[Impact of virus infection and related immunity factorson nasal inverted papilloma]

Objective:To explore the relationship between human papilloma virus infection,TGF-β,IL-10,IFN-γand nasal inverted papilloma.To explore the relat-ionship between human papilloma virus infection,TGF-β,IL-10,IFN-γand nasal squamous cell carcinoma.Method:Thirty cases of NIP(including 7 cases of recurrent NIP),23 cases of NSCC,19 cases of NP were collected.In situ hybridization(ISH) was used to detect the infection of HPV6/11,HPV16/18.Immunohistochemical technique(EnVision) was used to detect the expression of TGF-β,IL-10,IFN-γ.Result:The HPV infection rates of 30 cases of NIP,23 cases of NSCC were 43.33%,52.17%.None of the NP cases was infected with HPV.Nine out of 23 cases of primary NIP were positive in HPV infection (39.13%).Three out of 7 cases of recurrent NIP were positive in HPV infection (42.86%).There were significant differences in the HPV infection rate between NIP and NP as well as between NSCC and NP(P<0.05).No significant difference of HPV infection rate was observed between NIP and NSCC or between recurrent NIP and primary NIP(P>0.05).TGF-β,IL-10,IFN-γwere expressed in NSCC,NIP and NP.The expression of TGF-βwas significantly different among NIP,NSCC and NP(P<0.01).The expression of TGF-βin NIP group was higher than that in NP and NSCC group.There was no significant difference of TGF-βexpression between NSCC and NP group .The expression of IL-10 was significantly different among NIP,NSCC and NP(P<0.01).The expression of IL-10 in NIP group was lower than that in NP group.There was no significant difference in IL-10 expression between NIP and NSCC or between NSCC and NP.No significant differences of IFN-γexpression was observed among NIP,NSCC and NP(P>0.05).There was no correlation between the expression of TGF-β,IL-10,IFN-γand HPV infection in NIP and NSCC(P>0.05).Conclusion:HPV infection is related to the pathogenesis of some NIP and NSCC cases.The relationship of between HPV infection and malignance of NIP is not clear.HPV infection is not related to the recurrence of NIP.Abnormal expression TGF-βand IL-10 may be involved in the pathogenesis of NIP.There is no relationship between IFN-γand the pathogenesis and development of NIP.HPV infection is not related with the expression of TGF-β,IL-10,IFN-γin NIP and NSCC.

[HER2 status in gastric adenocarcinoma of Chinese: a multicenter study of 40 842 patients]

Objective: To investigation HER2 status in gastric adenocarcinoma of Chinese and contributing factors to the HER2 expression. Methods: HER2 status of 40 842 gastric adenocarcinomas and clinical data were retrospectively collected from 23 hospitals dated from 2013 to 2016. The association between HER2 positivity and clinicopathologic features was analyzed. Results: Of the 40 842 patients the median age was 62 years, the male female ratio was 2.6∶1.0. The rate of HER2 positivity was 8.8% (3 577/40 842). HER2 expression was related to the tissue type, tumor location, Lauren classification and tumor differentiation (P values: 0.009, 0.001, <0.01 and <0.01, respectively). Different HER2 expression status was observed between primary and recurrent tumors in 7.6% (48/635) cases. The rates of HER2 positivity ranged from 2% to 10% among different institutions. The rates of HER2 FISH amplification were dramatically different among the 23 hospitals (0-100%) with an average rate of 10% (810/8 156) in patients with HER2 IHC 2+ . Conclusions: HER2 expression is associated with clinicopathologic characteristics. HER2 re-assessment of tumor tissue and use of in situ hybridization techniques increase HER2 positivity. The current retrospective study should reflect the HER2 status in gastric adenocarcinoma of Chinese patients.

[Detection of HLA-B*13:01 gene by dual allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction in patients with trichlorethylene-induced dermatitis]

Objective: To investigate the detection of a human leukocyte antigen-B (HLA-B) allele HLA-B*13:01 by dual allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with trichlorethylene-induced dermatitis. Methods: A total of 20 patients with trichlorethylene-induced dermatitis who were admitted and treated from January 2014 to October 2016 were enrolled as case group, and 20 persons who underwent physical examination from January to October, 2016 were enrolled as control group. Peripheral cubital venous blood samples were collected from all subjects, and dual allele-specific real-time PCR was used to detect the HLA-B*13:01 gene. The two groups were compared in terms of the proportion of subjects carrying HLA-B*13:01 gene. Results: There were no significant differences between the case group and the control group in median age (25.0 years vs 27.0 years, Z=0.30, P>0.05) and the proportion of male subjects (60.0% vs 70.0%, χ(2)=0.44, P>0.05) . The mean time of exposure to trichloroethylene was 30.8 days in the case group, while the subjects in the control group were not exposed to trichloroethylene. The case group had a significantly higher frequency of HLA-B*13:01 gene than the control group (80.0% vs 20.0%, χ(2)=14.40, P<0.01) with an odds ratio of 16.00. Conclusion: Dual allele-specific real-time PCR can be used for detection of the HLA-B*13:01 gene in patients with trichlorethylene-induced dermatitis.

