Long non-coding RNA SNHG16 promotes cell growth and metastasis in ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA SNHG16 in ovarian cancer and to further investigate its role in the development of ovarian cancer as well as its potential regulatory mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of SNHG16 in 103 ovarian cancer tissues and normal tissues; the relationship between the expression of SNHG16 and the pathological parameters of ovarian cancer and the prognosis of patients was also analyzed. qRT-PCR was used to further verify the expression of SNHG16 in the ovarian cancer cells. After establishment of SNHG16 knockdown expression model in ovarian cancer cells SKOV-3 and HO8910 using small interfering RNA, the effect of SNHG16 on biological function of ovarian cancer cells was analyzed via cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), transwell invasion and migration assay. Finally, its potential mechanism was analyzed by Western Blot.

RESULTS

qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of SNHG16 in ovarian cancer was significantly higher than that in normal tissues, and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with patients with lower expression of SNHG16, patients with higher expression of SNHG16 had higher tumor stage, high rate of distant metastasis and low overall survival rate. Compared with the negative control si-NC group, the cell proliferation, invasion and migration ability in SNHG16 knockdown group (si-SNHG16) significantly decreased. Western Blot showed that after knockdown of SNHG16, expressions of P-AKT and MMP9 decreased significantly, while there was no significant change in the total AKT level.

CONCLUSIONS

SNHG16 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer, and was correlated with staging, distant metastasis and poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. SNHG16 may activate phosphorylation of AKT and upregulate the expression of MMP9 to promote cell proliferation, invasion and migration of ovarian cancer.

P4348Early assessment of left ventricular function by layer-specific strain and its relationship to pulsatile arterial load in patients with coronary slow flow

Background

Previous studies reported controversial Left ventricular (LV) function impairment and pathophysiology in patients with coronary slow flow (CSF). Greater arterial load has been shown to increase aortic impedance and endothelial shear stress, potentially affecting coronary anatomy and function. We investigated LV systolic function by a new layer-specific strain technology and assessed the association between pulsatile arterial load and contractility.

Methods and results

A total of 70 patients with CSF and 50 controls with normal coronary angiography were included in the study. Layer-specific longitudinal and circumferential strains were assessed from endocardium, mid-myocardium and epicardium (GLS-endo, GLS-mid, GLS-epi and GCS-endo, GCS-mid, GCS-epi) by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI). Pulsatile arterial load was estimated by indexed arterial compliance (ACI). Layer-specific GLS showed a decreasing gradient from the endocardium to the epicardium in both controls and CSF group. GLS-endo and GLS-mid in CSF group were significantly lower than the control group (all P<0.05). Layer-specific longitudinal strain showed a good correlation with the number of affected coronary arteries (all P<0.05) and the mean thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC) (all P<0.05). ACI was lower in CSF patients (P=0.005) and ACI was correlated negatively with layer-specific GLS (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

Layer-specific evaluation of the LV provides an understanding of the layer-specific properties of the LV wall and the possible process of the LV impairment in patients with CSF. Greater pulsatile arterial load, as manifested by a lower ACI, is coupled with worse LV longitudinal function in CSF patients.

3D-printed Franz type diffusion cells

OBJECTIVE

Franz cells are routinely used to measure in vitro skin permeation of actives and must be inert to the permeant under study. The aim of the present work was to develop and manufacture transparent Franz-type diffusion cells using 3D printing. Printouts were then tested using a range of model active compounds. The study also aims to identify the critical 3D-printing parameters necessary for the process, including object design, choice of printing resin, printout curing and post-curing settings and introduction of model coatings.

METHODS

Transparent Franz cells were constructed using an online computer aided design program and reproduced with different stereolithography 3D printers. The two acrylate-based resins used for the fabrication process were a commercially available product and a polymer synthesised in-house. Comparative studies between glass and 3D-printed Franz cells were conducted with selected model actives: terbinafine hydrochloride (TBF), niacinamide (NIA), diclofenac free acid (DFA) and n-methyl paraben (MPB). In preliminary studies, MPB showed the lowest recovery when exposed to the receptor compartment of 3D printed cells. Consequently, in vitro permeation studies were carried out using only MPB with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane.

