ASIC1a involves the acid-mediated activation of pancreatic stellate cells associated with autophagy induction

The acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer affects the physiological function of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which in turn promotes cancer progression. Acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is responsible for acidosis-related physiopathological processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of acid exposure on the activation and autophagy of PSCs, and the role of ASIC1a in these events. The results showed that acidic medium upregulated the expression of ASIC1a, induced PSCs activation and autophagy, which can be suppressed by inhibiting ASIC1a using PcTx1 or ASIC1a knockdown, suggesting that ASIC1a involves these two processes. In addition, the acid-induced activation of PSCs was impaired after the application of autophagy inhibitor alone or in combination with ASIC1a siRNA, meaning a connection between autophagy and activation. Collectively, our study provides evidence for the involvement of ASIC1a in the acid-caused PSCs activation, which may be associated with autophagy induction.

The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Exercise Capacity in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The optimal exercise prescription for coronary artery disease (CAD) remains under debate. The aim of our meta-analysis is to investigate the efficacy of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) of coronary artery disease patients.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched from their inception date until October 23, 2021, and the articles include randomized controlled trials. The mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I ² test.

Results

The study standards were met by seventeen studies. The pooled studies included 902 patients. HIIT resulted in improvement in peak oxygen uptake (1.50 ml/kg/min, 95% confidence interval: 0.48 to 2.53, n = 853 patients, and low quality evidence) compared with MICT. There was no discernible difference between the individuals in the HIIT group and the MICT group in terms of systolic/diastolic blood pressure or peak/resting heart rate.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis reported the superiority of HIIT versus MICT in enhancing peak oxygen uptake in CAD patients.

Global disease burden of COPD from 1990 to 2019 and prediction of future disease burden trend in China

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess and predict the disease burden attributable to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a timely, comprehensive, and reliable manner, thereby mitigating the health hazards of COPD.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Data on the disease burden owing to COPD from 1990 to 2019 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. Linear regression analysis was used to calculate the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in the age-standardized rates. Non-parametric tests were used for subgroup analysis. The Bayesian age-period-cohot (BAPC) model integrated nested Laplace approximations to predict the disease burden over the next 25 years. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the Norpred APC model.

RESULTS

Globally, the COPD-related age-standardized incidence rate decreased from 216.48/100,000 in 1990 to 200.49/100,000 in 2019, with an EAPC of -0.33. But the number of new cases increased from 8,722,966 in 1990 to 16, 214, 828 in 2019. Trends in prevalence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were the same as incidence. There were significant differences in disease burden between the genders and all age groups (P < 0.05) in China. The projections suggested that the COPD-related number of new cases and deaths in China would increase by approximately 1.5 times over the next 25 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of incidence, prevalence, deaths, and DALYs had all increased in China in the past and would continue to grow over the next 25 years. Therefore, measures should be taken to target risk factors and high-risk groups.

A CysB regulator positively regulates cysteine synthesis, expression of type III secretion system genes, and pathogenicity in Ralstonia solanacearum

A syringe-like type III secretion system (T3SS) plays essential roles in the pathogenicity of Ralstonia solanacearum, which is a causal agent of bacterial wilt disease on many plant species worldwide. Here, we characterized functional roles of a CysB regulator (RSc2427) in R. solanacearum OE1-1 that was demonstrated to be responsible for cysteine synthesis, expression of the T3SS genes, and pathogenicity of R. solanacearum. The cysB mutants were cysteine auxotrophs that failed to grow in minimal medium but grew slightly in host plants. Supplementary cysteine substantially restored the impaired growth of cysB mutants both in minimal medium and inside host plants. Genes of cysU and cysI regulons have been annotated to function for R. solanacearum cysteine synthesis; CysB positively regulated expression of these genes. Moreover, CysB positively regulated expression of the T3SS genes both in vitro and in planta through the PrhG to HrpB pathway, whilst impaired expression of the T3SS genes in cysB mutants was independent of growth deficiency under nutrient-limited conditions. CysB was also demonstrated to be required for exopolysaccharide production and swimming motility, which contribute jointly to the host colonization and infection process of R. solanacearum. Thus, CysB was identified here as a novel regulator on the T3SS expression in R. solanacearum. These results provide novel insights into understanding of various biological functions of CysB regulators and complex regulatory networks on the T3SS in R. solanacearum.

Downregulation of lncRNA TUG1 attenuates inflammation and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cell induced by ischemia-reperfusion by sponging miR-449b-5p via targeting HMGB1 and MMP2

We aimed to evaluate the functions of long non-coding RNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (lncRNA TUG1) in renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and identify the potential mechanisms. Pathological changes of renal tissues were examined using H&E staining after mimic renal I/R injury in vivo. The contents of serum renal functional parameters and inflammatory factors were measured. The expression of TUG1 and miR-449b-5p in renal tissues and HK-2 cells stimulated by I/R were detected. Then, the effects of TUG1 silencing on inflammation and apoptosis of cells were evaluated. Dual luciferase reporter assays were executed for determining the correlation between miR-449b-5p and TUG1, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), or matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Subsequently, cells were co-transfected with miR-449b-5p mimic and pcDNA3.1 TUG1. The levels of inflammation, apoptosis, and the expression of HMGB1 and MMP2 were detected. The results revealed that renal tissues were obviously damaged after I/R accompanied by changes in renal functional markers and inflammatory factors. TUG1 was highly expressed whereas miR-449b-5p was lowly expressed. TUG1 silencing reduced the inflammation and apoptosis. Dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-449b-5p was a target of TUG1 as well as HMGB1 and MMP2 were direct targets of miR-449b-5p. Meanwhile, miR-449b-5p mimic presented the same results with TUG1 silencing, which were reversed after TUG1 overexpression. Moreover, MMP2 and HMGB1 expression was decreased after miR-449b-5p overexpression while that of was increased after TUG1 overexpression. These findings demonstrated that TUG1 silencing attenuates I/R-induced inflammation and apoptosis via targeting miR-449b-5p and regulating HMGB1 and MMP2 expression.

A non-coding cancer mutation disrupting an HNF4α binding motif affects an enhancer regulating genes associated to the progression of liver cancer

BACKGROUND

Somatic mutations in coding regions of the genome may result in non-functional proteins that can lead to cancer or other diseases, however cancer mutations in the non-coding regions have rarely been studied and the interpretation of their effects is difficult. Non-coding mutations might act by breaking or creating transcription factor binding motifs in promoters, enhancers or silencers resulting in altered expression of target gene(s). A high number of mutations have been reported in coding and non-coding regions in cells of liver cancer. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of several genes in liver cells, while the motifs it binds are frequently mutated in promoters and enhancers in liver cancer.

