Loss of Dnmt3b accelerates MLL-AF9 leukemia progression

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematopoietic disorder with a poor prognosis. Abnormal DNA methylation is involved in the initiation and progression of AML. The de novo methyltransferases Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b are responsible for the generation of genomic methylation patterns. While DNMT3A is frequently mutated in hematological malignancies, DNMT3B is rarely mutated. Although it has been previously reported that Dnmt3b functions as a tumor suppressor in a mouse model of Myc-induced lymphomagenesis, its function in AML is yet to be determined. In this study, we demonstrated that deletion of Dnmt3b accelerated the progression of MLL-AF9 leukemia by increasing stemness and enhancing cell cycle progression. Gene profiling analysis revealed upregulation of the oncogenic gene set and downregulation of the cell differentiation gene set. Furthermore, loss of Dnmt3b was able to synergize with Dnmt3a deficiency in leukemia development. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Dnmt3b plays a tumor suppressive role in MLL-AF9 AML progression, thereby providing new insights into the roles of DNA methylation in leukemia development.

Serine/Threonine Kinase 40 (Stk40) Functions as a Novel Regulator of Skeletal Muscle Differentiation

Skeletal muscle differentiation is a precisely coordinated process, and the molecular mechanism regulating the process remains incompletely understood. Here we report the identification of serine/threonine kinase 40 (Stk40) as a novel positive regulator of skeletal myoblast differentiation in culture and fetal skeletal muscle formation in vivo We show that the expression level of Stk40 increases during skeletal muscle differentiation. Down-regulation and overexpression of Stk40 significantly decreases and increases myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts, respectively. In vivo, the number of myofibers and expression levels of myogenic markers are reduced in the fetal muscle of Stk40 knockout mice, indicating impaired fetal skeletal muscle formation. Mechanistically, Stk40 controls the protein level of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) to maintain transcriptional activities of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), a family of transcription factor important for skeletal myogenesis. Silencing of HDAC5 expression rescues the reduced myogenic gene expression caused by Stk40 deficiency. Together, our study reveals that Stk40 is required for fetal skeletal muscle development and provides molecular insights into the control of the HDAC5-MEF2 axis in skeletal myogenesis.

Novel Dual-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor Based on a NiCo2O4 Nanowire Cathode and MoO2-C Nanofilm Anode

Cobalt/nickel-based compounds have been extensively used as cathode (positive electrode) materials in alkaline electrolyte for hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs). In these HSCs, however, the anodes (negative electrodes) are almost carbon-based materials that exhibit limited capacitance, leading to relatively low energy density of the device. Herein, we report a novel dual-ion HSC concept, that is, utilizing anion and cation in the electrolyte, respectively, by the two electrodes for charge storage, to promote the device's performance. Based on this, it is possible to exploit cation-consumed metal oxide as a capacitive anode to couple with a cobalt/nickel oxide cathode. As a demonstration, a 1.8 V MoO₂-C/LiOH electrolyte/NiCo₂O₄ HSC device is established. In such a design, NiCo₂O₄ cathode and MoO₂-C anode react with OH^- and Li⁺, respectively, to store energy. With the benefits from enhanced kinetics in NiCo₂O₄ nanowire array (direct electron transport pathway and sufficient electrolyte/ion penetration) and increased stability and electrical conductivity in carbon-encapsulated MoO₂ nanofilm, our device delivers a high capacitance (94.9 F g^-1), high energy density and power density (41.8 Wh kg^-1 and 19922.2 W kg^-1), long cycling stability >3000 times, and good rate capability (∼3.3 s charging/discharging with 43.6% capacitance retention). The dual-ion charge storage concept will stimulate great interest in the design of high-performing all-oxide hybrid electric energy storage systems.

Limb-salvage treatment of en-block resected distal femoral tumors with endoprosthesis of all-polyethylene tibial component: a 9-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the medium-term outcome of limb-salvage surgery using all-polyethylene tibial endoprosthetic replacement following en-block resection for distal femoral tumors.

METHODS

Forty-nine patients with distal femoral tumor were treated between June 2006 and June 2012. The follow-up period was 6-110 months (average 53.4 months). The prosthetic survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The classification of failure of limb salvage after reconstructive surgery for bone tumors was adapted. Limb function was evaluated with the scoring system of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS).