Measurement of the Branching Fraction For the Semileptonic Decay D^{0(+)}→π^{-(0)}μ^{+}ν_{μ} and Test of Lepton Flavor Universality

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93  fb^{-1} taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider, we perform an analysis of the semileptonic decays D^{0(+)}→π^{-(0)}μ^{+}ν_{μ}. The branching fractions of D^{0}→π^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} and D^{+}→π^{0}μ^{+}ν_{μ} are measured to be (0.272±0.008_{stat}±0.006_{syst})% and (0.350±0.011_{stat}±0.010_{syst})%, respectively, where the former is of much improved precision compared to previous results and the latter is determined for the first time. Using these results along with previous BESIII measurements of D^{0(+)}→π^{-(0)}e^{+}ν_{e}, we calculate the branching fraction ratios to be R^{0}≡B_{D^{0}→π^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}}/B_{D^{0}→π^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}}=0.922±0.030_{stat}±0.022_{syst} and R^{+}≡B_{D^{+}→π^{0}μ^{+}ν_{μ}}/B_{D^{+}→π^{0}e^{+}ν_{e}}=0.964±0.037_{stat}±0.026_{syst}, which are compatible with the theoretical expectation of lepton flavor universality within 1.7σ and 0.5σ, respectively. We also examine the branching fraction ratios in different four-momentum transfer square regions, and find no significant deviations from the standard model predictions.

The use of a 2-aminopurine-containing split G-quadruplex for sequence-specific DNA detection

A simple, sequence-specific DNA detection method, utilizing a fluorescent 2-aminopurine (2-AP) nucleobase analogue-containing split G-quadruplex as the key detection component, is described. In the sensor, the 2-AP-containing G-quadruplex is split into two segments and linked to a target-specific overhang sequence. The separate G-quadruplex sequences form an active G-quadruplex structure only in the presence of a complementary target DNA, which leads to a significant increase in the intensity of fluorescence from the 2-AP fluorophore. This simple, one-step, homogenous assay was successfully employed to detect target DNA with a high selectivity. In addition, the practical applicability of the detection method was demonstrated by its use in analyzing target DNAs in human serum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an investigation was carried out in which a fluorescent nucleobase analogue was incorporated into a split G-quadruplex structure and this structure was utilized as the foundation for a specific DNA sensor.

Observation of the Semileptonic Decay D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} and Evidence for D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using an e^{+}e^{-} collision data sample of 2.93  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV by the BESIII detector at BEPCII, we report the observation of D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} and evidence for D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e} with significances of 6.4σ and 2.9σ, respectively. The absolute branching fractions are determined to be B(D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})×B(a_{0}(980)^{-}→ηπ^{-})=[1.33_{-0.29}^{+0.33}(stat)±0.09(syst)]×10^{-4} and B(D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e})×B(a_{0}(980)^{0}→ηπ^{0})=[1.66_{-0.66}^{+0.81}(stat)±0.11(syst)]×10^{-4}. This is the first time the a_{0}(980) meson has been measured in a D^{0} semileptonic decay, which would open one more interesting page in the investigation of the nature of the puzzling a_{0}(980) states.

Measurement of the Absolute Branching Fraction of the Inclusive Decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X

Based on an e^{+}e^{-} collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 567  pb^{-1} taken at the center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=4.6  GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fraction of the inclusive decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X to be B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X)=(38.2_{-2.2}^{+2.8}±0.9)% using the double-tag method, where X refers to any possible final state particles. In addition, we search for direct CP violation in the charge asymmetry of this inclusive decay for the first time, and obtain A_{CP}≡[B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X)-B(Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}→Λ[over ¯]+X)]/[B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X)+B(Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}→Λ[over ¯]+X)]=(2.1_{-6.6}^{+7.0}±1.6)%, a statistically limited result with no evidence of CP violation.