AIM

The aim of the study is to evaluate the genetic effects of a non-coding somatic mutation frequently observed in liver cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated experimentally the effects of a somatic mutation frequently reported in liver cancer as a motif-breaker for the binding of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α. The effects of the mutation on protein binding and enhancer activity were studied in HepG2 cells via electrophoresis mobility shift assay and dual luciferase reporter assays. We also studied genome-wide promoter-enhancer interactions performing targeted chromosome conformation capture in liver tissue to identify putative target genes whose expression could be altered by the mutation.

RESULTS

We found that the mutation leads to reduced protein binding and a decrease in enhancer activity. The enhancer harboring the mutation interacts with the promoters of ANAPC13, MAP6D1 and MUC13, which have been implicated in liver cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the importance of non-coding somatic mutations, vastly understudied, but likely to contribute to cancer development and progression.

Effect of disseminated intravascular coagulation on donation after citizens' death donor kidneys

Background

To investigate the effect of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) on donor kidney in donation after citizens’ death (DCD) donors.

Methods

The clinical and laboratory data of 159 DCD donors obtained by our center in 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The DIC diagnosis was performed according to the Chinese DIC scoring system (CDSS). The donors were divided into two groups: DIC (+) and DIC (−). The difference between kidney rejection rate and zero puncture glomerular microthrombus formation rate were compared.

Results

Among the 159 DCD donors, 11 were discarded (accounting for 6.91%). The reasons for the discarded cases included 5 cases (3.14%) for moderate and severe glomerular microthrombus formation in the renal zero puncture pathology; 2 cases (1.26%) for glomerular sclerosis ratio over 50%; 2 cases (1.26%) for long-term low blood pressure before pregnancy and significantly increased serum creatinine level and no urine; 1 case (0.73%) for kidney stones and stagnant water; 1 case (0.63%) for malignant tumor. The donor rejection rate of the DIC (+) group was higher than that of the DIC (−) group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Among all donors, 10 cases (6.29%) were found to have glomerular microthrombus at zero puncture, and the microthrombotic rate in the DIC (+) group was significantly higher than that in the DIC (−) group (P<0.05). Of the 10 microthrombotic donors, 5 donors with severe glomerular microthrombus were discarded.

Conclusions

Donor-induced DIC can easily cause renal glomerular microthrombus formation, and the donor kidney rejection rate has increased.

Identification of a novel immune-related microRNA prognostic model in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a type of kidney cancer, and one of the most common malignant tumors. Many studies have shown that certain microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the occurrence and development of ccRCC. Nevertheless, the prognosis of ccRCC patients is very rarely based on these “immuno-miRs”. Our aim was thus to determine the relationship between immune-related miRNA signatures and ccRCC.

Methods

We downloaded the miRNA expression data from 521 KIRC and 71 normal tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We used “limma” package and univariate Cox regression analysis to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) that related to overall survival (OS). We applied lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses to construct a prognostic model based on immuno-miRs. We evaluated the performance of model by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Furthermore, Cox regression analysis was used to determine independent prognostic signatures in ccRCC.

Results

A total of 59 significant immuno-miRs were identified. We use univariate Cox regression analysis to acquire 18 immune-related miRNAs which were markedly related to OS of ccRCC patients in the training set. We then constructed the 9-immune-related-miRNA prognostic model (miR-21, miR-342, miR-149, miR-130b, miR-223, miR-365a, miR-9-1, and miR-146b) by using lasso and multivariate Cox regression. Further analysis suggested that the immune-related prognostic model could be an independent prognostic indicator for patients with ccRCC. The prognostic performance of the 9-immune-related-miRNA prognostic model was further validated successfully in the testing set.

Conclusions

We established a novel immune-based prognostic model of ccRCC based on potential prognostic immune-related miRNAs. Our results indicated that the 9-miRNA signature could be a practical and reliable prognostic tool for ccRCC.

Reconstruction of the hepatic artery using the superior mesenteric artery for liver transplantation

Background

To investigate the application of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for the in vitro reconstruction of the hepatic artery for liver transplantation, and to improve the success rate and safety of donor liver transplantation.

Methods

The donor liver and the pancreas were obtained, and the SMA and its branches were used to reconstruct the hepatic artery. Liver transplantation was performed after reconstruction to understand the intraoperative situation after donor liver opening, as well as postoperative liver function. Color Doppler ultrasound of the transplanted liver was also performed.

Results

During the period from September 2016 to March 2020, a total of 98 pancreases were obtained. The common hepatic artery and gastroduodenal artery loop (CHA-GDA) were preserved to the donor pancreas, and only the proper hepatic artery (PHA) or left/right hepatic artery (LHA/RHA) were preserved to the donor liver. If the PHA of the donor liver was short or absent, the SMA was used for lengthening the PHA or in vitro reconstruction of the LHA/RHA, followed by implantation of the donor liver after reconstruction. A total of 17 cases of this type of donor liver required mesenteric artery lengthening or reconstruction. After opening, the donor liver was well-filled, bile secretion was normal, and liver function recovered as scheduled after surgery. Color Doppler ultrasound and CT angiography (CTA) of the transplanted liver revealed that hepatic arteries were normal without complications such as hepatic artery embolism.

Conclusions

In vitro reconstruction of the hepatic artery with the SMA is an effective new method of vascular reconstruction, which ensures the blood flow of the hepatic artery, reduces the anastomosis difficulty of the arteries of the donor liver, and reduces the occurrence of vascular complications.

[Difficulties and countermeasures for the perioperative management of megasplenectomy in patients with advanced schistosomiasis]

The etiology, pathology, clinical features and prognosis of megalosplenic advanced schistosomiasis have their specific features, and therefore, the perioperative management of this disorder has special countermeasures. The review analyzes the difficult problems in the perioperative management of megalosplenic advanced schistosomiasis, including ultra - low platelet counts, extensive and severe adhesive splenomegaly, massive hemorrhage during surgery and portal vein thrombosis, and proposes countermeasures to tackle these problems, with aims to guide the clinical treatment and cure of schistosomiasis, thereby improving the prognosis, reducing complications and improving the quality of life.

Correlation between use of immunosuppressive agents and transplant-acquired allergies in renal transplant recipients

Background

Although immunosuppressive agents used in recipients of organ transplants can suppress T cell immune responses, type I allergy to ingested or inhaled allergens after organ transplantation have frequently been reported in pediatric patients. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the use of immunosuppressive agents and the transplant-acquired allergy (TAA) in adult renal transplant recipients (RTRs).

Methods

Seventy-nine RTRs treated in our hospital from February 2015 to February 2016 were interviewed for allergic diseases by using a standard questionnaire. UniCAP allergen screening tests were performed to detect total IgE and specific IgE levels before and after renal transplantation after the use of calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus (FK506) or cyclosporin A (CsA). The follow-up visits were scheduled for 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after transplantation.