RESULTS

A decrease in the amounts of selected compounds was observed for transparent 3D-printed Franz cells compared to glass cells. MPB showed the lowest recovery (53.8 ± 13.1%) when compared with NIA (74.9 ± 4.0%), TBF (81.5 ± 12.0%) and DFA (90.2 ± 12.9%) after 72 h. Permeation studies conducted using 3D-printed transparent cells with PDMS membrane also showed a decrease in MPB recovery of 51.4 ± 3.7% for the commercial resin and 94.4 ± 3.5% for the polymer synthesised in-house, when compared to glass cells. Although hydrophobic coatings were subsequently applied to the 3D-printed cells, the same reduction in MPB concentration was observed in the receptor solution.

CONCLUSION

Transparent Franz cells were successfully prepared using 3D printing and were observed to be robust and leak-proof. There are few resins currently available for preparation of transparent materials and incompatibilities between the actives investigated and the 3D-printed cells were evident. Hydrophobic coatings applied as barriers to the printed materials did not prevent these interactions.

Roles of mTOR Signaling in Tissue Regeneration

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), is a serine/threonine protein kinase and belongs to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-related kinase (PIKK) family. mTOR interacts with other subunits to form two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. mTORC1 coordinates cell growth and metabolism in response to environmental input, including growth factors, amino acid, energy and stress. mTORC2 mainly controls cell survival and migration through phosphorylating glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK), protein kinase B (Akt), and protein kinase C (PKC) kinase families. The dysregulation of mTOR is involved in human diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and epilepsy. Tissue damage caused by trauma, diseases or aging disrupt the tissue functions. Tissue regeneration after injuries is of significance for recovering the tissue homeostasis and functions. Mammals have very limited regenerative capacity in multiple tissues and organs, such as the heart and central nervous system (CNS). Thereby, understanding the mechanisms underlying tissue regeneration is crucial for tissue repair and regenerative medicine. mTOR is activated in multiple tissue injuries. In this review, we summarize the roles of mTOR signaling in tissue regeneration such as neurons, muscles, the liver and the intestine.

Ikzf1 regulates embryonic T lymphopoiesis via Ccr9 and Irf4 in zebrafish

Ikzf1 is a Krüppel-like zinc-finger transcription factor that plays indispensable roles in T and B cell development. Although the function of Ikzf1 has been studied extensively, the molecular mechanism underlying T lymphopoiesis remains incompletely defined during the embryonic stage. Here we report that the genetic ablation of ikzf1 in mutant zebrafish resulted in abrogated embryonic T lymphopoiesis. This was ascribed to impaired thymic migration, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Ccr9a and Irf4a, two indispensable factors in T lymphopoiesis, were the direct targets of Ikzf1 and were absent in the ikzf1 mutants. Genetic deletion of either ccr9a or irf4a in the corresponding mutant embryos led to obvious T cell development deficiency, which was mainly caused by disrupted thymic migration of HSPCs. Restoration of ccr9a in ikzf1 mutants obviously promoted HSPC thymus homing. However, the HSPCs then failed to differentiate into T cells. Additional replenishment of irf4a efficiently induced HSPC proliferation and T cell differentiation. Our findings further demonstrate that Ikzf1 regulates embryonic T lymphopoiesis via Ccr9 and Irf4 and provide new insight into the genetic network of T lymphocyte development.

[Epidemiological survey of mental disorders in the rural left behind elderly aged 60 years and older in Gansu]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, demographic characteristics and social life function of mental disorders in the rural left behind elderly aged 60 years and older in Gansu. Methods: Between November 2017 and June 2018, a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to randomly select the rural left behind elderly aged 60 years and older in Gansu, and totally 6 000 elderly were enrolled. By using the extended general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the American Handbook for Diagnosis and Statistics of Mental Disorders (DSM-Ⅳ) Axis Ⅰ Disorders Formal Clinical Examination Patient Edition, all the included subjects were screened and diagnosed. Functional status was assessed by the Global Assessment Function scale (GAF). Statistical analysis of the prevalence of various mental illnesses, as well as the differences in the prevalence of different gender, marital status and age groups was performed. Results: Totally, 6 000 subjects completed the survey. The adjusted current prevalence of any mental disorder was 20.11% (95%CI 17.70%-22.85%). The six most prevalent specific disorders were major depressive disorder (9.20%), pain disorder (2.71%), mood disorder due to the body condition (2.08%), generalized anxiety disorder (1.99%), anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (1.15%) and dysthymic disorder (0.84%). The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders was 20.54% (95%CI 18.40%-23.39%). The overall current prevalence of mental disorders was higher in women (242.89‰) than in men (119.55‰), and the unmarried (248.37‰) was higher than those married (187.53‰). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of mental disorders among different age groups (P>0.05). The GAF score of mental disorders was 56±11, and 71.82% was moderate to severe functional impairment. Conclusions: The prevalence of mental disorders is high in rural left-behind population aged 60 years and over in Gansu Province. Major depression is a condition that deserves special attention.