Development of novel on-line capillary gas chromatography-based analysis method for volatile organic compounds produced by aerobic fermentation

Many volatile compounds, such as isoprene, a precursor used in the synthesis of natural rubber, have been produced through fermentation using genetically engineered microorganisms. Despite this biotechnological success, measuring the concentrations of volatile compounds during fermentation is difficult because of their high volatility. In current systems, off-line analytical methods usually lead to product loss, whereas on-line methods raise the production cost due to the requirement of complex devices. Here, we developed a novel on-line gas chromatography (GC)-based system for analyzing the concentration of isoprene with the aim to minimize the cost and requirement for devices as compared to current strategies. In this system, a programmable logic controller is used to combine conventional GC with a syringe pump module (SPM) directly connected to the exhaust pipe of the fermentor, and isoprene-containing samples are continuously pumped from the SPM into the GC using an air cylinder recycle stream. We showed that this novel system enables isoprene analysis during fermentation with convenient equipment and without the requirement of an expensive desorption tube. Furthermore, this system may be extended to the detection of other volatile organic compounds in fermentation or chemical processes.

Expression, purification and characterization of halophilic protease Pph_Pro1 cloned from Pseudoalteromonas phenolica

In this study, protease Pph_Pro1 from Pseudoalteromonas phenolica, possessing extracellular proteolytic activity and salt tolerance, was investigated for cloning, expression, and purification purposes. Through optimization, it was determined that optimum soluble recombinant expression was achieved when Pph_Pro1 was co-expressed with the pTf16 vector chaperone in LB medium supplemented with CaCl₂. Pph_Pro1 was purified using osmotic shock and immobilized metal-affinity chromatography (IMAC). Isolated Pph_Pro1 activity was measured as 0.44 U/mg using casein as a substrate. Interestingly, Pph_Pro1 displayed halophilic, alkaliphilic, and unexpected thermostable properties. Furthermore, it was resistant to several hydrophilic and hydrophobic organic solvents. Substrate specificity and kinetic values such as K_m and V_max were determined with casein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and algal waste protein as substrates, indicating that the Pph_Pro1 protease enzyme had a greater affinity for casein. Based on the remarkable characteristics of this Pph_Pro1 protease enzyme, it can potentially be utilized in many biotechnological industries.

Discovery of glycocholic acid and taurochenodeoxycholic acid as phenotypic biomarkers in cholangiocarcinoma

Although several biomarkers can be used to distinguish cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) from healthy controls, differentiating the disease from benign biliary disease (BBD) or pancreatic cancer (PC) is a challenge. CCA biomarkers are associated with low specificity or have not been validated in relation to the biological effects of CCA. In this study, we quantitatively analyzed 15 biliary bile acids in CCA (n = 30), BBD (n = 57) and PC (n = 17) patients and discovered glycocholic acid (GCA) and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) as specific CCA biomarkers. Firstly, we showed that the average concentration of total biliary bile acids in CCA patients was quantitatively less than in other patient groups. In addition, the average composition ratio of primary bile acids and conjugated bile acids in CCA patients was the highest in all patient groups. The average composition ratio of GCA (35.6%) in CCA patients was significantly higher than in other patient groups. Conversely, the average composition ratio of TCDCA (13.8%) in CCA patients was significantly lower in all patient groups. To verify the biological effects of GCA and TCDCA, we analyzed the gene expression of bile acid receptors associated with the development of CCA in a CCA cell line. The gene expression of transmembrane G protein coupled receptor (TGR5) and sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) in CCA cells treated with GCA was 8.6-fold and 3.4-fold higher compared with control (untreated with bile acids), respectively. Gene expression of TGR5 and S1PR2 in TCDCA-treated cells was not significantly different from the control. Taken together, our study identified GCA and TCDCA as phenotype-specific biomarkers for CCA.

Observation of a_{0}^{0}(980)-f_{0}(980) Mixing

We report the first observation of a_{0}^{0}(980)-f_{0}(980) mixing in the decays of J/ψ→ϕf_{0}(980)→ϕa_{0}^{0}(980)→ϕηπ^{0} and χ_{c1}→a_{0}^{0}(980)π^{0}→f_{0}(980)π^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0}, using data samples of 1.31×10^{9}  J/ψ events and 4.48×10^{8}  ψ(3686) events accumulated with the BESIII detector. The signals of f_{0}(980)→a_{0}^{0}(980) and a_{0}^{0}(980)→f_{0}(980) mixing are observed at levels of statistical significance of 7.4σ and 5.5σ, respectively. The corresponding branching fractions and mixing intensities are measured and the constraint regions on the coupling constants, g_{a_{0}K^{+}K^{-}} and g_{f_{0}K^{+}K^{-}}, are estimated. The results improve the understanding of the nature of a_{0}^{0}(980) and f_{0}(980).