RESULTS

Complications were observed in six cases (12.2%). Four suffered infection around the prosthesis, of which two cases were treated with debridement, drainage, and antibiotics without removal of the prosthesis, and the other two cases underwent amputation. Two cases were identified as radiographically loose at 7 year follow-up and did not require revision surgery. One patient underwent amputation due to local recurrence. Failure of limb salvage occurred in nine cases (18.4%), of which two cases were of type 1A, two cases of type 2B, three cases of type 4A, one case of type 4B, and one case of type 5A. The mean MSTS score was 84.3%. Twelve cases died due to distant metastases (24.5%), and the average survival time for these patients was 13.5 months. Thirty-seven patients survived (75.5%), for whom the average follow-up time was 66.3 months and the 5-year prosthetic survival rate was 88.2%.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of medium-term and long-term clinical follow-up was satisfactory. All-polyethylene tibial endoprosthetic replacement following en-block resection can be an alternative method of limb salvage for distal femoral tumors.

A locking compression plate as an external fixator for treating infected nonunion of the humeral diaphysis

Background

Infected nonunion of the humeral diaphysis is a challenging problem for orthopedic surgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of using a locking compression plate (LCP) as a definitive external fixator in the management of infected nonunion of the humeral diaphysis after failure of internal fixation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a series of seven patients with infected nonunion of the humeral diaphysis treated with an LCP as an external fixator between June 2010 and August 2014. There were five males and two females, with an average age of 40.9 years. Six out of seven patients had been definitively diagnosed with infection due to known bacteria by germiculture. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

All patients were followed-up for a mean period of 26.3 months (range 12–48 months). All fractures obtained complete bone union, and the average time to bone union was 7.9 months (range 3.5–15 months). All infections were eventually resolved without any recurrence of deep infection. Pin tract infection was only seen in one case. Only one patient had transient radial nerve palsy after surgery for traction. The average shortening length of the affected upper limb was 3 cm (range 2–4 cm) compared with the contralateral limb. At the last follow-up, the average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of the involved limbs was 3.2 (range 0–13.4). All patients obtained excellent or good functional results, and returned to their original work.

Conclusions

The novel use of an LCP as a definitive external fixator was an effective method for treating infected nonunion of the humeral diaphysis. However, a large-scale prospective clinical study is still needed to verify these findings.

Doxorubicin resistance mediated by cytoplasmic macrophage colony-stimulating factor is associated with switch from apoptosis to autophagic cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor is a vital factor in maintaining the biological function of monocyte-macrophage lineage. It is expressed in many tumor tissues and cancer cells. Recent findings indicate that macrophage colony-stimulating factor might contribute to chemoresistance, but the precise mechanisms are unclear. This study was to explore the effect of macrophage colony-stimulating factor on doxorubicin resistance in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and the possible mechanism. In the study, the human breast cancer cells, MCF-7, were transfected with macrophage colony-stimulating factor. We document that cytoplasmic macrophage colony-stimulating factor induces doxorubicin resistance and inhibits apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Further studies demonstrated that cytoplasmic macrophage colony-stimulating factor-mediated apoptosis inhibition was dependent on the activation of PI3K/Akt/Survivin pathway. More importantly, we found that macrophage colony-stimulating factor-induced autophagic cell death in doxorubicin-treated MCF-7 cells. Taken together, we show for the first time that macrophage colony-stimulating factor-induced doxorubicin resistance is associated with the changes in cell death response with defective apoptosis and promotion of autophagic cell death.

Single-stranded DNA binding protein Ssbp3 induces differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into trophoblast-like cells

BACKGROUND

Intrinsic factors and extrinsic signals which control unlimited self-renewal and developmental pluripotency in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have been extensively investigated. However, a much smaller number of factors involved in extra-embryonic trophoblast differentiation from ESCs have been studied. In this study, we investigated the role of the single-stranded DNA binding protein, Ssbp3, for the induction of trophoblast-like differentiation from mouse ESCs.