Epidemiological and clinical differences between sexes and pathogens in a three-year surveillance of acute infectious gastroenteritis in Shanghai

Acute infectious gastroenteritis cases in Shanghai, reported over three years, were analyzed. Pathogens were identified in 1031 patients; of these, 725 and 306 were bacterial and viral cases, respectively. Vibrio parahemolyticus and Salmonella were the dominant bacteria, and Caliciviridae and Reoviridae were the dominant viral families in the local area. The acute gastroenteritis epidemic peaks appeared in August and January, which represented the active peak periods of bacteria and viruses, respectively. Logistic regression analyses with sex stratification showed that abdominal pain, fever and ingestion of unsafe food at restaurants were independent factors more frequently associated with bacterial gastroenteritis irrespective of sex; red cell-positive fecal matter was associated with bacterial gastroenteritis with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.28 only in males; and white blood cell count was associated with bacterial gastroenteritis with an OR of 1.02 only in females. Pathogen stratification showed that age, vomiting and red cell-positive fecal matter were associated with males with ORs of 0.99, 0.61 and 1.71, respectively, in bacterial gastroenteritis; and the migrant ratio was higher in males with an OR of 2.29 only in viral gastroenteritis. In conclusion, although bacterial and viral gastroenteritis shared many features, epidemiological and clinical factors differed between sexes and pathogens.

[Diagnostic value of serum miRNA let-7a for laryngeal carcinoma and effects of let-7a on proliferation and apoptosis of laryngeal carcinoma cells]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of serum miRNAlet-7a in laryngeal carcinoma and the effect of let-7a on proliferation and apoptosis of laryngeal carcinoma cells. Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine the expression level of serum miRNAlet-7a. The miRNA let-7a mimetic was synthesized and transiently transfected into the laryngeal carcinoma Hep-2 cell line by cationic liposome method. The effects of up-regulation of let-7a expression on laryngeal cancer Hep-2 cells were detected by FCM and MTT assays,respectively. The association of let-7a levels with laryngeal cancer and the diagnostic value for laryngeal cancer were analyzed. Measurement data were taken by t test or analysis of variance; Counting data were analyzed by χ(2) test and Fisher exact probability method. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of let-7a for laryngeal cancer. Results: The relative expression of serum let-7a in healthy subjects was significantly higher than that in patients with laryngeal cancer (0.931±0.094) vs (0.380±0.113) (t=26.507,P<0.01). The relative expressions of serum let-7a in patients with laryngeal cancer before and after surgery were (0.380±0.113) vs(0.493±0.164),with significant difference (t=3.848,P<0.01).The relative expression of serum let-7a was related to lymph node metastasis (t=2.946, P<0.01). There was a positive correlation between the relative expression of let-7a in laryngeal carcinoma and that in serum (r=0.466,P=0.003). After transfection of let-7a mimics, Hep-2 cells showed an increased significant increase in the expression of let-7a (P<0.01), proliferation (P<0.01) and apoptosis (P<0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that the best critical value for relative expression of let-7a in the diagnosis of laryngeal carcinoma was 0.557 with a sensitivity of 0.794,a specificity of 0.727,an area under curve(AUC) of 0.859,and a 95%CI of 0.773-0.926. Conclusions: miRNA let-7a can inhibit the proliferation of laryngeal carcinoma Hep-2 cells and promote apoptosis. Serum let-7a is down-regulated in patients with laryngeal cancer and the level of let-7a is related to lymph node metastasis,which would help early diagnosis and postoperative disease monitoring of laryngeal cancer,but further research is needed.

Genome-wide association study identified genes in the response to Salmonella pullorum infection in chickens

Pullorum is a bacterial disease that threatens the modern poultry industry. Over the years, research on this topic has focused mainly on its epidemiology, whereas the hosts' genetic basis of infection is still vague. In order to identify chickens' genes associated with pullorum, we sequenced 300 New Pudong chicken by double digest genotyping-by-sequencing. We obtained 1 527 953 SNPs for a genome-wide association analysis, which identified 43 genome-wide significant markers. Most of the significant SNPs were in the interval of 57.7-59.0 Mb on chromosome 5. The gene set enrichment analysis suggests a potential manner for bacterial infection and remaining inside the host. This work provides basic data for the purification, prevention and treatment of pullorum disease.

