CYLD alleviates NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in osteoporosis by deubiquitinating WNK1

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis (OP) is the result of bone mass reduction and bone structure disorder. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are the main source of osteogenic precursor cells involved in adult bone remodeling. The involvement of the deubiquitinating enzyme CYLD in OP has recently been discovered. However, the detailed role and mechanism of CYLD remain unknown.

METHODS

The OP mouse model was established by performing ovariectomy (OVX) on mice. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson and Immunohistochemical staining were used to assess pathologic changes. Real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were employed to assess the expression levels of CYLD, WNK1, NLRP3 and osteogenesis-related molecules. The binding relationship between CYLD and WNK1 was validated through a co-immunoprecipitation assay. The osteogenic capacity of BMSCs was determined using Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining (ARS). Protein ubiquitination was evaluated by a ubiquitination assay.

RESULTS

The levels of both CYLD and WNK1 were decreased in bone tissues and BMSCs of OVX mice. Overexpression of CYLD or WNK1 induced osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs. Additionally, NLRP3 inflammation was activated in OVX mice, but its activation was attenuated upon overexpression of CYLD or WNK1. CYLD was observed to reduce the ubiquitination of WNK1, thereby enhancing its protein stability and leading to the inactivation of NLRP3 inflammation. However, the protective effects of CYLD on osteogenic differentiation and NLRP3 inflammation inactivation were diminished upon silencing of WNK1.

CONCLUSION

CYLD mitigates NLRP3 inflammasome-triggered pyroptosis in osteoporosis through its deubiquitination of WNK1.

Remodeling Microenvironment for Implant-Associated Osteomyelitis by Dual Metal Peroxide

Implant-associated osteomyelitis (IAOM) is characterized by bone infection and destruction; current therapy of antibiotic treatment and surgical debridement often results in drug resistance and bone defect. It is challenging to develop an antibiotic-free bactericidal and osteogenic-enhanced strategy for IAOM. Herein, an IAOM-tailored antibacterial and osteoinductive composite of copper (Cu)-strontium (Sr) peroxide nanoparticles (CSp NPs), encapsulated in polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) (CSp@PEGDA), is designed. The dual functional CSp NPs display hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) self-supplying and Fenton catalytic Cu2+ ions' release, generating plenty of hydroxyl radical (• OH) in a pH-responsive manner for bacterial killing, while the released Sr2+ promotes the in vitro osteogenicity regarding cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, extracellular matrix calcification, and osteo-associated genes expression. The integration of Cu2+ and Sr2+ in CSp NPs together with the coated PEGDA hydrogel ensures the stable and sustainable ion release during short- and long-term periods. Benefitted from the injectablity and photo-crosslink ability, CSp@PEGDA is able to thoroughly fill the infectious site and gelate in situ for bacterial elimination and bone regeneration, which is verified through in vivo evaluation using a clinical-simulating IAOM mouse model. These favorable abilities of CSp@PEGDA precisely meet the multiple therapeutic needs and pave a promising way for implant-associated osteomyelitis treatment.

New understandings of the genetic regulatory relationship between non-coding RNAs and m6A modification

One of the most frequent epigenetic modifications of RNA in eukaryotes is N6 methyladenosine (m6A), which is mostly present in messenger RNAs. Through the influence of several RNA processing stages, m6A modification is a crucial approach for controlling gene expression, especially in cancer progression. It is universally acknowledged that numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs, circular RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and piRNAs, are also significantly affected by m6A modification, and the complex genetic regulatory relationship between m6A and ncRNAs plays a pivotal role in the development of cancer. The connection between m6A modifications and ncRNAs offers an opportunity to explore the oncogene potential regulatory mechanisms and suggests that m6A modifications and ncRNAs could be vital biomarkers for multiple cancers. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of interaction between m6A methylation and ncRNAs in cancer, and we also summarize diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for clinical cancer detection. Furthermore, our article includes some methodologies for identifying m6A sites when assessing biomarker potential.

[Effects of biologics on psychological status and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a multicenter study]

Objective: To investigate the effects of biologics on psychological status and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 42 hospitals in 22 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) from September 2021 to May 2022. General clinical information and the use of biologics were obtained from adult patients diagnosed with IBD who voluntarily participated in the study. Psychological status was evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) assessment tools. Counts were analyzed via the Chi-square test, and datasets that were not normally distributed were analyzed via nonparametric tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 2 478 valid questionnaires were collected. The GAD-7 score of the biologics group was significantly lower than that of the non-use group [6 (2, 9) vs. 7 (3, 10), Z=-3.49, P<0.001]. IBDQ scores [183 (158, 204) vs. 178 (152, 198), Z=-4.11, P<0.001], intestinal symptom scores [61 (52, 67) vs. 58 (49, 65), Z=-5.41, P<0.001], systemic symptom scores [28 (24, 32) vs. 27 (23, 31), Z=-2.37, P=0.018], emotional ability scores [69 (58, 77) vs. 67 (56, 75), Z=-3.58, P<0.001] and social ability scores [26 (22, 29) vs. 25 (22, 29), Z=-2.52, P=0.012] in the biologics group were significantly higher than in the non-use group. GAD-7 scores [5 (2, 9) vs. 6 (3, 10), Z=-3.50, P<0.001] and PSQI scores [6 (4, 9) vs. 6 (4, 9), Z=-2.55, P=0.011] were significantly lower in the group using infliximab than in the group not using it. IBDQ scores were significantly higher in patients using vedolizumab than in those not using it [186 (159, 205) vs. 181 (155, 201), Z=-2.32, P=0.021] and were also significantly higher in the group treated with adalimumab than in the group not treated with adalimumab [187 (159, 209) vs. 181 (155, 201), Z=-2.16, P=0.030]. However, ustekinumab had no significant effect on any of the scores. Conclusion: The use of biologics is strongly associated with improvements in anxiety status and quality of life in IBD patients.