Results

Allergen sensitization occurred in 9 of 79 patients. Among them, the sensitization occurred in 2 cases within 6 months after renal transplantation, in 1 case from 6 months to 1 year, in 3 cases from 1 to 2 years, and in 3 cases from 2 to 3 years. The majority of sensitization was induced by inhaled allergens (n=7), among whom 3 patients (3/79, 3.8%) had a history of type I allergy, which occurred within 6 months after transplantation in 2 cases (allergic dermatitis) and from 2 to 3 years in 1 case (diarrhea after peanut allergy). The total IgE levels of RTRs using immunosuppressive agents at different time points including 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after renal transplantation were significantly lower than that before surgery (all P<0.05). Sensitization occurred in 8 RTRs using FK506 and in 1 patient treated with CsA (P=0.432), and allergies occurred in 3 RTRs using FK506 and were not found among CsA users (P=0.561).

Conclusions

Administration of immunosuppressive agents in adult RTRs cannot wholly prevent allergy or sensitization. Studies with larger sample sizes and more extended follow-up periods are still required to further explore the potential association between the use of FK506 and CSA and the allergies or sensitization.

Effect of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation on blood glucose level for patients with end-stage renal disease with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplants for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains disproportionately higher than that for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. However, understanding the surgical outcomes for these patients is not well described. Therefore, the results of DM patients with end-stage renal disease and their transplantations were reported.

METHODS

Between September 2016 and June 2019, 63 SPK transplants were performed in our organ transplantation center. χ² and t-test compared the variables between the groups and the record review verified the patient survival. Using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards regression, we examined the influence of SPK on patient and graft survivals.

RESULTS

Sixty-three SPK transplantation was performed, 18 (29%) were T1DM, and 45 (71%) T2DM. T2DM recipients had older age, duration of diabetes, and pretransplant dialysis time. No differences were found in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch, body mass index (BMI), and other variables. Patient survivals for T1DM was 98.2% and 94.8% at 1 and 2 years vs. 100% and 94.1% for T2DM recipients (P=0.87). There was no increased risk between kidney disease, pancreas failure, or death when comparing T2DM and T1DM.

CONCLUSIONS

In our single-center cohort of SPK transplants, we concluded that SPK recipients with T2DM diagnosis were not at increased risk for death, kidney failure, or pancreas failure when compared with recipients with T1DM.

Complications and clinical management of ultrasound-guided renal allograft biopsies

Background

In this paper, the regular flow of ultrasound-guided renal allograft biopsies was established by analyzing complications and clinical management principle of ultrasound-guided renal allograft biopsies, to increase the safety of ultrasound-guided renal allograft biopsies.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to analyze the cases of ultrasound-guided renal allograft biopsies in our hospital from January 2006 to October 2018 because of abnormal renal function (including symptoms of albuminuria and elevated serum creatinine). The type of puncture needle used in renal allograft biopsies, the number of puncture needle and the relationship between puncture needle and complication were counted, and the treatment measures were analyzed.

Results

From January 2006 to October 2018, a total of 487 patients underwent ultrasound-guided renal allograft biopsies in our hospital. Among them, the successful sampling rate was 98.8%, and the average number of glomeruli per specimen was 15.24±2.26. The complications of the patient after puncture included: perirenal hematomas, subcapsular hematomas, acute ureter obstruction caused by hematuria, gross hematuria, and microscopic hematuria. Among them, two patients were treated with open surgery to save the function of renal transplantation, and the primary treatment measures were to increase the absolute bed rest time. The symptoms of the patients were relieved after treatment.

Conclusions

The analysis showed that ultrasound-guided renal allograft biopsies are safe and feasible, and the analysis of the biopsies of patients can provide meaningful pathological information for the clinic.

Identification of key pathways and genes in different types of chronic kidney disease based on WGCNA

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a highly heterogeneous nephrosis that occurs when the structure and function of the kidney is damaged. Gene expression studies have been widely used to elucidate various biological processes; however, the gene expression profile of CKD is currently unclear. The present study aimed to identify diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets using renal biopsy sample data from patients with CKD. Gene expression data from 30 patients with CKD and 21 living donors were analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), in order to identify gene networks and profiles for CKD, as well as its specific characteristics, and to potentially uncover diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with CKD. In addition, functional enrichment analysis was performed on co-expressed genes to determine modules of interest. Four co-expression modules were constructed from the WGCNA. The number of genes in the constructed modules ranged from 269 genes in the Turquoise module to 60 genes in the Yellow module. All four co-expression modules were correlated with CKD clinical traits (P<0.05). For example, the Turquoise module, which mostly contained genes that were upregulated in CKD, was positively correlated with CKD clinical traits, whereas the Blue, Brown and Yellow modules were negatively correlated with clinical traits. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the Turquoise module was mainly enriched in genes associated with the ‘defense response’, ‘mitotic cell cycle’ and ‘collagen catabolic process’ Gene Ontology (GO) terms, implying that genes involved in cell cycle arrest and fibrogenesis were upregulated in CKD. Conversely, the Yellow module was mainly enriched in genes associated with ‘glomerulus development’ and ‘kidney development’ GO terms, indicating that genes associated with renal development and damage repair were downregulated in CKD. The hub genes in the modules were acetyl-CoA carboxylase α, cyclin-dependent kinase 1, Wilm's tumour 1, NPHS2 stomatin family member, podocin, JunB proto-oncogene, AP-1 transcription factor subunit, activating transcription factor 3, forkhead box O1 and v-abl Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1, which were confirmed to be significantly differentially expressed in CKD biopsies. Combining the eight hub genes enabled a high capacity for discrimination between patients with CKD and healthy subjects, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 1.00. In conclusion, this study provided a framework for co-expression modules of renal biopsy samples from patients with CKD and living donors, and identified several potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CKD.

LncRNA TapSAKI promotes inflammation injury in HK-2 cells and urine derived sepsis-induced kidney injury

Objective

To explore the possible mechanism of lncRNA TapSAKI in urine derived sepsis-induced kidney injury.

Materials and methods

In vivo urine-derived sepsis (US) rat model and in vitro LPS-induced HK-2 cells were established, and TapSAKI, miR-22, PTEN, TLR4 and p-p65 expressions were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. RNA precipitation and RNA pull-down were performed to confirm the interaction between TapSAKI and miR-22.