Cerebrovascular Injuries Induce Lymphatic Invasion into Brain Parenchyma to Guide Vascular Regeneration in Zebrafish

Damage to regional cerebrovascular networks and neuronal tissues occurs during acute cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemic stroke. The promotion of vascular regeneration is the most promising therapeutic approach. To understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying brain vascular regeneration, we developed two zebrafish cerebrovascular injury models using genetic ablation and photochemical thrombosis. Although brain parenchyma is physiologically devoid of lymphatic vasculature, we found that cerebrovascular injuries induce rapid ingrowth of meningeal lymphatics into the injured parenchyma. The ingrown lymphatics on one hand become lumenized to drain interstitial fluid to resolve brain edema and on the other hand act as "growing tracks" for nascent blood vessels. The ingrown lymphatic vessels undergo apoptosis and clearance after cerebrovascular regeneration. This study reveals a pathological function of meningeal lymphatics, through previously unexpected ingrowth into brain parenchyma and a newly identified lymphatic function as vascular "growing tracks."

Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide suppressing proliferation and metastasis of the human non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H520 cells is associated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Lung cancer (LC) is the highest lethality in all tumors. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 80% of all LC. Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide (ASPS) is extracted from the root of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS). Herein, we examined the effect and molecular mechanism of ASPS on NSCLC. The proliferation, invasion and migration of NCI-H520 cells were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell assay and wound healing assay, respectively. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related factors were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) and western blot assay. Our results observed that ASPS significantly decreased the proliferation of cells at 24 and 48 h. Moreover, ASPS markedly repressed the invasion and migration capacities of cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, ASPS obviously down-regulated the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, fibronectin 1 (FN1), vimentin, wnt3a, phosphorylated-glycogen synthase kinase 3β (p-GSK3β) and cyclin D1, whereas, up-regulating E-cadherin level. The level of GSK3β was not changed in the different groups. ASPS conspicuously inhibited the abilities of proliferation and metastasis in human non-small cell lung cancer cell line NCI-H520 possibly by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin pathway mediated-EMT.

P76 Skip laminectomy versus cervical laminectomy, an analysis of patient reported outcomes, spinal alignment and re-operation rates: the leeds spinal unit experience (2008–2016)

Objectives

To compare clinical, radiological and complication results between skip laminectomy and cervical laminectomy for posterior cervical decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Design

Retrospective single institution cohort study.

Subjects

Subjects underwent primary skip or cervical laminectomy between 2008–2016.

Methods

Statistical analysis compared pre- and post-operative differences in Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Disability Index and radiological differences in sagittal alignment of the vertebral bodies. Analysis of re-operation rates was performed.

Results

A total of 42 and 29 patients had skip and cervical laminectomy respectively. Median follow up was 32±23.1 (Range: 1–325) weeks. Post-operatively there was no difference in patient reported outcomes namely Visual Analogue Scale and Neck Disability Index between skip laminectomy and cervical laminectomy groups compared to pre-operatively (p=0.64, p=0.75). No difference was seen in sagittal alignment between both groups following surgery (p=0.65). Three patients (7.1%) in the skip laminectomy group and two patients (6.9%) in the cervical laminectomy group required revision surgery to the cervical spinal region at a different level to the original surgery. No patients needed further instrumentation.

Conclusions

Both skip laminectomy and cervical laminectomy appear to deliver similar outcomes with regards to patient reported outcomes, preserving sagittal alignment and re-operation rates over this short follow-up period.

Modeled changes to the Great Plains low-level jet under a realistic irrigation application

Low-level jets (LLJs) are relatively fast-moving streams of air that form in the lower troposphere and are a common phenomenon across the Great Plains (GP) of the United States. LLJs play an important role in moisture transport and the development of nocturnal convection in the spring and summer. Alterations to surface moisture and energy fluxes can influence the planetary boundary layer (PBL) development and thus LLJs. One important anthropogenic process that has been shown to affect the surface energy budget is irrigation. In this study, we investigate the effects of irrigation on LLJ development across the GP by incorporating a dynamic and realistic irrigation scheme into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. WRF simulations were conducted with and without the irrigation scheme for the exceptionally dry summer of 2012 over the GP. The results show irrigation-introduced changes to LLJ features both over and downstream of the most heavily irrigated regions in the GP. There were statistically significant increases to LLJ speeds in the simulation with the irrigation parameterization. Decreases to the mean jet core height on the order of 50 m during the overnight hours were also simulated when irrigation was on. The overall frequency of jet occurrences increased over the irrigated regions by 5-10%; however, these differences were not statistically significant. These changes were weaker than those reported in earlier studies based on simple representations of irrigation that unrealistically saturate the soil columns over large areas over a long period of time, which highlights the importance and necessity to represent human activity more accurately in modeling studies.