Multiple Reconstructive Osteotomy Treating Malunited Calcaneal Fractures Without Subtalar Joint Fusion

OBJECTIVE

Various surgical techniques have been reported in treating calcaneal malunions over the decades, while the operations on single plane were accompanied by respective limitations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel multiple reconstructive osteotomy for treating malunited calcaneal fractures without subtalar joint fusion.

METHODS

From March 12, 2010, to August 17, 2017, 10 patients (10 feet) with malunited calcaneal fractures were treated with multiple reconstructive osteotomy with subtalar joint-preserving operations. All patients were treated with a corrective osteotomy, joint realignment, soft tissue balancing, and secondary internal fixation at a mean of 5.6 ± 2.41 months since the initial injury. With the utilization of the multiple reconstructive osteotomy, the posterior facet was restored to preserve the subtalar joint. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a mean follow-up of 3.04 ± 1.21 years.

RESULTS

All patients were subjectively satisfied with the treatment. The average time to union was 12.2 ± 1.11 weeks. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle (AOFAS) ankle and hind foot score was 86.3 ± 4.45 (t = 27.64, P < 0.0001, paired t-test), which was significantly higher than the preoperative assessment. Postoperative radiographic assessment revealed great improvement in Böhler's angle (from 25.4° to 86.3°), talocalcaneal height (65.15-72.68 mm) and Calcaneus-talus angle (from 34.46° to 39.7°). One patient had mild discomfort after a 1-h brisk walk. One patient was suspected to have early posttraumatic arthritis of the subtalar joint based upon radiographic evidence during the follow-up, but the patients could walk normally for a long time without pain.

CONCLUSION

Multiple reconstructive osteotomy is an effective way to restore the calcaneal morphology and preserve the subtalar joint for selected calcaneal malunion.

Transcriptome dissection of candidate genes associated with lentil seed quality traits

Lentils provide a rich plant-based protein source and staple food in many parts of the world. Despite numerous nutritional benefits, lentil seeds also possess undesirable elements, such as anti-nutritional factors. Understanding the genetic networks of seed metabolism is of great importance for improving the seed nutritional profile. We applied RNA sequencing analysis to survey the transcriptome of developing lentil seeds and compared this with that of the pod shells and leaves. In total, we identified 2622 genes differentially expressed among the tissues examined. Genes preferentially expressed in seeds were enriched in the Gene Ontology (GO) terms associated with development, nitrogen and carbon (N/C) metabolism and lipid synthesis. We further categorized seed preferentially expressed genes based on their involvement in storage protein production, starch accumulation, lipid and suberin metabolism, phytate, saponin and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The availability of transcript profile datasets on lentil seed metabolism and a roadmap of candidate genes presented here will be of great value for breeding strategies towards further improvement of lentil seed quality traits.

Coping with COVID-19 in United Nations peacekeeping field hospitals: increased workload and mental stress for military healthcare providers

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the United Nations peacekeeping field hospitals where medical supply and manpower are extremely insufficient.

METHODS

A level II hospital was deployed in Wau, South Sudan, as the regional referral centre of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). It had a total strength of 63 personnel with 47 medical staff (average age 38.3±8.0 years, 33 men). A new 'appointment-triage-disinfection' work pattern was adopted to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak in the mission. Data on medical service statistics and workload before/after the outbreak were collected and compared. The mental health of staff was analysed from the quarterly psychological survey, including Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-10, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9.

RESULTS

The number of outpatients decreased slightly after the COVID-19 outbreak (41.9±11.9 to 37.6±11.8 per week, p=0.49), whereas the weekly hospital length of stay of inpatients increased significantly (0.4±1.0 to 3.1±3.9 days, p=0.02). Total weekly working hours increased from 1884.9±34.1 to 2023.5±67.3 hours (p<0.001). Elevated mental stress (PSS-10: 4.3±2.4 in February to 7.5±3.9 in May, p<0.001; GAD-7: 4.0±2.3 to 9.4±4.0, p<0.001; PHQ-9: 2.1±1.2 to 3.2±2.4, p<0.001) was documented among healthcare providers after the outbreak. The threat of COVID-19 infection, delay in rotation and family-related concerns constituted the main stressors.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 imposes a huge pressure on peacekeeping field hospitals. Increased workload and mental stress among frontline healthcare providers deserve the attention of UNMISS officials. Facilitating the rotation of the medical staff might potentially improve the operational readiness of the hospital by bringing in well-trained personnel and sufficient medical supplies.