Results

TapSAKI was up-regulated, miR-22 was down-regulated, PTEN, TLR4 and p-p65 expressions, and inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 levels were up-regulated in kidney tissue of US rats and LPS-induced HK-2 cells. In addition, TapSAKI interacted with miR-22, and negatively modulate miR-22 expression. We also observed TapSAKI promoted PTEN expression, TLR4/NF-κB pathway related proteins TLR4 and p-p65, and apoptosis protein cleaved-caspase-3 through negatively regulating miR-22. Further experiments proved TapSAKI/miR-22/TLR4/NF-κB pathway could promote HK-2 cell apoptosis. Finally, in vivo experiments showed TapSAKI knockdown negatively regulated miR-22 and positively regulate PTEN, decreased renal function indicators blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, and reduced TNF-α and IL-6.

Conclusion

TapSAKI was elevated in urine derived sepsis-induced kidney injury, and promoted HK-2 cell apoptosis and inflammatory response through miR-22/PTEN/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

LncRNA HOX transcript antisense RNA accelerated kidney injury induced by urine-derived sepsis through the miR-22/high mobility group box 1 pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) in kidney injury induced by urine-derived sepsis (US).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An Escherichia coli suspension was injected into the distal ureter of adult male Sprague Dawley rats to establish a US model. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) were used to induce an in vitro septic model. The interaction between HOTAIR and microRNA 22 (miR-22) was detected by RNA precipitation and RNA pull-down assays. The expression of HOTAIR, miR-22, and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses.

RESULTS

Compared with a sham group, HOTAIR was upregulated in kidney tissues of the US group. HOTAIR was also upregulated in LPS-induced human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). Furthermore, HOTAIR negatively regulated miR-22 and promoted apoptosis of HK-2 cells. HOTAIR also promoted HMGB1 expression and HK-2 cell apoptosis by inhibiting miR-22. In addition, the miR-22/HMGB1 pathway was involved in LPS-induced HK-2 cell apoptosis. In vivo experiments showed that HOTAIR negatively modulated miR-22 and positively modulated HMGB1 and that HOTAIR knockdown decreased renal function indicators (blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and serum creatinine).

CONCLUSION

HOTAIR was upregulated in sepsis-induced kidney injury, which promoted HK-2 cell apoptosis in kidney injury through the miR-22/HMGB1 pathway.

Transgenic characterization of two silkworm tissue-specific promoters in the haemocyte plasmatocyte cells

Haemocytes play crucial roles in insect metabolism, metamorphosis, and innate immunity. As a model of lepidopteran insects, the silkworm is a useful model to study the functions of both haematopoiesis and haemocytes. Tissue-specific promoters are excellent tools for genetic manipulation and are widely used in fundamental biological research. Herein, two haemocyte-specific genes, Integrin β2 and Integrin β3, were confirmed. Promoter activities of Integrin β2 and Integrin β3 were evaluated by genetic manipulation. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting suggested that both promoters can drive enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) specifically expressed in haemocytes. Further evidence clearly demonstrated that the transgenic silkworm exhibited a high level of EGFP signal in plasmatocytes, but not in other detected haemocyte types. Moreover, EGFP fluorescence signals were observed in the haematopoietic organ of both transgenic strains. Thus, two promoters that enable plasmatocytes to express genes of interest were confirmed in our study. It is expected that the results of this study will facilitate advances in our understanding of insect haematopoiesis and immunity in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Melatonin at pharmacological concentrations suppresses osteoclastogenesis via the attenuation of intracellular ROS

Osteoporosis is linked to age-related decline of melatonin production; however, the direct effects of melatonin on osteoclastogenesis remain unknown. Our study demonstrates that melatonin at pharmacological concentrations, rather than at physiological concentrations, significantly inhibits osteoclastogenesis. Melatonin-mediated anti-osteoclastogenesis involves a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated but not a silent information regulator type 1 (SIRT1)-independent pathway.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder linked to impaired bone formation and excessive bone resorption. Melatonin has been suggested to treat osteoporosis due to its beneficial actions on osteoblast differentiation. However, the direct effects of melatonin on osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow monocytes (BMMs) remain unknown. This study was to investigate whether melatonin at either physiological or pharmacological concentrations could affect osteoclast differentiation.

METHODS

Primary BMMs were isolated from the femurs and tibias of C57BL/6 mice and were induced toward multinucleated osteoclasts, in the presence of melatonin at either physiological (0.01 to 10 nM) or pharmacological (1 to 100 μM) concentrations. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to label multinucleated osteoclasts and the levels of osteoclast-specific genes were evaluated. To further explore the underlying mechanisms, the roles of silent information regulator type 1 (SIRT1) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated.

RESULTS

We found that melatonin at pharmacological concentrations, rather than at physiological concentrations, significantly inhibited osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner. The number of TRAP-positive cells and the gene expression of osteoclast-specific markers were significantly downregulated in melatonin-treated BMMs. The melatonin-mediated repression of osteoclast differentiation involved the inhibition of the nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway. The treatment with SIRT1 inhibitors did not affect osteoclast differentiation but, when supplemented with exogenous hydrogen peroxide, a partial rescue of melatonin-suppressed osteoclastogenesis was observed.

CONCLUSION

Melatonin at pharmacological doses directly inhibited osteoclastogenesis of BMMs by a ROS-mediated but not a SIRT1-independent pathway.

[Analysis of gene mutation of early onset epileptic spasm with unknown reason]

Objective: To summarize the gene mutation of early onset epileptic spasm with unknown reason. Method: In this prospective study, data of patients with early onset epileptic spasm with unknown reason were collected from neurological department of Children's Hospital of Fudan University between March 2016 and December 2016. Patients with known disorders such as infection, metabolic, structural, immunological problems and known genetic mutations were excluded. Patients with genetic disease that can be diagnosed by clinical manifestations and phenotypic characteristics were also excluded. Genetic research methods included nervous system panel containing 1 427 epilepsy genes, whole exome sequencing (WES), analysis of copy number variation (CNV) and karyotype analysis of chromosome. The basic information, phenotypes, genetic results and the antiepileptic treatment of patients were analyzed. Result: Nine of the 17 cases with early onset epileptic spasm were boys and eight were girls. Patients' age at first seizure onset ranged from 1 day after birth to 8 months (median age of 3 months). The first hospital visit age ranged from 1 month to 2 years (median age of 4.5 months). The time of following-up ranged from 8 months to 3 years and 10 months. All the 17 patients had early onset epileptic spasm. Video electroencephalogram was used to monitor the spasm seizure. Five patients had Ohtahara syndrome, 10 had West syndrome, two had unclear classification. In 17 cases, 10 of them had detected pathogenic genes. Nine cases had point mutations, involving SCN2A, ARX, UNC80, KCNQ2, and GABRB3. Except one case of mutations in GABRB3 gene have been reported, all the other cases had new mutations. One patient had deletion mutation in CDKL5 gene. One CNV case had 6q 22.31 5.5MB repeats. Ten cases out of 17 were using 2-3 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and the drugs had no effect. Seven cases used adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and prednisone besides AEDs (a total course for 8 weeks). Among them, five cases had no effect and two cases were seizure free recently. A case with GABRB3 (C.905A>G) had seizure controlled for 3 mouths. A case with ARX (C.700G>A) had seizure controlled for 6 mouths. Conclusion: The early onset epileptic spasm with unknown reason is highly related to genetic disorders. A variety of genetic mutations, especially new mutations were found. Genetic heterogeneity of epileptic spasm is obvious.

