent (1 patient) in the two-field group (P = 1·000).

CONCLUSION

Oesophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy increased the number of lymph nodes dissected and led to stage migration owing to a 21·5 per cent rate of cervical lymph node metastasis. Postoperative complications were largely comparable between two- and three-field lymphadenectomy. Registration number: NCT01807936 ( https://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

MicroRNA-140-5p suppresses invasion and proliferation of glioma cells by targeting glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL)

Glutamine addiction is a major feature of glioma cells and plays an important role in its growth and proliferation. GLUL (glutamate-ammonia ligase), which catalyzes glutamate and ammonia to synthesize glutamine, plays a crucial role in tumor growth and proliferation. We attempt to determine a pathway that limits the growth of glioma by targeting GLUL and explore effective strategies blocking glutamine metabolism. We note that miRNAs mediate regulation of genes participating directly or indirectly in cancer cell metabolism. The regulatory roles of miRNAs on metabolic enzymes are widely discussed, however miRNAs regulation of glutamine metabolism by targeting GLUL in glioma has not yet been reported. Here, we examined both the expression and functions of GLUL in glioma cells. Findings indicated that the expression of GLUL was upregulated in high-grade compared to low-grade glioma cells. Knockdown of GLUL effectively inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells in vitro. Bioinformatics analyses, as well as dual-luciferase reporter assays, revealed that miR-140-5p bound to GLUL mRNA at the 3'-UTR location. Furthermore, the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells were also repressed by miR-140-5p. Overall, these results showed that miR-140-5p exerted its inhibitory effects on proliferation, migration and invasion in glioma cells through downregulating GLUL. Thus, the miR-140-5p/GLUL axis may function as a potential target for glioma treatment.

Lymphocyte to Monocyte Ratio Predicts Resectability and Early Recurrence of Bismuth-Corlette Type IV Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The objective of our research was to investigate the value of the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and its dynamic changes (LMRc) in predicting tumor resectability and early recurrence of radiologically resectable type IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC).

METHODS

A total of 411 patients with radiologically resectable type IV HC were included. Data on their clinicopathologic characteristics, perioperative features, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to assess the ability of preoperative LMR (pre-LMR) to predict tumor resectability, and the ability of postoperative LMR (post-LMR) to discriminate between early and late recurrence. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with resectability and early recurrence.

RESULTS

Of 411 patients with potentially curative type IV HC, 254 underwent curative surgery. The optimal cutoff value of pre-LMR as an indicator of resectability was 3.67, and the optimal cutoff value of post-LMR for detecting early recurrence was 4.10. In the multivariate logistic regression model, CA19-9 > 200 U/mL, pre-LMR ≤ 3.67, and tumor size > 3 cm were found to be independent risk factors for poor resectability. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that LMRc, resection margin, AJCC N stage, and lymphovascular invasion were independent risk factors associated with early recurrence.

DISCUSSION

Pre-LMR is a valuable indicator of resectability and LMRc is a valuable predictor of early recurrence in patients with curative type IV HC.

Association of Circulating Retinol and α-TOH Levels with Cognitive Function in Aging Subject with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition of vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol, α-TOH) was observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or dementia patients. However, how these vitamins affect cognitive function of subjects with T2DM was seldom reported. The objective of this study was to determine the association of circulating retinol and α-TOH with cognition in aging subjects with T2DM.

METHODS

A total of 448 T2DM subjects and 448 age, gender and education matched control subjects (aged 55-75 years) were included in the study. Demographic characters of the participants were collected. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) method was used to collect dietary intake information. To assess the status of cognition, the MoCA test was used. Circulating retinol and α-TOH levels were compared between T2DM and non-T2DM subjects. Correlation of circulating retinol and α-TOH levels with cognitive function was analyzed in T2DM subjects. The effect of serum retinol and α-TOH levels on the risk of MCI in T2DM patients was explored.

RESULTS

We found that T2DM-MCI subjects demonstrate lower serum retinol level than T2DM-nonMCI subjects (P < 0.01). Serum retinol level was positively correlated to cognitive function in T2DM subject (P < 0.05). T2DM subjects with higher circulating retinol level demonstrate higher cognitive scores in visual and executive, attention, language, memory and delayed recall domains (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Diminished circulating retinol predicts an increased risk of MCI in T2DM patients. Our findings provide suggestions that optimal retinol nutritional status might benefit cognition and decrease the risk of MCI in aging subjects with T2DM.

Reconfigurable sensor and nanoantenna by graphene-tuned Fano resonance

With the rapid developments in compact devices, the multi-function and reconfigurability of nanostructures are highly appreciated, while still very challenging. A majority of devices are usually mono-functional or hard to switch between different functions in one design. In this paper, we proposed graphene-wrapped core-shell nanowires to realize real-time reconfigurable sensors and nanoantenna by tuning the Fermi energies of graphene layers at the surfaces of core and shell, respectively. Owing to the electromagnetic coupling between the two graphene layer, two corresponding Fano resonances of scattering can arise in the Terahertz spectrum, which arises from the interference of bright modes and dark modes. Around the Fano resonances, the scattering can be considerably resonant (as an antenna) or suppressed (as a sensor). Interestingly, the field distributions are distinct at the suppressed scattering states for the two Fano resonances. The presented reconfigurable nanostructures may offer promising potentials for integrated and multi-functional electromagnetic control such as dynamic sensing and emission.

Identification of New QTL Contributing to Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus-PAV (BYDV-PAV) Resistance in Wheat

Barley yellow dwarf (BYD) is a major virus disease which dramatically reduces wheat yield. Introducing BYD resistance genes into commercial varieties has been proven to be effective in reducing damage caused by barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). However, only one major resistance gene is readily deployable for breeding; Bdv2 derived from Thinopyrum intermedium is deployed as a chromosomal translocation. In this study, a double haploid (DH) population was developed from a cross between XuBYDV (introduced from China showing very good resistance to BYD) and H-120 (a BYD-sensitive Chinese accession), and was used to identify QTL for BYD resistance. The population was genotyped using an Infinium iSelect bead chip array targeting 90K gene-based SNPs. The disease resistance of DH lines inoculated with BYDV was assessed at the heading stage. The infections were assessed by tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA). Three new QTL were identified on chromosomes 5A, 6A, and 7A for both symptom and TBIA, with all three resistance alleles being inherited from XuBYDV. Some DH lines with the resistance alleles from all three QTL showed high level resistance to BYD. These new QTL will be useful in breeding programs for pyramiding BYD resistance genes.