[Clinical analysis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in thalassemia major]

目的

探讨重型地中海贫血（地贫）患者异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）后并发自身免疫性溶血性贫血（AIHA）诊断、治疗及转归，以提高地贫患者造血干细胞移植疗效。

方法

回顾性分析2007年7月至2017年12月共计291例行allo-HSCT重型地贫患者的临床资料。

结果

重型地贫allo-HSCT后AIHA发生率为1.72%（5/291）；AIHA中位发生时间为移植后7（5~12）个月，5例移植后AIHA患者直接和间接Coombs试验均阳性，患者主要表现为头晕、乏力、面色苍白、皮肤巩膜黄染、酱油色尿。228例HLA相合同胞供者移植患者有1例（0.43%）移植后发生AIHA，而63例非亲缘供者移植患者有4例（6.36%）移植后发生AIHA。非亲缘供者移植患者AIHA发生率高于HLA相合同胞供者移植患者。1例患者单用泼尼松治疗死亡，4例患者采用甲泼尼龙联合利妥昔单抗治疗有效，目前生存良好，其中2例Coombs试验转阴。

结论

该组重型地贫患者allo-HSCT后AIHA发生率为1.72%，Coombs试验有助于诊断移植后AIHA，非亲缘供者移植病例移植后AIHA发生率高于HLA相合同胞供者移植组，利妥昔单抗联合糖皮质激素是治疗重型地贫allo-HSCT后AIHA的有效方法。

[The molecular mechanisms underpinning auditory neuropathy]

Auditory neuropathy (AN) is a hearing disorder where cochlear inner hair cell and/or the auditory nerve function is disrupted while outer hair cell function is normal. It can affect people of all ages, from infancy to adulthood. People with auditory neuropathy may have normal hearing threshold, or hearing loss ranging from mild to severe; they always have poor speech-perception abilities. It is a heterogeneous disorder which can have either congenital or acquired causes. AN may result from specific loss of cochlear inner hair cells, disordered release of neurotransmitters by inner hair cell ribbon synapses, deafferentation accompanying loss of auditory nerve fibers, neural dys-synchrony or conduction block as a result of demyelination of nerve fibers and auditory nerve hypoplasia. Although the definition of AN includes the central part, its incidence is low, and the etiology and pathology are not clear. The present review aimed to provide an overview of the genetic conditions associated with AN and highlight the neural and synaptic mechanism of AN. Possible strategy for treatments of AN was also discussed.

[Comparison of the etiological constitution of two and three or more recurrent miscarriage]

Objective: To compare the etiological constitution of recurrent miscarriage (RM) between patients with consecutive two and three or more miscarriages through combining the routine examination results and embryonic karyotype. Methods: Patients with a history of two or more consecutive clinical miscarriages (≤12 weeks of gestation) consulting in the RM clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from March 2011 to January 2016 were collected. Six hundred and ninety-six with detailed history recorded, routine clinical examinations of RM and at least once embryonic karyotype were ultimately enrolled in this study. Their etiological constitution of RM were analyzed in groups of consecutive two and three or more miscarriage. The etiologies of RM in analysis consisted of women age, body mass index (BMI) , chromosome abnormalities of couples, uterine abnormalities, endocrinology abnormalities and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) . Results: (1) Among 696 patients, the abnormal embryonic karyotypes was 60.6% (422/696) and routine RM etiologies was 32.2% (224/696) , leaving the ratio of unexplained RM was only 29.0% (202/696). (2) A total of 717 embryo karyotype were found in 696 patients, included21 cases with twice embryo karyotype results the percentage of normal embryo was 39.7% (285/717) , while abnormal ones was 60.3% (432/717). Among the types of abnormal karyotype, the most common ones (>10%) were trisomy 16 (19.2%, 83/432) , monosome X (11.3%, 49/432) and trisomy 22 (10.9%, 47/432). (3) Among the 696 RM patients, the number of two and three or more miscarriages were respectively 446 (64.1%, 446/696) and 250 (35.9%, 250/696). Comparing groups of three or more miscarriages with two miscarriages, there were significant differencein older age as well as uterine adhesion (P<0.05). But no difference was found in body mass index (BMI) , the rates of chromosome abnormalities of couples, uterine abnormalities except uterine adhesion, endocrinology abnormalities and APS (all P>0.05) between two groups. Conclusions: The abnormal embryonic karyotype is the most common cause of first-trimester RM. The etiological constitution of two and three or more recurrent miscarriages is accordant, suggesting that routine clinical examination and the embryonic karyotype should be started following two consecutive clinical early miscarriages.