Malunited calcaneal fracture: the role and technique of osteotomy-a systematic review

PURPOSE

The research is aimed to introduce various corrective osteotomies utilized in treating calcaneal malunions in published papers, to further analyze the results, and to summarize recommended indications.

METHODS

The relevant research screening was conducted on the following search engines: the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Academic Search Premier. Key words input included "calcaneal/calcaneus", "malunion," and "malunited fracture(s)" with Boolean operators "AND" and "OR." The inclusion criteria were researches containing surgical procedures treating calcaneal malunion with corrective osteotomy and published in the English language. For included research article, such information was extracted and analyzed: the type of calcaneal malunion, the time from initial injury to corrective surgery, the method of osteotomy, outcomes of each osteotomy (score systems, Bohler angle, talocalcaneal height and width of calcaneus, etc.), the function of the affected limb, post-operative complications, and patients' satisfaction. For included review, descriptive, commentary, or indicative sentences about corrective osteotomy were highlighted, analyzed, and summarized.

RESULTS

Ten research articles (170 patients with 184 feet) and nine reviews were included in this review, presenting seven types of corrective osteotomies (lateral wall exostectomy, Dwyer osteotomy, lateral wedge opening osteotomy, Romash osteotomy, tongue osteotomy, sagittal resection osteotomy, and modified Dwyer osteotomy).

CONCLUSION

A different corrective osteotomy with/without arthrodesis is recommended to be utilized based on the classification of the malunion and the condition of the cartilage in treating malunited calcaneal fractures. With adequate postoperative care and rehabilitation, the results of treatment could be associated with patients' satisfaction and good function.

Sleep disturbances among medical workers during the outbreak of COVID-2019

Background

The outbreak of Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has posed unprecedented pressure and threats to healthcare workers in Wuhan and the entire country.

Aims

To assess the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on the sleep quality of healthcare workers in a children’s healthcare centre in Wuhan.

Methods

A cross-sectional, anonymized, self-reported questionnaire survey was conducted at the Children’s Healthcare Centre of Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. The questionnaire consisted of three parts, including socio-demographic characteristics and COVID-19 epidemic-related factors, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and Zung’s self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS).

Results

In total, 47 out of 123 (38%) participants with PSQI scores > 7 were identified as having sleep disturbance. A logistic regression analysis showed that sleep disturbance was independently associated with being an only child (adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.40 (1.21–9.57), P < 0.05), exposure to COVID-19 patients (adjusted OR and 95% CI 2.97 (1.08–8.18), P < 0.05) and depression (adjusted OR and 95% CI 2.83 (1.10–7.27), P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We observed that, during the outbreak of COVID-19, sleep disturbance was highly prevalent among paediatric healthcare workers, and sleep disturbance was independently associated with being an only child, exposure to COVID-19 patients and depression. Therefore, more mental health services are required for front-line paediatric healthcare workers in Wuhan.

[Research progress in surface bonding pretreatment of dental zirconia ceramics]

Yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramics is widely used in the field of dentistry because of its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, it has low hydroxyl content and does not contain silica. Therefore micro mechanical retention induced by hydrofluoric acid etching on its surface is not applicable. The bonding of zirconia is a difficult problem. Zirconia surface pretreatment is commonly used to improve bonding strength and durability. This review summarizes surface pretreatment of dental zirconia ceramic including air abrasion, laser etching, acid etching, silica coating, non-thermal plasmas treatment, et al. In addition, it presents advantages and disadvantages of each treatment, provides guidance for application and future research directions.

The correlation between estrogen receptor gene polymorphism and osteoporosis in Han Chinese women

OBJECTIVE

To uncover the role of estrogen receptor gene polymorphism in the onset of osteoporosis in Han Chinese women.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 122 osteoporosis woman patients who were admitted to this hospital between April 2016 and April 2017 were enrolled in this study as the case group, and during the same period, 106 healthy counterparts who took physical examination as the control group. With the genetic samples collected from subjects in two groups, we detected the polymorphisms of Pvu II and Xba I in the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) gene and the Rsa-I and Aiu-I polymorphisms in the ERβ gene by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and the related-alleles frequency in subjects carrying the genotype of Pvu-1I and Xba-I polymorphisms in the ERα gene or the genotype of Rsa-I and Alu-I polymorphisms in the ERβ gene in the two groups.

RESULTS

Comparison of genotype frequencies pp, Pp, and PP of ERα Pvu-II polymorphisms between the case group and the control group showed the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05), in which the P allele in the case group had a higher frequency than that in the control group (p < 0.05). However, comparisons of the genotype frequencies of xx, Xx, and XX of ERα Xba-I polymorphisms between the case group and the control group showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05), and similar results were also found in comparison of the genotype frequencies of rr, Rr, and RR of Rsa-I polymorphisms (p > 0.05). By the comparison of genotype frequencies of ERβ Alu-I and Rsa-I polymorphisms in the case group with those in the control group, and by the comparison of genotype frequencies aa, Aa, and AA of ERβ Alu-I polymorphisms in the case group with those in the control group, all the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05 ).