METHODS

Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were carried out through overexpression or knockdown of Ssbp3 in mouse ESCs under self-renewal culture conditions. Expression levels of pluripotency and lineage markers were detected by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses. The global gene expression profile in Ssbp3-overexpressing cells was determined by affymetrix microarray. Gene ontology and pathway terms were analyzed and further validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The methylation status of the Elf5 promoter in Ssbp3-overexpressing cells was detected by bisulfite sequencing. The trophoblast-like phenotype induced by Ssbp3 was also evaluated by teratoma formation and early embryo injection assays.

RESULTS

Forced expression of Ssbp3 in mouse ESCs upregulated expression levels of lineage-associated genes, with trophoblast cell markers being the highest. In contrast, depletion of Ssbp3 attenuated the expression of trophoblast lineage marker genes induced by downregulation of Oct4 or treatment with BMP4 and bFGF in ESCs. Interestingly, global gene expression profiling analysis indicated that Ssbp3 overexpression did not significantly alter the transcript levels of pluripotency-associated transcription factors. Instead, Ssbp3 promoted the expression of early trophectoderm transcription factors such as Cdx2 and activated MAPK/Erk1/2 and TGF-β pathways. Furthermore, overexpression of Ssbp3 reduced the methylation level of the Elf5 promoter and promoted the generation of teratomas with internal hemorrhage, indicative of the presence of trophoblast cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies Ssbp3, a single-stranded DNA binding protein, as a regulator for mouse ESCs to differentiate into trophoblast-like cells. This finding is helpful to understand the regulatory networks for ESC differentiation into extra-embryonic lineages.

Effects of intravascular embolization operation on adult VGAD

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects of intravascular embolization on adult vein of Galen aneurysmal dilatation (VGAD) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five consecutively selected patients (median age of 56.4 years) were diagnosed with VGAD in our hospital from February 2010 to February 2015 and treated with intravascular embolization.

RESULTS

2 cases were confirmed with malformed vessels in cerebellum, 2 cases in basal ganglia region and 1 case in brain stem; 3 cases with single branch artery blood supply and 2 cases with multiple branch artery blood supply; malformed vessel was 2.5-5.5 cm in diameter, on average 4.3 (±1.2) cm; 3 cases were dominated by intracranial hemorrhage, 1 case by a headache and 1 case by seizure; GCS scores ranged from 8-12, on average 10.5 (±1.6); intraoperative blood loss ranged from 20-80 ml, on average (55.8±15.9) ml; 1 case died after operation, 1 case was disabled, and the remainder were normal.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravascular embolization was safe and effective for adult VGAD patients.

Functional analysis of alternative transcripts of the soybean Rj2 gene that restricts nodulation with specific rhizobial strains

The Rj2 gene is a TIR-NBS-LRR-type resistance gene in soybean (Glycine max) that restricts root nodule symbiosis with a group of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains including USDA122. Rj2 generates two distinct transcript variants in its expression profile through alternative splicing. Alternative splicing of Rj2 is caused by the retention of the 86-bp intron 4. Inclusion of intron 4 in mature mRNA introduces an in-frame stop codon; as such, the alternative transcript is predicted to encode a truncated protein consisting of the entire portion of the TIR, NBS and LRR domains but missing the C-terminal domain of the full-length Rj2 protein encoded by the regular transcript. Since alternative splicing has been shown to be essential for full activity of several plant R genes, we attempted to test whether the alternative splicing is required for Rj2-mediated nodulation restriction. Here we demonstrated that the Rj2-mediated nodulation restriction does not require the combined presence of the regular and alternative transcripts, and the expression of the regular transcript alone is sufficient to confer nodulation restriction.

Inhibition of LDHA Deliver Potential Anticancer Performance in Renal Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), which functions as a crucial enzyme in transforming from pyruvate into lactate, has been reported to be overexpressed in various advanced cancer and its silencing has turned out to be tumor suppressive. Previous studies have showed that the expression of LDHA was higher in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) than that in corresponding normal renal tissue. However, the function of LDHA in RCC, and its possible mechanism in tumor progression, has not been investigated.

METHODS

MTT and cell cycle assay were performed to explore the growth of the renal cells. Transwell assay for the migration and invasion and tube formation were conducted to detect the metastatic properties of the renal cancer.