[Hospitalization burden of hand, foot and mouth disease in Anhua county of Hunan province, 2013-2016]

Objective: To estimate the serotype and age-specific hospitalization burden associated with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Anhua county of Hunan province, between October 2013 and September 2016. Methods: We collected hospitalization records of HFMD patients from 6 virological surveillance hospitals, and reimbursement records through new rural cooperative medical system from 23 township health centers to estimate the age-specific hospitalization burden of HFMD in Anhua. Combined with the results of virological surveillance, the serotype-specific hospitalization burden of HFMD in Anhua, was estimated. Results: During the three years, it was estimated that 3 541 clinical diagnosed HFMD cases, including 3 146 laboratory-confirmed HFMD cases, were hospitalized in Anhua, but only one was diaguosed as being severe. The estimated average hospitalization rate was 723/100 000(95%CI: 699/100 000-747/100 000) for clinical diagnosed HFMD and 642/100 000 (95%CI: 620/100 000-665/100 000) for laboratory-confirmed HFMD between October 2013 and September 2016. The cases caused by Cox A16 (208/100 000) and Cox A6 (202/100 000) had higher hospitalization rates compared with the cases caused by EV71 (130/100 000), Cox A10 (38/100 000) and other enterovirus (64/100 000), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). HFMD-associated hospitalization rates peaked in children aged 1 year (3 845/100 000), and then decreased with age. Compared with the hospitalized HFMD caused by EV71 and Cox A16, Cox A6-associated hospitalizations mainly occurred in younger age groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed a substantial hospitalization burden associated with mild HFMD caused by EV71, Cox A16, Cox A6 and Cox A10, especially in young children, in Anhua.

The effector of Hippo signaling, Taz, is required for formation of the micropyle and fertilization in zebrafish

The mechanisms that ensure fertilization of egg by a sperm are not fully understood. In all teleosts, a channel called the 'micropyle' is the only route of entry for sperm to enter and fertilize the egg. The micropyle forms by penetration of the vitelline envelope by a single specialized follicle cell, the micropylar cell. The mechanisms underlying micropylar cell specification and micropyle formation are poorly understood. Here, we show that an effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, the Transcriptional co-activator with a PDZ-binding domain (Taz), plays crucial roles in micropyle formation and fertilization in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Genome editing mutants affecting taz can grow to adults. However, eggs from homozygous taz females are not fertilized even though oocytes in mutant females are histologically normal with intact animal-vegetal polarity, complete meiosis and proper ovulation. We find that taz mutant eggs have no micropyle. Taz protein is specifically enriched in mid-oogenesis in the micropylar cell located at the animal pole of wild type oocyte, where it might regulate the cytoskeleton. Taz protein and micropylar cells are not detected in taz mutant ovaries. Our work identifies a novel role for the Hippo/Taz pathway in micropylar cell specification in zebrafish, and uncovers the molecular basis of micropyle formation in teleosts.

Nonequilibrium Pair Breaking in Ba(Fe_{1-x}Co_{x})_{2}As_{2} Superconductors: Evidence for Formation of a Photoinduced Excitonic State

Ultrafast terahertz (THz) pump-probe spectroscopy reveals an unusual out-of-equilibrium Cooper pair nonlinear dynamics and a nonequilibrium state driven by femtosecond (fs) photoexcitation of superconductivity (SC) in iron pnictides. Following fast SC quench via hot-phonon scattering, a second, abnormally slow (many hundreds of picoseconds), SC quench regime is observed prior to any recovery. Importantly, a nonlinear pump fluence dependence is identified for this remarkably long prebottleneck dynamics that are sensitive to both doping and temperature. Using quantum kinetic modeling we argue that the buildup of excitonic interpocket correlation between electron-hole (e-h) quasiparticles (QP) quenches SC after fs photoexcitation leading to a long-lived, many-QP excitonic state.