Diversity, Distribution, and Evolution of Tomato Viruses in China Uncovered by Small RNA Sequencing

Tomato is a major vegetable crop that has tremendous popularity. However, viral disease is still a major factor limiting tomato production. Here, we report the tomato virome identified through sequencing small RNAs of 170 field-grown samples collected in China. A total of 22 viruses were identified, including both well-documented and newly detected viruses. The tomato viral community is dominated by a few species, and they exhibit polymorphisms and recombination in the genomes with cold spots and hot spots. Most samples were coinfected by multiple viruses, and the majority of identified viruses are positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. Evolutionary analysis of one of the most dominant tomato viruses, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), predicts its origin and the time back to its most recent common ancestor. The broadly sampled data have enabled us to identify several unreported viruses in tomato, including a completely new virus, which has a genome of ∼13.4 kb and groups with aphid-transmitted viruses in the genus Cytorhabdovirus Although both DNA and RNA viruses can trigger the biogenesis of virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs), we show that features such as length distribution, paired distance, and base selection bias of vsiRNA sequences reflect different plant Dicer-like proteins and Argonautes involved in vsiRNA biogenesis. Collectively, this study offers insights into host-virus interaction in tomato and provides valuable information to facilitate the management of viral diseases.IMPORTANCE Tomato is an important source of micronutrients in the human diet and is extensively consumed around the world. Virus is among the major constraints on tomato production. Categorizing virus species that are capable of infecting tomato and understanding their diversity and evolution are challenging due to difficulties in detecting such fast-evolving biological entities. Here, we report the landscape of the tomato virome in China, the leading country in tomato production. We identified dozens of viruses present in tomato, including both well-documented and completely new viruses. Some newly emerged viruses in tomato were found to spread fast, and therefore, prompt attention is needed to control them. Moreover, we show that the virus genomes exhibit considerable degree of polymorphisms and recombination, and the virus-derived small interfering RNA (vsiRNA) sequences indicate distinct vsiRNA biogenesis mechanisms for different viruses. The Chinese tomato virome that we developed provides valuable information to facilitate the management of tomato viral diseases.

Exogenous MSCs ameliorate hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in renal tubular epithelial cells through JAK/STAT signaling pathway-mediated regulation of HMGB1

This study was conducted to investigate the repair mechanism of hypoxia/reoxygenation injury (HRI) in renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) by exogenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The activation of the JAK/STAT pathway in HK-2 cells after HRI and treatment of MSCs, JAK inhibitor WP1066 and STAT inhibitor SOCS3 was investigated using Western blot analysis. HK-2 cells were transfected with siRNA STAT3 and analyzed for expression of STAT3, JAK2 and HMGB1 using fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. Cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed using the MTT assay and flow cytometry. After HRI, the JAK/STAT pathway in HK-2 cells was activated, resulting in the upregulation of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, p-JAK1, p-JAK2, p-JAK3, STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, p-STAT1, p-STAT2 and p-STAT3. After treatment with MSC conditioned medium (MSCs CM), WP1066, or SOCS, the expression of these proteins was significantly down-regulated. When the cells were transfected with siRNA STAT3, the expression of STAT3 at protein and mRNA levels and JAK2 and HMGB1 at mRNA level was down-regulated; the cell viability was reduced and apoptosis increased. It is concluded that exogenous MSCs reduce HRI of HK-2 cells by suppressing the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and down-regulating the expression of HMGB1.

PRAME promotes in vitro leukemia cells death by regulating S100A4/p53 signaling

OBJECTIVE

PRAME (Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma) is a tumor-associated antigen recognized by immunocytes, and it induces cytotoxic T cell-mediated responses in melanoma. PRAME is expressed in a wide variety of tumors, but in contrast with most other tumor-associated antigens, it is also expressed in leukemias. The physiologic role of PRAME remains elusive. Recently, it has found PRAME could be involved in the regulation of cell death in leukemias, but the mechanism of the function is unclear. Here, we confirm that PRAME induces leukemias cell death by regulation of S100A4/p53 signaling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pCDNA3-PRAME plasmid and its control were transfected with the KG-1 cells. The pCDNA3-PRAME transfected KG-1 cells were then transiently transfected with S100A4 cDNA or wt-p53 siRNA. The PRAME siRNA and its control were transfected with the K562 cells. The PRAME siRNA transfected K562 cells were then transiently transfected with S100A4 siRNA or pGMp53-Lu. PRAME, S100A4 and P53 were detected by Western blot assay in different time point. Annexin V/propidium iodide and MTT methods were used to detect apoptosis and cell survival rate.

RESULTS

KG-1 cells overexpressing the PRAME gene significantly induces apoptosis and decreases proliferation in vitro, followed by down-regulation of S100A4 and up-regulation of p53. Up-regulation of S100A4 by S100A4 transfection inhibits PRAME-induced p53 up-regulation. Furthermore, up-regulation of S100A4 by S100A4 transfection or down-regulation of p53 by p53 siRNA transfection reduces apoptosis and increases proliferation in vitro. Knockdown of PRAME in K562 cells significantly increases proliferation in vitro, followed by up-regulation of S100A4 and down-regulation of p53. The downregulation of S100A4 by S100A4 siRNA transfection increased p53 expression. Furthermore, downregulation of S100A4 by S100A4 siRNA transfection or up-regulation of p53 by p53 transfection decreases proliferation in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the leukemias expressing high levels of PRAME has a favorable prognosis. PRAME promotes in vitro leukemia cells death by regulating S100A4/p53 signaling.

Reduced Penetrance of PRRT2 Mutation in a Chinese Family With Infantile Convulsion and Choreoathetosis Syndrome

Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia is a rare episodic movement disorder that can be isolated or associated with benign infantile seizures as part of choreoathetosis syndrome. Mutations in the PRRT2 gene have been recently identified as a cause of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia and infantile convulsion and choreoathetosis (ICCA). We reported a PRRT2 heterozygous mutation (c.604-607delTCAC, p.S202Hfs*25) in a 3-generation Chinese family with infantile convulsion and choreoathetosis and paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia. The mutation was present in 5 family members, of which 4 were clinically affected and 1 was an obligate carrier with reduced penetrance of PRRT2. The affected carriers of this mutation presented with a similar type of infantile convulsion during early childhood and developed additional paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia symptoms later in life. In addition, they all had a dramatic clinical response to oxcarbazepine/phenytoin therapy. Reduced penetrance of the PRRT2 mutation in this family could warrant genetic counseling.