CONCLUSIONS

In Han Chinese women, susceptibility to osteoporosis may be affected by ERα Pvu-II polymorphisms and ERβ Alu-I polymorphisms; those carrying genotypes containing A and P alleles may have a higher risk in osteoporosis.

Chinese Consensus on Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

Background:

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a common finding in the clinic. However, consensus on its mechanism, pathological process, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation is lacking. Thus, the Chinese Society of Sports Medicine organized and invited experts representing the fields of ankle disease and tendinopathy to jointly develop an expert consensus on IAT.

Study Design:

A consensus statement of the Chinese Society of Sports Medicine.

Methods:

A total of 34 experts in the field of sports medicine and orthopaedics were invited to participate in the compilation of a consensus statement regarding IAT. Consensus was achieved according to the Delphi method. First, 10 working groups composed of 34 experts were established to compile draft statements about clinical problems related to IAT by reviewing and analyzing the available literature. An expert consensus meeting to discuss drafts was then arranged. Each statement was individually presented and discussed, followed by a secret vote. Consensus was reached when more than 50% of the experts voted in its favor. The strength of the proposed recommendation was classified based on the proportion of favorable votes: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; unanimity, 100%.

Results:

Of the 10 expert consensus statements on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of IAT, there was strong consensus for 8 statements and unanimity for 2 statements.

Conclusion:

This expert consensus focused on the concepts, causes, pathological process, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of IAT. Accepted recommendations in these areas which will assist clinicians in carrying out standardized management of related diseases.

A novel double-variant RHAG allele leads to Rhmod phenotype

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

We aimed to analyse the molecular backgrounds and red blood cell (RBC) antigen expression of a male blood donor with Rh_mod phenotype and his family members.

BACKGROUND

Rh deficiency phenotypes are rarely found worldwide and are characterised by the lack of Rh antigen expression on RBCs. During routine screening, we found a blood donor who seemingly lacked Rh antigens. Therefore, we recruited the donor and his family for further investigation.

METHODS

RBC serotyping and antibody screening/identification were performed for each sample. A routine blood examination was also conducted. RHD, RHCE and RHAG were sequenced at the genomic DNA or RNA level. Eleven antigens or proteins associated with Rh complex were tested using flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTS

The proband and one of his brothers showed extremely weak D antigen and Rh expression levels but did not manifest anaemia. Most of the expressed RBC antigens of the two Rh-deficient individuals were similar to the previously reported cases but with some exceptions. Molecular analyses demonstrated homozygous expression of a novel RHAG allele, namely, c.[572G>A;707A>C], both in the proband and one of his brothers.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, we identified the second double-variant RHAG allele and the first one related to Rh_mod phenotype. The novel allele was also confirmed to be heritable by family analyses.

The transcriptional landscape of polyploid wheat

The coordinated expression of highly related homoeologous genes in polyploid species underlies the phenotypes of many of the world's major crops. Here we combine extensive gene expression datasets to produce a comprehensive, genome-wide analysis of homoeolog expression patterns in hexaploid bread wheat. Bias in homoeolog expression varies between tissues, with ~30% of wheat homoeologs showing nonbalanced expression. We found expression asymmetries along wheat chromosomes, with homoeologs showing the largest inter-tissue, inter-cultivar, and coding sequence variation, most often located in high-recombination distal ends of chromosomes. These transcriptionally dynamic genes potentially represent the first steps toward neo- or subfunctionalization of wheat homoeologs. Coexpression networks reveal extensive coordination of homoeologs throughout development and, alongside a detailed expression atlas, provide a framework to target candidate genes underpinning agronomic traits in wheat.

Expression of APOB, ADFP and FATP1 and their correlation with fat deposition in Yunnan's top six famous chicken breeds

1. Adipose differentiation related protein (ADFP), fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) and apolipoprotein B (APOB) are suspected to play an important role in determining intramuscular fat and in overall meat quality. 2. Yunnan's top six famous chicken breeds (the Daweishan Mini, Yanjin Black-bone, Chahua, Wuding, Wuliangshan Black-bone and Piao chicken) are known for the high quality of their meat, but little is known about their expression of these three genes. 3. The present study aimed to examine the ADFP, FATP1 and APOB genes in different tissues of these six breeds at different development stages. The subcutaneous fat from the back midline and front, abdominal fat, liver and muscle tissue was sampled at 28, 49, 70, 91 and 112 days. The expression of ADFP, FATP1 and APOB was measured by real-time PCR. 4. The results showed that the expression of the three genes differed depending on age, tissue types and breeds. However, the expression of the three genes correlated with fat traits. In conclusion, the expression of the ADFP, FATP1 and APOB genes is associated with the fat traits of Yunnan's top six chicken breeds. These results could help with molecular marker screening and marker-assisted breeding to improve the quality of poultry for meat production.

p.R180C mutation of glycosyltransferase B leads to B subgroup, an in vitro and in silico study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Dysfunctional glycosyltransferase A or B may lead to incomplete glycosylation of H antigen and atypical ABO blood group with weak A or B phenotypes, posing challenges for blood typing for transfusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serological studies and ABO gene analysis were performed. Flow cytometry was performed on HeLa cells transfected glycosyltransferase B expressing plasmids. Agglutination of transfected cells and total glycosyltransferase B transfer capacity were examined. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore possible dynamic conformational changes around the binding pocket.