Oral administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum TMC3115 to neonatal mice may alleviate IgE-mediated allergic risk in adulthood

This study aimed to demonstrate whether exposure to bifidobacteria during early life influences immunity and alleviates the risk of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergies in adulthood. BALB/c neonatal mice (n=54) were administered with a lyophilised cell preparation of Bifidobacterium bifidum TMC3115 (TMC3115) for 3 weeks. Following the intervention, the mice were immunised with intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA). The morphology and function of the intestinal epithelium were determined using histopathological examinations. Intestinal microbiota was detected using quantitative PCR and characterised using next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA genes from faecal DNA. Caecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) and the percentage of splenic CD4+ T cells were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry, respectively. TMC3115 did not significantly affect body weight, and cause any severe systemic inflammation or other clinical symptoms among the neonatal or adult mice, although the crypt depths and Muc2-positive cells in some intestinal segments of neonatal mice were significantly lower than control. Oral TMC3115 administration significantly increased faecal microbial diversity, relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and caecal SCFAs production in neonatal mice. Following the intervention, neonatal mice treated with TMC3115 exhibited less increase in serum IgE levels induced by OVA in adults and significantly higher TNF-α and IL-10 levels than in control. Our findings indicate that the oral administration of bifidobacteria, particularly certain strains, such as TMC3115, during early life could alleviate the risk of IgE-mediated allergies in adult host animals. Modifications of intestinal microbiota, SCFAs metabolism and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production by bifidobacteria may at least in part be a key mechanism underlying the effect of bifidobacteria on the IgE-mediated immune sensitivity of hosts to attacks by allergens at both neonatal and adult stages.

Engineering of artificial microbial consortia of Ralstonia eutropha and Bacillus subtilis for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) copolymer production from sugarcane sugar without precursor feeding

Ralstonia eutropha is a well-known microbe reported for polyhydroxyalkonate (PHA) production, and unable to utilize sucrose as carbon source. Two strains, Ralstonia eutropha H16 and Ralstonia eutropha 5119 were co-cultured with sucrose hydrolyzing microbes (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) for PHA production. Co-culture of B. subtilis:R. eutropha 5119 (BS:RE5) resulted in best PHA production (45% w/w dcw). Optimization of the PHA production process components through response surface resulted in sucrose: NH₄Cl:B. subtilis: R. eutropha (3.0:0.17:0.10:0.190). Along with the hydrolysis of sucrose, B. subtilis also ferments sugars into organic acid (propionic acid), which acts as a precursor for HV monomer unit. Microbial consortia of BS:RE5 when cultured in optimized media led to the production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (P(3HB-co-3HV) with 66% w/w of dcw having 16 mol% HV fraction. This co-culture strategy overcomes the need for metabolic engineering of R. eutropha for sucrose utilization, and addition of precursor for copolymer production.

Biotechnological potential of microbial consortia and future perspectives

Design of a microbial consortium is a newly emerging field that enables researchers to extend the frontiers of biotechnology from a pure culture to mixed cultures. A microbial consortium enables microbes to use a broad range of carbon sources. It provides microbes with robustness in response to environmental stress factors. Microbes in a consortium can perform complex functions that are impossible for a single organism. With advancement of technology, it is now possible to understand microbial interaction mechanism and construct consortia. Microbial consortia can be classified in terms of their construction, modes of interaction, and functions. Here we discuss different trends in the study of microbial functions and interactions, including single-cell genomics (SCG), microfluidics, fluorescent imaging, and membrane separation. Community profile studies using polymerase chain-reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA), and terminal restriction fragment-length polymorphism (T-RFLP) are also reviewed. We also provide a few examples of their possible applications in areas of biopolymers, bioenergy, biochemicals, and bioremediation.

Precision Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} Cross Section Near Threshold

The cross section of the e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} process is measured with unprecedented precision using data collected with the BESIII detector at sqrt[s]=4574.5, 4580.0, 4590.0 and 4599.5 MeV. The nonzero cross section near the Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} production threshold is cleared. At center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4574.5 and 4599.5 MeV, the higher statistics data enable us to measure the Λ_{c} polar angle distributions. From these, the Λ_{c} electric over magnetic form-factor ratios (|G_{E}/G_{M}|) are measured for the first time. They are found to be 1.14±0.14±0.07 and 1.23±0.05±0.03, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.