Identification and characterisation of tobacco microRNA transcriptome using high-throughput sequencing

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators that are involved in numerous biological processes in plants. In this study, we investigate miRNAs in Honghua Dajinyuan, an agronomically important species of tobacco in China. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of miRNA expression profiles in the leaf, stem and root using a high-throughput sequencing approach. A total of 165 miRNAs, representing 55 conserved families, and 50 novel miRNAs, representing 19 families, were identified in three libraries. In addition, 12 miRNAs were randomly selected from a differentially expressed conserved miRNA family in three libraries with expression alterations and subjected to qRT-PCR validation. Of these, the expression level of nta-miR167d is highly enriched in the leaf tissue. In addition, the expression level of nta-miR319a is prominently enriched in the stem, while nta-miR160c is highly enriched in the root. Moreover, the target prediction showed that most of the targets coded for transcription factors that are involved in cellular and metabolic processes. GO analysis showed that most of the targets were involved in organelle function, served binding functions, and take part in cellular and metabolic processes. This study helps shed new light on understanding the role of miRNAs in different parts of the tobacco plant and adds a significant number of novel miRNAs to the tobacco miRNA transcriptome.

Prevalence and awareness of diabetes mellitus among a rural population in China: results from Liaoning Province

AIM

To clarify the diabetes prevalence trends among the rural population in northern China.

METHODS

All eligible permanent residents aged ≥ 35 years in selected rural villages of Liaoning province were invited to participate in the study. A total of 11 600 people completed all questionnaires and were included in the study. The response rate was 85.3%. Fasting plasma glucose levels were measured after at least 12 h of fasting and diabetes was diagnosed according to WHO criteria, i.e. fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7 mmol/l and/or being on treatment for diabetes. Impaired fasting glucose was defined according to the 1997 and the 2010 American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria (6.1-6.9 and 5.6-6.9 mmol/l, respectively). Previous diagnoses of diabetes were assessed on the basis of self-reports.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetes among adults in the rural population was 10.6% (10.0% in men and 11.1% in women). The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was 13.0 and 36.1% according to the 1997 and the 2010 ADA criteria, respectively. The prevalence of previously diagnosed diabetes was 4.3% among the whole population (3.3% in men and 5.1% in women). The prevalence of previously diagnosed diabetes was 34.8% in men and 50.2% in women. Only 29.6% of men and 42% of women with diabetes had taken oral hypoglycaemic agents or insulin to lower their blood sugar. In multivariate analysis, age, drinking habits, BMI, dyslipidaemia and family history of diabetes were identified as independent risk factors for diabetes, and occupational physical activity, smoking and lean meat intake were identified as independent protective factors for diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose were found to be high in this rural population. Although the rate of treatment of people with diabetes has increased, the glycaemic control rate was still at a low level.

Meta-analyses of seven GIGYF2 polymorphisms with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder that affects ~2% of the global population aged ≥65 years. Grb10-interacting GYF protein-2 (GIGYF2) can influence the development of PD through the regulation of insulin-like growth factor-1. The aim of the present meta-analysis study was to establish the contribution of GIGYF2 polymorphisms to PD. The study was conducted based on nine eligible studies consisting of 7,246 PD patients and 7,544 healthy controls. The results indicated that the GIGYF2 C.3630A>G polymorphism increased the risk of PD by 37% [P=0.008; odds ratio (OR), 1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-1.73] and that the GIGYF2 C.167G>A polymorphism was significantly associated with PD (P=0.003; OR, 3.67; 95% CI, 1.56-8.68). The meta-analyses of the other five GIGYF2 polymorphisms (C.1378C>A, C.1554G>A, C.2940A>G, C.1370C>A and C.3651G>A) did not reveal any significant associations. The present meta-analyses of the GIGYF2 genetic polymorphisms may provide a comprehensive overview of this PD candidate gene for future studies.

Significant association between TAP2 polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a severe chronic immune mediated inflammatory disease that has been shown to be associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci. The transporter associated with antigen processing 2 (TAP2) has been identified to play an important role in the HLA-associated diseases and immune response. The goal of our meta-analysis was to summarize the contribution of TAP2 polymorphisms to the risk of RA.

Methods

Meta-analyses were performed between RA and 3 TAP2 coding polymorphisms that comprised TAP2-379Ile > Val (rs1800454), TAP2-565Ala > Thr (rs2228396) and TAP2-665Thr > Ala (rs241447). The meta-analyses were involved with 9 studies (24 individual studies) among 973 cases and 965 controls.

Results

Meta-analyses showed that TAP2-379Ile allele was significantly associated with an increased risk of RA (p = 0.0002, odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18-1.74). This association was further shown only in the dominant model (p = 0.006, OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.14-2.22). Subgroup analyses by ethnicity revealed that the association of TAP2-379Ile was significant in Asians (p = 0.03, OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.04-1.83). In addition, another significant association of TAP2-565Thr allele with RA was observed in Europeans (p = 0.002, OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.20-2.20).

Conclusions

Our meta-analyses suggested that TAP2-379Ile allele was significantly associated with a 59% increased risk in the dominant effect model. Subgroup analyses by ethnicity showed that TAP2-379-Ile increased the risk of RA by 38% in Asians and TAP2-565Thr increased the risk of RA by 38% in Europeans.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2097080313124700

Association of NQO1 and TNF polymorphisms with Parkinson's disease: A meta-analysis of 15 genetic association studies

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement d'isorder that affects ~2% of the population aged ≥65 years. NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are two important factors in the generation of oxidative stress in PD. The aim of the present study was to assess the association of NQO1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) polymorphisms with PD. A meta-analysis was performed that included data from 15 studies comprising 2,858 patients and 2,907 healthy controls. The results showed that TNF-1031 (rs1799964) was significantly associated with PD in the recessive [P=0.0005; odds ratio (OR), 3.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.66-6.13] and additive models (P=0.0006; OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.63-3.51). However, there was no significant association in NQO1 C609T (rs1800566) and TNF-308 (rs1800629) with PD. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first meta-analysis of NQO1 and TNF polymorphisms with PD demonstrating that TNF-1031 polymorphism may be a risk factor for PD under either the recessive or additive models. However, the meta-analyses did not support the involvement of NQO1 C609T and TNF-308 in the risk of PD.