RESULTS

We identified a mutation c.538C>T (p. R180C) of B allele in a Chinese donor and his father with ABw phenotype. In vitro expression study showed that mutation p.R180C, although not affecting expression of glycosyltransferase B, impaired H to B antigen conversion. The in silico analyses found that the residue Arg180 on the internal loop next to the entry of the binding pocket may have its long side chain salt-bridged with the highly flexible C-terminal carboxyl and contribute to the catalysis of H to B antigen conversion.

CONCLUSION

The p.R180C mutation impairs the conversion from H to B antigen and leads to weak B phenotype. Dynamic interaction between Arg180 and C-terminal of glycosyltransferase B may stabilize its binding with UDP-galactose and facilitate H/B antigen conversion.

A novel HLA class I allele: HLA-A*11:01:49

The HLA-A*11:01:49 allele differs from A*11:01:01:01 by one synonymous nucleotide substitution at position 837.

Characterization of the novel HLA-B*40:01:31 allele

The HLA-B*40:01:31 allele differs from B*40:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 216.

A novel HLA-B allele: HLA-B*40:241

The HLA-B*40:241 allele differs from B*40:01:01 by 1 nucleotide substitution at position 691.

A novel HLA-B allele: HLA-B*40:242

The HLA-B*40:242 allele differs from B*40:54 by 1 nucleotide substitution at position 190.

Characterization of the novel HLA-DRB1*11:01:20 allele

The HLA- DRB1*11:01:20 allele differs from DRB1*11:01:01:01 by 1 nucleotide substitution at position 219.

The parthenogenetic development of porcine in vitro matured oocytes vitrified before or after electric activation

　　BACKGROUND: The highly efficient production of parthenogenetic embryos from vitrified porcine in vitro matured oocytes has become essential for biotechnology and biomedicine research.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the survival and parthenogenetic development of oocytes vitrified before or after electric activation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The vitrified oocytes were parthenogenetically activated at 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h post warming (h.p.w.), and fresh oocytes were vitrified at 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h post electric activation (h.p.a.).

RESULTS

In comparison with non-vitrified oocytes, the rates of survival and activation of oocytes vitrified at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h.p.a. were similar, but the parameters in other vitrified groups significantly decreased. Parthenogenetic development in vitrified 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h.p.a. groups was also significantly higher than that in other vitrified groups. Moreover, the total cell numbers of blastocysts were similar among all groups.

CONCLUSION

Porcine oocytes vitrified at 0.5-4 h h.p.a. showed acceptable survival and pronuclear formation, and a higher blastocyst yield could be obtained from these oocytes.

Identification of a novel HLA-DRB1*14 allele, HLA-DRB1*14:127:01, in a Chinese Individual

Two nucleotide changes in codon 77 (ACC → AAT) of HLA-DRB1*14:05:03 result in the allele, HLA-DRB1*14:127:01.

A novel HLA-B allele, HLA-B*13:69

HLA-B*13:69 allele differs from B*13:02:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 628 from A to C.

Preparation of an inoculum of Gluconacetobacter xylinus without mutants in shaken culture

AIMS

A high-quality inoculum of Gluconacetobacter xylinus is important to produce bacterial cellulose (BC), a versatile biomaterial. This work aims to develop a method of preparing an inoculum of this bacterium with high cell density and without mutants.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Inocula of G. xylinus ACCC 10220 without and with cellulase or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were prepared in shaken culture. BC pellets and BC-negative mutants were present in the inoculum without additives but absent in the inoculum with additives. Based on BC weights statically produced in fresh BC-producing media initiated by different seed culture, the 24-h-shaken inoculum with 1·50% (w/v) CMC was the best because of high biomass and absence of mutants. The BC weights in fresh media inoculated by the 96-h-static inoculum and 24-h-shaken CMC inoculum at 7% (v/v) were 0·70 and 1·05 g l(-1) , respectively, implying significant difference (P < 0·01) in BC weights. However, structure properties of the two BC samples, including the crystallinity index, mass fraction of cellulose Iα , degree of polymerization (DP) and micromorphology were slightly different.

CONCLUSIONS

The 24-h-shaken CMC inoculum was the most suitable for a starter culture of BC.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

A novel method of preparing G. xylinus inoculum in shaken culture was developed, featuring high biomass, absence of mutants and no BC entanglements. Cellulase or CMC added into the medium completely suppressed mutation of G. xylinus, and CMC facilitated to form colloidal BC with the low DP in shaken culture, indicating less BC stress to cells. These findings suggested the mutation could be induced by BC stress, and not by shear stress commonly accepted.

A novel HLA-B allele, HLA-B*56:40

HLA-B*56:40 allele differs from B*56:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 874.

Identification of a novel HLA-B*40 allele, HLA-B*40:229, in a Chinese individual

The novel HLA-B*40:229 allele shows one nucleotide difference from B*40:02:01 in exon 2 at nucleotide position 97 (C → T).