RESULTS

Here, we show that siRNA-mediated knockdown of LDHA inhibits cell proliferation by decreasing cell cycle and promoting apoptosis in renal cancer cell lines. Mechanistically, LDHA siRNA treatment altered the expression of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related proteins, including p21, cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Bax. In addition, LDHA siRNA treatment leads to markedly diminished migratory and invasive ability by reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are consistent with the view that LDHA, as an oncogene, might be a potential therapeutic target in RCC.

The Relationship between Telomerase Activity and Clinicopathological Parameters in Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Recently, accumulated research has found that the expression of telomerase activity (TA) was associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) advancement, whereas the TA prognostic effect in CRC patients is still controversial.

AIMS

To investigate relationships between TA and CRC clinicopathological parameters.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis study.

METHODS

We searched published studies in databases, such as EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Ovid databases (last search updated to October 2014) by meeting specified search criteria. The quality of the included studies was usually evaluated and a meta-analysis was implemented by Stata 12.0 software. We used an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate relationship strengths between TA and CRC clinicopathological parameters.

RESULTS

In total, 11 studies (715 patients) were included to assess the relation between TA and metastasis-related parameters in CRC patients. The results indicate that a senior TA expression was connected with the existence of lymph node metastasis (180 patients; OR=2.85, 95% CI=1.40-5.81, p=0.004), and tumor site (522 patients; OR=2.93, 95% CI=1.29-6.67, p=0.010). However, a senior TA expression was not connected with tumor size (137 patients; OR=1.57, 95% CI=0.71-3.47, p=0.267), histological differentiation (570 patients; OR=1.28, 95% CI=0.78-2.09, p=0.332), depth of invasion (57 patients; OR=3.76, 95% CI=0.61-23.04, p=0.152), distant metastasis (123 patients; OR=1.76, 95% CI=0.54-5.74, p=0.346), and clinical stage of the cancer (543 patients; OR=1.59, 95% CI=0.74-3.38, p=0.232).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that a positive TA was correlated with lymph node metastasis progression and tumor site of the CRC but did not correlate with other important clinicopathological parameters. TA can play a useful part in the prognosis and treatment of CRC patients, but further studies are required to confirm this.

MiR-99a regulates ROS-mediated invasion and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting NOX4

miR-99a is frequently downregulated in various types of human malignancies including lung adenocarcinoma. Recent studies have reported that miR-99a regulates cell growth and cell cycle progression by targeting mTOR, AKT1 and FGFR3. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in the modulation of invasion and migration by miR-99a remain elusive. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between the expression of miR-99a and clinical stage or metastasis in 90 matched lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent non-tumor lung tissues. Downregulation of miR-99a was significantly associated with advanced stage and tumor metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma patients, and it was found to be a poor prognostic factor in lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, functional experiments found that overexpression of miR-99a inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma A549 and Calu3 cells in vitro. We then identified NOX4 as a target gene of miR-99a and NOX4 mediated the inhibition of invasion and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells by miR-99a. By targeting NOX4-mediated ROS production, miR-99a regulated the invasion and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-99a significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining analysis of the mouse tumor tissues revealed that NOX4 levels were downregulated in the miR-99a treatment group, confirming the in vitro data of NOX4 as a direct target gene of miR-99a. Taken together, these data indicate for the first time that miR-99a directly regulates the invasion and migration in lung adenocarcinoma by targeting NOX4 and that overexpression of miR-99a may become a therapeutic strategy for lung adenocarcinoma.

The role of extracellular-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 in glioma peritumoural brain edema

During pathological conditions, extracellular-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 can protect neurons by reducing the permeability of the blood brain barrier. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that CD73 can negatively contribute to the growth of gliomas; however, the function of CD73 in glioma blood vessels is not clear. We analysed the expression of CD73 in 72 glioma patients using immunohistochemistry and correspondingly compared the results with the Edema index (EI). We established an in vitro model of the blood-tumour barrier and analysed the expression of CD73 in vascular endothelial cells. Lastly, CD73 expression was inhibited in endothelial cells, and the effects of this inhibition on tight junction structure and transendothelial resistance were observed. Compared to normal brains, the expression of CD73 in blood vessels of glioma patients was significantly decreased, and the amount was lower in the centre of the tumour than the periphery. The proportion of CD73-positive blood vessels had a positive correlation with the EI. The expression of CD73 in the in vitro endothelial cell blood-tumour barrier model was decreased. Lastly, inhibiting CD73 was found to decrease the expression of tight junction related proteins in endothelial cells and to decrease the value of transendothelial electric resistance. The expression of CD73 in glioma blood vessels was significantly decreased, which may play a multi-functional role in decreasing the expression of tight junction related proteins of brain microvascular endothelial cells and may also increase blood-tumour barrier permeability and accelerate the formation of PTBE.