Polymorphisms of DRD2 and DRD3 genes and Parkinson's disease: A meta-analysis

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder that affects ~2% of the population aged ≥65 years. The degeneration of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra contributes to the pathogenesis of PD. Dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) and dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3) are two key subtypes of dopamine receptors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between the polymorphisms of DRD2 and DRD3 genes and PD. Meta-analyses were conducted from 16 studies (46 stages) among 4,279 cases and 5,661 controls between PD and 9 polymorphisms (DRD2: rs1800497, rs1079597, rs6278, rs6279, rs273482, rs1799732 and rs1076563; DRD3: rs6280 and rs2134655). A significant association was observed between DRD3 rs2134655 polymorphism and PD [P=0.01, odds ratio (OR)=1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.32] and a borderline association was observed between DRD2 rs1800497 polymorphism and PD in Europeans (P=0.05, OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.00-1.27). Findings of the current meta-analysis suggested that DRD3 rs2134655 polymorphism was associated with a 17% increased risk of PD and that DRD2 rs1800497 polymorphism had a potential to increase the risk of PD by 13% in Europeans. Future large-scale studies are required to confirm the ethnic difference of DRD2 rs1800497 polymorphism and to determine whether there were significant associations of PD with other polymorphisms in DRD2 and DRD3 genes.

Long-term self-renewal of human pluripotent stem cells on peptide-decorated poly(OEGMA-co-HEMA) brushes under fully defined conditions

Realization of the full potential of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) in clinical applications requires the development of well-defined culture conditions for their long-term growth and directed differentiation. This paper describes a novel fully defined synthetic peptide-decorated substrate that supports self-renewal of hiPSC in commercially available xeno-free, chemically defined medium. The Au surface was deposited by a poly(OEGMA-co-HEMA) film, using the surface-initiated polymerization method (SIP) with the further step of carboxylation. The hiPSC generated from umbilical cord mesenchymal cells were successfully cultured for 10 passages on the peptide-tethered poly(OEGMA-co-HEMA) brushes for the first time. Cells maintained their characteristic morphology, proliferation and expressed high levels of markers of pluripotency, similar to the cells cultured on Matrigel™. Moreover, the cell adhesion could be tuned by the pattern and peptide concentration on the substrate. This well-defined, xeno-free and safe substrate, which supports long-term proliferation and self-renewal of hiPSC, will not only help to accelerate the translational perspectives of hiPSC, but also provide a platform to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cell proliferation and differentiation via SIP technology.

Stabilization by hydrophobic protection as a molecular mechanism for organic carbon sequestration in maize-amended rice paddy soils

The hydrophobic components of soil organic matter (SOM) are reckoned to play an important role in the stabilization of soil organic carbon (SOC). The contribution of hydrophobic substances to SOC sequestration was evaluated in four different paddy soils in the South of China, following a 6-month incubation experiment with maize straw amendments. Soil samples included: a well developed paddy soil (TP) derived from clayey lacustrine deposits in the Tai Lake plain of Jiangsu; an acid clayey paddy soil (RP) derived from red earth in the rolling red soil area of Jiangxi; a weakly developed neutral paddy soil (PP) formed on Jurassic purple shale from Chongq; and a calcic Fluvisol (MS) derived from riverine sediments from a wetland along the Yangtze valley of Anhui, China. The SOC molecular composition after 30 and 180 days of incubation, was determined by off-line thermochemolysis followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Lignin, lipids and carbohydrates were the predominant thermochemolysis products released from the treated soils. A selective preservation of hydrophobic OM, including lignin and lipids, was shown in maize amended soils with prolonged incubation. The decomposition of lignin and lipids was significantly slower in the TP and RP soils characterized by a larger content of extractable iron oxyhydrates (Fed) and lower pH. The overall increase in hydrophobic substances in maize incubated samples was correlated, positively, with total content of clay and Fed, and, negatively, with soil pH. Moreover, yields of both lignin and lipid components showed a significant relationship with SOC increase after incubation. These findings showed that the larger the lipid and lignin content of SOM, the greater was the stability of SOC, thereby suggesting that OM hydrophobic components may have an essential role in controlling the processes of OC sequestration in paddy soils of South China.

Microbial degradation of microcystin-LR by Ralstonia solanacearum

A bacterial strain was isolated from Lake Dianchi (China) and its degradability and degradative pathways of the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) were studied. On the basis of morphological, physiological and biochemical tests, the strain was identified as Ralstonia solanacearum. The acute oral toxicity tests showed that Ralstonia solanacearum belongs to a non-toxic class. This bacterium degraded MC-LR at the rate of 9.4 mg/L per day, which was higher than those of the other bacterial strains reported in the literature. As for the degradative pathways, the results showed that the Adda-Arg peptide bond of MC-LR was initially hydrolysed by Ralstonia solanacearum to form a linear molecule as an intermediate. The intermediate product subsequently underwent a cyclisation reaction via dehydration to form a final product with a small peptide ring at one end of the molecule. These biodegradative pathways were different from those reported with other bacterial strains, suggesting that MC-LR may undergo different transformations, and different products were formed due to different compositions of bacteria present in natural lakes and reservoirs. These results suggest that there is a significant potential for Ralstonia solanacearum as a degrader for MC-LR removal from wastewater.

Surface modification of Ti-6Al-4V alloy for biomineralization and specific biological response: Part I, inorganic modification

Titanium and its alloys represent the gold standard for orthopaedic and dental prosthetic devices, because of their good mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Recent research has been focused on surface treatments designed to promote their rapid osteointegration also in case of poor bone quality. A new surface treatment has been investigated in this research work, in order to improve tissue integration of titanium based implants. The surface treatment is able to induce a bioactive behaviour, without the introduction of a coating, and preserving mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V substrates (fatigue resistance). The application of the proposed technique results in a complex surface topography, characterized by the combination of a micro-roughness and a nanotexture, which can be coupled with the conventional macro-roughness induced by blasting. Modified metallic surfaces are rich in hydroxyls groups: this feature is extremely important for inorganic bioactivity (in vitro and in vivo apatite precipitation) and also for further functionalization procedures (grafting of biomolecules). Modified Ti6Al4V induced hydroxyapatite precipitation after 15 days soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF). The process was optimised in order to not induce cracks or damages on the surface. The surface oxide layer presents high scratch resistance.

EURADOS coordinated action on research, quality assurance and training of internal dose assessments

EURADOS working group on 'Internal Dosimetry (WG7)' represents a frame to develop activities in the field of internal exposures as coordinated actions on quality assurance (QA), research and training. The main tasks to carry out are the update of the IDEAS Guidelines as a reference document for the internal dosimetry community, the implementation and QA of new ICRP biokinetic models, the assessment of uncertainties related to internal dosimetry models and their application, the development of physiology-based models for biokinetics of radionuclides, stable isotope studies, biokinetic modelling of diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid decorporation therapy and Monte-Carlo applications to in vivo assessment of intakes. The working group is entirely supported by EURADOS; links are established with institutions such as IAEA, US Transuranium and Uranium Registries (USA) and CEA (France) for joint collaboration actions.