Identification of a novel HLA-A*24 variant allele, A*24:02:60

HLA-A*24:02:60 allele differs from A*24:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at nt 564 from C to T.

Identification of a novel HLA-B*40 allele, HLA-B*40:210, in a Chinese individual

The newly detected HLA-B*40:210 allele has two nucleotide changes in exon 2 compared to B*40:49 allele.

First Report of Tomato mottle mosaic virus Infection of Pepper in China

Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV), a tentative member in genus Tobamovirus, was first reported from a greenhouse tomato sample collected in Mexico in 2013 (2). In August 2013, foliar mottle, shrinking, and necrosis were observed on pepper plants in several vegetable greenhouses of Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Seven symptomatic samples were collected and tested by dot-blot ELISA with antisera against Cucumber mosaic virus, Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus, Tomato spotted wilt virus, Turnip mosaic virus, and Broad bean wilt virus 2 (kindly provided by Dr. Xueping Zhou of Zhejiang University, China) (3). One of the bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) samples reacted with the TMV antibody. Rod-shaped virus particles 300 nm in length were observed in this sample under electron microscopy. The results suggested that a tobamovirus closely related to TMV might be a causal agent. Total nucleic acids were then extracted from all seven samples using a CTAB method (1) and tested by RT-PCR using a pair of tobamovirus degenerate primers, TobamoF (GCWAAGGTKGTWYTBGTRGAYGG) and TobamoR (GTAATTGCTATTGDGTWCCWGC). These two primers were designed according to a conserved region of the TMV, Tomato mosaic virus, and ToMMV genomes (nt 2551-3433 of ToMMV genome [KF477193]). An amplicon of approximately 880 bp was obtained only from the TMV-positive sample. The amplicon was cloned and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. KJ605653). NCBI BLAST search showed that it shared the highest identity (99%) with ToMMV (KF477193), and shared the sequence homology of 82% to Tomato mosaic virus (AF332868) and 77% to TMV (V01408). The results indicated that the symptomatic pepper was infected with ToMMV. To investigate the distribution and incidence of ToMMV, 313 samples of symptomatic pepper, tomato, pumpkin, cucumber, radish, Chinese cabbage, broad bean, pea, and kidney bean samples were collected from 65 fields in Yunnan Province and Tibet Autonomous Region, and tested in RT-PCR with ToMMV-specific primers ToMMVF (AGAGAGATGGCGATAGGTTAAC, identical to nt 830-851 of ToMMV genome, GenBank Accession No. KF477193) and ToMMVR (CTGCAGTCATAGGATCTACTTC, complementary to nt1849-1828). The virus was detected in three tabasco peppers (C. frutescens) from Yunnan and one bell pepper plant from Tibet, suggesting that ToMMV has a restricted host range and is not common in these two regions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of natural infection of ToMMV in peppers as well as in China. References: (1) R. Li et al. J. Virol. Methods 154:48, 2008. (2) R. Li et al. Genome Announc. 1(5):e00794-13, 2013. (3) Y. Xie et al. Virol. J. 10:142, 2013.

Correlated energy-spread removal with space charge for high-harmonic generation

We study the effect of longitudinal space charge on the correlated energy spread of a relativistic high-brightness electron beam that has been density modulated for the emission of coherent, high-harmonic radiation. We show that, in the case of electron bunching induced by a laser modulator followed by a dispersive chicane, longitudinal space charge forces can act to strongly reduce the induced energy modulation of the beam without a significant reduction in the harmonic bunching content. This effect may be optimized to enhance the output power and overall performance of free-electron lasers that produce coherent light through high-gain harmonic generation. It also increases the harmonic number achievable in these devices, which are otherwise gain-limited by the induced energy modulation from the laser.

A new human leukocyte antigen class I allele: HLA-A*11:125

HLA-A*11:125 allele differs from A*11:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at nt 140 from T to C.

Non-viral FoxM1 gene delivery to hepatocytes enhances liver repopulation

Hepatocyte transplantation as a substitute strategy of orthotopic liver transplantation is being studied for treating end-stage liver diseases. Several technical hurdles must be overcome in order to achieve the therapeutic liver repopulation, such as the problem of insufficient expansion of the transplanted hepatocytes in recipient livers. In this study, we analyzed the application of FoxM1, a cell-cycle regulator, to enhance the proliferation capacity of hepatocytes. The non-viral sleeping beauty (SB) transposon vector carrying FoxM1 gene was constructed for delivering FoxM1 into the hepatocytes. The proliferation capacities of hepatocytes with FoxM1 expression were examined both in vivo and in vitro. Results indicated that the hepatocytes with FoxM1 expression had a higher proliferation rate than wild-type (WT) hepatocytes in vitro. In comparison with WT hepatocytes, the hepatocytes with FoxM1 expression had an enhanced level of liver repopulation in the recipient livers at both sub-acute injury (fumaryl acetoacetate hydrolase (Fah)^–/– mice model) and acute injury (2/3 partial hepatectomy mice model). Importantly, there was no increased risk of tumorigenicity with FoxM1 expression in recipients even after serial transplantation. In conclusion, expression of FoxM1 in hepatocytes enhanced the capacity of liver repopulation without inducing tumorigenesis. FoxM1 gene delivered by non-viral SB vector into hepatocytes may be a viable approach to promote therapeutic repopulation after hepatocyte transplantation.