Increased trend in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use by adults in the United States since 2007

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been increasingly studied as a life support modality, but it is unclear if its use has changed over time. Recent publication shows no significant trend in use of ECMO over time; however, this report does not include more recent data. We performed trend analysis to determine if and when the use of ECMO changed in the past decade.

Results

We identified hospitalizations (2000–2011) in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample during which ECMO was recorded. We used a segmented linear regression model to determine trend and to identify a temporal change point when rate of ECMO use increased. ECMO use gradually grew until 2007, at which time there was a dramatic increase in the rate (p = 0.0003). There was no difference in mortality after 2007 (p = 0.3374), but there was longer length of stay (p = 0.0001) and smaller percentage of women (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

There has been a marked increase in ECMO use since 2007. As ECMO use becomes more common, further study regarding indications, cost-effectiveness, and outcomes is warranted to guide optimal use.

Signature of Strong Spin-Orbital Coupling in the Large Nonsaturating Magnetoresistance Material WTe2

We report the detailed electronic structure of WTe2 by high resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We resolved a rather complicated Fermi surface of WTe2. Specifically, there are in total nine Fermi pockets, including one hole pocket at the Brillouin zone center Γ, and two hole pockets and two electron pockets on each side of Γ along the Γ-X direction. Remarkably, we have observed circular dichroism in our photoemission spectra, which suggests that the orbital angular momentum exhibits a rich texture at various sections of the Fermi surface. This is further confirmed by our density-functional-theory calculations, where the spin texture is qualitatively reproduced as the conjugate consequence of spin-orbital coupling. Since the spin texture would forbid backscatterings that are directly involved in the resistivity, our data suggest that the spin-orbit coupling and the related spin and orbital angular momentum textures may play an important role in the anomalously large magnetoresistance of WTe2. Furthermore, the large differences among spin textures calculated for magnetic fields along the in-plane and out-of-plane directions also provide a natural explanation of the large field-direction dependence on the magnetoresistance.

Lactate-mediated glia-neuronal signalling in the mammalian brain

Astrocytes produce and release L-lactate as a potential source of energy for neurons. Here we present evidence that L-lactate, independently of its caloric value, serves as an astrocytic signalling molecule in the locus coeruleus (LC). The LC is the principal source of norepinephrine to the frontal brain and thus one of the most influential modulatory centers of the brain. Optogenetically activated astrocytes release L-lactate, which excites LC neurons and triggers release of norepinephrine. Exogenous L-lactate within the physiologically relevant concentration range mimics these effects. L-lactate effects are concentration-dependent, stereo-selective, independent of L-lactate uptake into neurons and involve a cAMP-mediated step. In vivo injections of L-lactate in the LC evokes arousal similar to the excitatory transmitter, L-glutamate. Our results imply the existence of an unknown receptor for this ‘glio-transmitter’.

The astrocytic release of the metabolite L-lactate is implicated in modulating neuronal activity in the brain. Here, the authors show that L-lactate released from astrocytes excites noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus and triggers the release of noradrenaline, increasing network excitability.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats in Jinzhou, Northeastern China

In the present study, serum samples from 402 sheep and 216 goats were collected from 5 counties in Jinzhou from August to October 2012 and antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were detected by modified agglutination test (MAT). Overall, 104 (16.8%) had antibodies to T. gondii with antibody titres of 1:25 to 1:800. Seropositive samples were distributed in all the 5 counties and seroprevalences of T. gondii varied significantly with flock size, age and rearing system, but not with breed, gender and farm location. The seroprevalences in small farms (18.3%, 95/518, 95% confidence interval [CI], 15.0-21.7%) were statistically higher than that in large farms (9%, 9/100, 95% CI, 3.4-14.6%) (P < 0.05), older animals were statistically higher than that in younger animals (P < 0.01). The prevalence in extensively and semi intensively raised samples was statistically higher than that in intensively raised animals (P < 0.01). Small flock size and extensive rearing system are the potential risk factors for the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in sheep and goats in Jinzhou. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats in Jinzhou, northeastern China, and of an association of seropositivity to T. gondii and the risk factors.