BP neural network classification for bleeding detection in wireless capsule endoscopy

Bleeding in the digestive tract is one of the most common gastrointestinal tract (GI) diseases, as well as the complication of some fatal diseases. Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) allows physicians to noninvasively examine the entire GI tract. However it is very laborious and time-consuming to inspect large numbers of WCE images, which limits the wider application of WCE. It is therefore important to develop an automatic and intelligent computer-aided bleeding detection technique. In this paper, a new method aimed at bleeding detection in WCE images is proposed. Colour texture features distinguishing the bleeding regions from non-bleeding regions are extracted in RGB and HSI colour spaces; then a neural network using the colour texture features as the feature vector inputs is designed to recognize the bleeding regions. The experiments demonstrate that the bleeding regions can be correctly recognized and clearly marked out. The sensitivity of the algorithm is 93% and the specificity is 96%.

Structural and functional characterization of a pollen-specific promoter NTPp13 in tobacco

A novel 407 bp nucleotide sequence NTPp13 was isolated from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) by PCR, its structure and function were characterized. The NTPp13 sequence was highly homologous with the pollen-specific expression promoter Zm13 from maize (Zea mays L.) and contained some key motifs which controlled pollen-specific expression. The NTPp13 was fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and transferred into tobacco. Analysis of the transgenic plants revealed that this putative promoter fragment was sufficient to direct GUS expression specifically in the anther, exactly in the pollen and pollen tube, and that GUS activity reached the maximum at the stage of pollen grain began to separate. Further study showed that the expression of NTPp13 sequence at pollen was stable at the range of temperature measured. These data suggested that the NTPp13 sequence was likely the essential element of promoter region of an unknown pollen-specific gene from tobacco.

The role of Zn in the interplay among Langmuir–Blodgett multilayer and myelin basic protein: a quantitative analysis of XANES spectra

We have performed a quantitative analysis of the X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra at the Zinc K-edge of systems formed by phospholipid Langmuir-Blodgett multilayers (LBMLs) in the presence and in the absence of myelin basic protein (MBP) and in two hydration conditions. These spectra have been analysed by a new procedure called Minuit XANes (MXAN) which is able to perform a quantitative fit of XANES data in terms of structural parameters. By this method, we have been able to correlate the relevant differences between the spectra observed in the XANES range with the coordination changes due to reduction of the space around the Zinc when the level of hydration is lowered and/or the myelin basic protein is added. These spectral differences are peculiar of the XANES energy range, and are not present in the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) energy range where the analysis was previously performed. With this investigation, we give an unambiguous answer to the question of the role of zinc in such complexes by showing that the metal interacts with both the phospholipid heads of the substrate and the myelin basic protein.

Leukocyte 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and aromatic DNA adduct in coke-oven workers with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential for exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to induce oxidative DNA damage, we conducted a cross-sectional study in coke-oven workers employed at an iron-steel factory.

METHODS

The study population contained 119 coke-oven workers from different work areas of the oven and 38 controls. Personal information on age, employment duration, smoking habit and alcohol consumption was obtained at an interview. Leukocyte 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was measured by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Leukocyte aromatic DNA adducts as effective dose, and urinary 1-hydroxypyren as internal dose, were also measured, and used to analyze the relationship of 8-OHdG with other biomarkers for PAH exposure, tobacco smoke and alcohol consumption.

RESULTS

The leukocyte 8-OHdG revealed a wide inter-individual variation. The highest 8-OHdG level was detected in bottom-workers of the coke-oven. There were significant differences among the four different work areas ( P=0.02). We could not find significant correlation between 8-OHdG levels and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, but a weakly positive correlation was found between 8-OHdG and leukocyte aromatic DNA adducts among all subjects (r=0.19 P=0.03). We could not observe any effect of smoking and alcohol drinking on 8-OHdG production.

CONCLUSION

We could not find clear evidence that PAH exposure induces oxidative DNA damage.

The solid-solution partitioning of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) in upland soils of England and Wales

Ninety-eight surface soils were sampled from the uplands of England and Wales, and analysed for loss-on-ignition (LOI), and total and dissolved base cations, Al, Fe, and trace heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb). The samples covered wide ranges of pH (3.4-8.3) and LOI (9-98%). Soil metal contents measured by extraction with 0.43 mol l-1 HNO3 and 0.1 mol l-1 EDTA were very similar, and generally lower than values obtained by extraction with a mixture of concentrated nitric and perchloric acids. Total heavy metal concentrations in soil solution depend positively upon soil metal content and [DOC], and negatively upon pH and LOI, values of r2 ranging from 0.39 (Cu) to 0.81 (Pb). Stronger correlations (r2=0.76-0.95) were obtained by multiple regression analysis involving free metal ion (Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+) concentrations calculated with the equilibrium speciation model WHAM/Model VI. The free metal ion concentrations depend positively upon MHNO3 and negatively upon pH and LOI. The data were also analysed by using WHAM/Model VI to describe solid-solution interactions as well as solution speciation; this involved calibrating each soil sample by adjusting the content of "active" humic matter to match the observed soil pH. The calibrated model provided fair predictions of total heavy metal concentrations in soil solution, and predicted free metal ion concentrations were in reasonable agreement with the values obtained from solution-only speciation calculations.

Characterization of pyridine nucleotide coenzymes in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus

Pyridine-type nucleotides were identified in cell-free extracts of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus by their ability to replace authentic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) [NAD(P)] in assays using pure P. furiosus enzymes. The nucleotides were purified using a combination of ion-exchange and reverse-phase chromatography. They were identified as NAD and NADP by analyses using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography. Their intracellular concentrations were measured in P. furiosus grown using maltose and peptides as the carbon sources. The concentrations decreased during the lag phase but remained constant during the exponential phase at approximately 0.17 and 0.13 mM, respectively. The amount of NAD was significantly lower (more than four-fold lower) than that in mesophilic bacteria, although the NADP concentration was comparable. The internal concentrations of NADH and NADPH in P. furiosus were determined to be 0.14 mM and 0.04 mM, respectively. The overall cellular concentration of NAD(P)(H) in P. furiosus (0.48 mM) is about half the value in the mesophiles. The NAD(H)/NADP(H) ratio in P. furiosus is consistent with the preferred use of NADP by several catabolic enzymes that have been purified from this organism. The mechanisms by which hyperthermophiles stabilize these thermally labile nicotinamide nucleotides are not known.