Abstract P6-06-35: Invasive lobular cancer versus mixed invasive lobular cancer with invasive ductal cancer: 20 year outcomes at one institution

Introduction: Conflicting reports exist regarding characteristics and outcomes of patients with only invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and mixed invasive lobular and ductal carcinoma (ILC/IDC). The purpose of this project is to report experience of 20 year cohort at one institution.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with ILC between 1990 and 2010 were divided into two groups: ILC alone and ILC/IDC. Patient demographics, history, diagnosis and treatment modalities, and outcomes were captured. Chi-square, log-rank, and Wilcoxon rank sums tests were utilized for statistical analysis. P &lt; 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: In 189 AJCC Stage I-III patients, ILC was identified in 149 (79%) and ILC/IDC in 39 (21%). ILC stage was I, II, III in 46 (31%), 57 (41%), 32 (21%) ILC, and ILC/IDC was 17 (44%), 16 (41%), 4 (10%). Median age (range) at diagnosis was 64 (31-88) for ILC and 64 (35-84) years for ILC/IDC (p = 0.78). Median largest tumor diameter was 22 (range 1-100) in ILC, and 20 (range 2-110) mm in ILC/IDC (p = 0.97). Seventy-eight (52%) and 20 (51%) were diagnosed with ILC and ILC/IDC clinically, and 58 (39%) and 15 (38%) were diagnosed with ILC and ILC/IDC radiographically (p = 0.96). Treatment modalities were mastectomy and breast conservation therapy in 82(55%) and 67(45%) of patients with ILC, 18 (46%) and 21 (54%) of patients with ILC/IDC (p = 0.32). In 136 (91%) ILC and 33 (85%) ILC/IDC patients who had nodal evaluation/excision, 59 (43%) ILC and 12 (36%) ILC/IDC patients presented with positive nodal status. ER, PR, and HER2 status were positive in 132 (89%), 104 (70%), 7 (5%) ILC, and 29 (74%), 26 (67%), 3 (8%) ILC/IDC patients respectively (p = 0.02, p = 0.85, p = 0.17).

Median (range) follow-up for ILC was 6.1 (&lt; 1-22.3), and 8.0 (1.72-17.7) years for ILC/IDC (p = 0.03). At the time of analysis, 43(29%) patients with ILC, and 11(28%) patients with ILC/IDC had expired (p = 0.94). Median (range) follow-up for patients who were alive at time of analysis was 6.8 (&lt;1-20.7) years for ILC, and10.1 (2.3-17.7) years for ILC/IDC (p = 0.06). Time to first recurrence was 3.23 (0.8-17.0) years in ILC, and 5.2 (2.9-9.3) years in ILC/IDC (p = 0.20). Recurrence was identified in 33(22%) ILC: 15(46%) locoregional and18 (54%) distant disease. Similarly, recurrence was found in 7 (20%) ILC/IDC patients: 4 locoregional and 3 distant. Most locoregional recurrences, 12/15 (80%), occurred in the ipsilateral breast in ILC, and 3/4 (75%) in ILC/IDC (p = 0.82). Five years disease free survival rates were 76% ILC and 85% for ILC/IDC, and 10 years rates were 63% for ILC and 67% for ILC/IDC (p = 0.4941). Overall survival estimates at 5 years were 84% for ILC and 92% for ILC/IDC, and at 10 years were 65% for ILC and 74% for ILC/IDC (p = 0.52).

Conclusion: While basic demographics and survival patterns did not differ statistically between ILC and ILC/IDC, pure ILC histology tends to carry a higher risk of recurrence, as well as worse disease free and overall survival compared to ILC/IDC. ILC histology was more likely to be ER positive, present with advanced stage, and recur in the ipsilateral breast than the contralateral breast.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-06-35.

Generation of coherent broadband photon pulses with a cascaded longitudinal space-charge amplifier

The longitudinal space-charge amplifier has been recently proposed by Schneidmiller and Yurkov as an alternative to the free-electron laser instability for the generation of intense broadband radiation pulses [Phys. Rev. ST Accel. Beams 13, 110701 (2010)]. In this Letter, we report on the experimental demonstration of a cascaded longitudinal space-charge amplifier at optical wavelengths. Although seeded by electron beam shot noise, the strong compression of the electron beam along the three amplification stages leads to emission of coherent undulator radiation pulses exhibiting a single spectral spike and a single transverse mode. The on-axis gain is estimated to exceed 4 orders of magnitude with respect to spontaneous emission.

Demonstration of cascaded optical inverse free-electron laser accelerator

We report on a proof-of-principle demonstration of a two-stage cascaded optical inverse free-electron laser (IFEL) accelerator in which an electron beam is accelerated by a strong laser pulse after being packed into optical microbunches by a weaker initial laser pulse. We show experimentally that injection of precisely prepared optical microbunches into an IFEL allows net acceleration or deceleration of the beam, depending on the relative phase of the two laser pulses. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with simulation. The demonstrated technique holds great promise to significantly improve the beam quality of IFELs and may have a strong impact on emerging laser accelerators driven by high-power optical lasers.