Cemented allograft-prosthesis composite reconstruction for the proximal femur tumor

INTRODUCTION

Cemented allograft-prosthesis composite (APC) reconstruction is one option following resection of the proximal femur tumor. However, rare studies have focused on the indications and complications. The goal of the present study was to (1) ascertain the indications for cemented APC arthroplasty in the proximal femur; (2) identify the detailed perioperative management; and (3) illustrate our experiences to avoid the complications of cemented APC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total 28 patients who underwent cemented APC reconstruction of the proximal femur after tumor resection were retrospectively evaluated at a median follow-up of 56 months. Clinical records and radiographs were reviewed to evaluate patients' outcome.

RESULTS

In our series, excluding three cases of death that had a short follow-up period, union occurred in 22 (88.0%) patients (range 9-18 months). Nonunion of the greater trochanter was seen in six of the 12 patients (50.0%). Eight (32.0%) hips had resorption. There were two (8.0%) hips that were observed to have asymptomatic wear of the acetabulum. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 26.5 points. The average Harris Hip Score (HHS) score was 80.6 points. There were no cases of recurrence, but metastasis was found in two hips.

CONCLUSIONS

Mastering indications, perioperative management, and complication prevention are all very important in the APC reconstruction after resection of the proximal femur.

[Effects of Phosphate Rock and Decomposed Rice Straw Application on Lead Immobilization in a Contaminated Soil]

The soils treated with phosphate rock (PR) and oxalic acid activated phosphate rock (APR) mixed with decomposed rice straw were incubated in different moisture conditions for 60 days to study the effect on the basic property of the soil and on the speciation variation of Pb. The results showed that all these three types of immobilizing materials increased the pH, the Olsen-P, the exchangeable Ca and the soil cation exchange capacity, and APR showed more obvious effect; the pH and the exchangeable Ca of soil in the flooding treatment were higher than those in normal water treatment (70%), but the Olsen-P of soil in normal water treatment was a little bit more. These materials reduced exchangeable Ph fraction, and converted it into unavailable fraction. But the APR was better than raw PR in immobilizing lead, and the exchangeable Pb fraction was reduced by 40.3% and 24.2%, compared with the control, respectively, and the immobilization effect was positively correlated with the dosage. Decomposed rice straw could transform the exchangeable Ph fraction in soil into organic-bound fraction, while the flooding treatment changed it into the Fe-Mn oxide-bound and residue fractions.

Identification and functional study of osteosarcoma metastasis marker genes

To date, osteosarcoma metastasis genes, which are key for accurate initial diagnosis of the disease, have not been well identified. In the present study, osteosarcoma samples with and without metastasis were collected from 31 patients. Specific complementary DNA subtraction techniques were used to identify the osteosarcoma metastasis transcripts, which are responsible for the metastasis of osteosarcoma. The specific differentially expressed transcripts were identified by Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis and the results were validated by immunoblotting. Specifically, ezrin and β4 integrin were employed as markers to detect osteosarcoma metastasis in the initial stages. The results of the present study indicated that the two transcripts, ezrin and β4 integrin, were highly expressed in patients with osteosarcoma metastasis, and concluded that these were osteosarcoma metastasis genes. These results indicate that β4 integrin and/or ezrin may be used as a novel marker for the detection of osteosarcoma metastasis in the initial stages.

Emergence of a new GII.17 norovirus variant in patients with acute gastroenteritis in Jiangsu, China, September 2014 to March 2015

From September 2014 to March 2015, 23 outbreaks of norovirus (NoV) acute gastroenteritis occurred in Jiangsu, China. Partial sequencing of the NoV capsid gene suggested that 16 of the 23 outbreaks were related to a new GII.17 variant. This variant was first detected in sporadic specimens in October 2014, and became predominant in February 2015. Analysis of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and complete capsid including the protruding domain P2 sequences confirmed this GII.17 variant as distinct from previously identified GII variants.