[Progress in treatment of acute achilles tendon rupture]

OBJECTIVE

To review the progress in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.

METHODS

Recent literature about the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture was reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

Treatments of acute Achilles tendon rupture include operative and non-operative treatments. Operative treatments include open surgery and percutaneous minimally invasive surgery. Compared with non-operative treatment, operative treatment can effectively reduce the re-rupture incidence, but it had higher complication incidences of wound infection and nerve injury. Although early functional rehabilitation during non-operative treatment could reduce the re-rutpture incidence, there is no consistent orthopaedic device and guideline for functional rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Both operative and non-operative treatments have advantages and disadvantages for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. No consistent conclusion is arrived regarding functional recovery. Future studies should explore the strategy of early functional rehabilitation during non-operative treatment and its mechanism of promoting tendon healing.

Radiofrequency ablation for liver metastasis from gastric cancer

AIMS

Several studies have reported the benefit of hepatic resection for metastatic tumor from gastric cancer. However, the value of treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has not been clearly defined.

METHODS

Between Jan 2002 and Dec 2007, 21 patients with primary gastric cancer were diagnosed with synchronous or metachronous liver metastases. All patients were treated with RFA, and the complication, survival, and recurrence rates were assessed.

RESULTS

The postoperative complication rate was 5% (1/21), with no mortality. The median actuarial survival time was 14 months. The 1-yr, 2-yr, 3-yr, and 5-yr survival rates after RFA were 70%, 11%, 5%, and 3%, respectively. With a median follow-up time of 19 months, local recurrence at the RFA site was 19% (4/21). Solitary metastasis had significantly longer survival than multiple lesions after RFA (22 vs 10 months, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

RFA provides a minimally invasive and safe modality of treatment patients with liver metastasis from gastric cancer. Patients with solitary liver lesion were considered appropriate candidates for RFA.

Radiofrequency ablation for liver metastasis from gastric cancer

AIMS

Several studies have reported the benefit of hepatic resection for metastatic tumor from gastric cancer. However, the value of treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has not been clearly defined.

METHODS

Between Jan 2002 and Dec 2007, 21 patients with primary gastric cancer were diagnosed with synchronous or metachronous liver metastases. All patients were treated with RFA, and the complication, survival, and recurrence rates were assessed.

RESULTS

The postoperative complication rate was 5% (1/21), with no mortality. The median actuarial survival time was 14 months. The 1-yr, 2-yr, 3-yr, and 5-yr survival rates after RFA were 70%, 11%, 5%, and 3%, respectively. With a median follow-up time of 19 months, local recurrence at the RFA site was 19% (4/21). Solitary metastasis had significantly longer survival than multiple lesions after RFA (22 vs 10 months, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

RFA provides a minimally invasive and safe modality of treatment patients with liver metastasis from gastric cancer. Patients with solitary liver lesion were considered appropriate candidates for RFA.

Anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies in conjunction with β-glucans: a novel anti-cancer immunotherapy

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have greatly advanced the field of anti-cancer immunotherapy and have made a major impact in clinical medicine. While more mAbs have been approved by the FDA and entered into the clinical therapeutic arena with indications to treat various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, extensive efforts have also been made to make mAb therapy more effective. Combination therapy of anti-tumor mAbs with chemotherapeutic drugs has been widely used in the clinical patient care. In addition, many immune stimulating agents have been specifically studied for this very purpose. One compound in particular, β-glucan, has shown very promising and exciting results in pre-clinical animal models and early phase human clinical trials. β-Glucans are naturally occurring, abundant polysaccharides with different structures that can be extracted and purified from fungi, bacteria, oats and barley. The active components of yeast-derived β-glucan exert their unique immune stimulating functions by binding specifically to complement receptor 3 (CR3) via lectin-like domain (LLD) and activating CR3 to promote cellular cytotoxicity of iC3b-coated cancer cells. In addition, particulate yeast-derived β-glucan stimulates both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. This review covers the anti-cancer mechanisms of anti-tumor mAbs and β-glucans, the pre-clinical studies done with β-glucans in conjunction with anti-tumor mAbs in human carcinoma xenograft models, and the preliminary results of human clinical trials with different β-glucans, as well as those of phase I/II and III studies using the combination of yeast-derived soluble β-glucan and anti-tumor mAbs.

Single-shot coherent diffraction imaging of microbunched relativistic electron beams for free-electron laser applications

With the advent of coherent x rays provided by the x-ray free-electron laser (FEL), strong interest has been kindled in sophisticated diffraction imaging techniques. In this Letter, we exploit such techniques for the diagnosis of the density distribution of the intense electron beams typically utilized in an x-ray FEL itself. We have implemented this method by analyzing the far-field coherent transition radiation emitted by an inverse-FEL microbunched electron beam. This analysis utilizes an oversampling phase retrieval method on the transition radiation angular spectrum to reconstruct the transverse spatial distribution of the electron beam. This application of diffraction imaging represents a significant advance in electron beam physics, having critical applications to the diagnosis of high-brightness beams, as well as the collective microbunching instabilities afflicting these systems.